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AREA SPAS: UPSTATE WAYS TO REVITALIZE WHAT’S TRENDING IN LOCAL SHOPS
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FM DANCE MARATHON CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
G O O D
L I F E
5 MAGICAL
BACKYARD ESCAPES SCONSET AT HOME IN WESTCOTT
PRESIDENT Tim Kennedy ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF THE GOOD LIFE Annette Peters 315-282-8527 apeters@advancemediany.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Lindsay Marlenga lmarlenga@advancemediany.com
EDITOR MJ Kravec 315-766-7833 mkravec@advancemediany.com ASSISTANT CONTENT EDITOR Amy Bleier Long 315-470-2146 ableierlong@advancemediany.com
MAGAZINE/EVENTS SALES MANAGER Jennifer K. Queri 315-282-8622 jqueri@advancemediany.com DESIGNER Susan Santola ssantola@advancelocal.com
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Thomas H. Brown 315-470-2053 tbrown@acssyr.com CUSTOMER SERVICE 315-470-6397
The Good Life, Central New York Magazine (ISSN 1931-194X) is published six times a year by Advance Media New York, 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, New York 13202. The Post-Standard © 2020. All material submitted to Central New York Magazine becomes the property of Advance Media New York, publishers of The Post-Standard and Central New York Magazine. It will not be returned. Such a submission, to name a few examples, may be a letter to the editor, a cartoon, a picture, a poem and the like. Any such material may be excerpted, edited for length or content, and may be published or used in any other way. For example, on Syracuse.com or in The Post-Standard.
James Suggett House Museum Kellogg Memorial Research Center Gift Shop
DS
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Telling Your Stories Since 1925
ADE GO DM
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CORTLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Your hometown source for genealogy and local history research!
315.685.5470 54 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, NY
S9481446-01
Open Tuesday-Saturday 1:00 – 5:00 pm 25 Homer Ave. Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-6071 cortlandhistory.org cchsresearchrequests@yahoo.com S9446437-01
tories Since 1925
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• Fat Fat Hat Hat • Clara ClaraS S •Joules ElliottHabitat Lauren
www.janemorganslittlehouse.com
S9369959-02
www.gallery54cny.com
• C omf y • Sl ims at ions • An-
Editor’s Letter
Hocus crocus
Editor’s picks
S P R I N G — N O W YO U S E E I T, N O W YO U D O N ’ T.
BOOT UP
A trusty pair of rain boots is a must come April. I love my classic black Hunters. But I’m tempted to try a brighter color — just to give those gray days the boot.
In our regular departments, Behind the
ing and magical — a peek of cro-
Scenes looks at 30 years of the Fayette-
cus, the warmth of the sun’s rays,
ville-Manlius High School Dance Marathon
the scent of the earth. Savor it now
(see our content editor and FM alum Amy
and blow some bubbles before, poof, it’s gone.
participating back in the day on page 9), Our
And cold again. Or snowing. Spring in Cen-
Town spotlights the village of Cazenovia,
tral New York is a roller coaster of warmth
CNY Scout stops by Golden Bee Bookshop in
and cold, rain and sun, green and brown.
Liverpool, Farm to Table features a season-
We’ll get there eventually.
al recipe for Butter Poached Radishes from
While it’s still dark and gray, the March/
Scratch Farmhouse Catering and Last Word
April issue of Central New York is offering a
visits with maple producer Michael Spicer
fresh perspective, with a look ahead at green-
from Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co.
er pastures. Inside this edition, you’ll find plenty of fresh with features on seasonally trendy accents from CNY shops, a round up
brighter side of CNY—rain or snow.
FERN PLANS
Cheers!
nate for the season, a grand tour of gorgeous
6
local backyards and a look at what’s trend-
MJ
ing in garden styles to get you in the mood
mkravec@advancemediany.com
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Flowery jasmine tea feels just right for this time of year. Its fresh green flavor is a subtle nod to springtime.
All good things that highlight the fresher,
of local spas and retreats to help you rejuve-
for the warmer days ahead.
GET JASSY
315-766-7833
Maidenhair ferns are delightfully delicate. Their lacy appearance has a fragile spring vibe that brings woodland romance to a kitchen window or desktop.
PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK
T
hose first signs of spring are fleet-
Contents Features
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Spring Forward
Brighter days ahead. Five trends of the season.
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A Rite of Spring
Area spas offer unique ways to revitalize after a long winter.
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Backyard Oasis
Five Central New Yorkers let us into their personal paradise.
68
Plant the Seeds
What to grow in 2020.
ON THE COVER
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Sconset, owned by Melissa Montgomery, takes in the sun in his backyard oasis in Syracuse. Photo by Alaina Potrikus. M A R C H /A P R I L
Departments 6 Editor’s Letter 11 It’s All Good
What to savor in CNY now... A Good Feeling, Behind the Scenes, Caught Doing Good.
22 The Seen
A pictorial review of Central New York’s social gatherings.
74 Our Town
Live like a local in Cazenovia.
76 CNY Scout
An independent bookstore in Liverpool.
79 Farm to Table
Scratch Farmhouse Catering shares a recipe for Butter Poached Radishes.
82 Art Profile
Artist Jim Ridlon’s collage paintings capture the evolution of light and mood.
86 Galleries
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That’s our content editor Amy back in the day as a freshman taking a dance break at the Fayetteville-Manlius High School Dance Marathon. The event celebrates 30 years this year and, like her, is still cool. This yearbook spread shows the 6th Dance Marathon held.
What’s on display in the art world.
89 Flashback
Joseph Ford Esser – Servant in Blue.
90 Last Word
With maple producer Michael Spicer.
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It’s All Good A G O OD F E E L I NG
Happy factor MARCH AND APRIL CAN CHALLENGE YOUR SUNNY SIDE.
O
STEAL THIS EASY FEEL-GOOD RITUAL FROM NORWAY. BY M J K R AV EC
Once March comes, you can officially start to think spring. The weather might have other ideas. Even with vernal equinox on March 19, winter tends to linger around here, running well into April or May. On top of that, Seasonal Affective Disorder is an annual reality for many people that goes hand in hand with cold weather. Given that, it helps to know that some of the happiest countries in the world have long, cold winters. Among those: Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. While many factors account for those rank-
ings, there are certain “happiness” rituals in each
country that we can incorporate into our own lives.
In each issue of Central New York, we’ll look at one of
these rituals and show you how to incorporate a little hap-
piness in your day, one borrowed habit at a time.
From Norway: Friluftsliv Pronounced free-loofts-liv, the word loosely translates to “free air
life” and a belief in the healing power of nature. In Norway, friluftsliv is a similar concept to Japan’s Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), only you don’t need to be in a wooded area. All that’s needed to benefit is to spend time outside. Research shows that being outdoors has mental health benefits. A Stanford University study found that an hour-and-a-half walk outdoors helped decrease negative thinking in subjects who were depressed. Take a walk in the woods, go biking at a park or watch the water of a nearby stream. Your time outside doesn’t have to involve strenuous physical activity. In friluftsliv, it’s more important to feel a connection to the outside world than to break a sweat. The point here is to get outdoors, feel the cold (or warmth) and smell the air. Several studies show that any time outside is likely to make you feel a little better. For a longer excursion, take a walk at Onondaga Lake Park, Beaver Lake Nature Center, Highland Forest, Green Lakes State Park or the Erie Canal trails. Even a walk around the neighborhood is enough to improve your mood. Just get out and take in the bigger world.
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PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Senja Island, Norway
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S P R I N G
F O R W A R D
As we start to feel hopeful that winter will make way for spring, we may find ourselves searching for ideas to refresh our surroundings. Whether it’s a novelty, the return of an old-is-new-again classic or a reflection of our evolving way of life, trends can be thoughtfully incorporated into our lifestyle. From a versatile color of the year (Classic Blue, as decreed by standard-bearer Pantone) to a timely and stylish supply of reusable bags, here are five trends that will endure. BY AMY BLEIER LONG PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH
TIME TO BLOOM: Sunflower pendulum clock, $62, Mixed Methods, 215 E. Water Street, Rear (entrance on Erie Boulevard), Syracuse, 315-399-1766, letsgetmixed.com.
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BY NICOLE MOSS UNDERWOOD
A RITE OF SPRING ARE A SPAS AND RESORTS OFFER REFRESHING WAYS TO RE J UVENATE AF TER A LONG WINTER
It’s so easy to get caught up in checking things off our “to do” lists that we often forget, or just don’t prioritize, taking care of ourselves. However, as counterintuitive as it may sound, taking time out of your busy day to relax will help you get more done. “Having a strong sense of well-being enables you to be more resilient, adaptable, creative and focused,” says clinical psychologist Paul M. Cohen, PhD, in Dewitt. “Your brain works better when you’re feeling good.” It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, as extravagant as a weekend getaway at a full-service spa or, more realistically, something in between. Regardless of how you decide to unwind, there are lots of places around CNY to help you rejuvenate, especially after the long winter. Here’s a look at three unique sites that offer treatments inspired by Upstate New York’s land, seasons and culture.
Mountain Horse Farm in Naples This spa has all the usual suspects: a variety of massages, a sauna, deluxe rooms with fireplaces and private Jacuzzis and a gourmet breakfast served to order. But it also has something you wouldn’t expect: Cows. Horses. Miniature ponies. All integrated into your spa experience. How? You might ask. Or, rather, Why? “It’s a natural type of mindfulness,” says Suzanne Vullers, owner of Moun-
COW C U D D LIN G , HORSE SNUGGLING & T I P I R E T R E AT S
tain Horse Farm. “When you meditate, you concentrate on your breathing. When you’re in the presence of the animals, they command your full attention, which is the definition of mindfulness.” This mindfulness happens naturally because the animals are big and, it’s something new and has a risk element. “These types of experiences make you feel very alive,” Vullers says. “You’re right there. You can’t focus on anything else. You can’t think about your shop-
Bonnie, a 2-year-old Scottish Highland cow, is one of eight social animals that greet visitors at Mountain Horse Farm in Naples.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN HORSE FARM
while it’s exciting, interacting with the animals can be a little scary because
BACK YA R D
OAS I S
BY AMY BLEIER LONG PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS
By this time of year, you are probably yearning for the warm sun on your face and a cool drink in your hand. Any Central New Yorker knows the feeling of wanting to extend the warmer months for as long as possible. Using a variety of elements (see the following pages), some have figured out how to accomplish this from early spring to the first frost. With thoughtful planning, your own backyard can be a retreat you never want to leave. We sought local inspiration and found beautiful backdrops that, regardless of scale, cater to family time, lazy afternoons and lively parties. From an urban secret garden to a resort-like setting, five Central New Yorkers share their personal paradise.
A pergola with seating overlooks a waterfall flowing into the tiled saltwater pool at the Smith family’s Fayetteville home.
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PLANT THE SEEDS IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO START DREAMING OF YOUR SUMMER GARDEN. WE ASKED AREA EXPERTS WHAT TO GROW IN CNY. BY M J K R AV EC
When it comes to gardening in Central New York, most of us won’t get the chance to plant until Memorial Day weekend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming up your garden plans now. We asked a few gardening experts for some ideas on what to plant this year. Whether you have a small yard or a large yard, sunny space or shady, there’s a garden variety to accommodate any space—rain or shine. Here’s what to grow.
English or cottage garden A cottage garden conjures images of the English countryside, a picket fence and a small house cuddled by pastel colors and a myriad of perennials, annuals and evergreens. Gardeners at Watson Greenhouse in Lafayette and Ballantyne Gardens in Liverpool like this style for its ability to blend with almost any style of home. This type of garden also does well in full or partial sun. Carol Watson, of Watson Greenhouse, says this style features a layered mix of evergreens such as boxwood with blooming shrubs including lilacs, hydrangeas, spirea and clematis vines and soft-colored perennials like lavender, delphinium, foxglove and geranium. Plantings are dense creating a full, lush look. Once established, the cottage garden requires little to no watering or fertilization, says Watson. Regular deadheading of the perennials will maintain neatness, she says.
PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Lisa Ballantyne, of Ballantyne Gardens, also likes cottage gardens for their informal look, easy maintenance and versatility as cottage gardens often combine flowers and herbs or vegetables. “We use a lot of colors and textures together,” says Ballantyne. “This is also an opportunity to combine flowers with edibles.” Accent this style with an arbor, trellis, bench or planted urns, says Watson. M A R C H /A P R I L
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CENTRAL NEW YORK IS ON THE MOVE
CenterState CEO’s most recent economic report shows economic advancement for our region and that job growth has accelerated over the past year, closing the gap as compared to the national average. Rob Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer said that we are seeing some of the best statistics in decades. Consider this: • In 2019, the Syracuse Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) grew jobs over the previous year at a rate of more than 2 percent, which is a higher rate than New York State as a whole and nearly 3.5 times the growth rate of Albany, Buffalo and Rochester combined. • Wages were up 4 percent in Syracuse from November 2018 to November 2019. • There was a 12.8 percent growth in millennials in Onondaga County, with the largest gain in the City of Syracuse with an increase of 9.3 percent according to American Community Survey data. It shows that people understand what a great place Central New York is to live, to work and to build your best life. Our secret is getting out — that we live in a vibrant, growing community. As our economy grows, there is greater demand for productive, well-trained workers. CenterState CEO is leading several initiatives to help address the needs of employers for available workers. They’ve
FIND OUT MORE AT GOODLIFECNY.COM AND PREPARE TO FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN.
partnered with Advance Media New York to create an all-in-one resource for Central New York companies to promote the area to job candidates. The project, The Good Life, Central New York, includes a multimedia marketing effort and a new website — goodlifeCNY.com — that provides potential Central New Yorkers everything they need to know about the region to entice them to join us in The Good Life. It’s focused on telling Central New York’s story, illustrating that CNY is a great, low-cost place to live, with an abundance of jobs, easy commutes and countless entertainment and recreational options in a beautiful central location. Check out the website — it’s filled with stunning photography, enticing stories about our hometown and more than 3,000 open job opportunities at area employers. Share it with friends or family that are considering relocating, and employers looking for their next new hire. More than 16,000 people have checked out the site since it went live just a few months ago. Among the site’s many features is a job board for hiring managers and job seekers that pulls jobs from CNY companies. It lets job seekers share information, giving participating employers access to a pool of candidates interested in finding employment in the region. It can be accessed from the Good Life CNY site or by linking directly at careers.goodlifecny.com. We all need to share the news about how great life is in CNY — that when it comes to affordability, ease of life and celebration in every season, our community is hard to beat.
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These are the local companies who are working together to promote CNY and to build our community: INFICON, Inc. M&T Bank National Grid Pathfinder Bank Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Inc. Saab Syracuse University Turning Stone Resort & Casino Bristol-Myers Squibb Onondaga County SyracuseCoE SRC Inc. AXA C&S Companies Fust Charles Chambers LLP Le Moyne College Thompson & Johnson Co., Inc.
These companies hope to attract more people to consider working in Central New York and calling it home. Join the initiative. Promote our hometown. Thank those forward-thinking companies that are working together to push this initiative forward. Share the more than 3,000 job opportunities listed across highlevel sectors like defense, engineering, health care and more. Act as an ambassador for Central New York and help us spread the good word. Share the website with friends or family interested in making a move. Use #goodlifeCNY to highlight the fun and beauty of your life in CNY. Follow GoodLifeCNY on social media and post and share your love of CNY.
#goodlifeCNY M A R C H /A P R I L
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