CHEERS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE
LIFTING US UP: NONPROFITS TACKLE BIG CHALLENGES
+ SIDES TO ELEVATE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING
UNDER WRAPS: GIFT INSPIRATION FROM LOCAL SHOPS
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ON THE COVER
A peaceful moment at the historic Greek temple behind Rowland House, part of Inns of Aurora. Photo courtesy Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa. Design by Susan Santola.
The Good Life, Central New York Magazine (ISSN 1931-194X) is published six times a year by Advance Media New York, 220 S. Warren St., Syracuse, New York 13202. The Post-Standard © 2024. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic/digital, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission. All material submitted to Central New York Magazine becomes the property of Advance Media New York, publishers of The Post-Standard and Central New York Magazine. It will not be returned. Such a submission, to name a few examples, may be a letter to the editor, a cartoon, a picture, a poem and the like. Any such material may be excerpted, edited for length or content, and may be published or used in any other way. For example, on Syracuse.com or in The Post-Standard.
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Oh babe, I hate to go
After hearing people say,
“It’s the hope that kills you,” perennially positive TV character Ted Lasso counters, “I disagree. I think it’s the lack of hope that comes and gets you.”
Like the team worried about losing their next game and getting demoted to a lower league, it sometimes feels like Central New Yorkers are afraid to believe that the area will thrive again. Change is hard, and development on the scale we expect won’t be easy, but we have hope that CNY is on the upswing.
Even though going forward we may not be telling those stories in these pages, we wanted to end on a positive note because there is already so much good happening in this community — as we hope we’ve demonstrated over the last 111 issues of this magazine.
With that positivity in mind, we highlight an Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital employee whose role brings great joy to young patients, ask four nonprofits to share how they tackle some of the region’s biggest challenges and keep raising us up, and get advice on how to get through the holidays when you’re grieving a loved one. It wouldn’t be the holidays without talk of food, so we looked to the savory “side” of things this season (p. 54, I am still
craving the Thai chili Brussels sprouts).
Speaking of food, we’re so excited about Louise, Everson Museum of Art’s new cafe, and the literally one-of-a-kind experience it offers, plus She Fancy gives us a creative take on salt potatoes. We also head north to explore Oswego, beat the winter blues, meet a Renaissance woman turning her passions into products, and talk to married screenwriters who create holiday magic from their Manlius home. Additionally, we witness the contentment of a young man who finally has a loving home of his own, and we suggest ideas in our annual local holiday gift guide to delight family and friends.
We’re very grateful to you, and it’s been an honor to be trusted with the stories we’ve told. Thank you also to our talented writers, designers, photographers and behind-the-scenes folks for their work through the years.
We wish you a very happy holiday season, and we hope you enjoy this issue.
Amy Bleier Long ableierlong@advancemediany.com
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop us a line at info@readcnymagazine.com.
And now, a word from our contributors:
Ashley Kang
“I saw how hard they work to stay connected with the community and to ensure the community is connected to how decisions and priorities are set.”
On writing about CNY nonprofits
Caitlin Wright
“From interviewing the Giglios and their wonderful colleagues to learning about their story creation process, it’s truly been an enjoyable experience.”
On writing about screenwriters Keith and Juliet Giglio
THANK YOU
It has been an honor to produce this magazine for you.
Over 112 issues, we have shared the stories of Central New Yorkers: some famous, some infamous, some relatively unknown but doing what they love. Some new to the area, some lifelong residents. Some celebrating incredible successes, some sharing what they’ve learned from past mistakes or failures. Some working in health care, in education, in politics, in the arts, in philanthropy, in science, in sports, in business. Some living in the city, in the suburbs, in the rural areas. Some who excel at developing neighborhoods, some who excel at planting a neighborhood garden. Some who like to stay in and some who like to explore the vast array of options this region provides.
Over thousands and thousands of pages, the thing all these stories had in common was a celebration of the life you can make here in Central New York.
This isn’t goodbye. It’s see you around town.
Thank you for being our readers.
54
The Bright Sides
Order savory holiday side dishes from CNY restaurants that will complement (or outshine) your entrees.
44 Game Changer
Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital gaming and technology specialist Brad Taylor gives pediatric patients a win.
50
Lightening the Load Guidance and support from HOPE for Bereaved provides comfort for people grieving during the holidays.
64
Looking Forward, Lifting Up
How four area nonprofits address, meet and alleviate the needs CNY has now and those to come.
PHOTO BY ALAINA
Departments
33 Poet laureate launches new project 34 Downtown Doings: Louise cafe opens at Everson 38 Caught Doing Good: Erica Wells 40 The Seen: A pictorial review of CNY’s social gatherings 77 Making Good 77 Popular cafe & bakery rebrands, relocates
CNY Scout: Lifestyle brand Luxury From The Farm
Farm to Table: She Fancy’s Syracuse Salt Potatoes with Caviar, Pickled Red Onions and Crème Fraiche
Down to Earth: Building a better relationship with the land
Art Profile: Screenwriters and authors Keith and Juliet Giglio
It’s all good
POSITIVE VIBES • OUR TOWN • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
GATHER ’ROUND
BY MJ KRAVEC
It’s the time of year for cozy get-togethers paired with a little holiday magic. Here are seven ways to make the season more festive.
HOLIDAY HIKES
Take a break from shopping, traffic, sales pitches and Mariah Carey. Head out to a county park and relish the quiet side of the season. The American Psychological Association reports that several studies show a connection between being outside in nature and experiencing lower stress, lower anxiety levels and improved moods. Even 10 minutes is enough to boost feelings of well-being.
SYMPHONIC SALUTE
The Syracuse Orchestra honors veterans with a free concert featuring music inspired by our national heroes. 2 p.m. Nov. 10 at Destiny USA, Syracuse Orchestra Underground Lounge. Free to attend, but a ticket is required for entry. Visit syracuseorchestra.org/event/veterans-tribute.
GREEN SPACING
WRAP SONG
Bringing a hostess gift? Consider wrapping the item in something useful, such as a chic kitchen towel, wine bag or basket the host can use over and over again.
When placing pine branches throughout the house, avoid putting them in direct sunlight or near heat sources that can cause greens to dry out faster. Mist greens weekly to keep them looking fresh.
PHOTOS
BERRY PRETTY
For a pretty and easy seasonal side dish, combine 1 pound Brussels sprouts, 1 cup fresh cranberries, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme, 2 Tbsp. maple syrup, salt and pepper. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper; roast at 400 degrees for 10 minutes in a pan lined with parchment paper. Remove from the oven, add cranberries and roast for 10 additional minutes. Drizzle sprouts with maple syrup and mix to coat.
LUCKY BRAND
Try a tradition that started in Saratoga Springs during the late 1800s. Place a peppermint candy pig in a red bag and smash into pieces. Share bits with family and friends to ensure good luck and health in the new year. Find them at saratogasweets. com/peppermint-pig.
BY GEORGE
Visit Seneca Falls, aka “The Real Bedford Falls,” for the 78th Anniversary Celebration of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” December 13-15. This three-day special event includes actors in full costume, special screenings and presentations, dining, swing dance lessons and autograph signings with cast members Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy Bailey) and Donald and Ronald Collins (Young Pete Bailey). For more, go to wonderfullifemuseum.com.
POSITIVE VIBES
TAKING THE WOE OUT OF WINTER
Research shows that embracing the season is linked to improved well-being
BY MJ KRAVEC
As Central New Yorkers, we are subjected to long, dark winters. It’s no wonder many people experience the winter blues. Characterized by feeling unmotivated, unhappy and lacking energy, the winter blues aren’t as serious as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure the condition.
In a 2023 Cornell Health newsletter, Cornell researchers noted that more women than men suffer from winter blues and SAD, and that, unsurprisingly, the rate of those suffering increases in areas that experience more cloudy days. The newsletter pointed to a number of ways to alleviate the winter blues, which include spending time outside, exercising, being around nature and plants, and waking with the sun.
Additionally, a 2024 article on Psychology.com notes that simple tasks such as taking a shower and dressing in clothes that make you feel good, decluttering your home, meditating and volun-
teering to help someone in need can help alleviate feeling blue. To practice: Start by changing your thinking. It’s worth noting that Nordic nations such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden, which endure long, cold winters, are among the world’s happiest countries. Many researchers attribute that positive vibe to their ability to embrace the season by getting outside (even if it’s just for a short walk), staying social and seeing the beauty of winter. Or give yourself permission to stay at home. Like Nordic residents, embrace the concept of hygge (pronounced hoogah), loosely translated as the art of coziness. Try to see winter as a chance to appreciate nature’s quiet beauty, a night by the fire, a warm drink or board games with friends. Bringing in greenery and caring for a few houseplants can help combat the blues, too. If all else fails, it helps to know winter will turn to spring, or our version of it anyway.
Hang in there.
ALL GOOD GIFTS AROUND US
BY AMY BLEIER LONG
Central New York is brimming with locally owned shops and boutiques carefully curating their product assortment to offer stylish, quality, and in many cases, regionally made goods. The customer service experience of shopping with small businesses like these is unparalleled. Whether you’re looking for clothes, entertaining and decorative items, humorous trinkets, books, sports and outdoors equipment, toys or edible goods, please check our local shops before turning online — in fact, many CNY shops offer e-commerce. The breadth of what’s available and the number of independent shops goes well beyond what fits on a few pages, so start exploring, and tell them we sent you.
PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH
FURRY FRIEND Jellycat Bedtime Bartholomew Bear, $30, Pride + Joy, 88 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-7576, skanbaby.com.
Good news
RAISE YOUR VOICE
Thanks to a $50,000 fellowship from The Academy of American Poets, Onondaga County Poet Laureate Georgia A. Popoff is launching Voices in Verse, an intergenerational community poetry project.
As the county’s first laureate advocating for poetry and literacy, her outreach includes events such as poetry open mics, book fairs and workshops. She is also curating a collection of poetry books that she hopes will become part of Onondaga County Public Library’s inventory available for interlibrary loan.
From now through spring, Popoff will be working with about 10 cultural and community centers around the county to host
workshops led by professional poets. Individual participants will write their own poems, then elements from those pieces will be crafted by their group into a new unified work. Project partners Professor Ricky Pak and Syracuse University’s drama department will then help turn the different groups’ poems into a staged production to be performed next summer.
Popoff says “the role of a poet is frequently to observe the world around them and reflect it back.” With Voices in Verse, Popoff and Pak’s goal is to incorporate perspectives from people of all ages and identities to represent and engage Central New Yorkers.
LEVELING UP PEDIATRIC PATIENT CARE AT UPSTATE
BY NORAH MACHIA
Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital has found a creative solution to help pediatric patients cope with the anxiety, stress or trauma they may experience during a hospitalization.
Video gaming, an activity increasingly popular with kids, has become a way to give hospitalized children a sense of normalcy. While gaming can be a valuable tool to help pass the time, it provides more than just entertainment, says Brad Taylor, the hospital’s gaming and technology specialist.
“My primary goal is distraction,” says Taylor, who spends part of each day playing video games with young patients. “It sounds obvious, but there is data out there that shows how much it helps.”
Upstate created the gaming and technology specialist
position in 2021 with grant funding through Child’s Play Charity, a national organization that focuses on improving the lives of hospitalized children through gaming. Taylor became the first person to fill the role at Upstate. “There are not many of us out there working in the hospitals,” he says. “It’s such a unique role.” This year, his position is being funded through Spirit of Children, a foundation established by retailer Spirit Halloween that provides nationwide funding to children’s hospitals.
“The position aligns well with the mission of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital by providing an exceptional patient experience while promoting a culture of respect, compassion and trust,” says Gina Lozito-Yorton, child life
“It’s very rewarding work. I had one teenager tell me he could not have gotten through his last visit without the gaming. Another child was crying when I entered the room but laughing when I came out.”
Brad Taylor, the hospital’s gaming and technology specialist
Brad Taylor, left, plays a video game with a teenage patient at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
LIGHTENING THE LOAD
FINDING HOPE IN THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU’RE GRIEVING
BY JACKIE PERRIN
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOANNE WALSH
ike the weight of Santa’s sack, grief during the holidays can be a heavy burden to carry amid an already stressful time of the year. If you’re coping with grief, or supporting someone who is, some simple strategies can help you adjust the load and make it more manageable, says Kelly Ocampo, executive director of HOPE for Bereaved. The Syracuse nonprofit is dedicated to supporting Central New Yorkers in the grieving process free of charge through resources, support groups and individual peer counseling.
Founded in 1978 by Therese Schoeneck, whose daughter, Mary, died in a car accident, the organization was initially known as “HOPE for Bereaved Parents.”
“The very first support group was called Coping with the Holidays, and it was specifically for bereaved parents,” says Ocampo.
THE BRIGHT SIDES
Elevate your holiday dinner with one or more of these excellent add-ons
STORY AND PHOTOS
BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT
From hearty starters to sweet and savory sides, holiday meals are often made that much better — and more memorable — with delicious supporting dishes. Restaurants across Central New York are serving up catering menus with sides that deserve their time in the spotlight. We dug into just a few.
LOOKING FORWARD, LIFTING UP
Nonprofit organizations take on CNY’s biggest challenges
From Micron’s chip fab development in the north to the impact of Interstate 81’s removal on the South Side, a great deal of change is headed our way. For generations, dedicated nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations, their supporters and volunteers have been helping address, meet and alleviate the pressing needs of our residents. Some organizations focus on individual issues and some are the connective tissue between groups, encouraging collaboration and funding this important work. In looking ahead, we wondered how some of Central New York’s nonprofits are prioritizing the challenges our community faces and how they hope to help set us up for the future.
Left, United Way supports PEACE Inc.’s Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Bigs and Littles gathered for Canal Day at Erie Canal Park in 2022.
Making good
ON THE RISE
Visiting Sugar Grove Cafe and Bakery for a flaky croissant or cold brew draft latte means stepping into Tonya Duffy’s history. Named after the West Virginia mountain town where Duffy lived and learned to bake, the restaurant has a general store-inspired interior, cozy repurposed furniture and a detailed narrative mural about her life by Sarah Wiley Joyce.
Formerly known as The Toast, the café, coowned by Duffy and her daughter Kylie Gunnip, opened its doors on Sept. 21. The new name better fits the wide array of menu options, which
include build-your-own breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, coffees, luscious pastries and baked goods, and Sunday brunch with mimosas, beer and wine.
Customers can pay it forward for people in need by buying a coffee, soup or sandwich token. Open daily, the Dey’s Building spot on South Salina Street in downtown Syracuse is larger than their previous locations in Canastota and Cazenovia. A yet-to-be-built deck will add more seating out front. Sugar Grove will also be offering a variety of pies to take home for the holidays.
For more information: visit sugargrovesyracuse.com
Making good FARM TO TABLE
She Fancy offers an elegant salt potato app for holiday and everyday entertaining
BY
MJ KRAVEC | PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT
Making good
Season’s Readings
HOLIDAY MAGIC MADE IN MANLIUS
BY CAITLIN WRIGHT
Winters in Manlius are even longer than usual, at least in the home of screenwriters Keith and Juliet Giglio. A life-size nutcracker stands at attention in the dining room year-round, perhaps waiting to turn into a Christmas miracle one day. A welcome sign over the family room fireplace greets the guests of Treeline Ski Resort. And their living room features packaging from a fictional bakery, a token from the Giglios’ very first holiday project.
These and other decorations have been featured in the Giglios’ films, which are filled with family and the sort of tenderness that everyone needs but that sometimes warrants a push. When they moved to Central New York from California for teaching positions, the couple thought their writing careers had ended, but a new opportunity awaited when they were asked to pen holiday movies. The area’s small-town feel and chilly weather provided inspiration to create the wintry wonderlands their characters inhabit.
Left, authors and screenwriters Juliet and Keith Giglio at their home in Manlius, and above, their two novels.
Galleries
ARTRAGE GALLERY
505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse. 315-218-5711, artragegallery.org. Open 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. (and by appointment for groups), Saturday.
In Secrecy: New Works by Jaleel Campbell. Jaleel Campbell’s latest series, titled “In Secrecy,” will explore the experiences of out, discreet and dl (down low) Black men in the gay community and what toll that takes on the psyche over time. Unlearning our natural instinct to operate in secret is half the battle. Homophobia in the Black community continues to run rampant. Growing up under these constraints forces queer youth to assimilate to prevent drawing attention to their mannerisms, interests or desires. Each year, those that are able to “pass” lose more of their natural instincts and begin to present themselves to the public how they believe society wants them to be. A performance. What is the truth? Is there truth? Jaleel hopes to enable real conversations from those that may share a similar experience and encourage others to tell their stories. Jaleel Campbell is a Syracuse-based artist whose work ranges from illustration, curation, directing, performing and the latest, doll making. Jaleel attained his BFA in visual communications with a specialization in graphic design from Cazenovia College, and his MFA in media arts & culture from SUNY Purchase. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9. Free and open to the public. Runs Nov. 9 through Jan. 18, 2025.
Portrait of artist Jaleel Campbell
Campbell’s latest series, “In Secrecy,” at ArtRage Gallery
Galleries
COMMUNITY FOLK ART CENTER
805 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse. 315-442-2230, communityfolkartcenter.org. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Hours may vary based on programming.
This Woman’s Work Art Exhibition: Community Quilting & Storytelling Project. This innovative project, initiated by artist and community psychologist Rochele Royster, brings together 10 local artists to create artwork that celebrates the profound impact of Black women’s community care in Syracuse and Central New York. The exhibition began with a grant proposal submitted by Royster. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black women, starting with the story of a Black herbalist in 1733 who lived near Ithaca, New York. The exhibit traces the pivotal work of Black women from the past to the present, demonstrating how their community care and mutual aid have shaped Central New York and the communities where they lived and worked. “This project/exhibit is unique in its co-participatory approach,” says Royster. “Artists are collaborating with each other and engaging with historical and lived stories to highlight the care work of Black women past to present, which is often overlooked and forgotten.” The exhibition will feature an interactive component where community members can share stories about the women in their families and communities who have resisted through care. Highlights of the exhibition include a community quilt, immersive storytelling sessions, and skill-share art workshops designed to educate and honor the work of local Black women while building community through the arts. The exhibit aims to provide a platform for learning, reflection and celebration of Black women’s resilience and community care practices. “We want this exhibit to be a living, breathing testament to the power of community care,” says Royster. “By sharing these stories and skills, we hope to inspire a new generation to continue this vital work.” Runs through Feb. 2025. For more information, visit communityfolkartcenter.org or contact Rochele Royster at raroyste@syr.edu. Rochele Royster uses her expertise in art therapy, education and civic engagement to facilitate social change. Her work focuses on creating inclusive and healing spaces for marginalized communities through participatory art projects.
Sascha Brastoff’s
“Night Monster” at Everson
EDGEWOOD GALLERY
216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse. 315-445-8111, edgewoodartandframe.com. Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Closed SundayMonday. Free.
Texture/Form/Surface: David “Hongo” Robertson. Robertson will be exhibiting several series of his textural acrylic paintings with Lauren Bristol’s sculptural coiled basketry and Dana Stenson’s metalsmith jewelry. Runs through Nov. 15.
Colorful Realms: Diana Godfrey. Acrylic/ mixed-media non-representational paintings exhibited with Terry Askey-Cole ceramics and Judy McCumber mixed-media beaded jewelry. Opening reception 6-8 p.m., Friday Nov. 22. Runs Nov. 22 through Jan. 3.
EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART
401 Harrison Street, Syracuse. 315-474-6064, everson.org. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday. $5 suggested donation.
Sascha Brastoff: California King. There are many wild and colorful characters in the history of American ceramics, but most pale in comparison to Sascha Brastoff. We most remember Brastoff as a prolific designer of midcentury dinnerware, but he also served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he created props and costumes for Special Services events to entertain troops. Brastoff also performed as his drag alter-ego, G.I. Carmen Miranda, and was cast in a Broadway production, “Winged Victory” (later adapted into the 1944 movie of the same name). When the war ended, Brastoff moved to Los Angeles to design costumes for film stars, including the real Carmen Miranda. Brastoff then built a dinnerware empire (bankrolled by a Rockefeller) after taking a top prize in the Syracuse Museum of Fine Art’s 1948 Ceramic National exhibition. Throughout his career, Brastoff rubbed elbows with celebrities and was at the heart of L.A.’s Queer underground. Besides his work in ceramics, Brastoff also mastered jewelry, metalwork, enamels and created erotic works for many private clients. Runs through Dec. 29.
“Blue Light” from Diana Godfrey’s “Colorful Realms” at Edgewood Gallery
Putting Art to Work: Prints of the Works Progress Administration. The Great Depression reached its peak in 1933 when the unemployment rate in the United States climbed to 20%. The Public Works of Art Project, a relief measure to employ artists, was one of many New Deal initiatives that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law during his first year in office. In 1935, the program was replaced by the Federal Art Project, which was administered by the Works Progress Administration. Together, the two programs employed more than 10,000 artists and generated an estimated 400,000 paintings, murals, prints and posters. The Everson Museum of Art (then the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts) played an important role as museum director Anna Wetherill Olmsted oversaw the Central New York region of the Federal Art Project. “Putting Art to Work” features more than 60 prints made under the auspices of the Public Works of Art Project and the Federal Art Project between 1934 and 1942. Runs through Dec. 29.
Tim Atseff: Final Edition. Fifty years following his Everson Museum debut, Syracuse native Tim Atseff returns with a solo exhibition dedicated to a topic he knows intimately — the news media. Atseff spent nearly five decades working in the newspaper business in various professional roles and is perhaps best-known for penning editorial cartoons that satirically skewered political and public figures in print. Atseff’s artistic practice is similarly grounded in current events but, as a platform for expressing his personal views about existential crises facing the world today, it is writ large and in full color in paintings, assemblages and installations. For the Everson, Atseff presents a selection of recent works about the continued shuttering of American newspapers — and what it means for the future of journalistic integrity, an informed public and national political debate. Runs through Dec. 29.
LA CASITA CULTURAL CENTER
109 Otisco Street, Syracuse. 315-443-2151, lacasita.syr.edu. Open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. For questions or to request accessibility accommodations please email: lacasita@syr.edu.
Weird Barrio: The works of Manuel Matías. Syracuse-based Puerto Rican artist Manuel Matías presents an intriguing collection of miniature 3D dioramas that depict the Latino experience of Syracuse and Central New York barrios in intricate detail. At its core, it is a testament to the power of storytelling and visual representation in shaping collective identity and fostering a sense of belonging. Matías invites viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of life in the barrios, capturing the essence of kinship and cultural pride that define these neighborhoods. Runs through April 2025. La Casita is a program of Syracuse University established to advance an educational and cultural agenda of civic engagement through research, cultural heritage preservation, media and the arts — bridging the Hispanic communities of the university and Central New York.
LIGHT WORK KATHLEEN O. ELLIS GALLERY
316 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse. 315-443-1300, lightwork. org. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For guided tours, contact info@ lightwork.org.
Asea: Nicholas Muellner. Nicholas Muellner is an artist who works with photography and writing through books, exhibitions and slide lectures. The exhibition, “Asea,” showcases portraits in the landscape made complex by surreal lighting, staging and pantomiming that explore personal narrative and the limits of photography. Muellner received a BA in comparative literature from Yale University and an MFA in photography from Temple University. He is founding co-director of the Image Text MFA and ITI Press at Cornell University. Runs through Dec. 13.
Lynne Sachs: This Side of Salina. Award-winning filmmaker Lynne Sachs’ latest work was commissioned by Light Work and shot while she was in residence in Syracuse during spring 2024. Working in collaboration with reproductive justice advocates J’viona Baker, Ja’Rhea Dixon, Vernahia Davis and Angela Stroman from local organization Layla’s Got You, the film celebrates the ways that mutual support networks and the sharing of lived experience become tools of political and personal empowerment. This project is part of a larger effort in which Sachs is involved called The Abortion Clinic Film Collective, a diverse group of artists from around the country who came together in the wake of the Dobbs decision. Each has a relationship with a place where laws governing reproductive care have changed significantly since the overturning of Roe. Runs dusk to 11 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, through Dec. 21.
Lynne Sachs’ “This Side of Salina” at Light Work
ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
321 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. 315-428-1864, cnyhistory.org. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5, free for members or children 12 & under. Check their website for updates.
Suit Up! A Look at Syracuse Sporting Uniforms Through the Years. “Suit Up!” is up in the Onondaga Historical Museum’s large first-floor gallery. The exhibit, in collaboration with Syracuse University’s Special Collections Research Center, displays various Syracuse sporting uniforms from throughout the decades. Local professional and collegiate teams are featured in this sporty jaunt through local nostalgia, celebrating the history of Syracuse athletics. Runs through December 2024.
Look At What We Got! One of the most common questions the archivists and curators of the Onondaga Historical Association are asked is, “Will the document or artifact I’m donating be on exhibit?” The answer is always a resounding, “possibly.” With limited exhibit space, and exhibit topics that don’t always include every item in our collection, OHA has many magnificent items preserved and protected, but not on display. “Look At What We Got” is OHA’s chance to exhibit an eclectic assortment of artifacts and documents that were donated to OHA in the last five years. The exhibit will also provide insight into the choices OHA’s archivists and curators make when accepting donations. Runs through May 2025.
Pages of the Past: The Personal Archives of Scrapbooks. This is OHA’s newest exhibit, featuring bits of history as collected and curated in personal scrapbooks of Syracuse community members that have since come into OHA’s archival collection. The exhibit displays both original scrapbooks and interactive reproductions that guests are encouraged to flip through and explore. “Pages of the Past” celebrates the history of scrapbooking and the local residents who have taken the time through the years to compile records of their lives and the community. Runs through Spring 2025.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
222 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse. library.syr.edu. Open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. MondayFriday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 6th Floor is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondayFriday and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Destroy All Monsters: Developments in Fandom and Participatory Culture. The exhibition explores how fan bases from genres such as literature, film and music have radically shifted over the past century from mere consumers of media to active participants in it. The complex history of creative expression in fandom is represented in the exhibition by a variety of materials, ranging from sci-fi fan letters to punk fanzines to photographs of cosplayers and conventioneers. Taken in full, the materials displayed seek to illustrate the legacy of fan participation from the pre-internet era through the current day. Curated by Daniel Sarmiento, curator of 20th Century to Present, the exhibition will be on view at the Special Collections Research Center, Bird Library, 6th floor gallery during the fall 2024 semester. Runs through Dec. 18.
Tim Atseff’s “Final Edition” at Everson Museum of Art
Flashback
A FAMILIAR BING
Any lineup of Christmas crooners would not be complete without Bing Crosby, whose 1942 recording of “White Christmas” holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling physical-media single of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.
BY MARIA LORE
Crosby’s humble beginnings in show business trace back to a trio known as the Rhythm Boys. Formed in 1927 with fellow amateur singers Al Rinker and Harry Barris, the Rhythm Boys accompanied the Paul Whiteman Orchestra with three-part harmonies. A notable breakthrough for the group came in June 1928, when they participated in the coast-to-coast radio broadcast “Sixty Magic Minutes with Paul Whiteman.” In advertising this program, the Syracuse Herald praised the ensemble as “the ‘hottest’ combination of vocalists on radio or record.”
On the coattails of this early success, Crosby visited Syracuse for the first and only time. From Feb. 10-13, 1929, the Rhythm Boys performed at B.F. Keith’s Vaudeville Theatre on South Salina Street, later the site of Sibley’s department store. The Syracuse Herald reported that the trio was one of three headliners,
alongside silent film actor Cullen Landis and musical comedy star George Rosener.
Despite the fact that the Rhythm Boys were not accompanied by Whiteman’s orchestra while performing at Keith’s Theatre, they still delivered a well-received musical revue. Crosby, Rinker and Barris entertained audiences with their rendition of “That’s My Weakness Now,” a popular big band tune previously recorded and released by the group for Columbia Records in 1928, among other songs.
They also regularly interrupted their musical performance with jokes, and on Feb. 11, 1929, the Post-Standard recounted that the Rhythm Boys’ clowning had “a spontaneous quality that is delightful.”
Following the dissolution of the Rhythm Boys in the early 1930s, Crosby would go on to pursue a solo career that would make him a holiday mainstay and one of the most successful musical entertainers of the 20th century.
Maria Lore is research center manager at the Onondaga Historical Association.
Christmas crooner Crosby’s early beginning in Syracuse
Bing Crosby
WITH OHA
Last word
TOM BROWN
WITH Old Newsboys Christmas Sale Chair
BY MJ KRAVEC
For more than 90 years, the Old Newsboys Campaign has spread extra holiday cheer in Central New York through the sale of special editions of The Post-Standard to raise money for The Christmas Bureau, which buys food, toys and books for local families in need. As the season of hope and light begins, we thought it fitting to talk to Old Newsboys Christmas Sale chair Tom Brown, who exemplifies the true spirit of generosity, hope and positivity.
What time do you get up in the morning and how do you take your coffee? I’m usually up by 5 a.m. and love my coffee black and hot.
What’s your favorite season in CNY? The fall. It’s the wrap-up to summer and the ramp-up to the holidays! The leaves turning, the cool nights and warm days, harvests and pumpkins. I’m an old farm boy from Fabius.
Favorite place to enjoy the great outdoors? Besides my backyard on Onondaga Hill, Tinker Falls in Labrador Hollow and the eastern shore of Lake Ontario.
What are you binge watching, listening to or reading? SU sports and politics; all of the changes in the political climate are crazy.
Fun fact about you? My family calls me Clark Griswold. I tend to go over the top at Christmas.
How long have you been an “Old Newsboy”? This will be my 39th year.
Favorite memories from hawking newspapers for Old Newsboys? Working the escalator at the Carousel Mall food court entrance. Former Post-Standard circulation director and vice president of Advance Central Services Paul Thomas and I would greet people on the way in and hook ‘em when they came down the escalator after their lunch hour. Of course, a lot of caroling was involved.
We heard the competition to hawk newspapers can get pretty fierce. Any stories you’d like to share? Years ago, the DeWitt Rotary was our biggest fundraising team — outside of the Post-Standard team. The Ancient Order of Hibernians took on the challenge of outdoing them about a decade ago
and haven’t looked back since as our top fundraising team. They really got creative with their fundraising activities. The Hibernians hold TV raffles and other fundraisers prior to the annual sales day. They are famous for their Fridayevening-of-the-sale “pub crawls” with their bagpipeled bands, all dressed in traditional kilts. They do them in downtown/Armory Square, on Tipp Hill and in North Syracuse. They have a lot of fun.
As sales chair of Old Newsboys, what are you most proud of? Our devoted captains and their volunteers never cease to amaze me. The pride they take and the effort they make out in the cold, in what can be a cold-on-giving environment at times, and they just keep coming back to hawk. They not only represent the cause, they represent who we are here in CNY. They make getting up at 3 a.m. to get them their papers so they can start hawking by 6 a.m. a walk in the park.
Brown in a 1988 promotional photo for Old Newsboys.