64 minute read
The Seen
FESTIVAL OF TREES & LIGHT FINALE BROADCAST 12.05
This year’s newly branded Festival of Trees & Light blended time-honored traditions like the on-site selection of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, holiday décor and public performances, with a new multi-day online auction and virtual Festival Finale Event. The online auction items included paintings, ceramics, jewelry, experiences, family fun packages and more. The December 5 live Festival Finale broadcast hosted by CNY Central’s Michael Benny was packed with performances, special appearances, prize drawings and final auction bidding for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their home. All funds raised support the museum’s exhibitions and programs throughout the year.
PHOTOS COURTESY EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART
3
Everson Director and CEO Elizabeth Dunbar and CNY Central’s Michael Benny during the finale broadcast of Festival of Trees & Light. This year’s newly branded event honored traditions like the onsite selection of decorated trees, wreaths, holiday décor and public performances, with a new online auction.
The Seen
#THEOTHERDOMESYR
11.30-12.24
From November 30 through December 24, #theotherdomesyr project brought artists, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and local businesses to Perseverance Park in Downtown Syracuse. Michael John Heagerty of Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile and the City of Syracuse partnered to bring a Geo dome tent from Domes for Life to the city and allowed charitable organizations and small business to pop up in the space for free. True to the project’s slogan, “30 days. 30 uniquely local experiences,” visitors to the “other dome” could find baked goods, locally made merch and gift items, cold brew coffee and, on Dec. 8, the November/December issue of this very magazine.
1 2
A Hidden Gem in Central New York Come walk through history with us!
Brockway Trucks Local History
Trains Military Memorabilia Agricultural History
Vintage Tractors and More! Three Unique Museums ~ One Price!
We offer a Spacious and Clean
Family Friendly Facility!
1. #theotherdomesyr project brought artists, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and local businesses to Perseverance Park in Downtown Syracuse. 2. The editors of Central New York Magazine set up on Dec. 8 to raise money ($205) for Hope for the Holidays, which supports the Christmas
Bureau. On Dec. 16, toys, books and food were distributed to families in need at the former Post-Standard building in Clinton Square.
Come to Your Happy Place this Winter Planning a Function? Ask about our Rental Spaces & Rates
Groups Welcome 131 WEST SENECA ST, MANLIUS • 315-692-4471 WWW.VYANAYOGA.COM
Anytime with Prior Arrangements
OPEN: Thursday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 Last Admission 4:00 Masks Required Days and Hours Subject to Change
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN QUERI, AMY BLEIER LONG
The Seen
CNY BANDAID 12.19
Twenty-six local musicians and singers came together under the name CNY BandAid to fundraise for the local community. Inspired by the famous 1984 all-star recording of “Do They Know it’s Christmas,” which raised funds and awareness for people starving in Ethiopia, Tim Robinson, guitar player for The Dangerous Type and Radio Floyd, contacted colleagues in the music community. Though they each recorded the song socially distantly — in home and professional studios across Central New York — the individual performances were produced into a complete song and video by Steve Schad and Brett Hobin. The video officially debuted on the Ted & Amy’s 93Q Christmas Spectacular livestream. Donations are encouraged and benefit Music for the Mission, a nonprofit focused on assisting the homeless and hungry. Music for the Mission was founded in 2009 by Joe Stanley of Stanley Law.
1
2
1. Clockwise from top left, Jess Novak, Lisa Romano, Sheela Tucker, Ben Sumner and, from left, Paul Davie, Tim Burns and Shawn Halloran.
2. Darrell R. White and Garrett Knaub.
3
4
3. Jess Novak. 4. Robyn Stockdale. 5. Jeffrey Gordon.
5
6
6. Clockwise from left,
Bob Kane, Steve
Schad, Tim Robinson and Brett Hobin.
The Seen
CNY READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
12.27
The inaugural CNY Readers’ Choice Awards were presented in a virtual ceremony that was prerecorded at the Landmark Theatre. Advance Media New York presented the contest and company president Tim Kennedy congratulated all the winners and nominees and thanked the community for participating in this effort to support and highlight the businesses valued by Central New Yorkers. Nearly 92,000 votes were cast by almost 10,000 people in more than 120 categories. The awards ceremony, co-hosted by Susan Kennedy and Syracuse.com sports director Brent Axe, was sponsored by Syracuse Hearing Solutions. Among the highlights were a science experiment by the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (the MOST) and a message from Syracuse Athletics.
1 2
3 4
PHOTOGRAPHS BY AMY BLEIER LONG
1. Emily Stewart, director of programming and education, and Stephanie
Herbert, marketing and communications coordinator for the Milton
J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) accepted the first-place award for museums on behalf of the MOST. 2. Mike Intaglietta, executive director of the Landmark Theatre, accepted the award for top entertainment venue. 3. CNY Readers’ Choice Awards co-hosts Brent Axe and Susan Kennedy. 4. Advance Media New York
President Tim Kennedy thanked Central New Yorkers for participating in the nomination and voting process, which took place throughout
October and November.
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.
The Seen
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 11.27
Syracuse’s annual tree lighting, themed “Home for the Holidays,” streamed Nov. 27. Like so many social gatherings this year, the in-person event was cancelled due to COVID-19. A virtual celebration aired on Syracuse.com, SyracuseTreeLighting.com and the city of Syracuse’s YouTube channel. Featuring the brightly lit Christmas tree, the event also showcased performances from national and local acts and holiday greetings from Syracuse-area residents spoken in more than 15 languages.
Making it special
BY AMY BLEIER LONG
PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH
FROM SKANEATELES TO STRATHMORE AND BEYOND, LOCAL ARTISTS AND MAKERS HAVE SET
UP SHOP, SO TO SPEAK, ON ETSY. SOME ARE FULL-TIME PROFESSIONALS AND OTHERS ARE
JUST BEGINNING TO GROW A HOBBY INTO SOMETHING MORE, BUT WE FOUND ALL OF THEIR
WORK WORTHY OF A CLOSER LOOK. IN ADDITION TO SELLING ON ETSY, MANY PARTICIPATE IN
CRAFT SHOWS THROUGHOUT THE REGION AND SOME CAN BE FOUND AT LOCAL INDEPENDENT
RETAILERS. MOST PRICES LISTED HERE INCLUDE SHIPPING; SEVERAL OF THESE SHOPS OFFER
GardenArtbyJandD, Onondaga Hill
Donna Stewart’s hobby making repurposed glass plate flowers gives her a sense of satisfaction. Since her recent retirement from nursing, she has turned her eye to rescuing glass and ceramic plates and fusing them into something new for the garden or home. She’s excited by the mix of patterns and crystal cuts she finds and the way they shine in the sunlight.
Glass plate flower, $30, gardenartbyjandd.etsy.com.
Strathmore Designs, Syracuse
Mother-and-daughter team Patty and Courtney Black are a Syracuse City School District school nurse and a marketing and development pro at On Point for College, respectively. Needing a creative outlet, they joined forces to design and sell wall art and decorative prints, and they are expanding their product line. Working out of their home, the Blacks’ work is driven by the love of a well-turned phrase and a good typeface.
Motivational Inspirational Quote Art Deco Art Print Leap of Faith Swimming Wall Art Print (unframed), $15, strathmoredesigns.etsy.com.
Subtle Woods, LLC, Fayetteville
John Urban is a former furniture maker who has transitioned to crafting smaller, rare pieces. Though he is now an electrical distribution design systems analyst, the complexities and variations of wood and the desire to create things that are meant to be touched keep him involved in woodworking. His custom shaving brushes feature natural woods with no dyes or stains, a natural oil-and-wax finish and genuine badger-hair knots.
From left, Black and white Ebony (Laos) 2-band Badger shaving brush, $70; Red Mallee burl (Australia) Silvertip Badger shaving brush, $60; Tulipwood (Brazil) High Mountain White Badger shaving brush, $70, subtlewoods.etsy.com.
Wit + Bumble, Camillus
After Michelle DePietro left a stressful, high-level human resources position a year ago, she decided to start selling the wooden signs she had been making for herself and friends as a hobby. The response was so great that her Etsy shop became her full-time job. She likes to have fun with design and typography while making something meaningful; hearing how a certain message has resonated with a customer has made her work very rewarding.
Bohemian Hello Sunshine Wooden Sign, $49, witandbumble.etsy.com.
WoodCastle Studio, Baldwinsville
Rod Castle’s garage is stacked high with sheets, blocks and strips of lumber. After the Air Force Vietnam veteran and former Verizon service tech retired in 2001, he purchased an old lathe and joined a local wood-turning club (CNY Woodworkers), never to look back as he says. He never meant for it to become a business, but happy customers pushed him to keep turning out his wood-handled tools, backscratchers and kaleidoscopes.
Pepper Mill with Antique-style copper mechanism, $49.50, woodcastle.etsy.com.
Ivy & Gold Handcraft, Syracuse
Full-time artist Ashley Eaton draws inspiration from nature, the arts, her travels and antiquity. In her home studio, she hand-saws silhouettes and intricate designs into metal. The phases of the moon are a recurrent theme among her available styles, and she is passionate about creating custom work. From drawing an initial sketch to finishing a physical piece, she finds working with her hands to be a meditative experience.
Set of 3 Hammered Texture Stacking Rings in sterling silver, yellow gold fill and rose gold fill, $50, ivyandgoldhandcraft.etsy.com.
Tanimals & Lanimals, Skaneateles
Stay-at-home mom Jo DiCarlo began hand-sewing felted food and toys for her four daughters. In 2016, after others started clamoring for sets of their own, she opened an Etsy shop to sell her creations. Fruit, desserts, sushi and beverages ideal for imaginative play are DiCarlo’s specialty. Teacher gifts, wooden door hangers and adorable hair barrettes and other accessories round out her current offerings.
Felt Campfire Set, from $36, tanimalsandlanimals.etsy.com.
ChelseaBags, Oneida
Avid traveler Chelsea Ellison was always looking for a better camera bag, one that was stylish and still protected her gear. When she couldn’t find what she wanted, she created and sewed her own. She’s developed many bags since she began in 2011 and uses durable, quality fabrics, providing organic options whenever possible. After becoming a mother, she introduced diaper bags to help everyday moms stay organized.
Teal print canvas bag with leather accents, $127, chelseabags.etsy.com.
Red Rhino Glassworks, Syracuse
Glass artist Molly Pratt specializes in stained glass created in the traditional Tiffany method — cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering sheets of cold glass — and yields designs that are timeless and whimsical. She finds inspiration all around her, particularly in the art style of the tattoo community. Pratt says that she appreciates the bohemian takeover of the design industry and increase in the use of plants and natural materials, which she has brought into her own work.
Champagne, White and Nude Stained-glass Wall Planter for Air Plant, $49, redrhinoglass.etsy.com.
Loominarium, Syracuse
In her Sedgwick walk-in closet turned yarn room and mini studio, Alison Altafi creates organic, colorful fiber art weavings. A social worker by trade, Altafi started selling her work in earnest during the recent quarantine. Her round hoops and upcycled horseshoes are layered with a variety of yarns, wool roving, velvet and felt in earthy palettes. Altafi also creates traditional tapestries on a lap loom.
Hanging Gardens 12-inch round weaving, $85, loominarium.etsy.com.
Gillis Canes, LLC, Chittenango
In an 1800s horse barn on his property, Shawn Gillis handcrafts exquisite canes and walking sticks. His love for woodworking developed in his father’s woodshop and he taught himself how to use the tools by making trinkets and canes, which allowed him to create beautiful shapes with minimal material. He finds the work meaningful because it allows him to make something personal and valuable to someone else and help them in their mobility.
WutknotShop, Syracuse
Lovers of boho décor style will find macramé wall hangings of varying complexity and plant hangers in this new shop, started in summer 2020 by Becca Battles. As a new mom and Realtor, Battles loves that her hobby allows her to be creative and experiment in a way that fits well into her lifestyle. She enjoys custom requests and often knots her unique designs while she’s listening to a good audio book or watching a movie.
Six-inch-wide Macrame Ring, $22, wutknotshop.etsy.com.
Elise Handcrafted, Fayetteville
From a tweaked 1930s pattern, natural materials (including local alpaca and sheep’s locks) and antique and vintage notions, graphic designer Elise Cunningham brings darling dolls to life. In her home workspace, she combines her self-taught sewing skills with her interest in vintage clothes and illustrations, taxidermy and the history of toys and children’s games and fairy tales, among other influences. Her newest project: developing step-by-step instructions for a 12-inch baby doll pattern and clothes.
Brown velveteen bespoke doll, $350, and dyed flannel bespoke doll, $325, elisehandcraft.etsy.com.
Secret Lentil Outpost, Syracuse
Helen Carter does not consider herself a seamstress. She approaches clothing as sculpture, a balance of form, function and her notion of beauty, which is raw and earthy. The Syracuse artist takes inspiration from the forces and tensions of nature over time, such as how buds emerge from branches or how snail shells are formed. Her accessories shop on Etsy is an offshoot of her eccentric, experimental, yet comfortable Secret Lentil clothing line.
Fossil Finder’s linen scrunch cowl, $24, secretlentiloutpost.etsy.com.
East of Nowhere, Marcellus
James Farrell has a Ph.D. in geoscience and spent years as a geologic mapper. Drawing on his extensive experience, plus his interest in digital art, Farrell founded East of Nowhere where he recreates vintage maps with restorative and 3D rendering techniques. Spurred by rolling hills, jagged mountain peaks, glacial valleys and deep canyons, Farrell says that for him, cartography is as much an artform as it is a tool of science.
New York Modern Relief Map, 24 by 36-inch, unframed, $69.99, eastofnowhereco.etsy.com.
Lark’s Hollow, Syracuse
Terri Willmore wants to bring the beauty of the world into the home at an accessible price. Her beveled glass coasters and ornaments feature digitally enhanced images of Art Nouveau and Pre-Raphaelite artists, Celtic knots, as well as her own designs, made to look like stained glass or mosaics. Willmore lives in Syracuse and began designing pieces in 2016; she is hoping to grow her shop into her main profession.
Mosaic Flowers Coaster (T5), $12, larkshollow.etsy.com.
Blackberry Hollow Co., Syracuse
In her one-bedroom apartment, Emma Brunell designs quirky stickers and prints. She draws from nature, magic, children’s whimsical art and what she calls the cozy cottage/cabin vibe to inform her. By day, she is a software engineer, and her monthsold Etsy shop is a way for her to explore her creative side and relax. She plans to sell original paintings in the future.
Houseplants Sticker Pack Transparent, $5, blackberryhollowco.etsy.com.
UpCycling4aCause, Liverpool
Stay-at-home dad and biology adjunct professor Rob Niederhoff takes scrap bicycle parts and other discarded items to create art, décor, furniture and wearables. As a cyclist himself, he started with his own spare parts, but he sees the opportunity to upcycle as a way to help shift people’s attitudes about the environment, reusing and shopping with conscience. He donates 75 percent of the profits of his work to different charities.
UpCycled Bike Chain 3D Bike Sculpture, $40, and UpCycled Bike Cog Drillium Suncatcher, $25, upcycling4acause.etsy.com
ThePottedOwlByKelly, Liverpool
Kelly Nichols Pruitt fell in love with ceramics in high school, but only returned to her passion a few years ago. Nichols Pruitt, a nursing assistant, received some basic lessons from her fiancé who had studio equipment, then taught herself through trial and error, YouTube videos and online potter communities. Her work tends toward the whimsical and organic, and she employs both wheelthrown and hand-built techniques as her style continues to evolve.
From left, Hand-built Cherry Blossom mug, $45, Hand-built Honeycomb mug with bee, $40, Hand-built tumbler, $20, thepottedowlbykelly.etsy.com.
Baby Giggles, Whimsical Creations by Meg, Onondaga Hill
Meg Brennan Sullivan has been sewing and selling her handmade baby blankets and accessories on Etsy for 12 years and recently added little girls’ dresses and skirts to her inventory. Her one-of-a-kind seasonal, holiday and everyday table linens, napkins and table runners complement any place setting. She loves the variety of fabric choices and prints available and finds the challenge of creating unique items for babies and homes rewarding.
Ivory & Navy Blue Floral Table Runner and Napkins Set, $33, babygigglesonline.etsy.com.
Laurel Crown Co., Cazenovia
Laura McClintock thinks of reasons why someone might send a card and starts sketching. She likes the thought of people sending positivity and love to each other and of being able to be a small part of that. Her hand-printed blind debossed cards are a tactile, sophisticated way to reach out. The cardstock she uses is tree-free, from a local supplier, her paint is water-based, and her packaging is recyclable or compostable.
Birthday Bunting card, Rainbow card, and Cottage Housewarming card, $4.50 each, laurelcrownco.etsy.com.
Scoville’s Studio, Baldwinsville
In the pockets of free time Michele Gorham can find around her job teaching elementary school art and parenting, she heads to the ceramics studio at her home. On Etsy for a decade, Gorham saw her shop really take off this year and loves the idea of someone interacting with her work daily. She says she likes to work in ceramics because each step requires a different set of skills which provides a constant artistic challenge.
Chip and Dip Bowl in Creamy Blues, $50, scovillesstudio.etsy.com.
Acevedo Studios, Syracuse
Marcus A. Acevedo is a professional ceramics teacher and artist, and his wife Tasha is a self-taught artist focusing on painting and drawing. Together, the couple fires up their kiln to make functional ceramics at their Valley-area home studio. Marcus’ work is influenced by Grecian pottery. Both find creating something tangible, reinterpreting forms and playing with shape and color exciting and feel the act of making pottery is meditative.
Medium Ceramic Signature Striped bowl, $40, and mug, $38, acevedostudios.etsy.com.
ecoleeko, Hubbardsville
Suzanne Lappan went to school for textile design and attended art school, so she had plenty of knowledge to pull from when she started creating soft sewn plush and toys with eco-friendly materials for babies, toddlers and kids. She saw the need for chemical- and plastic-free toys when she had trouble finding them for her own then-future children. She hand-dyes fabric, drafts patterns and sews her plush toys, and finger and hand puppets.
Organic Cotton Natural Ducky, $39, ecoleeko.etsy.com.
Forge Co., Syracuse
Mariel Mirra has been handcrafting small batches of all-natural soy wax candles in her Strathmore home since 2016. She spent a year researching and testing fragrance combinations and her process continues to evolve. She prints almost all the candles’ packaging on a 1,200-pound Chandler and Price letterpress, which gives the final product a beautiful sophistication. In addition to running Forge Co., she is the design director for the Division of Marketing and Communications at Syracuse University.
Winter Pine 9 oz. candle, $30, forgecandleco.etsy.com.
StudioXYLOCOPA, Onondaga Hill
Mark DeFilippo knew that if he were going to open an Etsy shop and work with wood, he would need a small, unique catalog of items to offer. His appreciation for well-crafted watches led him to design his own take on watch displays. His original shop, OnondagaHillWoodwork, features similar craftsmanship with more of an organic, free-form touch. In addition to watch displays, he concentrates on magnetic knife racks and wine racks.
Combination Watch and Phone Holder with Wenge base, $155, studioxylocopa.etsy.com.
Chasby’s Metal Décor, Cicero
Chasby Hladun, like many, is a retiree who wanted a project to keep him busy. In addition to volunteering at Meals on Wheels, he became a registered re-seller of new merchandise. He carries powdercoated wrought iron-style decor by Fabiusbased Village Wrought Iron, which only sells wholesale. His inventory of items for indoor and outdoor use includes decorative wine racks, silhouette outlet covers and wall hooks, and kitchen counter accessories.
Adirondack Theme Acorn/Oak Leaf House Welcome Sign by Village Wrought Iron, $23.85, chasbysmetaldecor.etsy.com.
CarrieDee Handcrafted, East Syracuse
Carrie Mondore has been selling her work on Etsy since 2007. In 2015, when she was expecting her daughter, she shifted from a variety of crafts to a focus on closet divider sets. Styles range from graphic patterns to trendy motifs, such as woodland animals. Her love of art and design combined with her talent for digital imaging and printing keeps her dreaming up new concepts.
Circus Animals Nursery Closet Dividers (N-5T, set of 11), $17.95, and Boys Days of the Week Dividers in Back to School Icons (set of 7), $10.95, carriedee.etsy.com.
Chick’n’Pie, Syracuse
With extreme patience and attention to detail, Eileen Johnson paints mandalas, custom pet portraits and other designs dot by individual dot. Her pointillism adorns tumblers, mugs, ornaments and wooden plaques. During the week she’s an assistant at an oral surgery office, but now that her kids are older, she’s hoping to grow her side business as much as she can. Each Saturday she shows her joyful pieces in person at the CNY Regional Market.
Stunning 12-inch blue and gold mandala painting, $110, chicknpie.etsy.com.
Jessica Renna Art, Liverpool
For more than six years, Jessica Renna has been hand-painting glassware and producing personalized items for teachers, bridal parties and more. She said this creative outlet quickly turned into a passionate side hustle; she is a marketing and communications specialist and graphic designer. One of her favorite parts is mixing colors to see the different shades she can come up with, and sometimes a color inspires a design.
Yellow sunflower glass, $33 for a set of two, jessicarennaart.etsy.com.
In My Image Children’s Boutique, Syracuse
For Tafara Timmons, the items she creates as a side gig are more than just cute, they’re a means of representation for children like her daughters. It’s important that children of color see faces that look like themselves on clothing, accessories and gift items so they recognize their own beauty and uniqueness. Her first design, a t-shirt featuring the character she calls Classy Mermaid, brought such joy to her youngest that she knew she wanted share that light with others.
Girl’s Satin Single-layer Hair Bonnet, $8, Girl’s Custom Bling Converse with Custom Ribbon Laces, $85, and Boy’s Tooth Fairy Pillow with Optional Personalization, $18, imichildrensboutique.etsy.com.
KawaiiHandmadeSU, Syracuse
In spring 2020, Maki Hall, who works full time at Rite-Aid, started sewing masks for her friends and family. She soon turned her skills to create reusable products to reduce waste. Her many pattern options mean it’s easy to pick a style of cotton-and-cotton terry cloth towel to match your aesthetic and décor. She also offers sponges, reusable dry and wet jet mop pads and dusters.
Reusable Paper Towels with snaps, set of 12, $50, kawaiihandmadesu.etsy.com.
Lilipad Creations, Syracuse
Between her sewing studio at Delavan Studios, her metalsmithing studio in her garage and her position as a biology professor, Beth Eischen has created a balanced dual career path. When she makes one-of-akind fashions with a haute edge, she says nature and science are a central theme, along with more spiritual forces. She sees every room, article of clothing and accessory as an expression, which drives her to create.
Boho Fur ring clutch, $55, and Star of my Star earrings in copper, $74, lilipadcreations.etsy.com
DesignStudio112, Syracuse
Christine Lee’s hand-painted wooden numbers and letters are cheerful additions to exterior and interior decor. Each set is made to order and can be customized to suit a customer’s color palette. She works in healthcare but painting and designing are her passion, so she hopes to grow the business. Lee looks to her garden for motivation — florals with checks, dots and stripes are mainstays of her aesthetic.
Stephanie pattern 7-inch-high Deluxe Digits, from $35 for one number, designstudio112.etsy.com
MarikaChew, Union Springs
Marika Chew’s watercolor paintings feature intricate pattern-filled animals and nature-inspired collections. Influenced by textile designs, folk art and Art Nouveau motifs, she gives each work its own personality by varying the markings; for example, using a bold floral for a brightly colored bird or a fine embroidery-inspired design for a butterfly’s wing. Chew, who lives in the Finger Lakes Region, has been selling her work on Etsy since 2014.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Watercolor print, 9”x12,” $24 and New York State Bird Feathers Watercolor Print, 9”x12,” $24, marikachew.etsy.com.
Carter + Clay, Syracuse
In 2020, while finishing her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and riding out the pandemic, Mary Catherine Carter began creating jewelry out of polymer clay and gold-plated brass. The minimalist, textural earrings, such as her signature twist hoops, are a chic finishing touch to any outfit. Photos customers send of how they’ve worn her pieces fuel her as she works at the dining room table in her Franklin Square apartment.
Abby Horowitz Designs, Syracuse
Professional artist Abby Horowitz listens to the powerful energy of gemstones and crystals as she incorporates them, along with one-of-a-kind vintage elements, into jewelry imbued with their own unique energetic imprints. She says her intentional pairings work synergistically to attract the attributes of the stone — such as focus, creativity or strength — to the wearer. Horowitz recently relocated to the Westcott neighborhood from New York City.
Lapis Lazuli Tribal Necklace, $150, abbyhorowitzdesigns.etsy.com. From top, Navy knots (part of a chooseyour-own stud set), $14 for set of two; Black and cheetah dangle earrings, $16; Wine cutout circles, $18; Black twist hoops, $16, carterandclay.etsy.com.
Brooke T Ryan Fine Art Photography, Cazenovia
Photographer Brooke T. Ryan’s appreciation for the natural world plays out in vibrant color and striking black and white. Her photographs and photomontages display sweeping, scenic landscapes and small details from city streets. On Etsy since 2011, she finds fulfillment in creating images that both speak to the heart and immortalize the beauty around us. She directs a portion of her profits to the Environmental Defense Fund.
Ethereal Austrian Forest in Burgundy, 11”x14” photographic print, $48, brookeryanphoto.etsy.com.
HOME AGAIN
AUTUMN COLOSIMO
BY ALAINA POTRIKUS
The Colosimo family was juggling a lot when they moved into their new home in June. Autumn and Anthony Colosimo are both essential workers — he works at St. Joseph’s Hospital, she works at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York.
The couple had welcomed baby Silas in March, when the coronavirus pandemic was in its early days. Big brother Desmond kept the family busy, along with their stressful work schedules.
To make their new house feel like home, the family was gifted a room makeover spearheaded by Fringed Benefits Design. Co-owners Amy Burns and Michelle O’Connor wanted to find a way to give back to essential workers, so they hosted a contest in August, which the Colosimos won.
“They were risking their lives and juggling a new family,” says Amy Burns of the Manlius family.
“We wanted to give back to the community during such trying times,” adds Kate Burns, the designer on the project. “We wanted to create some fun and happiness while highlighting all the work our frontline workers are doing.”
The designers met with Autumn Colosimo to discuss how to incorporate the family’s existing furnishings to create a new, cohesive feel in the open concept first floor living area.
The finished room is framed by crisp plantation shutters on the windows and anchored with a patterned area rug and a kid-friendly coffee table perfect for a
Autumn Colosimo with Desmond, Left, and Silas.
BEFORE PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY BLEIER LONG
young family. A geometric runner adorns the hardwood staircase, and textiles were layered to complement the neutral color palette and create texture.
Colosimo said she was most surprised by the impact of a statement mirror above the family’s existing sideboard.
“It really extends the room and adds a lot of dimension,” she says.
The plantation shutters were another wished-for element, giving a glimpse of the greenery of the surrounding neighborhood.
“It creates some privacy from the neighbors, but it looks so pretty, bright and streamlined,” Colosimo says.
Kate and Amy Burns said they hoped the transformation would inspire other homeowners.
“Many of us were at home for months on end just staring at our walls,” says Kate Burns. “It’s amazing how you can transform a space with just a few items and a fresh eye.”
The makeover did more than just fill the space, Colosimo says. Going shopping was not an option with an active toddler, a new baby and the stress of the pandemic.
“I struggled to fit the furniture that we had into the new space,” Colosimo says.
From her first consultation with Fringed Benefits, she said she felt a sense of relief.
“They took one look around and they knew just want
Before
The room before Fringed Benefits makeover.
we needed,” she says. “They added special touches to make it feel right for us.”
The makeover did more than just fill the space, Colosimo says.
“They made it feel like home again.”
While the Colosimos received a room makeover, two runners up received free room consultations and another front-line worker received a gift card to Fringed Benefits.
Donors included: Fringed Benefits Design, Decor Windows Fashions, SDM Floor Contracting, St. Laurent Framing, Purcell’s Paint and Revelation Home.
Warm ways to weather winter
LIGHT A CANDLE AND POUR THE TEA, HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO STAYING SANE THIS SEASON — PANDEMIC OR NOT.
Shutterstock
PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK
B Y MJ KRAVEC
If summer of 2020 was the season of backyard pools and barbecues, winter 2021 should be the season of the firepit and faux-fur throws.
All over the Internet, there are stories about how to make it through a pandemic winter, with words like cold, bleak, dark and dismal used to describe the season. It’s enough to make you want to hibernate under the covers until spring (and it’s ok to feel that way).
To help you weather the storm of blustery conditions and COVID-19, we sought out ways to help ease the dread so many of us have come January — especially this January. Here’s our guide on how to think like a Norwegian (it helps) and adopt a more forgiving mindset and embrace the outdoors.
Go Norway
Despite their long, cold, dark winters, Norwegians, like the Danes, are considered among the happiest people in the world. The New York Times, CNN.com and HGTV are buzzing with stories about “How to think like a Norwegian,” and embrace the concept of koselig (pronounced kooshlee), a feeling of coziness similar to the Danish Hygge, to help weather a pandemic winter. And it’s no surprise that koselig revolves around embracing the season and nature, rather than dreading it.
“There is definitely an understanding that winter is part of [the Norwegian] social fabric,” says Syracuse Licensed Psychologist Dr. Tanya Pellettiere, who is Norwegian.
“I think we fight [winter] here… The Norwegians embrace and celebrate all year round. They’re kind of more in tune with nature as a society than we are.”
Perhaps researcher Kari Leibowitz who spent a winter in Tromsø, Norway said it best in writing for The New York Times, “Maybe it’s the chance to light fires, even during the daytime. Maybe it’s an opportunity to get absorbed in cooking, or reading, or art. Maybe it’s the way the world goes quiet just after a fresh snowfall. Then, whatever it is, try to consciously focus on those things.”
Here’s how to incorporate more koselig into your life:
Create comfort zones at
home. Pile pillows, chunky knit throws or faux sheepskin on sofas and chairs. Layer rugs with medium to high piles for something soft underfoot. Dim the lights. For warmer lighting, switch on table lamps rather than overhead lights. If your home is equipped with a fireplace or woodstove, light a fire. Studies show that watching a fire promotes relaxation and lowers blood pressure. Even lighting candles or hanging string lights adds a little winter magic. Dress warm. Sweaters, wool socks and knit hats will keep you toasty. Get outside. There’s no shortage of research on how being outdoors has a positive effect on mental health and emotional well-being. Even a 15-minute walk outside is enough to boost your mood, creativity and energy levels.
Savor something sweet.
Handcrafted chocolates (you’ll find plenty of talented chocolatiers here in CNY), homemade cookies, warm cinnamon buns all conjure warm memories and good feels. Sip something warm. There’s something about coming in from the cold and wrapping your hands around a warm mug of tea, coffee or cocoa. A Yale study showed that cupping a warm drink induces feelings of wellbeing and caring. Get off your phone. Studies shows a correlation between time spent on your phone and stress hormone cortisol levels. So put away all the electronics. Turn on a stereo and set the mood with soft jazz or classical.
Bring out the board
games. Cards, Monopoly, Sorry, anything. This brings the family together adding another layer of coziness.
PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSOCK
Season’s readings
AFTER A HIKE, CURL UP NEXT TO THE FIRE WITH A COMFORTING READ.
A good book is comforting to hold. Imagine you — propped up against the pillows, a candle lit, along with the lamp on your bedside table. Ambience is set. Soon, you’ll enter a different world. It’s an escape to look forward to each night (or day). And while a good read is a must for any season, what about something that’s more suited to this winter? We asked Casey Rose Frank, owner of Golden Bee Bookshop, the only independent bookstore in Syracuse that sells new books and offers a curated collection for readers of all ages, for her suggestions.
Golden Bee Bookshop is at 305 Vine St. Suite 2 in Liverpool. Visit goldenbeebookshop.com
PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Books as cozy as the stack of blankets you’ll be nesting in: Each of these titles are the literary equivalent of a hug — leaving you feeling warm and satisfied.
Sourdough by Robin Sloan
A quick, charming read, this is a story of a young programmer in San Francisco who discovers the joy of baking bread from a sourdough starter of mysterious origins. Lois’s journey is a fun blend of science, passion and a dash of magical realism that will leave you feeling as joyful as the smell of bread fresh from the oven.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A young Antichrist and a sentient gelatinous blob probably aren’t at the top of your list of characters you can’t wait to spend time with, but by the time you get even halfway through this book they will have won your heart. This earnest and delightfully funny book is a balm for those who feel like we don’t see enough kindness and humanity in our world.
Lucy Crisp and the Vanishing House by Janet Hill
Set in a small town in upstate New York, this book is practically the definition of whimsy. Peppered with vivid paintings by the author, this is a story of a young woman from NYC who moves to a town that may have actual witches in it. This begins to seem all the more likely once her house disappears.
Books for when you want to be anywhere but here: from warmer locales to more places than one can usually travel in a single sitting.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
One of this past summer’s best sellers, this gem of a book is full of the kind of sharp, witty banter that will make you forget the fluffiness usually associated with beach reads. With the summer lakeside setting, it can serve as a welcome departure from the snow.
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Though this is a YA novel, it’s going to be a captivating read for adults, too. Set in an area modeled after Africa, the writing is vivid enough that you may feel the heat without turning up your thermostat. The world-building is so epic and perfectly crafted that you’ll forget you’re reading.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
An instant best-seller when it debuted in October, this stunning novel will not only move through space, taking you to France, Italy and New York City; but through time as Addie’s life spans nearly 300 years. Best of all, it has a deeply satisfying conclusion, which can be elusive in even the greatest books.
Books for when you don’t want to get up: A trilogy or series is perfect for marathon reading. (These are all YA series, but are great fun for adults, too!)
The Caraval Trilogy by Stephanie Garber
These three books are full of magic, mystery and interesting mythology. Highlights include a dress that changes with the wearer’s mood, imprisoned deities, and a staple of young adult fiction: love triangles!
The Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson
The first trilogy of the series is complete, but an unexpected fourth book is due this June! This series is perfect for true crime fans as it follows a student at a unique private school solving crimes both new and old. The books contain great conversations about mental health and identity and offer a diverse range of characters. You won’t even have to be frustrated by the cliffhanger ending of the first book — you can reach over your cocoa for book two.
The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas
If you’d prefer to do nothing but read for the entirety of January and February, then this 8-book series is the one for you. While the main character starts out feeling very juvenile, her overall arc is one of deep and incredible growth. There’s lots of action and plenty of romance. While plenty of characters die throughout the series, the main character’s dog does not, which is a line in the sand to be appreciated.
Repeat the mantra: It’s ok
FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR NOT WANTING TO GET OUT OF BED
BY MJ KRAVEC
Life is challenging enough. But life during a pandemic? In winter? With remote work and school?
‘Nuff said.
During times like these, it helps to adopt a more forgiving mindset, says Licensed Psychologist Dr. Tanya Pellettiere. She notes that changing your perception of the current situation can help you feel better about working through the challenges that come with a pandemic winter.
“Part of it is that we don’t know what is going to happen. It’s so hard because the unknown is what creates so much anxiety for families,” Pellettiere says. Instead of waiting and worrying about the future, try to take back some control, she advises. “Try to plan for the unknown. Be open to family traditions changing to give yourself a sense of perceived control. Maybe decide right now that you’re not going on February break and make adjustments to those family traditions.”
In addition, don’t think that you should feel ok all the time. Pellettiere advises to beware of toxic positivity — that notion of “positive vibes” no matter what. While it’s always helpful to look on the bright side, allow that you’re not always going to want to be positive.
“It’s great to consider the silver lining and to make the most of it but I think people put a lot of pressure on themselves. Also acknowledge the fact that we’re going to have bad days. We have to live with our imperfections.”
Pellettiere says this is especially important for parents who are juggling remote work and homeschooling young children.
“I think it’s important as parents/ teachers. That’s included in the whole basket of ‘we’re not perfect. We’re vulnerable and that’s ok.’”
Additionally, if you haven’t taken up knitting or started that novel you’ve always dreamed you’d write, don’t beat yourself up. “You’re not a failure if you and your family aren’t taking up three new hobbies,” she says. “If there are a couple of days where you don’t get out of bed, hey, welcome to humanity.”
Pellettiere says it’s important to practice self-care and acknowledge your anxiety — even in front of the kids. She says she likes to think of the Serenity Prayer as a guiding thought.
“We can focus on things we can control and let go of what we cannot control… I think people put a lot of pressure on themselves to control thing they can’t.”
— Serenity Prayer
Make it a cozy getaway
NEARBY RESORT OFFERS AN ESCAPE TO SNOWY SERENITY
For the first time in its 111-year history, The Otesaga Resort Hotel will open through winter allowing guests to take in the charming village of Cooperstown, go cross-country skiing and curl up by the fire of this historic resort on the shores of Otsego Lake.
Voted by Conde Nast Traveler readers as the “#1 Resort in the Mid-Atlantic” in 2019, the Otesaga typically closes Thanksgiving weekend through March. This year, the hotel is offering affordable specials to guests looking for getaways that aren’t too far from home.
“This has been a challenging year on so many levels, and we think we’re in a position to provide some relief and respite for people who want to travel and who feel most comfortable taking a short road trip,” says Marty Rosenthal, The Otesaga’s general manager. “They have the ability to arrive in a place that’s inviting, clean, safe and uncrowded in the winter. The Otesaga is casually cozy and full of opportunities to explore the beauty of nature or relax and unwind by a warm fire. We’re committed to making our guests feel at ease, both physically and mentally.”
Visitors can experience the snowy serenity of the village of Cooperstown, including The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum or go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing across the Leatherstocking Golf Course. After outdoor excursions, unpack your favorite books, games and screens and hunker down in a wintery home away from home.
Now through March 31, the hotel is offering a “Curl Up and Unwind Special” that includes accommodations, daily breakfast, the hotel’s signature hot chocolate mix kit, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking and no resort fees.
For more information visit Otesaga.com. The Otesaga is at 60 Lake St. Cooperstown.
PHOTO COURTESY OTESAGA RESORT HOTEL
PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK
Get outdoorphined
FRESH, COLD AIR IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
BY MJ KRAVEC
After a debilitating stroke, Walt Whitman gradually and partially recovered by spending much time outdoors, crediting his good spirits to living “largely in the open air.”
Call them outdoorphins — those good feelings you get inside from being outside — even in winter. Studies show there are benefits to getting outside in every season. So it makes sense that bringing the family outside for exercise, fresh air and vitamin D imparts good feels all around.
“The more families can engage in activities outside the better,” says Dr. Tanya Pellettiere, licensed psychologist. “It’s harder here in Syracuse to find things to do in winter, but it’s not impossible.”
Take a short walk, build a snow fort and fill it with battery-operated candles. Take the family sledding or cross-country skiing, make a snowy obstacle course, create works of art with snow paint or go foraging for pinecones, kindling wood or other interesting objects.
Whatever activity you choose, spending just a few minutes outside is enough to boost mood. Research also indicates you’ll get an even bigger boost if you stop to savor small moments while you’re out.
In September, a study published in the journal “Emotion” noted how “awe walks” (or finding the “awe” in the ordinary) resulted in feelings of wellbeing. Researchers asked 60 subjects to find “awe moments” and focus their attention outward on something greater than themselves during 15-minute weekly walks. Those who were encouraged to look for the awe reported more positive emotions than those who simply walked without focusing their attention outward.
To practice, take time to marvel at things like the frost glittering on tree branches, the scent of woodsmoke on a cold night, or a herd of deer grazing in the backyard. Whatever your “awe,” appreciate it — no matter how inconsequential it might seem.
WALT WHITMAN
The food tastes better outside
OUTDOOR DINING IN WINTER? CHECK PLEASE — FOR ALL YOU ADVENTUROUS TYPES
BY MJ KRAVEC
An enhanced sense of taste might be one more perk of eating outside. Thankfully, there are places that offer outdoor seating — even in winter. What started to keep COVID-19 restrictions at bay, gives diners a whole new option and perspective on dining out.
Heritage Hill Brewhouse & Kitchen. High on a hill in Pompey, outdoor pavilions with plexiglass siding to block the wind, seating spaced six feet apart, firepits and patio heaters keep guests toasty. “It’s a culture that exists in Canada and colder climates,” says Heritage Hill Owner Dan Palladino about dining outside in winter. “It’s obviously a little more difficult here, but… I’ll serve people as long as they’re willing to be served.” Palladino decided to expand on outdoor seating after seeing success in October with diners coming out in 40-degree temperatures. Barring any blizzard-like conditions, Palladino says he’ll “go with the flow” and keep serving outdoors as best as he is able. “That’s kind of the nice part about all of this, it’s kind of pushed people outside,” he says. Heritage Hill serves from-scratch pub-style food, award-winning handcrafted brews made from local hops, stunning views and more. For more information, go to heritagehillbrewery.com. Epicuse Food Market & Bistro. In downtown Syracuse, Epicuse is also offering outdoor seating with outdoor heaters and a heavy supply of fresh blankets. “The Europeans do it, so can we,” says Epicuse Owner Nicole Samolis. “I love being outside in fresh air and always loved the way the Parisians would sit outside the cafes with their coffee wrapped in their coats, scarves and gloves. We now have the opportunity to encourage that here. Wrapping a blanket around you really helps, too. So we offer fleece blankets or bring your own.” Epicuse’s outdoor space in the 300 block of South Salina Street features four tables and seating for up to 16. At Epicuse, which Samolis describes as a gourmet food market with a bar and bistro menu, outdoor seating has been available for months. But Samolis saw more people willing to sit out — even in colder temperatures. “The biggest challenge will be when it’s cold out and it’s snowing. When we have colder days, people have hunkered down and stayed inside.” But Samolis is hopeful people will find warmth in other ways. Her staff will bundle up to deliver to outside customers, looking for comfort with their downtown neighbors and the warmth of a socially distanced community in the COVID age. “With Epicuse, we’re creating a lot of community with people in the neighborhood. People will grab a bite, a cocktail and go. People just enjoy sitting there [taking in] the streetscapes. I know I’ve been out there a lot. I know my neighbors by name and I know the dogs’ names,” Samolis laughs. For more information, go to epicuse.net.
Freight Yard Brewing. On Route 31 in Clay, Freight Yard plans on keeping its five firepits roaring this winter to accommodate guests who want to enjoy New York State brews while sitting around an open fire. “Depending on if we’re in a yellow zone or no zone, we’re planning on putting the welcome mat out to the folks that are CNY strong,” says Freight Yard Co-Owner and Head Brewer Lou Sotherden. “We’ll do whatever we have to to keep everyone safe.” While technically not a restaurant, Freight Yard is a family-owned brewery offering New York State beer, cider, spirits and soft drinks as well as edibles like Buttercup Cheese Curds and Pretzel Bits with chicken wing spice. Sotherden says guests are welcome to order pizza or bring a picnic basket of their own to accompany the brewery’s offerings. For more information, visit freightyardbrewing.com.
EPICUSE, FREIGHT YARD PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS Wunderbar. At Wunderbar Queer Bar & Theatre, owner Tanner Efinger recently completed construction on an outdoor pagoda to house 11 tables spaced six feet apart. The pagoda, which is 28 feet by 21 feet, was built to cover about 22 guests outside. “It’s pretty big,” says Efinger. With the help from outdoor heaters and removable walls made of canvas and clear plastic, Efinger says he hopes to provide guests with an option that makes them feel safe and comfortable.
“We’re very good at sitting down with our guests and saying, ‘What do you need?’” he says. “We’ll put people where we can so they feel comfortable and safe.” Efinger acknowledges the uncertainty of the times and the risk have been somewhat of a challenge, but he’s committed to making his guests feel comfortable. “It’s a guessing game, but you have to do what you can do, then you have to wait and see what happens.” For more information, visit wunderbarsyr.com. Eva’s European Sweets. This local favorite in Syracuse recently built a backyard dining patio to expand outdoor seating. Now, the garden dining area features 12 picnic tables, eight Adirondack-style chairs by a fire pit, outdoor heaters and two tents that cover four tables. The restaurant also plans to purchase additional heaters. It also helps that many of Eva’s regular menu options and rotated offerings are ideal for winter dining. “Typically (without COVID), these are our busiest months because people really enjoy Polish food when it’s cold outside,” says owner Eva Zaczynski. She notes that many traditional Polish dishes are extra warming on cold days, including pierogi, golabki, hunter’s stew (bigos), beef stew (gulasz) and Eva’s homemade soups. “Additionally, we will offer weekly specials, like our Polish-style chili. And then there are hot beverages — everything from hot tea, hot chocolate, hot cider to hot toddies with cinnamon vodka, ‘Polish hot tea,’ with vodka, honey, lemon and mead and mulled wine.”
Zaczynski suggests guests bring their own blankets, dress warm and bring “an adventurous attitude.” “In many European countries, including Poland, people eat outdoors year-round and have adapted to enjoy outdoor dining in the winter months. Sure — it’s not ideal for everyone, but we welcome those who want to try it out,” she says. For more information, visit evaspolish.com.
Oh, hey! Stay on the lookout for places offering outdoor dining this winter. As of presstime, we couldn’t get them all. Those featured here are just a sampling.
As much as it pines you...
A WALK THROUGH THE WINTER WOODS MIGHT BE JUST WHAT THE FAMILY NEEDS
Nestled deep in the Adirondacks is The Wild Center, a science museum that offers unique ways to experience nature in all four seasons. The center’s Wild Walk, a trail 30 feet off the ground, is again open for winter, offering visitors sky-high views of the Adirondacks and glimpses of the animals that come out to play in the snow.
This treetop trail consists of platformed walkways, a four-story twig treehouse, swinging bridges, a spider’s web where visitors can hang out and a full-sized bald eagle’s nest at the trail’s high point.
Once you’ve walked the trail, take in even more of the season with snowball makers and targets, winter skeeball and snowman-making kits. The Wild Center also offers other winter activities including:
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WILD CENTER, ROOST
Snowshoeing. Visitors can rent snowshoes and explore 115 acres of wintry forest on groomed trails. Lights at Night. Scattered throughout the woods, 24 camouflaged speakers make the forest come alive with music and tree lights programmed to sound. Ice Fishing. Get a glimpse of what goes on under the ice in The Wild Center’s shanty, learn ice fishing tips and drill holes in the ice using provided equipment. Animal Viewing. The Wild Center houses more than 900 Adirondack animals. While many stay indoors, visitors can get a peek at The Center’s otters in their outdoor playpen along with its other resident animals, which include a porcupine and raven.
The Wild Center is at 45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri. to Sun. through March. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors/ military, $12 for youth (5-17) and free for ages 4 and under. Masks covering the nose and mouth and ticket reservations are required. For more, go to wildcenter.org.
IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
CENTRAL NEW YORK WEDDING VENDORS SHARED THEIR ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING WEDDINGS IN 2021 AND BEYOND
BY ALAINA POTRIKUS
UNIQUE WAYS TO WED DURING A PANDEMIC
HERE ARE FOUR CREATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO CREATE THE EVENT OF YOUR DREAMS
PHOTO COURTESY FINGER LAKES LIVESTREAMING, PREVIOUS PAGE PHOTO BY SENECA RYAN CO. A reception being livestreamed by Finger Lakes Livestreaming.
Sit-down meals at Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Smaller sit-down weddings can have multi-course menus with unique wine pairings, making dinner more interactive; buffets require sneeze guards and a staff member serving guests with mask, face shield and gloves.
“This is truly the safest way to serve and receive meals during this time,” says Lindsey Cole, event planner with Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
Above all else, avoid pandemic fatigue.
“Don’t let COVID scare you out of any joy the planning process can bring you,” says Cole, who also got married in 2020. “Remember, the most important thing about this entire process is marrying the love of your life. Try to focus on that element, even if it means having a smaller ceremony sooner, and planning a larger gathering later.”
Safety and social distancing at SKY Armory
Since passed hors d’oeuvres and food displays create high contact points, SKY Armory has pivoted to individually plated bites that make distribution easy.
To help with social distancing, Nicole Samolis at SKY Armory separated rows of seating at ceremonies by six feet and brought in smaller tables for receptions. “We also encouraged couples to seat guests not only in familial groups but also in sizes that made the guest feel comfortable based on their COVID concerns,” she says.
A place to lounge with She Rents Vintage
To help guests maintain social distance, She Rents Vintage owner Katie Peck offers groupings of vintage furniture and accessories to create a stylish space for guests to converse.
Top, Florals by Fleur de lis Floral Design and custom place settings from Paper Crane Calligraphy. Bottom, A stylish lounge featuring unique furniture from She Rents Vintage.
PHOTOS BY LAURA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
The cozy spaces include rugs, votives and lanterns, settees and tables set up and styled to create Pinterest-worthy images.
Peck has launched micro-wedding packages to help style weddings in 2021, with fully styled arbors for ceremonies, eclectic collections of table settings and custom-designed dessert displays. “Just because you are having a small wedding doesn’t means it can’t be a showstopper,” she says. “People are finding more ways to be creative and making their events even more special.”
Go beyond FaceTime with Finger Lakes Live Streaming
A new startup is helping couples share their big day with those unable to attend due to pandemic travel restrictions or guest list reductions.
Connor Cuthbert launched Finger Lakes Live Streaming last spring, documenting and livestreaming weddings, religious ceremonies, concerts and funerals as the coronavirus outbreak limited gatherings across New York State.
Cuthbert’s team uses up to nine cameras to capture all angles of ceremonies and receptions, resulting in a television quality production that can be streamed on Youtube and other social media platforms.
“It makes a really immersive experience,” he says.
Cuthbert, a college student at Villanova, said he didn’t realize the impact of the streaming service until he watched a bride’s father address his mother in a nursing home during a reception.
“They were all so happy to share in that moment,” he says.
Enjoy your engagement. Look for the silver lining if you have to change your plans or postpone. “It is an amazing experience to enjoy your engagement,” says wedding planner Ashley Larson of Toney Consulting. “The thrill of having a fiancé, that only happens once. Why rush that?”
FOR BETTER OR WORSE
WHEN HIT WITH A PANDEMIC, THESE COUPLES GOT CREATIVE WITH THEIR NUPTIALS
Elizabeth and Patrick Moore turned the bocce court outside the Brewster Inn into a reception space for their closest friends and family.
Planner turned bride
As a self-taught calligrapher and wedding planner, Elizabeth Moore has helped dozens of couples plan their perfect wedding day.
But the first wedding she had to tackle in response to the pandemic was her own.
The owner of Paper Crane Calligraphy had to alter plans for her 150-person June wedding to a more intimate affair in Cazenovia.
“Patrick and I were married under the sheltering arms of a large Austrian Pine, with our whole party right next to us,” she says. “The lake where I spent summers kayaking and rowing was just across the lawn, we strolled along the docks with drinks, ate amazing food on a bocce court (a favorite family game) and made the most of our time at our new venue, the Brewster Inn.
Her biggest advice for couples planning for 2021 and beyond: be ready to pivot and prioritize.
“It’s all about prioritizing different elements of a wedding — once you figure that out, the rest falls into place pretty fast,” she says. “With that comes unique venue ideas and more room for details that wouldn’t have otherwise been an option in the couple’s budget.
Moore also sees another silver lining in smaller weddings.
“The backyard wedding will be reminisced every time you meet for a family dinner, and the restaurant you found a nook to celebrate in can be visited for drinks on a Tuesday night or an anniversary dinner,” she says.
PHOTOS BY SENECA RYAN CO. OPPOSITE PAGE,
The full package
Maria and Sean Kennelly booked a fall elopement package with wedding planner Ashley Larson of Toney Consulting, who brought together vendors from across Upstate New York to make their day at the Wrens Roost Barn in the Finger Lakes unforgettable. Larson’s team handled everything — even a champagne toast for 25 guests. “We didn’t want them to miss out on any elements,” she said. “It was the full experience.”
PHOTOS BY LAUREN VICTORIA PHOTOGRAPHY, JOANNA YOUNG
A Zoom reception
Five guests attended Michelle and Aaron Altman’s micro-ceremony in Franklin Square, which was livestreamed to friends and family across the country. They returned to their apartment for a Zoom reception, complete with toasts, cake cutting and breakout rooms that acted as “tables” for them to visit and chat with guests. Their cat Luna joined them and the online festivities were documented by their photographer Joanna Young.
Micro-wedding at Tailwater Lodge
Katie and Charles Dann invited their closest friends and family to their July micro-wedding at the Tailwater Lodge.
Lakeside elopement
Serena and Omar Melendez said their vows at a gazebo overlooking Oneida Lake. The groom cried when he saw his bride in her dress and the sunset ceremony was attended by family.
PHOTOS BY JOANNA YOUNG, PAIGE EVERSON
PHOTOS BY JOANNA YOUNG, PAIGE EVERSON
Downsized but not diminished
After postponing their SKY Armory reception to 2021, Darcia and Tyler Willis exchanged vows in September in an intimate backyard wedding at the bride’s parents’ house in Fairmount. A custom pergola and arbor were built for the ceremony, and guests enjoyed a picnic- style dinner.
Backyard beauty
Lindsey and Patrick Sweazey got married in their own backyard, which they leveled and landscaped for their intimate ceremony and tented reception.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
START YOUR LIFE TOGETHER WITH AN EPIC ADVENTURE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Photographer Karen Castor and her husband eloped at Lake Moraine in Banff National Park, with a ceremony overlooking the glacial blue lake.
To give couples the same experience, Castor markets herself as an adventure wedding photographer, with travel packages to stunning destinations across the United States.
Castor said her favorite Upstate New York elopement locations are in the Adirondack Mountains, including overlooking Lake Placid.
“My heart is in the mountains,” she says.
She scouts locations based on optimal lighting for photographs as well as the couple’s hiking abilities and how far they want to travel.
“I try my best to make the experience as stress-free as possible by helping with any details I can,” she says.
Her Instagram feed (@karencastorphoto) is a collection of epic elopements and adventure sessions — from vows said at sunset atop a mountain to cake cutting next to a waterfall.
But Castor said her favorite part of her job is documenting the more intimate moments.
“They get lost in the experience and each other,” she says.
She encouraged couples grappling with pandemic-related cutbacks to consider elopement options.
Top, a staged photo shoot in Lake Placid. Above, Rebecca Mvula and Bradley Spielberger eloped at sunset at Sam’s Point in Minnewaska State Park in the Catskills. Opposite, Maria and Ryan Collins eloped at Letchworth State Park, exchanging vows at the upper falls.
PHOTOS COURTESY KAREN CASTOR PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW TO PLAN A BACKYARD WEDDING
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF SAYING “I DO” AT HOME
Ashley Larson of Toney Consulting offered eight tips to bring your backyard wedding to the next level.
Elevate your ceremony. Start with aisle decor, like scattered rose petals lining the path or vintage rugs for a more boho style. Dress up an arbor with florals to create a backdrop for your vows. Use vintage mirrors or old window frames for welcome signs or for seating assignments.
Remember rentals. When you are building a ceremony and reception from the ground up, you’ll need to bring in all the necessary elements. Chiavari or cross-back chairs will elevate the design of your ceremony, white tents and hardwood dance floors provide coverage from the elements and a classy space for your reception. Dress up your tables with chargers and linen napkins, along with specialty plates, flatware and stemware.
Plan your music. If you’re not hiring a DJ to keep costs low, remember you’ll need speakers, a microphone, cords to connect music, and a device to control music from. TIP: Don’t forget a point person to run the music.
Eat, drink and be married. Instead of a traditional caterer, check out local food trucks to feed a smaller crowd. Hire a licensed bartender to serve alcoholic beverages you purchase.
Stay in touch. With ever-changing restrictions, a private Facebook event page or wedding website can help couples communicate quickly and easily with their guests about changes or
Darcia and Tyler Willis’ backyard celebration included an intimate ceremony, a small buffet, toasts and cake cutting.
guidelines. “You don’t want to leave your guests in the dark,” Larson says. Use this page to share livestreaming details for guests who can’t attend.
Stock up on sanitizer. Create signage and sanitizing stations that match your decor. Consider custom face masks or mini hand sanitizers as favors. “To ensure guests are following safety guidelines at your event, supply elements that will entice them to follow them,” Larson says.
PHOTOS BY JOANNA YOUNG
Lindsey and Patrick Sweazey had to overhaul their backyard with landscaping to make their intimate nuptials a reality. “They leveled the ground, planted grass seed and decorated it so elegantly, said photographer Paige Everson. “By the time their special day arrived, it really was a magical setting!”
PHOTOGRAPH BYPAIGE EVERSON PHOTOGRAPHY Consider a coordinator. “The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is set up, coordinate and breakdown your wedding,” says Larson, who offers day-of wedding coordination as well as hour-long phone consultations for couples looking for Exclusively available at advice and recommendations from an industry veteran. Spybaby Bridal
Ask friends and family to
help. If you’re not hiring a professional coordinator, be specific when assigning tasks to friends and family. “People want to help, but they need to know what you need help with,” Larson says. “If you are explicit about the who, what, when, where and how, people will have clear direction and things will get done much more efficiently and effectively. It will be like a well-oiled machine.”
426 North Franklin St. Syracuse, New York
By appointment (315) 471-1710
The accolades for Central New York just keep on coming. We all know it’s a great place to live. It’s exciting that others are starting to notice.
Just last month, trade publication, StateTech Magazine, listed Syracuse as one of its Eight Smart Cities to Watch. The designation was made because of City Hall’s work on expanding connectivity and digital accessibility with the purchase of more than 17,000 streetlights affixed with smart nodes, expanding municipal Wi-Fi with public hot spots and partnering with Verizon to roll out new 5G cellular data technology.
Two months earlier, Zillow named Syracuse in the Top 12 Up and Coming Mid-Size markets in the country based on the following real estate variables: Typical home value of $154,596 Proximity to nature and lakes Varied neighborhoods
In other reports, Business Insider recently ranked Syracuse as the No.3 place to live in the Northeast U.S., post pandemic.
More and more stories are in the news about people wanting to leave big cities for less crowded areas with lower costs of living and shorter commutes, but a rich lifestyle.
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, Business Insider all cite an exodus of young people from bigger cities like New York, San Francisco, Houston and others to midsize cities. A 2019 U.S. Census Bureau report found that about 27,000 people between the ages of 25 and 38 left bigger cities for less populated areas, looking for better housing costs, lower cost of living, shorter commutes, better schools, less stress, better access to nature and a lower population density.
CenterState CEO is making sure they know about our job openings and what a great place Central New York is to live, to work and to raise a family.
There’s been an initiative to help companies recruit candidates from outside the area and to help tell the CNY story about how great the area is to live in and how many jobs are available.
This is just one CenterState CEO initiative to help address the needs of employers for available workers. For this one — The Good Life CNY — they’ve partnered with Advance Media New York to create an all-in-one resource for Central New York companies to sell the area to job candidates and to brand the area across the Northeast U.S.
The project includes a multimedia marketing effort and a new website — www.goodlifeCNY.com — that provides potential Central New Yorkers everything they need to know about the region to entice them to join us in The Good Life. It’s filled with photos and stories about our lush parks, amazing local businesses, thriving job market, rich cultural lifestyle and low cost of living.
Among its many features is a job board for hiring managers and job seekers that can be accessed from The Good Life CNY site or by linking directly at www.goodlifeCNY.com/careers.
Check out the website and share it with friends or family that are considering relocating, and employers looking for their next new hire. More than 100,000 people outside Central New York have checked out the site since it went live in November 2019.
We hope you join the initiative. Please promote our hometown. Act as an ambassador for Central wNew York and help us spread the good word. Share the website with friends or family interested in making a move. Share the job opportunities listed across high-level sectors like defense, engineering, health care and more.
CNY IS THE GOOD LIFE –AND PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO NOTICE
#goodlifeCNY
Use #goodlifeCNY to highlight the fun and beauty of your life in CNY. Follow GoodLifeCNY on social media and post and share your love of CNY. Help us move our community forward and share The Good Life. We love you.
