Author: Family Times
Onondaga Community College Receives $1 Million Donation A new program is coming to Onondaga Community College. Eric Allyn recently donated $1 million to the college in honor of his wife, Meg O’Connell. She previously served as interim president and chair of the Board of Trustees. With the money, OCC will create the “Meg O’Connell Center for Social Justice and Community Impact.” Each year, there will be a cohort of 20 students, and they will receive a stipend for volunteering and service-learning. “This gift, one of the largest in our history, will support OCC students to engage with the community in…
Did you know March is the peak of maple syrup season? New York State Maple Weekend, which runs from March 21-22 and 28-29, 2026, gives the public an opportunity to celebrate and learn about New York maple sugarmaking processes and traditions. Find family-friendly activities, tours, pancake breakfasts, and more at various locations across New York state at the Maple Weekend website. Here are a few places you can find the sweet treat (and other maple products) in Central New York. Bradt Rd Maple Bradt Rd Maple is a family-run maple syrup farm in Cato offering maple syrup, candy, spreads, BBQ…
Girl Scout Cookie Program® Returns The 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program® is underway. Last year, troops in the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways (GSNYPENN) Council sold 1,260,493 boxes of cookies, according to a press release. Nine varieties will be available in 2022, including Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups®, and the newest addition, Adventurefuls™, a brownie-themed cookie topped with sea salt and a caramel-flavored crème. The cookies cost $5 per box and will be on sale through March 27. “Our Girl Scouts are excited about the 2022 cookie program and our number one goal is to keep the experience safe, positive, and…
Whether you’re looking to get out of the house and embrace the cold weather, or would rather stay indoors, we’ve got you covered with our guide to winter activities. Please note: Visit each website for more information about current COVID-19 guidelines. Skiing and Snowboarding Lessons Are you hoping to sign up your child for skiing or snowboarding lessons? These mountains and ski hills are the perfect place to start – and they’re all an hour or less from Syracuse. Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – The closest option on this list, Four Seasons offers a four-week and a six-week program…
MOST Names New Presenting Sponsor for Be the Scientist The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, which recently celebrated 40 years, has a new presenting sponsor for its Be the Scientist program – Amazon. Held on the last Saturday of each month, the program allows visitors to explore careers in STEM. Upcoming topics include: Be the Robotics Engineer; Be the Drone Operator; Be the Orthopedist; and Be the Zoologist. “We are overwhelmed with excitement to work with Amazon and welcome them into our community,” said Lauren Kochian, MOST president, in a press release. “Especially with a program like…
Baltimore Woods Nature Center Hosts Annual Members Art Exhibit Baltimore Woods’ annual members art exhibit is back for its 13th year, featuring the work of more than 20 Central New York artists. Attendees can view drawings, ceramics and more, including: a photograph of the moon by Buddy Belonsoff; a watercolor painting of an Adirondack landscape by Judith Hand; and a mixed media piece, Finger Lakes Vineyard, by Sharon Frost. “It is always enjoyable to see what members of Baltimore Woods Nature Center contribute to this exhibit,” said Gallery Coordinator Karen Jean Smith in a press release. “Not only is there…
Are you looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays this year? Whether you’re eager to make new memories or want to revisit beloved local traditions, Central New York is full of festive fun for families of all ages. From twinkling light displays and outdoor ice-skating rinks to cozy craft fairs and magical rides on the Polar Express, there’s something special for everyone to enjoy.Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best holiday activities happening across the region—perfect for creating moments of joy all season long.Holiday Fun for the Whole FamilySyracuse Stage: A Christmas Story📅 Tuesday, November 25 –…
WonderWorks Syracuse Offers Fall Exhibits, Programs Do you have an artist in the family? WonderWorks Syracuse’s CNY Art Contest is returning for its second year – the theme is “Imagination.” Submissions are due by Wednesday, Dec. 15, and the winning pieces will be displayed for one year. On Saturday, Nov. 6, WonderWorks Syracuse will also offer science labs and experiments to recognize National STEM Day. Topics include: pressure, temperature, and origami. “We love hosting educational programs throughout the year that engage our community and excite our students. We’re excited to open applications for the second round of our CNY Art…
Grandma Lil’s Stuffing Ingredients: 1 bag Martin’s Potatobred Soft Cubed Stuffing 1 container vegetable broth 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 1 tsp. poultry seasoning Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dice onions and celery. Add to skillet with butter and poultry seasoning, then sauté until soft. In a large bowl, combine onion-celery mixture and bread cubes. Slowly add vegetable broth and mix until moist. Add additional poultry seasoning to taste. Pour mixture into pan, then bake for 30-45 minutes until crust forms on top. – Courtney Kless Anne’s Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out) Ingredients: ¼ cup Crisco ½ cup butter…
With the holidays right around the corner, are you still searching for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? You’ll find something for all ages – and interests – in our annual holiday gift guide. Chocolate Pizza Company When Chocolate Pizza Company was founded more than 30 years ago, its chocolate pizzas were available in two varieties – one with nuts and one without nuts. Since then, it has grown into a national brand, and now offers more than 100 sweet treats. Though it may be best known for its Chocolate Pizza and Peanut Butter Wings (potato chips…