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Seasons Snowboarders ride a chairlift in the evening. THINKSTOCK LOCAL DOG PARKS Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie, 16506 814-835-8331 Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sundays closed Horstman & Sons Country Store 3803 W. 26th St., Erie, 16506 814-836-0538 Hours: dawn to dusk (Please fill out an application first.) McClelland Park East 26th Street, Erie Hours: dawn to dusk When it’s cold outside, enjoy some family time inside with puzzles and games. THINKSTOCK best-selling cycling jackets is the Specialized Gore Windstopper that provides breathability and comfort. Resistant to wind and snow, it can be worn as a base layer for added warmth or by itself. “Weather-rated, lobster-claw winter gloves are a hot item too,” Smith says. Fleece-lined and neon-colored, these gloves will keep you toasty. CABIN FEVER: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Denise Miller, teacher at Elk Valley Elementary School in Lake City, has blended her experience of engaging second graders in wintertime classroom activities and raising three sons, Josh, Luke and Zach. “Boredom is never a good thing for kids,” she says, “in the classroom or at home. The challenge is to create engaging classroom and family activities, like these, that appeal to multiple interests.” 1. Read a book as a family: Take turns choosing the title then read aloud in a family group. 2. Complete a jigsaw puzzle: Keep a log 22 | L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E / / w w w . l a k e e r i e l i f e s t y l e . c o m for time spent to finish. 3. Join a local class: Check out your local rec center’s schedule of classes, or the YMCA in your community, to find a group activity, maybe dance or art, or aerobic, the whole family can enjoy. And it gets you out of the house.  4. Scrapbooking: Choose a theme for a family scrapbook, visit your local art supply store, and settle down for a long winter’s evening as you create memories and a new family tradition. WINTERTIME CARE FOR YOUR PET Rachel Converse, vice president of Because You Care and longtime advocate for animals, offers her list for their winter and holiday happiness. “We all want our pets to be safe and happy,” she says. “Wintertime has its special challenges and considerations because the weather here in Erie can be brutal.” • To Grandmother’s House We Go: When traveling, pack supplies for your pet in case of an emergency or breakdown: blanket, bowls,