Author: Courtney Kless

Karen Notte, the early literacy specialist at the Fairmount Community Library, shares her picks for fall, Halloween and more.Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa SweetThis book by the Caldecott Honor artist explores the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – and introduces readers to the puppeteer who created its iconic balloons.Click, Clack, Boo! A Tricky Treat by Doreen CroninFarmer Brown isn’t the biggest fan of Halloween (he puts out a bowl of candy and goes to bed), but his animals have other plans.Fall/Otoño by Ailie BusbyIndoor and outdoor activities teach children about the season.Fancy Nancy and the Fall Foliage by Jane…

With cooler temperatures and changing leaves, fall is the perfect time for a hike.That recently led me to Baldwinsville.Beaver Lake Nature Center opened its doors in 1970 (the county had acquired most of the land, which was previously used for farming and a waterfowl refuge, seven years earlier). Today, its nine trails range in length from 0.3 to 3 miles, and wind through wetlands, meadows, forests and more. I recommend the Lakeview Trail, which offers views of its 200-acre glacial lake, and the Bog Trail, a 0.6-mile trail with an elevated boardwalk and observation tower. All were clearly marked, and…

 Cathy Mucci, Owner of Dance Centre North 1. Dance Centre North is celebrating its 35th season. How has it changed and evolved over that time? When I first opened Dance Centre North, I was teaching all the dance forms and all the levels on my own. I quickly realized that the intensity needed to keep up that pace would not last, and by the next year, had begun to hire other teachers. It’s not easy to let go and allow others to assist in the development of the students, but I have been extremely fortunate that the staff I have…

Fall is often a busy time for high school seniors, filled with college applications and admissions tests. But did you know those preparations can begin as early as their freshman or sophomore year? Sarah Gaffney, the vice president of enrollment management at Onondaga Community College, shares some tips for navigating the college timeline – and how students can make their application stand out. The College Timeline Freshman and Sophomore Year Students don’t have to wait until their final year of high school to begin preparing for the admissions process. During their freshman or sophomore year, families can begin talking about…

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…

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…