Central New York Magazine - March/April 2021

T H E

G O O D

L I F E

IT’LL GROW ON YOU:

THAT’S KIDS’ STUFF:

THE JOY OF HOUSEPL ANTS

OUTINGS, SHOPS, LIT TLE BOSSES AND MORE

UP

Y K IN THE S BIRD WATCHING SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS

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PRESIDENT Tim Kennedy ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF THE GOOD LIFE Annette Peters 315-282-8527 apeters@advancemediany.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Lindsay Marienga lmarlenga@advancemediany.com

EDITOR MJ Kravec 315-766-7833 mkravec@advancemediany.com ASSISTANT CONTENT EDITOR Amy Bleier Long 315-282-8553 ableierlong@advancemediany.com

MAGAZINE/EVENTS SALES MANAGER Jennifer K. Queri 315-282-8622 jqueri@advancemediany.com DESIGNERS Susan Santola Kimberly Worner

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Thomas H. Brown 315-470-2053 tbrown@acssyr.com CUSTOMER SERVICE 315-470-6397

The Good Life, Central New York Magazine (ISSN 1931-194X) is published six times a year by Advance Media New York, 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, New York 13202. The Post-Standard © 2021. 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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Editor’s Letter

Spring’s song S H H . L IST E N . I T ’ S L I T E R A L LY I N T H E A I R .

We want to hear from you.

Got a story idea? What do like about Central New York Magazine? Email us at cnymag@ advancemediany.com.

Correction

I

noticed the sound while walking the

the bird houses on Meadowbrook Drive in

dog one morning shortly after the win-

Syracuse and peruse area shops for season-

ter solstice. A lone bird, off somewhere

al fashion and decor.

in the distance was singing. It was one

In our family feature package, you’ll find

of those birdsongs you hear in April. Couldn’t

programs that entertain and educate chil-

be right, could it? Birdsong is usually one of

dren in fun new ways, browse some local-

the first signs of spring, but we were in the

ly owned children’s boutiques, meet three

middle of winter. I would later find, while re-

of CNY’s youngest entrepreneurs and more.

searching for a story in this issue, that there’s

We also stop by Pawsitivitea CNY Café &

a reason for the early birdsong. And it’s worth

Cat Lounge in Syracuse, get a comforting

paying a little more attention to.

recipe for Hungarian Potato Pancakes from

In the March/April edition of Central New York, we take a closer look at these harbin-

Eva’s European Sweets and meet a new artist who focuses her creativity on healing.

gers of the season with a feature on bird

All good things to help usher in the green-

watching in CNY. Note — we’re a hotbed of

er pastures well on their way in Central New

bird activity. We hope it helps to make the

York. Cheers.

season more enjoyable.

Our other features look at the exploding in-

6

terest in houseplants and the urban jungling

MJ

trend that showcases the wild ways to dec-

mkravec@advancemediany.com

orate with plants. Also inside, take a look at

315-766-7833

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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Dave’s Diner serves up hearty classic breakfast fare. Café 119’s is an excellent lunch spot for sandwiches and salads.

Manlius Fish Fry features a daily special. Number 1 Kitchen and China Café have your Chinese cravings covered.

Find poke bowls, sushi and other specialties at Good Time Sushi. Stingers Pizza Pub has the game on and a long list of munchies. Take out slices and wings from Original Italian Pizza. Pavone’s Pizza & Eatery has been a local favorite for decades. Scenic Root offers upscale dining in a casual setting. For a party or a pick-me-up, Mrs. Kelder’s Cakes has cookies, cupcakes and more. Sno Top has been a quintessential summer spot for more than 60 years. Gabrielle Chocolates & Ice Cream dishes out an assortment of treats.

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK, KATHE HARRINGTON

In our last issue, the information about local restaurants was inadvertently left out of the Our Town: Manlius article.

We regret the omission.

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Contents 50

Features

31

50

62

72

Trends for fashion and home are cheery and comfort-driven.

The highs of bird watching in CNY.

Local organizations engage kids in fun new ways.

Area boutiques help kids show off their unique style.

Child’s Play

Shop Local for Littles

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58

70

74

Indoor gardens create a world of green happiness.

A look at the birdhouses of Meadowbrook Drive.

Meet some of CNY’s youngest entrepreneurs.

Program teaches kids how, and why, to give back.

It’s a Jungle in Here

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Wingin’ It

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Home Tweet Home

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Little CEOs of CNY

Making Connections

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GREENLAR

Hope Springs Eternal

Departments

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6 Editor’s Letter 11 It’s All Good

What to savor in CNY now …

A Good Feeling … Downtown Doings … Behind the Scenes...

Caught Doing Good.

28 The Seen

A pictorial review of Central New York’s socially distanced gatherings.

76 Our Town

Live like a local in Elbridge.

42

78 CNY Scout

Syracuse’s first cat café opens in the CNY Regional Market.

81 Farm to Table

Hungarian Potato Pancakes from Eva’s European Sweets.

84 Art Profile

Artist makes a home for art and community.

88 Galleries

What’s on display in the art world.

90 Flashback

Jordan native, Civil War soldier and artist Voltaire Combe.

31

91 The Last Word

With Syracuse.com Weather Reporter Glenn Coin.

70 On the cover One of the nearly two-dozen colorful birdhouses on Meadowbrook Drive in Syracuse. Photo: Alaina Potrikus

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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It’s All Good

Green light Daffodils and grassy hills.

Scent of earth and rain. A patch of sun, new life’s begun and the air turns from winter to spring. It’s go time. Here’s how to appreciate the season’s offerings now.

BY M J K R AV EC

It’s All Good  BRING IN SPRING Saturday, March 20 marks the vernal equinox or first day of spring — make an event out of it and refresh your home’s energy by opening windows to release stale, winter air. Pick up tulips, jonquils, hyacinths or forced branches from the grocery store and display in a prominent area of your home.

 MAPLE TIME Relish maple syrup season with this maple latte. Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to 2 Tbsp. maple syrup in a coffee mug. Heat ¼ cup of milk on stovetop til warm. Whisk until frothy. Pour hot coffee into mug and top with warmed milk. Garnish with an extra drizzle of maple syrup.

 ANY BUNNY



Rabbits are said to symbolize prosperity, fertility, luck and abundance. Display rabbit figurines or statuary among your plants or on a sideboard for a charming, magical touch. Bonus points for vintage or antique figures.

KITCHEN GARDEN There’s something especially spring-y about the taste of green onions. They also happen to be one of the easiest vegetables to regrow from scraps right on your windowsill.

Place white bulbs in glass jar and cover with fresh water.

Green shoots start in just a few days. After about a week, you’ll have a fresh supply of scallions. Refresh water at least once a week and harvest up to three times before planting bulbs in fresh soil.

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 OLIVE IT Save on plastic waste by switching out your plastic dish soap bottles for a reusable olive oil bottle with dispenser. Clean any oil that remains in the bottle and fill with eco-friendly dish soap. The container looks chicer on the sink and lets you buy dish soap in bulk. Even more savings. Yay.

 CA R P E T R E F R E S H While you’re spring cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on rugs to freshen them up. Allow it to settle for about an hour to deodorize your rugs before vacuuming.

 S P R I N G WAT E R S Take a spring bath with homemade lavender bath salt. Combine two cups of Epsom salt with 10 drops of lavender oil and 2 Tbsp. sweet almond oil.

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Sprinkle in bath water along with the petals of a few spring flowers to soothe skin and senses.



PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK, AMAZON.COM.

WO O D YO U ?

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, make your own earth-friendly furniture polish by combining one part lemon juice with 2 parts vegetable oil.

Dab onto a dry cloth and use to clean and enhance wooden furniture without harmful chemicals.

 C O L O R YO U R WO R L D The Karribi Paint by Numbers kit for adults and children features linen canvas on a wood frame, fresh paints and numbered color guides. Easy to use and ready to display. Paint just one or up to nine different images to create a vibrant grouping on walls. $28.92 each on Amazon.com.

M A R C H /A P R I L

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It’s All Good A G O OD F E E L I NG

From the Netherlands: Uitwaaien AS MARCH WINDS BLOW, EMBRACE THIS DUTCH PRACTICE TO REDUCE STRESS

BY M J K R AV EC

f

or more than 100 years, the Dutch have been racing with the wind in a practice known as uitwaaien. Pronounced “aut vayn,” getting outdoors to walk, run or bike in cold windy air is believed to improve mood, boost energy and alleviate stress.

Translated as “outblowing” or replacing bad air with good air, uitwaaien is thought to calm and refresh both mind and body. And while there’s no scientific research to back up these claims, there are plenty of studies that show being outdoors

How to practice Take a brisk walk, jog or bike ride after lunch or dinner — even if it’s cold. Anything that gets you out and windblown in the fresh air is considered uitwaaien. You’ll come back inside appreciating the warmth of your surroundings even more.

— even for just a few minutes during these last days of winter — produces feel-good benefits. Consider the benefits of forest bathing and other similar activities that prove being outside

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

has mental health benefits.

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It’s All Good D OW N T OW N D OI NG S

Salt City Market provides food and connection

t

BY CHRISTINE DUNNE

he Salt City Market was a great idea prior to the pandemic; now, with people having isolated so long, many are craving the human connection that it engenders — not to mention the delicious food.

“I feel like people are hungry for it,” says market manager Adam Sudmann. “We’re all hungry to get out, and [the market] facilitates that kind of thing.

It’s a place to people watch, see something cool and see the cultural gems in the city.”

Of course, the kind of interactions that are occurring in the market, which opened January 29 are — at least for now — COVID-style. Vendors have begun serving takeout and providing curbside pickup. With restrictions loosened just days before the market’s opening, indoor dining began at 25 percent capacity.

Eventually, it will operate more fully as a traditional

food hall with dining inside and outside, entertainment and events. Ideally, a grand opening will also take place.

“There’s been 10 years in the making of this place, it would be such a shame to never do that,” Sudmann says.

Funded by the Allyn Family Foundation, the market is located at the corner of South Salina and West Onondaga Streets, across from the Marriott Syracuse Downtown (Hotel Syracuse), on the first floor of a newly constructed 78,000-square-foot structure. According to Sudmann, the goal in building the market is threefold: allowing people to build generational wealth doing what they love, showcasing the town’s incredible cultural and culinary diversity and serving as a meeting place that fosters owner-

The market includes 10 food stalls serving a wide range of cuisines from all over the world.

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ship and belonging for all of Syracuse.

The market includes 10 food stalls serving a wide range of cuisine: Baghdad Restaurant (Middle Eastern), Big in Burma (Burmese), Cake Bar (cakes and cupcakes), Erma’s Island (Jamaican), Firecracker Thai Kitchen (Thai), Mamma Hai (Vietnamese), Miss Prissy’s (soul food), Pie’s the Limit (pies), Soulutions (Southern), and Farm Girl & Catalpa (juice and flowers). It also contains a grocery store, a café bar from the owners of Salt City Coffee, a teaching kitchen, and dining space for up to 500 people inside and 150 alfresco.

All of the vendors are local residents, ready to share their culture and culinary offerings with visitors. Sudmann is thrilled to see them open their doors and have a platform for their gifts.

“I think seeing the look on their faces is far and away one of the things I’m looking forward to,” he said soon before the market’s opening.

Before the official opening, a few of the vendors had been using the kitchen for pop-up takeout events. Now, customers can order food and drink from whichever vendor they choose (including multiple vendors); then pick it up curbside in one location or have it delivered.

Many vendors are starting out by offering a small selection of tried-and-true recipes, some of which were tested during the pop-up takeout events; while some may branch out, focusing on what they do best might prove just the ticket for the public.

“I think when you’re waiting in there with 10 different stalls sometimes you get exhausted by choice,” Sudmann says. He notes he’s partial to a small, tight menu, especially after seeing that concept work so well in markets from Saigon and Marrakesh to New York City.

The market also features a firepit and play structure by the outdoor dining area in a

large alley at the north side of the building, and an events area.

There are 30 parking spots out back, plus several large parking lots within two blocks, in addition to street parking. Above the market, there is office space on the second floor.

It is currently being used as a headquarters for the Allyn Family Foundation and Syracuse Urban Partnership but talks with potential tenants — and nonprofits in particular — are in the works. The third and fourth floors house 26 mixed-income apartments that Sudmann expected to be rented by the time of this article’s publication.

M A R C H /A P R I L

After 10 years of planning, Salt City Market opened January 29 at the corner of South Salina and West Onondaga streets.

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“It’s really important to have economic diversity in this space,” Sudmann says.

The market’s hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Salt City Coffee’s café and bar will open as early as 8 a.m. for a coffee fix; it switches midday to a bar and stays open late. The coming grocery store (which is a second location for the Westcott neighborhood-based Syracuse Cooperative Market) will have extended hours, too.

Just before the market’s big opening, vendors were brimming with excitement. Latoya Ricks, owner of Erma’s Island and Jamaica native, was ready to fulfill her nearly 20-year dream of owning a restaurant while also making history in Syracuse, with the market being a new concept for the area. She was also eager to showcase the diversity of Jamaican food, including the fact it is not always spicy.

“It doesn’t have to burn your mouth — it

can be flavorful and enjoyable,” she says. “It’s not just rice and beans and chicken, there is more to the culture.”

Ricks wants people to feel welcome at the market, including families with young children, just as the restaurant’s namesake — her grandma Erma — always made people feel.

Hein San, manager of Big in Burma, was proud to be opening the only strictly Burmese restaurant in Syracuse — offering specialties like laphet thoke, or fermented tea leaves mixed with cabbage, peanuts, tomato, sesame seeds, fish sauce, dried prawn, ginger and red chili.

He was looking forward to seeing people’s reactions to the dishes and flavors, as well as being part of something bigger than just his family’s restaurant.

“There’s so many little things you can try,” he says of the market. “I know if I go there, I wouldn’t get bored.”

Salt City Market is located at 484 S. Salina Street, Syracuse. For more, visit saltcitymarket.com.

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Customers line up at Baghdad Middle Eastern restaurant as Salt City Market opened for business, hosting a variety of unique and global tastes and capturing the growing diversity of Syracuse.

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It’s All Good BE H I N D T H E S C E N E S

Dignity in the details CNY’S NEW MEMORY CARE FACILITY FEATURES DESIGN ELEMENTS TO HELP RESIDENTS LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES

w

BY KENNETH STURTZ

which held a ribbon cutting in early November 2020, is on the same campus as The Nottingham in Jamesville. A pedestrian bridge connects Borer to the rest of the campus to meet the needs of couples at different levels of care.

Borer is licensed as an assisted living residence with a special license to care for individuals with dementia, so it is meant for low to moderate cases of cognitive impairment. Every design element at the property was researched and customized to serve individuals experiencing dementia and evoke a residential feeling rather than an institutional one. Ingerson says the 21,000-square-foot state-of-the-art community is unique to Loretto and Central New York. More than 400,000 New Yorkers have dementia, a number that is only expected to grow.

Loretto researched memory care models

PHOTOS COURTESY LORETTO

hen staff at Loretto began designing their new memory care facility, they already knew from decades of experience caring for people with dementia what they wanted and what they didn’t.

“We wanted to really give our residents as much dignity and quality of life and purpose [as possible] and not [have them] be restricted by alarms and dead-ends and dark areas,” says Jennifer Ingerson, vice president of housing at Loretto. In traditional memory care settings, where there is little aesthetic differentiation, residents with dementia often struggle to locate the dining and activity areas, as well as their rooms. Elements such as long hallways, deadends and solid walls can increase the difficulty of navigating a facility.

Loretto’s Borer Memory Life Community,

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in the U.S. and internationally and visited facilities throughout the state to learn more about best practices. Some of the concept,

by Syracuse-based QPK Design, emulates a village-sized community in the Netherlands for people with dementia.

The building is split into two neighborhoods of 10 apartments each, which line the central community spaces on two sides.

There are many ways to traverse the space, but no dead-ends or dark hallways to confuse residents. Each apartment’s entrance is designed to look like the front of a house, with distinct roof lines, siding (no adjacent entries are the same color) and recessed porches. Vinyl tile along the hallway simulates grass outside each apartment. A memory box, which can be filled with personal items, is placed outside the door to further assist with wayfinding.

The furnished residences are one-bedroom apartments that feature a large bathroom; two of the apartments are suites to accommodate couples living with dementia so they can remain together.

Every apartment has 10-foot ceilings, large windows and a window seat. Units have either an eastern or western exposure, ensuring every resident has a view of the sunrise or sunset, which helps with circadian rhythms. Ingerson values pet therapy; as long as a person is able to care for an animal, their pet can move into the apartment with them.

A variety of common areas provide stimulation and socialization: An all-season enclosed front porch allows residents to people-watch while connecting with neighbors.

The living room is lightly furnished with a seating area, stone fireplace and desk. At the opposite end of the facility, a spacious window-filled hallway called the Galleria gives residents a place to enjoy the landscape and visit with family members. Two activity rooms will be used to host movie screenings, educational programs and craft projects.

Loretto minimized the use of solid walls whenever possible to provide visual cues, so almost all areas are visible from anywhere

Opposite: Aesthetic differences in the apartment exteriors make wayfinding easier.

This Page: Common spaces include the dining area, Founder’s Garden and all-season front porch.

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“We wanted to really give our residents as much dignity and quality of life and purpose [as possible] and not [have them] be restricted by alarms and dead-ends and dark areas.”

JENNIFER INGERSON, VICE PRESIDENT OF HOUSING AT LORETTO

in the community. By doing so, the entire community maximizes natural light, which can lower rates of depression and improve circadian rhythms, Ingerson says.

The centerpiece of the property is a two-story 1,849-square-foot indoor garden with water features and floor-to-ceiling windows. The space is decorated with live plants, which will be changed out seasonally by Ballantyne Gardens, and residents will be able to engage in therapeutic gardening activities. Nearby, a secure outdoor patio will be available during warmer months, with tables, chairs and sun umbrellas; they’ll plant a vegetable and herb garden in the spring. By providing a calming setting and a chance for hands-on physical activity, the gardens address the different needs that people with dementia and Alzheimer’s have. “We found that bringing residents with cognitive impairments into natural environments really helps with attention, awareness, expression and sleep patterns,” she says.

Planning also focused heavily on the two areas that are usually challenges for people in assisted living: dining and bathing. Residents can struggle with eating due to all the menu changes that occur from meal to meal. As the disease progresses, people with dementia or Alzheimer’s can lose concentration during meals or have difficulty identifying food and using cutlery. Loss of appetite is also a common problem.

All meals in the restaurant-style dining room will be served on red plates and bowls, because the color has been shown to stimulate appetite. Mealtimes are designed to be flexible with a formal menu as well as à la carte food options. For example, a bistro in the nearby independent living area can send over brick-oven pizza or specialty sandwiches. “We worked hard at giving them lots of choices,” Ingerson says, “So if someone likes to have scrambled eggs and toast every morning at 11 a.m., we can do that.”

The oven in the kitchen requires a key to operate, so residents aren’t at risk of hurting themselves or leaving For more, visit lorettocny.org/the-borer-community/.

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The furnished residences are one-bedroom apartments with a large bathroom. Each has an abundance of light which helps maintain circadian rhythms.

the oven on.

Each apartment’s bathroom has electric radiant heat in the floor and heat lamps because older adults are often easily chilled; walk-in showers encourage residents to bathe. Red lids on toilets and nightlights were incorporated to assist navigation and recognition. Each toilet is lined up with the head of each bed, so residents can easily find the bathroom during the night. Additional amenities at Borer include a large spa-styled bathroom for when residents need more assistance or want to take a relaxing bath, and a hair salon.

Most of the apartments have already been reserved.

Loretto opened Borer to residents in February.

Ingerson hopes to develop the lower level of Borer into a research, training and education center. An additional 20,000-square-foot area would be dedicated to clinical trials and other testing to advance a cure for Alzheimer’s, which they already participate in with partner Clarity Clinical Research. “To help our employees and our family members and our residents, that’s really so exciting to me,” Ingerson says.

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It’s All Good C AUGH T D OI NG G O OD

An emotional connection to the land ASHLEY RIVERA HARVESTS A DESIRE TO FEED THE WORLD, ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AT A TIME.

Ashley Rivera is a senior at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

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t’s all about good food for 23-year-old Ashley Rivera.

As a child visiting her family’s home in the Caribbean, Rivera would wake early for walks with her father, picking mangoes from trees along the road to eat and enjoy, the sweet juices dribbling down her chin. She’d gather coconuts and lemons and inhale deeply the smells of family gardens filled with okra, tomatoes, herbs and cucumbers.

“My grandmother grew potatoes. Other families grew other things and we shared,” recalls the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) senior.

Those morning walks foraging and gathering food set Rivera on a path toward her life’s mission: To help empower all communities to build their own food systems. She’s impressed with the sustainability efforts she’s discovered here in Central

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New York: the Onondaga Earth Corps for which she plants trees and advocates; the Alliance for a Green Economy for which she does education outreach; the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance; and the Brady Farm — an urban farm on Syracuse’s southwest side — in which Rivera has found a spiritual connection.

“The farm is such a healing place,” says Rivera.

“You’re in the ground, picking tomatoes, harvesting potatoes. Feeding the neighborhood. It’s empowering.”

Brady Farm Coordinator Jessi Lyons admires Rivera’s passion and perseverance. It can take Rivera hours to get the farm to volunteer on Saturdays via limited bus routes and numerous connections. “It’s a treat to have her on the farm,” says Lyons. “Ashley gets the soul and the spirit of the

PHOTOS BY SUSAN KENNEDY

BY SUSAN KENNEDY

Jef Sneider and Gwen Kay stand with their dog, Katie, at their home.

Working in our fields of medicine and education, we have spent our lives teaching and caring for adults. When we began giving charitably together, we both agreed on one thing: we also wanted to advocate for children.

We established a field-of-interest fund at the Community Foundation to help facilitate our giving in a simple and secure way. The Kay/Sneider Literacy Fund supports organizations that provide early childhood education, child care and literacy.

GIVING BACK FOR YOUTH:

JEF SNEIDER & GWEN KAY

We hope our giving will champion the safety and success of children and their parents, helping them Read more of Gwen and Jef’s story at cnycf.org/SneiderKay build more equitable futures. We care deeply about the well-being of the community and hope our giving will contribute to a thriving Central New York.

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“Ashley understands the value of gardening, food, nature and healing. Food brings communities together and taps into our cultural roots.”

JESSI LYONS, BRADY FARM COORDINATOR

farm, but also really enjoys doing the work.”

Rivera doesn’t call it work. She once cooked butternut squash soup for a Brady Farm Open House — with squash, potatoes, cilantro, garlic and onions harvested from the farm.

“That soup brings us together. It creates for all in the neighborhood an emotional connection to the land,” she says. It’s much like the connection she has to the land back in the Caribbean.

“I realize I have a lot to learn,” says Rivera, listing a myriad of educational tracks all connected to food studies: science, advocacy, climate, community planning, design. However she believes empathy is most important as she looks to a future after graduation where she helps create local neighborhood-based food communities across the globe.

“People who are lower income don’t always have the opportunities to engage in environmental decisions.” But as Rivera sees here in Central New York, everyone can enjoy a cup of soup down on the farm.

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“The farm is such a healing place,” says Rivera. “You’re in the ground, picking tomatoes, harvesting potatoes.

Feeding the neighborhood. It’s empowering.”

No Orange season has more questions.

We have the answers.

Get in the Know. Stay in the Know. For $7.99 / month (or $79 / year) unlock Orange Sports Insider information. Your Insider subscription includes: • Complete access to all “Subscriber Exclusive” content on syracuse.com with new analysis, rankings and more published daily • Full access to SU Sports content on mobile apps including Syracuse Orange Football News and Syracuse Orange Basketball News • Subscriber exclusive Orange Sports Insider newsletter, delivered every Thursday • Expert analysis from Brent Axe, Mike Waters, Donna Ditota and our whole award-winning sports team

Visit syracuse.com/insider to subscribe.

If you are already a subscriber to The Post-Standard or syracuse.com, Orange Sports Insider is included with your subscription. Just log in to access.

S9863389-01

The Seen

CHILLIN IN ‘CUSE TOGETHER 01.30 Heritage Hill Brewhouse and Palladino Farms in Pompey hosted the Chillin in ‘Cuse Together chili cookoff competition to raise money for downtown Syracuse restaurants forced to close due to tighter pandemic restrictions. Attendees were treated to — and voted on — chili samples by chefs from 10 restaurants: Heritage Hill, Papá Gallo, The Cider Mill, Santangelo’s, Chelsea’s Restaurant & Bar, Three Lives, The Brasserie Bar & Bistro, Shifty’s, Kasai Ramen and Brine Well Eatery. Cash prizes for the top three, for People’s Choice won by Papá Gallo and Judges’ Choice won by Chelsea’s, were sponsored by Costello, Cooney & Fearon law firm. Three breweries who were in the designated orange zone, Willow Rock, Talking Cursive and Middle Ages were sampling and selling their canned beers. Polge Seafood sponsored horse-drawn sleigh rides on the farm. The sold-out event, which included outdoor fire pits, live music, sledding and other activities, raised more than $15,000.

1

2

3

1 . Polge Seafood sponsored horse-drawn

sleigh rides on the scenic property.

2 . Attendees gather around a firepit with

Bloody Marys and hard cider.

3. Papá Gallo won the people’s choice award

for their Pork Poblano Green Chili.

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4

5

6

7

7. The Brasserie Bar

8

& Bistro’s Olde McDonald had a Farm Yard Chili that included chicken, pork, turkey and steak.

8. The Cider Mill offered

4. The sold-out event raised more than

a spicy sausage chili and a vegan chili with roasted vegetables.

$15,000 for downtown restaurants.

5. Chili from Shifty’s was topped with sour cream

blended with their signature Frankenstein sauce.

6. Three Lives, an esports bar, served up Bowser’s

Bourbon Chili with pickled jalapeños.

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ESTATES, TRUSTS & PERSONAL PLANNING

Plain talk. Exceptional expertise.

M A C K E N Z I E H U G H E S T O W E R , 4 4 0 S O U T H W A R R E N S T R E E T, S U I T E 4 0 0

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S Y R A C U S E , N E W Y O R K 13 2 0 2

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Whether you’re transitioning ownership of your business, planning for a secure future, or gifting to your favorite charity, we understand the importance of sensitive personal financial matters. We also know how important it is to discuss them in straightforward language, so you can make the best possible decisions for your future.

Learn more at mackenziehughes.com.

BY AMY BLEIER LONG PHOTOGRAPHS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

MARCH DOESN’T EXACTLY GO OUT LIKE A LAMB IN CENTRAL NEW YORK, BUT THE PROMISE OF EMERGING FLOWERS, FRESH AIR AND LONGER DAYS DOES PUT A YOU-KNOW-WHAT IN OUR STEP. WE’RE MORE THAN READY TO BRING IN SEASONAL MOTIFS (BIRDS, BEES, FLOWERS) AND THINGS THAT REFLECT OUR OPTIMISTIC MOOD. FOR THOSE EMBRACING THE COMFORTS OF HOME COOKING AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING, WE’VE GOT IDEAS FOR YOU, TOO.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY: Metal birds, $12.99 each, The Station 603, 603 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-682-8741.

SHAB-BEE CHIC Tin Art With Bee, 24.5 inches, $70, Fringed Benefits, 6825 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, 315-802-4353, fringedbenefitsdesign.com.

FEET FIRST Indoor/outdoor decorative rug, $20, Dazzle, 119 W. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-682-7499, thedazzlestore.com.

OIL I NEED Bee oil/dish soap bottle by Creations by Nella, $20, The Gift Box Shoppe, 4317 Fay Road, Syracuse, 315-487-9099, thegiftboxshoppe. com.

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NATUR ALLY BE AUTIFUL

BROOCH THE SUBJECT

Lilac and bees pillow, $48, Scottie D’s Pop Up, 216 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, 315-439-8908.

Bee pin, $10, Jasmine Rae Floral Design, 61 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-815-5043.

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DON’ T WORRY Bee Happy sign, $19.95, Enjoy, 419 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, 315-637-3450.

GNOME SAYIN’ Bee gnome, $9.99, Witty Wicks, 190 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-672-3110, wittywicks.com.

LET IT BEE Cast iron bumble bee, $20, BeeKind, 118 Milton Avenue, Syracuse, 315-299-6073, beekindsyracuse.com.

BEE TE AM HIVE MINDED

Tiny bee earrings, $12, BeeKind.

Bees Thrive stemless glass by Dan Bingham, $16, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile, 217 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-546-4919, wildflowersarmory.com.

OH HONE Y Honey Bee Sun Catcher, $19.99, Paola Kay Gifts, 105 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville, 315-632-2192, paolakaygifts.com.

PITCHER PERFECT Bee pitcher, $30, Inspired, 7468 Oswego Road, Liverpool, 315-380-7171, inspired-vhd.com.

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ON THE DOT Spot Off the Press blouse, $69, Boutique Joycé, 119 W. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-692-2122, boutiquejoyce.com.

X MARKS THE SPOT Birifini throw blanket, $170, Paola Kay Gifts.

ON THE EDGE Syracuse China scallop plate, $6, Inspired.

SNE AK AROUND John sneakers in dyed calf hair, $315, Skaneateles 300, 2. W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-1133.

SUPERB BOWL Serving bowl, $39.98, Pomodoro, 61 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-0085.

CASUAL COOL Original Chanel Print, upcycled athleisure separates, from $189 each, Showoffs Boutique, 216 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, 315-439-8908.

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CHECK PLE ASE Buffalo check party bunting, $10, Scottie D’s Pop Up.

RETRO ROUTINE Coffee, tea and sugar canister set, $36, Witty Wicks.

HIDE AND SEEK Leather-and-hide geometric pillow, $125, Nest58, 58 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5888, nest58.com.

OBLONG FOR IT Tray with marble decal, $60, Synple, 70 Main Street, Camillus, 585-615-3934, shopsynple.com.

ANY THING GOES Reversible earrings, $20, and striped necklace, $24, Dazzle.

MAN OF ATHLEISURE LS Tee Pocket Black, $89, Projex 214, 211 E. Water Street, Syracuse, 315-447-7961, projex214.com.

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A BIT PAIL Don’t Stop Looking Up block-printed pail, $24.99, The Gift Box Shoppe.

ALL YOU NEED Love socks and Love Rainbow socks, $14 each, Drooz + Company, 36 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-920-8888, droozandcompany.com.

TASTE THE R AINBOW Rainbow Chaser cocktail glass, $13, 20|East, 85 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-8154540, 20-east.com.

SUNNY DISPOSITION The Sun is Up melamine plate, $8, Boutique Joycé.

HAPPY WHEN IT R AINS WORDS OF WISDOM Life is Amazing 26-inch Euro pillow, $110, Fringed Benefits.

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Rain Stick Relaxation Bottle by Lakewood Studio, $12, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

CLE AR MIND Blue Me Away dietary supplement for cognitive boosting and clarity, $20, Skinterest Spa, 68 Main Street, Camillus, 315-663-4043, skinterestspa.com.

TEST POSITIVE Super Spreader sweatshirt, $95, Skaneateles 300.

PE ACE BY PIECE Upcycled Wearable art by Soul Talk Art, $125, Salt City Artisans, 226 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, 315-479-0400, saltcityartisans.com.

MOTIVATION MONDAY XO Mug, $16, Nest58.

COMMON GROUND LET IT GO 30 Day Challenge F**K it, $12, Witty Wicks.

Citizen of Earth tote bag, $45, Gypsy Freedom, 321 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-802-2762, shopgypsyfreedom.com.

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PROOF POSITIVE Oval bread proofing basket, $23.95, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden, 59 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5803.

GOT WHAT IT BAKES Baking is my Jam apron, $13.98, First National Gifts, 2 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 855-810-9076, firstnationalgifts.com.

PIZZ A NIGHT French pizza herbs, $17, Skaneateles 300.

SPICE OF LIFE Seasoning three-pack, $26, Syracha’cuse, 74 Main Street, Camillus, syrachacuse.com.

IN THE MIX Beignet mix, $6.99, and Chocolate Brownie lowcarb baking mix, $12.99, Epicuse, 334 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-960-1920, epicuse.net.

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PART Y, PEOPLE Mixtape Potluck cookbook, $29.99, Skaneateles 300.

SHELL YE AH Glass taco holder by Blue Heron Inspirations, $35, Salt City Artisans.

DIP IT GOOD Nelson Farms Bread Dip Mix, $2.95, 20|East.

INSIDE JOB Sage Hydroponic Grow Kit, $18, Colorful Inspirations, 170 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-3204364, colorfulinspirations.com.

HOLD UP Cookbook/tablet holder, $43, Mixed Methods, 215 E. Water Street Rear, Syracuse, 315-399-1766, letsgetmixed.com.

CURRYING FAVOR Organic Thai for Two set, $12.50, Drooz + Company.

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A NICE NOTE Plantable wildflower seed greeting cards, $5 each, The Local Branch, 4 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, thelocalbranch.co.

WRITE STUFF Tree-free Journal with fabric cover, $32, Gypsy Freedom.

OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT Vegan leather tennis shoes in blush pink, $95, Gypsy Freedom.

ROUND AND ROUND Organic cotton makeup rounds, $22 for 12, BeeKind.

CORK IT Cork Zip Case with Key Fob, $14.99, Metro Home Style, 689 N. Clinton Street, Syracuse, 315-420-2335, metrohomestyle.net.

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WR AP STAR Wrap It locally made beeswax wrap, $15 for set of three, 20 East.

CONCENTR ATED CLE ANER Vegan dishwashing block, $16, Drooz + Company.

WHAT A LOAD Extra-large eco dryer balls, $16 for four, BeeKind.

HIP TO BE SQUARE

HOT STUFF

Reusable and compostable Swedish Sponge Cloth, $5.95, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden.

Reusable Bamboo Coffee Cup, $14.99, Metro Home Style.

SO INTO BREW Chemical- and dye-free raw cotton-and-linenblend coffee filter, $20, The Local Branch.

THERE’S THE SCRUB Eco Coconut scourer, $6.50 for two, and dish brush, $7, 20|East.

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IT ’S A JUNGLE IN HERE Interest in indoor gardening keeps growing and creates a world of happiness.

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

BY M J K R AV EC

Outside the clouds loom. It’s dark. It’s cold.

But not in here.

Inside Carol Watson Greenhouse in LaFayette, owner Carol Watson takes a writer on a walk through a tropical world where lacy, delicate plants sit grouped on vintage planters, largeleaf greenery looms prehistoric over visitors and trailing vines dangle from pots hanging overhead. The sound of trickling water from a seven-foot fountain washes over us — rippling waves of calm.

It’s a jungle in here.

“So many people call this their happy place,” says Watson as we take a seat at an iron bistro table near purple bougainvillea and palm trees.

“Plants make you happy.”

Numerous studies show plants are a boost to your mental health — reducing stress, improving mood, creativity and productivity as well as helping to speed healing and recovery. A 2009 study found patients whose rooms contained plants had a higher tolerance for pain, felt less tired and less stressed and had lower blood pressure than patients in rooms without plants.

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HAPPY PLANTING If that’s not enough to encourage you to start your own indoor garden, a glance at the plants of Instagram might. These so-called plantstagrammers, or Instagram accounts that are all about plants, showcase enviable urban and suburban jungles and displays of perfect plant life in all its shiny-leafed, vines-upthe-wall, macrame-hanging glory.

“It’s a give-and-take relationship.

You have these living beings in your home and you water them and you get to watch them grow,” says Sarah Hardy, owner of Found Things plant shop in Syracuse. “There are all these studies about the health benefits of being outdoors — I think having plants in your home is like being outdoors.”

Be warned. Once you start an indoor garden, it’s a collecting habit that, well, grows. Hardy says she has 105 plants in her home. “It’s addictive,” she laughs. “It’s a combination of worlds. I think it gives people a habit — it’s the collection factor.”

Now with more people working from home, the interest in house plants has increased. Both Watson and Hardy say they have seen more people coming into their stores looking to start indoor gardens.

Hardy recently moved her shop to a bigger location on South Collingwood Avenue and has seen steady business since her shop reopened in May after the COVID-19 shutdown.

“Now with people working at home … they need plants around them,” says Watson.

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SHOW OFF When arranging your plants, display them in groups and vary your textures and heights. Mix bigger leaves with small, spiky with lacy, long with short.

“Think visually and what’s aesthetically pleasing” says Hardy.

Another tip is to mix in vintage pieces. Both Watson and Hardy like displaying plants with wrought iron and vintage accents. “I think plants really balance that and give old pieces new life.” Hardy says.

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GETTING DIRTY There are several varieties of easy-care plants to help new plant parents grow more confident. Make note of each plant’s light and water requirements. Hardy advises making it a weekly habit to walk through your green space and get to know your plants — it’s a habit that’s good for your plant babies and your mental health.

“Take an inventory of your plants. Mist the leaves, feel the soil. People do it to take care of their plants, but it also gives people an opportunity to unplug, to take a breather,” says Hardy.

Once you start bringing plants into your home, the real fun begins. When it comes to decorating with greenery, you’re only limited by your imagination, says Hardy, who recently created a feature wall in her dining room with trailing plants on shelves and fresh wallpaper. Look to Instagram for ideas and inspiration and don’t be afraid to go all out.

“That’s one of my favorite things – mixing plants into home décor… it’s also a feature of your home that changes and matures over time,” she says.

You can start by placing a large plant in one corner of your room and working your way out.

“A plant in a corner brings the whole look of a room together. That’s why the big ones are so popular. You can mix them up and start with bigger leaf plants and layer in a variety of textures,” says Watson, noting plants such as Monsteras, Ficus, Natal Mahogany and Sansevieria are ideal for corners.

E A SY CA R E P L A N T S/S TA R T E RS Note: Plant care instructions below are general.

Consult your local garden store for details on individual plants.

Sansevieria (snake plants)

Spider plants

Peace Lily

Low to high light. Allow to dry out between waterings.

Bright to medium light. Water once a week to keep soil moist.

Medium to low light. Water about once a week. When leaves wilt, give it a drink.

ZZ Plant

Philodendron

Pothos

Moderate to low light. Water when top inch of soil is dry.

Medium to low light. Water every one to two weeks, let soil dry out between waterings.

Bright, indirect light. Let soil dry out between waterings.

English Ivy

Cacti

Succulents

Bright, filtered light. Keep soil evenly moist. Let first inch dry before watering again.

Bright light. Water every 10-14 days.

Bright light. Allow soil to dry out between waterings, about every two weeks.

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“That hanging plant will visually transform your space and it won’t take up floor space.”

SARAH HARDY

GO UP If you lack the floor space for plants, hang them from the ceiling or place them high on a shelf. You’ll draw eyes upward and add life and texture to unexpected spaces. Hardy suggests installing a curtain rod in front of a window and hanging jungle cacti from the bar. “That hanging plant will visually transform your space and it won’t take up floor space,” she says.

Watson likes displaying succulents in macrame hangers. “You don’t water them as much,” she says. And succulents can tolerate warmer air at higher levels in a room better than other plants.

For even more decorative impact with hanging trailing plants, Hardy likes using Command hooks that allow plants to climb around a room. Use them to attach long vines from Pothos, Philodendron and Ivy on walls and ceilings.

Other climbers, such as low-light Philodendrons and Pothos, will benefit from a moss pole that the plant can cling to, says Hardy. “Aroids [such as Pothos] are natural climbers. Put a climbing pole in a pot and the plant will naturally attach and climb up.”

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Plants in your Home are Good for your Health!

Studies show that having plants in your home helps improve concentration and productivity, reduces stress and boosts mood.

According to a NASA study plants in your house remove 87% of air toxins in 24 hours!

For ideas, inspiration and advice in caring for plants, check out the following groups on Facebook. Syracuse Plant Swap and Sales offers a place to post photos of plants, ask questions, swap plants and cuttings, let others know about great deals and more. Syracuse Plants and Gardening offers advice, help on identifying plants and general plant talk. For more specific plants, Upstate NY Succulents, “where things can get a bit prickly,” offers tips and advice on growing succulents and cacti, plant humor postings and a place to share photos and ideas.

Create an indoor or outdoor garden living space.

2980 Sentinel Heights Rd Lafayette, NY 13084 315-677-0286

S9861945-01

A GROWING COMMUNITY

Improve your health and overall happiness.

www.carolwatsongreenhouse.com

Wingin’ it

Bird watching soars in popularity.

Lucky for us, CNY is a birding paradise.

BY

M J K R AV EC

H

ere you are. Working from home. Still.

You’re staring out over your laptop, through your backyard window — watching birds.

You might not admit this to anyone, but you’ve been doing it for quite some time. You wish for binoculars.

You’re not alone.

The New York Times, New York Daily News, Los Angeles Times and USA Today report an increased interest in bird watching during the pandemic.

Just like sourdough bread baking, bird watching has experienced a surge. According to USA Today, Google searches for birds spiked last spring and downloads of an app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology that identifies birds were up 133 percent in May from the previous year.

“It’s one of those nerdy cool things,” says Matt Kosty, president of the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise in Fayetteville Town Center. Kosty says he’s seen a “giant surge” of interest in bird watching and is opening a second location in Camillus this spring.

“People that are looking for some kind of grounding are looking for it in nature,” Kosty says. “What else brings song and color to your day? And I think that’s why people are fascinated by birds… They are stress relievers. It calms people. If you’re watching a bird, it lowers your blood pressure.”

As Central New Yorkers, we’re lucky to live in a location that’s ideal for watching birds. Alison Kocek, vice president of Onondaga Audubon says CNY is located along the Atlantic Flyway where about 500 bird species travel between northern nesting sites and southern wintering locations.

“This means that while many species may not

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

stay in CNY year-round, there are great opportunities to see a wide variety of bird species as they stop over to refuel during spring and fall migration,” she says.

Along with migrating, there’s plenty happening in the bird world in spring — from nest building to singing to color changing.

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“Spring is always exciting if you’re in Central New York,” says Kevin McGowan, senior course developer/instructor at Bird Academy, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “It’s kind of bleak in winter — the birds have duller plumage, they’re not singing.”

But once the days start getting longer — right after the winter solstice — birds take the cue to start singing again.

“The singing starts [in early winter]. Birds are sensitive to the changes in day length — their hormones start flowing,” says McGowan.

It’s also an ideal time to not only watch birds since trees are still bare, but to listen to individual birdsongs, says Kocek.

“This increased activity and vocalization make birds much easier to find and identify in the spring than in other seasons, especially in the early spring when the trees have not yet

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Left, from top, a male cardinal at Beaver Lake Nature Center; red-winged blackbird at Montezuma National Wildlife refuge and an oriole at Beaver Lake.

leafed out. Most bird species can be identified by song alone, which makes the spring, when birds are calling most regularly, a prime time to find even elusive bird species that may be incredibly difficult to find when they aren’t vocalizing.”

If you’re new to birding, getting started is easy. It’s free and requires little more than going outside.

“Birds are everywhere and you just need to pay attention and look around a bit,” McGowan says. “Binoculars aren’t necessary, but they make it a whole lot more fun. You can put up a feeder, you can take a walk in the woods and look for movement and listen for sound. Sooner or later, you’re going to bump into birds,” he says.

Kocek recommends a good pair of binoculars, a notebook, smartphone and a bird guide.

“While birds are generally big enough to see with the naked eye, to really observe the details of a birds’ shape and plumage, binoculars are required.

M A R C H /A P R I L

Bird watchers look for spring migrants at Beaver Lake in 2016.

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Clockwise from left, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, American Bald Eagle (shown at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge), red-bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse and a hairy woodpecker at Beaver Lake Nature Center.

Even a $20 pair of binoculars will help when you’re just starting out, but you may want to upgrade over time.”

can record sightings, share them with the birding community and scientists and find out what birds others are seeing locally.

Kocek recommends consulting the Audubon’s guide to bin-

To find out when large migrants of birds are passing through

oculars at audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide. For bird guides,

your area, check out Cornell’s BirdCast (birdcast.info), says Kocek.

Kocek likes The Sibley Guide to Birds as well as Peterson and National Geographic field guides.

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

BIRD TECH

nity to unplug, bird watching also puts us in touch with na-

But along with alleviating stress and offering an opportu-

helping watchers identify birds and their sounds. McGowan says Cornell’s Merlin Bird ID Wizard is a free app that helps

birdsong you identify with spring.

“One of the first birds that sings is the northern cardinal.

That’s a real spring sound,” McGowan says.

users identify birds through a series of questions or photo

Don’t be afraid to tweet about your new activity — the stew-

uploads. “It narrows everything down based on a database,”

reotype of a bird watcher has flown the coop. Kosty says bird-

McGowan says.

ing is ideal for the whole family and that even high school kids

Another Cornell database, eBird (eBird.org), collects information from bird watchers all over the world, tracking birds in real time through what Kosty calls “citizen science.” Users

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ture. For instance, you can find out which bird is singing that

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have come into his store.

“It’s a joyful hobby,” he says. “We really feel like we’re bringing people and nature together.”

BIRDHOUSE PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

Once you’re equipped, check out Cornell’s many birding apps and databases that take bird watching to the next level,

What you can

do to help birds

“You can put up a feeder, you can take a walk in the woods and look for movement and listen for sound. Sooner or later, you’re going to bump into birds.”

KEVIN MCGOWAN, SENIOR COURSE DEVELOPER/INSTRUCTOR, BIRD ACADEMY, CORNELL LAB OF ORNITHOLOGY

Feed the birds — especially during winter. “It’s heroes’ work trying to keep these birds alive,” says Kosty. “The survival rate of chickadees is 33 percent, but when given access to food, it goes up to 70 percent.” Be sure to put feeders where birds can find them, Kosty says. “Birds are visual eaters. They need to see the food to eat it.”

Add some variety to your feeders by providing halved oranges for orioles and nectar feeders for hummingbirds, says Kocek. Remember to clean feeders at least twice a week.

Put up birdhouses (also referred to as nesting boxes) so birds have a place to nest.

Avoid using pesticides. They can harm birds by infecting them directly or by contaminating their natural prey.

Keep cats indoors. Experts estimate that cats kill more than 2.4 billion birds every year in the United States. Keep cats inside or consider building a cat patio or “catio” consisting of a screened in porch where cats can be outside without endangering birds.

Make windows safer. Some estimates say as many as one billion birds die flying into windows each year. To make your windows safer for birds, apply decals that break up window reflections.

Buy bird-safe coffee. Most of the world’s coffee farms grow plants in the sun, which destroys the natural habitat of birds through deforestation and pesticide use. Coffee plants grown in shade provide shelter for birds migrating in winter. Find it at Gimme Coffee in Ithaca at gimmecoffee. com/guatemala-guayab-fairtrade-organicbird-friendly/ or birdsandbeanscoffee.com/ Plant native. Provide shelter for birds with native plants including boxwood, burning bush, holly and other berry bearing bushes, trees and shrubs, says Kosty.

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Best places for birding Head out early in the morning to listen to what Kocek refers to as “the dawn chorus.” You’ll also catch many birds foraging to refuel.

Onondaga Lake Look for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and other waterbirds. You’ll also find a variety of songbirds along the lake’s forested paths.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge/Audubon Center See many waterfowl and waterbirds.

Derby Hill Bird Observatory (Town of Mexico) You’ll see up to 50,000 to 100,000 birds of prey, also known as raptors, each spring along with a variety of songbirds.

A daily raptor counter helps visitors identify the birds from March to May. Check out the Derby Hill Bird Observatory Facebook page for raptor counts and best days to visit.

Baltimore Woods (Marcellus) Take the winding trail through forest, grassland and higher-elevation habitats to see various songbirds.

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Green Lakes State Park Thrushes abound around the lake trail. You’ll see many songbirds on the outer trails including the orchard oriole.

Beaver Lake Waterfowl and songbirds are regulars here. When the visitor center is open (currently closed due to COVID), a large window gives a great view of bird feeders teeming with songbirds.

Oneida Lake Great birding around the lake and forested pockets feature various songbirds while the lake offers waterfowl viewing, tern colonies and gulls.

Morgan Hill State Forest This higher elevation forest has unique species such as ruffed grouse, alder flycatcher and most recently red crossbills.

FROM ALISON KOCEK, VICE PRESIDENT, ONONDAGA AUDUBON

Clockwise from top, hundreds of birds swoop through the fog at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; a Red-breasted Woodpecker at Beaver Lake Nature Center and sandhill cranes at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

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Home tweet home B I R D H O U S E S A D D C O LO R A N D C H A R M TO A N O U T E R U N I V E RS I T Y N EI G H B O R H O O D STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

With rainbow-colored perches and blackand-white checkered roofs, a collection of birdhouses along Meadowbrook Drive brightens up the outer University neighborhood year-round.

The effort started more than a decade ago with colorful gardens at each intersection.

Now more than 20 colorful birdhouses dot the streetscape from East Genesee Street to the entrance of Barry Park.

Neighbors and local garden club members tend to the endcap gardens and repair and repaint the birdhouses as needed.

A walk or short drive along the thoroughfare is a chance to appreciate the whimsy of each installation. Ducks paddle along the 58

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creek in the median, oblivious to the cars on the street.

There’s an orange-and-blue cottage birdhouse at the intersection of Bradford Parkway, and a basketball-shaped birdhouse at the corner of Euclid Avenue.

A white church birdhouse with steeple and stained-glass windows stands in front of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, and a biplane with propellers soars at the corner of Scottholm Terrace, with classic nose art and the name “Bird Watcher” scrawled in cursive.

Bits of straw and grass peek out from the entrance holes of most of the structures, indicating that the inhabitants enjoy the birdhouses just as much as the passersby.

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more than 20 colorful birdhouses dot the streetscape from East Genesee Street to the entrance of Barry Park.

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’ i d Ch l S

l Y P a

STORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

P

arenting can be an exhilarating challenge. Luckily, between strong school districts, a wealth of outdoor spaces and indoor attractions, Central New York offers many opportunities for fami-

lies to keep kids happy and engaged. In the following pages, you’ll learn about local organizations entertaining (and educating) children through hands-on programs and exhibits; three entrepreneurial students who will inspire your kids to dream big; local boutiques with unique fashions so young ones can stand out in their own style and a program designed to teach kids how to be good citizens, and most importantly, why.

Creatures in the Wild O U T D O O R P L AY IS T H E T H I N G

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now is falling and the temperature is in the low 30s. The group of children dressed in snowsuits isn’t fazed by the weather. They

sit down in the snow to enjoy snack time, then gather around a fire to warm their hands. A teacher reads a picture book aloud as students perch on logs, alongside the class mascot, a dog named Fox. They break off into small groups to explore, their boots leaving a trail of footprints in the fresh snow.

This is Creatures in the Wild forest school, the brainchild of Cazenovia mom Casey Johnson, who wanted to create a different style of education for her son with autism.

The class is made up of children ages 3 to 8, who meet several mornings a week at public parks in Manlius and Baldwinsville. Johnson’s goal is to purchase land where she can hold classes year-

Gross motor skills are enhanced as they climb, jump

round and she is working on a virtual platform.

and hike. Fine motor skills are honed as they zip

Students dress in layers to anticipate any weath-

their jackets and collect small objects.

er. Rain pants, Bogs boots, mittens and hats are

“You will never see a child tracing a letter or num-

required. Johnson likes to quote a Scandinavian

ber on a worksheet in the forest,” Johnson wrote

adage: There is no such thing as bad weather, just

on her blog. “But you will see a group of children

the wrong clothing.

on a treasure hunt digging in a bin filled with dirt,

The curriculum is child-led and helps students develop social skills, stamina and sensory health.

pretty stones, wooden shapes, wooden letters and numbers.”

Johnson’s approach of learning through play and exploration is rooted in the school’s mission to reintegrate nature into the daily lives of its students.

“What is amazing is if you give them the right setting, the right invitations and the right adults overseeing (without interrupting) they will naturally work on what their bodies and minds need the most,” Johnson says. “Our goal is for them to leave our program after a year or two ready for school and so excited to continue their educational journey.”

Online: creaturesinthewild.com

About 30 children are currently enrolled at Creatures in the Wild.

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Shades of Orange S PAC E H E L P S K E E P C R E AT I V E PAS S I O N A L I V E FO R A L L AG E S

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rawings of all shapes and sizes cover the walls at the Shades of Orange art studio.

The projects are as diverse and colorful as

the rainbow. Tie-dye coffee filter snowflakes. Wish jars filled with glitter, beads and charms. Buttons glued onto canvases to create words, princesses and animals.

The tables are works of art themselves, splattered with paints of every color used by the little artists.

The space was founded by Patti Stevens, who transformed a storefront in the Driver’s Village complex into a creative studio for all ages.

Before the pandemic, Stevens offered after-school clinics at area schools, bringing her workshops to a different district each afternoon.

But when learning went virtual last spring, Stevens had to pivot. During the early days of quarantine, she created kits to help kids stay creative at home. The packages include all the materials needed to complete a project — from oil pastels and watercolors to canvases and paint brushes — and offered online instructions to help guide young artists step by step.

As restrictions eased, Stevens was able to reopen the studio for weekly classes, with new safety precautions — fewer students seated at properly spaced tables, wearing masks and not sharing supplies, and hand sanitizer for all. She plans to hold summer camps, along with classes for adults. A grant, crowdfunded by former Syracuse University basketball player Eric Devendorf for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, has helped offset some losses.

But she hopes that 2021 will bring a return to normalcy and allow for more art for all.

Address: Driver’s Village, Circle Drive, Cicero Online: shadesoforangestudio.com

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The studio will offer day camps during spring break as well as throughout the summer.

At one recent art club, students painted their own sunsets, mixing pinks, purples, yellows and oranges to create the perfect glow of dusk.

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Children’s Museum of Oswego A TOW N S Q UA R E , T R E E H O U S E , WAT E R TA B L E A N D M O R E O F F E R H A N D S- O N F U N

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two-story treasure for young children is tucked into the storefronts of the historic business district in downtown Oswego.

The Children’s Museum of Oswego added new exhibits in 2019 and now boasts 10,000-square-feet of interactive and educational exhibits.

Two floors of activities will entertain children of all ages. The Town Square play space features a kid-sized Oswego Speedway, with a grandstand of spectators and a pit area where children can dress like a race car driver and play on a model Supermodified race car.

A wooden treehouse invites children to climb into an apple tree. Pretend pizza oven and salad bar stations encourage creative play, along with a fire station, farmer’s market, hardware store and dentist office.

In a city known for its lake effect snow, the two-story Cloud Climber play structure brings precipitation to life.

A sprawling water table play space also has local significance: Children can tow cargo from Port Oswego through the locks and past the iconic lighthouse.

Admission is $8 for children and adults, free for children under 1. Online reservations are required for morning or afternoon play sessions; the space is sanitized midday.

Address: 7 W. Bridge Street, Oswego Online: cmoo.org

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The Children’s Museum of Oswego features 10,000-square-feet of interactive and educational exhibits.

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Little CEOs of CNY T H E S E T H R E E YO U N G E N T R E P R E N EU RS M E A N B U S I N E S S

Bailey & Boo CEO: Magnolia Everson, age 11 Instagram: @baileyandbooshop

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agnolia Everson remembers the first time she helped her father piece together a sculpture of an elephant out of a pile of scrap

hardware in his workshop.

“I was little, but I still remember being so excited to show Mama our creation,” she says.

The project became a business venture for the whole family last year.

“When quarantine happened, we were bored so we made a bunch of them,” says Magnolia, now 11 and a sixth grader. “Soon, we had too many to hang open a shop and sell some.”

“Dad came up with the eyes that are screws and

upcycled hardware sculptures are assembled and

nuts,” Magnolia says. “The jowls are made from

make a whimsical addition to any space. Some are

faucet handles and the teeth are made from a pic-

painted white for a monochromatic look.

ture hanger and shelf pins.”

“Sometimes we just look at the parts and see what

A map on her Instagram page shows the states

they resemble and work from there,” she says. “And

where she has shipped her creations, including

sometimes we just think of an interesting animal

Texas, Oregon and Washington.

for example, like a warthog, and then we search for pieces to make it.”

Her favorite piece? A sculpture of a bulldog, with

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“I like that I get to spend time with my Dad and we get to design things together,” she says. “We both

a brow made from a drawer handle, ears made from

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metal clips and a nose fashioned from a pull chain.

The creative process differs with each piece. The

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come up with different parts to make each piece.

It’s like working on a puzzle together.”

Top, Magnolia Everson and above, upcycled hardware sculptures from Bailey & Boo.

BAILEY & BOO PHOTOS BY PAIGE EVERSON

in our own house. So I asked my parents if we could

Berry Very Munch CEO: Morgan Scott, age 6 Instagram: @berryverymunch

F

irst-grader Morgan Scott created her signature fruit rollup made from organic strawberries after her mother challenged her to

find a healthier version of the store-bought snack.

Next came Very Berry Lemonade, which sold out at her first pop-up sale in July at her aunt’s spa on Green Street in Syracuse. Then jams — in “very berry,” strawberry, cranberry and blueberry — all made from organic fresh produce.

Morgan dons a glittered apron and custom mask for events, her enthusiasm shining behind her pink glasses.

Top, Morgan Scott, and top right, a sample of Berry Very Munch’s organic fruit rollup. Left and above, Parker Cook pitches his product on “Little Big Shots” Last year.

What’s the Big Dill CEO: Parker Cook, age 11 Instagram: @whatsthebigdill.syr

New products in development include gummy fruit snacks, sour fruit rollups and Immuniberry, a jam featuring a blend of fruits known to boost immunity.

Her mother, Marie Scott, has helped load recipes with as many health benefits as possible — like jam with sea moss, a type of algae rich in minerals and antioxidants.

“She knows what kids like for taste, and I know what they need to be healthy,” says Scott, a nurse

WHAT’S THE BIG DILL PHOTOS COURTESY LITTLE BIG SHOTS

medical case manager.

T

his pickle prodigy has perfected the recipe for his signature seasoned

The treats have shipped across the country, and

brine, mastered packaging in pint-size jars and sold his product at

Morgan takes charge of the entire process, from

pop-up events across Central New York.

cooking to packaging, learning fractions from her

Now he’s looking to expand his pickle empire, hoping to find a partner to help with production and distribution.

Parker’s passion for pickles brought him to Hollywood last year, where he taped an episode of “Little Big Shots” with Melissa McCarthy.

He told the actress that he can make about 70 jars of pickles a day, “because that’s really all we can fit in our fridge.”

recipes and math from managing the cash register at events.

The first video on the Berry Very Munch Instagram page shows Morgan heading into City Hall to officially register her business.

“How does it feel to be a Black six-year-old busi-

“I feel like every time someone tries a pickle, they smile,” he says.

ness owner?” her mother asked as Morgan twirled

Mom Kara Daviau said watching Parker forge a working business based on

and giggled. “My baby is setting an example for all

his own creative ideas and passions “constantly leaves me in awe.”

“Most people spend their lives searching for their place in the world and Parker seems to already have it figured out,” she says. “He’s comfortable being unique, not following the crowd and wearing his heart on his sleeve.”

other little girls, because any brown girl can do anything they want to do!”

“I’m proud of me too,” says Morgan, her eyes sparkling.

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Shop local for littles B I G B OX STO R E S A R E N ’ T T H E O N LY P L AC E TO F I N D U N I Q U E C LOT H I N G , AC C E S S O RI E S A N D G I F T S FO R K I D S

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hloe’s Closet

107 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville Instagram: @chloes.closet.baby.boutique

Twenty years ago, owner Kathy Ilaqua named her children’s clothing boutique after her first granddaughter. “We’ve grown with our customers,” Ilaqua says, recounting longtime clients who have shopped for multiple generations at the Brooklea Drive store in Fayetteville. In addition to clothing, Ilaqua carries children’s books, gifts and accessories.

“I think everyone who comes in has a fun time picking something out,” she says.

And the store’s namesake? She just graduated from college.

“It’s been a labor of love,” Ilaqua says.

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ittle Bravo Boutique

Online: littlebravoboutique.com Instagram: @little_bravo_boutique

Owner Jaime Bouck of Cicero started her online storefront last year, curating a collection of “affordable and adorable” outfits inspired by her stepdaughter. New this spring: seersucker beach wear from Piping Prints, corduroy jumpers from Jamie Kay and luxe swaddle sets from Stroller Society.

Sizes: Newborn to 6T.

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PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH; LILLIE BEAN IMAGES SUBMITTED.

Sizes: Newborn to 10.

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ride + Joy

88 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles Online: skanbaby.com Instagram: @prideandjoyskan

The Skaneateles boutique isn’t just known for its adorable clothing and gifts. Owner Kathleen Zapata also stocks well-known baby gear brands like Uppababy, Stokke and Dockatot, giving first-time parents and grandparents a trusted local resource.

“We are so grateful for the people who choose to buy a carseat or a stroller from us rather than buying from Amazon,” Zapata says. “We like to be able to offer those specialized services locally.”

Sizes: Newborn to 10.

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illie Bean

57 Albany Street, Cazenovia Online: lilliebean.com Instagram: @lillie.bean.inc

The Cazenovia boutique known for women’s and children’s clothing is now under new ownership. Esther Parsons, a Cazenovia College graduate who interned at Lillie Bean as a fashion merchandising student, purchased the business from founder Laurie Hunt in August 2020. She plans to continue to focus on high-quality brands that are fun and timeless. “Our customers are looking for unique items that are colorful and different than what you can find at a big box store,” Parsons says. “We have that personal touch.”

Sizes: Newborn to 6.

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Making connections P R O G R A M H E L P S T E AC H K I D S T H E P OW E R O F G I V I N G B AC K

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nnie Taylor noticed something when she helped organize a bottle drive at her children’s school several years ago.

“Kids would participate, but they had no idea why they were doing it,” she says. “They weren’t connecting with where the cans were going, who they were helping.”

To help make that connection, the graphic artist and stationary designer created a program to help teach kids gratitude through action.

Gratikids offers activities and lessons to teach children of all ages the meaning of gratitude and reinforce the power of giving back locally in their community.

Activity boxes available on her website include thank you notes, envelopes, a kindness notepad, gratitude “deposit slips” and inspirational prints to share with others. A daily checklist helps kids remember to do their chores and homework along with a daily act of kindness.

A series of online videos gives ideas on how to use the products in the community.

Activity boxes include thank you notes, envelopes, a kindness notepad, gratitude “deposit slips” and inspirational prints.

One classroom wrote notes to include in sandwiches that were passed out to the homeless through the We Rise Above The Streets program in downtown Syracuse.

Another Gratikid decorated inspirational messages that were given to children staying at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“It was a positive reminder every day for the patients that other kids in their community were thinking about them,” Taylor says.

Other possible recipients — veterans, police officers, firefighters or other first responders, frontline workers like medical personnel and grocery store demic — give parents and teachers opportunities to talk to their children about the world around them.

“Gratitude is something that has to be taught, and you can teach it to your kids,” Taylor says. “You just have to help them connect the dots.”

Online: annietaylordesign.com Instagram: @gogratikids

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PHOTOS BY ALICE G. PATTERSON

workers who are helping people during the pan-

“Gratitude is something that has to be taught, and you can teach it to your kids. You just have to help them connect the dots.”

ANNIE TAYLOR, CREATOR OF GRATIKIDS

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Our Town

Elbridge

BY AMY BLEIER LONG

The Town of Elbridge offers a pastoral setting with a rich history and beautiful architecture along the main corridor of Route 5. The town, roughly equidistant between Syracuse and Auburn, includes the villages of Jordan and Elbridge; about 70 percent of the town is farmland. Agriculture is still an important part of the local economy, but the number of manufacturers in town continues to grow. With fewer than 6,000 residents, this friendly and safe community is a peaceful escape from the city.

Get outside

Seymour Lofft Park offers soccer fields, baseball fields, a Little Free Library, playground, an accessible swing set, grills and a pavilion.

Jordan Canal Park and the Erie Canalway/ Jordan Level Trail, part of the Erie Canalway Trail National Heritage Corridor, are great spots for hiking/walking, bicycling and fishing spots, and dogs are allowed. Walk along the Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 51 historical landmark. The Elbridge Swamp Preserve is Central New York Land Trust’s largest. At Carpenters Brook Fish Hatchery, enjoy fishing programs, a playground and public picnic areas.

Visit Skaneateles Creek (access at Jordan Park) for some of the best spring trout fishing.

Grab a bite

Start your day with a build-your-own breakfast platter at Jordan Deli Mart. Elbridge Plaza Diner, also known as Phyllis’s Diner, has been serving up hearty meals for nearly 40 years. Visit Rinaldo’s Pizzeria & Catering for the soup of the day and slices. Towpath Pizza’s menu of subs, pastas and pizza will fill your belly. Dimitri’s Pizzeria specializes in specialty pies and more. Call Happy Star for Szechuan, Hunan and Cantonese dishes. Stop by Byrne Dairy & Deli and Fastrac for convenient lunches and munchies. Find good eats any time of day with Bailiwick Market & Café’s breakfast, lunch and dinner specials, plus homemade Field of Creams ice cream. Tres Primos is an area favorite for Mexican cuisine. The Reef, overlooking the Seneca River, serves steak, seafood and pasta entrees. Enjoy pub favorites at O’Hara’s Clubhouse.

“We love our community because of the rural setting and outdoor beauty while being in close proximity to the Finger Lakes — especially Skaneateles as well as downtown Syracuse.”

MACKENZIE VOSSLER, OWNER OF THE KESTER HOMESTEAD

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Have a drink

Shop local

For quality wood furniture, visit Marty’s Barn Cellar. Bailiwick Market & Café highlights locally made food products and art. Select new jewelry or have pieces repaired at Edmunds Jewelry Co. Florist Bonnie’s Custom Creations creates arrangements for milestones and every day. Find CBD products and more at 2 Bro’s Canna Co. The Bed Shed sells mattress sets and bedroom furniture. American Drapery & Interiors designs and produces custom window treatments. Discover art, antiques and hand-painted furniture at La Place Art Gallery. The Framing Studio II is a full-service custom picture framing shop with jewelry, pottery and other fine arts. Twisted Sisters Glitter & Shine creates custom shirts, decorative signs and personalized decor. Search Cabin Creek Antiques’ selection of antiques and collectibles. Visit Wake Robin Farm & Bakery for fresh breads and granola. The Produce Station is a seasonal spot offering organically homegrown produce, flowers and other specialties. Kick off the holidays by choosing a tree at Three B Tree Farm. Outdoors enthusiasts and sportsmen can gear up at Tim’s Guns and Shooting Supplies.

Take fur babies for grooming and spa treatments at Paws on Main St. Spruce things up with plants and expertise from Anthony DeMarco & Sons garden center, Squire Gardens and Maldonado Gardens.

Things to do

Residents can enjoy both the Elbridge Free Library and the Jordan Bramley Library. The Jordan Bramley Library houses the Horace W. Whitely Community Room, which is also the location of the Jordan Historical Society Museum. The Jordan-Elbridge Community Center can be rented out for events; social programs for seniors take place here, too. Model train enthusiasts will appreciate the Central New York Model Railroad Club and Historical Society located in a former passenger and freight station. Take a dip in Jordan Veteran’s Memorial Pool or play in the splash park, climbing area or at the basketball or volleyball courts. Play a round at Millstone Golf Course. For live music indoors and out, head to Kegs Canalside. The Kester Homestead is available to rent for private parties and hosts intimate retreats and workshops. In summer, find sweet corn at Hourigan’s Pumpkins and Produce; in the fall, get lost in their corn maze and pick your pumpkins.

Wayside Irish Pub is a relaxing spot for a pint and has the added bonus of being on the Haunted History Trail of New York State.

Burly’s Firehouse Pub honors firefighters and provides a neighborhood bar in Jordan for the first time in about two decades. Elbridge Wine & Spirits features tastings and a wide selection, including hard-to-find spirits.

Annual Events

Smokey Hollow Maple Syrup puts on a spring maple weekend and a fall Maple Festival.

Jordan’s Parade of Bands, Elbridge’s parade and respective ceremonies commemorate Memorial Day. The Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour passes through the town each summer as cyclists pedal their way from Buffalo to Albany. Elbridge Fire Department organizes a Car and Motorcycle Show in the summer with a barbecue and vendor fair. The Jordan Fall Festival draws thousands with juried arts & crafts, merchants, children’s activities and entertainment; it raises money for local nonprofits. The Thanksgiving day Turkey Trot gets everyone ready for the big meal and participants bring cans for the Jordan-Elbridge Ecumenical Food Pantry. The villages each have annual rummage sales and in December, holiday festivities and a tree lighting.

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CNY Scout

Feline fine

BY AMY BLEIER LONG

For a purr-fectly heartwarming experience, get your tail to Pawsitivitea CNY Café & Cat Lounge in Syracuse. The city’s first cat café offers a place to slow down with some adoptable cool cats.

Owner and Syracuse native Alisha Reynolds has always been an animal lover; she and her husband currently have 11 birds and four cats. An impromptu visit to a Virginia cat café in 2017 made an impression and the quiet, mellow atmosphere inspired her to recreate that feeling here. “It’s just a nice little thing and, I mean, who doesn’t like to relax with a bunch of cats? It’s been proven that petting cats relaxes people,” Reynolds says. Studies have indeed found that cats lower stress and blood pressure in humans and the frequency of their purr vibrations has been reported to promote healing.

Located in the Market Commons Building at the CNY Regional Market, Pawsitivitea’s soft opening was in September and its grand opening in December. She and her husband spent months

Reynolds designed the space to be quiet and calming, with soothing wall colors and comfortable furniture. When she toured the space initially, she was taken by the abundance of natural light.

renovating three adjacent storefronts into two distinct spaces: the café and the cat lounge. All of the furniture was thrifted or found on Facebook Marketplace and Reynolds gave some pieces updates. When she couldn’t find a pastry case she liked, she 78

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For more, visit Pawsitivitea CNY Café & Cat Lounge, 2100 Park St. Space 309, Syracuse, 315-807-8936, pawsitiviteacny.com.

built her own. “I had a lot of fun putting the place together,” she says.

The café’s roasts are from Salt City Coffee and the menu includes lattes, espressos and hot chocolate with dairy and non-dairy milks. A house specialty is the light, fruity Happy Paws tea blend incorporating catnip, which has a calming effect on humans. Reynolds bakes assorted cookies, muffins and cupcakes in-house; she also makes the flavor syrups for beverages. Each weekend, Fat Cat Baking drops off a selection of vegan treats, and Reynolds plans to offer gluten-free options soon. The café also displays a selection of art by Reynolds and other local artists. The intimate café has seating for five people. For now, the cat lounge capacity is limited to seven people at a time.

The lounge is separated from the café by a dou-

The cats available for adoption come from four local rescues and are typically one or two years old. The café’s menu is homemade and includes partnerships with other small local businesses.

ble-door entry system. This ensures the safety of the cats and isolates the animals from the food prep and dining areas. The casual living-room atmosphere puts the cats at ease and “Everyone gets to see their personalities a little bit better, rather than 20 minutes in a playpen,” Reynolds says.

CNY Cat Coalition, Dog Gone Inn Paws Rescue, Oswego County SPCA and Wayward Paws provide the cats who reside at the lounge; the adoptions go through these nonprofits. Pawsitivitea usually has an average of eight cats in residence at any given time, including three permanent residents.

The response has been positive and people tell

A nominal admission fee for the lounge supports

Reynolds they’re so much more relaxed after be-

Reynolds’ operations and helps cover food, litter

ing there. Customers have brought in food and lit-

and veterinary costs. While the goal is to find homes

ter donations, of which she is always appreciative.

for each animal, one does not have to be consider-

Pawsitivitea accepts Purina One or Purina Cat Chow

ing adoption to come and enjoy the cats.

(the blue bags) and any brand of scoopable litter.

How visitors use the lounge is up to them: Some

Pawsitivitea is open Tuesday through Saturday,

try to engage with each and every cat. A few read

11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. On-

and wait for a kitty to curl up in their lap. One wom-

line ordering and in-store pickup are also available.

an spent her time knitting. A family came in and

Although opening a new business during a pan-

the father read to his children as they played with

demic is an accomplishment in and of itself, Reyn-

the cats. She notes groups of friends, especially

olds is most proud of how the café makes people

college students, come in frequently to hang out

feel and how many adoptions have been facilitat-

— an alternative for apartment- and dorm-dwell-

ed already. Since her soft opening, just shy of 50

ers who aren’t allowed pets.

residents have gone to forever homes. “I’ve had a

Reynolds has hosted several events including

few people that had no intention [of adopting] and

birthday parties, movie, game and paint nights and

they’ll come back and they’re like ‘you know what,

donates a portion of those proceeds back to the res-

is this one still here because we kind of had a con-

cues she works with. She’s hoping to host cat yoga

nection last time.’ Whether you want to add one or

when COVID-19 is less of a concern.

not, sometimes they find you.”

M A R C H /A P R I L

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Farm to Table

Hot Potato EVA’S EUROPEAN SWEETS SERVES UP COMFORTING HUNGARIAN POTATO PANCAKES

Farm to Table

BY M J K R AV EC PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS

Even with spring on the way, comfort food is still

basa, you may find a refreshing beet salad or tasty

in order in Central New York. On a cold, snowy af-

drunken meatballs, which are made with a wonderful

ternoon, we open the door to Eva’s European Sweets

beer sauce — both are specials. We also make amaz-

and a blast of warm, fragrant air greets us — a sharp

ing soups that utilize a variety of seasonal vegeta-

contrast to the frigid air outside.

bles,” says Zaczynski.

“We’re making golabki,” says Eva Zaczynski, about

Popular dishes at Eva’s include pierogi, which come

the aromas flooding the dining room, which is deco-

in savory (potato-cheese, potato, cheese, meat, sauer-

rated with colorful Polish art and symbols. Our pho-

kraut or potato-mushroom-filled) and sweet options

tographer asks about the artwork depicting a rooster.

(blueberry or sweet cheese with cinnamon and rai-

“It’s a strong bird, a fighter,” says Zaczynski. It’s a

sins). Other popular items include golabki or stuffed

suitable symbol for this Syracuse restaurant that’s

For our March/April issue, Eva’s offers its Hungar-

panding outdoor dining, offering takeout and so-

ian Potato Pancakes, which were featured on Food

cially distanced seating. Now, just emerged from the

Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2013. It’s

Orange Zone, masked customers come in from the

a dish that can be enjoyed any time of year, but offers

cold looking for some comfort. Eva’s offers plenty.

warmth and comfort while the weather’s still chilly.

Located just outside the Village of Solvay line, Eva’s

“The potato pancakes have a wonderful crisp to

serves traditional Polish food year-round, but also

them and the sauce, which perhaps resembles a bean-

offers seasonal goodies in their baking and creative

less chili, is delightful,” Zaczynski says. “The spic-

cooking. The staff regularly hits up Andy’s Produce,

es give it a little heat, which can be complemented

Wegmans and the Regional Farmers Market for local

with sour cream and a cold beverage.”

items when available.

Pair it with a nice cold Polish beer, like Zywiec,

“Amongst our delicious pierogi, golabki and kiel82

cabbage and kielbasa.

been battling the pandemic and shutdowns by ex-

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

M A R C H /A P R I L

she says.

Eva’s European Sweets is at 1305 Milton Ave., Syracuse.

Hungarian Potato Pancakes Hungarian-Style Tomato-Beef Sauce 1 pound 90-percent lean ground beef ½ cup vegetable oil 1 large Spanish onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced One 12-ounce can diced tomato One 12-ounce can tomato puree 2 Tbsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. crushed red pepper 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. cayenne pepper Salt and ground pepper

Potato Pancakes (placki ziemniaczane) 6 to 8 large potatoes, grated 1 large onion, grated 2 eggs 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour Salt and ground pepper 1½ cups oil Sour cream, for serving Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

From top, Hungarianstyle tomato-beef sauce; crisped Potato Pancakes and Polish accents from Eva’s dining room.

For the Hungarian-style tomato-beef sauce: Place the ground beef in a large skillet. Brown the ground beef and put to the side. In a different saute pan, add the vegetable oil and heat. Add the onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add the green and red bell peppers and saute for another 2 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes, paprika, crushed red pepper, garlic, cayenne and the browned ground beef. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Please note that the sauce can be made in advance.

For the potato pancakes (placki): Combine the potatoes, onion, eggs and flour in a large bowl and mix well. Add salt and pepper. The mixture will be on the thicker side. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet. Place 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the hot oil and flatten down gently with a spoon. Turn the heat to medium. Cook until they are golden brown on each side.

To serve, place 2 tablespoons of sauce on top of 2-4 pancakes and garnish with a tablespoon of sour cream and parsley.

Visit evaspolish.com.

M A R C H /A P R I L

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83

Art profile

Making a home for art and community B Y S A R A H T I E TJ E- M I E T Z

The mission of ArtHouse Alliance, a new nonprofit in Syracuse, is to create open access and advocate an ongoing dialogue of contemporary issues through art, music and creative response — identifying the vital role of arts in the community. Located in the Hawley-Green Street Historic District, ArtHouse occupies the former home of local music shop owner and “Music Man of Syracuse,” Henry Phelps. Built in the 1870s, the elegant Italianate Villa-style building with an impressive front porch had long captured the fancy of Joan Farrenkopf, artist and founder of ArtHouse. Farrenkopf lives across the street from the home and for decades felt its pull, despite its rough edges from years of neglect.

She had been inspired by her own artist residency experience in Berlin, where she saw how naturally intertwined the arts and community were. Despite just finishing up a master’s in fine arts from Syracuse University and her husband recovering from cancer, she decided to put her ideas into motion.

“It was one of those things where it’s like your intuition taps on your shoulder. It was like this house was talking, but I put it out of my mind,” says Farrenkopf. “I’m looking at this house every day of my life, and now it’s starting to look back at me and go, ‘Okay, here’s your opportunity. You’ve been here since the ‘70s looking at me and now I’m saying, hey, here I am!’”

The building was purchased in 2017, and Farrenkopf, with the help of musician Laura Bossert and sic, rescued the home from its decrepitude. Farrenkopf had such an intense belief in her vision that she refinanced her own home in order to help make ArtHouse happen. It became a true community effort; furniture, books and dishware were donated, gardens were revitalized and a 1912 Lester grand piano was gifted to the organization. A CNY Arts Council Community Arts Grant in 2019 supported program development, and last fall ArtHouse received nonprofit status. The restored townhouse portion is used for an artist-in-residence program, and contains two bedrooms, a large kitchen, study 84

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M A R C H /A P R I L

Above: Participants at “Eat, Love, Play” engaged in a quiet meditation to imagine color shapes and sounds. Left: The ArtHouse Alliance on Green Street.

PHOTOS COURTESY IARA RAQUEL, JOAN FARRENKOPF

a cohort of students from the Setnor School of Mu-

PHOTOS COURTESY IARA RAQUEL, JOAN FARRENKOPF

and a stately front salon with a nook perfect for

channeling her energy through art, music and heal-

the grand piano. Off the back of the house are two

ing practices.

apartments artists can rent to live in longer-term.

As the only artist-in-residence onsite during her

In the residency program, ArtHouse staff works

time at ArtHouse, iara raquel was able to take over

to facilitate connections and programming for the

the entirety of the home for her creative laborato-

artists, while supporting and encouraging their

ry, even turning a large closet into a recording stu-

ideas and processes and “offers space and a place

dio. She produced mindfulness videos that com-

to create, be interactive and be supported by the

bined meditation practices, music and movement,

community.” Residencies can last from two to 12

as well as a live event with local artist Linden Dea

weeks and are eligible to artists from all mediums

— titled Luna Nueva — focused on intention set-

and areas of study.

ting and harnessing inner wisdom during the New

The past year has been marked by dramatic

Moon. These were released through ArtHouse’s so-

shifts, yet despite challenges and restrictions pro-

cial media accounts as a program to connect with

duced by the pandemic, ArtHouse was able to bring

the greater community.

multi-disciplinary artist iara raquel to the Syracuse

During iara raquel’s residency, Farrenkopf and

community, during which it became more than a

Bossert facilitated a meaningful connection be-

home for her — it became a place of exploration

tween her and Greg Abrell, a violinist, composer

and healing through her art.

and former Young Artist Faculty at ArtHouse’s sis-

In November 2020, iara raquel moved in as Art-

ter alliance LyricaFest. Abrell will layer in a compo-

House’s inaugural artist engagement resident and

sition for a string quartet to a song written by iara

spent the following weeks in a creative whirlwind,

raquel and her cousin Daena. The song, inspired M A R C H /A P R I L

Top: Artist iara raquel was the first artist-in-residence at ArtHouse Alliance. Above: ArtHouse founder Joan Farrenkopf.

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by the recent marches in honor of victims of police

tural exchange program which brings local creatives

brutality and calling out white silence/violence, will

into ArtHouse to craft programming that introduces

be made available on iara raquel’s social media, as well

their cultural backgrounds through engaging commu-

as ArtHouse and Lyrica’s websites when it is complet-

nity-based events to develop better awareness of glob-

ed in the spring.

al cultures and values within the city.

In addition to the residency program, ArtHouse has

Farrenkopf believes that the true strength of ArtHouse

developed dynamic programming with the local Syr-

is the ability for those involved, of any age or artistic abil-

acuse community at its core. The “S.A.L.O.N Series”

ity, to become empowered to create to their fullest abili-

(Shining A Light On Neighborhoods) brought together

ty, without judgement and with full support.

middle school-aged children at the Mary Nelson Youth

Iara raquel’s residency concluded at the end of Decem-

Center to develop ways of expressing their stories and

ber, yet she feels ArtHouse tugging at her heartstrings;

emotions through creative outlets. When the pandem-

an application to return is already in process.

ic hit, program developer Rhonda Davis organized ef-

“I think that it calls the artists to come to it, which is

forts to deliver art supplies and meals to participants’

interesting...Being able to create what you want, create

homes so that the program could continue. In the “Eat,

what’s calling to you, a place to experiment, and fail, and

Love, Play” series, Bossert explored connections to art

have fun and create, and trusting that process,” says iara

and music with local children. Syracuse’s robust immi-

raquel. “There’s something oddly revolutionary about

grant and refugee population was the catalyst for a cul-

that space that just feels like you’re supposed to be there.”

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M A R C H /A P R I L

PHOTOS COURTESY IARA RAQUEL, JOAN FARRENKOPF

Above: raquel’s hand painted clothing, adorned with a mix of her signature female figure and words, are created under her moniker “mujer naturál.” Top right: young artists at “Eat, Love, Play.” Right: Cory Johnson will teach body animation dance workshops.

PHOTO COURTESY JOAN FARRENKOPF

Iara raquel wrote the lyrics and music to nearly eight songs while in residence on the 1912 Lester Grand piano, a generous donation by Joe Downing, Will Doswell and the family of Lee Dreamer. This image represents that creative process.

For more info, visit arthousealliance.org. You can follow iara raquel on instagram at @iaritas.lullaby and at mujernatural.art.

M A R C H /A P R I L

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87

Galleries

Mixed media collage, What is and What Should Not Be by Beth Costello, at ArtRage Gallery.

ArtRage Gallery, The Norton Putter Gallery 505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, artragegallery.org.

2 to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. Free. Check their website for updates.

Deadlocked and Loaded: Disarming America. A “locked and loaded” conversation through art, showcasing art in all media that addresses the culture of violence, systemic racism, police brutality and gun issues in the United States — particularly in how it affects women and children and the lasting impacts. Curated

by Karen Gutfreund. Through April 18.

Pastel and acrylic landscape paintings by Wendy Harris at Edgewood Gallery.

Edgewood Gallery 216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse. 315-445-8111, edgewoodartandframe.com. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday- Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday-Monday. Free. Please wear a mask, observe proper social distancing. Hand sanitizer, gloves and masks are available in the gallery.

New Horizons. Pastel and acrylic landscape paintings by Wendy Harris with wood and mixed media sculpture by Tom Slocum and jewelry by Sylvia Hayes McKean.

Runs March 5 through April 16. Due to COVID there will be no public reception.

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Everson Museum of Art 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. 315-474-6064, everson. org. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday. $5 suggested donation.

Who, What, When, Where: Based upon the iconic Carrie Mae Weems’ 1998 work of the same name, Who, What, When, Where explores questions of identity, place and time while investigating the four words fundamental to the construction of narratives. Opening April 10.

Jaleel Campbell: Homecoming. The artist’s first solo museum exhibition in his hometown of Syracuse, features digital illustrations alongside newly created video works and a series of his “Jalethal” dolls. Opening March 13.

The Floating Bridge: Postmodern and Contemporary Japanese Ceramics. The Everson began collecting contemporary Japanese ceramics in earnest in the mid-1970s, an experimental period when artists were applying geometric forms and conceptual strategies to traditional materials and forms. The exhibition highlights this under-recognized generation of artists who are now credited with laying the groundwork for today’s contemporary ceramic movement in Japan. Through May 9.

Portal: The Window in American Photography. Empty openings or panes of glass in houses, vehicles, skyscrapers, or storefronts, windows are portals to and from other worlds. Drawn from the Everson’s collection, this exhibition examines the formal and symbolic potential of a simple aperture. Through April 18.

From Domestic to Divine: Andean Ceramics from the Permanent Collection.

The ancient Andean civilizations of South America were strikingly diverse in their religious beliefs and material cultures, but each developed complex ceramics for both domestic and ritual use. This exhibition features key pieces from the Museum’s collection, including several recent acquisitions from the Nazca, Paracas, Moche, Chimú, and Chavin cultures. Through May 1.

Print from Homecoming

by Jaleel Campbell at Everson Museum of Art.

A Legacy of Firsts: The Everson Collects.

In 1911, the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts (known today as the Everson) made history as the first museum in the country to declare that it would focus on collecting works made by American artists. This decision, implemented by Museum Director Fernando Carter, was the first of many made by directors that ultimately defined the Everson’s collection as it exists today.

This exhibition examines over 100 years of the Museum’s collecting priorities, from the its earliest acquisitions in 1911 to work acquired in 2019. Through March 14.

Onondaga Historical Association 321 Montgomery St., Syracuse. 315-428-1864, cnyhistory.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free but donations encouraged. Check their website for updates.

Freedom Bound: Syracuse & The Underground Railroad. Dedicated to the history of anti-slavery and Underground Railroad activity in Onondaga County, Freedom Bound personalizes the story of the Underground Railroad while educating visitors about slavery, abolitionism, tolerance and the meaning of freedom through a highly immersive experience. OHA has recreated the story of how slaves had to make the decision to escape, leaving behind family and the only world they knew, for a chance at freedom. Meet Syracuse stationmaster Reverend Jermain Loguen; fellow abolitionist leaders, Samuel May & Chloe Merrick; freedom seeker, Frank Wanzer; and anti-abolitionist B. Davis Noxon as they describe the Underground Railroad environment in Onondaga County before the Civil War. See the gallery come alive with the lights, images, voices, sounds and music of the

period, helping to tell this important piece of our local history. Also see earthen faces found in the basement of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, possibly carved by escaping slaves hiding in the church.

Above, from left, Portal: The Window in American Photography and Who What When Where: Based upon the iconic Carrie Mae Weems’ work of the same name at Everson Museum of Art.

Woman’s Perspective: 120 Years of Female Artists. Since the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, women have worked hard to gain equality, opportunity and recognition in the traditionally male-dominated art world. “A Woman’s Perspective,” highlights artwork from the OHA collections created by women since 1900. These women have documented the landscape and people of Onondaga County for the past 120 years.

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Flashback

Jordan native Voltaire Combe often drew nature, his fellow soldiers and his faithful steed Hero.

Soldier and artist

BY THOMAS HUNTER

Artist and illustrator, Voltaire Combe, was born William Combs,

On July 3, 1864, Combe’s faithful steed, Hero, died from ex-

in Jordan, New York on May 1, 1837. From an early age, Combs

haustion and injuries sustained from hard riding and fighting

was attracted to romantic stories, poetry and artistic engrav-

in cavalry raids around Petersburg, Virginia.

ings, which would resonate throughout his writings and artwork.

In late July 1864, Combe was mustered out of service in New

Combs graduated from the Jordan Academy just before his

Bern, North Carolina. During his military tenure, Combe drew

13th birthday in 1850, and probably received his first art lessons

many nature studies, his fellow soldiers, the southern country-

from the itinerant artists who worked between Jordan and Syr-

side, and, of course, Hero. He also created scenes of two Civil

acuse. He possibly also received some instruction from Sanford

War camps and the shoreline of the city of New Bern, N.C., that

Thayer, a renowned Syracuse artist.

were lithographed by Sarony, Major & Knapp of New York City.

At about age 20, Combs moved to Syracuse and painted window

After the Civil War, Combe moved back to Syracuse, where he

shades, signs and banners. He later changed his name to Voltaire

boarded and worked with George Barnard, a renowned Civil War

Combe, paying homage to the French writer, Francois Voltaire.

photographer. About 1870, Combe moved to New York City and

PHOTOS COURTESY OHA

Voltaire Combe enlisted in the military in July 1861 at Syra-

90

worked for Currier and Ives.

cuse, listing his occupation as artist. He joined the Onondaga

Combe visited Jordan in the 1880s, drawing local citizens

Cavalry, which merged with the Van Alen Cavalry Regiment, and

who later appeared in his magazine story illustrations during

was renamed the 3rd New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment.

the 1880s and 1890s.

That August, Combe was appointed Chief Bugler. The regiment

In 1910, Combe moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he

fought in several skirmishes and battles throughout Virginia and

painted until his death at age 79 on December 23, 1916.

the Carolinas from October 1861 to March 1865.

THOMAS HUNTER IS CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS AT ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

M A R C H /A P R I L

Last Word

With Glenn Coin

WEATHER/ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE REPORTER FOR SYRACUSE.COM AND THE POST-STANDARD

BY M J K R AV EC

With spring (and warmer weather) on

What’s your favorite place to spend time

everyone’s minds, we went to Syra-

outdoors? Taking long bike rides in the

cuse.com weather reporter Glenn Coin

countryside of Oneida County, where I live.

to find out where he likes to spend his time outdoors, what he’s missed most during the pandemic and when we can say goodbye to snow.

What time do you get up in the morning and how do you take your coffee? I’m up by 5 a.m., with a book in one hand and a half-caff with cream in the other.

What do you like most about your job?

Quenching my curiosity every day and sharing

What have you missed most during COVID? Visiting family out of state and seeing concerts at the amphitheater. And the State Fair.

Do you have any favorite films about wild or extreme weather? Does “Chinatown” count? It was set in a drought.

What are you listening to now? Jayhawks, Four80East, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beethoven, Bob Seger.

What are you reading now? “Rules of

what I learn with thousands of readers.

Contagion” and “Leave the World Behind”

Do you have any favorite stories? Covering the

What do you really think of words like “Snowmageddon”

U.S. Supreme Court on the Oneida Nation land

and “Snowpocalypse?” Fun, but too long for headlines.

claim, explaining the science of CNY’s meteor,

What about Polar Vortex? It’s a real term,

and shooting epic Tug Hill snowstorms.

so I use it while trying not to overuse it.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done while on

When will we see the last of snow? In Syracuse,

the job? Getting caught in the Woodstock ’99 riot.

always keep your boots handy through Mother’s Day.

What’s your favorite season in CNY and why?

We thought you might say that.

Fall. I love the changing colors and cool air.

M A R C H /A P R I L

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