PLANT PARENTS SHOW US THEIR FAVORITE SPACES
COZY SPOTS TO ESCAPE THE WINTER CHILL
IMPACTFUL UPDATES TO MAKE TO YOUR HOME
THOM FILICIA ON SUCCESS, THE SPOTLIGHT AND HIS SYRACUSE ROOTS
As the region’s leader in robotic-assisted surgery Crouse Health is the only area hospital to offer the latest, minimally invasive technique for prostate surgery using a single, small incision. The da Vinci SP system uses advanced technology designed for access to tissue in the body with greater precision and enhanced mobility.
A pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, urologist Po Lam, MD, is the first and only surgeon in the region to utilize the da Vinci Single Port robotic system for prostate removal. His experience with the SP system places him in the top tier* of robotic surgeons in the U.S. using this innovative technology.
*Intuitive Surgical
See interview with Po Lam, MD, and SP patient Dan Cannucciari: crouse.org/ RoboticsSinglePort
Ask your physician if Single Port robotic surgery is appropriate for you.
As Seen at the 2023 Parade of Homes at River Grove at Radisson
Roma Tile and Marble is proud to have showcased our exceptional kitchen remodeling projects at the prestigious 2023 Parade of Homes. Our work stood out among the best, demonstrating innovation, style, and a commitment to creating spaces that redefne luxury.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Explore our exquisite range of materials, including Granite, Quartz, and Quartzite tile. Turn your remodeling dreams into reality. Contact us today for a consultation and let’s embark on a journey to create the kitchen of your dreams!
Saturday by appointment
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In the wildlife viewing room at Beaver Lake Nature Center, visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of the preserve while staying warm (see story, page 38). Photo by Alaina Potrikus Beckett. Design by Susan Santola.
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 © 2024. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic/digital, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission. 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.
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Please tell us about yourself. It helps us better understand our readers and craft our content.
I identify as
S
B M W Th e U l t i m a t e D r i v i n g M a c h i n e ®
Co n t a c t a C l i e n t A d v i s o r a t b u rd i c k b m
Ihave long had an interest in decorating and interior design. In high school, I would cut out pictures of extremely modern and minimalist interiors and put them in a portfolio to save for later (this was pre-Pinterest). My tastes have changed drastically over time and with the exposure I had to the design world through my magazine career. By way of the style and home departments I worked in, I got to surround myself with decorative objects, textiles, furniture and fixtures. Learning from and having access to so many creatives and interior designers, especially during my time at Traditional Home, was energizing.
Speaking of interior designers I’ve worked with, writer Rayshaun Sandlin checked in with Thom Filicia (p. 72) as he reflects on his design career and the 20th anniversary of hitting the national spotlight as a member of The Fab Five. Also in this issue, we ask local experts what homeowners should know about design and remodeling trends, what could be tackled as a DIY and when it’s best to leave a project to the pros. MJ scouts cozy spots that could be homes away from home, providing a little escape from the cold with delightful bonuses such as birds, books or brews. Plus, eight
plant-lovin’ people graciously opened their doors to us and shared how they display their lush greenery.
If you’re interested in starting your own veggie garden, writer Cheryl Abrams dug for tips on how to get going. No green thumb? No worries. Let the topiary art of Michelle Masters grow on you.
In other stories, we explore the city of Cortland, recognize the owner of a popular sports pub for his contributions to his hometown, highlight the next chapter of a Syracuse institution and savor a recipe that combines early spring produce and bright citrus notes.
And if you want to put the idea of home in perspective, you can think about the total solar eclipse on April 8 and our truly tiny place in this vast universe. We chose to end this edition with thoughts from Syracuse Astronomical Society Observatory Director Raymond Dague.
We hope you enjoy this issue and appreciate each of you for bringing us into your home!
Amy Bleier Long ableierlong@advancemediany.com
As always, we’d love to hear from you about story ideas, thoughts, tips, suggestions, you name it. Drop us a line at info@readcnymagazine.com.
And now, a word from our contributors:
Rayshaun Sandlin
“I felt so fortunate having the opportunity to lock in and chat with an OG member of “Queer Eye.” As a queer person just arriving in Syracuse, I also loved learning about his hometown directly through his eyes.”
On writing about Thom Filicia
Allison Kenien
“Talking with home and garden experts for this month’s feature inspired me to think creatively about my own home and how to give it a fresh look. I’m loving these new trends!”
On writing about home trends
48
Welcome to the Jungle Eight Central New Yorkers with exceedingly green thumbs let us into their plant paradises.
38 Getting Cozy
When you need an escape, or a blast of warm air, without the airfare — check out these spots.
60
Make Yourself at Home
Local home and remodeling experts share what updates are trending, and what can be DIY vs. done by a pro.
72
Life by Design
After 20 years in the spotlight, interior designer Thom Filicia reflects on where he’s been.
CNY Scout: Michelle Masters Topiary Art
Farm to Table: The Tasting Room’s Citrus-glazed Duck Breast recipe
Down to Earth: Starting a container garden 88 Art Profile: Trinity Lowe’s “Black Excellence” exhibition
Flashback with OHA:
Through our involvement with numerous local nonprofits, including the Community Foundation, we developed a deeper understanding of the needs of the community. Though we moved out of the area when we retired, our commitment to and appreciation of CNY remains strong – in the form of family and philanthropy.
At a time when a considerable amount of wealth is transitioning out of CNY, the Community Foundation’s 5forCNY effort encourages those of us who have benefited from living in the region to pay it forward. By designating a portion of our estate to the 5forCNY Fund, we hope to help address the region’s high poverty rates and other important needs.
It makes good financial sense for those of us who were brought up and profited from being here to participate in this effort (whether they moved away or not). Together, we can build a tremendous resource to provide for future generations.
Read more of the Meaths’ story by scanning the QR code or visiting cnycf.org/meath
BY MJ KRAVEC
March blows in with a peek of green, touch of sun, melting snow piles, is cold weather done?
Here are seven ways to savor the waning of winter now.
To commemorate National Poetry Month, Point of Contact is hosting the Cruel April series with four Thursday night poetry readings from 6 to 8 p.m. in the MUSe Lab Gallery space at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse Building (formerly the Point of Contact Gallery), 350 W. Fayette St. in Syracuse. Guest speakers Juan Felipe Herrera (April 4), Marcelo Hernández Castillo (April 11), Emily Lee Luan (April 18), Vicky Vértiz (April 25) and Dashel Hernández Guirado (TBD) will discuss original works. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, email: pointofcontactgallery@gmail.com.
Making something with maple is required during maple syrup season, so try this maple latte. Put 1-2 Tbsp. of maple syrup in a mug. Add one cup of freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk. Sip and enjoy while thinking spring thoughts.
Delight your littles and celebrate
St. Patrick’s Day with a sprinkle of magic. Before the kids wake up, add green food coloring to milk, set out a box of Lucky Charms on the counter, tint toilet water green and place gold chocolate coins around the house or stash in a lunch pack.
We love this spring cleaning tip from Real Simple. Avoid aerosol sprays and stick with natural solutions to freshen your home. Neutralize trash bin smell by sprinkling odor-absorbing baking soda into the bottom of the bin.
Get a jump on the greening of the season and create your own indoor decor with preserved moss (found at craft stores). Place moss in a wooden bowl and use as an early spring centerpiece, hot glue moss to a basket and hang on a wall, use to top off soil in houseplants or layer moss inside a bell jar for a seasonal touch on a sideboard.
Broadway in Syracuse presents “Pretty Woman: The Musical” March 19-23 at the Landmark Theatre. Based on the iconic movie starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, “Pretty Woman” features music by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and, of course, the classic title song by Roy Orbison. For more information: nacentertainment.com/syracusepretty-woman-the-musical
Head into the city for Downtown Syracuse Dining Weeks, March 1-14. Get a taste of the restaurants that offer a variety of culinary delights. Participating restaurants are offering three-course lunches for $15 (or less) and three-course dinner options for $40 (or less). For more information: downtownsyracuse.com/ events/signature/downtownsyracuse-dining-weeks
A cold shot to your morning routine can boost well-being
BY MJ KRAVEC
Take a cold shower — It’s used as a punchline. Who would seriously want to immerse themselves under a stream of icy water? People who want to reap the mental and physical benefits of a form of hydrotherapy.
According to health.com, a 2008 study showed promising health benefits to taking cold showers one to two times a day for up to five minutes each. The site noted that cold temperatures activate neural receptors in the skin, which signal the brain to release endorphins, the “happiness hormones” that make us feel good. While obviously not a replacement for traditional depression therapy, cold water hydrotherapy has had some success in helping to alleviate symptoms of depression. Another benefit noted by researchers is that cold water treatment helps speed the healing process by increasing circulation to the area exposed. When specific parts of subjects’
bodies were exposed to cold, their body temperature dropped, stimulating the flow of warm blood carrying fresh oxygen. Researchers also found that cold water therapy may help the body fight off illnesses, namely by stimulating production of leukocytes, which help the body fight infection, according to healthline.com.
To practice: Avoid shocking your system and try easing into cold water therapy by turning your shower from warm to cool and gradually decreasing the temperature as your body acclimates. You can also try easing off hot water and gradually getting used to taking cool showers over time. Start off with shorter sessions — 30 seconds if you can stand it. Then, as you get used to the lower temperature, gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the cold water. Your body will thank you with warm feelings later.
BY JACKIE PERRIN
Nicknamed the “Crown City,” Cortland is a college town with a growing arts scene. A rich agricultural and manufacturing history, abundant recreational opportunities and strong local connections among residents and business owners anchor the midsize community. Situated halfway between Syracuse and Binghamton and home to a SUNY campus, Cortland is favored by academics and creatives seeking an affordable, friendly and accessible environment to live and raise a family. It’s also a great date night or weekend destination. Downtown Cortland is at the midpoint of a multi-year downtown revitalization project.
Coffee Mania (two locations) energizes the drive-thru drink experience with local flavor. BRU 64 warms up downtown with a classic coffee shop vibe by day, and beer, wine and live music at night. Madam Hatter’s Tea House reimagines themed tea parties for a modern audience. The Red Jug Pub and Dark Horse Tavern are classic college town bars with a local following. Cortland Beer Company and Distillery draws crowds with live music, trivia nights, crafted spirits and a welcoming outdoor patio. Cheer on your favorite teams at Central City Bar & Grill, Gator’s Tavern, Paddy’s Pub or The Rock Sports Bar and Grill Sip an old-fashioned root beer float at The Gable Inn, and enjoy food, drinks and live music at The St. Charles
Take a tour of the nations on Main Street: Savory options include Pita Gourmet (Lebanese), Wild Ginger (Asian fusion), Asian Delicious (Chinese), Community Restaurant (Greek and American classics) and Melodyland (old-school Italian). Stop at Yori House (Korean) for bulgogi, noodles and Asian pancakes, Los Lagos for Mexican specialties and margaritas or Green Arch Restaurant for more Italian favorites in an upscale setting. Elevated subs from Gorgers, M & D Deli & Catering, The Student Deli or Queen Subs, pizza and calzones from A Pizza & More, A Round Pizza, BRIX, Mangia, Pontillo’s Pizzeria or Pudgie’s Pizza, pastries from Frosted or East Side Bakery and breakfast specials at A.J.’s Family Diner, Cortland Diner, New York Bagel Café & Deli or Prandium will fuel co-eds’ study sessions. Treat the family to an experience and a meal at Doug’s Fish Fry, Hairy Tony’s, Hollywood Restaurant, La Bamba Cuisine or Rex’s Pasta. Enjoy frozen treats from Footie’s Freez or The Frosty Caboose (seasonal).
Shop for SUNY Cortland gear at Bernard’s Custom Logo. At Madam Hatter’s Tea House & Shopping Emporium, order a custom dorm crate or a personalized gift basket. Elevate your alumni style at Lot 1 Vintage, featuring carefully curated vintage college gear and classic clothing. Deja Vu is a serene space specializing in vintage and healing arts goods. Stock up on Trinity Valley Dairy products and other regional foodstuffs at Bill Brothers Dairy & Farm Market or The Local Food Market & Cafe. Shop for a feast for the family or a crowd at Cortland Seafood, C.P. Foods Specialty Market or Tienda Latina. Browse the shops at Cinch Art Space, a gift shop featuring the handmade works of over 50 area artists. Crown City Curiosities features vintage clothing and home décor and Area 51 & The Crowe’s Nest is a fun space to shop for board games, toys and collectibles. Action Sports has everything you need for biking and cross-country skiing. Brighten their day with an arrangement from Shaw and Boehler Florist or Cortland Flower Shop
Four unique museums in one: CNY Living History Center brings to life the local sagas of Brockway trucks, firehouses, antique tractors, railroads and military history. Learn more local history at the 1890 House Museum or Suggett House Museum. Take in a show — options include Cortland Repertory Theatre, with two locations, and Rose Hall, a new music and entertainment venue located in a renovated historic church. Cascades Indoor Waterpark at Hope Lake Lodge offers aquatic fun in all seasons. Axe Me 607 features a safe indoor space for children and axethrowing for adults. Home to the world’s longest mini-golf hole, Shipwreck Amusements presents “Black Light Mini Golf.” Go retro at Now Here Pinball, Cort-Lanes or 281 Bowl. Get fit at Cortland YMCA, Cortland YWCA, J.M. McDonald Sports Complex or Vine Health & Fitness. Appreciate art at the Ake Gallery or Dowd Gallery at SUNY Cortland. At Pottery Works Cortland, take a wheel-throwing class, or sign up for “Sip and Paint” or “Dirty Date Night.” Magpie Custom Creations offers sewing classes and Forged from Ashes Studios introduces the art of mosaic. Stretch yourself at Heart Centered Yoga or take a floral design class at Ithaca Flower Shop
Support local at First Fridays, a monthly community arts spotlight event sponsored by Cortland Arts Connect. On Tuesdays and Saturdays from May to October, Cortland City Farmer’s Market vendors set up shop. The popular Corn-Ducky Derby (spring) benefits local charities. In July, check out the Cortland Junior Fair, an agricultural education celebration at Cortland County Fairgrounds. Cortland Arts Off Main Festival celebrates local talent with free workshops and entertainment. Get your groove on at PorchFest Cortland, a one-day front porch community music celebration in August. Named one of the 10 best fall festivals in the country by USA Today, The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest is a family-friendly tradition. In the fall, Ake Gallery hosts the two-day Duck and Red Octopus Festival; the stop-action animated and film festival features workshops and celebrity judges. At Christmastime, Cortland Waterworks on Broadway Avenue becomes a seasonal spectacle, when it is transformed into a shining holiday wonderland. Ring in the New Year at Midnight on Main, featuring fireworks, live music and a festive ball drop.
for people with mobility challenges.
Make tracks for Lime Hollow Nature Center, a 594-acre preserve with 12 miles of trails available for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Greek Peak Mountain Resort offers downhill and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snow-tubing, disc golf and mountain biking, plus an Adventure Center with an aerial ropes course, ziplines and mountain roller coaster. Splash into summer at the zero-entry Wickwire Pool and accessible splash pad at Suggett Park, or the sandy beach at Yaman Park. Enjoy fresh air and family time at Beaudry Park, Courthouse Park, Dexter Park or Randall Park. Cheer on home teams like The Cortland Crush at the revamped Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex. Hit the links at Elm Tree Golf Course or Willowbrook Golf Club. The one-mile McDermott Nature Trail at Hoxie Gorge, interpreted by SUNY Cortland students, is a hidden gem. Get unique views of Cortland County when you tour the “weird and wacky” Cortland Curiosities Strange and Forgotten History Trail
Tina
Minervini,
co-owner
of Cinch Art Space and Pottery Works
Mentoring Monday connects professionals from the Central New York women’s business community. This dynamic event brings together experienced leaders and young professionals for a unique networking opportunity. Join us for an evening of connections, inspiration, and professional development. Monday, April 29th 2024
BY AMY BLEIER
There are so many objects we use every day without even thinking about them. A small bowl to put your rings in, washcloths or poufs you use in the shower, the clips to close up your chips — they’re functional, but why can’t they be a little more special, too? Let the items on the next pages inspire you to bring some beauty and interest to the things we use daily in our homes, with our children and out in the garden.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER Half-timbered Nesting Box, $34.98, First National Gifts, 2 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 855-810-9076, firstnationalgifts.com.
BOWLED OVER
La Maison Inondée bowl small, $36, Drooz + Company, 36 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-920-8888, droozandcompany.com.
BERRY CUTE
Candle holder, $14.99, Boom Babies, 489 Westcott Street, Syracuse, 315-472-1949, boombabies.biz.
WE’VE GOT THE BLUES
Dip-dye twisted-taper candles, $24.99, Boom Babies.
SAVE FACE
SUSTAINABLE SNACK SAVER
Wooden donut bag clips, $16 for five, The Savage Homestead, 3 Fennell Street in the Old Stone Mill, Skaneateles, thesavagehomestead.com.
DOUBLE VISION
Aurora double-walled glass tumblers, $38 for two, H. Grey Supply Co., 53 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-8155016, hgreysupplyco.com.
Hand-knit washcloth, $6, Skaneateles 300, 2 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-1133, skaneateles300.com.
STONEWARE STYLE
Paper towel holder, $22, Synple, 70 Main Street, Camillus, 315-320-4212, shopsynple.com.
RING TONE
Ceramic napkin rings, $22 for set of 4, Decor & More, 57 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-815-4001, decorandmorecny.com.
A GREEN CLEAN
All-purpose cleaner, $16, Skaneateles 300.
LOVIN’ SPOONFUL
2-tablespoon coffee scoop by John Volcko, $28, Cazenovia Artisans.
STAND AND DELIVER
Wood-and-marble cookbook holder, $44, The Station 603, 603 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-682-8741, thestation603.com.
END GAME
Marble bookends with gold edges, $23 each, M. Graham Interiors, 309 Vine Street, Suite 3, Liverpool, 315-440-6637, mgrahaminteriors.com.
BLOWN AWAY
2-inch diameter hand-blown glass ring bowl by Shauna Walsh, $35, Cazenovia Artisans, 39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-655-2225, cazenoviaartisans.com.
KEEP THE HOME FIRES
55-inch metal log holder, $199, Paola Kay Gifts, 105 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville, 315-632-2192, paolakaygifts.com.
ABSORBED IN THIS
Geometry kitchen towels made from recycled materials, fresh linen, $18, and olive, $17, Synple.
AN ATTRACTIVE PIECE
Handmade wooden magnetic key rack, $53, Mixed Methods, 215 E. Water Street Rear, Syracuse, 315-399-1766, letsgetmixed.com.
YOU’RE THE ONE
Rubber ducky goat milk soap, $6, The Savage Homestead.
DRAW THEM IN My Baby Book journal, $40, H. Grey Supply Co.
SHINE ON
Metal owl wall art, $22, Mixed Methods.
G-RATED GIGGLES
“Dare Ya!” book, $9.99, Drooz + Company.
LOVE AT FIRST BITE
Silicone-and-beech wood feeding set, $36.99, Colorful Inspirations, 170 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-320-4364, colorfulinspirations.com.
National Gifts.
EGG-CELENT IDEA
Spongeasaurus Surprise Egg, $14, Sixty One Main Boutique & Beauty Bar, 61 Main Street, Camillus, 315-663-4034, sixtyonemain.com.
Bashful
REFRESH THEIR MEMORY
Match-Up memory snack tray, $19.99, Witty Wicks, 190 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-672-3110, wittywicks.com.
WHAT A DOLL
My Paper Doll sets, $29 each, Drooz + Company.
DULY NOTED
Lunch Box Notes, $20 for 15 mini cards and envelopes, Sixty One Main Boutique & Beauty Bar.
HEDGE YOUR BETS
Paper placemats, $32 for 24, Paola Kay Gifts.
CAN YOU DIG IT
Vegetable Garden wooden toy, $25, The Rose Cottage, 214 S. Manlius Street, Fayetteville, 315-637-1330, therosecottageny.com.
HANG TIME
Driftwood garden decor by Nancy Powell, $49, Salt City Artisans, 226 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, 315-479-0400, saltcityartisans.com.
BAG IT UP
Gardener’s tool bag, $38.99, The Station 603.
WIPE OUT
Reusable plant wipes with lavender leaf cleaner concentrate, $19.99, Olive + Fern, 19 North Street, Marcellus, 315-200-2464, shopolivefern.com.
HERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
Growing Gourmet kitchen herb set, $60, Drooz + Company.
YOU SHOULD SMILE MORE
Mona Lisa top, $109, Floridella Boutique, 406 S. Franklin Street, Syracuse, 315-741-7961, shopfloridella.com.
Banana Earrings by Jia Zhou, $5, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile, 217 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-552-1627, wildflowersarmory.com.
“I feel so good and blessed to be able to leave a legacy.”
Mary Nelson has worked in the radiology department at Upstate University Hospital for 25 years, and is a well-known youth advocate in the Central New York community. She also is a member of the Upstate Legacy Society, established as a tribute to donors who have included the Upstate Foundation in their estate plans. Someday, her legacy gift will beneft children with disabilities.
“Leaving a legacy is something I always wanted to do, to be able to give back to special needs youth in our community. I’m inspired by my grandchildren,” explained Mary. “I have two grandchildren with disabilities and I want to make sure other children with disabilities can receive excellent care.”
Mary added that she wants her grandchildren to be successful in life, and not look at their disability as a consequence to allow them not to strive. Her mantra is, “Don’t let your circumstance become your consequence.”
Mary’s advice regarding legacy giving? “Find your passion for which you want to be remembered. My legacy is always giving back and not looking for anything in return.”
Please join Mary in making a legacy gift today!
To read Mary’s complete story, visit www.UpstateFoundation.org/LegacyGiving, or to create your own legacy gift, call Upstate Foundation at 315-464-6490
Our mission: Impacting patient care, education, research, and community health and well-being through charitable giving.
Consistently being named best bridal shop in the area is an honor, but Mirror Mirror Inc. owner Stephanie Long and store manager Heather Jensen are most proud of the safe, welcoming and affirming bridal boutique they have created. The Baldwinsville shop has expanded again, this time with a second inclusive storefront — Mirror Mirror Tux — featuring tuxedos and suiting for all ages and all bodies.
James Bambrick manages the tux side, his intuitive
nature making him a natural at helping people rent or purchase suits and tuxes for weddings, proms and other special occasions. From classic to cutting edge, the expansive variety of styles and sizing in children’s, men’s and gender-neutral styles means customers can truly express their authentic selves — something they were asking for. “There’s something about putting someone in the right garment, they stand straighter and feel more confident. It’s magic when you watch it happen,” says Long.
For more information: mirrormirrorincbridal.com/tuxedosandsuits
New co-owners continue fashion boutique founder’s legacy
BY AMY BLEIER LONG
PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH
Fashion boutique Boom Babies, founded in 1986 by Lorraine Koury, is well known for its eclectic apparel and accessories, and its prom dress registry (no two students at the same school will ever be sold the same dress). Over the decades, hundreds of “Boom Girls” have assisted Koury in attending to customers, buying new apparel, merchandising and promoting the store.
A decade ago, through a mutual friend who worked there, MacKenzie Wilkinson and Meaghan Crandall became Boom Girls and, subsequently, best friends. After COVID, when other staffers moved on, the two were indispensable to Koury, growing their responsibilities and dreaming of opening their own store one day.
The opportunity to manage a boutique themselves came sooner than they expected when Koury developed cancer in 2022 and died that September. Prior to her death, Koury discussed
the future with Wilkinson and Crandall, telling them she was leaving Boom Babies in their hands and she encouraged them to make it their own.
“We had a really special relationship with her. I just feel lucky that she chose me, and I know Meag feels the same way,” Wilkinson says.
The duo was hesitant to change things, but slowly started putting their stamp on the business. In January, they completed a remodel that enhances the customer experience.
The shop feels more spacious with light pink walls, brighter lighting, new flooring, consolidated displays for accessories and fewer knickknacks. The register moved to the back of the store and is now a cheerful tomato red. Pink neon signs designate the shoes and jewelry section and the fitting room area, which
has been expanded. Floor space has also been reclaimed due to the absence of missy apparel; post-COVID, the clientele for casual clothing began to skew younger as 50- to 70-year-old customers came in less frequently. The more recent appointment-only policy for trying on dresses helps keep crowds more manageable. Walk-ins are still welcome to browse, but a fitting room time slot may not be available.
Another addition is a wider variety of merchandise such as home décor and lifestyle products.
“We wanted people to walk in and just feel this bright, energetic space,” says Crandall. She notes the changes have had a positive effect on the moods of prom shoppers already. Finding a dress for a special occasion, especially one as significant as prom, can be overwhelming for students and their parents. Wilkinson says, “Especially with formalwear, you can make really good connections with these girls. They don’t know themselves yet, who they are as a woman, so it’s empowering customers through fashion.”
At this time of year — the height of prom season — the store’s racks are stuffed with dresses in every color. Short and long gowns in sizes 0 to 18 range from demure to daring. After the season concludes, half of the store will revert to casual apparel, which is also inclusive with options up to size 2X. Wilkinson says Boom Babies is for everyone and continues to be a safe space as Koury intended: “We just want everyone to be able to feel that they can be themselves.”
Long-time shoppers remember that Koury founded the store on her extensive collection of vintage, but over time, as more contemporary clothing was brought in, it was harder to maintain the floor space for those pieces. Now, just a couple doors down, The Boom Beyond serves as Boom Babies’ vintage outpost. Wilkinson and Crandall credit vintage store manager Carolyn Doolittle with spearheading the vision for the second location, which is open on weekends or by appointment.
The décor of the vintage shop is pared down. “We want the clothes to speak for themselves,” says Wilkinson. Koury’s influence is there, too. “We found a ceramic handprint from when she was a little girl and we put it up in there. So, it’s
For more information: Boom Babies, 489 Westcott St., Syracuse, 315-472-1949, boombabies.biz. The Boom Beyond, 473 Westcott St. Syracuse, 315-472-1949, boombabiesvintage.com.
“MacKenzie and I really wanted the decor to reflect that this is a fun space, positive and high energy. I think we both wanted to put our personal, younger twist on it.”
Meaghan Crandall
a lot more of a sentimental space.”
While some in the community have expressed misgivings about who they are and their abilities — Crandall says their youth seemed to be a sticking point for some, though they are the same age Koury was when she opened the shop — they have more experience than people realize and she contends that their age is actually an asset. Wilkinson’s career in retail started before Boom Babies and she now has around 15 years of expertise building relationships with customers. In addition to her own years of service, Crandall has a bachelor’s in fashion merchandising and she’s currently working towards a master’s in accounting.
They’re both quick to express gratitude for the balance of their interests and strengths, and that they have each other to share the workload. “I think Meaghan and I complement each other so well and [Lorraine] just saw us working together and kind of clocked that we both brought something… I have no idea how she did it by herself, frankly, for so long,” Wilkinson says.
Through their years with Koury, Crandall and Wilkinson went
on buying trips with her and helped merchandise the floor among other duties. Now they’ve taken on the administrative responsibilities such as payroll and handling the taxes. “I think if we didn’t have each other, it would be so difficult,” Crandall says.
As they get used to being their coworkers’ bosses and being bosses in general, Crandall and Wilkinson have made significant moves on behalf of their employees. The shop now has a dedicated breakroom and they introduced health insurance and 401(k) matching so that working at Boom Babies is more sustainable as a career.
Crandall and Wilkinson still get emotional speaking about their friend and mentor. “Every day we’re trying to think of new ways to benefit the people around us, and that’s truly carrying on her legacy,” says Wilkinson. Crandall agrees, “We want to be able to offer all of the same positive impacts that Lorraine had, but we’re younger so we have a little bit more energy to go above and beyond, if we can. How we interact with our community members, our customers and the girls who work here, that is the legacy in my opinion. Not the stuff.”
Thome at his restaurant. “I almost feel like there’s a karma thing. If you do good, good will happen to you.”
Camillus sports pub owner thanks his hometown with kindness, cash and pizza
BY SUSAN KENNEDY
Walk into The Wildcat Sports Pub in Camillus any weekday and you’re bound to find a neighborhood friend with whom to have a slice of pizza, a cold beer or some highly acclaimed chicken wings. The bartender waves hello, the patrons — many of them families — nod and smile a greeting. The walls, plastered with photos, awards, banners and jerseys of local school athletes, fire and rescue teams and first responders, invite you to get close and read all about the people in this town of 25,000. The pub seems to double as a Camillus community center.
“It’s what I hoped for,” says owner Dan Thome. “A place for everyone to meet.”
Thome, his wife and their two children are all West Genesee High School graduates. His wife teaches there, and her family owns a local business, Buranich Funeral Home, Inc. “There’s
definitely a deep connection to this community,” he says. Thome bought the restaurant six years ago on a lark, he says. He and his buddy would sit at the bar and talk about buying the place when, one day, Thome did. He had been considering new opportunities at his corporate sales job, but Thome ran some numbers, talked to the restaurant’s existing owner and realized it might be time to bring his business and sales skills home for the next stage of his career. “I felt this better suited my talents and beliefs,” says Thome, of creating a positive hangout for his community. So he took a chance and left his job of nearly 20 years to run this pizza place. “I didn’t know what the hell I was doing,” says Thome. But then, maybe he did.
As a restaurateur, he found he could donate pizzas to victorious school organizations including the high school band in which he
once played, pay for some needed equipment at his alma mater or host a fundraiser for a family in need. It felt good to help out. After a couple years of figuring out the business, he found he could invest more into the community that raised him, so his donations increased: An annual charity golf tournament to support area youth; holiday community parties with first responders (500-plus came to the most recent shindig) and more frequent aid to families facing hard times. “People help us by supporting this place so why not help others in return,” says Thome. “It’s just the right thing to do.”
“His kindness trickles down throughout the community,” says Camillus Police Department Chief Michael Schreyer of Thome’s generosity. Schreyer shares how Thome anonymously helps fire victims or crash victims, donates to the annual holiday Shop with a Cop program to aid children in town and brings trays of food to the station to feed police officers and other first responders. “He’s a modest guy, a humble guy,” says Schreyer, surprised that Thome gave the okay for this article. “He knows for a community to be successful we need to support one another. He leads by example.”
Thome’s mission of community caring motivates his 60 employees, including Andrea Brzostek, director of events at The Wildcat. “The world needs more kindness,” she says, and Thome’s kindness is contagious. The employees want to do good by him. He’s a leader, not a boss, she says. He even welcomes staff and their families to his home on Christmas morning.
Thome has a list of recent awards, among them 2021 Camillus Citizen of the Year. When asked about that Chamber of Commerce honor, Thome pauses and shakes his head. “Do I deserve that? I don’t know. I appreciate that. But it’s not just me. We all make it happen.”
Thome’s quick to point out that he’s no saint. There was no master plan. He makes mistakes in life. He tries to make things right. There are times when he’s not the nicest person in the room, he says. But when it comes to supporting his family and his community, he finds clarity.
“I think it’s kinda simple,” says Thome. “Do good for somebody else and they’ll do good for you.”
Top, Thank you notes from recipients of Thome’s generosity hang amidst the memorabilia covering the restaurant’s walls.
Left, Thome with a tuba, marching with other West Genesee Marching Band alumni during a hometown parade.
Bottom, Thome, delivering food to the Fairmount Fire Department.
“Keeping our first responders’ bellies full is a small way to show appreciation,” says Thome.
The Tuesday Book Club, a literary-minded women’s social group, celebrated its 95th anniversary in December. Their mission is to promote interest in the relationship between good literature and life, and they do so by inviting authors, playwrights and those with interesting stories to tell to share their wisdom. In the early decades, members took turns hosting each other at their homes. Now the luncheon meetings, held monthly September to May, take place at the Onondaga Golf & Country Club. Past speakers have included Kyle Bass, resident playwright at Syracuse Stage; Ruth J. Colvin, author and founder of what is now ProLiteracy Worldwide; Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick and Michele Jones Galvin, author and descendent of Harriet Tubman. Acclaimed young adult fiction author Bruce Coville was the guest of honor at the December gathering.
JANUARY 21
Syracuse University and the community at large celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the JMA Wireless Dome with an evening of song, dance and reflection. An exhibition by local Black artists highlighted pieces that looked to the past, present and future of Black life in Syracuse. The program was interspersed with performances by Adanfo drum ensemble, the Community Choir and Dominique’s Dance Ensemble. Broadcast journalist Iris St. Meran emceed the event chaired by Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel, and SU student Leondra Tyler. Four Unsung Heroes were recognized for their positive impacts on our community. Talithia Williams, Ph.D., a mathematician, professor and host of PBS show “NOVA Wonders,” gave the keynote address. She asked the audience what Dr. King’s dream might be now, and posited that increased mathematical literacy for Black students, as a path to greater success and opportunity, would be part of the mission.
Clockwise from above, the Adanfo drum ensemble opened the program; keynote speaker Dr. Talithia Williams, an associate professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California; a performer from Dominique’s Dance Ensemble entertains the audience.
CUE THE LO-FI, HERE ARE EASY SPOTS TO WARM UP, CHILL OUT AND JUST BE DURING WINTER’S END
BY MJ KRAVEC
Feeling cozy is a necessity during Central New York’s long winters. Lucky for us, our area is filled with spots that offer such comfort — along with bubble tea, whiskers on kittens, squirrels making mischief, roaring fires and books galore. Is there anything that makes these last days of winter more appealing? We don’t think so. Check out these charming locations ideal for moments when you need to soothe yourself through winter’s end.
Check out Alley Cat Cafe in Ithaca for a whole latte love from cute cats, along with coffees, teas, baked goods, soups, sandwiches and more. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, with vegan options available. The cafe offers cat yoga on select days. To ensure quality kitty time, please call or visit their website to reserve a time.
112 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca alleycatithaca.com
Are you kitten me? On its website, Pawsitivitea invites visitors to “pet some cats, warm your soul, feel the love.” Along with its family of adorable adoptable cats from partners Oswego County SPCA, Wayward Paws and The Inconvenient Kitten, Pawsitivitea features an assortment of purrfect lattes and teas, seasonal drink specialties and homemade baked goods that include vegan and gluten-free offerings. An everchanging calendar of events lists yoga with cats, game nights, meditation and relaxation, paint nights, knit and crochet socials and much more. Check their social media for updates.
2100 Park St., Syracuse pawsitiviteacny.com
Because purr. Is there a cozier sound in the world? At Luna Cat Cafe, a Japanese-inspired cat lounge, you can get your meow mix fix, milk tea, yoga with cats, anime PJ parties and more. Launched in August 2021, Luna offers Japanese and Midwestern fare, a variety of bubble teas and a comfy spot to read, work or just hang with some cool cats (they’re adoptable through the CNY Cat Coalition). A sampling of their unique menu offerings include Luna Ramen and Neko’s Dragon Chili entrees and keto hot chocolate, seasonal lattes, their exclusive moon blend coffee and hot tea with honey, kumquat and lemon.
1001 E. Fayette St. at S. Crouse Ave., Syracuse lunacatcafe.com
Settle into rocking chairs lined up in front of windows that overlook feeders where birds, squirrels, chipmunks and other woodland animals come to fuel up and play. With nine miles of trails, a 200-acre glacial lake, wintry forest and wetlands, the center is an ideal spot to take in every season. Stop in the Beaver Lodge gift shop for nature gifts, apparel, bird feeders, ornaments, guides, maple candy and NYS maple syrup — an essential ingredient for snuggly Sunday mornings. Kids can explore the children’s room (complete with beaver house) and educational center. Light refreshments are also available for purchase.
8477 E. Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville beaverlakenature.org
After walking in the woods, head inside Skyline Lodge to warm up by the fireplace and enjoy expansive views overlooking the snow-covered fields of Fabius. The Adirondack-inspired lodge features a large stone fireplace, lofted ceiling and food and beverages for purchase. On winter weekends, take a sleigh ride (weather permitting), rent cross-country skis, go snowshoeing or charge down Highland’s sledding hill. You can also hike your chosen path from among 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy to more challenging.
1254 Highland Park Rd., Fabius onondagacountyparks.com/parks/highland-forest
Every season is reading season, but when it’s cold outside books are an extra layer of comfort. So it makes sense to surround yourself with them in copious amounts. Head to any public library for quiet, comfortable seating, kids’ areas and thousands of books to peruse at your leisure. Many branches are located near or in the heart of their towns or villages, which offers a good excuse to walk the slushy streets for some community connection at local shops. Check out each branch for info on seasonal arts and crafts, workshops, meditation and cooking classes, movie times and more.
Various locations.
Onondaga County Public Libraries, onlib.org; Mid York Library System, dev1.midyork.net; Finger Lakes Library System, flls.org; North Country Library System, ncls.org
Take in the late winter sunset at Heritage Hill while staying toasty by fire pits and inside the venue’s new covered pavilion with gas fireplace. With a sledding hill for kids and horse-drawn sleighrides (check site for days), Heritage Hill offers outdoor fun along with its brewery where you can heat up with an awardwinning list of ales, warm drinks (such as coffees and boozy hot cocoas) and live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Items like local grass-fed beef smoked with cherry and hickory, pub fare, Heritage’s Texas smokehouse chili with honey butter cornbread, Pompey Poutine (fries loaded with brown gravy, cheese sauce, pulled pork, more cheese and scallions), thin crust pizzas and salads are sure to satisfy.
3149 Sweet Rd., Jamesville heritagehillbrewery.com
The easiest tropical escape in Central New York, Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Diversity of Birds Aviary, is a walk-through experience in a rainforest setting filled with tropical plants, water features and more than two dozen exotic and colorful birds including pheasants, types of perching birds and songbirds, doves, ducks, ibis and more. This free-flight aviary that lets you get up close and experience the thrill of flapping wings as birds fly by is an instant respite from the snow and cold, where tropical rainforest temperatures and sounds rule the air. Take the rest of the route outside to the zoo’s other exhibits and finish with a sandwich, salad or hot coffee at The Honeybee Café.
1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse rosamondgiffordzoo.org
Hot coffee is an essential part of hygge. So a cafe with a welcoming atmosphere where you can sip and savor fits the bill. Slow down amidst the aroma of fresh-roasted beans and locally made baked goods, meet a friend for a warm cup or enjoy the ambience with a book or your laptop, if you must work. The neighborly vibe will provide enough warmth and cheer to get you through winter’s last days.
It’s always sunny, well, balmy anyway, at Hot House Brewing at Barone Gardens’ greenhouse dining area where Hot House grows its hops and other plants. The bistro offers housemade sandwiches, wraps, salads and appetizers such as charcuterie, crudites and nachos. Check their website for live music, yoga and Pilates class dates. There’s also a gift shop featuring houseplants, work by local artisans, baked goods, candles, soaps, lotions, NYS wine and spirits, plus Hot House’s brews crafted with NYS-grown ingredients and hops.
6200 South Bay Rd., Cicero hothousebrewing.com
Enchantment starts inside the entrance of Parthenon Books where a Greco-Roman mythology-inspired mural by local artist Jacqueline Colello greets visitors. On its website, Parthenon asks, “What is a Main Street without a bookshop?” We say, desperately in need of one. Opened in 2022, downtown Syracuse’s only bookshop serves as a cozy place to browse. Ask its lit-loving staff for reading recommendations, find personalized gift ideas and pore over books and coffee at the shop’s cafe, which offers local roasts and sweet treats from local bakers.
333 S. Salina St., Syracuse parthenonbookstore.com
Sometimes all you want to do is stay home and do absolutely nothing. Wear your jammies if you feel so inclined. Slippers, too. Watch Netflix, read a classic horror book you’ve never read (even though you’ve seen the movie), make a soothing stew, bake cookies, nap, build a living room fort with the kids, knit, pour a hot bath and light candles or just look out the window and watch the winter melt into spring. Give yourself permission to take the day and just be.
BY MJ KRAVEC
POTRIKUS BECKETT
What a wonderful world it is inside a plant room, where it’s always a slice of paradise no matter the weather. The people that tend to these spaces are living the dream — in green. At the magazine, we’re always talking about plants and how to care for and display them, so naturally we were curious about how others do it. On the following pages, eight local plant parents who answered our call welcome us into their homes to ogle and chat bot (as in botany). Their results show us how this hobby that doesn’t require much (water, light and, yes, a little money) yields a lot of peace, comfort and joy in return.
In Syracuse, Alison Altafi’s dining room offers a tropical escape from CNY’s long winters.
About the space.
Next to Sue Ellen Holmes’ Hawley Green residence, a greenhouse contains plants and starters including jasmine, pilea, spider plants, monstera, palm and other varieties — from 50 to 100 at any given time. In summer, the plants move outside near the vegetable garden and koi pond she shares with her husband.
During the colder months, a heater pumps in warm air while a sound system fills the space with bird song. Holmes also stores her pots, bags of soil and garden tools here.
What you love about it.
“Honestly, I will come out here and sit and do nothing.”
How did your plant hobby start?
Holmes grew up on a farm in Borodino and found inspiration from a friend who grows angel trumpet
plants, her aunt who works at Crazy Daisies, daughter Jessica who lives off the grid in Jamaica, Master Gardener Carol Bradford and the Syracuse Plant Swap and Sales group, among others.
Any tips?
“Each plant has its own personality. Some are quite dramatic, drooping when they want more water. I tend to stick with the name of the cultivar for each plant to help me remember them, making it easier when I have to look them up for tips and tricks. I go by the feel of the soil when determining if water is needed.”
Fun fact?
“I love it when random strangers comment on them as they pass by. I often invite them to step inside the greenhouse, to visit my waterfall koi pond, to pick a tomato or strawberry from my garden or to literally stop and smell the roses.”
About the space.
For Beth Marcelle, a home office quickly turned into a plant room when she moved with her plants from Cazenovia to Mattydale in 2022. Marcelle has about 60 plants throughout her house, with about 40 plants and a propagation station that thrive in this room alone.
What you love about it.
“I love the accent wall that captures the southern-facing light. I chose black so the plants would stand out beside it. It livens up the space. It’s relaxing.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“When I got a job working in a cubicletype setup, I bought a little cactus for my desk. Having zero experience with plants, I thought it was for sure a plant that I wouldn’t kill. My coworkers had plants on their desks, too, and we started going to the farmers market in downtown Syracuse on our lunch breaks. I grew my collection one little farmers market plant at a time until I ran out of room on my desk. Shortly after, Found Things Co. opened up in Eastwood and the owner, Sarah, taught me how not to commit plant murder and eased my new plant parent anxiety as I continued my collection. During peak COVID, I reached over 80 plants in my home at one time.”
Any tips?
“The best plant advice that I give is to leave them alone. Neglect is love in some cases. You can quite literally love a plant to death! My watering schedule is usually once a week or once every week-and-a-half, but I always check that the plant needs it before watering.”
Fun fact?
“I stopped naming my plants when my collection grew too large to remember them all, but my OG cactus from that cubicle is still holding on, and his name is Jeffrey.”
About the space.
Chloe Danes began collecting plants in 2019. Today her collection is up to 41 plants, some of which belonged to her mother and grandmother, including a 10-year-old fern and bird of paradise. Danes moved back to the North Syracuse home she grew up in last fall. “The living space off my kitchen is my reading room, where most of the plants happily live for the winter. The big window provides enough light to keep them perky and healthy.”
What you love about it.
“The energy my plant space provides is recharging and soft. The space gives me creativity and calmness.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“My mother had always collected plants but began collecting more in my early teens. I remember hanging ferns, large palms and other large plants filling out the house slowly.
By the time I was in high school, it felt like a jungle. [She] and my grandmother would go to the farmers market early Saturday morning in the spring, and she would come home with a new beauty. I tend to think my mother’s love for growing stemmed from my grandmother, who used to sell freshly cut flowers at the market in the mid-‘70s. Their love for plants continues to inspire me.”
Any tips?
“My greatest tricks in the book would be to keep on schedule, always checking the soil and talk to your plants. I know the last part seems silly, but it truly makes for great stories and happier plants. A happier self.”
Fun fact?
A saxophonist and pianist (she sometimes plays with mom Ashley Cox’s band Professional Victims), Danes mixes up her bohemian style by stringing vines along electric guitars hung on the walls.
About the space.
The southern-facing windows of Michael Nguyen’s living room and bedroom in Eastwood provide a growing place where roughly 100 plants, including pothos, ZZ Plants, spider plants, aloe and snake plants, thrive on brightly colored shelves he built from pallets in his garage.
What you love about it.
“I love just sitting here and looking at the plants. This is my living room as well as my office, so I’m here enjoying it while I handle my paperwork, business, etc.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“It started because I wanted to clean the air in my home. Most of my plants are ones that detoxify the air. That’s why I chose them.”
Any tips?
“Give them love and they will return that with beauty and healthy air.”
Fun fact.
A propagation shelf he built over his kitchen sink houses a Snow Queen pothos he spotted at a local laundromat. “I just asked, ‘Can I take a cut of this?’ And look at it now.”
About the space.
After Kala Jenkins and her husband moved back to Central New York from Colorado in fall 2021, a plant room was foremost on her list of rooms to do over in their new house. “This was a former TV room and I was like, what? This room needs all of the plants,” she says. Housing roughly 25 plants and propagations, the sunlit space features curtain rods crafted from plumbing fixtures and pipes strong enough to hold Jenkins’ plants in macrame hangers.
What you love about it.
“My sunroom is my happy place. Most of my plants live here to get the sun they need. In the morning, I sit and drink my coffee next to my big ponytail palm. In the afternoons, I like to have tea and give them all a little misting.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“I’ve always had plants in the home growing up and managed to keep plants in the home even when I lived in tiny apartments. A home doesn’t feel complete to me without them.”
Any tips?
“I tend to water them about every 10 days. I have a 1.3-gallon pressure pump-style water sprayer that will get me through the majority of the plants without 50 trips to the sink. The plants aren’t big fans of tap water so I will fill it with water and let it sit for a day to evaporate off all the stuff they don’t like.”
Fun fact?
“I make my own leaf shine — coconut oil, water and a drop of dish soap — that my tropical plants and broad-leaf plants especially need/love.”
About the space.
When Adam Brevetti isn’t working construction, he’s tending his plants while caring for his infant daughter, Charlotte. His collection includes jade, hoya Hindu rope, monkey tail cactus, Venus flytrap, monstera albo, staghorn fern and many, many more.
“My cactus collection resides in my front porch during the winter where it’s nice and cool and they can go dormant. They give my porch a summer-type feeling in the winter and during the summer I move them all outside in my greenhouse. The other room my plants take up is a front part of the house where my fish tanks are — it’s definitely a jungle.”
What you love about it.
“I love how relaxing it is and how much happiness it brings me. I love feeding my fish with my daughter. She loves watching me take care of everything.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“My plant hobby started right about the time I got sober in 2019. I had a bunch of free time on my hands and wanted to do something that was stress free and brought me happiness, and I guess it was plants. Without a loving and supportive wife, none of this would be possible.”
Any tips?
“I always water everything with water from my fish tanks. And one tip I tell everyone asking me for advice is don’t over water your plants. They’ll tell you when they need water.”
Fun fact?
Brevetti’s plant and fish room includes a pufferfish named Crunch, a piranha, an electric eel, goldfish and tropical fish all in separate tanks.
About the space.
Megan Catalano’s grandmillennial decorating style combines plants with Victorian, industrial and shabby chic accents. “It really just came together,” she says, noting the glass shelves with gold accents that she uses to house her plants. Catalano uses cake stands to vary heights, along with vintage containers, milk glass and plastic cups, even repurposing plastic salad containers as mini terrariums to style plants in groupings.
What you love about it.
“I love to create a stylistic moment using a few plants as sculptural pieces. Often this means getting creative with supplemental lighting. One of my favorite solutions is finding a beautiful antique lighting piece and installing a grow light in it.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“My mom has always had a green thumb, and she encouraged me to have plants as soon as I got my first home. I killed many plants in my 20s, mostly by caring for them too much. Later on, a co-worker gave me an orchid when she was leaving her job. I was determined to care for that plant correctly and did a lot of research. I found the online plant community and watched a lot of YouTube videos to learn, and this spiraled into what you see today.”
Any tips?
“I think a lesson I had to learn the hard way is that you can’t place a plant in your home where you want to or where there is space. You need to find the right space for the plant, or even go as far as to adjust your home to a plant.”
Fun fact?
“I moved back to CNY in 2021 from the Midwest. I learned that plants are prohibited in moving trucks, so I took cuttings of my favorite plants, packed them up and shipped them to my mom here in CNY.”
About the space.
Inside Alison Altafi’s Sedgwick home, ponytail palm, Pink Princess, alocasia, aloe, ZZ plant, fiddle leaf fig and peace lily are just a few plants that mingle with rich green upholstered chairs, handmade stained-glass leaves from Etsy, antiques and fairy lights — all set against a botanical motif peel-andstick wallpaper she found at Target. “It looks expensive, but it’s not,” she says. “Most of my plants are in my dining room, which gets some great sun, but I also have them sprinkled throughout my entire house.”
What you love about it.
“Plants just make everything so cozy and inviting. My dining room feels like a magical little jungle and it’s a wonderful escape from the long CNY winters.”
How did your plant hobby start?
“I’ve always loved plants but I started propagating and really collecting during the pandemic. One of my favorite plants is my tiny avocado tree I grew from the pit of an avocado I ate during lockdown.”
Any tips?
“A moisture meter is super helpful if you’re a new plant parent. I dealt with a lot of root rot before I got myself one. I water on Sundays and any plants that can’t survive that schedule are quickly voted off the island. I love them but only the strongest survive in this house.”
Fun fact?
“We are at the point where my husband brings me home an interesting plant instead of flowers!”
Editor’s note: Special thanks to Dee Schilling McClenthan and Syracuse Plant Swap and Sales for their assistance with this article.
TBY ALLISON KENIEN AND BECCA TAURISANO
rends addressing form and function in home design are always shifting and this year is no different. From ecoconscious living to staycation retreats, homeowners are getting creative with their spaces by introducing design elements that match their lifestyle and interests.
With the abundance of new DIY kits, home renovation TV shows and you-can-do-anything YouTube channels, many homeowners are taking on new projects without the help of a professional. For some improvements, a do-it-yourself approach makes sense, but for large or highly technical renovations, a contractor may be needed.
To help homeowners sort through the options, we asked local contractors and designers to share this year’s top renovation trends that can transform a home into a haven. For each trend, they shared a few easy DIY upgrades that most homeowners can tackle, as well as more complicated tasks that would require an expert.
“The use of white oak cabinets is increasing dramatically, including rift cut white oak.”
Mark Martino, owner of Modern Kitchens of Syracuse
This year, kitchen design is all about color and shine.
“It’s very fanciful,” says Steven Khanzadian, owner of Khanzadian Professional Remodeling and past president of Home Builders and Remodelers of Central New York. “You could have a yellow island and a blue sink base. People will do whatever they like: mix and match and contrast.”
The good news for DIYers is that it’s easier than ever before to follow the fad by painting your own cabinets. In the past, expensive sprayers were the only way to achieve the look and feel of a professionally painted cabinet. Now, paint companies have released product lines that are formulated to go over furniture or cabinets without spray tools. Khanzadian has used these products on his own kitchen cabinets and recommends Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel by Sherwin-Williams.
If bright colors are not your style, don’t worry. “White kitchens are still very popular, but we are seeing a big increase in natural wood stains, including medium to darker finishes,” says Mark Martino, owner of Modern Kitchens of Syracuse. “The use of white oak cabinets is increasing dramatically, including rift cut white oak.”
Martino notes that some homeowners are using both color and natural wood finishes to make their design more interesting. Along with fresh options for paint and finishes, ready-to-
assemble cabinets have grown more popular with DIYers in recent years since they are affordable and relatively easy to install. Manufacturers design these cabinets knowing that the average homeowner may be assembling them, so most kits include tools, pre-drilled holes, clear instructions and even links to step-by-step videos.
If you have the budget for a professional installation, Khanzadian says cabinets with a sophisticated sheen are the rage right now. “If you go to Europe or a cabinet shop in New York City, you’re going to see bright high-gloss finishes on cabinets with very little detail — a lot of flat panels. That’s hot for those areas. If you had an ultra-modern house here in Syracuse, you might opt for those things.”
Waterfall countertops have also had a surge in demand. While a traditional countertop is a slab that rests horizontally, the waterfall style extends the look by dropping vertically down the side of the counter all the way to the floor. Usually made of granite or quartz, the extra stone surface adds a striking element to any kitchen.
Whether you cover your kitchen in lavish stone or vivid hues, make sure you’re choosing a style that you love. “There are no real rules about it anymore. It’s about what you want to see every day,” Khanzadian says.
Darker finishes on kitchen cabinetry are back in style. Left, the kitchen at Milback Custom Homes’ 2023 Parade of Homes showhouse paired natural wood and painted cabinetry. Interior design by M Graham Interiors. Below, the waterfall countertop at the Eldan Homes 2023 Parade of Homes showhouse is a focal point in the kitchen. Bottom, modern flat-panel cabinetry by Wood-Mode LLC and a large waterfall countertop are sleek and clean.
Homeowners want to make their primary bathrooms more luxurious in 2024, providing a spa-like experience from the comfort of home.
From radiant heat in the flooring to walk-in showers with rain heads and body sprays, high-end features remain popular. A “wet room” area where both shower and tub are enclosed behind glass with floor-to-ceiling tile is increasingly in demand. Khanzadian warns that with increased water pressure and steam features in the bathroom, some modifications may have to be made to existing plumbing to keep up with the new features, which may significantly increase your budget.
The mixing of metals is another trend in bathroom fixtures. Michele Graham, interior stylist & designer of M Graham Interiors, says homeowners are using more than one finish in the same room, like matte black with champagne bronze. There are more color choices than ever before with some manufacturers offering as many as six or seven finish options, such as brushed or polished in a variety of metals. New finishes, like Kohler’s French Gold, have a blend of nickel and gold tones for a sophisticated look.
Bold design choices are popping up in existing bathroom renovations, as well as in new builds. Graham says her clients are choosing more rich, moody tones and notes they are not afraid of whimsical wallpaper patterns, especially in a smaller bathroom. “A powder room is a little oasis,” says Graham. “It’s a place where you can have some fun.”
Texture is trending in bathroom materials in a big way from cabinetry to flooring. “Wood is back for vanities,” says Graham. “There is a warmth to them and a bit of texture in materials like white oak or hickory.” Fluted wood-look tile is making a splash, too, and is ideal for use in bathrooms where surfaces should not be slippery. Tile laid vertically instead of in a traditional brick pattern is giving a new look to bathrooms as well.
Natural stone materials such as marble and granite are a go-to, but other types of stone like quartzite and soapstone are getting more attention. Some customers prefer man-made materials such as quartz. “Manufactured products give the same look as natural stone, but are much more durable and require less upkeep,” says Khanzadian.
Lighting in the bathroom is as important as ever and the new LED options provide the brightest possible light. Khanzadian recommends lighting vanity mirrors from the side with sconces instead of from the top for makeup application. Installing an LED light above the shower is helpful as well for maximum impact.
The do-it-yourself homeowner can make some updates to their bathroom easily with a number of products on the market today.
Luxury vinyl flooring is easy for a homeowner to install and can be laid right over existing tile. Installing better lighting is another DIY update, including replacing existing outlets with ones that incorporate a dimmable nightlight.
Switching to a handheld showerhead in the tub area makes the space more versatile as well as easier to clean. Arced tension curtain rods give your shower/tub combination a hotel look and a more spacious feel.
Increasing your storage is also easy to do by replacing an existing vanity. “Vanities now come with more storage options, even a hidden drawer in the toe-kick panel, to upgrade your bathroom,” says Khanzadian.
After the pandemic, Americans shifted away from leisure travel and started investing in their own backyards.
The trend started in 2020 when many destinations were closed and public transportation was restricted. That year, leisure travel spending dropped by 28%, according to a report from the U.S. Travel Association. The Wall Street Journal in 2021 reported that residential inground pool sales grew 24% as homeowners crafted their own staycation paradises.
“There’s no substitute for going to Europe, but if all you’re doing is going somewhere that’s warm and resort-like, you can do a lot of it at your house,” says Khanzadian.
CNY residents are diving into the staycation trend with custom pools that fit their interests and lifestyle.
“Very few in-ground pool projects are the same,” says Ari Malzman, president of Cannon Pools and Spas. His company has completed local installations ranging from 75-foot lap pools to 14-foot plunge pools, along with designs that weave in landscape slides or waterfalls.
In line with the resort aesthetic, Malzman says wide stair
entrances, “deep end” benches and sundecks can give your pool a relaxing vibe. While these projects may sound pricey, Malzman says there are plenty of affordable options due to advances in energy efficiency and above-ground designs.
“Customization and cost are not mutually exclusive,” Malzman says.
Beyond pools, people are getting equally creative with their patio spaces, and plenty of new budget-friendly approaches have hit the market. Concrete is one of the cheapest patio materials available and, fortunately, the construction industry has come a long way in giving it a more sophisticated look. Concrete can be shaped into interesting patterns and designs, or you can add a texture or imprint to imitate another material like slate, flagstone, brick, ceramic, even wood. These touches create an artistic flair that makes your space unique.
Aside from patios, another staple of the at-home resort environment is outdoor cooking, which continues to be popular. This is a project that can be done by a contractor, or you can purchase an outdoor kitchen kit from a home improvement store.
“If you’ve ever had an erector set, outdoor kitchen kits are about that hard,” Khanzadian says. “If you need someone to run gas to it, that can be done too. That part I’d never recommend a homeowner do, running gas or electric, but a contractor could certainly do that as one part of the whole project.”
As a final component to your yard project, Khanzadian recommends being strategic with your landscaping. Trees can protect the areas where you spend the most time, ideally allowing sunlight through in the morning and offering shade in the afternoon when heat is more intense. The Shademaster Honeylocust tree is a good choice because it requires minimal maintenance and grows quickly.
“If you can dig a hole, if you’ve ever planted anything, you can accent everything in your yard,” Khanzadian says. Whether it’s trees, bushes or flowers, adding foliage is the perfect finishing touch for your backyard paradise.
Pet owners see their companions as members of the family, so including animals’ needs in a home’s design is becoming increasingly common.
In pet-friendly design it is important to ensure surfaces are both easy to clean and durable. When it comes to flooring, pet owners are choosing scratch-resistant flooring materials such as luxury vinyl, tile or hardwood with a durable finish. Fabrics like microfiber, leather and outdoor fabrics are resistant to both stains and pet hair.
In line with the backyard paradise trend, the outdoors are being enjoyed by both homeowners and their pets. By choosing nontoxic plants, creating shaded areas for hot sunny days, providing dedicated play spaces and choosing hardscape materials that are gentle on paws on hot, sunny days, homeowners are emphasizing their furry friends’ comfort in addition to their own.
Pet wash stations for bathing pets or cleaning up dirty paws are becoming frequently requested, usually in a mudroom or basement. Pet wash station options range from installing commercial sinks to custom builds with stone and tile.
Jeremy Doran, co-owner of Stone Hammer Homes, says many homeowners are looking for both form and function with their pet wash stations. “It is a decorative piece in the home, architecturally appealing with nice tile and fixtures,” he says. “Often people choose a mix of tile and quartz or granite with a hand-held spray nozzle.”
Since pet wash stations can be completely customized, the height of the station is dependent on the size and age of the dog as
well as the preference of the homeowner. Some pet washes have been designed with ramps for older pets or to bring the pets up in height, reducing the need for homeowners to pick them up.
To eliminate pet-related clutter, hidden storage solutions are available for food and toys. Many cabinet manufacturers are including pull-out drawers or placing a hidden drawer in the toe kick part of the cabinet for food and water dishes. If you are considering a remodel, these are nice features to incorporate into your project and help keep your space streamlined and organized. Cabinet organization companies have solutions to help you achieve a clutter-free space.
When it comes to customizing your home to accommodate your pets, the only limit is your creativity and maybe your budget. Homeowners can make use of the typically unused space under a stairway by turning it into a dog-friendly retreat. “We have done a doghouse under the basement stairs built out with a door and storage for toys,” Doran says. “In the kitchen, people have even put in a pot-filler faucet above their dog’s water dish.”
An avid do-it-yourself homeowner could easily install a pet door; styles range from the basic flap style to a smart pet door you control with an app on your phone. The most important feature of a pet door should be that it can lock to avoid wildlife using it to pay you a visit.
Another easy DIY update is installing automatic food and water dispensers and pet-monitoring cameras. These are simple ways to keep your pet comfortable while you are not at home as well as give you peace of mind.
With homeowners growing more conscious of their carbon footprint, energy efficiency solutions have spread to the residential sector in big ways.
“The first thing you should do is get an energy audit,” says Khanzadian. “It’s free.”
Energy audits evaluate your whole house to find ways to reduce consumption while making your space more comfortable and safe. The auditor looks for leaking air, thin insulation, excess moisture, dangerous wiring and other issues. Audits are conducted by Building Performance Institute (BPI) contractors like the Syracuse-based company Energy Savers.
The audit comes with a report of the findings and suggestions for improvement with ways to save energy and ultimately reduce your energy bill.
“We always give good-better-best recommendations based on your budget,” says Don Shetler, owner of Energy Savers. “We also pair it with the available grants. There are grants for every home in New York.”
While some grants are based on income, others are project based and are available to most homeowners who make a specific improvement. For example, many homeowners would be eligible to receive a $1,000 discount on air sealing or insulation work.
Not every energy project is expensive, and some even fall into the do-it-yourself category.
“Every homeowner usually can spend 2 hours and $20 or $30 at Home Depot sealing their home to be more energy efficient,” says Shetler. “We walk them through it as we are doing the assessment and show what could be done, and then they get the report with pictures of the areas that could be addressed.”
In addition to sealing your home, switching to LED lightbulbs is one of the simplest ways to cut your bills. LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts up to 25% longer than incandescent bulbs.
Another way to lower energy costs is by upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices can adjust your home’s temperature automatically. The thermostat can turn off the furnace or A/C when nobody is home and you can program a schedule to turn down the heat at night while you are sleeping, which keeps you and your house at the right temperature.
With the non-stop release of innovative technology, there’s room for improvement in any home — old or new.
“A more efficient home is a more comfortable home, a lessexpensive-to-operate home and a home that leaves a smaller impact on the environment,” Shetler says.
As Central New York homeowners get older, many are looking to stay in their homes longer.
Khanzadian, a National Association of Home Builders Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), says there are many ways homeowners can adapt their current homes and continue to live independently.
Part of ensuring a home is safe for aging in place is incorporating universal design, the concept that your home is accessible regardless of your mobility. “Universal design is about making the built environment easy to function and safe for people of all ages and abilities,” says Khanzadian.
Scott McClurg, president, and Jamie Sprague, architecture project manager, of McClurg Remodeling and Construction are CAPS designated as well. They recommend that all homeowners incorporate universal design concepts at the start of their project and that universal design benefits everyone, not just the elderly, but those who may be pregnant, temporarily injured or living with disabilities. “It’s about independence,” says McClurg. “And staying in your home as long as possible.”
Widening doorways, installing lower profile thresholds, raising the height of electrical outlets and lowering the height of light switch junction boxes help accommodate people using wheelchairs. Cabinet organizer companies like Rev-A-Shelf can install pull-down shelving units that can be easily accessed from a seated position as well. There are a number of local RevA-Shelf distributors listed at rev-a-shelf.com.
Changing the heights of countertops is important depending on a homeowner’s situation. Lower counters accommodate wheelchairs and higher bathroom vanities make it so someone doesn’t have to bend over as far. Instead of a microwave installed above a range, Sprague suggests homeowners consider a countertop microwave to avoid reaching over a hot stovetop.
For the visually impaired, lighting changes and color contrast is helpful. Brighter lighting is available through LED lights, rather than incandescent bulbs. Changing the color of flooring at a change in level, like a set of stairs or even a step up or down helps someone recognize the change. Instead of having light switches and electrical outlets blend into the wall color, selecting a contrasting color makes them more easily seen.
Grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet and in the shower are one of the more common adaptations for homeowners who want to maintain independence. Sprague says the products on the market now have come a long way. “Things like grab bars can be very tastefully done and blend into the decor of the room. They come in several finishes and styles and it doesn’t have to look like a hospital.”
A CAPS-designated professional can assist with the installation
as the grab bars must be able to support up to 300 lbs. Khanzadian warns this is not a task for homeowners to tackle on their own and to leave this update to the professionals. You can check if a contractor holds a CAPS designation at hbrcny.com.
Many homes have safety concerns that can be easily remedied. Carpeting should be avoided and throw rugs can be trip hazards, so McClurg recommends removing them. Minimal or no thresholds are important to provide maximum mobility for people in wheelchairs, using walkers or those who shuffle their feet when they walk. Having substantial railings on stairways helps someone catch themselves if they start to fall.
Khanzadian advises homeowners 65 years and older to consider certain safety features when remodeling their homes, especially in bathrooms. If homeowners want to stay in their house as they get older, a zero-entry walk-in shower with personal hand-held showerhead and a built-in seat is a safer option than a bathtub.
“If they are going to have in-home care in the future, it has to be easy for someone to bathe them,” says Khanzadian. “If your
kids are out of the house, I recommend you install a walk-in shower instead of a tub.”
Some easy DIY updates to make are installing leverstyle door handles and D-style handles on cabinets. For homeowners with arthritis it can be very challenging to open a door or cabinet with a traditional round knob. Now manufacturers make a variety of lever and D-style handles in finishes to suit your style and anyone can open doors and cabinets with these types of fixtures. On the technology front, personal assistants like Google Nest or Amazon’s Alexa also make living in your home longer much easier from asking the time and weather to being able to turn on lights and even start your car. When it comes to aging in place, safety is the bottom line. “Your relatives want you to be safe,” says Khanzadian. “You want to make changes that make it easier for someone to care for you in your home as you get older.”
The Home Builders and Remodelers (HBR) of Central New York is hosting its annual Home and Garden Show March 15-17 at the New York State Fairground Expo Center. The event is one of the largest in the Northeast and showcases hundreds of regional residential and landscape businesses.
“This is a great place for homeowners to see the latest trends in the industry and comparison shop,” says Mary M. Gohl-Thompson, CMP, chief executive officer of HBR. “If you are looking to make an update to your home, you will see multiple vendors and can talk to them at once, instead of having to set up several appointments.”
This year, the Home and Garden Show will feature a landscape design contest with four specialty gardens judged by the public for Best Design. There will also be multiple short educational seminars where audience members can ask questions on topics like financing and mortgages, landscaping and gardening, kitchen and bath remodeling, building a new home, DIY tips and tricks, taking advantage of grants and rebates, selling your home and how to build a future in residential construction.
The hosts of HBR’s weekly call-in radio show, The Home Repair Workshop, will be on hand to answer audience questions at the Home and Garden Show as well. The Home Repair Workshop airs Saturday mornings on WSYR from 8 to 9 a.m. and is hosted by Steve Khanzadian with father-son duo Sal Sciuga Sr. and Sal Sciuga Jr. providing expert advice for the do-it-yourselfer on home repairs, maintenance and building. If you are unable to attend the Home and Garden Show, be sure to tune in weekly to The Home Repair Workshop for great resources. “This is a great community service we provide to people who are seeking quality information from the professionals,” says Gohl-Thompson.
For more information about the Home and Garden Show, The Home Repair Workshop and additional home repair resources, visit hbrcny.com.
Left, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” cast members, from left, Ted Allen, Jai Rodriguez, Carson Kressley, Thom Filicia and Kyan Douglas celebrate backstage after the show won “Outstanding Reality Program” at the 2004 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Sept. 12, 2004. Opposite, Filicia in his Sedgwick & Brattle showroom.
Thom Filicia reflects on success, the spotlight and his Syracuse roots
BY RAYSHAUN SANDLIN
Twenty years after the premiere of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Syracuse native Thom Filicia is still in shock and awe over its success.
“To be an interior designer, studying interior design and then working in the business — it was incredibly surreal,” says Filicia, who served as the homeimproving “design doctor” on the pioneering reality show. ”Suddenly it goes from this fun, cute idea to being on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and ‘The Tonight Show.’ And then the Emmys created a category that didn’t exist before, [Outstanding] Reality Program, and they did it because of us, really. It was crazy and exciting.”
So crazy and exciting, in fact, that his actual award didn’t
make it home on the night of the ceremony.
“That Emmy went from L.A. to 15 bars that night,” he says. “I left it in a bar and had to go in a limo to pick it up the next day.”
He then converted the award into a toilet paper holder until a bent wing forced its retirement to the bedroom hall of Filicia’s New York City apartment. “I’ve got to get it fixed at some point,” he says, “but I’ve got bigger fish to fry than that.”
One of those fish included a “Queer Eye” reunion with the original Fab Five this past winter. The event was held in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and celebrated the 20 years since the groundbreaking show premiered. “I love that it’s still something that people are interested in and is still referenced in pop culture,” Filicia says.
Top, In December the Fab Five reunited in Pennsylvania to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their hit show’s premiere, with moderator Thomas Drayton, anchor and host of “Good Day Philadelphia.”
Looking back on the show, Filicia says one of the most challenging renovation episodes for him was “A Nude Scary Garcia,” in which he had to renovate a nudist’s space.
“It was difficult,” Filicia says. “He lived with his mom, and his neighbors didn’t want to see it, we didn’t want to see it, and it had to be outdoors but also inside and I was like, ‘How in the hell am I going to make this work?’ But it was fun.”
Before taking over the wild world of reality TV, Filicia had what he described as a lucky upbringing as part of the LGBTQ+ community in Syracuse. “I grew up in a really supportive environment and had great friends and family,” he says. “I was able to focus on being a kid and having fun with my friends, and focus on the things I was excited about and what I knew I wanted to do.”
Filicia didn’t feel pressure to define himself until his junior year at Syracuse University, when he finally started to come out. “I was figuring out who I was and what my path was, but I hadn’t locked into it just yet,” he says. “When I did, everyone was cool about it, and I know that’s not everyone’s experience.
“I think it’s difficult to figure out who you are and to define yourself in any situation. Sometimes it’s difficult for people to figure out what they want to study in college, where they want to be when they grow up, who they are, where they want to live — just all the things we struggle with coming of age.”
Filicia’s solid support system allowed him to get a clearer
“To be an interior designer, studying interior design and then working in the business — it was incredibly surreal. Suddenly it goes from this fun, cute idea to being on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and ‘The Tonight Show.’”
grasp on who he was and what he wanted to do with his life.
Professionally, interior design is a career that Filicia says found him. As early as sixth grade, Filicia had been designing interiors. He stole lock box keys from his mother, who was a real estate agent, so he could sneak into for-sale homes to study and critique them. His father taught him to draft at a young age, and he was always in advanced art programs throughout school; he was highlighted on the principal’s bulletin board for his design layouts and floor plans.
Filicia received his degree in interior design from SU in 1993 and moved to New York City, where he started working with notable design firms such as Parish-Hadley and Robert Metzger before establishing his own firm. Thom Filicia Inc., which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, consists of a 20-person staff working on various residential projects and its Sedgwick & Brattle to-the-trade home furnishings showroom.
Although now based in Manhattan, this “kid from Syracuse” still finds Central New York to be a source of inspiration. Many of his design collections (which include lighting, textiles, furniture and rugs) pay homage to Syracuse and Central New York, including a few familiar-sounding pieces from the Thom Filicia Home Collection with Vanguard Furniture: Armory Square Banquette, Marshall (Street) King Bed and Greek Peak Dining Chair.
He recently sold his lake house to a friend but bought a condo in Skaneateles. With family and friends still in the region to spend time with, he returns to enjoy summer weekends out on his boat and he loves skiing (downhill and water).
Left, a Greek Peak chair in Thom’s NYC apartment, which also features wallcovering, artwork and bedding from the Thom Filicia Home Collection.
He remains friends with people he met in college and even at his childhood summer camp in Syracuse. Ryan’s Someplace Else, Trexx and Rain Lounge are among the haunts he remembers frequenting in college. In recent years, he added one of the newer gay bars, Wunderbar, to that list.
In addition to design work, he is staying busy these days with a new book project and the occasional TV appearance.
After blazing a trail with the original Fab Five, Filicia gives kudos to Netflix’s new iteration of “Queer Eye” and says he appreciates the evolution of the show.
Naturally, Filicia says his favorite of the new hosts is his successor, fellow interior designer Bobby Berk, who this past November announced he would be leaving the show after eight seasons.
“I love Bobby. We’re similar in a lot of ways but different in a lot of ways, and we celebrate our similarities and our differences. I think that’s what ‘Queer Eye’ is all about.”
That said, Filicia is a fan of each of the Netflix newbies. “They’re all great. Their challenges are different from ours in a lot of ways, but if they were doing what we were doing, then it shows there hasn’t been any progress.”
He believes television has made great strides in representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community over the last 20 years but acknowledges there’s still much to do.
“I think everyone who’s been involved with moving the culture forward and representing and creating a positive moment is so important, and everyone does it in a different way,” Filicia says. “We can be happy about the progress that has been made, and we must be energized about things that still have to get done.”
Regarding his legacy, Filicia expresses gratitude to still be around after more than 25 years.
“I’m happy I’m still here doing interesting things and having fun and glad that ‘Queer Eye’ is still something that means something. And who knows? It can still happen again.”
Perhaps we’ll be getting more than just a reunion from the OG Fab Five soon?
Until then, Filicia will be working on renovations to his new place in Sag Harbor. He may even have a toilet paper holder at the ready.
Rayshaun Sandlin is a student in the Goldring Arts Journalism & Communications Program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Don’t wait to get the care you need. When you visit the St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute, you can expect the best. They’re rated high-performing in more heart procedures than all other area hospitals.* You’ll be back home and feeling better in no time.
*U.S. News & World Report
CNY SCOUT • FARM TO
Youth mentor, personal trainer and speaker JT Houston reaches nearly a million people worldwide with his SPRDLV — pronounced spread love — initiative. Though going live daily on social media (@MrSpreadLove1) has increased his audience in recent years, his desire to serve others as what he calls a positivity influencer started nearly two decades ago, when Houston lost of one of his brothers to suicide. Now, Houston’s work fostering positive conversations has become tangible. Open Up: The Ultimate Self-Love Card Game was born out of his mission to get people talking to themselves and each other honestly and with a depth not often explored. Questions in four categories (some thought provoking, some more lighthearted) prompt discovery and meaningful connection. The game ($24.99) is meant to be played with others, but he also encourages individuals to use the cards to lift themselves up to be who they want to become. “I don’t believe in waiting for someone else to give me something that I know I need,” he says.
For more information: cashdrop. com/sprdlv/loveisdope605
CNY SCOUT
BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN
This time of year, the world reawakens with the sounds and aromas of spring. Hear the birds chirping. See the flowers blooming. Admire the beautiful hedges. But sometimes it’s hard to wait for spring or we miss it when it’s gone. To experience that feeling year round, browse through the whimsical illustrations of Michelle Masters.
Michelle Masters Topiary Art immerses viewers in a creative world crafted out of hand-drawn foliage. Using a mixture of watercolor and pencil, Masters has perfected the art of turning anything into an ornamental hedge. City skylines, ornate furniture and creatures of all kinds come alive with each brush stroke.
Dating back to ancient Rome, topiaries are
traditionally hedges that have been sheared into fanciful designs, often geometric shapes or animals. Masters has taken the idea of topiaries and transformed them into light-hearted and unique images. Think Sonnenberg Gardens meets Alice in Wonderland.
Her work features designs such as adorable pooches atop hedges carved into sofas, a rabbit on a leafy horse jousting with a giant carrot lance and a bunny riding past Parisian landmarks molded out of shrubbery.
Originally from Mississippi, Masters attended Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in graphic design. After college, Masters
and her husband settled down in Marcellus, where her creativity continues to flourish amidst the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes.
While looking for a new source of inspiration in the mid-‘90s, Masters did some soul searching after reading “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. It was then that she developed the idea of topiary art — a way to combine her painting skills with her love of plants.
Masters says, “I did some topiary doodles and then decided I didn’t want them to be geometric shapes. I wanted them to be unique and clever.” In 2005, Masters first attended the Philadelphia Flower Show and gained national exposure. She says that the flower show is where she found her people.
Fast forward almost twenty years and the annual trip to Philly is still her biggest event, supplemented with local festivals and the Newport Flower Show in Rhode Island.
Nearly three decades of work has led to the creation of several series of characters that have become beloved by her loyal fanbase. The most popular collections include Hedges & Hares, Posh Pets and several European series. Additionally, Masters does monograms and custom creations in her signature style, as well as traditional landscapes and other fine art.
Unsurprisingly, the most common canvas for her artwork is paper, through art prints and stationery, all of which are hand-crafted in her studio. Masters also sells soaps, towels, pillows, bookmarks and marble coasters adorned with her paintings. Her greeting cards are some of her best-selling products.
While she loves to see people’s reactions when they first encounter her work in person, customers can always find her full collection of items for sale online at michellemasters.com. In the summer, Masters displays some of her products for sale in a Romani-style wagon along the roadside in Marcellus.
Masters has a menagerie of pets and barn animals that you can find featured in several of her pieces. She likes to use her art to contribute to causes that she cares about, so she sends a portion of her sales to various charities.
In My Father’s Kitchen, Francis House and Interfaith Works CNY are just some of the organizations that have benefitted from Masters’ generosity.
Upon discovering her work, many folks ask if she has any true topiaries at her home. And Masters is always excited to share that she does — both indoors and out. She has tended to topiaries made from boxwood, rosemary, lavender and other plants. Although she admits, “I can do things on paper that I can’t necessarily do on live plants.”
more information: @michellemasterstopiaryart on Facebook and Instagram.
Making good FARM TO TABLE
The Tasting Room’s Citrus-glazed Duck Breast with spring onion suggests all the zest and freshness of the season
BY MJ KRAVEC
The Tasting Room
330 S. Salina Street, Syracuse thetastingroomsyr.com
It’s not quite time for April showers when we stop by, yet inside The Tasting Room, an upscale restaurant with a wine and whiskey bar in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the mood is all about spring. Chef JC Rodriguez puts the finishing touches on a dish he’s prepared for us, adding a drizzle of bright green basil oil. “For earthiness,” he says.
It’s a fitting touch for a restaurant that emphasizes seasonality, local products and produce to ensure quality, but also seeks to support the community by working with local properties such as Reeves Farms and Emmi’s Farms.
“These partnerships allow us to source fresh ingredients straight from the farm to our kitchen, ensuring that our dishes showcase the best flavors of the region,” says Rodriguez. “We take great pride in promoting sustainability and showcasing the bounty of our local area through our culinary offerings.”
At The Tasting Room, the menu is updated monthly and features fresh, seasonal ingredients tweaked with influences by the cultural backgrounds of its chefs, all while emphasizing the importance of pairing good food with good wine (and other libations).
Rodriguez’s training is classically French, but “our cuisine is contemporary American. Our menu changes regularly to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients, so you can expect a delightful array of dishes that capture the essence of spring,” he says.
Some of their most popular dishes include lobster truffle risotto and filet mignon. “The combination of succulent lobster and aromatic truffle in our risotto has been a favorite among our guests. Additionally, our perfectly cooked filet mignon, prepared with garlic whipped potatoes and bordelaise sauce has garnered high praise and is highly sought after,” he says.
For our spring issue, Rodriguez shares a delectable combination of flavors and textures in this citrus-glazed duck breast with white bean and charred spring onion, celeriac mousse and port wine demi-glace.
“The duck breast is perfectly seared and generously glazed with a citrus sauce, providing a tangy and aromatic element. Accompanying the duck breast is a bed of creamy white beans, adding a hearty and earthy component to the dish. The charred spring onions bring a touch of smokiness and a hint of sweetness,” Rodriguez says.
To complement the flavors, Rodriguez adds a velvety celeriac mousse for creamy, subtle taste and elevates the dish with a flavorful port wine demi-glace for depth and sophistication.
“This recipe promises a harmony of flavors and a visually stunning presentation. Enjoy the process of creating this culinary masterpiece and savor the delicious results.”
Sounds like a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Try a medium-bodied red wine such as pinot noir or a fruity and aromatic white wine like riesling. The citrus flavors in the dish complement the bright acidity and fruity notes in these wines.
With White Bean and Charred Spring Onion, garnished with Celeriac Mousse and finished with a Port Wine Demi-glace
SERVES 1
Ingredients
1 duck breast
1 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Zest of ½ orange
Juice of 1 orange
½ Tbsp. honey
½ Tbsp. lime juice
1 spring onion
1 clove garlic minced
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
Directions
½ can (7.5 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
¼ small celeriac (celery root), peeled and cubed
½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup port wine
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley, for garnish
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Score the skin of the duck breast in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Season both sides of the duck breast with salt and black pepper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the orange zest, orange juice, honey and lime juice to make the citrus glaze. Set aside. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place the duck breast in the skillet, skin-side down, and render for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Add garlic, thyme and half the butter and baste for 1 minute. Set aside to rest.
4. Brush the citrus glaze over the duck breast skin, reserving a little for later. Transfer the skillet to the heated oven and roast for about 5-6 minutes for medium-rare or until the desired level of doneness is reached.
5. While the duck is roasting, prepare the white beans and charred spring onion. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the white beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and set beans aside in a bowl. In the same skillet, add the spring onion and cook until charred and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. In a separate saucepan, combine the celeriac cubes and chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the celeriac is tender. Once the celeriac is cooked, remove it from the heat and drain any excess liquid.
8. Transfer the cooked celeriac to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
9. In the same skillet with the spring onion, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the port wine and let it simmer for a minute to reduce by ¾. Then, add the reserved citrus glaze and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
10. Once the duck breast is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the white beans and spring onion mix onto the plate.
11. Slice the duck into 1 ½-inch slices and layer them on the side. Place a spoonful of mousse opposite the duck, and finish with the sauce as desired.
BY CHERYL ABRAMS
The seasonal transformations of spring provide the perfect backdrop for another form of nature’s potential bounty: edible gardening.
One needn’t have acres of land or a sprawling suburban yard to grow veggies and herbs. On the contrary, most vegetables will grow just fine in containers, according to Steve Reiners, professor and chair of the Horticulture Section of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell AgriTech.
Container gardening has taken root across the globe in recent years for good reason. Those who have limited space for planting, or condo and apartment dwellers with only patios or balconies, can participate in the edible growing experience.
Another advantage, especially for newbie gardeners, is significantly less weeding, which decreases the amount of time, effort and expertise it takes to raise produce that can be enjoyed at the table.
Besides being personally rewarding, container gardening has a positive impact on our environment, according to the global planting activist organization, SeedMoney.org. The water usage for large growing areas, coupled with the transportation and packaging of produce from areas far from our home points of
consumption, has significant consequences for our planet. “When you grow your own food, you dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of your meals,” says the nonprofit.
Bob Allen, who lives in the Westcott neighborhood of Syracuse, calls the space available to garden in his backyard comparatively “the size of a postage stamp.” He loves tomatoes, so he tried growing them 20 years ago and became hooked on the practice. He now has a raised bed area for growing, but all the plantings, including tomatoes, hot peppers, lettuce and salad greens, are housed within containers. “It’s just a neater and more convenient way to manage a small garden,” says Allen, who’s placed a flexible fence around the area to prevent deer from enjoying the fruits of his labor. The area is flanked by pots containing a variety of herbs, including sage, thyme, parsley, rosemary and basil.
Another urban gardener is Shanzeh Farooqui, a resident of The Lofts at Franklin Square in Syracuse. She attempted veggie container gardening inside her apartment, which has expansive windows to let in light, but had mixed results. Farooqui convinced the Lofts management to allow her to try gardening via container in the complex’s parking lot, and in 2023 received a grant from Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today (TNT), a non-profit collaborative whose goal is to improve life in each neighborhood in Syracuse. Farooqui used the $1,500 stipend to expand the lot garden through the purchase of soil, tools, plants and containers. Neighbors in the area pitched in to help make the endeavor a success.
Farooqui and Allen enjoy gardening for different reasons. She is seeking creative ways to bring life to urban spaces, while he enjoys the experience, relaxation and escape it provides.
Regardless of your reason, SeedMoney.org encourages our individual efforts with a global view of the container gardening movement, offering this inspiration: “In the face of climate change, it’s easy to feel like you’re just a tiny pebble trying to create ripples in a massive ocean. But remember this: every ocean, every sea, every pond is made up of countless tiny drops of water. Just like those water drops, every single one of us can make a difference. Our collective actions, no matter how small they might seem, can add up to a powerful force for change.”
Maybe it’s time to get our hands dirty for the sake of Mother Earth, one container planting at a time.
The best time to plan for your own summer harvest is now, and getting started doesn’t have to be daunting. Reiners offers this simple guidance for creating a thriving container garden.
» Sunlight is the first key to successful container gardening. If your space includes only areas in full shade, growing veggies is out of the question. Fruiting vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and squash require at least six to eight hours of direct sun. Carrots, beets, radishes and other root crops need at least four to six hours. Leafy crops, including varieties of lettuce and spinach, as well as most herbs, can get by with just two to four hours of light.
» Adequate watering is essential. The soil can dry out quickly in the hot summer months. Plan on watering once a day, and always soak the container until water flows out of the bottom drainage holes. Protecting plants from excessive wind helps to reduce their water needs.
» According to Reiners, just about any container will work for vegetable gardening, from stylish decorative vessels to simple utilitarian receptacles, providing they hold soil. Containers can be made from any material, including clay, plastic, wood and fabric or fiber, which have become increasingly popular. He’s even seen people use the plastic sacks that soil is sold in or reusable shopping bags. He advocates for larger containers, though, as they hold more soil and provide for greater root expansion and an enhanced area for water and nutrients.
» Whatever container type is used, holes in the bottom are critical to allow excess water to drain away. Proper drainage prevents the soil from getting soggy, which leads to roots dying and allows diseases to thrive, threatening the life of the plant.
» Never use soil from your existing garden or land since it may harbor plant diseases or not drain adequately. Using bagged soil mixes prepared specifically for container growing assures the best home for your plants; these formulations are readily available at garden centers. Fill the containers up to no more than an inch or two from the top to prevent a potentially messy overflow during watering.
» Most veggies will benefit from a light feeding throughout the season. Compared to garden-grown plants, the root system in containers is limited. Reiners recommends using a half-strength solution of a soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
For more information:
» Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Integrative Plant Science at cals.cornell.edu/ school-integrative-plantscience/school-sections/ horticulture-section/ outreach-and-extension/ pandemic-vegetablegardening
» SeedMoney.org at seedmoney.org/blog/ gardening-againstclimate-change/
» Farmers’ Almanac at almanac.com/ content/containergardening-vegetables#
Graduate student’s exhibition encouraged dialogue, highlighted continued role of race (and racism) in Syracuse
BY BRANDON WALLACE
When Trinity Lowe first thought about coming to Syracuse University as a museum studies graduate student, the predominant images in her head of the city were those of abolition history and early Black prosperity. New York seemed far removed from her experience in southern Florida. That idealized image lasted maybe a few hours.
“The first time I set foot in Syracuse with my father, a white male working at Enterprise warned us about the dangers that festered beyond the train tracks,” Lowe says, referring to her June 2022 visit. The employee expressed his opinion about the area being unsafe “and a ghetto for certain individuals,” she says. “It is not dangerous, but is mostly populated with African American and Latinx individuals.”
This initial encounter was followed by what she calls “racially motivated experiences that opened my eyes to the discrimination and bias the city has towards minorities.”
In response, Lowe set out to curate her first personal exhibition, “Black Excellence: Celebration of Resilience.” She put together an educational and celebratory display of Black life and culture — past and present — in Central New York, a region deeply connected to the Underground Railroad but where racism continues to play a role.
One example is the oft-discussed 15th Ward. During and after the Erie Canal era, the area that would become the 15th Ward was deemed unsavory due to its adjacence to the canal’s polluted water. In the early 1900s, the ward was one of the few places where Black people were allowed to settle. Despite the conditions, Black people cultivated a vibrant community and economy with many Blackowned businesses. In a post on its website, the Onondaga Historical Association quotes a former
15th Ward resident who said the neighborhood served as a “refuge from discrimination” to those who lived there.
The forces that relegated Black people to the ward were the same that deemed it disposable for so-called development. As Black citizens fought for better resources, the city responded with sizable projects that were supposed to help mitigate the problems. Instead, the filling of the canal and later development, like the construction of Interstate 81, resulted in the loss of 90% of neighborhood buildings and the displacement of between 1,300 and 2,200 families, according to “Visualizing 81,” a project researched by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The construction of the highway denied the community access to better housing and economic opportunity, and solidified
In this untitled mixed-media composition, London Ladd evokes the hair-braiding ritual experienced by Black women and girls. This piece resonated vividly with Lowe as she selected works for the exhibition.
segregation, leaving Syracuse city schools the 13th most segregated in the country, per a 2023 study by the Century Foundation.
With the continued presence of segregation, the historic role of Black life in the city is often discounted, but Lowe’s exhibition brought it to the forefront. While Armory Square is heralded as a vibrant area, many hardly acknowledge the displaced community that founded this downtown district and called it home.
Fittingly, “Black Excellence” was mounted in Armory Square, from January 23 through March 3, at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse MUSe Lab Gallery. Lowe showcased Black artists whose work pushes against negative stereotypes, epithets and discrimination, selecting pieces from artists London Ladd, Carrie Mae Weems, David MacDonald, Jack White, Cjala Surratt and Marjory Wilkins.
For Lowe, the past is prologue and it encourages the continued perseverance and excellence of the community today. By exploring issues through a variety of mediums — photography, illustration, ceramics and fashion among those on display — she hopes that people will begin to understand the marginalized communities in Syracuse not as “dangerous” but as filled with personal histories deeply connected to the city’s past, present and future.
In “Black Excellence,” Lowe captured the multiplicity of experience. In searching for artists and pieces to feature, one question drove her: What story does it tell? “I really wanted pieces that would
tell the story of the African American experience,” she says. “I didn’t want to just share the negative and the sadness that is often affiliated with African American history, but also the beauty and the uniqueness that comes with our culture.”
Through four era-specific pieces comprising complete outfits from Cjala Surratt’s vintage clothing store, Black Citizens Brigade, Lowe brought to life a history that stretches back to the early 20th century. Surratt styled mannequins to illustrate the upperand middle-class Black people that thrived in the city before the demolition of the 15th Ward.
“I always say that the politics and the history are in the clothes,” Surratt says. “My hope is that these garments, selected from a business situated in downtown Syracuse, evoke a time when there were Black-owned businesses. For me, it is really special because I knew Marjory Wilkins and her daughter, Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell. Being an extension of that legacy is powerful, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
One of London Ladd’s untitled pieces “felt like a mirror” to Lowe because the childhood braiding traditions he illustrated vividly resonated with her. For her, Ladd’s work elucidated the liminal struggle of navigating white and Black spaces as a biracial man. Exhibiting that was an intentional choice to emphasize the polyphonic experience of Black people and culture.
Lowe also gave a platform to the nine fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which offer substantial support, guidance and community to people of color. Highlighting the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, founded at Cornell University, and its impact on Central New York and the country was crucial for Lowe.
On an introductory text panel, Lowe wrote, “Seven distinguished men, the ‘Founding Jewels,’ assembled under a united cause to supply a voice and vision to the struggles African Americans and many people of color were experiencing in academic settings. Throughout the exhibition, black and old gold play an integral element in completing the story of ‘Black Excellence.’”
“Black Excellence” made clear that we do not live in a society free of racism but one built on the foundation of discrimination and persecution of those deemed “other.” Lowe hopes questions about the continued role of racism and segregation raised in “Black Excellence,” an official event in Syracuse University’s Black History Month celebration, helped spark challenging but necessary dialogue, and granted students of color support and solace while encouraging white students to be more proactively anti-racist.
“I am just happy for people to engage with the space and become proactive in learning about a culture outside their own,” Lowe says. “The exhibition introduces difficult topics about race and segregation, so I hope this prompts positive discussion.”
Brandon Wallace is a student in the Goldring Arts Journalism & Communications Program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
“Calabash Vase,” left, and “Figurative Vessel,” both by David MacDonald. MacDonald adorns his ceramics with surface decorations and believes that vessels are profound symbols that connect people socially and spiritually. By selecting these pieces, Lowe brought that connection to audiences in the gallery.
“Know Thyself, Heal Thyself” by Sofía Pérez at ArtRage
ARTRAGE GALLERY
505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse. 315-218-5711, artragegallery.org. Open 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday (and by appointment for groups).
Mahtab Hussain: Muslims in America, Syracuse Edition. British photographer Mahtab Hussain is creating a major new body of work about the Muslim experience in America. In September 2023, ArtRage hosted Hussain for a two-week residency to photograph Syracuse’s Muslim community; the resulting work has become this exhibition. The work created in Syracuse will join his work from New York City, Los Angeles and Baltimore, and will be published as an artist book and a touring museum exhibition in 2026. Hussain uses photography to explore the important relationship between identity, heritage and displacement. Specifically he is known for photographing the Muslim experience in the UK, US and Canada. His themes develop through long-term research, articulating a visual language that challenges the prevailing concepts of multiculturalism.
His work has been widely exhibited in the UK and North America and is in many collections including the Brooklyn Museum and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. See more at mahtabhussain.com Runs through March 16.
SofÍa Pérez: My Shadow is my Teacher. Sofía Luz Pérez is a Mexican American artist born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Central New York. Her work often depicts ancient feminine archetypes while referencing self-portraiture, bringing together the ancient wisdom of her pre-Colombian cultural heritage and her present-day self. “My practice stems from an inner narrative that I’m working through. Much of my work has been inspired by the experience I’ve had with healing illness, and by the healing of generational family trauma. I address both the physical and nonphysical (spiritual) aspects of those processes. I began drawing self-portraits to document my process and progression in the aftermath of the diagnosis.” Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Sat. April 6. Runs April 6 through May 18.
39 Albany St. Cazenovia. 315-655-2225. info@ cazenoviaartisans.com. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Reverie in Atmospheric Landscapes: A Tonalist Affair. Michelle Roberts’ oil on canvas paintings. “My artistic philosophy centers around the belief that art has the power to bring us closer to nature, to ourselves and to each other,” she says. “Through my work, I aspire to create pieces that act as bridges, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. To bring light to the world and to people’s hearts. I specialize in capturing these serene moments through an expressive approach, utilizing oil paint on canvas. I aim to convey the tranquility of nature and the emotions that arise in those quiet pauses when we take in the subjects of nature or man-made.” Runs through March 31. Artist reception 2 to 5 p.m., March 2.
Balsam Rose Soap Showcase: Healthy and Sustainable Skin Care. Balsam Rose Soap Co. is committed to sustainable practices to improve our health and the well-being of our planet Earth. Throughout the month of April, Nancy Lee will be sharing her core values and expertise for creating natural skin care products through discussions and hands-on demonstrations. Recipes will be provided. Join us and learn how to make better choices for your skin care products and perhaps try to make some of your own. New Balsam Rose Soap products will also be introduced. Runs April 1 through 30. Artist reception 2 to 5 p.m. April 6.
805 E. Genesee St. Syracuse. 315-442-2230. community folkartcenter.org. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Hours may vary based on programming, Unveiled Echoes. The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) is proud to present an exceptional solo art exhibition by Jalen A. Law, titled “Unveiled Echoes ” This groundbreaking exhibition, running until March 16, delves into the forgotten tale of Dug’s Dive and the infamous 1863 riot. Through a captivating fusion of traditional art, digital art and augmented reality (AR), Law reimagines history, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of our past. With a visionary approach, Law seamlessly merges traditional art techniques with cutting-edge technologies to create a multidimensional experience for viewers. By integrating augmented reality, spectators are invited to delve beyond the canvas and immerse themselves in a digitally enhanced world, where historical events come to life before their eyes. Embracing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), select artworks in the exhibition are dynamically enhanced, creating a remarkable tapestry of reconstructed human history. Through AI algorithms, Law breathes new life into historical imagery, allowing us to perceive the past with renewed clarity and insight. “Unveiled Echoes” serves as a captivating exploration of forgotten narratives, celebrating the resilience and spirit of those who have shaped our collective heritage
EDGEWOOD GALLERY
216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse. 315-445-8111, edgewoodartandframe.com. Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed SundayMonday. Free.
Implication. Paintings of abstract(ed) imagery by Penny Santy and Barbara Vural; with art glass by Doug Williams and jewelry by Esperanza Tielbaard. Runs March 1 through April 12. Public opening reception 6-8 p.m. March 1.
Sana Musasama, “Returning
EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART
401 Harrison St., Syracuse. 315-474-6064, everson.org. Open 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 Monday-Tuesday. $5 suggested donation.
David Edward Johnson: No Roses in December. Based in Skaneateles, David Edward Johnson creates mixed-media assemblages that address belief systems, the birth and death of the American Dream and the effects of loss at a personal level. “No Roses in December” features a series of works in which Johnson explores his father’s diagnosis of and descent into dementia. Johnson pairs his own photographs of bleak West Texas vistas and abandoned adobe dwellings with abstract mixed-media painting, vintage papers, found objects and other ephemera as a way to evoke fragmented shards of memory that mimic his father’s state of mind. The series title references a poem by Geoffrey Anketell Studdert Kennedy that was popularized in a speech about courage by Peter Pan author JM Barrie: “God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” Without memories, we have no blooms in the chill of the December of life. “David Edward Johnson: No Roses in December” is part of the Everson CNY Artist Initiative, an exhibition program that celebrates the multi-faceted talents of regional artists. The CNY Artist Initiative is made possible with support from Terry and Bill Delavan. Runs through March 31.
Sana Musasama: Returning to Ourselves. Throughout her career, Brooklyn-based artist Sana Musasama has drawn inspiration from travel and research into global cultures. “Returning to Ourselves” centers around a series of dolls Musasama produced that mirror African American topsy turvy dolls containing a white doll whose skirt can be flipped up to transform it into a Black doll. Musasama uses this formal structure to juxtapose different figures drawn from the global Black diaspora. “Returning to Ourselves” is rounded out by a series of ceramic houses Musasama began early in her career but returned to during the pandemic to combat looming depression. Runs through April 28.
Janet Biggs: Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape In 2009 and 2010, Janet Biggs traveled to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard with a crew of artists and scientists to document the changing Arctic landscape. As the subject of centuries of exploration, the Arctic was once seen as indifferent to human enterprise, so vast and inhospitable as to be immune to any imposition. Today, scientists expect climate change to leave Arctic summers ice-free as early as the next decade, and Svalbard, located halfway between Europe and the North Pole, finds itself at the epicenter of this metamorphosis. Using footage compiled on her voyages north, Biggs explores this history and the alarming consequences of human enterprise in three videos: “Warning Shot” (2016), “Brightness All Around” (2011) and “Fade to White” (2010). Shown together, these works are a clarion call for a heroic landscape that will completely transform within our lifetimes. Runs through May 12.
CNY Artist Initiative: Rachel Ivy Clarke. After an early career in graphic design, Rachel Ivy Clarke turned to librarianship, which led to her current role as an associate professor at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. Her award-winning research focuses on the application of design methodologies and epistemologies to librarianship to facilitate the systematic, purposeful creation of library services. She combines her interests in information studies, design and textile arts to juxtapose hard data and soft textiles, using fabrics and colors to visualize information in a tangible, visceral way. She earned a BA in creative writing from California State University Long Beach, an MLIS from San Jose State University and a Ph D from the University of Washington. The CNY Artist Initiative is made possible with support from Terry and Bill Delavan. Runs April 6 through June 9.
109 Otisco St, Syracuse. 315-443-2151, lacasita.syr.edu. Open noon to 6 p.m. Tues. through Friday.
Futurismo Latino: Cultural Memory and Imagined Worlds. Futurismo Latino highlights the works of Chicano artists Cayetano Valenzuela, Zeke Peña and La Casita’s youth community. Cayetano Valenzuela is a Syracuse-based artist and storyteller whose lettering, illustration and animations evoke wonder, magic and fable. Valenzuela was a teaching artist in La Casita’s summer 2023 youth program, where children produced artwork that reflects on the intersection of Latino culture, technology and imagination. “I am seeking to imagine and construct images that symbolize and embody far off possible futures that are informed by how we carry our culture, our family and ancestral memory,” Valenzuela explains. “The work I am developing seeks to explore ideas of cultural and technological fusion as well as poetic spiritual tenderness.” Zeke Peña is a Chicano storyteller and cartoonist from El Paso, Texas. His work encompasses political cartoons and hip-hop culture to address topics of identity, politics, ecology and social justice. The exhibition seeks to reconfigure a vision of the future where Latino/ Chicano culture is centered in the story of the far future. The installation of original paintings, drawings, prints and three-dimensional pieces remains on view until April 12.
Young Art Exhibit 2024. The 2024 Young Art Exhibit celebrates the creative talent in La Casita’s community and the achievements of our young (and young at heart) artists. The new exhibit will feature drawings, comic illustrations and installation pieces by participants in La Casita’s arts and writing programs throughout the academic year. The opening event on April 27 will showcase live musical performances and fun art-making activities for the whole family to enjoy. Light refreshments will be served and free parking is available. Runs April 27 through Aug. 16.
316 Waverly Ave., Syracuse. 315-443-1300, lightwork.org. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For guided tours, contact info@lightwork.org.
Sophia Chai: Character Space. Sophia Chai’s “Character Space” comprises photographs that are a return to her mother tongue, Korean. In these images from marks, rubbings and paintings made on her studio walls, she references Korean written characters and enacts three key ideas: language, optics and photography. This exhibition presents the contradictions of visual and verbal communication resting in the space between intellect and intuition. Exhibition and related programming were made possible in part by the generous support of the Syracuse University Humanities Center and are a part of the 2023-2024 Syracuse Symposium: Landscapes. Public lecture 5 to 6 p.m., Thurs., April 4 in Watson Theater. Reception from 6 to 7 p.m. in Light Work’s Kathleen O. Ellis Gallery. Runs through May 17.
Dawoud Bey. Dawoud Bey and Stephen Daiter Gallery generously donated ten prints to Light Work in honor of its hallway gallery being dedicated to Jeffrey J. Hoone. These ten images were made at Light Work in 1985 when Bey was an Artist-in-Residence. Runs March 18 through May 17.
Urban Video Project: New Work by Crystal Z. Campbell. On view on the north facade of the Everson Museum. Runs Thursday through Saturday from dusk to 11 p.m. through May 25. Artist talk will be held Thurs. March 21 in the Everson Museum Hosmer Auditorium.
“Futurismo Latino” at La Casita Cultural Center
321 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 315-428-1864, cnyhistory.org. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free but donations encouraged. Check their website for updates. Suit Up! A Look at Syracuse Sporting Uniforms Through the Years. “Suit Up!” is in the Onondaga Historical Museum’s large first floor gallery. The exhibit, in collaboration with Syracuse University Research Center Special Collections, displays various Syracuse sporting uniforms throughout the decades. Local professional and collegiate teams are featured in this sporty jaunt through local nostalgia, celebrating the history of Syracuse athletics. Runs through December 2024.
Through The Magic Lantern: Illuminated Images of Onondaga County. This exhibit explores the magic lantern show. The predecessor to the 35mm slideshow and PowerPoint presentation, magic lantern shows were once very popular events. They were education and entertainment all rolled into one and some even featured an early form of animation. The magic lantern projected a painted or printed glass slide onto a screen, often accompanied with commentary and music. The public could watch a professional show at the theater or do their own show with family and friends at home. The exhibit sheds some light on the legacy of the magic lantern through OHA’s largest lantern slide collection, the Will H. Olmsted Lantern Slide Collection. In 1937, Olmsted, an avid amateur photographer with a heart for preserving local Syracuse history, decided to put together a pictorial history of Syracuse for future generations. He not only collected or created over 1,200 glass lantern slides, he also wrote commentary to go along with the slides and told the story of Syracuse. You will see an assortment of magic lanterns and lantern slides from Olmsted’s collection which display Onondaga County’s history between the 1850s and 1930s. There is even a modern “magic lantern” show using select images and commentary from Olmsted’s collection. Runs through April.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM
1st floor, Shaffer Art Building, museum.syr.edu. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and until 8 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and University Holidays.
Assembly. “Assembly” features artworks made by Syracuse University faculty and recent alumni that contribute to emergent forms of ecological understanding. By placing these works in dialogue with objects from the museum’s collection, the installation considers a broad cultural evolution from an environmentalism of the sublime to an ecology of intimacy. Runs through May 12.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
222 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse. Library.syr.edu. Open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 6th Floor is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Spring 2024 SCRC Exhibition: Plasticized: Creativity, Consumption and Labor in 20th Century Plastics. Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center’s Spring 2024 exhibition is titled “Plasticized: Creativity, Consumption and Labor in 20th Century Plastics.” Curated by Lead Curator and Curator of Plastics and Historical Artifacts, Courtney Hicks, “Plasticized: Creativity, Consumption and Labor in 20th Century Plastics” presents evidence from the perspectives of plastics creators, artists, innovators, engineers, laborers, consumers and corporations amidst the acceleration of plastic production in 20th century material culture. This exhibition illustrates shifting cultural perspectives
surrounding this enigmatic and complicated material while highlighting plastic innovations and developments in fashion, art, packaging, architecture, industrial design and more. Featuring materials from the Plastics collection area at Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center, these selections provide historical traces directly from those who imagined, designed, worked with, consumed, promoted, activated, marketed and resisted this uniquely synthetic material. Engage with historical plastics from the past through a multitude of lenses — all from the ascent of plastic within American industry, which directly contributed to today’s saturation of plastic products in our everyday lives. This exhibition will open during the spring semester of 2024.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY’S NATIONAL VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER DANIEL & GAYLE D’ANIELLO BUILDING
101 Waverly Ave, Syracuse. vpa.syr.edu/academics/creative-artstherapy/art-therapy-ms/nvrc-gallery/ Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday Paper Trail: Works by Veteran Photographers, Cartoonists and Sketch Artists. “Paper Trail” features works on paper and film by military veteran artists within the collections of Syracuse University’s Special Collections Research Center and the SU Art Museum. Artists include cartoonists Dave Breger, Mort Walker, Brad Anderson, Alan Dunn and photographers affiliated with Syracuse University’s Military Visual Journalism Program. Runs through August 2.
Brockway Trucks & History Military Memorabilia Model Trains & Railroad History
Local History & Cortland County Musicians NEW ~ Antque Firehouse Museum & First Responder Display Agricultural Heritage Vintage Tractors & More!
New & Expanded Exhibits Something for Everyone Handicapped Accessible with Plenty of Parking Planning a Function or a Meeting? Ask about Rental Spaces
MODIFIED SPRING HOURS
Open: Thursday - Saturday, March 9 - March 30
Wednesday - Saturday, April 3 - April 27
Our Regular Schedule of Tuesday - Saturday Resumes Tuesday, April 30 10:00 am - 5:00 pm ~ Last Admission is at 4:00 pm For More Information and Upcoming Events: Visit our Website or Facebook Page
Groups & Rentals Always Welcome with Prior Arrangements
WITH OHA
Victorian parlors were often ornate and elaborate.
Maximalist home decor during the Victorian period
BY THOMAS HUNTER
The decor of a typical middle-class home in Central New York during the Late Victorian Period (1870-1900) was often ornate and elaborate. Industrial Age factories made mass-produced merchandise that offered a wider variety of less-expensive decorating options. Furnishings previously accessible only to the wealthy could now be used in abundance, so people brought in dark, heavy furniture and covered surfaces, walls and floors with art, decorative items and ornamentation. They crowded their parlors, dining rooms and bedrooms with ceramic ware, glassware, framed paintings, photographs, flocked wallpaper, mirrors, toilet sets and “innumerable lamps, which shed soft, glowing lights,” according to an article in the July 14, 1897, Syracuse Evening Herald. The result was an extravagant smorgasbord that often created a claustrophobic atmosphere.
Magazines from the 1880s such as Home Decoration, Art Amateur, Art Interchange and Dorcas featured home design articles suggesting how to decorate particular rooms with fancy plant trellises, piano and mantel runners, fireplace screens, embroideries and flowers. A February 9, 1890, issue of the Syracuse Standard newspaper featured an article on creating thistle-andmilkweed pompoms, and advised readers to put the pompoms together to create a rounded bouquet. Local department stores
D. McCarthy, Sons & Co.; E.W. Edwards & Son; Dey Brothers and S. Rosenbloom & Sons frequently advertised home decor items such as jardinières with plants, clocks, glassware, ceramic ware, vases, frames, artwork and embellished toilet sets.
Thomas Hunter is curator of collections at Onondaga Historical Association.
BY MJ KRAVEC
On April 8, the moon will edge its way between the Earth and sun, darkening the face of the great golden orb in a total solar eclipse. According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse won’t occur until August 2044, so naturally, everybody’s sky high about this one. We thought it appropriate to check in with Raymond Dague, observatory director of the Syracuse Astronomical Society. The group of amateur astronomers is open to anyone interested in observing and learning about the night sky, and hosts viewing sessions twice a month from April to October at its Darling Hill Observatory in Tully. We wanted to know more about the significance of the event and what he’s most looking up at and forward to.
What time do you get up in the morning and how do you take your coffee? Usually I’m up around 5:30 and anyone who puts anything in their coffee is destroying it.
What’s your favorite season in CNY? For astronomy, I love the fall because it gets dark so early… Fall in Central New York is unreal.
Favorite place to enjoy the outdoors in CNY? I just like to get out of the city and go over hill and dale on my bike. I meet friends in Liverpool and I’ll go west toward Elbridge and Memphis. I’m part of the Onondaga Cycling Club.
Why is this solar eclipse so significant? A total solar eclipse is a rare event. The path of the total eclipse is fairly narrow — it isn’t even 100 miles in diameter — and it sweeps across the surface of the earth quickly. So you’re not going to be in totality for long. It’s a matter of a couple minutes and that’s it. And before you’re in totality you have a partial eclipse, and then it’ll hit totality. That is the only time when you take your glasses off, and it’s a spectacular view. Anyone who’s ever seen a total eclipse will say it is otherworldly. It’s so cool.
What’s your favorite experience with Syracuse Astronomical Society? Big comets when they come. Halley’s Comet in ‘86 was pretty nice. I’ve seen a lot of other comets. I love getting young kids up to the eyepiece of our telescope and having them look at something for the first time and go “Oh, wow. This is really something.” It’s just great to turn on the next generation to what I got excited with when I was that age.
What are you most looking forward to seeing? When it’s fully eclipsed, when totality hits and you look up, the sky darkens, the stars and planets that are near the sun will suddenly be visible in the sky — bright stars and planets and you see a glow around it that is the sun’s corona. And I’ve only seen it
once. I’ve only seen one total eclipse and that was the one in 2017, and that’s the show. It’s very impressive.
Is there anything important people should know about it?
The instant you see that sun making a bright glow at one end of the moon, you look away. You put your glasses on, then you look back up with your glasses. It’s called the diamond ring effect. And the crazy thing about this is [if you don’t have your glasses on] you can do damage to your eye before you feel you’re doing damage to your eye. The danger with a total eclipse is when it is finishing up and suddenly a little bit of the sun starts to peek out and it becomes brilliantly bright. That can do damage unless you instantly look away. And I mean instantly. Don’t look for a second or a half a second.
For more information: visit Syracuse Astronomical Society on Facebook.
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