Animals, magic, and more

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> Students on Winter Break can get out of the house for some special free programs at Oneida Public Library.

First up is the Utica Zoomobile, which will stop at the OPL on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 10:30 a.m. Zoomobile experts will introduce several animals of the northern forests that are native to Upstate New York and tell how these animals survive harsh northern winters.

Also starting Feb. 19 and running through Friday, Feb. 22, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. is a new Winter Break mini-course dubbed Adulting 101 taught by Megan Gillander. Geared for ages 16 and up, Adulting 101 will help prepare young people to become independent adults in four basic lessons: Basic Finances (Feb. 19), Clothing Care ( Feb. 20), Interviewing (Feb. 21) and Easy and Healthful Meals (Feb. 22). To ensure a seat and receive handouts, students should sign up for one or more of the classes at the Library Desk or by calling the OPL at 315-363-3050.

Jeff D’Ambrosio, the “Magic Man,” will be on hand Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. to conduct his Balloon Twisting Workshop for children in grades 1-5. Limited to 20 participants, the workshop will teach children how to twist balloons into animal shapes of all descriptions. Jeff the Magic Manwill provide all the materials needed, while workshop participants can take their balloon creations home with them.

On Friday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m., students aged 6-12 can enlist in the OPL’s war card game tournament and, while they play for keeps, they can keep their strength up with do- nuts. Students should sign up ahead of time for the donuts and the war game program to ensure adequate supplies.

All Winter Break programs at the OPL are free and open to the public. For more information, stop by the Oneida Library, 220 Broad St., or call 315-3633050.

PHOTO COURTESY ONEIDA PUBLIC LIBRARY Jeff “the Magic Man” D’Ambrosio will be at Oneida Public Library Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at 6p.m. to teach children in elementary school how to make animals, real and imagined out, of balloons.