Central New York Magazine May/June 2024

EURO TRIPS

SITES THAT FEEL LIKE YOU’VE CROSSED THE POND

GARDENS GALORE

RUSH HOUR

EXCITING ADVENTURES ON LAND, AIR AND WATER

EIGHT FORMAL GARDENS, ARBORETUMS AND PARKS UPSTATE SIGHTS AND ITINERARIES TO HELP PLAN YOUR NEXT VACATION

TRAVEL PREVIEW

PRESIDENT

Tim Kennedy

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Jennifer K. Queri 315-282-8622 jqueri@advancemediany.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT

REPRESENTATIVE

Chrissy Tice 216-999-4643 ctice@advancelocal.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Amy Bleier Long

315-282-8553

ableierlong@advancemediany.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

MJ Kravec

315-766-7833

mkravec@advancemediany.com

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ON THE COVER

A look from above at magnificent Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands (see page 48 for story). Photo by N. Scott Trimble. 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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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

Vacation, all I

ever wanted

Iwas recently at a United Way of Central New York Women United event where panelists talked about lessons they’ve learned during their careers. When offering some advice in the course of the panel, Meg Tidd, CEO of VIP Structures, said, “Take the vacation.”

Like many people, I’m guilty of not taking enough time off. Which is a shame because there are mental and physical benefits to taking vacations (see p. 14) and because traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love exploring new locales and although I’ve been a resident of New York state for the majority of my life, there are still so many places I have yet to go.

If that’s the case for you, too, I hope you enjoy this issue’s features, all focused on traveling around Upstate New York. From strolling peacefully through a lush botanical garden in Buffalo to screaming down an icy bobsled track in Lake Placid, we’ve tried to highlight a wide range of locations and activities to inspire your next trip.

When we think of travel, we must recognize that historically not everyone has been able to travel freely and safely, as the Onondaga Historical Association reminds us in their piece about “The Green Book.”

On the home front, we explore what

Canastota has to offer, honor the 100th anniversary of the beautiful E.M. Mills Rose Garden, peer into the miniature scenes created by artist Manuel Matias, and cheer on the Spatchcock Funk team as they take their cooking segments to the next level with a 30-minute show on WCNY-TV. The Down to Earth article looks at the way turf lawns cause problems for pollinators and what homeowners can do about it.

We also share the stories of three women who are using their career and life experiences to help others: Psychiatric nurse Marla Byrnes has spent more than 40 years assisting families through journeys of mental health and illness. Stefania Ianno is thriving after being stalked in graduate school and is speaking out about the often-minimized crime to empower others to recognize the red flags. Jess Miller grew up seeing the relationship between food, access and economics and has convened local chefs to provide kitchen skills education to Syracuse teens.

Let us know what you think about the issue!

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:

Jackie Perrin

“Writing about Upstate New York’s tourism trails was a dream assignment! It was so fun exploring the latest delicious offerings and highlighting some lesser-known gems and must-see attractions.”

On writing about tourism trails

Jeannie Jedlicka

“Although Mattias’ work may be miniature, his kindness and excitement for his craft are immeasurable and I am delighted to see what he has in store.”

On writing about artist Manuel Matias

Love You Live Where

This is CNY is a new website celebrating good news and good living across Central New York.  The platform is also used as a recruitment resource for CNY companies looking to attract talented candidates to our region. Thank you to our community partners for supporting This is CNY.

38 Travel Buds Immerse yourself in the heady spring scents and colors at eight Upstate public gardens.

48 Euro Visions

Take a trip with continental flair — visit these European-style sights all within New York.

56 Happy Trails

Tourism trails across the state provide inspiration for people with a variety of passions.

68 Pump It Up Dive, climb, slide, ride and fly over and through scenic vistas with these adventurous excursions.

Departments

Positive Vibes:

good to get away

Our Town: Canastota 21 Market Trends: Bright spot

29 Good News

29 E.M. Mills Rose Garden’s centennial celebration

30 Behind the Scenes: Bringing stalking out of the shadows

32 Caught Doing Good: Marla Byrnes

34 The Seen: A pictorial review of CNY’s social gatherings

75 Making Good

75 Spatchcock Funk hits TV screens

76 CNY Scout: Kitchen Literacy Project

81 Farm to Table: Abbiocco’s Bucatini with Almond Pea Pesto

84 Down to Earth: The buzz in lawncare

86 Art Profile: Manuel Matias’ masterful miniatures

In

every issue

6 Editor's letter

91 Galleries

97 Flashback with OHA: “The Green Book”

98 Last word with Syracuse City Arborist Steve Harris

Giving has always been part of my DNA. I believe we have an obligation to give through either time or treasure, to help elevate our community. I feel fortunate to be able to give personally, while also helping my clients achieve their financial goals by doing the same.

Charitable giving seamlessly complements any financial plan. The Community Foundation is instrumental in this process by offering tailored giving solutions that resonate with my clients’ philanthropic intentions and tax considerations, while ensuring their legacies extend beyond mere transactions.

During my time serving on the Community Foundation’s board of directors, I’ve seen the heart behind the organization and the tangible difference it makes in our community. I feel confident knowing that when working with its staff, my clients will receive personalized support based on their values and objectives to make their giving journey meaningful, effective and intentional.

GIVING SEAMLESSLY: LEYLA MORGILLO

Read more of Leyla’s story by scanning the QR code or visiting cnycf.org/morgillo

Leyla Morgillo, CFP®, fnancial planner at Madison Financial Planning Group, stands inside her offce in Franklin Square

It’s all good

POSITIVE VIBES • OUR TOWN • MARKET TRENDS

LAVENDER HAZE

BY MJ KRAVEC

The English poet Edmund Spenser said, “Among the changing months, May stands confest The sweetest, and in fairest colors dressed.” We agree. With pastel blossoms and budding trees, greening grass and warming breeze, all set against a periwinkle sky. Now’s the time to dream of the warmth to come. Here are seven ways to embrace the season now.

LITTLE BUDDIE

With apple blossom season right around Mother’s Day, a drive out to CNY apple orchards is a delight to the senses. If you’re downtown, head over to Hanover Square and take in the pinkalicious sight of the area’s blooming cherry trees. It’s all good

MUST GO FASTER

The Syracuse Orchestra (formerly Symphoria) celebrates the 30th anniversary of the release of “Jurassic Park” with “Jurassic Park in Concert,” 7:30 p.m., May 18 at Crouse Hinds Theater. Watch the film come to life as the orchestra plays John Williams’ iconic score. For tickets, go to syracuseorchestra.org

LIGHT THE NIGHT

Mark the summer solstice and the longest day on June 20 by dining outside with an appropriately themed display of lights. Place battery-operated candles, lanterns and string lights in trees, on your deck or on your patio and serve up easy, outdoor-friendly fare to acknowledge CNY’s warmest season.

WHAT STINKS

As you’re cleaning out your home’s gutters, save all that decomposing material and use it to mulch bushes, trees and other plants in your yard. According to the Permaculture Research Institute, all that organic matter is loaded with nitrogen and carbon — free fertilizer for plants.

BERRY EXCITED

Navarino Orchard hosts its first Strawberry Festival with vendors, strawberry picking, an arts and crafts fair and more. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 22, 3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Syracuse. For more information, go to navarinoorchard.com

KEEP UP

Cut lilacs can be such drama queens, wilting at the end of the day. To keep blooms lasting longer, try this tip from Better Homes & Gardens. Cut long stems from your lilac bush in the morning when it’s better hydrated. Place in cold water and remove any flowers or leaves submerged in water to prevent rotting. Trim stems at a 45-degree angle daily to enable water absorption. Keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight to help flowers continue looking fresh.

GET REDDY

In honor of strawberry season, make a fresh, fruity sauce by combining 2 quarts of fresh berries with ½ cup sugar. Let stand for 15 minutes and store in the refrigerator before serving over ice cream, pancakes or poundcake. For a softer sauce, mash strawberries before serving.

A GREAT ESCAPE

Getting away from it all has benefits that go beyond having fun

BY MJ KRAVEC

We all know that giddy feeling just before going on vacation: the anticipation, the excitement, the exhilaration that comes before doing something out of the ordinary and escaping our everyday lives. Research shows there are mental and physical health benefits to taking a vacation, no matter how short or long the escape might be.

Researchers at Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics found that working adults who took more time for vacations showed lower risk of cardiovascular problems than those who took less time. The study, which was published in the journal Psychology & Health in 2019, examined 60 participants from the Syracuse area and found that those who took more vacations showed a lower risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar and being overweight compared to people who took less time to get away.

Among other research, a 2005 study of 1,500 rural Wisconsin women over a five-year period found that those who took more

frequent vacations reported greater wellbeing than women who took fewer vacations. Published on the National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine website, the study compared women who took at least two vacations annually to women who vacationed once every other year or less and found that the women in the former group were less likely to be anxious and depressed than the latter.

Not surprisingly, in a 2002 study from the University of Surrey, just looking forward to taking a vacation boosted happiness, triggering the release of the feel-good hormone dopamine.

To practice: Take some time for a little rest and recreation. Lucky for us, Central New York is filled with natural beauty and quick getaways in every direction. Peruse the pages of this issue to find your next great escape — whether it’s to one of the state’s beautiful gardens, themed trails or European-inspired escapes. Once you’ve got your excursion planned, savor the time you have to look forward to it. Bon voyage.

Institute for Human Performance Millions raised for research Madison Irving Over $6.5 million to be raised for Golisano Center for Special Needs

Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Over $72 million raised for children since 1977

Nappi Wellness Institute Joslin Diabetes Center Upstate Foundation Since 1976

Upstate University Hospital Over $3.7 million in annual donations

Where

Heliport Funded the rst helipad

your gift impacts the health of

The Upstate Foundation was founded in 1976 as a notfor-pro t corporation to receive and administer gifts and bequests for charitable purposes. A public charity with the ability to make distributions to any quali ed nonpro t organization, the Upstate Foundation’s primary orientation is supporting the mission of Upstate Medical University.

We partner for impact in the following areas:

• Patient health care

• Education of future health care providers

• Scienti c research

• Community health and well-being.

Thanks to generous supporters of the Upstate Foundation, world-class health care is provided; scholarships for students in various areas of health care education continue; scienti c research e ects current and future medical diagnoses and treatments; and the Central New York community receives services such as Upstate’s HouseCalls for the Homeless street medicine program.

For nearly 50 years, the Upstate Foundation has had the pleasure of working with those who give philanthropically with an altruistic desire to help others. The Foundation o ers a variety of ways you can achieve your charitable

Upstate Cancer Center Consistent annual fund giving since its opening in 2014

Upstate Foundation

the entire region

goals including donor-advised funds and charitable gift annuities. You can contribute to an existing fund or endowment (we have more than 1,200 – the most of any nonpro t in the region), or you can establish your own (think naming gift).

Mary Nelson, who works in the Radiology Department at Upstate University Hospital and is a well-known youth advocate in the Central New York community, is leaving a gift that will live in perpetuity.

By working with members of the experienced Upstate Foundation team, they can help connect your passion and philanthropic goals for the bene t of others.

To read Mary Nelson’s complete story, visit www.UpstateFoundation.org/LegacyGiving

For more information, call Carolyn Hendrickson, director of planned giving, at 315-464-6490.

It’s all good

OUR TOWN

Canastota

BY KAILA CHAMPOUX

Canastota has small-town charm, a big sense of community and several claims to fame: in addition to its ties to the sport of boxing, the first American-made microscope and an early movie projector were invented here. Originally belonging to the Oneida Indian Nation, this area known as “Kniste-Stota” (meaning a cluster of pines near still waters) was incorporated as a village in 1835. Its development was greatly aided by the Erie Canal, a part of which still goes through town. Canastota was recently awarded a $4.5 million downtown revitalization grant as part of the New York Forward program.

GRAB A BITE

Start your day off right with breakfast from Canastota Bagels and Subs. Spend time at Flo’s Diner, home of the 10-cent coffee. For a quick bite, stop into In & Out Deli & Shop, Top Deli or China Garden. Have a slice at Hometown Pizzeria or NY Pizzeria, or visit Center Street Market for grab-and-go premade meals. For a sit-down experience, try building your own burger at The Three Pines, dig into tamales, tacos and more at La Bamba MTZ or head to Prevo’s Restaurant for a fish dinner and other hot platters. Have a hearty lunch or dinner at Theodore’s Restaurant. Enjoy seafood with a view of Oneida Lake from the patio at Johnnie’s Pier 31 Restaurant & Marina or try Lauro’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. Finish off your day with some ice cream and family fun at ZEMS Ice Cream & Miniature Golf (and don’t miss bread from Columbus Baking Co. on Fridays or the game room).

HAVE A DRINK

Find refreshing wines and a selection of ciders at the seasonal South Shore Wines LLC. For locally grown hops, head to Erie Canal Brewing Company’s taproom and enjoy a beer with Sunday Trivia. Stop at the Oneida Lake Brew Haus for one of their 32 craft brews, live music and food. Swing by the Backroads Tavern on Tuesdays for a margarita and tacos.

“Being a small village, everyone has your back. I wouldn’t have my business anywhere else.”

Rick Stevens, co-owner of ZEMS Ice Cream, Penny’s Candy Company and Rick’s Rags

Mural on N. Main St. bridge over the old Erie Canal painted by Corky Goss.

Muleskinner Pale Ale from Erie Canal Brewing Co.

SHOP LOCAL

Align your energies with holistic products and creative classes at The Magical Muse. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fudge, handmade chocolates and old-fashioned candy from Penny’s Candy Company. Purchase handmade items and vintage treasures at Just Because Crafts, Gifts & Thrift. Get lucky finding something cool or rare at The Pot Luck Thrift Shop. Outdoor enthusiasts can soak up the sun with a boat rental or a new dock from South Shore Nautical, LLC or store, dock, or buy a boat, parts, motor or trailer from Oneida Lake Marina, LLC where customers have access to picnic areas and a clubhouse with showers and a kitchenette. With new gear from The Tackle Trap, you’ll reel in a big one. For your floral needs, visit Debrucque Greenhouses, LLC or Sandy’s Flowers and Gifts, or for a wedding, call Affections Floral Design and Event Planning. Enjoy eating fresh, local produce year round with an Off the Muck subscription. Groom your grounds with annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and mulch from Jake’s Greenhouse and Ice Cream (and treat yourself after all that hard work). For friendly framing service, try Karl’s Custom Framing or Grey Barn Art & Frame Shop. Enjoy old-fashioned candy, gifts, handicrafts and chainsaw art at Yankee Doodles Country Shop, open May through December. Visit Kime Hardware & Lumber before starting your next project. Create a fun family tradition at Romagnoli’s Christmas Tree Farm and choose a tree, custom wreath or both.

GET OUTSIDE

THINGS TO DO

The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum packs a punch, showcasing legends like Muhammad Ali. Visit Greystone Castle for a tour, craft show or other events throughout the year. Enjoy some quiet time or get involved in one of the many activities for all ages happening at the Canastota Public Library. For a quick history lesson, stop into the Canastota Canal Town Museum. Don’t forget to “spare” some time for Canastota Hi-Way Bowl. Break out your dance shoes for lessons at Jason Matthews Performing Arts. Relax and unwind with Reiki healing, energy and crystal therapy at DME Reiki and Wellness Center. Bring the mind and body into equilibrium at The Place at the Center through yoga or tai chi instruction. Walk (or run, or lift) your way into a healthy lifestyle at Canastota Fitness Club

The village manages a recreation park, community sports teams and a municipal pool. Grab your bike, scooter or skateboard for an exhilarating time at Lenox Skate Park. Immerse yourself in nature at the Great Swamp Conservancy: Walk seven miles of trails, enjoy birdwatching and catch-and-release fishing, check out the museum, events calendar and their summer camp for children. Consider a trip to Oxbow Falls Park for acres of exploration, a 100-foot waterfall and miles of hiking trails. While there, cookout on one of the grills, play at the softball field or enjoy the 18-hole disc golf course. Take the scenic route via the Empire State Trail, that traverses the village, or the Canastota-Cazenovia State Trailway. Visit the Old Erie Canal State Park for woodland trails for hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, picnicking or snowmobiling. Test your skill on the scenic green at family-owned and -operated Casolwood Golf Course. Enjoy recreation, boating and more at nearby Oneida Lake’s South Bay

Fishing is a popular outdoor activity at many of the parks.

The old Erie Canal as seen from the Diamond St. bridge.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Left, the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Above, ZEMS Ice Cream.

Children ages 3-12 can cast in their lines at the annual fishing derby. Attend the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony and parade. Enjoy the Italian festival by the canal, featuring vendors, food, and music. ZEMS Ice Cream hosts a “Labor of Love for Erick” music festival fundraiser for school programs featuring basket raffles, food, car cruise-in and, of course, music in memory of their son — the “E” in ZEMS. In late winter, ZEMS hosts Stir Crazy Ice Cream Weekend. Bring a chair to take in the summer concert series from the recreation commission. Channel your inner child at the Community Days Carnival with food, rides and concessions. Greystone Castle hosts a Halloween Spooktacular event. Around the holidays, come to the Parade of Lights, an all-day fun extravaganza with horse-drawn carriages, street vendors, tree-lighting ceremony, vendors and pancake breakfast, topped off with a spectacular fireworks display.

BRIGHT SPOT

BY AMY BLEIER LONG

As we transition from spring to summer, Central New York gets even more active, so why not add an uplifting color or pattern to reflect that energy? Mint green is a light and refreshing tone that works well with neutrals and springy pastels, while geometric and amorphous shapes bring multicolored movement. And inspired by our issue theme, we found a few ways for you to bring Western Europe and the U.K. home.

HOMETOWN PRIDE Recycled plastic heavy-duty shopper, $14, Drooz + Company, 36 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-920-8888, droozandcompany.com.

PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

MILKING IT

Decorative metal milk pitcher, $39, The Station 603, 603 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-682-8741, thestation603.com.

LIKE BUTTAH

Butter dish, $16.95, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden, 59 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5803.

SONG BIRD

Hummingbird wind chime, $32.99, The Gift Box Shoppe, 4317 Fay Road, Syracuse, 315-487-9099, thegiftboxshoppe.com.

CUT THE CORD

Pressure Drop Cord shorts, $69, Emma + James, 25 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-2747, shopejclothing.com.

A LIGHT TOUCH

Enameled taper candlestick, $14, Synple, 70 Main Street, Camillus, 315-320-4212, shopsynple.com.

THAT’S A STRETCH

Metal stretch bracelet, $26.99, Paola Kay Gifts, 105 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville, 315-632-2192, paolakaygifts.com.

CUTE AS A BUTTON DOWN

The Cowgirl Shirt in mint, $198, Synple.

GET LIT

Specialty candle tin, $12, Witty Wicks, 190 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-672-3110, wittywicks.com.

NECK AND NECK

Cowl neck tee, $42, The Rose Cottage, 214 S. Manlius Street, Fayetteville, 315-637-1330, therosecottageny.com.

WEAVE IT ALONE

Woven belt, $44, Emma + James.

GOING THROUGH HOOPS

Leather bar hoop earrings, $28, The Wandering Kind, 46 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-291-7177, thewanderingkindshop.com.

CANE AND SIMPLE

Maren pull-on pant in calm waters surf cane, $118, Bev and Co., 18 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5064, bevandco.com.

PEP TALK

Glass mug, $16.99, Witty Wicks.

FOUR SCORE

Melamine section bowl, $32, Decor & More, 57 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-815-4001, decorandmorecny.com.

ZIP CODE

Double Zip vegan leather sling/belt bag, $52, Bev and Co.

FIRE IT UP

Light My Fire matches with colored tip, $28, Decor & More.

Kylie

STILL LIFE

Glass-framed wall art, $45, Synple.

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN Melamine plant pot (plant not included), $32.99, The Gift Box Shoppe.

CUISINE HEART

Reversible crossback apron by Gail Roemer, $35, Salt City Artisans, 226 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, 315-479-0400, saltcityartisans. com.

FRIEZE FRAME

5-inch-square picture frame in Ruvo 1-inch Italian wood moulding, $28, The Rose Cottage.

EAT, SWAY, LOVE Lemon poppy shortbread, $8.50 for pack of six, H. Grey Supply Co., 53 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-815-5016, hgreysupplyco.com.

MAIN SQUEEZE Lemon curd, $9.95, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden.

OOH LA LAIT

French Girl vitamin C polishing wash, $45, Synple.

FISHING FOR COMPLIMENTS

Trinket tray, $24.99, Boom Babies, 489 Westcott Street, Syracuse, 315-472-1949, boombabies.biz.

SWEET THING

Large Jackson woven tote Dolce Vita, $85, Skaneateles 300, 2 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-1133, skaneateles300.com.

ON THE TOWN

Neon Town jacket, $184, Floridella Boutique, 406 S. Franklin Street, Syracuse, 315-741-7961, shopfloridella.com.

DRINK TO THAT

“The Negroni: A love affair with a classic cocktail,” $16,95, Parthenon Books, 333 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-463-8485, parthenonbookstore.com.

GET BREADY

Fresh Cotswold cheese-and-spring onion scones, $4.50 each, H. Grey Supply Co.

BUST A MOVE

Handsome and Divine Gorgeous big box of matches, $15.50 each, Drooz + Company.

LOOKIN’ FAB

Fabric earrings by Ear Candy, $33, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile, 217 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-552-1627, wildflowersarmory.com.

HAT’S OFF

Duckbill Trucker Hat in High Hopes Geo, $39, J Michael, 173 Marshall Street, Syracuse, 315-471-4237, jmichaelshoes.com.

SHAPE UP

Orange and pinky collage plate, $153, Papavero Clay Studio, 38 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-6263, papaverostudio.com.

GREAT POINT

Glass broach by Shauna Walsh, $38, Cazenovia Artisans, 39 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-655-2225, cazenoviaartisans.com.

GOT GAME

Jonathan Adler wood domino set, $39.99, Paola Kay Gifts.

CUT THE CHEESE Wood-and-resin cheese-cutting board by Hanley’s Wooden Creations, $50, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

DRAW INTEREST

Geo

PLATTER-TUDE

Serving platter by Daphné Verley, $380, Cazenovia Artisans.

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INVESTMENT: $49/MONTH OR $549/YEAR

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM:

Good news

THE JEWEL OF THORNDEN PARK

Celebrate the E.M. Mills Rose Garden’s centennial at this year’s Rose Day on June 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The annual free event, held by the Syracuse Rose Society (SRS) and the Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation when the roses are at peak bloom, is open to the public and features music and refreshments. There will also be educational demonstrations on rose planting and care, flower arranging and the use of other beneficial plants.

SRS is the steward of the two-acre Beaux Artsstyle garden. Volunteers (from amateur gardeners to consulting rosarians) contribute considerable time, energy and skill to keep the rose garden one of the country’s best. The garden began in Kirk Park in 1911, moved to its current location in 1922 and was dedicated to SRS’s first president, Dr. Edmund M. Mills in 1924. This year, SRS will add around 225 new roses to its more than 3,000 bushes.

For more information: visit syracuserosesociety.org

Good news

BEHIND THE SCENES

EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING

Bringing stalking out of the shadows

BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT

Feelings of violation, betrayal and fear flooded through Stefania Ianno when an auto mechanic found a GPS tracker on her vehicle 12 years ago. A friend had just alerted Ianno that a mutual acquaintance had been making threats against her online. She later found out that the tracker had been on her car for eight to 10 months. “This person was talking about buying a gun and a silencer,” says Ianno, who was a graduate student at the time and was initially unsure of the severity of the situation. “Should I be scared? Would he really get a gun? Was he just joking about it?”

The perpetrator eventually was expelled from his graduate school program, charged with fourth degree criminal stalking and served probation. Despite an order of protection, the stalking continued when Ianno returned home to Syracuse. He drove by her parents’ house and left her inappropriate voice messages. “I left my job, left my house, didn’t go back to school

the way I had planned because I didn’t want to put anyone else in danger,” she says.

With distance from those events, Ianno, now a trained marriage and family therapist, is hoping that sharing her experience will help others. She has transformed herself from a stalking statistic to an empowered entrepreneur: In January, she launched Breaking Stalking, a mission-driven business dedicated to helping organizations and communities recognize, prevent and combat the crime of stalking.

“A lot of victims of stalking aren’t getting the help they deserve and they need,” she says. “People aren’t taught about it. They don’t know how to recognize the warning signs and red flags.”

Ianno’s educational presentations and workshops focus on how schools, businesses and individuals can recognize and respond to stalking. As she expands her reach, she also wants to start the

Stefania Ianno launched Breaking Stalking, a mission-driven business dedicated to helping organizations and communities recognize, prevent and combat the crime of stalking.

nation’s first hotline devoted to helping stalking victims.

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have been stalked at some point in their lives; 13.5 million people are stalked in the United States each year.

While legal definitions vary, educators like Ianno define stalking as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Tactics include unwanted phone calls or unwanted gifts, following and watching the victim, sending unwanted texts, photos, emails or messages through social media, and using technology to monitor, track or spy.

Ianno says the pervasiveness of social media and technology has created a more sophisticated way for offenders to track and intimidate. “We check in places, we ping other people, we share our location,” she says. “You can throw an AirTag in someone’s purse or pocket. There is spyware that can be easily installed on phones and computers, programs that can capture your keystrokes.”

Ianno also worries that stalking has been romanticized in popular media, pointing to Netflix’s “You,” which follows a manipulative stalker and killer lead character, as an example. When a stalker is depicted as sympathetic or redeemable, it lessens the perceived danger. “I think our society can portray stalking in a specific way that minimizes and rationalizes it,” says Ianno, recalling how she was initially met with skepticism when filing her police report.

The pattern of stalking behavior can escalate to threats, harassment and assault. Ianno says she often quotes researcher Patrick Brady to convey severity: “Stalking is homicide in slow motion.” And while organizations like Vera House are designed to help victims of domestic violence, stalking can happen among acquaintances, family members or complete strangers, leaving victims with little recourse or services.

In February, Ianno spoke to a conference of sorority and fraternity students in Connecticut. “I try to walk the fine line of giving them the education and knowledge about safety planning while also relaying the seriousness of what could happen if it escalates — hopefully without terrifying anyone,” she says.

A student approached her after the presentation to share their own story. “They got emotional about it,” she says. “They didn’t realize the deeper impact it had on them.”

Relating it to her own recovery, Ianno credits connecting with other stalking victims, including friends and family members that she didn’t realize had experienced similar situations. “You feel more strength in those conversations

“ A LOT OF VICTIMS OF STALKING AREN’T GETTING THE HELP THEY DESERVE AND THEY NEED. PEOPLE AREN’T TAUGHT ABOUT IT. THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE WARNING SIGNS AND RED FLAGS.”

Stefania Ianno, founder of Breaking Stalking

because you realize you’re not alone with it, that you’re not the only one.”

She says what drives her is the importance of raising awareness to potentially prevent additional crimes from occurring. And she is willing to take a calculated risk to pursue her mission. The social media, website and media coverage of Breaking Stalking are all public.

“For the sake of safety and privacy, I spent so many years protecting my name and information online, and now with a whole new search of my name a lot of this coverage easily pops up,” she says. “While I do wonder if the person who stalked me will one day see any of this, the drive I have to help others through raising awareness around stalking and educating people far surpasses the ‘what-ifs’ that go through my head.”

Good news

CAUGHT DOING GOOD

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Helping CNY families navigate mental health challenges with empathy

BY SUSAN KENNEDY

Retired psychiatric nurse Marla Byrnes is tired of the mental illness blame game. “It’s not the person’s fault. It’s not their family’s fault,” says the woman who has spent nearly a halfcentury helping those in need of psychiatric care.

Early in her career, Byrnes saw blame and shame as the modus operandi of the psychiatric field. Byrnes disagreed with that approach. She sought further information and followed research, especially that of a nurse working in neurological and psychiatric units who was having success with a new outlook: treating patients with kindness and respect. “This was curious and cutting edge back in the 1980s,” says Byrnes. “I knew I needed to know more.”

In 1983, while she worked full time as a nurse at Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, Byrnes joined the new local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a

nonprofit that focuses on replacing shame and blame with compassion and coping tools.

Byrnes had an aunt with bipolar disorder and lost two cousins to suicide, cousins she wasn’t even allowed to speak of due to the perceived shame their deaths brought to her family. With this personal insight, Byrnes felt that volunteering in her profession would give her more opportunities to sensitively help patients and families navigate what can be a scary mental health journey. “It’s a neurological illness,” says Byrnes of depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. “This is not something you want to sit with by yourself.”

She’s been volunteering at NAMI for the past 41 years and treats all with empathy, not judgment. She runs support groups, handles the crisis phone lines, runs free educational programs and serves on the board when needed. She’s currently the interim

Marla Byrnes is a volunteer with the Syracuse chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a nonprofit that emphasizes compassion and coping tools over shame and blame.

executive director. “It’s hard for people to expose themselves and share what’s really going on,” says Byrnes. “For people who speak out and become vulnerable, it helps them manage their illness and live.”

She knows it’s not easy to bare your soul. When her academically and socially successful college-aged son began having trouble with depression and anxiety, her profession became even more personal. “It all started to unravel for him,” says Byrnes. Her career prepared her for the emotional journey she now faced as a mom. She understood how the system worked and how it didn’t, and with her son’s challenges, she had another layer of empathy and understanding to offer her patients. “Families are left terror stricken and desperate to try to get help, and it can just literally rot your guts out with fear and worry.”

Free monthly NAMI support groups help adults and children living with mental health concerns, and help families and friends manage the hated illness while still loving the person. There are free online self-paced educational sessions for parents and caregivers, among other educational programs. If NAMI cannot help a caller, volunteers will share other resources available across Central New York. “There is hope,” says Byrnes. With new medications and treatment options for the sick, and coping skills for their families, Byrnes says she sees people get better. “Every day, people are able to have a life again,” she says.

Helping others has always been a part of life for Byrnes, who grew up in a smalltown farm family in Newport, New York.

“We never had much but we always shared.” Byrnes recalls her grandmother often had a pot of something on the stove ready to give to a sick neighbor, and everyone

“

FOR PEOPLE WHO SPEAK OUT AND BECOME VULNERABLE, IT HELPS THEM MANAGE THEIR ILLNESS AND LIVE.”

Marla

Byrnes, volunteer at

NAMI

chipped in to bale hay if the farmer down the road was struggling. When her father could not afford the rent, the kindness was returned. Their landlord allowed Byrnes’ family to stay in the apartment for years and when he could afford to, her father paid back the landlord in full. “That landlord’s generosity made such an impact on me,” says Byrnes.

By age 16, Byrnes was already helping others as a nurse’s aide. “I knew immediately that this is what I was meant to do,” says Byrnes, “serve others.” She takes pride in making someone else’s journey through life a little easier. Helping a patient find

For more information: 315-487-2085, namisyracuse@namisyracuse.org, namisyracuse.org. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Call or text 988 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor or reach out by web chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. Conversations are free and confidential.

improvement through an art class or the right therapist feels good. Encouraging family members amidst the chaos of a mental health crisis to take time for self-care — be it a quiet moment with a cup of tea or a walk in the woods — feels impactful. “The reward,” says Byrnes of her volunteer efforts, “is knowing you’re adding something positive to the universe.”

Byrnes commends school programs, celebrities and athletes who are now speaking out about mental illness. One in four of us is impacted by mental illness, she says. “The next generation doesn’t have to suffer,” says Byrnes. The sooner signs are recognized, the better the outcome, so she and her fellow NAMI volunteers keep at it. And she keeps at it with her now 39-yearold son. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, he struggles with mania, often walking ten miles a day to cope. “He’s not better, but I know it’s always a possibility.”

Byrnes reminds herself of what she counsels others to understand. Her son is an artist; he’s gracious, funny and smart. He’s not just his illness.

Byrnes says she lives with an image of her son out in deep ocean water while she stands at shore. She yells to him, tosses a life preserver. Someday, she hopes, he’ll hold on and come back to shore. There’s no blame nor shame in that image, just a daily mantra to keep doing positive and helpful things in life. Kindness has a ripple effect, she says. “Where that kindness is going to land in someone’s heart, you just don’t know.”

Good news THE SEEN

MARCH 23

Syracuse.com | Post-Standard Spelling Bee

After winning their school spelling bees and competing in the online regional qualification round, 22 Central New York students gathered in Syracuse University’s Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium to compete in the final oral round of the Syracuse.com | Post-Standard Spelling Bee. Simran Sanders, a seventh grader from Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School, won the event by spelling the word bobolink, a noun for a type of an American songbird. This is the second regional win in a row for Sanders, who competes in May at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor Maryland. The Post-Standard | Syracuse.com, which is the exclusive 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee regional partner, sponsors the event.

the 2024 Syracuse.com |

Spelling Bee.

Clockwise from top, Everly Goodyear (at the mic) from Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, Alexander Griffiths from The Syracuse Latin School and Simran Sanders of Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School compete in

Post-Standard

FEBRUARY 14

Syracuse Auto Expo Charity Preview

Syracuse Auto Dealers Association kicked off the 115th annual Syracuse Auto Expo with its charity preview party at the Oncenter. The event gave guests a sneak peek at hundreds of vehicles from area auto dealers while raising money for local charities. Now in its 25th year, the charity preview has raised more than $4.6 million. Participating charities included AccessCNY, Crouse Health Foundation, David’s Refuge, Inc., Food Bank of Central New York, Hospice of Central New York and Hospice of the Finger Lakes, Huntington Family Centers, Inc, LAUNCH, Make-AWish Central New York, Maureen’s Hope Foundation, Inc., Meals On Wheels of Syracuse, NY, Inc., Silver Fox Senior Social Club, St. Camillus and YMCA of Central New York.

Rich Burritt, president and chairman of Syracuse Auto Dealers Association, and his wife, Britanee, pose in front of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray during the Syracuse Auto Expo Charity Preview at the Syracuse Oncenter and War Memorial

Good news THE SEEN

MARCH

8

CNY Women’s Summit

The 200-plus attendees at the third annual CNY Women’s Summit were treated to an inspirational day of wisdom, collaboration and networking. CNY Women’s Network founder Alex Canavan kicked off the event at The Oncenter, then introduced business coach Kathleen Avery and manifesting and mindset coach Kim Fischer. A CNY Community panel touched on the optimism about changes happening across the region and ways attendees could get involved. Insight-packed fireside chats and a Q&A with four leaders provided many takeaways, and roundtable discussions allowed attendees to share stories and feel empowered. The day was capped off by a happy hour and vendor market with more than 30 women-owned businesses sharing their products and services. Central New York Magazine was the media sponsor; Syracuse University, Cheshire AV and Refine Rentals were also sponsors.

Top, Summit ambassadors, front row, from left: Elena Bombardier, Jacqueline Colello, Maria Rotella, Rachael Demling, Elana Agrasto, and ambassador campaign manager Caitlin Pacilio. Back row, from left, Danielle Benjamin, Maria Maier, Corinne Bardof, Julia Freeman, Jena Murphy, Courtney Kahler, Stacey Cook and Sarah Fredenburg. Above, the roundtable discussions are one of the most popular elements of the summit.

PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

Top, Tracy Dando Mergler, left, and Heather Waters, right,

Eight impressive gardens in Upstate New York

BY ALLISON KENIEN

May and June mean Upstate is blooming and there’s so much to see. Our region is packed with gardens that offer treasures for every visitor.

From the historic blooms of Fort Ticonderoga to Buffalo’s elegant glasshouse, each garden offers a truly different experience. We’re highlighting eight stand-out gardens within driving distance. We hope you will head outside and enjoy the color, fragrance and beauty of the season.

Left, overlooking the Herb Garden, arranged in 17 different themed beds at Cornell Botanic Gardens.

ROOT GLEN

Calling all peony lovers! Many of the varieties that we enjoy today were first hybridized at Hamilton College and are on display at the Root Glen in Clinton.

This garden traces back to 1850 when Oren Root purchased the land and adjoining house. Root and his wife filled the space with trees, shrubs and flowers. Root’s son, Elihu, inherited the house and found time to help oversee care of the glen despite his work serving as Secretary of War, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

He eventually passed the property to his son, Edward, and daughter-in-law, Grace, who were responsible for much of the garden’s development that public visitors enjoy today.

Edward was an art professor at Hamilton College and he became interested in hybridizing plants. For mentorship, he turned to his friend and fellow professor Arthur Percy Saunders, whose work in hybridizing peonies would lead him to be considered the “father of the modern peony.” There are

as many as 150 Saunders-named peonies that exist today, according to Lois Girton, director of the American Peony Society, and many of them are on display near the entrance to the Root Glen. The peonies bloom each spring, typically reaching their peak in late May or early June.

In addition to peonies, Hamilton College has cultivated other impressive flowers, plants and trees in its globally accredited arboretum. It boasts more than 2,700 tagged shrubs and trees, including New York state’s largest Norway spruce.

Hamilton College strives to keep Root Glen captivating all year, and September through April, the college offers a free Saturday Speaker Series covering practical topics.

Recent sessions included growing and arranging cut-flowers, creating a landscape master plan and using native plants in your garden.

The college invites anyone to attend the sessions and explore the glen.

Root Glen, Hamilton College, 6909 College Hill Rd., Clinton, 315-859-4892, hamilton.edu/arboretum

SONNENBERG GARDENS & MANSION STATE HISTORIC PARK

Sonnenberg Gardens transports visitors back to an extravagant time in American landscape design. Originally owned by Frederick Ferris Thompson and Mary Clark Thompson, the grounds were built during the Cottage Place Era when wealthy Americans invested in elaborate gardens inspired by European estates.

The property has nine formal gardens and an impressive collection of statues dating back to ancient times (think fourth century). Each formal garden is distinct, creating a wonderland to be explored one site at a time.

Looking out from the house, visitors can see the Italian Garden with a 16th-century Italian well-head and a Fountain of Hercules.

Flowers are laid out in a Victorian carpet bed-style, which

forms the flowers into identifiable shapes. The Italian Garden has four beds that are designed to resemble fleurs-de-lis.

Three intimate gardens also near the mansion were designed with particular colors and blooms in mind: a Blue & White Garden, a Pansy Garden and a silver-and-white Moonlight Garden.

By walking a short distance from the mansion, visitors can find a Roman bath that featured a boiler-warmed swimming pool, a true novelty in the early 1900s. There is also a Japanese Tea Garden, the first to be installed at a private American residence, and an aviary that once housed 216 different species of birds.

Visit this estate to uncover more delights including a rose garden, “secret garden,” greenhouse and Victorian rockery.

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 250 Gibson St., Canandaigua, 585-394-4922, sonnenberg.org

CUTLER BOTANIC GARDEN

Cutler Botanic Garden in Binghamton is not just a beautiful space. It’s also a site for learning and development of horticultural skills.

Visitors can pick up tips and information related to propagation, composting, conservation, native plants, landscape design, food gardening, pest management and more. Cutler hosts workshops to provide practical information that homeowners and eco-conscious people can use in their everyday lives.

Workshops aside, just a walk through the grounds is an

enriching experience with 2,000 annual flowers throughout the property. The true luminaries of the space are the 100 shrub rose varieties and 300 daylily varieties. Beyond the impressive vegetation, Cutler has distinctive hardscapes and structures that are open to the public, including a brand-new hardscape labyrinth.

This spring, Cutler will host a special event to celebrate World Labyrinth Day on May 4. Find details about the spring plant sale, a Shakespearean festival and a full list of events and educational brochures on the Cutler website.

Cutler Botanic Garden, 840 Upper Front St., Binghamton, 607-584-5016, ccebroomecounty.com/gardening/cutler-botanic-gardens

LANDIS ARBORETUM

Harmony and balance are the vibe at Landis Arboretum where visitors enjoy the peaceful refuge of old-growth forests in the scenic Schoharie Valley.

Arboretum founder Fred Lape began laying the groundwork for the current space when he challenged himself to grow every species of woody plant that could survive on his family farm in Esperance. Captivated by his project, Lape’s friends contributed financially, with the biggest gift offered by George Landis, a professor and plant collector who left his full estate to Lape. Thanks to Landis’ generous contribution, the arboretum was officially established in 1951.

While Lape did not manage to collect every woody plant species that could possibly survive at the farm, the arboretum does contain nearly every native New York tree, shrub and vine.

Beyond New York state vegetation, there are collections of ornamental trees, towering oaks, vibrant conifers and an historic Dawn Redwood tree. This tree was considered extinct until it was rediscovered in China in the 1940s. A limited number of seeds were distributed in the United States at that time. One of the seeds was given to Lape and now visitors can see the majestic redwood in the arboretum.

In addition to the hundreds of labeled trees and shrubs, the grounds offer walking trails, wetlands, a meditation garden and bird watching opportunities.

Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Rd., Esperance, 518-875-6935, landisarboretum.org

HIGHLAND PARK

Tourists travel from afar to see the lilacs in Rochester’s Highland Park, and when they arrive, they are likely to realize that this garden has much more to offer than its famous flowers.

One of the oldest public arboretums in the United States, Highland Park grew out of 20 acres of land that nursery owners and developers George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry donated to the City of Rochester. They wanted to share the beauty of the countryside with city residents, a goal that was achieved when “father of landscape architecture” Frederick Law Olmstead was commissioned to be the designer.

Soon after the park’s inception, horticulturalists introduced lilacs and cultivated a collection that grew to be one of the largest in the world. Today, more than 500 varieties are represented across approximately 1,200 lilac shrubs. The

Highland Park, 180 Reservoir Ave., Rochester, 585-753-7270, highlandparkconservancy.org

fragrant flower is celebrated annually at the Rochester Lilac Festival, which will be held May 10-19 this year.

While lilacs tend to steal the show, there is much more to experience at Highland Park. In late May and early June, 700 rhododendrons bloom to full glory. During the fall months, a rainbow of autumnal colors is formed by Japanese maple leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, gold, purple and bronze. The pinetum (py-NEEtum) contains around 300 conifers and shrubs (not all of which are evergreen), and the Lamberton Conservatory has a stunning showcase of biomes with desert plants and rainforest flowers. A playground of reclaimed wood gives kids and adults alike a chance to physically interact with the arboretum by climbing massive log structures and balance beams.

BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Within a city known for snow, there’s an oasis waiting to dazzle visitors with warm temperatures and exotic plants. Located in Buffalo’s South Park, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Garden is an impressive glasshouse opened in 1900 and modeled after the Crystal Palace in England. When it was built, it was the third largest greenhouse in the country.

The conservatory features a massive glass dome above a collection of palms and tropical plants. Stretching out from that central greenhouse, additional exhibits showcase horticultural specimens from deserts, rainforests and other environments.

The garden is filled with plants from around the world, but the specialty collections are a major source of pride for

the garden staff. These treasures include orchids, bonsai, corpse plants and a koi pond, and they require extensive skill and resources to cultivate.

When you visit, follow the self-guided tour that covers the indoor and outdoor exhibits. You may also want to see the two child-friendly gardens or bask in the calm of the meditative Peace Garden.

This summer, the conservatory will burst with color for a special “Flora Spectra” event. From June 1 through August 5, horticulturalists will use the glasshouse as their canvas and plants as their paint to create a vibrant celebration. Be sure to look for arrangement techniques like color blocking, dimension building, texture variation and patterning that aim to make you feel emotions and excitement.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Garden; 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, 716-827-1584, buffalogardens.com

CORNELL BOTANIC GARDENS

With cultivated gardens, an arboretum and natural areas, Cornell Botanic Gardens stewards 3,700 acres. No need to feel overwhelmed by the size, though. Simply start your visit at the Nevin Welcome Center and from there peruse the nearby collections.

In the 35 acres surrounding the welcome center, you can find exhibits of flowers, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, vegetables and more. The herb garden is a must-see display with more than 500 species. Many are used for practical purposes like wellness, fragrance and cooking.

Spring is a popular time to visit the Comstock Knoll and the Mundy Wildflower Garden. On the knoll find a profusion of hues from rhododendrons and azaleas, and in the wildflower garden more than 600 varieties bloom for a brief time in May.

It’s also the perfect time to visit the F.R. Newman Arboretum to see the blooms of redbuds, serviceberries, cherries, crabapples, magnolias, viburnums and Japanese primroses.

Don’t forget to explore the many natural areas that are stewarded by Cornell Botanic Gardens, including the Cascadilla Gorge, Fall Creek Gorge and Beebe Lake.

Cornell Botanic Gardens, 124 Comstock Knoll Dr., Ithaca, 607-255-2400, cornellbotanicgardens.org

KING’S GARDEN AT FORT TICONDEROGA

If you love history and gardens, make your way to King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga on the shore of Lake Champlain. One of the oldest gardens in North America, King’s Garden was planted during the French occupation of the fort in the 18th century. For the French, and then subsequently the British and American armies, the garden’s purpose was to provide vegetables to feed the troops. Now visitors can tour the grounds to learn about the agricultural practices that sustained the soldiers while enjoying the heritage flowers that commemorate the colonial period of American history.

The fort is open from May through October and the daily garden tours kick off with a fife-anddrum march from the fort to the garden. If you’d like to take home a bit of history, plan your trip for June 8 when you can purchase the garden’s flowers or dig your own selection with guidance from the fort’s staff. If you visit in the fall, you can pick apples from the orchard planted by the Pell family, who purchased and restored the fort in the 19th century. Along with these garden events, there are weapon demonstrations, battle reenactments and other educational activities listed on the website.

King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga, 102 Fort Ti Rd., Ticonderoga, 518-585-2821, fortticonderoga.org

EURO VISIONS

How to travel across Europe without leaving New York state

BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN

There is something so innately romantic about traveling in Europe. Whether it’s backpacking through as many countries as possible on a budget, dining under the lights of the Eiffel Tower with your partner or frolicking through the Alps while singing aloud, European vacations have a magical quality to them. Travel writers and social media influencers love to share places that evoke a continental flair in the U.S. As the summer travel season approaches, we share our favorite places that feel like Europe but are actually just a car ride away.

CHIMNEY BLUFFS, WOLCOTT

Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Chimney Bluffs State Park has one of the most astonishing landscapes you’ll find in New York state. The otherworldly spires of earth loom over the lake much the same way that the Scottish moors overlook the North Sea. The two natural landscapes share a few more similarities, most notably the distinctive flora and fauna that can be found along their numerous hiking trails. Chimney Bluffs is open for visitors year round and is dog friendly. Along the lakefront to the east, visitors can enjoy wines at quaint little Thorpe Vineyard. Cracker Box Palace at Alasa Farms, to the south, echoes the serenity of the European countryside. The animal sanctuary rescues farm animals and encourages the public to come visit them and explore several miles of trails on foot or on horseback (BYO horse). Continue your journey to the western side of Sodus Bay to explore two lighthouses and breathtaking sunsets.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN SANTOLA, N. SCOTT TRIMBLE

BOLDT CASTLE, ALEXANDRIA BAY

Unless you’ve traveled to every corner of the Empire State, you may be surprised to learn that New York is home to several castles, many of which are reminiscent of the historic palaces found all over the European continent. One of the most notable is Boldt Castle on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay. Nestled among the multitude of islands in the St. Lawrence River, the castle stands as an icon to a tragic love story. Waldorf Astoria Hotel proprietor George C. Boldt commissioned the elaborate estate for his wife, Louise. Construction began in 1900, but upon her sudden death a few years later, just months before the property was complete, Boldt halted work and never returned to the island. The castle was left abandoned for several decades before rehabilitation efforts began and it became a tourist destination.

Visitors without their own watercraft must take a ferry to the castle from Alexandria Bay or Clayton, providing a great opportunity to explore these charming villages along the river. No trip to the Thousand Islands is complete without a boat tour among the isles as a guide explains their history, culture and local plants and animals. Camping at Wellesley Island is a popular pastime for many Upstate families and visiting Clayton’s Antique Boat Museum is a delight for all ages.

Left, the reception room at Boldt Castle, where guests would have been welcomed. This page, millions of dollars have been spent rehabilitating and restoring the castle and other structures on Heart Island.

BREWERY ARDENNES TAPROOM & KITCHEN, GENEVA

Belgium has been known for brewing delicious beer for centuries. but you don’t have to book a flight to enjoy some stylized brews. Named after a forested region in Belgium that has similarities to the Finger Lakes area, Brewery Ardennes operates out of a beautifully restored historic former sheep barn in Geneva. Owners Stacey and Derek Edinger ensure that the entire experience at the brewery exudes European charm. From the biergarten to the menu items (bratwurst and frites, anyone?), a visit to Brewery Ardennes will make you feel like you are thousands of miles from home.

If sipping craft beverages is your activity of choice, you’ve picked a great place to start. Located at the northern tip of Seneca Lake, Geneva is home to several breweries and wineries, in addition to great food with a view. Start your sojourn at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center for a deep dive into the culture and attractions of the area. Grab a bite to eat at Irish-inspired Eddie O’Brien’s Grille and Bar or opt for a cozier experience at Anorah Restaurant & Bar. Seeing a show at the Smith Opera House rounds out a perfect day in downtown Geneva.

Brewery Ardennes is located in a restored former sheep barn. Travelers come for its Belgian-style craft brews and pair them with dishes like savory beer or Thai-style mussels.

PHOTOS BY JARED PAVENTI, DANIELLE BENJAMIN

THE VILLAGE OF LAKE PLACID

Known for its rich history as a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is a truly special place to visit. It’s hard not to notice the local architecture’s resemblance to that of the Bavarian region of Germany; they share the same winding roads tightly hugged by the surrounding buildings with beautiful mountain views. The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, owned by a German couple who moved to the village in the 1960s and their family, is reminiscent of an Alpine retreat. And yes, just like Bavaria, Lake Placid has a few well-known and well-supported breweries.

While Lake Placid thrives in the winter, the summer is just as lovely with opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding and boat tours. Main Street is filled with locally owned shops and restaurants, and the village is surrounded by several mountains to hike. Alternatively, folks can take a gondola ride to the top of Little Whiteface or drive up Whiteface Mountain. It’s a given that visitors should take advantage of the sporty significance, so make a point to explore the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, ride the elevator to the top of the ski jump, or even try bobsledding. While in town, take a trip to the Mediterranean with a meal at TheGreeksADK.

With lakefront resorts and a Main Street that winds its way into the village, Lake Placid has an Alpine feel. Left, national flags displayed at the Olympic Center.

GLENMERE MANSION, CHESTER

There’s a very good reason why the Glenmere aesthetically resembles a Tuscan villa. Built in 1911, the mansion was designed to replicate the Italian charm that owner Robert Goelet fell in love with during his travels. Wanting to replicate Tuscany in New York, Goelet hired architects Carrère and Hastings to build the summer retreat of his dreams. The 35-room mansion, complete with marble columns, grand staircases and enchanting terraces, is perched on a hill overlooking Glenmere Lake and surrounded by sprawling, ornate gardens. Over a century later, the villa now operates as an adults-only boutique hotel. Visitors to the property can embrace the Italian-inspired luxury, indulgent spa treatments and farm-to-table cuisine during their stay.

Travelers to the Hudson Valley can continue their escape at Pacem in Terris, just twenty minutes south of Glenmere. The outdoor sculpture park was created by Dutch-born artist Frederick Franck as a place for peace and meditation. Along the way, stop for a wine tasting among the beautiful vineyards of Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery. In the summer, visitors can enjoy scratch-made wood-fired pizza at the cafe.

Glenmere’s modern tribute to Italian gardens features numerous fountains, a pool pavilion and terraced vistas, all designed by Beatrix Jones Farrand, America’s first major female landscape architect.

PHOTO BY LAKEPLACID.COM (ROOST)

Let your interests lead you around Upstate with these themed itineraries

BY JACKIE PERRIN

Sometimes, having even basic guidance can be the difference between a fun time and a fantastic adventure. With a wealth of themed excursions designed for tourists, Upstate New York provides a road map to delightful journeys. From biking, birding and golf to Buffalo wings, wine and women’s history, there’s a game plan for every interest. Hit the road and become an Upstate trailblazer!

FOOD

Pack a cooler and your appetite for a tasty Upstate New York road trip adventure. In Buffalo, check out seven iconic food trails (visitbuffaloniagara.com/crawls), including Beef on Weck, Buffalo Wing, Buffalo-style Pizza, Fish Fry, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream and Sponge Candy. Sample regional specialties and comfort foods from across Upstate on the Upstate Eats Trail (upstateeatstrail.com), featuring favorites from Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. If you’ve got a craving for curds, moo-ve on over to the Central New York Cheese Trail (oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/visitor-trails/ central-new-york-cheese-trail), a four-county (Madison-Oneida-Otesaga-Herkimer) initiative with 10 stops.

The Southern Tier offers a feast of flavors, too, with Steuben County’s Burger (exploresteuben.visitwidget.com/tours/ steuben-burger-trail-2) and Ice Cream Trails (exploresteuben.visitwidget.com/tours/steuben-ice-cream-trail-3) and Corning’s Gaffer District Chocolate Trail (exploresteuben.visitwidget.com/tours/corning-s-gaffer-district-chocolatetrail). Download the Explore Steuben app (exploresteuben.com) to map your adventure. More sweet treats are in store along the Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail (tourcayuga.com/eat-drink/restaurants/sweet-treat-trail) in Cayuga County, where you can taste cookies, cakes, pies and pastries from 21 producers. Throughout the month of October, you can bite into a free apple tasting trail (appletastingtour.com) in Wayne County, the nation’s third largest apple producing region.

Clockwise from left, a bounty of fresh goodies at Tuckerman Farms on the Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail, Doug’s Fish Fry in Skaneateles on the Upstate Eats Trail, and a finger-licking icon from the Buffalo Chicken Wing Trail.

Clockwise from top, King Ferry Corner Store on the Finger Lakes Sweet Treats Trail, cupcakes from Poppleton Bakery on Corning’s Gaffer District Chocolate Trail, Syracuse’s Heid’s on the Upstate Eats Trail, tempting burgers from Butcher’s Son and cones from Dippity Do Dahs on Steuben County’s Burger and Ice Cream Trails.

WINE

From the Niagara Escarpment to the fertile Finger Lakes, Upstate New York’s mapped wine trails offer flavorful fun worth traveling for. Sip ice wine along the Niagara Wine Trail (niagarawinetrail.org), or sample cool-climate wines and stop at cozy cafes on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail (senecalakewine.com), which features over two dozen member wineries. If you’re exploring with your dog, consider the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail (cayugawinetrail.com) — New York’s first wine trail — which is exceedingly fur-baby friendly. Also in the Finger Lakes, Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail (canandaigualakewinetrail.com) and Keuka Wine Trail (keukawinetrail.com) (another dog-friendly trail) are worthy of a journey. Along the Great Lakes, the Lake Ontario Wine Trail (lakeontariowinetrail. com) and Lake Erie Wine Trail (lakeeriewinecountry.org) refresh visitors with great tastes and local character. Most trails offer digital passport and designated driver programs. Check individual websites before traveling.

Clockwise from top left, the view at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates in Geneva and a sample of red at Lakewood Vineyards, both on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and four-legged friends are welcome at many Cayuga Lake Wine Trail spots.

PHOTOS BY SARAH MOSES, DON CAZENTRE, COURTESY CAYUGA WINE TRAIL

BEER, CIDER, SPIRITS AND SPARKLING WATER

As the original hops capital of the U.S., New York has a storied brewing history. Created by the New York State Brewer’s Association, The New York State Craft Brew App (thinknydrinkny.com/the-app) is your guide to a New York State Beer Trail “brewcation.” Craft a custom tour itinerary and earn free gear as you visit any of 460 breweries across 11 geographic regions. Locally, Central New York’s Brew Central Trail (brewcentralny.com) (multiple counties) and the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail (oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/visitor-trails/heart-of-ny-craft-beverage-trail) (Oneida County) level up beer, wine, cider and spirits touring with custom plans, special deals and prizes. The Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail (adkcraftbev.com), Cooperstown Beverage Trail (cooperstownbeveragetrail.com) and Rochester Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail (rocflxcraftbevtrail.com) are a few more refreshing options. In Saratoga Springs, famous for its mineral springs, log some steps while designing your own still and sparkling water tasting (saratoga.com/things-to-do/parkslandmarks-nature/mineral-springs).

Clockwise from left, 7 Hamlets Brewing Co. in Westmoreland on the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail, and Middle Ages Brewing Co. and Local 315 Brewing Co. on the Brew Central Trail.

GOLF

Offering planned golf trip itineraries for six regions of Upstate New York, including the Finger Lakes, Saratoga, Cooperstown, Lake Placid, Niagara and Chautauqua, The New York Golf Trail (nygolftrail.com) is your New York golf concierge. Signature courses are designed by world-renowned golf course architects such as Donald Ross (Sagamore) and Robert Trent Jones (Seneca Hickory Stick). A travel agent takes care of tee times and lodging reservations. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, follow this plan for a Robert Trent Jones “Empire Trail” adventure. (newyorkupstate.com/sports/2017/06/golf_history_in_upstate_ny_ playing_the_robert_trent_jones_empire_trail.html)

MOTORCYCLES AND BIKES

Spring through fall are ideal times for a trip along the Scenic History Motorcycle Trail (adirondackwayfinder. com/trail/scenic-history-motorcycle-trail) and the Plenty of Peaks Motorcycle Trail (adirondackwayfinder. com/trail/plenty-of-peaks-motorcycle-trail), Adirondack routes where the scenery and the mode of transportation are the starring attractions. For a “wheelie” fun time, explore the Erie Canalway Trail by bicycle (eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling). Single day and multiday itineraries, as well as organized tour options (ptny. org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour) for traveling along the 360-mile multi-use path from Albany to Buffalo are available.

Stunning views on the New York Golf Trail at Peek’n Peak Resort in Chautauqua County.

PHOTOS BY NY GOLF TRAIL, MICHAEL GREENLAR

BIRDING

Building on the growing popularity of birding and wildlife viewing, The New York State Birding Trail (dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/birds/birding) is a network of promoted birding sites that are accessible by car or public transportation. All you need to get started is a pair of binoculars and a destination. Download eBird (ebird.org/home) or Merlin Bird ID (merlin.allaboutbirds.org) to verify and record your findings.

flight at

BARN QUILTS

Using paint as a medium, plywood or aluminum as a canvas, and the sides of barns as a progressive gallery, regional barn quilt trails offer an opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air, folk art and pastoral scenery while celebrating New York’s rich agricultural heritage. Options include the Country Barn Quilt Trail (partykafarms.com/country-quilt-trail) in Orleans County, the Finger Lakes Barn Quilt Trail (flxbarnquilttrail.com), the Oneida County Barn Quilt Trail (oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/visitortrails/barn-quilt-trail) and Hammond and Colton’s Barn Quilt Trails (visitstlc.com/barn-quilt-trails) in St. Lawrence County. You can enjoy these colorful roadside attractions by bike, car, motorcycle or even by boat.

Sandhill cranes take

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

AMISH TRAIL

Shop for handmade quilts, furniture and homegrown food sold by members of an Old Order Amish Community along Western New York’s scenic Amish Trail. Make reservations for a guided tour (amishtrail.com/tours) or download a map (amishtrail.com/map) to take a self-guided driving tour. Note that many goods are sold from individual homes and participating businesses are closed on Sundays.

WOMEN’S HISTORY

Learn about the remarkable contributions of local figures to the women’s suffrage movement on the New York Women’s Heritage Trail (parks. ny.gov/historic-preservation/heritage-trails/womens-heritage/default. aspx) Sites not to miss include the Matilda Joslyn Gage Museum in Fayetteville, Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls and the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester.

Left, a statue in downtown Seneca Falls depicts the meeting of women’s rights pioneers Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Below, the site of the first convention for women’s rights in Seneca Falls.

PHOTOS

FREEDOM TRAILS

Upstate New York was an important station on the Underground Railroad, the secret passageway freedom seekers followed on their way to Canada. In Central New York, travelers can follow the Oneida County Freedom Trail (oneidacountyfreedomtrail. com/home.html), while in Cayuga County, The Harriet Tubman Lantern Trail (equalrightsheritage.com/harriets-lantern-trail) is an immersive experience highlighting Auburn’s heritage as the headquarters for Tubman, who served as the “Conductor” of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State (urcnys.org) is the lead partner for the Harriet Tubman Underground Corridor (urcnys.org/corridor), which is currently under development. When completed, the Corridor will offer a website, a driving tour and an audio tour of key Tubman sites in New York state. Travelers wishing to map their own Underground Railroad tour can use the regional map features on the Consortium’s website or visit I Love New York’s Path Through History page (iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/ underground-railroad)

The Tubman Home for Aged and Indigent Negroes is part of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

In Western New York, the Wright Road Trip (visitbuffaloniagara.com/wright-road-trip) takes travelers on a tour of works by celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, best known for his Prairie-style designs inspired by the landscape of the Midwest. The Tiffany & Treasures Trail (exploresteuben.visitwidget.com/tours/tiffany-treasures-trail-3) in Steuben County and Corning Museum of Glass’ Tiffany Driving Tour (whatson.cmog.org/exhibitions-galleries/ tiffanys-glass-mosaics/tour) showcase the sites of some of the remarkable but lesser-known works of glass artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. The Tiffany Studios-designed sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church in Bath and the Willard Memorial Chapel in Auburn (guided and selfguided tours by reservation) are two shining examples. If you marvel at natural stone masonry, make your way to Orleans County (orleanscountytourism.com/destinations/cobblestonearchitecture) or Wayne County (web.co.wayne.ny.us/426/Cobblestone-Buildings) along Lake Ontario, where you can take a self-guided cobblestone architecture driving tour. Ninety percent of the historic cobblestone structures built in America can be found in this region.

Clockwise from left, stained glass windows from Rochroane Castle at Corning Museum of Glass and a piece from Rocky Hill Pottery, both on the Tiffany & Treasures Trail, and the Wright Road Trip tours the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo and Western Pennsylvania.

HAUNTED HISTORY

Putting a chilling twist on Empire State history, the Haunted History Trail of New York State (hauntedhistorytrail.com) features over 90 spooky sites across seven Upstate regions. Ghostly encounters at Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre, Cazenovia’s The Brae Loch Inn and Cortland’s 1890 House Museum are just a few area highlights. While you’re in Cortland, check out the Cortland Curiosities Strange and Forgotten History Trail (experiencecortland.com/destination/cortlandcuriosities). The trail shares intriguing tales of Crown City triumphs and tragedies, from “The Poltergeist of Virgil Creek” to the rise of Betty Crocker.

The Haunted History Trail offers a look at eerie attractions like the Dr. Best House & Medical Museum, above, and a stop on the Haunted Oswego walking tour, top.

PUMP IT UP!

These exciting Upstate excursions will have your heart racing

BY LORNA OPPEDISANO

If you’re not the quiet-day-in-the-countryside type, don’t worry — adventure awaits. Check out these outdoor activities on air, land and water to get your adrenaline pumping.

HOT AIR BALLOONING

Balloon Rides over Letchworth State Park

Experience the Grand Canyon of the East from above with Liberty Balloon Company. Guided by the wind, each ride is breathtaking, with views of the park’s three waterfalls surrounded by lush forests. Plan for three to four hours for the entire experience, with approximately 45 minutes to an hour aloft. Ages 7 and older are welcome.

COST: For a shared basket, $425 per person; for a private flight, $2,150 per couple. Seasonal surcharges may apply for some dates.

Upper/Middle Falls Picnic Area, Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, 585-493-3340, balloonsoverletchworth.com

HANG GLIDING

Susquehanna Flight Park

Learn to fly with master pilot and certified USHPA (United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association) instructor Dan Guido at Susquehanna Flight Park. The course is designed to teach foot-launched hang gliding, which is a non-motorized, lightweight aircraft. Plan for two hours of instruction with four flights for an introductory lesson. More advanced sessions include additional time and techniques, with up to 30 hours of instruction for Hang 2 Certification. Ages 17 and younger require parent or guardian signature.

COST: Ranges from $169 for an intro lesson to $1,679 for Hang 2 Certification. Beginning package of six lessons for $869 also available.

293 Hade Hollow Rd., Cooperstown, 315-867-8011, cooperstownhanggliding.com

Opposite, view stunning Letchworth Park

ZIPLINING

Zipline to the Falls

Join the 600,000 people who have ziplined above the magnificent Niagara Falls with this hands-free, fully guided experience. Plan for between 90 and 120 minutes, including waiting in line, harnessing, zipline ride, viewing photos and the shuttle ride back. Ages 7 and older are welcome. This adventure is across the Canadian border; plan to check with international border crossing agencies to determine requirements for entry.

COST: General admission, starting at $69.99; skip the line, starting at $99.99; early bird, starting at $49.99.

5920 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls, ON, 800-263-7073, wildplay.com/ niagara-falls

SKYDIVING

Skydive Central New York

Learn safe skydiving skills as you hurtle through the air at more than 120 miles per hour, in either a tandem skydive or accelerated free fall (AFF) training program. Plan two to four hours for tandem, or to spend the entire day for AAF. The weight limit is 210 pounds, including clothes and shoes, though can be up to 230 pounds on a case-by-case basis. Skydivers must be 18 and older, no exceptions. No previous experience necessary and all equipment is included. Spring for the video and picture to show your friends.

COST: Tandem prices begin at $249 for weekdays, $259 for weekends; group discounts available. AAF jump course, $599. Student, active military and cash discounts available.

Whitford’s Airport, 3027 Ditmar Rd., Weedsport, 315-535-7777, skydivecny.com

RAPPELLING

Ausable Chasm

Adventure down the rocky facade of a natural chasm (like a gorge) in the Adirondacks. The tour begins with a short 30-foot rappel, followed by a 200-foot Tyrolean traverse and culminates with an 80-foot descent — all a staggering 130 feet above the majestic Ausable River. The tour lasts between two and three hours. Ages 13 and older are welcome; ages 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Rappelers must weigh between 60 and 250 pounds. Necessary gear is provided and comfortable activewear is recommended; closed-toe footwear, such as sneakers or hiking shoes, is required. If you’d rather go up the chasm than down, there is also a guided rock climb, among other on-site activities.

COST: $19.95 admission, plus $75 per person.

2144 US-9, Ausable Chasm, 518-834-7454, ausablechasm com/rappelling

Four 2,200-foot parallel lines let riders soar over the gorge toward the rushing falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

FLYING

7:47 Aviation

View the beautiful Finger Lakes region with an eagle’s eye, as you learn to fly a Piper Cherokee 140. Based on your comfort level, try everything from taxiing to the runway to controlling the takeoff to basic flight maneuvers over the stunning terrain. Plan for about 35 to 40 minutes for your introductory lesson, including pre-flight inspection and discussion of operations and systems. There is no prior experience necessary. Lessons are available for ages 9 and older.

COST: $150, with the option of bringing a guest to ride along for no additional cost.

Cortland Airport, Main Hangar 1, 922 State Route 222, Cortland, 607-662-4505, 747aviation.com/intro.html

BOBSLEDDING

Mt Van Hoevenberg

Zoom around the icy, banked turns on part of this professional bobsled course. Tickets are date and time specific; arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in. Plan for the whole experience to take about 20 to 30 minutes, including shuttling up the mountain to the start, basic instructions, loading into the bobsled, the ride itself (reaching speeds over 50 miles an hour) and the shuttle back down to the lodge. Each bobsled can hold three passengers. The first and second must be at least 9 years old and 52 inches tall, the third passenger must be at least 13 years old and 52 inches tall. The maximum weight per passenger is 300 pounds. No previous experience is necessary and helmets are provided. There are some G-forces experienced on the track’s banked turns, so passengers should be in reasonable health with no injuries.

COST: $125 per person.

31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, 518-523-2811, mtvanhoevenberg. com/todo/bobsled-experience

Challenge yourself by rappelling down a chasm, speeding around a bobsled track, jumping from a plane or learning to fly one!

RACING

Drive The Glen

Live the life of a racecar driver for three laps around the famous 3.45mile course at Watkins Glen International (WGI). Drive your own vehicle, paced by an official WGI pace car. Depending on how many cars are participating and weather conditions, plan for about 30 to 45 minutes.

To Drive The Glen, you must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and insurance. Minors in vehicles must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No previous experience or equipment is needed.

COST: $30 per vehicle; groups of 15 or more cars must reserve in advance; groups of 30 or more cars must reserve at least 30 days in advance.

Watkins Glen International, 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, 866-461-RACE (7223), theglen.com/drive-the-glen

JET BOATING

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

Soak in the beauty of the Niagara Gorge, north of the falls, on either a Wet Jet tour or a hybrid boat with a stay-dry option. This roundtrip tour ventures through the Niagara Whirlpool and Class V Devil’s Hole Rapids. Plan about 45 minutes for a round trip. Wet Jet ride participants must be at least 44 inches tall. Dry Freedom Jet participants must be at least 40 inches tall. Wet Freedom Jet participants must be at least 13 years old and 100 pounds. Guests 15 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; 17 and younger need a parent or guardian present to sign a participation waiver. No previous experience or equipment is needed.

COST: Wet Jet Boat Tour is $65.95 for adults, $39.95 for children 6-12; Freedom Jet Dry Tour is $65.95 for adults, $39.95 for ages 12 and younger; Freedom Jet Wet Tour is $75.95.

115 S. Water St., Lewiston, 888-438-4444, whirlpooljet.com/jet-boat-tickets/lewiston

WHITE WATER RAFTING

B.O.B. Rafting

Make your way down the Black River, west of Watertown, paddling waters from easygoing Class I to challenging Class IV rapids. For this adventure through B.O.B. Rafting, schedule about four hours, which includes sign-in, safety lesson, paddling practice, the river trip itself and transport back to the facility. This activity is for ages 13 and older, no exceptions; parent or guardian must sign a waiver for children 13 to 17. All necessary safety equipment is included; wetsuits are available at no extra charge.

COST: $59 per person; military discount available.

120 William St., Dexter, 315-785-9386 or 315-767-6688, bobrafting.com

Hamilton’s Most Iconic Hotel

Nestled in the quaint village of Hamilton, NY, at the footsteps of the renowned Colgate University, is the iconic Colgate Inn where historic tradition meets modern hospitality.

The Tavern, a beloved Hamilton hangout, serves refined rustic fare and offers a cozy setting to sip drinks at the bar, dine by the fireplace, or unwind on the patio during happy hour

Making good

CNY SCOUT • FARM TO TABLE • ART

BRING IN THE FUNK

After 5 years of sharing brief cooking segments on YouTube and CNY Central, Spatchcock Funk founders Alex DeRosa and Matt Read have achieved their goal of creating a television show, thanks to a supportive relationship with PBS affiliate WCNY-TV. DeRosa, a videographer and creative director, films and produces episodes while Read, whose background is in advertising, serves as host and focuses on writing and recipe development.

“Spatchcock Funk” celebrates family, friendship and everyday moments in an inclusive way and brings people together around food, drinks and the stories that accompany them. Each themed

episode offers easy-to-make recipes for three dishes and a cocktail, plus tips on how to throw an unforgettable gathering. Also in the mix: ingredients and party elements from local makers, farms and businesses; indoor and outdoor party locations filled with familiar CNY faces; and an on-screen QR code that leads to companion content like podcast episodes with related guests.

The 10-episode season launched March 26 and airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. The full season will replay after the initial run; episodes are also available on Spatchcock’s website. The Syracuse-based show airs in 15 U.S. markets and starts filming season two soon.

For more information: visit spatchcockfunk.com/theshow

Cooking with a purpose

Community cooking classes support kitchen skills education for Syracuse teens

BY BECCA TAURISANO

While growing up in both Syracuse and England, Jess Miller learned that food has the power to connect people. She was exposed to a variety of cuisines through her parents’ social circle. “My parents had this hippie energy and spent time with an incredibly diverse group of friends,” she says. “We were always in the kitchen.”

Miller also discovered how to stretch food in economical ways. She recalls making huge batches of pesto from basil grown in their garden but using less expensive walnuts, instead of pine nuts, to work within their budget. Miller took these two concepts surrounding food — connection and economy — into adulthood as she embarked on a variety of professions including hospitality and event management.

Over the last few years, Miller noticed the culinary education available to Central New York youth was either expensive or geared toward occupational training. She wanted to apply her background to teaching teens in underserved communities how to use readily available ingredients to create delicious, budgetfriendly meals. All Miller needed to do was figure out a way to fund the classes.

In January, Miller launched the Kitchen Literacy Project. The concept is unique: local chefs teach culinary classes to adult participants for a fee and the proceeds from those sessions fund essential kitchen literacy education for Syracuse City School District teens. The groups come from the Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Refugee Resettlement and Hillside Children’s

Teens from Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Refugee Resettlement try their hand at making a red sauce from scratch.

Center currently; some of the participating teenagers have lived in the U.S. less than a year and English is not their first language. Miller leaned on her network of local restaurant professionals and garnered interest in her idea through word of mouth. “We wanted to build a coalition of instructors who would be the right fit for this program, and it wasn’t a hard sell. Food people are passionate.”

Adult community classes are held on Tuesday evenings and twice on Sunday afternoons in Pearl’s Test Kitchen at Salt City Market on South Salina Street in Syracuse. Classes, which are limited to 15 people, include basic culinary skills, preservation, foraging, baking, food as medicine, and cheese making and tasting, or educational chef’s table experiences. Each class lasts about two hours, and ranges from $25 to $80 per person depending on the ingredients required for the class. Chef’s table experiences range from $45 to $65 depending on the menu.

Some of the first offerings included honey and cheese pairings from Sarah Simiele of The Curd Nerd and Bob Holden-Betts of HoBe Honey; vegan cake decorating with Megan Rydzak of Fatcat Baking; croissant making with Corey Bruce of Bread Head Baking at the Brady Market, and a winter tea workshop with the Syracuse Urban Food Forest Project using wild, foraged ingredients. Miller is planning upcoming classes on pierogis, high tea, foraged mushrooms, sea moss and hot sauce.

Utilizing local products is important to Miller. “We live in one of the most bountiful regions in the country, but Syracuse residents and local farmers don’t always have access to each other, so there is a disconnect.” Miller hopes to introduce attendees to

For more information: visit kitchenliteracyproject. org. The Kitchen Literacy Project is always looking for new instructors and collaborators, who may reach out to Miller via the website. Donations of new or gently used cookbooks, kitchen tools and equipment are also welcome and may be brought to the security desk at Salt City Market and labeled with KLP.

interesting local farmers and artisans they may not know about. Teens 13 to 18 learn self-sufficiency in the kitchen, basic knife skills and safety, budgeting and how to make tasty, accessible meals using simple ingredients at free Monday evening classes. Former Alto Cinco chef Jeff Lewis, who now works in Syracuse University’s catering division, taught kids how to make chipotle chicken quesadillas with fresh pico de gallo at one class and pasta with red sauce at another. Local chefs, bakers, health care professionals, farmers, educators and parents serve as instructors to provide a range of programming. Classes touch on themes of sustainability, seasonality, budget-friendly ingredients, community connections, empowerment, the foundations of what makes things taste good (salt, fat, acid, heat) and health education.

Students, who have all been in the United States less than six months, learn to make pasta and red sauce with Chef Jeff Lewis, shown above at left.

Top, Jess Miller.

Making good

CNY SCOUT

Seventh grader Griselys Sanchez, who attends Frazer Pre-K-8 School, says she appreciates knowing how to use knives safely and being able to help her family and grandmother with meals. Rihanna Garcia-Rosa, also a seventh grader at Frazer, says the most important thing she has learned is “Always taste your food before you eat it. If it tastes bad? Add seasoning.”

After class, students take home the recipe (which serves four people), ingredients to make the meal again and some educational materials. Attendees may not have all the kitchen tools or equipment they need at home, so they are welcome to take what they are missing from the stock of donated kitchen items that Miller maintains.

The teens come away with a greater understanding of how food impacts health and about what they’re consuming, which is easier to grasp through cooking than with fast food or pre-packaged meals. “Most of our classes utilize fresh produce and many of the recipes we teach are plant-based. We are constantly encouraging students to push the boundaries of what they usually eat,” Miller says.

Though the project is in its early stages, its success can already be measured by the empowerment students feel. Sanchez says the classes mean a lot to her, “[It] makes you feel confident, important, independent, more strong.”

Garcia-Rosa likes the knowledge she has received around knife skills and how to use appliances. “For me, it’s helpful for confidence knowing how to cook. It gives me pride and independence for family cooking,” she says.

This summer, Miller is working with Onondaga County Public Library to offer free programming at various branches for all age groups. She also

On a Tuesday in March, an adult class learned to make hamantaschen with Megan Rydzak of Fatcat Baking.

would like to bring kitchen literacy education into the Syracuse City Schools, offer cooking demonstrations at outdoor farmers markets and work with New American populations in Syracuse to introduce people to the vibrant cultures and cuisines in our area.

Most of all, Miller invites Central New Yorkers to come and take a class. “We all have to eat, so come hang out with us. If you feel moved, feel free to donate. Every contribution is used in a powerful way.”

Yes, peas

Abbiocco’s Bucatini with Almond Pea Pesto and Stracciatella offers a bright, herby taste for spring

BY MJ KRAVEC

PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT

Making good

FARM TO TABLE

“Italian food is about simplicity, using great ingredients and doing just enough to let them shine,” says Fiacchi. “To me, it’s about using what you have available to you locally and creating something beautiful to share and enjoy with others.”

Abbiocco

344 S. Warren St., Syracuse 315-303-1630, abbioccosyr.com

For someone who refers to himself humbly as “the pizza guy,” Noah Fiacchi has a lot going on in the kitchen. He is firing on three burners at Abbiocco by A Mano, his family’s restaurant, which took over for A Mano in downtown Syracuse’s Icon Tower last year. As he moves quickly between toasting almonds and shaving parmesan, he explains the layers of flavor and texture in the recipe he’s preparing. Then in a flash, he tosses pasta mixed with pesto and pasta water in a pan without spilling a single noodle. The skillet toss — a move that would warrant slow motion action if it were being filmed.

Why do chefs do that? To show off? I ask. Fiacchi laughs.

“That reserved starch water — it’s what makes it go from loose and watery to creamy and delicious. You’re using the starch and moving it around [the pasta] to thicken,” he says.

Next, he uses a two-prong fork to swirl the pasta into a glossy mound, adds a sprinkle of toasted almonds and shaved parm and finishes with a drizzle of green olive oil. Perfect.

Fiacchi is putting the final touches on the dish he’s made for our May/June issue: a Bucatini with Almond Pea Pesto and homemade Stracciatella — all in the spirit of “keeping things fresh and seasonal.”

The Fiacchi family continues to bring rustic Italian cuisine to Syracuse, now in a more casual setting, as opposed to A Mano’s upscale take. Fiacchi’s father, Anthony, owns the restaurant and co-owned A Mano with Noah’s brother, Alex. Anthony worked for more than 30 years in local restaurants before starting A Mano; Alex went to the Culinary Institute of America before beginning his career in the industry and, prior to joining A Mano, Noah worked at another local pizza establishment where he developed a love for brick ovens. It’s worth noting that all three began their culinary training in Onondaga Community College’s Hospitality Management Program.

Noah Fiacchi makes most of the offerings on the menu at Abbiocco, which came to be after Alex relocated to North Carolina last year.

“I make the majority of the stuff here, but I choose to keep pizza guy as [my] title.”

By the way, what’s with the name Abbiocco?

“It’s Roman dialect,” Fiacchi says. The term means a fit of drowsiness that occurs after consuming a large meal.

“It’s like that feeling you get at Thanksgiving, of being in a food coma,” he says.

The menu is trattoria-style, or semi-casual fare, including traditional dishes and regional specialties.

“We tend to keep some of our classic pasta dishes the same on the menu throughout the year, however we maintain a constant flow of specials with whatever ingredients are in season,” says Fiacchi.

Among Abbiocco’s most popular items: Giovedi gnocchi, a weekly special that rotates with ever-changing ingredients and is made only on Thursdays according to an Italian tradition (serving as high calorie fare before fasting on Fridays); Trapanese pizza featuring an almond-andtomato Sicilian pesto, provolone, fresh mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil; and a lemon olive oil cake for dessert.

Fiacchi says he and his staff use locally grown and seasonal produce as much as possible to ensure the quality and authenticity of the restaurant’s offerings.

“Throughout the year, with the exception of citrus and a handful of other ingredients, we aim to keep the majority of our produce as local as possible. We source our honey, milk and eggs, onions and other vegetables from our network of local farms.”

This dish that Fiacchi shares is finished with stracciatella (say strachuh-teh-lah) cheese. Bucatini noodles, or what Fiacchi describes as “spaghetti with a hole through it,” allow the sauce to permeate the pasta, while homemade stracciatella (similar to a burrata cheese and made with a food processor) can make you feel like a rock star in the kitchen.

“The best part of this recipe is that it is simple, seasonal and can easily swap out the peas with another in-season ingredient throughout the year. Come the end of spring, we begin to see some of everyone’s favorites — from leeks to wild ramps, local peas and arugula. Vibrant greens and fresh flavors give us a nice change after a long winter.”

Now if we could just master that skillet toss.

TO DRINK?

“This pasta dish would pair great with a new wine I recently discovered called Tornatore Etna Bianco. It is a Sicilian white wine that actually comes from a distant relative’s vineyard in our family’s hometown in Linguaglossa. It’s a bright, dry white that goes great with vegetables, fish and herbs.”

BUCATINI WITH ALMOND PEA PESTO AND STRACCIATELLA

SERVES 2-4

Ingredients

1 pound bucatini, cooked al dente

½ cup pasta water reserved Pesto

¾ cup almonds

1 cup blanched fresh peas

1 cup packed basil

¾ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp. salt

Zest of 1 lemon

1½ cups extra virgin olive oil

» Blend in food processor until smooth Stracciatella

8 oz. fresh mozzarella torn thin

½ cup heavy cream

Pinch of salt

» Blend ingredients in food processor until mostly homogenous.

Directions

1. Make pesto according to directions above.

2. Cook the pasta in boiling water as directed on bag until al dente, or just enough to still have a bit of a bite to it, approx. 7-8 minutes. As pasta cooks, prepare Stracciatella according to above.

3. Toss the pasta in a bowl with about a cup of pesto and a handful of additional parmesan and a splash (or more if needed) of the reserved cooking water from the pasta.

4. Transfer the pasta to a plate and use a spoon to drizzle the stracciatella around the dish. Finish with extra virgin olive oil and a crack of black pepper.

Making

What’s the buzz in lawncare?

Eco-conscious landowners can convert turf into environmental triumph

BY CHERYL ABRAMS

Pristine, finely manicured lawns are de rigueur for most American homeowners. The greener, the better. The lusher, the better. And for those eager to put winter behind them, the sooner the better.

Lawn lovers can dominate grassy landscapes by using chemical concoctions, sophisticated mowing moves and frequent watering to achieve highly prized deep-green turf. Yet in addition to the extensive time and money to maintain them, lawns pose a significant threat to native biodiversity and pollinators, according to Samuel Quinn, director of the Conservation on Private Lands Initiative at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Many pollinators are facing serious population declines due to habitat loss, largely because of the lawns we cultivate.

“No Mow May,” a movement that began in the U.K. several years ago, advocates a balance between luxurious lawns and an

urgent need to protect our natural environment. Launched by Plantlife, a global nonprofit dedicated to securing a world rich in plants and fungi, the campaign to delay mowing has caught on in many countries, including the U.S.

The basic premise of No Mow May is that postponing grass cutting allows more time for lawn flowers to bloom. This provides nourishment for pollinators, such as bees, that need spring food until other plants begin to thrive. However well intentioned, the grassroots effort has been met by ecologists with varying opinions about its efficacy. While not a long-term solution, No Mow May is, says Quinn, “a definite step in the right direction” toward sustainability.

Turf lawns are a fixture on our landscape, currently covering more area in the lower 48 states than national parks, according to Quinn. While he realizes it’s unrealistic that this will change,

Mowing less frequently is one action homeowners can take to make their lawns more pollinator friendly. A program through SUNY ESF helps people convert portions of their properties into meadows to encourage and protect pollinating species.

he and his colleagues work optimistically toward that goal, one square foot of lawn at a time.

At ESF’s Restoration Science Center (RSC), Quinn works on initiatives to restore degraded ecosystems and improve humans’ relationship with the land. “We understand the cultural evolution — in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere — that has created the obsession with picturesque lawns, but we’ve reached a tipping point on our planet,” he says. “We need to seek solutions that are better, not just for our own sensibilities, but for our Earth.”

With the Lawn to Meadow Program, Quinn’s team partners with private landowners, and oversees and assists a transition from traditional lawns to diverse, beneficial meadows that fit the homeowners’ needs while protecting the environment.

Landowners choose to convert their property into meadows for reasons such as a desire to protect water quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance habitat for wildlife, save money on lawn care, and the aesthetic appeal of this landscape feature.

The Lawn to Meadow Program received initial financial support from the Central New York Community Foundation to advise landowners and create educational materials on meadow establishment, including a step-by-step guide for developing a meadow landscape in CNY. Visit esf.edu/ research/restorationscience/lawn-to-meadows.php to find this illustrative reference. The program is currently funded by the Skaneateles Lake Association, which shares the mission of using wise land management to protect drinking water, among the other benefits.

ESF’s commitment to the meadow transition is strong, says Quinn, pointing to a project underway to convert the college’s quad lawn to an attractive meadow that won’t require mowing, inspired by a successful effort at Cambridge University in England. “There, the biodiversity increased significantly from back when it was a lawn,” he says.

Realizing most urban dwellers and suburbanites will continue to choose well-coiffed lawns over natural meadows, Quinn endorses these earth-friendlier lawn growing practices.

CUT DOWN ON CHEMICALS

Quinn discourages the use of herbicides without proper guidance and training. “These substances must be handled with extreme caution,” he says, noting they can be potentially harmful to not only insects and vegetation, but also to humans.

MOW LESS FREQUENTLY

Reducing mowing from once a week to once every two weeks helps create deeper root systems and greater habitat suitability for pollinators and other creatures.

TRIM HIGHER

Mowing your lawn to a height of less than three inches is stressful to the lawn and may result in the need to apply more insecticide and herbicide, according to Michigan State University. Cutting too short also leads to decreased heat and drought tolerance.

WATCH THE WATERING

Landscapes are overwatered by 30% to 300%, causing harm to their growth and resulting in water waste. Find advice from Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at cals.cornell.edu/ new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/ecoresilience/our-land-our-water/watering-your-lawn

LIMIT GAS-POWERED TOOLS

Climate change activists have worked to limit the use of gas-powered tools such as hedge trimmers, leaf blowers and lawn mowers; some cities and states ban them entirely. Arguments initially centered on noise abatement, but transitioned to pollution control, solvable through electric-powered methods.

Making good ART PROFILE

Miniature trash cans and screenshots of time

Pint-size works of art make big waves

BY JEANNIE JEDLICKA

Five minutes into the interview, Manuel Matias chuckles as he interrupts himself mid-thought. “Should I, like, keep going? Or let you ask questions?” he says. “I speak to a lot of artists out here, and it’s easy to get lost in the shadow. A lot of artists like to talk, I’m sure. But I don’t mind just sitting and listening.”

For Matias, a Syracuse-based artist who creates miniature dioramas that depict urban street scenes ranging from childhood bedrooms in Nike shoeboxes to payphones inside spray cans, this propensity for observation is a way to capture mental photographs and preserve them in art. His approach has helped amplify his career across New York state.

Matias is one of four artists chosen to participate in the 2024 Everson CNY Artist Initiatives and will have his work on display in the art museum beginning in June. The artist, who didn’t find his niche in miniatures until the coronavirus, says he stumbled upon the medium when he found an artist creating something he had never seen before — miniature trash cans.

“It felt so beyond what I ever thought I could do,” Matias says. But once he gave miniatures a try, “I took to it like a fish to water.” Miniatures not only serve as a creative escape for Matias but bridge his nostalgic interests and current life. His creative process varies from project to project, whether it’s inspired by screenshots online or seeing ingenuity in the discarded. Recently, he began involving his two young daughters, using their drawings as graffiti on many of his miniature doors.

His affection for the medium, ignited by the pressures of the pandemic, encouraged him to embrace miniatures and start selling his creations. “I needed to generate more income, and I figured I’d try to sell my artwork. I had never sold any art before and didn’t know how it was going to go, but I tried it and everything sold,” he laughs. “I look back and sometimes wish I could have kept at least one.”

Matias had already been lending a hand to the Syracuse art scene before he started selling miniatures, spending his spare time teaching summer workshops, helping other artists and volunteering at La Casita Cultural Center. The success of his first few sales gave him the

Opposite, Matias with a number of his urban-inspired works. Top, a bedroom crafted inside a shoe box. Bottom, “Urban Elegance,” a porcelain paperboy figure incorporating designer brands and an NFT, merging traditional art and digital worlds.

Making good ART PROFILE

confidence to start saying yes to more personal ventures, starting in 2022 with “The Little Show – a Tiny, Small, Miniature Art Show” at The Gear Factory.

He was encouraged to participate in “The Little Show” by fellow artist and muralist Jacqueline Colello. Colello and Matias initially met working together on one of her projects, and Colello found herself inspired by Matias’ willingness to take advice, trust in himself and others, and jump right in.

“It was more than artists supporting artists,” she says. Although they initially connected through art as a business pursuit, their shared passion and spirituality strengthened their ties to each other and the Syracuse art scene.

Originally from New York City, Matias grew up a bit of an outsider. “I wasn’t known, and kind of uncool as a kid. But I found a lot of joy in art.” His adolescence became the origin of his Instagram moniker, @weirdsociety_art. “There were about five of us growing up, and people called us weirdos.” Eventually, he reclaimed “weirdo,” centering it as the heart of his collective.

“No matter what I’m doing, whether it’s teaching art classes with kids or workshops with adults, I want everyone to feel seen and accepted. A society where everyone has a voice.”

Now a Syracuse resident, he finds that the city influences his work and brings its essence into his miniatures. “I created a trash can that’s now at the Midoma [street] gallery, and it has every-

thing popular to Syracuse. It has a DeWitt Crumbl Cookie box, some boxes from W.B. Mason paper and a Mi Casita takeout bag.”

This attention to local flavor sets Matias’ work apart while enhancing its creative allure. “We admire him for his use of authentic streets and buildings,” says Kristy Calabro, a representative of The Living Gallery in New York City, where Matias held his most recent auction. “Adding to the authenticity, Manuel also incorporates real street art and graffiti, which resonates with our audience and art enthusiasts,” Calabro says.

While tiny trash bins might not typically summon images of artistic beauty, Matias found them to be the ideal representation of how a fleeting moment can celebrate the mundanity of life.

“Getting older, you start to see things disappear,” he says. “I’m from the Lower East Side, and we were there when the towers fell. You start seeing stores not being able to pay rent and the gentrification of your community. Trying to encapsulate the past has taken a new form for me.”

The pieces that Matias creates feel like screenshots of time, he says, a way to preserve both past moments and ones occurring today. “When my dad died, I realized a lot of those memories are gone,” he says. “The things that have happened to us, good, bad or indifferent, just disappear. But if I could create his domino table, it would hold that memory of time — not only for myself but for other people who have shared domino tables with loved ones.”

Matias’ exhibit at the Everson Museum of Art will run from June 15 to August 18. Matias will also host an artist talk at the museum at noon on June 26.

Follow Matias on Instagram @weirdsociety_art.

Pieces like “Basquiat Bulletin,” left, and “Aerosol Alley,” above, capture the essence of New York City’s dynamic streetscapes, even within the confines of a spray-paint can.

Matias’ homage to nostalgia and his willingness to say yes converged in his upcoming Everson exhibit. Shari Merten, the museum’s learning and engagement coordinator, says encouraging Matias to apply for the initiative felt automatic.

“His miniature artwork was so detailed, intricate and packed with so much meaning,” Merten says. “It was amazing to see how everyday objects could be transformed in the little worlds he created.”

Merten says Matias had previously held a couple of workshops at the museum, which turned out to be huge successes despite his nerves. “He’s been such a delight to work with, and it’s an honor to know Manuel,” she says. “Getting to help and see him grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences.”

Merten’s admiration for Matias is a sentiment echoed by many who encounter his creations, as wider audiences begin to experience his intimate vignettes.

“Everything in a piece is intentional,” says Matias. “You put so much work into it, not knowing where it’s going to lead.

“I started creating because I was scared of COVID-19, because I needed to stop thinking about other things, and because I wanted to see specific things made small,” he says. “I’m creating art that I want to see, and other people are like, ‘Well, I want to see it, too.’ My art is going to places where people are going to love it as equally as I love making it.”

Jeannie Jedlicka is a student in the Goldring Arts Journalism & Communications Program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Matias’ work employs city vibes and social commentary with a sense of humor and dose of pop culture, as seen in “Inked Stay Puft,” “Little Italy’s Mosaic,” and “Critical Crunch.”

“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.

Galleries

“Sewing Up Old Wounds,” 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).

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 with 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.” Runs through May 18.

Ben Altman: I Own This Stolen Land. In 2021, photographer Ben Altman and his wife bought 38 acres of land next to their home in rural Danby, NY, to prevent logging and development. He recognized that the title to this beautiful land originated in genocide. More than 200 years ago, the Gayogohó:nQᵓ (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the HodinQhsQ:nih (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, were violently and fraudulently dispersed from the homelands they had occupied and nurtured for over 10,000

Galleries

Stories: Jeweler

years. Despite two centuries of genocidal repression and cultural suppression they remain resilient, but live almost entirely in diaspora, in Oklahoma, Ontario, Canada and scattered across North America. “I Own This Stolen Land” is a multidisciplinary project that seeks to acknowledge and take responsibility for the theft of the land; understand the natural systems, economic pressures, ecological stresses and options for stewardship of the site; invite Gayogohó:nQ people to visit and to undertake traditional and arts activities, building trust between them and communities in Tompkins County; and develop scalable models for cooperative access to ancestral land. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m., June 8. Runs June 8 to July 20.

CAZENOVIA ARTISANS

39 Albany Street, Cazenovia. 315-655-2225, info@cazenoviaartisans.com. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Color Stories: Jeweler Jean Edwards. Cazenovia Artisans’ Visiting Artist Program hosts Jean Edwards for the month of May. Designed with semi-precious gemstones, handmade lampwork beads, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and other assorted beads, Jean’s work illustrates a use of color and texture that expresses her desire for balance, beauty and playfulness. Opening reception 2 to 5 p.m., May 4. Runs May 1 through 31.

Cazenovia Artisans Welcomes New Member

Beth DuBois. AmongStones/Beth DuBois will be the featured new member exhibit for June. Beth’s jewelry exudes the harmony she sees and feels in her surroundings and Cazenovia Artisans is delighted to welcome her as a new member. “The things you notice...without even seeing them. The rhythms, balance, arrangements, movement, the subtle cues that nature offers to us — this is what I hope to capture in my work. I begin with raw materials (silver sheet, wire and stones) and build each piece by hand using a saw, hammers, files, a small oxy/propane torch, setting tools and polishing wheels.” Artist reception 2 to 5 p.m., June 15. Runs June 1 through 30.

“I Own This Stolen Land” at ArtRage

Color

Jean Edwards at Cazenovia Artisans

COMMUNITY FOLK ART CENTER

805 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse. 315-442-2230, communityfolkartcenter.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.

The 52nd Annual Teen Art Show Exhibition. The Syracuse Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in conjunction with the Community Folk Art Center presents its annual teen art show featuring local teen artists competing and showcasing their artwork. Runs May 13 through June 17. Art Show Awards Ceremony will be held 2 to 4 p.m., May 18.

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 Sunday-Monday. Free.

Drawing on Nature. Donalee Peden Wesley’s multimedia drawings illustrate the consequences of humans’ actions on nature and animals. Faith Flesher’s multimedia drawings represent the natural world’s transitions between life and death, growth and survival. Also featuring Candace Rhea’s ceramic birds and small animals and Carmel Nicoletti’s sculptural jewelry collection of copper and sterling silver. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m., Fri. May 10. Runs May 10 through June 21.

Open Figure Drawing Exhibit. 35th anniversary of Open Figure Drawing group, featuring drawings and paintings of nude and clothed models. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Fri. June 28. Runs June 28 through Aug. 9.

EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART

401 Harrison Street, 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. Natasha Smoke Santiago. Akwesasne Mohawk artist Natasha Smoke Santiago has spent the last two decades mastering traditional Haudenosaunee pottery techniques. Her unique work incorporates storytelling, activism and the exploration of foodways, including experiments with seed keeping and collaborations with Indigenous chefs. Her exhibition at the Everson will be augmented with a selection of historical Haudenosaunee artifacts and tools drawn from the collection of the New York State Museum in Albany. Runs May 11 through Aug. 18.

Off the Rack. Off the Rack is the happy by-product of a major renovation of the Everson’s on-site art storage. As hundreds of paintings and framed works are displaced from their racks while renovations take place, the public has an unprecedented opportunity to view objects that have been in deep storage for years, never-beforeseen recent acquisitions and some perennial favorites — all hung together salon-style in the exhibition galleries. This smorgasbord of paintings and works on paper showcases the breadth and depth of the museum’s collections and provides a glimpse into the world of collections management and care. Runs through Summer 2024.

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. Runs through June 9.

CNY Artist Initiative: Manuel Matias. Manuel Matias is a creator of nostalgic street art, specializing in miniature dioramas. His passion lies in reviving the past by merging diverse art forms and combining influences from different artists to resurrect forgotten moments in intricate detail. Through this fusion of creativity, Matias aims to transport viewers to a bygone era, where memories are rekindled and cherished anew. He also encourages creativity in his two daughters by letting them add their own touches to his miniatures. Their innocent and imaginative contributions bring a unique charm and unexpected element to Matias’ work. Runs June 15 through Aug. 18.

“Nowhere to Run” by Donalee Peden Wesley at Edgewood Gallery

Galleries

Clayscapes. When he was in college in the 1970s, Syracuse artist and entrepreneur Don Seymour named a series of ceramic landscape sculptures “Clayscapes.” This hybrid word, with roots in both the earth and the ceramic community that is built around shaping it, felt so powerful that when he founded his ceramic supply business in 1982, he also named it Clayscapes. This exhibition pays tribute to the powerful connection between artists and the world around them. From the largescale pastoral sculptures of Robert Arneson to the diminutive cityscapes of Lidya Buzio, the Everson’s ceramic collection is filled with work that documents the joys and sorrows of humankind’s relationship with the Earth. Runs through Oct. 20.

The Ceramic Nationals: 1932-1972. In 1932, Syracuse Museum of Fine Art director Anna Olmsted created a modest juried exhibition of studio ceramics by artists in New York state to honor the late Adelaide Alsop Robineau. Little did Olmsted know that this first exhibition, which was displayed on draped crates provided by a local coffin company, would ultimately prove to be the bedrock upon which the 20th-century Studio Ceramics Movement was built. Response to the first juried exhibition was immediate. Prominent artists lobbied Olmsted to open the exhibition to artists from other states, and the Ceramic Nationals were born.

The Ceramic Nationals purchase prizes in the Everson’s collection number more than 200 and tell the story of the birth of the Studio Ceramics Movement in the depths of the Great Depression, through its maturation in the 1950s, and ultimately, to the early 1970s, when the field of ceramics splintered into an unwieldy number of factions. Containing early masterworks by seminal artists like Maria Martinez, Peter Voulkos, Marguerite Wildenhain, Minnie Negoro and Edwin and Mary Scheier, the Ceramic Nationals collection represents the most cohesive collection of American Studio Pottery in existence.

LA CASITA CULTURAL CENTER

109 Otisco Street, Syracuse. 315-443-2151, lacasita.syr.edu.

Open noon to 6 p.m. Tues. through Friday.

Young Art Exhibit 2024. The 2024 Young Art Exhibit celebrates the creative talent in La Casita’s community and the achievements of its 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. Runs through Aug. 16.

La Casita is a program of Syracuse University established to advance an educational and cultural agenda of civic engagement through research, cultural heritage preservation, media, and the arts — bridging the Hispanic communities of the University and Central New York.

Dawoud Bey’s “A Young Woman Waiting for the Bus” at Light Work

LIGHT WORK KATHLEEN O. ELLIS GALLERY

316 Waverly Avenue, 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.

Light Work Education Courses. Open to members and non-members. Light Work wants guests to get the most from its facility and staff. They are proud to offer a variety of classes and workshops. Their goal is to give guests the opportunity to go deeper with their photography, learn from professionals in the field and meet fellow members. Check out lightwork.org/education for more information.

Makahiya: Crystal Z Campbell. “Makahiya” is an original video by Crystal Z Campbell commissioned by Light Work for the UVP architectural projection. Campbell was in-residence at Light Work in June 2023. “Makahiya,” a Tagalog word that translates to “shame” or “shyness,” is the latest short experimental film from Crystal Z Campbell. Rooted in botanical research on a plant that displays the unusual trait of thigmonasty, or touch-induced movement, Campbell’s film is structured like intertwined vines. Digital video filmed on a recent trip to their mother’s ancestral homeland in the Philippines mingles with handdrawn animations, manipulated photographs and archival news coverage of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and its aftermath. “Makahiya” explores this seemingly sentient plant’s paradoxical identity, from rampant “invasive” weed to medicinal plant, reflecting on photosynthesis, memory and the violent colonial impetus of regimented forgetting.

“Makahiya” is an excerpt from Campbell’s longer, forthcoming film project, “Post Masters.” This body of work is drawn from Campbell’s familial history — a Black military father formerly stationed in the Philippines and Filipinx mother hailing from the archipelago, who both retired from the U.S. Post Office. Campbell explores both explicit and implicit traces of labor, landscape, love and bodies as intimate agents, modes and witnesses of empire ripe for decolonizing through the unraveling of sound, image and cinematic time. Dusk to 11 p.m., Thurs. through Sun at Everson Museum Plaza, 401 Harrison Street. Runs through June 1.

Highlights from the Light Work Collection: Dawoud Bey. Jeffrey J. Hoone Gallery, Robert B. Menschel Media Center. Curated from its collection, Light Work is pleased to present two of Dawoud Bey’s photographic projects. Images from “An American Project,” made in Syracuse in 1985 during his artist residency, chronicle the community and history of South Salina Street. These prints were gifted by Bey and Stephen Daiter Gallery to celebrate the dedication of the Jeffrey J. Hoone Gallery. Selections from “Embracing Eatonville” showcase photographs Bey made of high school students in Eatonville, Florida, combining their portraits with their text sharing personal hopes, fears and dreams. Runs through May 17.

ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

321 Montgomery Street, 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 up 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.

Look At What We Got! One of the most common questions the archivists and curators of the Onondaga Historical Association are asked is, “Will the document or artifact I’m donating be on exhibit?” The answer is always a resounding “possibly.” With limited exhibit space, and exhibit topics that don’t always include every item in our collection, OHA has many magnificent items preserved and protected, but not on display. “Look At What We Got” is OHA’s chance to exhibit an eclectic assortment of artifacts and documents that were donated to OHA in the last five years. The exhibit will also provide insight into the choices OHA’s archivists and curators make when accepting donations. Runs through May 2025.

Pages of the Past: The Personal Archives of Scrapbooks. This is OHA’s newest exhibit, featuring bits of history as collected and curated in personal scrapbooks of Syracuse community members that have since come into OHA’s archival collection. The exhibit displays both original scrapbooks and interactive reproductions that guests are encouraged to flip through and explore. “Pages of the Past” celebrates the history of scrapbooking and the local residents who have taken the time through the years to compile records of their lives and the community. Runs through Spring 2025.

Crystal Z Campbell’s “Makahiya” commissioned by Light Work on the Everson facade

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-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: The Proliferation of Plastics in the 20th Century. Curated by Lead Curator and Curator of Plastics and Historical Artifacts, Courtney Hicks, this exhibit 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. Runs through Aug. 1.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY’S NATIONAL VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER

Daniel & Gayle D’Aniello Building, 101 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse. vpa.syr.edu/ academics/creative-arts-therapy/art-therapy-ms/nvrc-gallery. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 2 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 Aug. 2.

“Plasticized” at Special Collections Research Center at Syracuse University Libraries and “Suit Up” at OHA

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

Tuesday - Saturday 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

Flashback

WITH OHA

Cover of the 1938 issue of “The Green Book” and a photo of the Little Harlem restaurant at 449 E. Washington St. in Syracuse, taken in April 1940.

A TRAVEL COMPANION

A guide for Black travelers in mid-20th-century Syracuse

BY JORDAN SCOTT

“The Negro Motorist Green Book,” better known as “The Green Book,” was a national travel guide created by Victor H. Green. Born in 1892, Green was a Black New Yorker and postal carrier. Through the travel experiences of Green and his friends, and inspired by Jewish travelers’ guides, Green sought to lessen the difficulties Black travelers faced due to discrimination. The guide was first published in 1936 and was distributed to Black-owned businesses and Black churches and organizations. Initially, the guide covered New York City, southern New York state and New Jersey. Syracuse first appeared in “The Green Book” in 1938 with one listing. By 1952, Syracuse had 30 listings. Many of the businesses were on East Washington Street downtown and included restaurants, tourist homes, barber and beauty

shops, nightclubs and taverns, drug stores, grocery and liquor stores. One restaurant was Little Harlem at 449 E. Washington St., which operated from 1940 to 1946. The eatery served homecooked meals and Southern food, such as Southern fried chicken. Little Harlem hosted musical entertainment, including Madame Queen of Atlantic City’s Dude Ranch and Andy and His Rhythm Makers. The restaurant advertised itself as a place “where old friends meet” and “the only spot in town with an all-colored entertainment.”

Digitized copies of “The Green Book” are available on the New York Public Library’s website.

Jordan Scott is assistant archivist at Onondaga Historical Association.

Last word

STEVE HARRIS

Syracuse City Arborist

BY MJ KRAVEC

Spring is so much about the trees — all that budding, blossoming and blowing their petals about in the fragrant air. We thought it would be a real tree-t to talk to Syracuse City arborist Steve Harris, who works with tree crews, volunteers, residents, project managers and code enforcers, to name a few, to help our city grow in all its greening glory. We wanted to know what he likes most about his job, how many trees he oversees and whether he considers spring or fall the best tree showoff season.

What time do you get up in the morning and how do you take your coffee? I wake up at 6:30. I make pour-over coffee that’s 50/50 leaded/unleaded. Two tablespoons of grounds per 6 ounces of water.

What’s your favorite season? Fall.

Favorite place to enjoy the outdoors in CNY? In the neighborhood, it is the quarry behind Drumlins [Country Club]. I hike or bike there two to three times a week. In April and May, it is the Rand Tract (by Webster Pond) where I can watch nature come to life. The natural springs and streams are raging and the spring ephemeral rare plants are coming out before everything else. This is a special place. If you go, tread lightly!

What do you like most about your job? Collaborating within our department, across departments and with the public! A lot of people need to be involved to plan, build and maintain all our city infrastructure. In fact, the city is upgrading more infrastructure now than at any time in my 14 years here. Of all that infrastructure, trees are the only infrastructure that appreciate value over [their lifespan]. But you cannot increase tree cover on public and private lands without planning with the departments that manage roads, sidewalks, water, gas, housing and other developments. Our city government has amazing, dedicated people working really hard to make Syracuse a better place. And we work hard to coordinate projects across departments so that existing trees can be protected and new trees have space for their roots to grow. Aside from that… Trees! I mean, c’mon! Working with trees is a great job!

How many trees do you oversee? Syracuse has 35,000 street trees and 10,000 park trees. In the last five years we began

managing our natural areas by removing invasive species and replanting with native plants. We do this work with the youth employment workforce program — the Onondaga Earth Corps — as well as volunteers. The Forestry Division also responds to about 1,200 service requests per year to prune, remove and plant trees. Every year, we prune about 4,000 trees, remove about 700 and plant about 1,200.

The twinkling lights in downtown’s trees are now a permanent installation — what a lovely addition to the city. The Downtown Committee was the driving force of that project. They secured the funds to purchase and install the lights. The Parks Department reviewed and approved the installation. The method for securing the lights to the tree will not girdle the trees or their branches. We had every tree pruned [or removed if needed] prior to the installation. That work was long overdue. It was a good partnership. Downtown Committee is one of those great partners I mentioned earlier.

In your opinion, what’s a better show? Fall’s colorful leaves or spring blossoming? Fall colors by a mile!

Harris shows Onondaga Community College students and employees how to plant trees for the school’s 50th anniversary in 2011.

WITH

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Almost Local

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118 Milton Avenue, Syracuse

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2980 Sentinel Heights Road, LaFayette

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The Curd Nerd

2800 James Street, Syracuse

Decor & More

57 Albany Street, Cazenovia

Drooz + Company

36 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles

Epicuse

334 S. Salina Street, Syracuse

Fringed Benefts

6850 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville

Golden Bee Bookshop

324 1st Street, Liverpool

H. Grey Supply Co. 53 Albany Street, Cazenovia

Olive + Fern

19 North Street, Marcellus

Paola Kay Gifts

105 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville

Parthenon Books

333 S. Salina Street, Syracuse

Salt City Artisans 226 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse

The Station 603 603 E. Seneca Street, Manlius

Synple 70 Main Street, Camillus

The Wren’s Den 2756 W. Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus

Wildfowers Armory 217 S. Salina Street, Syracuse