T H E
G O O D
CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE A LOCAL TEEN’S LEGACY OF HOPE OUR ANNUAL GIFT GUIDE
L I F E
Contents Features
33
The Gift of Giving
Our annual holiday gift guide featuring local shops.
43
Scrooged
Redhouse production puts a local spin on the Dickens classic.
46
Cheer Factor
Fresh-for-the-season ideas from area experts.
58
To Make Things Better
With the community’s support, Charlie Poole left a legacy of hope and a place of comfort for teens with cancer in CNY.
66
LET IT SNOW
A New Initiative
Snowglobe lantern, $42, The Rose Cottage, 214 S. Manlius Street, Fayetteville, 315-637-1330, therosecottageny.com.
10
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
The Good Life, Central New York aims to bring bright, new talent to CNY.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
46 Departments 6 Editor’s Letter 13 It’s All Good
What to savor in CNY now... Downtown Doings, Behind the Scenes, Caught Doing Good.
24 The Seen
A pictorial review of Central New York’s social gatherings.
66
68 Our Town
Live like a local in Liverpool.
70 CNY Scout
Syracuse gets its own special version of Monopoly.
73 Farm to Table
The Horned Dorset Inn shares a recipe for Moroccan Lamb Stew.
76 Art Profile
New director aims to expand SU Art Galleries’ reach.
76
80 Galleries
What’s on display at Central New York galleries.
82 Flashback
Channel Eighters: The deliciously different double donut.
83 The Last Word
With Fred Grandy, star of the Redhouse’s production of “A Syracuse Christmas Carol.”
58
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
11
It’s All Good
ALL WHITE NOW Make paper snowflakes and hang in a room or windows — this decoration can stay up all winter long to brighten the season.
Making merry It might be cold and dark, but the mood is merry and bright. Set the scene with the season’s gifts: hot cider, fresh greens and pretty paper snowflakes. BY M J K R AV EC
It’s All Good
PICTURE IT
SHEAR GLAMOUR We love a faux sheepskin rug folded over a chair or placed at the foot of a sofa for an extra luxurious, cozy touch.
ORANGE BOWL Make a festive, natural air freshener with orange pomander balls. Poke whole cloves into an orange and display in bowls throughout your home. If nothing else, it’s good karma for the team.
WA S S U P In the spirit of a traditional wassail, make this hot cider wassail from NY Apple Country. Combine a half gallon of cider with 2 cups of orange juice, 1 cup lemon juice, 5 cups pineapple juice, 1 tsp whole cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks. Simmer low on stovetop or in a crock pot for one hour. Serve in mugs.
14
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Go through your favorite photos of the fam from this year and make prints in sepia tones or black and white. Display in small frames around a cluster of candles at your Thanksgiving table for a truly meaningful centerpiece.
HANG AROUND Cut fresh greens from your yard and place branches on the rungs of a chandelier for a naturally festive touch.
GO POPS Symphoria hosts its Holiday Pops concert featuring holiday favorites and soon-to-be favorites, with the Syracuse Pops Chorus, dancers and special guest vocalist, Syracuse native and Broadway Star Lizzie Klemperer. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14. At Crouse Hinds Concert Theater. Tickets at experiencesymphoria.org.
CAROL OF THE BELLE
PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Gorgeous sets and costumes, music and a classic story about a wicked curse transforming a young prince into a ghastly beast. To break the spell, Beast must learn to love and be loved. Can Belle save him? Beauty & The Beast runs at Syracuse Stage Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. Tickets at syracusestage.org.
SLED HEADS Add a nostalgic look to your holiday entrance. Display a vintage or antique sled by the front door.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
15
It’s All Good D OW N T OW N D OI NG S
City sidewalks HOLIDAYS IN THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON IN DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE
BY M J K R AV EC
Downtown shops and venues come together to celebrate the season in the third annual Holidays in the City, Dec. 7. The day-long event features choir performances, holiday shopping, ice carving demonstrations, ice skating with holiday characters and more. Sponsors Advance Media New York and The Downtown Committee of Syracuse bring together local businesses and special attractions to showcase the spirit of the holidays in downtown Syracuse. “Downtown brings the magic of the season to life,” says Merike Treier, executive director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. “… we hope to continue this new tradition for families across Central New York.” Additional highlights include: Live reindeer with Santa’s sleigh for photo opps, ice sculptures in Clinton Square and a holiday trolley to connect all the happenings to and from Hanover Square, the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, Armory Square and the Everson Museum. Holidays in the City will also bring back the popular Holiday Window Walk featuring decorated windows of downtown businesses entered in the Downtown Committee’s Window Decorating Contest. Visitors can take a break from the sights and skate with Santa Claus at the Clinton Square ice rink, tour the Gingerbread House exhibit at the Erie Canal Museum and stop by The MOST for a “Polar Express” pajama party. Other ongoing activities include holiday movies at the Landmark Theatre and the Everson Museum’s Festival of Trees. The Onondaga County Public Library in the Galsongs, hot chocolate and more. Visitors who walk to each attraction viewing holiday windows will also
Santa Claus skates in Clinton Square during the second annual Holidays in the City in 2018.
find specials at many downtown shops, restaurants and bars. Look for the event decal in participating downtown storefront windows.
16
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
For more information, go to holidaysinsyr.com.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL GREENLAR
leries will host storytelling, crafts, carnival games,
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GREENLAR, SANDY ROE
Top, Jack the reindeer gets admired by onlookers. Above, ice carver Jerry Purun smooths the edges on an ice sculpture in Clinton Square. Right, children pose for photos with holiday characters strolling city streets at the second annual Holidays in the City.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
17
R EDHOUSE PU TS A LOCA L T W IST O N C H A R L E S D I C K E N S ’ C L A S S I C TA L E . BY M J K R AV EC
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
43
It’s been done, as Nat King Cole sings, many times, many ways. Versions of Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol” have been reinterpreted by Disney, Hallmark Channel, the Muppets, even the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce. Now Redhouse is wrapping up its own version — a gift to the city — in “A Syracuse Christmas Carol,” which will star actor Fred Grandy.
Written just for Syracuse, the show fea-
Fred Grandy stars as Scrooge in “A Syracuse Christmas Carol” at Redhouse.
about the old Sibley’s building?’” Foster says.
tures city landmarks, icons and historical
Leading the cast, Fred Grandy, who played
figures, “hummable Christmas tunes and a
“Gopher” on the television series “The Love
Broadway-style score” with original songs,
Boat,” will appear in his third production at
choreography and puppets.
Redhouse (he previously appeared in “On
The idea came from Redhouse Artistic Di-
Golden Pond” and “I’m Not Rappaport”).
rector Hunter Foster, who had previously
Foster discussed the role with Grandy while
directed “A Connecticut Christmas Carol”
the two worked together on “Rappaport,”
while at East Haddam’s Goodspeed Musi-
which also starred Grandy’s “Love Boat”
cals in Connecticut. Writer L.J. Fecho wrote
co-star Ted Lange.
versions for different cities across the coun-
“I’ve been here since December. So when
try and Foster liked the idea of bringing it
Fred and Ted came to do ‘Rappaport,’ we just
to Central New York.
hit it off. We were out at dinner and we start-
“I said, what if we did one for Syracuse? It would refer to all things Central New York
ed talking about things next year and I asked him about ‘A Syracuse Christmas Carol.’”
and the people from Central New York and
Joining him will be 11 mostly local actors,
the stuff that I’ve learned about Syracuse...”
a children’s chorus of six and puppets from
The project was a go. Fecho wrote the book while Michael O’Flaherty wrote the music and lyrics. “I’m not from here, but I knew a lot of the references. My wife is from Rochester. There are things they have in com-
Open Hand Theater.
T
he show is set on Christmas Eve in 1999. Prominent business man Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three
mon like Wegmans and Delta Sonic and Di-
ghosts — each a Central New York icon. To
nosaur Bar-B-Que...”
find which icons to feature as ghosts of past,
To find the right references that were dis-
present and future, Redhouse staff looked at
tinct to the area and would work for the story,
prominent people from different eras to de-
the staff went through an organized reading
termine which people could appear as ghosts,
of the script and music together.
yet still have a timeline that made sense.
What also makes the show unique is how
“In doing it, you have to line it up time-
the setting, icons and local references drive
line-wise. You have to go back to [Scrooge’s]
the story and its direction. “There are certain
childhood and when he’s in his 20s and 30s,
things that lend themselves to the storytell-
so all the ghosts have to be dead by the time
ing,” Foster says. “We have L. Frank Baum, so
he’s (the story) is in the present,” Foster says.
now we can do a big Wizard of Oz number.”
Why 1999?
Audiences will also appreciate referenc-
“It was how everything was sort of lined
es to local favorites. Foster particularly ap-
up. We thought it was interesting to be on
preciates the appearance of Sibley’s in the
the verge of the millennium and it worked
show, given that the theater is housed in the
out...” he says.
same building where Sibley’s once stood. It’s an occurrence that wasn’t intentional. “It was a total coincidence that Sibley’s is in it — the writer is not from here. He called me up and said, ‘Do you know anything
The play is set in downtown Syracuse, where Scrooge’s office is located. There’s also a reference to the Redhouse itself. Because, why not? “It’s a really fun show,” Foster says.
“A Syracuse Christmas Carol” runs Dec. 12-22. For more information or tickets, visit theredhouse.org or call 315-362-2785.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
45
CNY Scout
Risk and reward BY AMY BLEIER LONG PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS
Hints and private previews, cards (literally) kept close
Thinking that it also would be a great opportunity for a
to the vest. It seems more suited to Clue, but the details
fundraiser, Nicotera linked the sales to benefit another cli-
of the City of Syracuse First Edition Monopoly game have
ent — the Abraham House, a non-profit that serves termi-
been closely guarded. Until now, the gameboard prototype
nally ill patients and their families. The City of Utica ver-
and other components have only been shared on a need-
sion was released to great success in 2018. The demand for the game led Nicotera to explore the pos-
to-know basis. When this officially licensed version is released to the public on November 15, the parts of our city that were immortalized will be revealed. The level of secrecy may seem unusual, but it was just the thing to generate interest when Jeana Nicotera first spearheaded a custom Monopoly project for the city of Utica.
To accomplish all that goes into manufacturing a custom Monopoly game, Nicotera brought on Karie Ballway, an executive vice president in Cooley’s East Syracuse office. They drew up a wish list of local companies and corporate entities they wanted to approach. Because gameplay
Nicotera is a Utica-based brand consultant at Cooley Group,
remains unchanged from the original, the duo had to en-
a company in the print and promotional products industry.
sure that the participants featured fit appropriately, while
She had been germinating the idea of a themed Monopoly
still highlighting hometown treasures and iconic places in
game for a few years; after seeing a law enforcement-themed
the community.
game at a trade show in Las Vegas, she pitched a similar project for a client, but Hasbro denied the request. Undeterred, she tried again, broadening the focus to all of Utica. 70
sibility of creating a Syracuse version.
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Nicotera and Ballway carefully considered their options while exploring potential beneficiaries for the game. They realized that the Food Bank of Central New York
“These funds will help us to acquire and distribute enough food for 600,000 nutritious meals, making a tremendous difference in the emergency food network and in the lives of children, families, and seniors struggling with food insecurity.” LYNN HY, CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF THE FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
would be a partner with a wide geographic
about the project.
Free pick-ups for pre-ordered games take
reach (it covers 11 counties) and an admi-
To drum up interest, they met with lo-
rable, apolitical mission: The Food Bank
cal media and set up at the Syracuse Na-
and on John Glenn Boulevard on Novem-
has been helping to feed hungry Central
tionals and the New York State Fair (both
ber 15, 16, 22 and 23.
New Yorkers for nearly 35 years.
place at Wegmans in Dewitt, Fairmount
participants in the game) to facilitate pre-
Games can be shipped for a fee or found
“How can anyone frown on feeding the
sales and awareness. With confidence in
at other participating locations, including
hungry and helping people in need?” says
the growing number of presales, they
Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, Green Hills
Nicotera. Teaming up with the Food Bank
took a chance and submitted an order for
Farms market and Joey’s Classic Italian
also gave them access to Lynn Hy, chief
10,000 games.
Dining, after November 15.
development officer of the Food Bank,
When the 10,000 games are sold, Cool-
Though bringing the City of Syracuse
who has a broad network and helped at-
ey Group will donate $200,000 from the
Monopoly game to fruition involved a long
tract support.
proceeds to the Food Bank.
behind-the-scenes process of legal con-
The three worked their networks to
“These funds will help us to acquire and
tracts, sponsorship requests and pitching
secure underwriters. In a large show of
distribute enough food for 600,000 nutri-
Hasbro on our city, the Cooley Group and
support for the project, Syracuse Univer-
tious meals, making a tremendous differ-
the Food Bank are excited to be connect-
sity signed on to sponsor the entire or-
ence in the emergency food network and in
ed to the most popular board game brand
ange section plus the creation of a spe-
the lives of children, families, and seniors
worldwide and to take it to the next level
cial token.
struggling with food insecurity,” says Hy.
with the fundraising element.
Having the cachet of the university and its
In addition to benefitting from the pro-
“It’s a great community and civic pride
ability to promote the game to its extensive
ceeds, the Food Bank has a featured to-
project that [everyone], we hope, will get
network helped convince other organiza-
ken in the game.
behind and we appreciate the support. It’s
tions who were considering participating.
Games are still available for purchase on-
been a fun project, and it will be iconic for
“No pun intended, it [was] a game chang-
line at $49.99 on syracusemonopoly.com.
people to have over the years,” says Ballway.
er,” says Ballway. In the pink and yellow districts, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Laci’s Tapas Bar, Pastabilities, the MOST, the St. Patrick’s Parade and Tipperary Hill’s upside-down traffic light are represented. Other underwriters include Beak & Skiff, Harrison Bakery, deLima Coffee, the Syracuse Crunch and Wegmans. A popular, historic downtown landmark has pride of place as Boardwalk; local auto dealers replace the railroads. To make games available for the holiday season, the order had to be submitted to Hasbro in mid-August. After the initial announcement and website launch in July, Nicotera and Ballway had very little time to get the word out NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
71
Galleries ArtRage Gallery, The Norton Putter Gallery 505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, artragegallery.org. 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free.
Jerome Witkin: This Time, This World: Jerome Witkin, who after studying art in both the U.S. and Europe, became a professor of art at Syracuse University in 1971. Witkin is one of the most important figurative painters alive today. John Handley, director of the Stephen Austin University Art Galleries, writes “Witkin’s art is not for the faint of heart. Although he renders in pencil and paint as skillfully and theatrically as Caravaggio or Rembrandt — he is a master of drama and light — his work often carries the blunt force of a wartime journalist.” His biographer, Sherry Chayat, once noted that when Witkin enters his studio, “…he leaps into the dark realm of political repression, the Holocaust, the private wars of domesticity, the collision of recurrent nightmares and the evening news.” His work is included in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Uffizi in Florence, Italy, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. Through Jan. 11, 2020.
Edgewood Gallery 216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse. 315-445-8111, Edgewoodartandframe.com. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday-Monday. Free.
Holiday Exhibit: Nature-inspired works by Shawn L. Halperin: This exhibit includes carved cedar sculpture, wood and mixed media wall pieces and jewelry incorporating wood and metal. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22. Through Jan. 3, 2020.
401 Harrison St., Syracuse. 315-474-6064, everson.org. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed MondayTuesday. $5 suggested donation.
Earth Piece: Named after Yoko Ono’s 1963 Earth Piece, a score that invites the reader to “listen to the sound of the earth turning,” this exhibition examines artists who have combined clay and ceramics with performance art, photography, conceptual art and even land art. Far from being used as “just another material,” clay comes freighted with millennia of associations with material culture. Earth Piece highlights the work of well-known figures from the art world, as well as lesser-known artists whose work shaped the field of ceramics into a vibrant discipline that is equally at home in both domestic and contemporary spheres. Through Jan. 5, 2020. On My Own Time: CNY Arts’ 46th annual On My Own Time exhibition connects Central New York businesses in a collaboration that promotes the benefits of the creative process across community sectors. Original works created by amateur artists working in a variety of professions were displayed at their work sites. This professional juried selection recognizes the outstanding works by employees of Central New York companies and organizations. Through Nov. 17.
80
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
“Migrant” by Jerome Witkin at ArtRage Gallery.
Light Work Gallery, Kathleen O. Ellis Gallery at Light Work 316 Waverly Ave., Syracuse. 315-443-1300, lightwork.org. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and by appointment. Free.
Wendy Red Star: Baaeétitchish (One Who Is Talented): Light Work is pleased to present Baaeétitchish (One Who Is Talented), a solo exhibition by artist Wendy Red Star. Red Star works across disciplines to explore the intersections of Native American ideologies and colonialist structures, both historically and in contemporary society. Raised on the Apsáalooke (Crow) reservation in Montana, Red Star’s work is informed both by her cultural heritage and her engagement with many forms of creative expression, including photography, sculpture, video, fiber arts and performance. An avid researcher of archives and historical narratives, Red Star seeks to incorporate and recast her research, offering new and unexpected perspectives in work that is at once inquisitive, witty and unsettling. Reception, 5-7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 14. Through Dec. 12.
PHOTO BY ELIYAHU LOTZAR
Everson Museum of Art
Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 315-428-1864, cnyhistory.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free but donations encouraged.
Strolling Down Salina Street: 1940-1980: So many Central New Yorkers have fond memories of coming to Syracuse and taking in the shops, the sights, and the sounds of Salina Street, the heart of Downtown. This exhibit re-creates Salina Street in our large first-floor gallery, using photographs and artifacts from the many shops, so that visitors to our downtown museum can “stroll” down the grand old street once again. Through early 2020. From the Vault: Temple Concord 180th Anniversary Exhibit: In 2019, Temple Concord celebrates its 180th anniversary as an integral component of Syracuse & Onondaga County. As part of its From the Vault series, OHA is marking this momentous occasion with a display of photos and objects from Temple Concord and OHA’s archives. OHA’s display succinctly reviews 180 years of Temple Concord’s presence in the community.
Picker Art Gallery
SU Art Galleries
Dana Arts Center, Colgate University, Hamilton. 315-228-7634, colgate.edu/picker. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Free admission.
First floor of Shaffer Art Building, Syracuse University, Syracuse. 315 443-4097, suart.syr.edu. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, closed Monday. Free.
Original Materials: The Picker Art Gallery and the Building of a Collection: This exhibition celebrates Colgate’s Bicentennial by presenting a look at the past, present and future of the art collections at the Picker Art Gallery. Drawing from the museum’s diverse holdings, along with documents and photographs from Colgate University Archives, the exhibition explores significant moments in the museum’s development, looks at the people who helped to build the collection and examines the ways in which collections and collecting at the Picker help shape a Colgate education. Through Dec. 22.
PHOTOS COURTESY EDGEWOOD GALLERY AND LIGHT WORK GALLERY
Wendy Red Star at Light Work Gallery
Shawn L Halperin, Bluebird Cedar Carving at Edgewood Gallery.
Not a Metric Matters: Features new and recent artwork from 16 faculty members from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University. The exhibition highlights artists working in a wide variety of media including painting, photography, drawing, ceramics, art video and site-specific installations. Curated by D.J. Hellerman, curator of art and programs at the Everson Museum of Art, this exhibition brings together the eclectic and powerful work of design, studio arts and transmedia faculty. Through Nov. 24. Teaching Methods: The Legacy of Art and Design Faculty: Syracuse University enjoys the distinction of being the first institution of higher education to confer Baccalaureate of Arts degrees. Over the nearly 150 years since its founding, the program has evolved, reflecting different aesthetic sensibilities at different times in its history. One constant has been a talented group of faculty who strive to provide the best possible learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. This exhibition presents a sampling of the work by select former faculty in the permanent collection. Through Nov. 24. Skeptical Gaze: How Photomontage Blurs the Lines of Reality: Explores silver gelatin prints and newsprints which contain the photographic technique of photomontage. This exhibition specifically connects contemporary ideas about skepticism towards visual imagery with traditional darkroom techniques as a way to encourage the audience to assess their trust and belief in what visual representations they are consuming. Comprised of artwork from the Syracuse University Art Collection, Special Collections Research Center, Light Work Collection and Visual Studies Workshop, this exhibition highlights images that use both fine art photography and mass media produced photography as a vehicle to begin this conversation. Through Nov. 24.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
81
The Last Word
What’s your favorite time of year? My favorite time of the year is usually right around Thanksgiving but having done two shows at the Redhouse now I’m also kind of partial to Syracuse in March.
This is your third production at Redhouse, only this time you’re here in December. Did anyone warn you about the snow? Our winters can get pretty brutal. I grew up in western Iowa where we often had snow on Halloween and still went trick or treating. Plus, two years ago when I was doing “On Golden Pond” at the Redhouse, we had three blizzards in four weeks.
Do you have a favorite version of “A Christmas Carol”? The grainy old black-and-white version of Christmas Carol starring that wonderful British actor Alistair Sim is still my fave, although the Muppet version ain’t bad.
Any places in Central New York that you might like to visit while in town? Fred with daughter Marya.
The rehearsal schedule for Redhouse shows is usually pretty intense. I’m lucky if I make it to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
Have you been to Wegmans yet? I practically live at Wegmans when I’m in town.
Salt potatoes are a big thing around here (and they’re mentioned in the play), ever have one? I’ve managed to do two gigs in Syracuse without ever having a salt potato. It looks like this time though the jig is up.
With Fred Grandy A F T E R T WO P R O D U CT I O N S AT R E D H O U S E , ACTO R R E T U R N S TO C N Y TO P L AY “ S C R O O G E” I N “A SY R AC U S E C H RIST M AS CA R O L .” BY M J K R AV EC
What’s your favorite thing to do in the snow? These days, get out of it as quickly as I can.
Do you have a favorite holiday tradition? My daughter Marya who has also worked at the Redhouse usually hosts a big Thanksgiving for family and friends at her place in Chicago. Going there is now a hallowed tradition in our household.
Who were your favorite guest stars from “The Love Boat”? (We couldn’t resist.)
A little background: You’ve been a television actor, a politician,
Ethel Merman played my mother on the show. She will
a radio show host and stage actor. What else have you been up
always be my favorite. Vincent Price was also a delight to
to lately?
work with.
In addition to the careers you mentioned, I have also been the Pres-
Anything you’d like to add?
ident and CEO of Goodwill Industries, International, a professor at
The production of “I’m Not Rappaport” which (“Love
the University of Maryland and Belmont Abbey, a small Catholic col-
Boat” co-star) Ted Lange and I performed last spring at
lege in North Carolina and a national security analyst in Washing-
the Redhouse will get a second life when we open the sea-
ton, D.C. I was also on the public speaking circuit for about 15 years
son for the Buck’s County Playhouse next May. Director
lecturing on politics and public service.
Vince Cardinal and cast members Laura Austin and John
What time do you get up in the morning
Bixler will also be part of the show. And currently Ted and
and how do you take your coffee?
I are putting together a podcast tentatively titled Back on
I can’t sleep past 6 a.m. thanks to my days as an early morning radio host and because I am always up at the crack, I take my coffee black.
Board with Fred and Ted. Show biz patter with celebs, ancient and modern.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE
83