Family Times June 2015

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FREE

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

Off to Disney World!

Baffled by teen sleep habits See the 2015 Summer Calendar

The power of pancakes

Dance Dad

Of coffee, clamor and kudos Family Times June 2015

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Grab the Family and head to

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June 4

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For a complete list of June promotions visit syracusechiefs.com or call 315-474-7833. (promotions are subject to change)

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Family Times June 2015

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3 - Contents

FAMILY TIMES • JUNE 2015

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Personal Essay A father describes his weekends at his daughter’s dance competitions.

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8 • Recipe Doctor Pursuing the power of pancakes.

13 • Family Matters Thoughtful strategies and the right attitude help to defuse a child’s explosiveness.

16 • Been There 13

Why does my teen sleep the day away?

20 • Travel: Disney World How to make your trip even more magical.

18 • Summer Events 2015 20

27 • Family Fun Calendar of Events

Capture a Moment

Zachary Shostack, age 10, competed in last September’s Critz ’Cross in Cazenovia, his first cyclocross race. His mother, Pauline Shostack of Camillus, submitted the photo.

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

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Advertiser Index Camp..................................10-12 Learn.................................15 Party...............................32 Backpack Directory................ 38

Family Times June 2015

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4 - Editor’s Note

family times The Parenting

JUNE 2015

The Things Dads Do

Guide of Central New York

ISSUE NO. 158

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp

D

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis

ads get a bum rap. I’m generalizing—but most of the fathers I know not only hold down jobs that pay at least half of the family’s bills, they also do their share of housework, kid wrangling, and just generally keeping life lurching along.

I’ve read the blog posts and online comments in which mothers complain about fathers’ deficiencies when it comes to (take your pick) cleaning house, grocery shopping or taking the kids to doctors’ appointments—and I can’t relate. My husband works hard at work, and then he steps up at home. He does most of the grocery shopping.

He buys our sons’ clothes. He goes to the soccer games. He puts our boys to bed at night.

When I read Neil Davis’ essay (page 6) about taking his daughter to dance competitions and sitting through hours of earsplitting music, I thought: That is a good dad.

Lots of the things fathers do are not standard “dad things”—but they do them, just because.

So: Don’t forget to send good wishes to the dads in your life on Father’s Day, June 21.

Also in this issue: a look at how to get the most out of a trip to Disney World (page 20). And there’s our 2015 Summer Events Calendar, filled with all the best that CNY has to offer families in July, August and September (page 18). You can also read: an article about teen sleep habits (page 16); strategies for dealing with a tantrum-prone child (page 13); and a recipe for pancakes—perfect for Father’s Day (page 8).

June is a great month to be in Central New York. Enjoy!

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Meaghan Arbital DESIGNER Renate Wood DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Ty Marshal (ext. 144) 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 Advertising Sales Manager Jessica Luisi (ext. 139) JLuisi@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Lija Spoor (ext. 111) LijaSpoor@syracusenewtimes.com Mike Banks (ext. 115) mbanks@syracusenewtimes.com COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) CLASSIFIED SALES Lija Spoor (ext. 111)

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief

On the cover: Neil Davis and his daughter, Sadie, age 13, spend many weekends at dance competitions.

Their story is on page 6.

Inside: Sadie and Neil Davis live in Liverpool.

Michael Davis photo Meaghan Arbital design

Subscribe to Family Times by mail and receive 12 issues for only $20.

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

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2014 Bronze 2014 Silver Award Winner Award Winner Editorial Awards Competition

Design Awards Competition

Advertising deadline for July is June 12. Calendar deadline for July is June 5.

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Ilene Layow,

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6 - Dancing Dad personal ESSAY

KEEP CALM AND

BRING COFFEE MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTOS

A dance dad’s life in the auditorium

BY NEIL DAVIS JR.

I

t’s a Saturday but I woke at 7 a.m. I arrive downtown with seconds to spare, holding a wig and a change of clothes.

Armed with my camera and a cup of coffee, I find a seat in the dark and wonder when I might next see the sun.

Unfortunately, I am not a secret agent. I am the father of a 13-year-old dancer, and it is competition season. For the most part, this means that I belong to the community of proud parents who sacrifice countless evenings and dollars to encourage their child to excel at one activity or another.

In my case, I do it all in the name of someday witnessing the perfect arabesque or front aerial—or so I’m told. I’m not qualified to know what either of those would look like, but I’m assuming that they are the dance equivalent of a grand slam home run or a goal-scoring header off a corner kick from 10 yards out.

Competition season also means that most weekends from February to June, there is a good chance you can find me at the Mulroy Civic Center or in a local high school auditorium, rooting on my daughter while 6

cultivating my appreciation for a skilled jazz or contemporary routine. I’m easy to spot. I’m the one in the back reading a book and asking why the music needs to be a few decibels shy of a jet engine.

The events often start Friday evening and don’t wrap up until late Sunday night. So by the end of just one weekend, I have usually suffered more show tunes and children’s songs than a 6-year-old with a season’s pass to the Magic Kingdom. The Frozen soundtrack plays on an unrelenting loop in my head.

I’m not asking for sympathy. Having done this for six years, I have grown to understand that these are cherished memories that can never be relived (except through the wonder of a $60 DVD of your child’s efforts, available for sale at the door). I consider myself a veteran with some valuable insights for any parent just getting started. If, in the last few months, you have found yourself griping,“That’s how much tap shoes cost?

There’s not even a Nike logo!,” then read on. The true cost, you’ll soon realize, will be charged to your sanity.

At first glimpse, the dance world seems like a mascara-and-hair-extension-filled fantasy where perpetual smiles convey the joys of a carefree childhood. But after just one weekend, the truth becomes apparent: Dance competitions are a battle of will, sweat, blisters and frustration, where no accessory can be too sparkly, no bun pulled too tight. Picture the Hunger Games with less blood and more sequins.

The most seemingly basic elements can be difficult to grasp. For one thing, don’t try to figure out the scoring system. It involves irrational numbers, witchcraft and the same ill-conceived algorithm used to calculate the time required to defrost ground beef in the microwave.

Similarly, don’t try to interpret a dancer’s facial expressions during a performance, especially ballet. A ballerina’s face is meant to communicate the pain and anguish of walking on one’s toes. As I learned firsthand, it is not acceptable to ask if any of them are trying to pass a kidney stone.

I have seen the gamut of emotions, from sorrow to fear to rage—and that was just on

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costume-fitting day. I have seen mothers in tears, children in hysterics and fathers in the lobby watching basketball on their phones. I have seen a dancer step offstage to vomit into a garbage can, only to return three numbers later and deliver a flawless performance.

By the end of each competition, I am certain I have seen it all. And then, at the very next one, a hip-hop dancing lobster will accidentally fling a claw at the judges’ table. It’s those moments that make me question why I am sitting there, having eaten only popcorn all day and still winning no award for lowest blood sugar.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTOS

But then my daughter Sadie takes the stage, and it all makes sense. She looks beautiful and confident, and she has more dance talent than I ever would have imagined. Those two and a half minutes of her in the spotlight make the previous three hours of madness worth it. Somehow, that amazing girl up there is my child, and I wouldn’t trade the huge smile on her face for anything in the world—not even the chance to be a secret agent.

“

Dance competitions are a battle of will, sweat, blisters and frustration, where no accessory can be too sparkly, no bun pulled too tight. Picture the Hunger Games with less blood and more sequins.

”

Neil Davis Jr. lives in Liverpool and is employed at Bristol-Myers Squibb. His daughter, Sadie, has been dancing at Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre since she was 4.

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CHRIS XAVER PHOTO

8 - Recipe Dr

Flapjack Fever

Even pancakes can be a healthy breakfast | BY CHRIS XAVER

D

espite what we’ve been led to believe for way too long, eggs, in my opinion, are Mother Nature’s most perfect food. And I try to incorporate them into my life daily. However, I have to say, the kids just don’t love having eggs for breakfast every day. And since I am not a big fan of dry cereal, we get creative at my house.

If asked what they want for breakfast, without fail the kids all wail, “Pancakes!,” and it’s because of the “cake” part. Well, the cake doesn’t have to be forbidden, it just has to be reworked to make sure it’s not a sugary treat that will send their blood sugar soaring.

There’s nothing easier than whipping up a fresh batch of pancakes or waffles and then freezing them for use on busy mornings. Pop them in the toaster oven just like you would a commercial frozen product 8

for a treat that is not only wholesome but delicious. With oatmeal, eggs and nuts, my pancakes can keep you full throughout the morning or can serve as a great “breakfast for supper” option.

So let me tell you why I love eggs so much. For one, they’re just filled with vitamins and minerals. Folate, phosphorus and vitamins A, B5, B12 and B2. One little egg provides 15 percent of an adult’s recommended daily allowance of B2 for the day! A large egg also provides 22 percent of our daily needs for selenium, which protects cells from damage.

And speaking of protection, eggs yolks have huge amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. These are powerful antioxidants that help protect the retina of the eye.

But, actually, I started eating eggs for the protein. I needed that protein hit to help me stabilize my blood sugar each morning.

It’s the same reason I’m drawn to oatmeal and nuts.

While I prefer walnuts for their taste, we have someone in our family with a walnut allergy. So when he’s eating, we switch to almonds. Both bring their own health properties to the table. Walnuts are filled with magnesium, protein, calcium and fiber. Almonds have all of that, plus a nice punch of iron. Nuts also contain the right fats, the kind that keep you satisfied until the next meal.

The key to all of this is to not ruin the pancakes with toppings. I do it with fruit and sugar-free options. I’ll give you a great base; what you do from here is all up to you and yours.

Chris Xaver, Ph.D., is a local TV and radio personality with three children and five grandchildren.

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Makes eight five-inch pancakes 1 cup oatmeal, pulsed in the food processor until it’s a flour ½ cup walnuts or almonds (pulsed in the food processor until they’re finely ground but not turned into nut butter)

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM

2 eggs 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup buttermilk (or you can use soy, almond or coconut milk) 2 teaspoons sweetener (brown sugar, stevia, sucralose, etc.)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 2 tablespoons oil (coconut, olive, walnut, etc.)

Since I’ve dirtied the food processor anyway to pulse the oats and then the nuts, I just add my wet ingredients in to save on another bowl. If needed, add water until the batter reaches the consistency your family likes best. I prefer a “thicker” pancake.

Supervised by a trained staff and held in a park setting. Daily activities include sports/games, arts & crafts, field trips & theme days.

Contact the Parks & Recreation office for further information at 458-8050.

www.northsyracuseny.org G LA

E OF

AC

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IN C

CHRIS XAVER PHOTO

NORTH SYR

US

Make the pancakes by pouring 1/3 cup onto a heated skillet (or waffle iron) that has been sprayed with oil. Watch carefully until the batter begins to bubble on the edge (this will be less than 3 minutes). Flip and cook until done (another 60 seconds or so) on the other side. Serve with your favorite toppings. Sliced bananas are excellent on these pancakes!

Lonergan & Heritage Parks (Village of North Syracuse) June 29 - August 14 9:30am-3:00pm (Mon.-Fri.) Ages: 5-14 years Cost of 7 week program: $160/child for Village residents, $320/child for non-residents

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1 teaspoon baking powder

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Pancakes or Waffles

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(315) 445-4200 | giffordfamilytheatre.org Family Times June 2015

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Summer Activity Planner

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Week-long Summer Dance Intensive Week-long Summer Dance Intensive Week-long Summer Dance July 6-10 | 9:00-4:00 July 6-10 | 9:00-4:00 (for ages 12-14 & 15-18) (for ages 12-14 & 15-18) July 6-10 | 9:00-4:00

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www.alwaysdancing.org Family Times June 2015

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Mystical Acres Summer Camps at

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Controlling emotions August 5-7:

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Dr. Mettelman and colleagues will be presenting a series of summer camps for children that provide tools and direct experiences that help to build social skills, emotional awareness, executive functioning skills and self-esteem.

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NADEZHDA1906 | GETTY IMAGES PHOTO

13 - Family Matters

Defusing the Explosive Child

Strategies for handling a kid who can’t handle frustration | BY CARY AND TONJA RECTOR

A

n inflexible, easily frustrated and explosive child makes life very difficult for both the child and those around him. It has a dramatic effect on family life and can make parenting an exhausting and sometimes painful experience.

Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child, offers a unique way of conceptualizing why some children are easily frustrated and explosive, while outlining effective techniques for dealing with the problem.

We have used his approach in our practice and found it helpful.

Greene suggests that these children do not have a problem with motivation, so using a behavioral approach with rewards and consequences is not useful. Instead, he assumes children want to behave well, and if they could be less inflexible and explosive, they would. He does not view their actions as under their conscious control. Nor are the child’s actions aimed at manipulating or coercing a parent to get his or her own way. Once they have calmed down, these children typically feel remorseful and ashamed of their raging behavior.

The problem is that easily frustrated and explosive children, for a variety of reasons, do not have the neurological maturity and skill sets to handle frustration. These children quickly become overwhelmed by their frustration, and then they behave irrationally. In this agitated state, they can’t call upon their experiences from the past that enable them to handle their emotions and calm down on their own.

So punishments or consequences don’t solve the problem or prevent it from happening again in the future. Instead, Greene focuses on early intervention to prevent meltdowns. This involves both the parent and child becoming aware of the events that precede an inflexible and explosive episode.

With Greene’s approach, parents learn to anticipate situations that will be frustrating for their child and are selective about what frustrations they choose for him to deal with. By recognizing warning signs and intervening when your child first starts to become frustrated, parents can help him maintain a more rational and coherent mindset and create an opportunity to think through and discuss potential solutions.

Parents can create what Greene calls a “user-friendly environment,” where their child’s deficits in the area of flexibility and frustration tolerance are less of a handicap. A “user-friendly environment” is one where the adults who interact with the child have an in-depth, accurate understanding of the unique difficulties including specific factors that fuel inflexibility and explosiveness. This typically necessitates having a neuropsychological evaluation done to establish a clear profile of your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Diagnoses may include sensory integration disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, auditory processing disorders, anxiety disorders or other conditions.

In a user-friendly environment, the adults (including teachers) try to identify in advance specific situations that routinely lead to inflexible-explosive episodes. Common examples of problematic situations are: sudden changes in plans or routines; transitioning from one activity to another (time to get off video games and get ready for dinner); Ritalin wearing off; continued on page 14

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14 - Family Matters

continued from page 13

feeling hungry or tired; certain sounds; or particular articles of clothing. Some situations may need to be avoided altogether. Initially the top priority is to decrease the number of meltdowns and respond to your child before he is caught up in a completely incoherent state.

In a user-friendly environment, parents read the early warning signs and take quick action.

Early intervention gives parents a chance to use empathy and logical persuasion while their child is still thinking rationally. Ignoring behavior does not work well. Instead the parent works to help the child develop a “road map” to get out of a frustrated state of mind.

A common concern we hear from parents is that if they create a user-friendly environment, their child will see them as a pushover and not in control. However our experience suggests these children clearly know who is boss if they are in a coherent state of mind.

Greene goes on to introduce “basket thinking”—a way for parents to prioritize behaviors that need intervention from those that do not.

He writes about baskets A, B and C. Basket A represents behaviors that, for safety reasons, you cannot ignore and will endure a meltdown to

14

enforce. Basket C is full of behaviors you will not be concerned with (initially Basket C has a lot of behaviors in it). Basket B is the most important basket and where most of the work occurs. In Basket B are behaviors you feel are a high priority but not worth enduring a meltdown. With Basket B behaviors, you help your child think, communicate, negotiate and compromise, without going into a meltdown. You help your child learn to hang in there when frustrated, generate new ideas, think things through, and learned to listen to another’s point of view.

Four Directions Camp

If you have an inflexible, easily frustrated and explosive child, there is help. We recommend this approach and find it works very well. If you need some additional support, find a therapist who is willing to work with you and your family.

Cary and Tonja Rector are married and live with their son in Manlius. Cary is a licensed mental health counselor and Tonja is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Consult your own health care provider before making decisions affecting your family’s well-being.

Swimming Canoeing Hiking Storytelling Dreamcatchers Leatherworking Whittling Beadwork

315-677-9395 fourdirectionscamp.org

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15

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16 - Teen Sleep

FUSE | GETTY IMAGES PHOTO

been THERE

Let Sleeping Teens Lie

Late-morning wake-ups make sense for adolescents | BY TAMMY DiDOMENICO

I

t was 11:40 a.m. on a Monday. A school break was under way, and 12 hours earlier, the house was bustling with activity—mostly from my 15-year-old son and his friends.

They played a rousing game of indoor basketball with my younger son, terrifying the dog. They watched television. They FaceTimed with another pal and posted some nonsense on Instagram. They raided the refrigerator and the pantry while my husband and I slept.

But as morning wore on, there was only silence. The trio of high school freshmen was out cold; two collapsed on the basement floor, another on the couch.

As happy as I am to be the parent of children who are long past little-kid sleeping issues (such as, well, not sleeping), I find myself facing a new sleep-related parenting issue: teen sleep habits. Anyone with a teenager in her home knows the frustrations, and scientists have found this issue to be an increasingly important topic of study.

By 12:20 p.m. the boys had ventured upstairs and inhaled the food I made hours ago. All three were still wearing their clothes from the day before. One of the boys’ dads 16

suddenly appeared and the two friends left with grunts of thanks. With full bellies and a few splashes of water to the face, they were ready to begin what was left of the day.

I could only chuckle. My son’s avoidance of the morning hours has become pretty common in the last couple of years. There was that day last summer when the whole family waited—for two hours—for him to wake up so that we could do some swimming at a nearby lake. We finally left without him.

“Be sure to mention the melatonin stuff,” my son responded when I told him I would be writing on this topic. By that, he means the studies that support his claims that he is biologically programmed to stay up late and sleep in. He and his friends would be so much happier, he says, if the school day started at say, 11 a.m. “A lot of my friends are still in bed at 1 in the afternoon,” he often says.

Then there was the Florida trip when I paced around the hotel room waiting for him to get up so that we wouldn’t waste a whole day at the amusement park he wanted to go to. And then there are all those Saturday mornings I have to bang on his door so he’s not late for the soccer games he refs in the fall and spring. I could go on.

Scientists have learned that the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain, is temporarily suppressed in the early evening by the surging hormones of the growing teenager. The pineal gland begins releasing melatonin as day fades to night, but the chemical takes longer to trigger the sleep cycle in teens than it does in adults—or younger children.

No vacuum nor noise from his younger brother’s visiting friends nor barking dog can disturb my son before noon on most weekends. (Although, interestingly, requests from girls to meet at the mall or go ice skating do.) On his part, there’s absolutely no regret about all those daylight weekend hours spent sleeping. Other parents of teenagers I know have similar tales.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement last August urging school

Circadian rhythms are often disrupted by these changes in melatonin levels that puberty causes. Teens often don’t naturally feel the need to sleep until about 11 p.m.—which explains why my son’s bedroom light is still on long after I’ve suggested that he call it a night.

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17- Teen Sleep

FUSE | GETTY IMAGES PHOTO

districts to delay start times for middle and high school students until 8:30 a.m. or later. The goal was to make a small change that could help counter chronic sleep loss in teens. The statement reminded school administrators that the recommended amount of sleep for this age group is eight and a half to nine and a half hours a night.

There’s a growing movement of parents, educators and scientists working to bring more attention to this issue. Start School Later, Inc., a coalition of these interests, launched in 2011. The organization reports on its website, startschoollater. net, that 250 school districts in 43 states have pushed their start times back for older students.

The organization is collecting data from these schools to see how the changes affect academic performance and social interactions. Several districts in New York state have also changed their start times in recent years, including those in Elmira, Ithaca and Glens Falls.

Many high schools in Central New York begin classes somewhere between 6:50 and 7:50 a.m. So, until change comes to our district, I’ll probably do little more than roll my eyes. With an 11-year-old on deck, it’s going to be part of my life for quite a while.

And, really, I can’t complain very much. Somehow, my son never oversleeps on a school day. He juggles several activities and commitments, while maintaining a high-honors GPA. An athlete, he’s rarely in the house before 6 p.m. on a weeknight.

So as tempting as it may be to storm down the hall and beat on the door next Saturday morning, I’ll probably just let the boy sleep. In a few years, that same room will be empty. Mr. Sleepy Head, and all his friends, will probably be busy not sleeping— like the rest of us.

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315-414-1207 Family Times June 2015

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18 - Summer Calendar

Whether your family enjoys

CALENDAR July JULY 1, 25 & 29 Wild Berry Ice Cream Hike. Search for raspberries and blackberries to pick, then make some ice cream. Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5 per person.

Register at 638-2519.

JULY 4-AUG. 16 Sterling Renaissance Festival. Saturdays

and Sundays visit the recreated Elizabethan village and enjoy the minstrels, jousts, japes and other entertainment provided by actors in costume, on stage and strolling about the 35-acre site. Forty miles north of Syracuse, 15385 Farden Road, Sterling. Tickets cost $25.95 for adults, $15.95 for ages 5-11, free for age 4 and under. For more information, call (800) 879-4446. www.sterlingfestival.com.

JULY 4 Fireworks and Baseball. Catch the Syracuse Chiefs in action against the Pawtucket Red Sox, then see a dazzling fireworks display. NBT Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. Admission to the game and fireworks is free, but a voucher is required. Parking is $5. For more information on obtaining a voucher, call 473-4330 or visit www. syracuse.ny.us/parks.

JULY 7, 14, 21 & 28 Pops in the Park. The series takes place on Tuesdays in July and offers samples of music in a variety of styles. Onondaga Park (not to be confused with Onondaga Lake Park) gazebo, next to Hiawatha Lake, Upper Onondaga Park, Roberts Avenue, Syracuse. Free admission. 473-4330.

JULY 9, 10, 11, 19, 23, 24, 25 Symphoria Summer Concerts. Free outdoor concerts by Symphoria and its ensembles throughout upstate New York: Village Green, Hamilton (July 9); Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia (July 10); Beard Park, Fayetteville (July 11); Thornden Park, Syracuse (July 19); Austin Park Arena, Skaneateles (July 23); Wells College, Aurora (July 24); Fort Stanwix, Rome (July 25). For times, schedule changes and other information, call 299-5598 or visit www.ExperienceSymphoria.org.

Concerts subject to change based on weather.

JULY 10 Basic Bike Repair. Kids age 8 and up can discuss chain and tire maintenance, brake tuning and basic bike fitting. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727. www.oflibrary.org.

18

JULY 10-12

2015

St. Elias Middle Eastern Cultural Festival. Enjoy aspects of Arabic culture such as

traditional dances, a souk full of crafts, pastries and other food. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 4988 Onondaga Road, Syracuse. Free admission. 488-0388. www.steliasny.com.

JULY 11-12 Gemworld. The annual show features hands-on

education exhibits and demonstrations plus gems, fossils, minerals and more for sale. This year’s event features a new Metaphysical Center. SRC Arena, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. $7, adults; free, children under 12 with adult. 672-5328. www.gmss.us.

JULY 22

The MOST Traveling Science Program.

Learn about superheroes’ powers and how they work, from invisibility to electricity, in this 45-minute program presented by the Museum of Science and Technology at area libraries. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse (435-3395). Also available at other area libraries on different days; call your local library to find out if the MOST will visit. Free.

JULY 23-26

JULY 17, AUG. 21

Oswego Harborfest. Crafters, rides and music in the parks are featured attractions along the shores of Lake Ontario. Three days of children’s entertainment at the Novelis Family Park. Fireworks are launched over the harbor on July 25. Free admission. 343-3733. www.oswegoharborfest.com.

Summer Games on the Lawn. Kids from

JULY 24-26

prekindergartners to grade 6 can take part in super-sized Scrabble, hula hooping, juggling, bubble activities and life-size Angry Birds. And there’ll be ice cream! Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310.

JULY 17-19 Syracuse Nationals. See thousands of hot

rods, (pre-1980) classic and custom cars and trucks. Celebrities are always a feature of the event. (Buy tickets in advance and pay $13 for adults, $6 for kids.) State Fairgrounds. $18, adults; $8, children. (800) 753-3978. www.rightcoastcars. com.

JULY 18 Family Canoe Outing. A naturalist leads

a canoeing tour of the lake for kids in grades 1 through 5 and accompanying adults (maximum of four people per canoe). Get a chance to see painted turtles, great blue herons and a beaver lodge. Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $20 per family. Registration is required; call 638-2519.

Woofstock. Fundraising concert and festival

benefit the Humane Association of Central New York. Jamesville Beach Park, Jamesville. $5 suggested donation. 453-5252.

JULY 19 Anything That Rolls. Kids and adults can

roll with bikes, wheelchairs, strollers and inline skates—or just walk—during an event that raises money and awareness for children and adults with disabilities, brain injuries and mental health needs. Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $10 registration for adults, free for age 10 and under.

410-3384.

Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival. Jazz, blues and wine. As part of the Scholastic Festival segment, students perform with national guest artists on July 25. Stage of Nations, a series of performances by Native American artists, takes place on July 24 and 25 (in Hanover Square, downtown Syracuse). Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.

Free admission. 479-5299.

Arts and Crafts Festival. Nearly 200 artists, entertainers and craftspeople make their mark on Columbus Circle in Syracuse. Free admission. 4228284. www.downtownsyracuse.com.

JULY 25 Syracuse New Times and Family Times Street Painting. Artists, young and old, dec-

orate squares of sidewalk with chalk and compete for prizes on Montgomery Street near City Hall in Syracuse. Rain date is July 26. Free for spectators.

Participants: $10 for age 17 and younger; $20 for adults; $25 for masters. Add $5 for registering after July 10. 422-7011. www.syracusenewtimes.com.

JULY 31-AUG. 2 Gravityfest. At one of North America’s

largest gatherings of thrill seekers, competitive skateboarders, street lugers and drift trikers use precision equipment to reach speeds of up to 60 mph down East Hill Road, Munnsville. Free parking, shuttle service and admission for spectators. 3741029. www.munnsvillegravityfest.com.

August AUG. 2

Bavarian Fest. An event filled with German

food and drink, folk dancing and music. Long Branch

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mu

joys

19 - Summer Calendar

music, festivals or outdoor activities, CNY is filled with summer fun

Park at Onondaga Lake Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. 451-7275. www.bavarianclub almenrausch.org.

AUG. 8 CNY Scottish Games. Enjoy Scottish and

American food and immerse yourself in the culture of clans, pipes, drums, dancers and athletic competitions. Long Branch Park, Liverpool. Admission is $10 for adults; $7, seniors; $4, ages 5-12; free, age 4 and younger. 463-8876.

AUG. 12 Star Party: Perseid Meteor Shower. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lie back and watch for meteors. Through a telescope, see the Milky Way galaxy and views of Mars and Saturn. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9 per person. 673-1350. www.baltimorewoods.org.

AUG. 12-SEPT. 5 Skaneateles Festival. Chamber concerts are

performed at various venues by the lake. Free Family Fest interactive concerts take place on Aug. 12 and 28 at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. 685-7418. www.skanfest.org.

AUG. 14-23

see the works of New York artists and crafters, and the performances of young dancers. New York State Fairgrounds. $10, general; free, age 12 and younger.

Parking: $5. (800) 475-FAIR. www.nysfair.org.

AUG. 30 Jewish Music and Cultural Festival. Ethnic music, a community hora, children’s activities, and an abundance of kosher foods featuring Middle Eastern and Eastern European favorites. Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt.

Free admission. www.syracusejewishfestival.com.

September

Junior Fishing Program. Saturdays (kids), Sundays (adults), through Sept. 26.

Webster Pond, 2004 Valley Drive, Syracuse.

Season pass: $15, adults; $10, ages 7 to 15.

727-2922.

SEPT. 11-12

Drive-In Movies. Family-friendly flicks

Irish Festival. This taste of Ireland features

music, dance, culture and children’s actvities. Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Free admission. 4734330. www.syracuseirishfestival.com.

SEPT. 12-13 Golden Harvest Festival. Arts and crafts, live

music, storytelling, puppet and magic shows, and seasonal foods. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5, adult; $1, ages 6-17; free, age 5 and under. 638-2519.

Shakespeare in the Park. A performance of William Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well. Food available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and a picnic, if you wish. Thornden Park amphitheatre, entrances at Ostrom Avenue and Madison Street, South Beach Street, Ackerman Avenue, Syracuse. Donations. 476-1835. www.syrsf.org.

Central New York Tomatofest. Join the celebration of tomato season’s end—with crafts for sale, activities for kids, terrific food, and fresh produce. Proceeds benefit local food pantries.

Emerson Park Pavilion on Owasco Lake, Auburn. $3 admission; children admitted free with a donation of a canned good. 252-2225. www.cnytomatofest.org.

AUG. 15-16

SEPT. 18-20

Oktoberfest. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free admission. 675-8321. www.germanamericanscny.com.

AUG. 22 Asian Elephant Extravaganza. Learn all about the zoo’s resident pachyderms while playing games, seeing cultural demonstrations and visiting activity stations. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Free with zoo admission: $8, adult; $5, senior; $4, ages 3-18; free, age 2 and under. 435-8511.

AUG. 27-SEPT. 7 New York State Fair. The fair features

thousands of animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of rides and countless ways to eat something deep fried. It’s also a super place to

Ongoing Events

La Festa Italiana. Celebrate Italian culture, in-

cluding food and music, and watch some really good bocce players in the tournament. In front of Syracuse City Hall, downtown Syracuse. Free admission. www.festaitaliana.bizland.com.

SEPT. 20 Westcott Street Cultural Fair. The neigh-

borhood also known as Westcott Nation puts on its annual festival, with live music, dancing, crafts for sale, and a chance to learn about local nonprofit organizations. Children’s performances and activities take place at the Petit Branch library on Victoria Place. Westcott Street between Concord and Dell streets, and on side streets, Syracuse. Free. 3135447. www.westcottstreetfair.org.

at Auburn’s Finger Lakes Drive-In (1064 Clark Street Road, Aurelius; 252-3969; www.fingerlakesdrivein.com) and the Midway Drive-In, (2475 Route 48, Minetto; 343-0211 or 593-0699; www.midwaydrivein.com).

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. NBT Stadium, off Park Street, Syracuse. 474-7833.

Auburn Doubledays Baseball.

Falcon Park, 130 N. Division St., Auburn.

Home opener is June 25. 255-2489.

Ryder Park Butterfly House. Learn

about the life stages of these flying flowers.

5400 Butternut St., DeWitt. Free admission. Call ahead weekdays: 446-9250, Ext. 9.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari.

Rides and attractions. Opens for the season June 17; last day is Sept. 7. Route 28, Old Forge. 369-6145. www.watersafari.com.

Seabreeze Amusement Park.

Water park and amusement park overlooks Lake Ontario. End of 590 N., Rochester. All attractions dependent on weather. (585) 323-1900. seabreeze.com.

Thunder Island. Water park with many slides, including two kiddie slides, plus miniature golf, go-karts and more. 21 Wilcox Road, Fulton. June 26-Sept. 7. 598-8016. www.thunder-island.com.

Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo. Open daily, through Sept. 7;

weekends only in September and October.

Water play area, petting zoo, pony rides.

Route 49, 3 miles west of Rome. 336-1930. www.fortrickey.com.

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20 - Cover

Going to

Disney World?

How to plan for the most wonderful family trip

ALL PHOTOS Š DISNEY

By Eileen Gilligan

Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom

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W

hile Disney World has been laid out to give families a fun and happy vacation—filled with rides, shows, characters and more—devoting a bit of time to thoughtful planning can help make your adventure go more smoothly and cost less money.

Before booking anything, one needs to decide how many days and how much money the family has to spend, and what your vacation priorities are for this trip to Orlando, Fla. For example, my family, especially my husband, likes to have a good meal, so we make a reservation at a choice restaurant months in advance. My sister’s family is up and out early and goes all day. My family starts later but stays out all night—even after midnight now that the kids are teens. We pay attention to late park hours while my sister’s family looks for the early park hours.

My recommendations come from visits spanning 40 years—as a teen, a single adult and a married parent with two babies, children and now teens. And, of course, advice from friends and other Disney aficionados. Many books are available that provide more tips and maps. If you want more advice, invest in one of the books, too. (I’ve been to Disneyland, the first park, in California, but I prefer the Florida location because of its roomier size.)

The trip breaks down into four main categories: travel, hotel, park visits and food. Consider also the ages and temperaments of your children—or any other particular relatives who may join you. At about age 7, my daughter couldn’t wait to get to the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom—until we got there. Then she couldn’t take the buildup to the scary event.

ALL PHOTOS © DISNEY

I knew the ride was not really that scary, but she wouldn’t believe me. Before we got to the actual ride itself, I had to ask a staff member for the quick-exit door—every attraction has one. Somehow my daughter mustered her courage and we returned to complete the ride the next day, several times, to her newfound delight. And her favorite souvenir was a book about the Haunted Mansion she purchased in a bookstore/ coffee shop in Hollywood Studios. Other rides may be met with disappointment if a young child is not tall enough. Check out the height requirements online before planning your visit.

FTJune_Layout.indd 21

Travel

From Central New York, I highly recommend the direct, nonstop morning flight via JetBlue from Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport to Orlando. If you’re staying in a Disney on-site hotel, a Disney coach bus will take you and your luggage to your hotel. The service will even “magically” get your luggage to your room without you having to retrieve it in the airport.

If your family likes to drive and has the time, of course, driving over two to three days to Florida will save on airplane tickets. But most people don’t have extra days to spend on the road. The nonstop JetBlue flight saves time, and time is precious when visiting Disney World: Every extra hour could mean an extra ride—or two if the lines are short.

Kids of all ages like to fly JetBlue because every seat comes with its own TV screen. It is fun and this is part of the vacation.

Hotel

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones with family near Orlando, a hotel will be part of your visit to Disney World. There are three options to choose among: a Disney hotel “on site,” which means within the park’s boundaries and includes free bus transportation anywhere in the parks; a non-Disney hotel, which is right next to the Downtown Disney entertainment area or Lake Buena Vista shopping area and often includes the free bus transportation; or an off-site hotel or motel, for which you’d probably need a car to drive to the park each day unless it offers regular shuttles. Each hotel type has advantages and disadvantages.

The best part of staying at a Disney hotel is that you never have to leave. The experience is all Disney, all the time. And days at Disney World are very special, so keeping the Disney-ness going all the time adds to the festivity. Kids have “hidden Mickeys” to look for wherever they go, Mickey Mouse ear soap to use, Disney shampoo, and other character items.

Then, depending on the resort one chooses, there’s décor. For example, the Animal Kingdom Lodge features African animals that live there, right outside your hotel room window or balcony. That was pretty amazing. We went to sleep barely able to make out the outline of the giant African cows lying outside and woke up to them still there. Meanwhile, the giraffes roam through the area along with zebras and a flock of birds. That was worth the money, although the hotel’s location added about 10 minutes to the bus ride to most Disney World parks, except for the Animal Kingdom.

While the Animal Kingdom Lodge is at the pricier end, the Disney Value Resorts offer much more economical stays. We stayed there when my kids were 1 and 3 and appreciated the playground right outside the Disney All-Star Sports Resort and knowing that we weren’t spending too much on little children.

On one visit we stayed at the BoardWalk Inn because my mother-in-law joined us. This hotel had walking access to Epcot, her favorite park, and shops nearby for her to visit while we rode the rides in other parks. As a teenager on my first visit, I was disappointed when our room at the Contemporary Resort, where the monorail passes through, was not in the main building. We had to walk outside and along a path to a first-floor continued on page 22

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Earffel Tower at Disney’s Hollywood Studios room in a smaller wing. I tried to hide my disappointment until we got into the room and realized it faced a lagoon and beach.

Our room opened onto that beach where we enjoyed the view and my mother-in-law sat on the patio to watch me ride a small speedboat! It turned out to be a very special spot.

On another visit my aunt and I stayed in a non-Disney Lake Buena Vista hotel from which we could walk to the Downtown Disney area or take a Disney bus to the parks.

For even more savings, I stayed with my sister’s family in a hotel barely 10 minutes from the Disney property. For substantial savings, we enjoyed a hot breakfast buffet, before driving our rented car to Disney World each morning. Time spent riding Disney’s buses may be similar to time spent driving in each morning; select your preference and price range.

Some advice: Disney tries not to disappoint. If you don’t like something, let someone know. The employees have orders to make everyone’s day special. For example, when we arrived in our room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the view was mostly of construction. I called and asked for a room with a real view (for which we were paying top dollar); we were relocated immediately. When my son got separated from us near the Test Track ride in Epcot, a staff member told him to wait by the entrance with two staff members. When my husband, daughter and I arrived from separate directions, we had a reunion. We still had two FastPasses for the ride, which would allow two of us to go to the head of the line. As my family headed for two separate lines, one staff member said, “Oh no!

Why don’t you all take the FastPass lane?”

22

Wanyama Safari – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge A happy, relieved and still shaken family did just that.

Park Visits

Disney World is divided into four main parks and then some: The original Magic Kingdom, where fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella’s castle each night; Epcot, featuring a future world and 11 countries’ pavilions arranged around a lagoon which launches a light show each night; Hollywood Studios, where one can learn a little about how movies are made; and Animal Kingdom, where hundreds of animals live. Each of these parks includes rides, restaurants, performances and parades on a daily basis.

A four- to five-day visit is recommended if your family wants to spend a day at each park. We always wish we had added another day to our visit so we could spend some time at the hotel pool; we vow to do that someday.

Disney also owns two water parks in Orlando: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Tickets for the water parks are bought separately from the main theme parks. I recommend putting aside the water parks for initial visits unless that’s your family’s “thing.” Central New York has several water parks, so I say save those for summertime and stick to the theme parks when at Disney. I’ve spent a very enjoyable day at Blizzard Beach, but I haven’t taken my family there because we prefer theme park rides. Disney more recently has added the DisneyQuest Interactive Indoor

Theme Park of video games and 3D experiences; ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; a golf course; and two miniature golf courses. These newer venues certainly allow more options for families returning to Disney World again and again.

Tickets

The basic ticket costs about $100 per person (over age 3) for the first day and costs $15 less for each subsequent day. After four days, the cost for adding another day seems minimal at $63 a person. I’ve learned not to buy a park ticket for the day we arrive because there’s plenty to do away from the parks and with Syracuse’s unpredictable winter weather, one can’t count on arriving on time. We’ve done this twice and headed to Downtown Disney for dinner—on a Mississippi Steamboat one time and at the Rainforest Cafe the other. Both evenings ended with dessert at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. It’s a good time to check out the literally thousands of souvenir possibilities or get kids set up with a lanyard and pins to trade. Also, if arriving from a Syracuse-area winter, it’s just nice to enjoy the warmth and good weather. If it’s warm enough out, the family also could take a dip in the hotel pool.

Decide whether your family will stay in one park all day or may want to head to a second park at night. If so, then you’ll need a Park Hopper ticket; these allow each person to visit all the parks each day, including one new park, such as the DisneyQuest game park or miniature golf area.

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Hollywood Studios

FastPass

This invention has changed the experience of waiting in lines by giving each visitor three rides he or she may get quick access to each day. This is the most important advance planning. Each family must decide upon entering a park—or now even ahead of time—which rides it will want fast admission to. Most rides now have two lines: regular speed and FastPass. If you hold a FastPass, at a designated time, you may enter that line and move ahead of the regular line, often to just a 5- or 10-minute wait. The downside to the FastPass is that you might be on the other side of the park when your designated time begins. One may use the FastPass any time after the entry time, however.

Hint: Get out of the sun and enjoy the coolness of the Pirates of the Caribbean boat trip. The Hall of Presidents is another good spot to take a cool break sitting down. Sorry, Abe, but that’s what I like about this historical attraction.

On the subject of souvenirs: If you’re planning to let your kids start buying and trading Disney pins, buy some in advance on eBay. I bought 50 pins for about $25 before our last visit. Pins in the park can cost from $4 to $12 each. My kids sorted the pins among themselves and two friends who joined us. Everyone went in prepared to trade and then buy some new favorites. One friend bought an inexpensive lanyard for her pins instead of an official Disney one. Disney employees are required to trade any pin on their lanyard, so children should not hesitate to ask!

Try not to get too swept up in the Disneymania for clothing, souvenirs and anything else that one can put a logo on. I try to purchase souvenirs that I won’t be embarrassed wearing and will use after returning home. While there, everyone wears so much Disney clothing that one may start to think, “I’ve got to have those Disney socks and underwear and PJs and T-shirt and …” Take a deep breath. Set a limit ahead of time for yourself and your children’s purchases. On our first visit when the children understood

money, we gave them each $30 to spend on a big souvenir. It was helpful to have a limit in advance, and that gave them some boundaries. I still bought T-shirts, pins and a light-up necklace for myself one night, but that’s another story.

Food

It’s expensive, so plan for the cost. One may carry in plastic water bottles and snacks, but no big coolers are allowed.

This is where the meal plan offered in conjunction with staying in a Disney hotel comes in handy. The meal plan allows for “quick service” meals, like a hamburger in Fantasyland, sit-down meals and even snacks.

Each meal type requires a certain number of

meal points. If meal points remain toward the end of the trip, one option is to order room service for double a meal’s points.

We’ve done that on our last mornings to help cheer up the sad suitcase packers who don’t want to go home. We also found we couldn’t eat enough of the meals paid for in advance, so we cut back on subsequent visits. I like the meal plan because we each could get a snack and I wouldn’t have to cringe at the price of a pretzel or latte. But I don’t like leaving unused meal points in Orlando if we’ve purchased too many meals in advance.

By the way: If you carry a bag of any type or a small cooler into a Disney park, you’ll continued on page 24

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have to go through the slower security line. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, you can simply carry your hotel room key, with which you may charge food and items, or wear the new wristband that acts as hotel room key, admission ticket and credit card.

Finally, planning ahead makes sense when it comes to seeing the daily parades or lights or fireworks shows. Some restaurants have views of the fireworks over Cinderella’s castle or will allow guests to watch the fireworks from a balcony and return to their table for dessert afterward (we did this during dinner at the Grand Floridian Café). To celebrate a special birthday and anniversary, we booked six months in advance a 9 p.m. table at the California Grill, which is located on the top floor of the Contemporary Hotel with a view of the fireworks.

When in the Magic Kingdom before the afternoon parade, I like to stop for lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. I try to grab a table outside from which we can view the parade.

It’s not the same view as sitting curbside on the street, but it’s more comfortable and the family can eat lunch while we wait for the parade. As soon as the parade ends, we head to the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean ride or Splash Mountain.

All of this planning and effort is quickly forgotten when the vacation is over and no one wants to go home. The smiling faces, thrills on fast rides and hugs from biggerthan-life Disney stars somehow manage to climb into the suitcases for the ride home and back to reality.

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

Friday, May 29 Preview of Elephant and Piggie Show. 4:30

p.m. Gifford Family Theatre performs selections from its musical show Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, based on the series by Mo Willems. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Moto-Inventions. 1-2 p.m.; Sundays in May and

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

Monday, June 1 Toddler Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also June 8, 15 &

Saturday, May 30

22. Children from infancy to age 4 with parents or caregivers can dance, sing and possibly play a musical instrument during this interactive storytime. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free.

435-5326.

Promise Walk for Pre-Eclampsia. 8:30 a.m.,

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Cheer the

registration; 10 a.m., walk. 3K walk raises awareness and funds for pre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Willow Bay shelter, Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool.

Registration: $25/adults, day of; $10/age 13 & under.

(800) 665-9341. www.promisewalk.org.

hometown Minor League Baseball team as they face the Louisville Bats on the grass field. Fireworks follow this game. Alliance Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $5-$12/adult; $4-10/age 12 & under, age 62 & older. Parking: $5. 474-7833.

Family Fishing Day. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Kids and adults can learn the basics of freshwater fishing from volunteers and staff; bait, rods and reels provided, but bring a rod if you have one. Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. Free. Registration required: 689-9367.

Tuesday, June 2

Boardwalk Arcade Exhibit Opening. 10 a.m.-8

Signing Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also June 16.

p.m.; also May 31. Step into a scene recalling 19thand early 20th-century resorts such as Coney Island, with games such as Skee Ball, Hoop Fever and more.

Some games require purchased tokens; tickets from winning games can be used for prizes. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester.

Admission: $13.50/general; free/younger than 2.

(585) 263-2700.

Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; through June 13. Gifford Family Theatre performs a musical show based on several of the Elephant & Piggie books by author Mo Willems.

Coyne Center for the Performing Arts, Le Moyne College, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse. $10-$15.

445-4200. www.giffordfamilytheatre.org.

Sunday, May 31 Boardwalk Arcade Exhibit Opening. Noon-5

p.m. See May 30 listing.

Storytime. 10 a.m.; also June 9, 16, 23 & 30. Bring a child, ages 1-5, in to enjoy books, songs, dance and fun. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3519.

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. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Craftastic Critters. 4:30-5:30 p.m.; also June 9,

16, 23 & 30. Kids ages 5-10 can drop in to make a different craft each week. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Louis-

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 10:35 a.m. Vs. Louisville Bats. See June 1 listing.

Read and Play Storytime. 11 a.m.; also June

10, 17 & 24. Kids ages 3-5, with an adult, can get involved in stories and crafts. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. 454-4524.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples.

Ruby Tuesday, 3220 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemomsmingle@gmail. com.

Thursday, June 4 Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also June 11, 18 & 25. Kids ages 3-5, with a caregiver, can enjoy stories, songs and finger play. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. 435-5320.

First Fayetteville Farmers Market. Noon-6 p.m. Numerous vendors selling items such as artisan cheeses, eggs, baked goods, fruits, vegetables and more. Parking lot off Burdick Street, Towne Center, Fayetteville. Email: fayettevillefarmersmarketcny@ yahoo.com.

Trail Tales. 1 p.m. A naturalist reads stories to

children ages 3-5 (accompanied by an adult), then leads the group on a hike whose theme matches the stories. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/vehicle. 638-2519.

Ice Cream Social. 4-8 p.m. Enjoy a strawberry

or chocolate sundae at this annual party. Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. $1.50/sundae. 699-2032. www.nopl. org.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. See June 1 listing.

ville Bats. See June 1 listing.

Wednesday, June 3 Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10 a.m.; also June

10 & 17. Toddlers and preschoolers, accompanied by caregivers, can hear stories and take part in songs and other activities that get them ready to read.

Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse.

Free. 435-5442.

Friday, June 5 Taste of Syracuse. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; also June 6.

Sample foods from area restaurants and wineries and hear live music. Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.

Free admission; $1/samples. 471-9597. www.tasteof syracuse.com.

Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” 7 p.m.; through June 13. See May 30 listing.

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Paws and Books. 11 a.m.-noon.; also June 27.

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

Reading to Rover. 11 a.m.-noon. Kids ages 6-10 can read a story to a dog from Paws of CNY; five 10-minute sessions. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Taste of Syracuse. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. See June 5 listing.

Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”

11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; through June 13. See May 30 listing.

Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, through June 13

Leah Quinones photo

Duck Race to End Racism. Noon-4 p.m. Lots of children’s entertainment and games, and a harbor filled with rubber ducks (sponsor a duck for $5) bring attention to cross-cultural understanding. A benefit for the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue. Inner Harbor, Solar and Kirkpatrick streets, Syracuse.

Free admission. 449-3552.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Scran-

ton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Fireworks follow this game. See June 1 listing.

Saturday, June 6 Paige’s Butterfly Run. 7 a.m. (registration).

Annual event features Caterpillar Crawl (9:45 a.m.), a 40-foot scramble for children age 5 and younger; as well as a 3K walk/run (10:15 a.m.); and a McLane 5K certified and timed race (9 a.m.), both of which take place in front of the Niagara Mohawk Building on Franklin Street. Proceeds benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. James M. Hanley Federal Building, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Free/Caterpillar Crawl; $40/other day-of registrations. 635-0099. www.paigesbutterflyrun.org.

Rocket Team Challenge. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Rockets

designed, built and launched by teams of students in grades 4-12 blast off and compete for awards. New this year: tent of hands-on activities for students.

Sponsored by the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. Skytop Field, South Campus, Syracuse University, Syracuse. Free. 425-9068. www.most.org.

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

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

First Day Bricks and Blocks. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;

through Aug. 9. Exhibit combines small-scale Lego designs—from community members’ response to the Lego Design Challenge: Build Your Syracuse— and works by local quilters. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Suggested donation: $5. 474-6064. www.everson.org.

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

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

28

Beauty and the Beast. 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 Beauty teach the Beast to be kind and have good manners. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 449-3823.

Dance Recital. 1 & 5:30 p.m. The Liverpool

School of Dance presents its annual recital, and a retirement celebration for Joan Condlin. Liverpool High School, 4338 Wetzel Road, Liverpool. $9.50/ adults; $7/senior citizens & children; $3/under age 5. 652-1875.

Oz-Stravaganza Parade. 2 p.m. Costume

contest and parade through the center of town.

Kids fun run at 11 a.m. ($10), at Chittenango Fire Department, 417 Genesee St., Chittenango. Other Oz-Stravaganza events on June 5 and 7. Various locations, village of Chittenango. 415-8546. www. oz-stravaganza.com.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Paw-

tucket Red Sox. Fireworks follow this game. See June 1 listing.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays.

Every Saturday, see an interactive presentation on a different aspect of science. Upcoming topics include: animal X-rays; hands-on science showcase; and dog behavior. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca.

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

Origami Fun Day. 2:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can get one-on-one instruction in the art of paper folding. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Sunday, June 7 AIDS Walk/Run. 8:30 a.m. (registration); 10 a.m. (walk/run). 5K fund-raising walk and 10K timed run, plus food, drinks and prizes. Event benefits AIDS Community Resources. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $25/minimum funds raised. (800) 475-2430. www. aidswalkcny.com.

Safety Expo & Butterfly Release. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids and adults can learn safety tips from area public safety organizations; there will also be refreshments, face painting, entertainment and crafts. Ryder Park, DeWitt. Free. 478-1015. www. safeandsoundwithamaya.org.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 1:05 p.m. Vs. Pawtucket Red Sox. See June 1 listing.

Monday, June 8 Paws to Read. 3:30-4:30 p.m.; also June 15.

Young readers can improve their skills by working with therapy dog Mollie. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. 454-4524.

Tuesday, June 9 First Day Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesdays through Oct.

13. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale.

Clinton Square, Syracuse. 422-8284. www.down townsyracuse.com.

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. 569-2542.

Mini Birdhouses. 6 p.m. Children ages 6-12 can paint and decorate a small wooden birdhouse. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free.

Registration required: 435-5442.

JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. 6:25 p.m. Onondaga Lake Parkway closes early for the annual event, in which some 8,500 people participated in 2014. Old Liverpool Road will remain open.

Free for spectators. Registration closed. 446-6285. jpmorganchasecc.com/events.php?city_id=13.

Wednesday, June 10 Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also June 27. Kids in

grades 7-12 can hang out, play games, eat snacks and create. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, June 11 St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. 5-9

p.m.; through June 14. Learn about Hellenic culture with festival food, music, dancing, a children’s booth and more. Sample delicious Greek pastries, some of which are only available for the festival, or tour the church. St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, DeWitt. Free admission. 446-5222. www.syracusegreekfest.com.

Smart Play 10:30 a.m.-noon. 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.

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

Friday, June 12 Cicero Community Festival. 5-11 p.m.; also

June 13. Annual event features live entertainment; a cruise night (Friday); a kids zone; midway rides; parade (Saturday, 11:30 a.m.); and fireworks Saturday (10:15 p.m.). Field behind Sacred Heart Church, 8229 Brewerton Road, Cicero. Admission fee (Friday): $3/public; $7/show cars. Saturday: free admission. 622-2249. www.cicerofestival.com.

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

p.m.; through June 14. See June 11 listing.

Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” 7 p.m.; through June 13. See May 30 listing.

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Star Party. 8-10:30 p.m. (Backup date: June 13.) Have a chance to see Saturn, Venus and Jupiter, through telescopes. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. 673-1350. www.baltimore woods.org.

Saturday, June 13 Syracuse Regional Soap Box Derby. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Boys and girls

ages 7 to 17 compete to qualify for the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Corner of Stolp Avenue and South Geddes Street, Syracuse. Free for spectators. 877-8404 or 382-7629.

Touch-A-Truck Event. 9 a.m.-2

p.m. Kids can get up close to more than 30 trucks and vehicles. Helicopter landing at noon. Utica Zoomobile, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Chenango Nursery School, 59 W. Kendrick Ave., Hamilton. $5/ person; $20/family. 824-1810.

Seneca River Day. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. See May

30 listing.

Cicero Community Festival.

11:30 a.m.-10:15 p.m. See June 12 listing.

Juneteenth. Noon-11 p.m. Celebration of African-American culture and the end of slavery includes live music, dance troupe performances, a kid’s area, an education center, and more.

Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse.

Free. 863-0808. www.syracusejune teenth.org.

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. Noon-10 p.m.; through June 14. See June 11 listing.

Beauty and the Beast. 12:30 p.m.

See June 6 listing.

Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-

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

Festivities including classic cars, live music, teddy bear picnic (4 p.m.), Anything That Floats contest (4 p.m.), the Great Seneca River Duck Race (7 p.m.), and fireworks (9:30 p.m.). Mercer Park, North Street, Baldwinsville.

Free admission; fee for some activities (duck tickets $5 each). Email seneca riverday@yahoo.com. www.baldwins villerotary.org.

Sunday, June 14

Peterboro Civil War Weekend.

Peterboro Civil War Weekend.

10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also June 14. Experience the mid-1800s, with re-enactors filling the village (skirmishes at 2 p.m. each day), period music, children’s games, and a wealth of historical detail.

Hamlet of Peterboro, Peterboro Road, Peterboro. $8/adults; $3/ages 6-12; free/age 5 and under. 280-8828. civilwarweekend.sca-peterboro.org.

on anday average day and in June And on anAnd average in June Julyand over 11,000 No more school, relaxing with friends…

Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30 a.m. TodJuly over 11,000 adolescents will dlers and preschoolers can have fun in adolescents will use alcohol for the first time. this music and movement class. Salina use alcohol for the first time.

Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale.

And on an average day in June and July over 11,000 adolescents will use alcohol for the first time.

general; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700. www.thestrong.org.

Free. 454-4524.

Fashionistas Weekend. 11 a.m.-4

p.m.; also June 14. Kids can consult with a fashion guru; design a stylish hat and pose for pictures wearing it; give Barbie a new hairdo; and more. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13.50/

10 a.m.-4 p.m. See June 13 listing.

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. Noon-4 p.m. See June 11 listing.

Drawing Demo and Summer Reading Kick-Off. 1 p.m. Graphic

novelists Frank Cammuso and Chris Giarrusso share drawing basics, offer tips and present a chance to draw special guest the Flash. At 2:30 p.m., get a chance to meet the Flash and take a photo with him. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Fashionistas Weekend. 1-4 p.m.

See June 13 listing.

Monday, June 15 Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Toledo Mud Hens. See June 1 listing.

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July 6 – 17 July 6 – 17 July 20 – 24 July 27 – 31

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

Mud Hens. See June 1 listing.

Wednesday, June 17

June 21. Live music, dance performances, exhibits, children’s entertainment, Miss Polonia and scholarship awards, and Polish food. Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Free admission. www.polishscholar ship.org.

Rose Day. Noon-3 p.m. See a variety of roses in bloom and hear live music by Dixieland Update.

Light refreshments available, or bring a picnic lunch.

E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden, Thornden Park, Ostrom Avenue, Syracuse. Free. 457-4351.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Buffalo Bisons. Fireworks follow this game. See June 1 listing.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 1:05 p.m. Vs. Toledo

Saturday, June 20

Mud Hens. See June 1 listing.

Creation Club Jr. 4-5:30 p.m. School-aged chil-

Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The

on the large screen, take part in drawing and trivia contests, and more. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk about the science of scuba diving with Timothy Corcoran, a master scuba diver trainer. 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.

Whiffle Ball Fundraiser. 6:05 p.m. Members of

Butterfly Chase. 11 a.m.-noon. Learn about the

dren can learn to create and edit videos, podcasts, images and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib. org.

Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can watch anime

the Syracuse Chiefs play whiffle ball against government officials and business executives to raise money for the MOST. East lawn, Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free for spectators. 425-9068.

Thursday, June 18 Tinker Tots. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 2-6 will have hands-on opportunities to learn, explore and invent. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

monarch butterfly, then get a net and catch (and release) a variety of other butterflies. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. Register: 673-1350. www.baltimore woods.org.

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

learn how to fish with Spider Rybaak. Live bait and lures will be used; bait and tackle are provided.

Those over age 16 must have a valid New York state fishing license. Lake Neatahwanta pier, Route 3, Fulton. Free. srybaak@yahoo.com.

Maria J. Aridgides photo

Friday, June 19

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Toledo

Calendar

Tuesday, June 16

Syracuse Polish Festival, June 19-21 Garden Tour. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Garden tour, plant and craft sale. Sycamore Hill Gardens, 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus. $5/advance; $10/gate; free/age 12 & under. www.cnylandtrust.org.

Syracuse Polish Festival. Noon-10:30 p.m.; through June 21. See June 19 listing.

Beauty and the Beast. 12:30 p.m. See June 6

listing.

Fancy Nancy Father’s Day Tea Party. 2-3

p.m. Preschool and school-aged children can celebrate fathers, grandfathers and other special men. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

International Sun Day. 2:30 p.m. In this cele-

bration of the center of our solar system, kids ages 5-12 can learn to use the sun to tell time, find out about its features and create sun portraits to take home. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Buffalo Bisons. Fireworks follow this game. See June 1 listing.

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33 Liverpool public libraries. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Calendar

Sunday, June 21

Goddess Girls. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Local

Father’s Day Canoe Tour. 8:30 a.m. Fathers, grandfathers, favorite uncles or even mothers will enjoy this early morning paddle to look for beaver lodges, blue herons, painted turtles and other wildlife. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $20/program (including canoe rental); $4/vehicle. Registration required: 638-2519.

Father’s Day Strawberry Fest.

Noon-4 p.m. Enjoy ice cream, homemade biscuits, whipped cream and strawberries. Fathers accompanied by kids eat free. Take a tour of the 1856 building on your visit. $3.50-$4. Wilcox Octagon House, 5420 W. Genesee St., Camillus. 488-7800. octagonhouse ofcamillus.org.

Syracuse Polish Festival. Noon-5 p.m. See June 19 listing.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 1:05 p.m. Vs. Buffalo Bisons. See June 1 listing.

Make Your Own Terrarium. 2-4 p.m. Learn from a volunteer how to make a terrarium. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

Free. Registration required: 637-6374.

Monday, June 22 Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Charlotte Knights. See June 1 listing.

Tuesday, June 23 Fayetteville Summer Reading Kick-Off. 4-6 p.m. Make crafts, eat

pizza, meet firefighters, and sign up for summer reading programs. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

Strawberry Social. 6 p.m. Families

are invited to come in for this annual event. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. 4355320.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05

p.m. Vs. Charlotte Knights. See June 1 listing.

Wednesday, June 24 Liverpool Summer Reading Club Kick-Off. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; also June

yoga teachers introduce mothers (or other significant women) and girls age 8 and up to yoga poses, breathing and meditation for self-care. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Register: 637-6374.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Charlotte Knights. See June 1 listing.

Thursday, June 25 Getting Artsy. 2 p.m. Kids ages

5-10 can create an art project under the guidance of an Everson Museum of Art educator. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.

Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727.

The Ultimate Indoor Experience Locations in Rochester & Buffalo

Leon Festival. 5-10 p.m. A family-friendly festival (halfway to Christmas! “Leon” is “Noel” spelled backward) with games, activities, musical performances and fireworks.

Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. Free. 472-9111. leon festival.com.

Adult & Junior Karts (Must be 48” tall)

Pizza and a Book. 6 p.m. Kids in

Video Games & Sports Memorabilia

grades 5-8 can read a book, then talk about it at the library—and eat pizza.

Book selections at www.oflibrary.org.

Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Charlotte Knights. See June 1 listing.

Friday, June 26

Birthday Parties & Corporate Events Gift Certificates Available for Purchase Kart Speeds Up to 45mph SFT

9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-423-RACE (7223) This location is an independently operated franchise owned by Destiny Raceway, LLC

Holy Family presents the 2nd annual

Joseph’s House for Women Car Raffle

Alpacas at the Library. 11 a.m. All ages can meet an alpaca or two from Cedarvale Farm Alpacas. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727.

Paine Summer Reading Kick-Off. 2:30 p.m. Kids can explore the theme “Every Hero Has a Story” with a game about heroes, and they can enjoy refreshments and get a chance to learn about the library’s summer programs.

Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442.

Jamesville Balloonfest. 4-11 p.m.; through June 28. Amusement rides daily; flights of more than two dozen special shape and hot air balloons, weather permitting. Live music acts and arts and crafts fair. Jamesville Beach Park, Apulia Road, Jamesville.

Free admission; some attractions additional cost. General information: 703-9620; balloon rides: 263-0385. www.syracuseballoonfest.com.

25. Kids can register for the reading club and enjoy fun activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Saturday, June 27

How To Festival. 2-4 p.m. Learn

Ride and Run for the Rescue. 6

new skills and gain fresh insights into a variety of topics; presented by Baldwinsville, Northern Onondaga and

INDOOR, ELECTRIC GO KART RACING

Tickets: $5 each / 5-$20 / 30-$100 Please charge my: rVisa rMasterCard Name as it appears on card (please print) ____________________________________ Card # ______________________________ CW # ______ Exp. Date____________ Signature_________________________________________________________ Enclosed is $_________for_________tickets (+$1 S&H) to be made out as follows: Name: ____________________________ Phone: (___) _____________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City: __________________________ State: _________ Zip: _________________ Email address: _____________________________________________________ Ticket stubs will be scanned and emailed to your email address above r I certify that I am over 18 years of age.

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a.m.-2 p.m. Cycle a course (from 2 to 62 miles long) or walk/run a timed 5K. There will also be entertainment and children’s activities. Long Branch Park,

DRAWING WILL TAKE PLACE ON: Thursday, September 24, 2015 Winner need not be present to win and will be notified by phone.

Please send the detached order form with payment to: Joseph’s House for Women, 1101 Burnet Ave. Syracuse, NY 13203 Or purchase tickets at www.jhfw.org. Questions? Call 315 701-4981 Make checks or money orders payable to Joseph’s House for Women.

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Calendar

34

We’re your neighborhood

Pediatricians Butterfly Chase, June 20 Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Minimum goal: $110. 701-3891. www.rideandrun. org.

Jamesville Balloonfest. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; through June 28. See June 26 listing.

OUr Doctors

Bo Rinn, PNP Theresa Morse, FNP Celeste Madden, MD Kristina Hingre, MD Elizabeth Nguyen, MD

Welcome New Patients Call today to set up your child’s appointment!

Cherry Festival. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; also June 28. Eleventh annual festival’s activities include picking of cherries (sweet and sour); a petting zoo and carnival games; hay rides; live music; and baked goods, ice cream, cheese and crafts for sale. Varick Winery & Vineyard, 5102 Route 89, Romulus.

Free admission. 549-8797. www. varickwinery.com.

Frog Catching Party. 10:30 a.m.-

noon. Look for frogs at Phillips Pond, accompanied by naturalists. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. Register: 6731350. www.baltimorewoods.org.

Fishing Class. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids

of all ages can learn how to fish with Spider Rybaak. Live bait and lures will be used; bait and tackle are provided.

Those over age 16 must have a valid New York state fishing license. Oneida Fish Hatchery, 3 Hatchery Road, off Route 49, Constantia. Free. srybaak@ yahoo.com.

Beauty and the Beast. 12:30 p.m.

See June 6 listing.

Frogs and Fireflies. 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Participants age 7 and up can go on an evening hike and learn about frogs and fireflies. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. Register: 673-1350. www. baltimorewoods.org.

Sunday, June 28

475 Irving Ave. Suite 210 • Syracuse, NY 315-471-2646 www.mipeds.net 34

Little Moe Walk/Run. 8:30 a.m.

Families, pets and strollers can take part in a 5K walk/run to support horse rescue at CNYSPCA. CNYSPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Road, Syracuse. $25-$30/ registration. 815-5056. www.active. com.

Jamesville Balloonfest. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. See June 26 listing.

Cherry Festival. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

See June 27 listing.

Garden Railway Open House.

Noon-4 p.m. See a 500-foot layout of a 1930s town of redwood and cedar buildings; two mainlines; a trolley; and lots of shrubs and flowers. Home of Carl and Thelma Cramer, 7141 E. Carter Road, Rome. Free. 225-4957 or 281-5491.

Monday, June 29 VBS at Weedsport First Presbyterian. 9 a.m.-noon; daily through

July 2. Kids age 4 and up can hear Bible stories, enjoy music, make crafts and more. Weedsport First Presbyterian Church, 8871 S. Seneca St., Weedsport. Free. Registration required: 834-9212. www.cokesburyvbs.com/ vbsweedsport.

Lego Block Party. 11 a.m. Children

in grades K-8 can take part in guided Lego activities for different ages and participate in contests. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Beauchamp Summer Reading Kick-Off. 2 p.m. Learn about the

library’s programs—with a superhero theme this year—to keep kids reading over the summer. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-3395.

Tuesday, June 30 Betts Summer Reading Kick-Off. Noon. Kids of all ages can register for summer reading and enjoy an ice cream social. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-1940.

Balloon Art and Bubbles. 1-3 p.m.

Jeff the Magic Man makes balloon art (1-2 p.m.) and Doug Rougeux juggles bubbles (2-3 p.m.). Also face painting and other activities on the lawn (indoors if it rains). Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.

457-0310. lpl.org.

Family Times June 2015

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Calendar

Tie Dye Event. 2 p.m. Bring a shirt or other

fabric item to tie dye. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

Galaxy T-Shirts. 2:30 p.m. Students going into

grades 6-12 can create a T-shirt with a galaxy design using the library’s materials. Bring a clean black T-shirt. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale.

Free. 454-4524.

Horseback Riding. Fridays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5

p.m.; through June 28. Daily except Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 30-Sept. 6. See Highland Forest on an hour-long guided horseback ride. Highland Forest Park, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $35/ hour. Reservations required: 289-3775.

Webster Pond Fishing. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon (kids); Sundays, 8 a.m.-noon (adults); through Sept.

26. Seasonal fishing sponsored by the Anglers Association of Onondaga. Webster Pond, 2004 Valley Drive, Syracuse. $15/adult, season; $10/ages 7-15, season. 727-2922. www.websterpond.org.

Onondaga Lake Skate Park. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.;

daily (weather permitting); through Sept. 7. The 16,900-square-foot skate park is open for BMX, skateboards and inline skates. Helmets and signed waivers are required. Onondaga Lake Skate Park, Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway. $3/2 ½-hour session. 453-6712.

Canoeing & Kayaking. Weekends, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; through June 21. Weekends, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., June 22-Sept. 7. Paddle around Beaver Lake searching for beaver lodges, turtles and herons. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $10/hour of rental. Admission: $4/vehicle. Call for current weather conditions: 638-2519.

Onondaga County Beaches. Fridays-Sundays,

11 a.m.-6 p.m.; through June 14. Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mondays-Thursdays, noon-6 p.m.; June 15-Aug. 16. Jamesville Beach closed June 20 & 21 for Ironman events. Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor, Jamesville. Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. $7/vehicle.

435-5252 (Jamesville) or 676-7366 (Oneida). www. onondagacountyparks.com.

Bricks and Blocks. Wednesdays-Fridays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.; Thursdays, noon-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 6-Aug. 9. Exhibit combines small-scale Lego designs—from community members’ response to the Lego Design Challenge: Build Your Syracuse—and works by local quilters. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Suggested donation: $5. 474-6064. www. everson.org.

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

through Oct. 11. Learn about the industry that created the city of Syracuse and supplied the nation with salt. See kettles, barrels and other gear used in the process that ended in the 1920s. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool.

Free. 453-6712.

Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market.

Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; June 9-Oct. 13. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. 422-8284. www.downtownsyra cuse.com.

Rogers Storytime and Hike. Wednesdays, 10

a.m. Jenni Larcher leads young children and caregivers in songs, stories, and a walk on the trails. Rain or shine. Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 Route 80, Sherburne. Donations encouraged.

(607) 674-4733.

36

Syracuse Regional Soap Box Derby, June 13 Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. 638-2519.

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails.

Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900-foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and wetland and grassland restoration areas. The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. 697-2950.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus.

673-1350.

Wegmans Playground. Boundless Playground

for children (and parents) of all ages and abilities includes accessible swings, slides, bridge and more, including special section just for the tiniest tykes.

Onondaga Lake Park, Route 370, Liverpool. Free.

451-PARK.

Barnes & Noble Storytimes. Thursdays, 10

a.m. Join a storytime for toddlers and preschoolers that’s features a book, songs and coloring. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Maxwell Library Storytimes. Storytimes and

book groups for all ages. Call for dates and times.

Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.

Northeast Community Center Library Storytimes. Preschool storytimes with rhymes and occasional games; youngsters learn group listening and participation skills. Call for times. Northeast Community Center Library, 716 Hawley Ave., Syracuse. Free. 472-6343, Ext. 208.

DeWitt Community Library. Library offers

hundreds of free programs for parents and children.

DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

446-3578.

Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes.

(Excluding holidays.) First Steps: (Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.) for children up to age 2. Pre-K Storytime: (Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.) for ages 3-6. Cuddletime: (Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.) for babies not yet walking and an adult. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO (2005)

ONGOING EVENTS

Onondaga Free Library Storytimes. Toddler

storytimes (ages 2-3): Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:15 a.m. Preschool storytimes (ages 3-5): Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m. Also: Mother Goose Time, for children age 2 and under a chance to play while adults chat; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; registration preferred. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. For storytimes, registration preferred for first-time attendees: 492-1727.

Petit Branch Library Storytimes. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Toddler and preschooler storytime for children ages 18 months-5 years and caregivers.

Includes stories, rhymes, finger plays and songs.

Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse.

435-3636.

Syracuse Go Club. Every Monday, 7-10 p.m. Wegmans sit-down dining area, 6789 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. Club devoted to the ancient Chinese game of Go; players of all ages. Free. 479-9073.

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

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 June 5 for the July issue.

Family Times June 2015

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Tune in Wednesday, June 24, 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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CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY To advertise call 472-4669 and press 2. July Issue Deadline: July 11, 2015 Activities

Dance INstruction

TheDanceStudioCNY.com Body Recognition Class movement. music. instruments. imagination.

We will explore the motions of our bodies with dance.

For children 8 mos.-5 yrs old.

Birthday parties available.

Call Tamar @ 446-2750 or www.toddlerstango.com

Camillus & Manlius Classes for Age 1 & Up! Great Summer Camps ALL Summer Long!

682-7877 or thedancestudiocny@gmail.com

Miscellaneous SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE: Proceeds benefit local animals in need, 10am-4pm, Friday & Saturday.

Route 20, 1/4 mile West of Morrisville, (formerly Buzzy’s Morrisville Diner), 6 miles East of Cazenovia.

For More information or to Volunteer, email Gail Smith at rsmith@twcny.rr.com

Pageant and Model Search

Services

What’s in our Backpack Giveaway?

Science Center 1-Year Family Level Membership www.sciencenter.org To enter: Send all contact information to promotions@familytimes.biz with “Science” in the subject line.

Entry deadline is noon on June 15th, 2015

Baby, Toddler, Pre-Teen & Teen One Lucky girl will appear in a National Magazine! www.missnybeautypageants.com

Painting, Deck Construction, Power Wash, Staining, Gutters, Masonary, Siding.

Also, Inside Work. Retired teacher, 35yrs exp.

Joe Ball 436-9008 (Onondaga County only)

Register EARLY for 2015-2016 season!

Be a part of the world’s most played sport in a non-competitive outdoor league.

Saturday games at Barry Park or nearby.

1st-8th Grade*, 1st child $95/ Addt’l child $90 *Rates increase July 1! Kindergarten $60 Includes fall & spring with full uniform www.eastsidesoccer.org

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Family Times June 2015

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Summer Musical Theatre Camps

Vocal Intensive Workshop Grades 1 - 5 & Pre-K - K

Grades 6 - 12

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Olamide Ajagbe MD with a patient at Upstate Golisano After Hours Care.

Experts for kids

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

WE OFFER PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY & URGENT CARE: Pediatric Emergency Department

Upstate Golisano After Hours Care

Downtown Campus, 750 East Adams St. Open 24/7

Community Campus, 4900 Broad Rd. Hours: Mon. thru Fri: 4 to 11 p.m.; Sat. & Sun: Noon to 11 p.m.

WE OFFER MANY SPECIALTY SERVICES, INCLUDING: Ear, Nose & Throat Gastrointestinal Center for Development, Behavior & Genetics Joslin Center’s Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes

1-800-464-8668

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Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center Orthopedics Pietrafesa Center for Children’s Surgery Sleep Center

Urology Waters Center for Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Upstate New York Poison Center ...and more

WWW.UPSTATE.EDU/GCH

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