Author: Courtney Kless

Step back in time at Museum of the Earth. Located in Ithaca, the museum is one of two educational venues that are managed by the Paleontological Research Institution – the other, Cayuga Nature Center, features more than five miles of trails and a treehouse. Gilbert Harris, a paleontologist (he studied mostly invertebrates) and a professor at Cornell University, created PRI in 1932. It is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. “Museum of the Earth didn’t open until 2003, so there was really no public institution associated with the research institution until then,” said Rob Katz, community engagement coordinator for PRI.…

School is back in session. You’ve purchased all of the supplies, adjusted your child’s bedtime and planned healthy lunches. But have you considered signing them up for an after-school program? With so many options out there, that decision may seem overwhelming. Read on for some tips for choosing an after-school program – then click here for our after-school guide. Why are after-school programs so important? Pam Ranieri, director of children’s programming, and Amy Bisnett, associate director of children’s programming at the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, said there are countless benefits. For one, they allow children to release some of…

General BASCOL Ages: Grades K-6. Offers: Before-school programs; after-school programs; SHO Plus Program Where: Central Square Central School District; Holy Cross School; Liverpool Central School District; Lyncourt Union Free School District; Onondaga Central School District; Solvay Union Free School District; St. Mary’s Academy; West Genesee Central School District; Westhill Central School District. More information: bascol.org. Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse Ages: 5-18. Offers: After-school programs; Academic Success; Character & Leadership Development; Healthy Lifestyles. Where: 2100 E. Fayette St., Syracuse (East Fayette Street Club); 201 Shonnard St., Syracuse (Shonnard Street Club); 212 Van Buren St., Syracuse (Central Village Club). More…

Symphoria will kick off its 10th season this month. Family Times recently talked to Executive Director Pamela Murchison about the orchestra’s history, its youth programs, and the impact it has had on Central New York during the last decade. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. Can you start by telling me a little about the history behind Symphoria? Symphoria is the successor organization to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. In 2011, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra filed for bankruptcy, and the musicians just kept planning and playing concerts. That work eventually evolved in 2012 to the official start of…

Did you know Central New York is home to the country’s fifth oldest zoo? Located in Binghamton, the Ross Park Zoo was established in 1875 by Erastus Ross, a local bank owner. “He had been selling property around what is now considered Ross Park, and he thought that by donating the land to the city, it could actually help him sell more property around that area,” said Daniel Laskaris, community engagement manager for the zoo. “So, he did just that. Then shortly after, about 1,000 volunteers got together and helped clear the way for the park. They helped clear brush,…

There are countless things expectant parents must prepare before their baby arrives, but a car seat should be at the top of the list. Family Times recently talked to Deputy Doug Roser from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office about choosing the right car seat – and how parents can ensure it is installed safely and correctly. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. Can you tell me a little about your background/experience in this area? I took a car seat install class about four years ago to learn how to properly install and inspect car seats. It was a weeklong,…

By Melanie Evans Family Times is 20! To celebrate, we will pick one article from our archive each month – including this one, which appeared in our first Baby Issue in 2003. View our other anniversary content here. There’s something magical and amazing about babies, especially as they grow up and develop. As adults, we have joy of helping a baby in that maturation process. One area of development on which parents and caregivers can have a significant impact is their acquisition of language skills. Infants as young as 8 months old have the ability to recognize words they have…

Your due date is approaching. You’ve chosen a pediatrician, created a birth plan, and decorated the nursery – but what about your hospital bag? “It is recommended to have your bags packed and ready by 36 weeks,” said Christine Herrera, one of the founders of CNY Doula Connection. “It is helpful if parents pack two to three separate bags: a labor bag for mom (that can be used during labor, but put in the car after baby is born, when mom is transferred to her postpartum room), a partner bag, and a postpartum bag (that will stay in the car until mom…

Baldwinsville’s Reeves Farms has a long history – it was founded more than a century ago. Karin Reeves is part of the fifth generation of her family to work on the farm. “My ancestors came over here in the late 1800s from England. It was totally different then,” she said. “Not the same type of farm, not the same scale, different mix of things that they grew, but someone from my family has been farming here since the late 1800s.” Today, Reeves Farms offers u-pick strawberries (June) and blueberries (July-early August). You can also purchase them at its farm stand…

Now that school is out for the summer, are you hoping to take a trip with your family? Located just 90 minutes from Syracuse, the Thousand Islands region offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. Alexandria Bay Alexandria Bay is known as the “Heart of the Thousand Islands.” One of my favorite spots to visit is Scenic View Park. The park includes a pirate-themed playground and a swim area – or you can walk over the footbridge (it is a replica of the Thousand Islands bridge) to Casino Island. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a great view of a cargo ship…