2015
NNYLIFE.COM
WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL G U I D E
WATERTOWN * FORT DRUM * CLAYTON * NORTHERN NEW YORK
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2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE OUR NNY LIFE WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW ALONG THE FROZEN TUNDRA OF NORTHERN NEW YORK FOR WAYS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BUSY, AND THE CABIN FEVER AT BAY, DURING WINTER BREAK 2015.
BRIEANNA LEWIS
ELIZABETH HURST
SARA CARPENTER
Brieanna Lewis is a Northern New York native who dabbles in freelance writing and blogging. Brieanna graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a BA in Theatre Arts Design/Technology (concentration in Costume Design); she also spent time at a writer’s workshop held at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. When she is not writing Brieanna is working at the Watertown Daily Times, facilitating a book club and a women’s circle, and raising her fur babies. You can contact Brieanna by e-mailing her at brieannalewis@yahoo.com.
Elizabeth Hurst is a wife, mother, runner, friend, artist, and general student of life. She moved to NNY with her husband, Sgt Ian Hurst and their son Briggs in December of 2012 and they have loved NNY ever since. Currently Elizabeth is the Coordinator of Arts Education for the Watertown YMCA and North Country Arts Council, and loves the opportunities it gives her to turn creative passions into a job. Whether it’s teaching a kids art class, making use of her growing art supply stash tackling a Pinterest project, trying a new recipe, or finger painting with Briggs, Elizabeth loves anything that lets her be more creative.
Sara is the Marketing Director for the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, and is also an adjunct instructor for Jefferson Community College as well as teaching classes in the Continuing Education Division. She is a graduate of SUNY Oswego (MAT Art Education) and Rochester Institute of Technology (BA in Graphic Design), and is a member of the Greater Watertown Jaycees and is on the board of the Resolution Center of Jefferson and Lewis Counties, Inc. Sara lives in Dexter with her fiancé, Todd, daughter Hadley and her beagle, Rosie.
What’s Your Favorite Winter Activity?
What’s Your Favorite Winter Activity?
What’s Your Favorite Winter Activity? Brieanna: I enjoy walking my dogs outside in the winter. It’s peaceful and the snow is pretty when it’s pristine, and when I don’t have to drive in it.
Elizabeth: My favorite part of winter is playing in the snow with my kids! I love all snow activities, snowball fights, snow angels, sledding, skiing, I recently took up snowshoeing... But the best part is sharing that with my kids, watching them see and feel and play with snow for the first time is like experiencing it all over again.
Sara: I would have to stay figure skating! I figure skated professionally for 20 years, coached for 6 years, and traveled the world skating in competitions.
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Showcase your #NNYLife NNYLIFE.COM SHOWS THE REAL NNY LIFE: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BEAUTIFUL Whatever you’re up to over Winter Break 2015, take a minute to share it with us by tagging #NNYLife on your favorite social media platform, including Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, just like the folks featured below: @ktclick
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2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
Cabin
f e r vo r By Elizabeth Anderson Hurst
BEING INDOORS WITH YOUNG KIDS FOR DAYS AND DAYS CAN BE DAUNTING. BUT BEFORE YOU THROW IN THE TOWEL AND TURN ON THE TV (A SUREFIRE SHORTCUT TO CABIN FEVER), READ THESE TIPS FROM ELIZABETH ANDERSON HURST, DIRECTOR OF THE WATERTOWN YMCA’S ART PROGRAM, ON HOW TO KEEP KIDS PLAYING WHEN THE WEATHER IS JUST TOO BAD TO LEAVE THE HOUSE. Winter in NNY is long... and cold...
and you’ve got a recipe for a big
BUILD A BLANKET FORT
and snowy... and there are days
mess. We wanted to give you a few
Have a “read in.” Does anyone else
when you can’t remember the last
places to start to get the creative
remember doing this in school? We
time you were outside longer than
juices flowing. Here are some ideas
used to wear our PJs, bring pillows,
running from the car to a building.
gathered from both my own experi-
blankets, and snacks... and a big
ence as well as some of my favorite
pile of books. So why not have a
“mom-blogs.”
“read in” at home? Try building a
Staying inside, although warm, is bound to drive us crazy eventually.
cool blanket fort (we have a whole
Toss a couple of kids into the mix
board devoted to them on our Pinterest page at Pinterest.com/ NNYLife), and then just read. Read as many books as you want, for as long as you want. Kids too little to read on their own? Try borrowing a free audiobook from your local library’s digital lending program!
BRING A LITTLE SNOW INSIDE Too cold to go outside? Bring the winter fun IN! First, find things around the house to decorate your snowman. Get creative with what you use for eyes, buttons, hands,
www.NNYLife.com | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | 2015
and don’t forget a hat and scarf!!
of Modern Art offers not only it’s
and cooking with your kids... and
Grab a bucket and fill your bathtub
own virtual tour, but also links to
some of the coolest home-made
with snow. (It took us about 6x5
other museum tours as well. After
play dough I’ve ever seen. Which
gallon buckets to really fill the tub).
“visiting” a museum and seeing
leads us to..
Then, throw some snow pants and
some of the most famous works of
boots on and climb in! You can get
art, take some time to create your
MAKE SOME PLAY-DOUGH!
about 45 minutes to an hour of
own! The team over at RedTedArt.
I personally prefer a cooked play-
building fun before the snow starts
com have tons of ideas on how to
dough that I found a few months
to melt, and then you just let it melt
create work inspired by the greats!
ago. It is perfectly smooth, and lasts
AWAKEN YOUR SENSES
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF AN ART MUSEUM
forever! We are still using some
Sensory play is one of my favorite
that we made for Halloween, and
activities. It’s incredible to watch
I’ve just been keeping it in a zip-
A lot of museums have virtual tours
little brains at work figuring out the
lock bag. Don’t be intimidated by
that allow you to explore places
word around them. Setting up a
“cooked play-dough” it’s super easy.
you might otherwise not be able to
sensory activity doesn’t have to be
(Visit NNYLife.com for ingredients
visit. The National Gallery of Art has
complicated. The super-mom over
and recipe. )
several different tours, including
at MamaPapaBubba.com has tons
one that features the Van Gogh Mu-
of ideas. One that we’ve been want-
Below you’ll find a few more ideas
seum in Amsterdam. You can also
ing to try at our house is the Frozen
I put together. For more informa-
find tours for the Louvre, the Nation
Ocean Animal Rescue. She also has
tion, and for links to all the sites in
Gallery in London, and the Museum
oodles of ideas for playing, crafting,
this round-up, visit NNYLife.com.
LOCAL LIBRARY
KITCHEN
THEME NIGHT
If you do make it to the library, be sure to go for Story time. They also have some fun programs for adults that you can find on our calendar at NNYLife. com.
I fnd that I get the most repetitive with meals in the winter: grilled cheese and tomato soup every day... why not? My 3 year old absolutely loves helping me.
I love theme anything... especially movie nights. Why not take it a step further? Find a book to read that also has a movie and double up the entertainment!
right down the drain!
Ad Space Available BOARD GAMES
PUZZLES
Board games are also great, especially if you have multiple kids. Have the older one’s take charge and teach to the younger ones.
Puzzles are big at our house. We started out doing them together, talking about how you put a puzzle together (personally, I start with the edges).
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2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
Winter Break
calendar of events
Compiled by sara carpenter
2015
www.NNYLife.com | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | 2015
MACnaturecenter.com. 29th Annual Theresa Fire Department “Luck of the Draw” Open Boundaries Ice Fishing Derby 5:30am- 5pm Pre-Register at the Theresa Fire Station, Felder’s Bait Shop in Redwood, Hunters Hideaway Bait Shop Co. Rt. 46, Theresa, & Chaumont Hardware, Rt. 12E. Questions: Contact Timothy Karg (315) 777-3936, www.theresafire.com Wolverine Enrichment in Watertown 10am-11am Thompson Park Zoo & Conservancy, 1 Thompson Park, Watertown, New York 13601
Snowtown USA closing ceremonies will take place on February 15 at Dry Hill Ski Area in Watertown at 6:30 p.m. Visit watertownny.com for more information.
Chippewa Bay Fish and Game Clubs Annual Open Boundary/ Catch & Release Ice Fishing Derby 6am- 4pm
Please Note: Before traveling to any of the events listed in this guide, NNY Life recommends you call, email, or check the websites of the events you plan to attend. Plans change. Weather happens. Be safe, and make sure the travel is worth your time by calling ahead to make sure your event is still happening.
FEBRUARY 14 Snowkite Rally Deer River Ranch, 1414 Route 177. Combines snowboarding or skiing with a foil kite. No cost to attend.
Participants required to sign waiver. Register at wdt.me/AZP7sa. No in person registration. Party to follow, 6 p.m., Ridge View Inn. Raffle, 8 p.m. proceeds benefit Lowville Food Pantry. Food, drinks available for sale. Click here for more Information. Free Snowshoe Day 1:00pm Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, County Route 100. Lesson at 1 p.m. Free snowshoe rental. Information: (315) 482-2479, www.
Chippewa bay fish and game club annual ice fishing derby, prizes to be awarded by lottery draw, no child goes without a prize, very family oriented ice derby. Chippewa Bay, www.chippewabayfishandgameclub.org Carthage Winterfest 2015 10am-3pm Horse-drawn sleigh rides, cardboard sled races, tug of war, scavenger hunt, face painting, food, drinks and more. Registration forms for the cardboard sled races, tug of war
2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
and precious pet photo contest are available at www.carthageny.com. Located Carthage Park, Carthage, NY Valentine’s Day Ice-Rink Party 12pm - 8pm Come down to the LaFargeville Ice-Rink for food, fun, games and prizes! Sunrise Avenue, Lafargeville. Snowtown USA Events 12pm-2:30pm Snowtown Valentine’s Day Public Skate 2pm-3:45pm Free Admission with Canned Good, Watertown Municipal Ice Arena, Watertown Fairgrounds Valentine’s Day Movie Special: Join us for “Sleepless in Seattle” 7:35pm (1993) PG- Snacks provided! Flower Memorial Library, Community Room, Watertown An Evening of Music and Conversation with Tessa Thompson and Nelly’s Echo 7pm Discussion on diversity, 7 p.m. Robert R. and Jean S. Sturtz Theater, Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St. Free. Information: www. sunyjefferson.edu. Watertown Wolves vs. Steel City Warriors
7:35pm Chaumont Farmers Market Hockey Game at the Watertown
9am-2pm
Municipal Ice Arena, Watertown Fairgrounds
FEBRUARY 15
Located at the Chaumont Volunteer Fire Station, includes local crafters and vendors.
Snowkite Rally Deer River Ranch, 1414 Route 177.
Sweetheart Jamboree
Combines snowboarding or skiing
1pm
with a foil kite. No cost to attend. Participants required to sign waiver.
Raffles, Silent Auction, Karaoke,
Register at wdt.me/AZP7sa. No in
Live Band, Food, to benefit Barben-
person registration. Party to follow,
Jones VFW Post 1400, 231 Bellew
6 p.m., Ridge View Inn. Raffle, 8 p.m.
Ave., Watertown,(315) 788-2945
proceeds benefit Lowville Food Pantry. Food, drinks available for
Daddy Daughter/ Mommy’s Little
sale. Click here for more informa-
Sweetheart Dance
tion.
5pm-7pm
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Close-up on: HOME SOMETIMES WE NEED TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS -A CASE FOR ENTERTAINING AT HOME
JB Wise Outdoor Skating Rink; Photo courtesy of Horizon Aerial Media Services
Children’s valentine dance with
Snowtown USA Closing Ceremony
sale. Click here for more Informa-
mom and dad. So often our little
6:30pm
tion.
get all dressed up and go out for a
Closing Ceremony Fireworks and
Watertown Wolves vs. Dayton
night of dinner and dancing. Now
Torchlight Parade, Dry Hill Ski Area,
Demonz
it is their turn to get dressed up for
Watertown, www.watertownny.
7:35pm
a special night out with their hero,
com
one watch as mommy and daddy
their first love....you!!! Location: Ramada Inn, Watertown NY Phone:
FEBRUARY 16
315-842-5661
Snowkite Rally
Hockey Game at the Watertown Municipal Ice Arena, Watertown Fairgrounds
Deer River Ranch, 1414 Route 177. Watertown Wolves vs. Dayton
Combines snowboarding or skiing
Baby-Sitting Training
Demonz
with a foil kite. No cost to attend.
9am-4pm
5:05pm
Participants required to sign waiver. Register at wdt.me/AZP7sa. No in
Hockey Game at the Watertown
person registration. Party to follow,
Municipal Ice Arena, Watertown
6 p.m., Ridge View Inn. Raffle, 8 p.m.
Fairgrounds
proceeds benefit Lowville Food Pantry. Food, drinks available for
For youth 11 to 15, American Red
2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
FEBRUARY 16, CONT. Cross, 203 N. Hamilton St. Bring lunch and Cabbage Patch sized doll. Fee required. Registration required: (800) 733-2767, www.redcross.org/ take-a-class. Writer’s Workshop 9am-5pm WPBS-TV, 1056 Arsenal St. For children K-3. Tips to write story for PBS kid’s writer’s contest. Free. Information: wpbstv.org/writerscontest. Family Movie 10am WPBS-TV, 1056 Arsenal St. Cinema Six presentation, “The Cookie Thief.” Special activities for children, refreshments, appearance by Cookie Monster. Free. Information: www. wpbs.org. Poets & Writers Ink 7pm-9pm Sponsored by Cape Vincent Arts Council, Cape Vincent Recreation Center, 602 S. James St. All skill levels, genre and ages welcome. Information: (315) 654-2413. Born to Move Fitness Class for Kids at Downtown YMCA Ages 8-12 – 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. (Aerobics Room)
FEBRUARY 17 Winter Reading Program,
Lowville Free Library
show sponsored by JCC Campus
10:30 a.m.
Activities Board. Cost: $5. Tickets on sale on Monday, Jan. 26, at noon.
Tuesday, beach party storytime
Tickets: www.sunyjefferson.edu or
5387 Dayan St.
at Student Activities Center, Room 4-100, McVean Center. Students
For complete schedule: www.
with valid ID receive one free ticket.
lowvillefreelibrary.org. 376-2131.
Information: (315) 786-2431.
Depauville Free Library
FEBRUARY 18
11 a.m. - Tween Tuesday...Wire Ring
Born to Move Fitness Class for
Making (ages 10+)
Kids at Downtown YMCA 4:30-5:15 p.m.
4:30 - Movie: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very
Ages 13-16 – (Aerobics Room)
Bad Day
www.watertownymca.org for more information
For more information call 315-6863299., or visit
Born to Move Fitness Class for
www.depauvillefreelibrary.org/
Kids at Fairgrounds YMCA 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
4-H Winter Break Special 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ages 8-12 – (Aerobics Room) www.watertownymca.org for more
Join us at the Cornell Coopera-
information
tive Extension Office of Jefferson County for hands-on activities in
Carthage Free Library
the morning. Following a lunch
Children’s Craft Program
break, we will head to Dry Hill for an
12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m
afternoon on the slopes. (Healthy snacks will be provided. Partici-
Children’s Chinese New Year pa-
pants will need to bring their own
per craft program, Carthage Free
lunch.) Pick-up will be at the Ski
Library, 412 Budd St., .
Area. To RSVP, or for more informa-
Crafts include Chinese fan, lantern,
tion, please call 315-788-8450, ext.
drum or paper dragon.
269.
Information: 493-2620.
AudioBody
Depauville Free Library Classical
11am
Guitar Concert with Gary Walts 1:00
Robert R. and Jean S. Sturtz Theater, Jefferson Community College,
Bring along a guitar for a lesson
1220 Coffeen St. High tech comedy
after the performance
www.NNYLife.com | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | 2015
For more information call 315-686-
11:00
Community room, Flower Memorial
3299., or visit
Movie : The Gruffalo followed by
Library, 229 Washington St. Crafts,
www.depauvillefreelibrary.org/
The Gruffalos Child
games, snacks and prizes. Attend as favorite Frozen character, if you
Flower Memorial Library
4:30
wish.
Parent & Child Activity Time
Movie : The Gruffalo followed by
Information: www.flowerlibrary.org
10:30am-11:15am
The Gruffalos Child
or (315) 785-7705.
Enjoy a family-friendly program of
For more information call 315-686-
Frozen Party at Lowville Elks
stories, movement, and crafting!
3299., or visit
Lodge
Ages 3 to 5 (siblings are welcome!).
www.depauvillefreelibrary.org/
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
you must remain with your child!
Flower Memorial Library
5600 Shady Ave., Movie, “Frozen”
Flower Memorial Library, 229 Wash-
Libraries! Story Time
at 12 p.m. For complete schedule:
ington St., Free. Information: www.
10:30am
www.lowvillefreelibrary.org.
No registration necessary. Parents:
376-2131.
flowerlibrary.org or (315) 785-7705. Begin developing literacy skills with Flower Memorial Library
a wiggly program for our young-
Clayton Chamber of Commerce
Lego Challenge
est patrons. Program concludes
Broomball under the Lights!
3:30pm-5pm
with a play time! Ages 2 and under
6pm- 8pm
(siblings are welcome!). No registraTeen Space, for those 12 to 18 years
tion necessary. Parents: you must
If you’re looking to get out & have
old. Prizes awarded. Free. Informa-
remain with your child, Flower
some fun with friends or are in the
tion: www.flowerlibrary.org or (315)
Memorial Library, 229 Washington
mood for some friendly competi-
785-7705.
St. Free.
tion come to the Oval at the Lion’s Field Thursday February 19th!
FEBRUARY 19
Information: www.flowerlibrary.org
Everyone is welcome to come at
Born to Move Fitness Class for
or (315) 785-7705.
no cost & we will be picking teams
Kids at Fairgrounds YMCA 4:45-5:30
there. No hockey equipment or Carthage Free Library
skates necessary, Just a broomball
10 a.m.
stick with the hard plastic broom end, or even an old cut-off broom!
Ages 8 -12- Thursdays (Aerobics Room)
Story hour with local story teller,
If you have any questions you can
www.watertownymca.org for more
Lynn Morgan, Carthage Free
call the Clayton Chamber of Com-
information
Library, 412 Budd St., Fun stories
merce at (315) 686-3771 or send us
about animals, audience participa-
a message, otherwise hope to see
Depauville Free Library
tion. Animal crafts, special snack
everyone there, Webb St, Clayton
Story Hour and Craft
treats.
10:00
FEBRUARY 20
Flower Memorial Library
Beatlemania Now
Story Hour and Craft (theme is Chi-
Frozen Tea Party
8pm
nese New Year)
1pm-4pm Kallet Theater, 4842 N. Jefferson St.,
2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
855 Graves St, Clayton, NY 13624
10am-3pm
tickets@kallettheater.com. Infor-
Depauville Free Library Movie
Local crafters and vendors, Spider-
mation: kallettheater.com/events,
11:00
man visits from 1pm-2pm, Raffles &
Pulaski, Live on stage tribute to the Beatles. Cost: $40, $50, $75. Tickets:
kallettheater.com/bmn, (315) 298-0007.
more. Dulles State office Building, Movie: The Pagemaster
317 Washington Street, Watertown.
For more information call 315-686-
(315) 529-4893
Depauville Free Library Movie
3299., or visit
11:00
www.depauvillefreelibrary.org/
Chaumont Farmers Market 9am-2pm
Movie: The Boxtrolls
Snowmobile Drag Races
For more information call 315-686-
8 a.m. - Registration
Located at the Chaumont Volunteer
3299., or visit
10:30 a.m. - Races
Fire Station, includes local crafters
www.depauvillefreelibrary.org/ Behind Copenhagen Fire Hall, 9950
FEBRUARY 21
Main St. Cost: $15 each class. General admission: $5 per person. Food
and vendors.CAMPS & CLASSE
Camps & Classes
Born to Move Fitness Class for
available.
CLASSES
Kids at Fairgrounds YMCA
Information: (315) 783-9206 or
February 14
9:30-10:15
(315) 483-5367
My Fave Adult and Me: Learn to Knit
Ages 6 & 7- Saturdays(Aerobics
Annual Chili Cook-Off
Room)
11am-3pm
www.watertownymca.org for more
9 a.m. to noon Extended Learning Center,
FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, 17890
Jefferson Community College, 1220
Goodnough Road. Free entry, free
Coffeen St. Cost: $20; children 15
Clayton Ice Fishing Derby & Ice
admission. Prizes awarded to top
and younger, $10.
Shanty Contest!
three chilis. Information: www.
Information: 786-2438.
11 a.m.
fxchd.com.
information
My Fave Adult and Me: Rainbow Carrier & French Bays
Clayton Taste of the Town
Baking (Grades 1-8)
Weather Permitting: Contest will be
4pm-8pm
9 a.m. to noon
cancelled if derby is cancelled or
Presented by Rotary Club of Clay-
poor ice conditions
ton, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200
ames McVean Student Center, Jef-
Contest Categories include: Best
Riverside Drive. Celebrate regional
ferson Community College, 1220
hospitality, weekend getaway, most
businesses. Admission: $5 (five
Coffeen St. Cost: $99 (one adult/one
patriotic, Time-Honored Classic,
samples), $4, military. Proceeds do-
child). Information: 786-2438.
Judges Choice
nated to Rotary International. Silent
Free Registration, Friday, February
auction to benefit Dodge Pond
20, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Knights of
CAMPS & SPECIAL EVENTS Art Camp at the Fairgrounds
Columbus
FEBRUARY 22
Call 315-686-3771, or visit 1000is-
Watertown Airsoft League Fund-
February 16, 17, 18th
lands-Clayton.com/Shanty
raiser
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
YMCA
www.NNYLife.com | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | 2015
If you wish to register after that
Where: Thousand Islands Arts Cen-
Ages 5-8, 12pm-1pm,
time you may contact Elizabeth
ter, 314 John Street, Clayton
Ages 9-12, 1:30pm-2:30pm
Hurst at nnyartsed@yahoo.com to
Times: 10-11:30 am
Students will learn basic motion and jump technique along with
see if slots are still available. Cost: $15 per session
basic tumbling, flexibility, sideline cheers, dance and stunts.
Daily snacks will be served Art camp is a great way for kids
Antique Boat Museum Science
$25 for all three days, Double Play
to discover their inter artist. They
Camp
Sports Community Center, Lowville,
will get the chance to try several
February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 4-H Choose Health Teen Leader
different projects while they create their masterpieces and meet new
Explore the science of boating.
Training
friends.
$7 per child for members and $10
February 19-20
for nonmembers with a family Cost: YMCA Member: $70
maximum charge of $21 per family,
This two-day workshop is for teens
Non-Member: $80
per day. For more information or
interested in developing leadership
Military $75
to pre-register, contact Julie Broad-
and career development skills in
bent at 686-4104, ext. 235, or via
the area of nutrition. Call to register.
email at jbroadbent@abm.org.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Kids Pottery Open Studio February 17, 18, 19, 20
Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton, Lowville Cheer Camp
CLAY TIME! Kids Pottery Open Studio
February 16, 18, 20,
Watertown, 315-788-8450
2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
Circle the
Wagons
WHY LEAVE THE HOUSE WHEN YOU CAN BRING THE FUN AND COMPANIONSHIP OF OTHER NNY WOMEN INTO YOUR LIVING ROOM? BY BRIEANNA LEWIS Winter in NNY is brutal, but that’s
blues, get together, unwind, have
no secret. Due to white-out condi-
fun, and learn something new.
tions, temperatures in the negatives and roads so icy that they put skating rinks to shame there have been many school and activity cancellations as well as travel advisories. Even though Moms seem like super heroes, the reality is that they are only human and that they too need a break from the chaos every once in awhile. Since North Country winters are not
COSMETICS PARTY Mary Kay, Avon, Motives…there are plenty of cosmetics companies that have consultants who will come to your home and do makeovers. Consultants will also be able to instruct on cosmetic application as well as the latest trends in the beauty industry.
CLOTHES SWAP A chance to come together to swap kids clothes and/or Mom clothes.
BOOK SWAP A great way to share your favorite books and get some new reading material.
HIRE A PRO Hire a professional to come in and show you how to do something
tances and our instinct is to circle
FOOD/KITCHEN PARTIES
the wagons and, after the holidays,
Whether it’s Pampered Chef,
instructor to lead you all through a
spend as little money as possible, a
Wildtree, or good old fashioned
rejuvenating vinyasa.
good idea for NNY moms is to have
Tupperware there are plenty of
a “Mom’s Night In.”
food/kitchenware themed parties
an ideal time to travel long dis-
that you could host for a mom’s Check out this list of ideas for moms who want to beat the winter
night in.
new! Hire a chef to teach you how to cook a new dish or a yoga
GAME NIGHT Sometimes an old fashioned game night is necessary to beat the
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winter blues. Card games, board games‌ Anything to get the laughter and conversation flowing.
MOVIE NIGHT The chance to watch an entire movie uninterrupted.
PINTEREST PARTY You know how you peruse Pinterest and you see a million things that you would like to make but you never have the time? Get together with your friends and have a Pinterest party! Choose one craft/recipe off of Pinterest, gather together your friends and some materials and make it happen!
BOOK CLUB For all of the bookworms out there, you know that nothing is more satisfying than sharing a bond over an awesome book. Visit NNYLife.com for reviews on the perfect book for your next book club gathering!
SPA NIGHT Face masks, manis, pedis, wine‌need I say more?
hzzht
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2015 | WINTER BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE | www.NNYLife.com
"YOU HAVE TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE SOMETIMES, AND FEEL SA FE I N UNCONDITIONAL
loveu"
Shortly after giving birth to her son, Jenelle Botts, like many women in the Fort Drum community, found herself the spouse of a deployed soldier, and a brand new mom, trying to figure out when was a convenient time to shovel herself out of her driveway to go to the store: between naps, or after bedtime? Instead of becoming frozen in that What Now??? phase of new motherhood, she joined a local fitness group for moms, made great friends, and explored the northern New York community with her little boy in tow. But, as you’ll see in her profile, Jenelle is always a few steps ahead. In addition to mastering the north country, she also launched a business in an industry even tougher than being a girl in the army: selling hand-made luxury baby items. 1.
Name : Jenelle Botts
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Place of Birth : Los Angeles
3. Family: Husband, Seth and Son, Henry 4. Education/Military Experience: Masters Degree in Psychology, eleven years active duty Army, Military Intelligence Warrant Officer, Current: NY National Guard, MI Warrant Officer 5. Occupation : Stay At Home Mom, Owner, Spools and Drool Baby Boutique 6. Hobbies: Reading, baking, traveling 7. What is Your Business? I make luxury items for babies, toddlers, and moms. I specialize in custom baby blankets and linens, organic baby pajamas, and I make the Double Doodie Bag which is exclusive to S&D. 8. What is Your Audience/Market? Women ages 25-45, mothers, grandmothers, and those who have babies that they love!
9. What’s Your Career Ambition? To expand into a nationally recognized brand and ultimately provide financial support to my family. 10. What made you decide to start your own business? It started as an outlet for my creativity and desire to make things. I also wanted to start working again but not full time and not out of the home. It just made sense. 11. What is the most challenging part of being a work at home mom? Working at home! There are so many other things to do and prioritizing work tasks and setting a work schedule is key to not getting side tracked! 12. I have a knack for: Finding fabrics. I love patterns and colors and designs! I like finding beautiful, unique fabrics for the store. 13. Excluding family members, who influenced you most, and why? Amanda Lessner. She has successfully run a thriving business, raised a baby, and run a household all while staying humble and true to her craft. She was the first to put the bug in my ear about selling the things I made. She is so encouraging and supportive. 14. What is your fondest childhood memory? Family vacations to the mountains of NC to my grandfather’s cabin. It was always so family focused and all my cousins would come and we would spend a week in our bathing suits swimming in
the lake and playing in the dirt! 15. My pet peeve is: dogs dressed in people clothes. They have fur. They don’t need sweaters. 16. If you could sit down and ask questions of anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why? My profound, deep, touching answer is my grandmother, Mimi. I would introduce her to my son and ask her questions about being a mother. My superficial answer is Adnan Syed. (from Serial). I’d like to ask him so many questions! 17. What is the most exciting or dangerous thing you’ve ever done? Get married! 18. Life’s most challenging endeavor is: Relationships with other people. Whether it is romantic, a friendship, or family ties. All relationships require work and understanding and patience. You have to allow yourself to grow and change with the relationship or you will become dissatisfied and unhappy with that relationship. Humans are complicated. Put two together and it gets even harder! But relationships are also
so rewarding and bring so much joy and fulfillment. But no relationship happens naturally. Just because you are a child of another human, it doesn’t mean that that relationship will just happen. You have to try, be uncomfortable at times, and feel safe in the glory of unconditional love. 19. Is there anything you have passed up on doing that you now regret? Yes. When I was a young, unmarried Warrant Officer, I was offered a job at a Special Forces Group. I would have been the first female in that position. It was a huge deal that I was chosen. But I was dating Seth and there were no job opportunities at that base. So we would be apart. I chose him. I don’t regret that decision, but I always wondered how I would have done in that job. 20. If you were stranded alone on a desert island, what is one item you would take with you? Coffee. No wine. Coffee. Ok Wine. In a box. Photos by Amanda Lessner Photography
Mom-trepreneur JeNELLE BOTTS
Meet Jenelle Botts: Mom to Henry, New York National Guardswoman, NNY Life Contributor, owner of Spools & Drools Baby Boutique, and creator of the “Double-Doodie” diaper bag., which is exclusive to S&D. How does she do it all and still have time to smile like that? Take a peek inside for her Q&A with NNY Life.