Central New York Magazine -September/October 2023

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FORGOTTEN MATERIALS FIND NEW LIFE IN HANDS OF ARTISTS 9 MUSEUMS HIGHLIGHT MEANINGFUL AND SOMETIMES QUIRKY HISTORY SYRACUSE PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES HALLOWEEN’S HUMOR ARTIST’S HOME DAZZLES WITH VINTAGE STYLE AND CHARM

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ON THE COVER

PRESIDENT

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Tim Kennedy

Amy Bleier Long 315-282-8553 ableierlong@advancemediany.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF THE GOOD LIFE

Annette Peters 315-282-8527 apeters@advancemediany.com SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Lindsay Marlenga lmarlenga@advancemediany.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

Gerry Bauer 315-470-3118 gbauer@advancelocal.com MAGAZINE/EVENTS SALES MANAGER

ASSISTANT EDITOR

MJ Kravec 315-766-7833 mkravec@advancemediany.com DESIGNERS

Susan Santola ssantola@advancelocal.com Kimberly Worner kworner@advancelocal.com CUSTOMER SERVICE

315-282-8622 SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

“A Blink of a Wise Woman” by Robert Szpak, a painter frequently featured in ARISE’s “UNIQUE” magazine. Cover design

by Susan Santola.

See story, page 54.

Contact Jennifer Queri or visit readcnymagazine.com

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 © 2023.

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.

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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Editor ’s letter As always, we’d love to hear from you about story ideas, thoughts, tips, suggestions, you name it. Drop us a line at info@readcnymagazine.com.

And now, a word from our contributors:

See the art in me In this issue, we talk to artists who

stated in “A Man

transform unwanted materials into some-

Without a Country,”

thing new; acknowledge the profound

a collection of

impact inclusive arts programs have;

autobiographical

and visit nine Upstate museums that fo-

essays, “Practicing

cus on historical, cultural and very much

an art, no matter how well or badly, is a

pop-cultural subjects. Join me in ogling

way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s

the exquisite mid-century home and in-

sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the

terior design choices of illustrator and

radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a

graphic designer Amanda Albert and her

friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well

husband, Mike Sklens. I’m also thrilled

as you possibly can. You will get an

that Jess Montgomery, the photographer

enormous reward. You will have created

behind the fabulous annual 31 Days of

something.”

Halloween series, wanted to share her cre-

I’ve enjoyed his perspective on so many things and agree with him again. Not only

“Walking into the house was like stepping back in time. Every corner and cabinet was expertly curated — a photographer’s dream assignment!”

On shooting the home of Amanda Albert and Mike Sklens

ative process with us.

In other stories, we’ll forage for

do artistic endeavors have the ability to

mushrooms, see what the buzz is about

enrich each of us personally (see p. 14 for

at FlynnStoned Cannabis Company, meet

an example), they also bring so much to a

a rising star in media and philanthropy,

community: beauty, civic pride, engage-

celebrate the debut solo album of an

ment, thoughtful criticism and explora-

award-winning songwriter and musician,

Jordan Scott

tion. There are endless examples of this in

learn to appreciate the fallen leaves and

Central New York.

more.

“I enjoyed reading through Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell’s collection and trying to piece together her dance career. Overall, learning about WilkinsMitchell and dance in Syracuse was a joy.”

This magazine, if you’ll indulge me,

Enjoy! (And feel free to use the pages

is one of them. From the stories we tell

to make a collage or vision board when

through words and imagery to the vibrant

you’re done reading.)

layouts and decorative flourishes so expertly added by our designers, we aim to entertain and intrigue our readers, and

On writing about ballerina Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell

occasionally challenge your perceptions of life in CNY. We’re proud of what the region has to offer and this is the physical expression of that pride.

6

Alaina Potrikus Beckett

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Amy Bleier Long ableierlong@advancemediany.com

ILLUSTRATION BY SUSAN SANTOLA, PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT, JORDAN SCOTT

K

urt Vonnegut

“I want to feel that I’ve made a difference.”

“I’ve thought a lot about the impact of my career…I want to feel that I’ve made a difference and having played an important role in the Rural Medical Scholars Program, it truly is the legacy of my career.”

These are the words of Carrie Roseamelia, PhD, former associate professor at Upstate Medical University, who pioneered the rural medicine program in the Department of Family Medicine. She is a new member of the Upstate Foundation’s Legacy Society, which is comprised of donors who have included Upstate Medical University in their estate plans.

“The students I came to serve with this program are my legacy. I offered 10 years of my professional and personal life to expanding the mission of the Rural Medical Scholars Program. This work was incredibly rewarding.”

That mission was to identify, recruit and nurture medical students who were interested in a future rural or small-town practice.

“Preparing medical students to work with underserved communities is critical to the mission of serving Central New York and upstate communities.”

The Rural Medical Scholars Program will be the beneficiary of Dr. Roseamelia’s legacy gift to the Upstate Foundation. “It’s never too soon to think about leaving a gift that might make a difference,” she advises.

Please join Dr. Roseamelia in leaving a legacy gift today!

To read Dr. Roseamelia’s complete story, visit www.UpstateFoundation.org/LegacyGiving, or to create your own legacy gift, call Upstate Foundation at 315-464-6490

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Our mission: Impacting patient care, education, research, and community health and well-being through charitable giving.

Contents

48 For the Love of Junk Four artists transforming worn or forgotten materials

42

54

62

74

Show ‘Em What We’re Made Of

Art for All

Retro Retreat

Local nonprofits and arts organizations create meaningful, inclusive arts opportunities for people of all abilities.

At Amanda Albert and Mike Sklens’ mid-century home, vintage decor and collections are masterfully displayed, with touches of pop culture.

Something Wicked Cool This Way Comes

Nine museums exploring New York-based moments, people and inventions that made an impact.

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Syracuse photographer exemplifies the innovation, humor and creativity that make Halloween fun.

PHOTO BY AMELIA BEAMISH

into new items to enjoy.

Departments

62

11

In every issue 6 Editor's Letter 100 Galleries 105 Flashback with OHA: Ballet Dancer Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell

It’s All Good 11 Ways to embrace the season

106 Last Word: Costume Designer Katharine Tarkulich

14 Positive Vibes: Music is instrumental 18 Our Town: Westside 21 Market Trends: Falling for seasonal trends

74

29 Good News 29 Landmark Theatre on the streets 30 Behind the Scenes: Syracuse’s new flag 33 Caught Doing Good: The Cool Head Project 37 The Seen: A pictorial review of CNY’s social gatherings

81 PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT, JESSICA MONTGOMERY, SYRACUSE COMMUNITY CHOIR

Making Good 81 Album launch by JD-grad musician, producer 82 CNY Scout: FlynnStoned Cannabis Company

85

85 Farm to Table: Spore to Fork’s Ginger Garlic Mushrooms 91 Down to Earth: Don’t bag your leaves 94 Art Profile: Eden Strachan, founder of Black Girl’s Don’t Get Love

54 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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Pat and Gwyn Mannion stand at their home.

Our parents taught us that kindness should know no bounds and showed us the power of lending a helping hand to those who need it.

We saw Patrick’s parents use a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation to do good in the community, which inspired us to establish the Gwyn K. & Patrick A. Mannion Fund to facilitate our own charitable giving.

Our fund helps us to ensure our giving has a lasting and meaningful impact.

GIVING BEYOND BOUNDARIES: PAT & GWYN MANNION

Impactful giving is not just about writing a check; it’s about investing in causes that align with your values to create sustainable change. Our fund allows us to be intentional with our giving by directing resources where they’re needed most.

We hope that our giving inspires our children to find their own ways to make a difference. We’re laying the foundation—instilling in them the values of empathy, compassion, and service. We hope they carry forward the legacies of those who came before them by serving our community in a way that is most meaningful for them.

315.422.9538 | CNYCF.ORG S10500875-05

Read more of the Mannions’ story by scanning the QR code or at cnycf.org/2023mannion

It ’s all good POSITIVE VIBES • OUR TOWN • MARKET TRENDS

HEY, PUMPKIN

BY M J K RAV EC

Orange you glad it’s fall?

Summer, you were great and all.

But the season of cider conjures the coziest of vibes — crockpot delights and candlelit nights. Sure, summer will linger, just so she can get a feel for what all the fuss is about until fall politely offers her a cup of pumpkin spice and shows her the door.

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

Here are seven ways to savor the season now.

It’s all good

SEASONAL SIPPER Celebrate apple season with a caramel apple cocktail. Try this recipe from farmwifedrinks. com. Combine 2 ounces of caramel vodka over ice, add 8 ounces of apple cider. Garnish with apple slice if desired.

Enjoy while planning your next Halloween costume.

Y ’A L L C A N FA L L The autumnal equinox falls on Sat. Sept. 23 at 2:49 a.m. Reflect on the passage from one season to the next by spending time in nature. Notice the scent of the air, the chirping of birds, the bloom of goldenrod, the slant of the light as the sun sets.

Doing so helps soothe stress and anxiety and boosts wellbeing, according to the American Psychological Association.

MINI BITES

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

J A M PA C K With homegrown tomatoes still plentiful, make this easy tomato jam.

Combine 2 pounds tomatoes, ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp. ginger and dash of cinnamon and clove, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. cayenne pepper in saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir to avoid sticking to pan. Lower heat and simmer until mixture thickens to a jammy consistency.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. Spoon on top of scrambled eggs or crostini with burrata cheese. Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days.

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK

For your next fall dinner party, set a rustic seasonal table with mini pumpkins used as placeholders.

Write guests’ names directly on pumpkin or secure tags to stems.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Patrick Radden Keefe OCTOBER 17, 2023

NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Brendan Slocumb

APRIL 30, 2024

Elin Hilderbrand

MARCH 19, 2024 MAY 7, 2024

Head over to Parthenon Books for Unhappy Hour, a monthly book club for people who like darker genres. Love horror?

Black magic? Cults? True crime? This one’s for you.

For dates and more info on book selection, go to parthenonbookstore. com/events.

Neil Gaiman & Art Spiegelman

SCA RY STO R I ES

Maria Hinojosa

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the LaFayette Apple Festival, which brings together artisans, crafters, live entertainment, horse and wagon rides, shops, food vendors, midway rides, an annual pie contest and much more. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. Oct. 7 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 8. Free parking. Admission is $6 per person, kids 12 and under are free.

Apple pancake breakfast starts at 7 a.m. both days. For more, visit lafayetteapplefest.org.

Lily King

SOMETHING TO FRIT ABOUT

DA R K S H A D OWS Create your own scene for Halloween with black paper or lace. Cut out bat shapes, haunted house or tree silhouettes in various sizes. You don’t have to go all out like in the photo shown, but any shadowy wall décor adds an eerie sense of the season to the hearth, mantel or kitchen window.

To purchase tickes, contact the Solvay Bank Box Office at the Oncenter 315-435-2121 foclsyracuse.org 315-435-1832 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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It ’s all good

POSITIVE VIBES

STRING THEORY

Playing a musical instrument proves good for the mind and body.

Local group offers adults a chance to dust off a high school pastime.

BY M J K RAV EC

In his play, “The Mourning Bride,” William Congreve, a

If that’s not enough to motivate you to pull your cello out of

17th-century playwright wrote: “Music has charms to soothe

the closet, consider Salt City New Horizons Orchestra (SCNHO),

a savage breast.”

a community string orchestra designed for people who played

Researchers looking at the benefits of playing a musical

violin, viola, cello or bass in the past and want to reconnect to

instrument would agree. Numerous studies point to the health

the instrument they loved. Founder and director Edie Shillitoe

benefits of playing an instrument regardless of age or skill level.

started the group in 2015, a year after she retired from teaching

Those benefits include lower stress levels and blood pressure,

music at Chittenango High School.

reduced risk of depression and dementia, a boost to brain health

“I was a parishioner at St. Ann’s Church in Manlius at the time,

and more. A University of Kansas Medical Center study found

and I did a presentation at the end of a service saying, ‘does any-

that people who played a musical instrument performed better

body want to learn how to play a stringed instrument?’ Short-

on cognitive tests than people who don’t. The National Institute

ly thereafter I had a great group of adult beginners, and after a

of Health claims that playing an instrument serves as a brain

year or so, they were playing entry-level orchestral repertoire,”

workout, improving communication skills, reducing anxiety

says Shillitoe.

What started with about two dozen members has now grown

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

and offering emotional release.

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It ’s all good

POSITIVE VIBES

Edie Shillitoe plays violin between conducting Salt City New Horizons Orchestra at Plymouth Congregational Church in 2020.

to 53 who range in different ages and life stages — from retired

cus and motivates you to take out your instrument and play,”

lawyers to nurses to stay-at-home moms.

Shillitoe says.

Shillitoe arranges music of all types, such as classical, Celtic

As a community service group, SCNHO performs at various

and show tunes, and adjusts the music where necessary so that

places around town, including nursing homes, cancer centers,

beginners can play along with the more experienced musicians.

the VA Hospital and fundraisers. In May, the group raised $2,600

Her colleague, Becky Dodd, coaches the beginning players in a

for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.

“We have a lot of folks that played music when they were in school, and have taken a break for 5, 10 or 30 years when life got

“I think they all come because the music is great but return

in the way. They may not want to tackle original scores of Brahms

week after week to see their friends. When you are an adult in

or Tchaikovsky, but they conquer fabulous arrangements of the

the working world, you have a built-in social circle, which is

masters, says Shillitoe.

missed once you retire. The orchestra gives them a sense of

And playing as a group helps motivate players to practice. “If

community. And having a 70-year-old retired doctor sharing

you have a cello or violin, there can be a loneliness in practic-

a stand with a 30-year-old working mom adds vibrancy to the

ing by yourself, but if you play with a group, it changes the fo-

orchestra,” she says.



16

While the main focus is to play music, Shillitoe says it’s also a chance for players to come together and have fun.

Rehearsals start Thurs. Sept. 21 and run through Dec. 13 at United Church of Fayetteville, 308 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. Fee for 12 weeks is $70. No players are turned away as scholarships are available. A Spring Session runs from midJanuary to May. For more information: visit saltcitynho.weebly.com.

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDIE SHILLITOE

small sectional each week.

LAYAWAY YOUR POOL NOW For advertising information, contact Jen Queri phone: 315 282-8622 email: jqueri@advancemediany.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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It ’s all good

OUR TOWN

Westside

BY J O E Y PAG A N O

The Westside neighborhoods of Syracuse were once an industrial center, with automobiles, typewriters, lanterns and machinery among the goods manufactured there. Now these former factories hum with new life from small businesses, artists and makers and apartments. The Near Westside, Westside and Far Westside are enhanced by the tireless efforts of many community activists and organizations, and by the diverse, dedicated residents who see even more potential.

Looking for one of the biggest burritos in town? Head over to Ponchito’s Taqueria. Find Puerto Rican favorites at Don Juan Café Restaurant and Jandy Restaurant. Enjoy Italian dishes at Strada Mia. For sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas, stop into The Deli at 700. Like its other locations, Brooklyn Pickle West is known for large sandwiches and homemade soups. Sabatino’s Pizza Deli and Grocery offers pizza, wings, sandwiches and is open late. Pick up takeout from China House Restaurant. Feed your craving for nachos, burgers or a Philly cheesesteak at Salt City Kitchen & Catering, which also serves the tacos from ghost kitchen Baja Cali Taco Co. Cathy’s Corner Café, a catering company, opens their doors for dine-in on special occasions like Mother’s Day and for private special events. Indulge in breads, tarts, donuts, holiday baked goods and half-moons at perennial favorite Harrison Bakery.

Half-moon cookies from Harrison Bakery.

HAVE A DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

Start your day with The Kind Coffee Co. or Salt City Coffee. Middle Ages Brewing and Jus Sum Jazz Lounge have cold drinks and cool music. Neighborhood bars Calcano’s Tavern, Hoosey’s Dog House and Playmakers Sports Bar satisfy locals’ thirst. Catch queer bar and theater Wunderbar before it moves. Kings Lounge & Bistro offers a back patio and volleyball court.

Search for vintage treasure at Behind the Iron Gates. From refrigerators to riding mowers, visit Mike’s TV, Appliances & Power Equipment.

For furniture repair, restoration and custom pieces, call Old Peg Furniture Services. Don’t start a project without a stop at City Hardware True Value, and see its lovely mural. Sprucing up your home or backyard? Check out the selection of masonry materials at Paragon Supply. Choose a special floor covering at Jacobsen Rugs. Pick up groceries and a hot daily special at Brady Market. Make movie night or a party better with snacks, supplies and equipment from Popcorn Supply Company.

Owner Sharon Washington next to the B.B. King mural at Jus Sum Jazz Lounge.

“The arts community has found a home on the Near Westside…

People should come out to events at these artist warehouses to witness the creativity blossoming here.”

Harold Kyle, owner of Delavan Studios 18

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTOS BY DON CAZENTRE, JACOB PUCCI

GRAB A BITE

ANNUAL EVENTS Mark National Poetry Month at Point of Contact gallery’s Cruel April poetry series, relaunching in 2024. For more than 30 years, the Easter sunrise service at Burnet Park has been a reverent tradition. Discover incredible art and inspiration at open studio days at both Delavan Studios and the Gear Factory.

Feel the Beat Family Fest takes place at Performance Park and the WCNY Broadcast & Education Center. Take Back the Streets holds an annual Halloween Trunk or Treat block party. Brew at the Zoo and Zoo Boo are among the events held at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The Syracuse Polish Home hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Hank Wolek Beard & Mustache Contest and a Mother’s Day brunch.

THINGS TO DO Visit the engaging animals at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Co-work at the GereBlock Lounge, also the location of Plum & Mule Community Market and future site of Safe Space Organization community healing center.

Take a therapeutic paint class with Chalking About Stein Art Studio or get hands on at Clayscapes Pottery. Explore impactful exhibitions at Point of Contact/Punto de Contacto. Attend an event at SALTspace.

Pick out your next read at Hazard Branch Library or Mundy Branch Library. La Casita Cultural Center offers a bilingual library and programs for all ages. Ride PumpTrackSYR. Edge Strength and Conditioning is open 24 hours. Center yourself at Sky Yoga. Academy Baseball and Softball gives private lessons. The City of Syracuse’s adult softball and volleyball leagues include locations in the Westside. Learn how to fix up your bike at volunteer-run 713 Marcellus St. Bike Kitchen. Catch a Syracuse Chargers Rugby Club match at James J. O’Connor Park.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GREENLAR, ELLEN M. BLALOCK

GET OUTSIDE

Top left, The Annual Zoo Boo Halloween event. Above, one of several murals in the neighborhood.

At left, a group of friends pose for a selfie at the Annual Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too fundraiser for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Burnet Park features a pool, golf course and one of the city’s two designated sledding hills. James Pass Arboretum is a tranquil place to walk or relax.

Lipe Art Park showcases some of the neighborhood’s public art. There’s lots of room for playtime and sports at Grace & Messina Playlot, Skiddy Park, Lewis Park, Frazer Park, and Ward Bakery Park. At Leavenworth Park, enjoy a view of the Five Sisters Victorian houses. Get involved at Brady Farm (or join the CSA).

Performance Park is the site of frequent community events. Volunteer alongside activists who tend to the 610 Gifford St. Community Garden or help maintain The Stone Soup Community Garden.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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It’s in our attention to detail and customization that we can truly make a difference, as we can offer options and resources to create a room like no other, one that is uniquely you.

Contact us today to schedule your in-home consultation.

@cnymagazine

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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Faa into beautiful style!

Jennifer Pysnack, Founder & Interior Designer 315.256.0522 • jpysnack@decoratingden.com jenpysnack.decoratingden.com S10510673-05

It ’s all good

MARKET TRENDS

FALL BACK PLAN

BY AMY BLEIER LONG PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

When fall rolls back around, we can count on forest-y inspiration, mossy greens with accents of mustard and football fanaticism to come with it.

Shop local for this autumnal inspiration and more.

SITTING PRETTY, Hand-painted sunflower chair, $95, The Gift Box Shoppe, 4317 Fay Road, Syracuse, 315-487-9099, thegiftboxshoppe.com.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

21

It ’s all good

MARKET TRENDS

WO O D L A N D WO N D E R HOOK ‘EM Gold antlers hook, $27.99, The Station 603, 603 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, 315-682-8741, thestation603.com.

DULY NOTED Woodland notecards, $12 for pack of 4, Skaneateles 300, 2 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-1133, skaneateles300.com.

DAILY GRIND Wood pepper grinder, $36.95, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden, 59 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5803.

NUTS ABOUT THESE Acorn candlesticks, $60 for set, The Station 603.

ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT Wood slice wall art by Happy Little Scenes, $30, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile, 217 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, 315-546-4919, wildflowersarmory.com.

BIRD’S THE WORD Handmade birdhouse, $61.99, The Station 603.

MARK MY WORDS Mushroom Cove bookmarks, $23 for five, Paola Kay Gifts, 105 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville, 315-632-2192, paolakaygifts.com.

OUT ON A LIMB Table lamp, $229, M. Graham Interiors, 309 Vine Street, Suite 3, Liverpool, 315-440-6637, mgrahaminteriors.com.

LOG IN Ceramic log sculpture by Linda Malik, $195, Salt City Artisans, 226 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse, 315-479-0400, saltcityartisans.com.

GNOME PLACE LIKE HOME Glass ornament by Random Acts of Craft, $22.50, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

THIS BUD’S FOR YOU Glass mushroom bud vases, $14 and $22, Olive + Fern, 19 North Street, Marcellus, 315-200-2464, shopolivefern.com.

HUNT AND GATHER Cookbook, $35, The Local Branch, 4 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, thelocalbranch.co.

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE Grapefruit pine candle, $43, Nest58, 58 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-685-5888, nest58.com.

NOT FAR FROM THE TREE Acorn and pinecone stoneware trinket dishes, $8 each, Synple, 70 Main Street, Camillus, 585-615-3934, shopsynple.com.

LEAFY LOOK Desoto Leaf Print long sleeve, $175, Mr. Shop, 259 W. Fayette Street, Syracuse, 315-478-3938, mrshopsyracuse.com.

STAG PARTY Small tray, $28, The Savage Homestead, 3 Fennell Street in the Old Stone Mill, Skaneateles, thesavagehomestead.com.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

23

It’s all good

MARKET TRENDS

M O S S & M U S TA R D

CAP IT OFF Camp hat with leather patch, $32, The Local Branch

SET DOWN ROOTS Feldberg large pot, $44, Inspired, 7468 Oswego Road, Liverpool, 315-622-3000, inspired-vhd.com.

A HANDLE ON IT Daily Pretty vase, $81, Skaneateles 300.

CARRY ON Handmade Classic Carryall Tote in Adirondack green leather, $256, The Local Branch.

HITS THE SPOT Green dot serving bowl with spoon, $65, Fringed Benefits, 6825 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, 315-802-4353, fringedbenefitsdesign.com.

MUG SHOT 12 oz. camp mug, $25, Skaneateles 300.

FLY HIGH Trinket tray, $18, Nest58.

MAXI-MUM STYLE Ruffled sleeveless green dress, $80, Synple.

24

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

KNIT WIT Throw, $32, Inspired.

TEE TIME The Little Tee in safari, $105, Skaneateles 300.

SPIN A YARN Earrings by Hilos de Vicky, $12, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

COMING IN CLUTCH Wristlet/crossbody, $27.95, Two Twisted Sisters, 25 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, 315-638-1955, oliveseaterybville.com.

BOWLED OVER Glass bowl, $94, Mixed Methods, 215 E. Water Street Rear, Syracuse, 315-399-1766, letsgetmixed.com.

ON THE FRINGE Fringed pillows, $43 each, M. Graham Interiors.

NAILED IT Glam and Grace nail polish, $10, Homie, 68 Main Street, Camillus, 315-663-4034, homieish.com.

TIE ONE ON Bandanas, $14 each, Inspired.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

25

It ’s all good

MARKET TRENDS

TA I L G AT E T I M E THEY’RE LITTLE FOOTBALLS Earrings by Clay & Confetti Co., $12, BeeKind, 118 Milton Avenue, Syracuse, 315-299-6073, beekindsyracuse.com.

WOOD YOU BELIEVE Wooden sign, $7.99, Witty Wicks, 190 Township Boulevard, Camillus, 315-672-3110, wittywicks.com.

SOCK IT TO ME Old School crew socks, $12, Homie.

SWEATER WEATHER Sweater, $128, Fashion Rescue 911 Boutique, 52 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville, 315-857-6690, fashionrescue911.com.

CHIP IN Chip and Dip pinstripes, $56, with football mini, $14.50, Witty Wicks.

STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE CapaBunga winestopper, $7.99, Paola Kay Gifts.

CLEAR MOTIVE Drew clear crossbody, $52, J Michael, 173 Marshall Street, Syracuse, 315-471-4237, jmichaelshoes.com.

26

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CONDIMENTS TO THE CHEF Grill and Wing Squeeze sauce, $10.50, Rhubarb Kitchen and Garden.

COOL AND THE GANG Shorebag insulated cooler, $100, 20|East, 85 Albany Street, Cazenovia, 315-815-4540, 20-east.com.

WE HAVE THE MEATS Beef jerky, $12 each, Drooz + Company, 36 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, 315-920-8888, droozandcompany.com.

FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT Hot sauce trio, $15.99 for three 2 fl. oz bottles, The Gift Box Shoppe.

SWEET SIPPER Lemoncella glass, $22, Cella V Boutique, 8395 Oswego Road, Liverpool, 315-430-4093, cellavboutique.com.

SPICE THINGS UP Old Bay caramel popcorn, $12 for 11 oz. bucket, Drooz + Company.

S10506508-04

COASTERING THROUGH LIFE Coaster by Johanna Wall, $6 each or 4 for $20, Wildflowers at the McCarthy Mercantile.

GOING SOLO Bar towel, $18, Nest58.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

27

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Good news BEHIND THE SCENES • CAUGHT DOING GOOD • THE SEEN

PRIDE OF PLACE In June, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) unveiled a Central New York license plate featuring the Landmark Theatre’s art deco-inspired marquee, installed in late 2021. DMV commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a statement that the images on the new regional plates were a way for drivers to “show pride for the place they live.”

The Landmark symbolizes the importance of theater to New York state, as well as the rich history of theater in Syracuse and the legacy of this specific building: a National Register of Historical Places listee, the last remaining 1920s-era theater downtown and the largest proscenium theater in the area. The theater remains because locals were committed to keeping its lights on and investing in its future.

“It is a case study of what we can do when the community says, ‘this is something that we PHOTOS BY SUSAN SANTOLA, NY DMV

value and this is something that we want to accomplish,’” says Mike Intaglietta, executive director of the Landmark.

In all, 14 regional designs were issued by the DMV. For more information: dmv.ny.gov/plates/ learn-about-picture-and-professional-plates

Good news

BEHIND THE SCENES

Eric Hart holds the First Light flag, now the official flag of the City of Syracuse.

WAVE THE FLAG Syracuse’s new symbol of civic pride

BY NORAH MACHIA

the city’s former flag, created in 1915.

30

clean-ups and Earth Day events.

“The idea of building an independent committee from community members, and then an eventual public vote on a few

With the support of city officials, Adapt CNY started the grass-

semifinalists, felt like it was the best way to have buy-in from

roots effort for a new flag nearly two years ago. “Volunteers put

the public on a new flag,” Frasier says. Having the process con-

a lot of hours into this project, and they were really passion-

ducted by a nonprofit volunteer group, as opposed to paying a

ate about it,” says Andrew Frasier, an Adapt CNY member and

designer, helped the organization deliver a new flag to the City

project volunteer. “We received entries from all over the world.”

of Syracuse at no cost, Frasier adds.

Adapt CNY is a community organization which focuses on

Organizers asked participants to submit information about

making Syracuse a more vibrant place to live, work and play.

their designs, including what Syracuse meant to them, and how

The nonprofit has been involved with a number of initiatives

their design choices reflected the city’s past, present and future.

over the years, from large-scale undertakings such as the rede-

They also encouraged simple symbols and colors. Frasier says,

velopment of the Pike Block and bringing bike- and scooter-shar-

“We wanted something that a child could draw from memory.”

ing to Syracuse, to smaller-scale projects including community

The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), an

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC HART

The Syracuse Common Council officially adopted the First Light flag, designed by city native Eric Hart, in June. It replaced

international scholarly organization dedicated to the study of flags, was an invaluable resource

The meaning behind the shapes and colors

for the committee. It states in no uncertain terms

S TA R S E T B E T W E E N T R I A N G L E S

“what is good flag design and what is bad flag de-

» Symbolizes the sunrise over the Onondaga Valley. This is described in a line from Syracuse University’s Alma Mater, ”…where the vale of Onondaga meets the Eastern sky.” Represents a new day, a bright future and good fortunes ahead.

sign,” says Frasier. The previous flag fell under the latter category.

Hart, a graduate of Corcoran High School and

COLORS

Onondaga Community College, earned a bachelor’s degree in communications design from Syracuse University. For the past 13 years, he has

ORANGE: The Sun,

lived in New York City and Tokyo, working as a

Regeneration, Restoration, Courage, Passion, Creativity

senior designer and art director on digital marketing projects for companies such as Disney+, HBO Max, AT&T, Coca-Cola and Kraft.

Last fall, Hart was working in his Tokyo apart-

AZURE BLUE: Onondaga

ment when he came across an Instagram post by

Lake, the Erie Canal, Perseverance, Intelligence

Adapt CNY calling for new City of Syracuse flag design submissions.

“I started sketching that night,” says Hart. “I decided if I still had that same momentum in the morning, I would follow through with it.” The project was personally meaningful to him as well — Hart and his wife had just made plans to move back to Syracuse by early 2024.

Because this was his first time designing a flag, Hart turned to the NAVA organization for guidance, striving for a design that would meet their guidelines, but also “set a fire within me,” he says.

“I wanted a design that would represent Syracuse as a whole, and be symbolic of its land, its people, its hope and dreams.”

Hart says he spent many hours studying the

S I X - P O I N T E D S TA R » The Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee, of which the Onondaga Nation plays a central role. » The six historical names by which Syracuse has been known, Salt Point, Webster’s Landing, Bogardus Corners, Milan, South Salina, and Cossitt’s Corners. » The sun, a guiding light. Its central placement on the flag marks Syracuse’s central location in New York state.

NAVY BLUE: The hills of

Onondaga, Trust, Loyalty, Industriousness

WHITE: Salt, Snow,

Peace, Purity

MIRRORED TRIANGLES » The hills of Onondaga. The word onoñda’gega’ means, “people of the hills” in the Onondaga language. The left triangle is the hill westward toward Hiawatha Lake. The right triangle is the hill eastward toward Thornden Park. The space between the triangles is the Onondaga Valley.

historic and cultural significance of the symbols and colors for the flag. The designer’s passion for



For more information: firstlightflag.com

his hometown was a driving force in guiding his choices. He did a “massive amount of research online” about flag design and Syracuse history,

two triangles represent the hills of Onondaga Valley and oth-

and the Onondaga Historical Association and

ers throughout the area.

the Onondaga Nation provided a wealth of back-

SOURCE: FIRSTLIGHTFLAG.COM

ground information.

Different themes inspired a mix of colors, creating a poignant tribute to the city. Hart decided the star should be orange to

“I actually did 270 iterations of the flag under

symbolize the sun and restoration. Although the color is often

multiple themes,” says Hart, noting he used spe-

associated with Syracuse University, “the orange in the flag is

cific categories, such as geography, and whittled

representative of all the people, culture and traditions of Syr-

them down with input from friends and family.

acuse,” Hart says.

For the center of the flag, he chose a six-point-

The azure blue triangle reflects Onondaga Lake and a theme

ed orange star to celebrate the six nations of the

of perseverance, while the navy blue triangle reflects the On-

Haudenosaunee (which includes the Onondaga

ondaga hills and a theme of industriousness. The white trian-

Nation) and the six historical names used in the

gle symbolizes salt, snow and peace.

past to identify the city of Syracuse. The flag’s

Developing a separate credo for the flag was also critical for the SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

31

Good news

BEHIND THE SCENES

design process, Hart says. “It gave me

who sell their products at Wildflowers Armory,

a better sense of direction and helped

a local artist collective, include the First Light

guide me to the final design. I used those

flag design in their stained glass, soaps and ear-

words to create the visual.” The name

rings, to name a few.

for the flag came from the credo, Hart

“The possibilities are endless,” says Frasier.

adds. The First Light credo, which is on

For example, local breweries could incorpo-

his website, “pulls together the symbol-

rate the design on a beer label, or tattoo artists

ism of the flag into a narrative,” he says.

could add it to their collections.

Participants submitted nearly 300

Hart’s website also includes an online store to

designs for the new City of Syracuse

purchase the new flag, and a variety of customized

flag. A 15-member volunteer committee

items with its design, including bumper stick-

reviewed the entries, selecting four finalists

ers, buttons, patches, coffee mugs and t-shirts.

for a public vote. After tallying nearly

Believing that everyone deserves to see them-

1,500 votes, Hart’s winning design was

selves represented in the city’s flag, Hart also

announced on June 14, Flag Day. The contest organizers are hoping the

designed different First Light flag versions for

A page from Hart’s notebook showing some of his original design sketches.

the LGBTQ+ community and for communi-

public will take the winning design and run

ties of color.

with it. “Our work was not finished after the flag was approved,”

“The design really focuses on the positive aspects of the

says Frasier. “We’re now trying to build momentum to promote it.”

city, and we’d like to see the flag everywhere,” says Frasier. “It’s

The First Light flag design “belongs to the public” and may be

uniquely Syracuse and could be used in so many ways to show

replicated by anyone, he says. Frasier is hoping to see artisans

pride in the city.”

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32

Please call for more info on these trips — 800-451-1570

More trips being added...

7659 North Street Road • PO Box 277 • Auburn, NY 13021 • www.onondagacoach.com

Watch the website or call the office!

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Good news

CAUGHT DOING GOOD

Katy Sue Moses, pictured at her Marcellus home, founded The Cool Head Project, an organization that helps offset the cost of a scalp-cooling cap for chemotherapy patients.

KEEPING IT COOL Friendship inspires a Marcellus woman to help others fight chemotherapy-induced hair loss

Katy Sue Moses loves to laugh. About everything. Even can-

accompanied her friend to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in

cer — if she must. “What else are you gonna do?” says the Mar-

Boston where Formoza received chemotherapy while using a

cellus skier, recruiter, wife and mother of two teens.

scalp-cooling cap by Paxman. The Paxman machine, in essence,

When her dear friend Liz Formoza was battling cancer four

freezes the hair follicles so the toxic chemicals can’t penetrate,

years ago, doctors told Formoza treatment had to stop because

thus prohibiting or limiting hair loss, a common side effect of

Formoza’s bilirubin count was too high for her liver to handle

chemotherapy. Patients wear the cap for a half-hour before,

the therapy. Moses and Formoza laughed out loud at the silly-

during treatment and for about an hour after chemotherapy.

sounding word for pigment formed when your body breaks down

Being able to keep her hair during years of treatments helped

red blood cells. “To us it sounded like the name of a bartender:

Formoza maintain a sense of normal at home and at work, says

Billy Rubin. ‘To hell with the drunk bartender!’ we’d cry,” laughs

Moses. “It helped her feel in control in an uncontrollable time.”

Moses as she wipes away tears while retelling the story. Despite

When Formoza’s treatments were moved to Syracuse in 2019,

the odds, Formoza got her bilirubin to a sufficient level, continued

the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Upstate University Hospital’s

treatment, and lived and laughed for another year.

Upstate Cancer Center and Paxman teamed up to ensure For-

“Liz was all love, light and positivity,” says Moses, who often

moza and other Central New Yorkers received the area’s first SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTO BY SUSAN KENNEDY

BY SUSA N K E N N E DY

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

33

Good news

CAUGHT DOING GOOD

Paxman machine. The treatment is expensive and not widely covered by commercial insurance, so Moses, Formoza and friends got to work.

They formed a charity, The Cool Head Project, through the Upstate Foundation to raise money to offset costs for any patient who wishes to use the machine during therapy. Awareness of the cooling cap was very low, remembers Moses, and she set out to spread the word.

“There was nothing I could do for Liz medically,” says Moses, and the community was already covering meal trains and carpools for her four children.

“So when Liz was really sick I developed the Cool Head’s website, had the logo created, got posters made, planned a fundraising event.” Moses is the youngest of seven siblings and says she’s always been independent and action oriented. “If I want something done, I just do it.”

Moses now markets The Cool Head Project through speaking engagements, television segments and community events. As of mid-July, The Cool Head Project has funded treatment for 71 patients. Per-patient costs are capped at $2,200.

Above, Moses, center, and her friends Gina Powell, left, and Liz Formoza, right, make the most of shopping for wigs for Liz during her cancer treatments. Left, Moses uses the Paxman scalp cooling machine during one of her 16 rounds of chemotherapy.

“She is totally selfless,” says Eileen Pezzi of Moses.

Pezzi is vice president for development at Upstate Medical University and executive director of the Upstate Foundation. “She is diligent in her efforts to raise money, providing oversight of the fund itself…always wanting to know how many patients it has helped, what types of cancer they had. Katy is motivated by her friendship with Liz, which has proven to be a powerful force.”

Moses said goodbye to her friend Formoza in February 2020, about a month before The Cool Head Project’s first scheduled event. Less than two years later, in November 2021, Moses was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer.

“It’s an odd thing to say but I have always known that I was going to have cancer,” Moses says. Her father died of cancer when she was 9. Her brother bullet for a long time and it finally got me.”

Now, after 16 rounds of chemotherapy — all while using the Paxman scalp treatment she helped bring to town — two surgeries and 28 radiation treatments, Moses is cancer free. “I was so lucky,” she says. “Because of Liz, my father, my brother, everything I had seen and learned, I knew so much [about treating cancer].” Moses sometimes helped 34

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER



For more information: visit thecoolheadproject.org or search The Cool Head Project on Facebook.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATY SUE MOSES

died of cancer in 2017. “It’s like I’ve been dodging a

“She is diligent in her efforts to raise money, providing oversight of the fund itself … always wanting to know how many patients it has helped, what types of cancer they had.

Eileen Pezzi, vice president for development at Upstate Medical University and executive director of the Upstate Foundation, of Moses

the nurses set up the Paxman. “I told ‘em, ‘I had a friend

helped her hair grow back faster and thicker. “My

who used this. Let me show you.’ The irony, right?”

hair’s healthier than it’s ever been!” Another perk

Though other patients have not had bad reactions,

is that patients using the Paxman endure chemo-

Moses didn’t take well to the scalp-cooling treatment

therapy in a private room rather than a group set-

at first. The intense cold hurt and a terrible headache

ting. “My husband was always with me. He could sit

made her sick to her stomach. Nurses adjusted medi-

there and work and we could talk. Or a friend could

cations so Moses could tolerate the Paxman through-

be with me,” she says.

out her treatments.

Moses brushes off any talk that she is unique and

In spite of the cooling cap, Moses lost her hair due

generous for creating The Cool Head Project to help

to four rounds of a particularly toxic chemotherapy

others in CNY. “No, no, no,” she pushes back. “It’s

commonly called the “Red Devil.” Moses continued

not special. Billions of people are doing good things

using the cap, as recommended by the manufactur-

all the time.” Thankfully for cancer patients in our

er, and says the protection it gave her hair follicles

region, Moses chose to do her good thing right here.

HIKING?

Check your dog for ticks after your hike.

Most dogs have protection from Lyme disease but they can still carry ticks into your home.

S10599820-03

S10697294-01

Learn about Lyme at cnyLymeAlliance.org

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

35

Good news

THE SEEN

JUNE 6

Syracuse Challenger Baseball Opening Ceremony

1

An energetic ceremony kicked off Syracuse Challenger Baseball’s season.

The largest Little League Challenger division in the U.S. serves people with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. Executive Director Dom Cambareri announced a $5 million campaign to expand the accessible Carrier Park “Field of Dreams” into a six-diamond, all-inclusive Superfield.

Players and coaches selected to represent the team in the Little League World Series were revealed. Singer Steven Page performed the national anthem and lobbyist Kayla McKeon, a team alum, gave the keynote.

2

3

1. Challenger Baseball player Jackson Arment and Jim Boeheim.

PHOTOS BY HERM CARD

2. Executive Director Dom Cambareri with Laura and John Lally.

3. Challenger Assistant Coach Antonio Cambareri and SU Men’s Basketball head coach Adrian Autry.

Advanced Hearing Aid Centers of CNY, Inc. You’re not just buying hearing aids. It’s the time we spend to ensure a successful fitting.

49 years combined experience

A hearing aid, by definition, is a medical device. Hearing aids are federally regulated, and the professionals fitting the devices are licensed by state agencies.

We provide a level of care reflecting the continuing education, experience, and qualifications needed to satisfy state and federal requirements.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Tina Moseuk, H.I.S. Hearing Instrument Specialist

17 yrs. experience S10509240-05

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

37

Good news

THE SEEN

J U LY 2 0

2nd Annual CEO Soak The CEO Soak raised funds and awareness for the ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter. More than 30 soakees jumped in the Clinton Square fountain in full business attire. Kristin Schneider, Western New York development manager for the ALS Association, says “it’s a Community Engagement Opportunity” open to all.

The event was inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, the results of which have fueled major progress in increased awareness, advocacy and drug development for the progressive neurodegenerative disease ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Jeff Ballard, of the Canandaigua area, is living with ALS and spoke at the event, thanking participants. The spectacle raised over $31,000. Advance Media New York (editor’s note: our owner and publisher) and Geddes Federal Savings and Loan were sponsors.

2023 Schedule

Come Walk through History with Us! 3 Unique Museums ~ 1 Price!

New & Expanded Exhibits

Brockway Trucks  Military Memorabilia Model Trains & Railroad History Local History  Agricultural Heritage Vintage Tractors and More!

Something for Everyone

Coming in 2023 ~ Antique Firehouse Museum Exhibit

Handicapped Accessible Plenty of Parking

Last Admission is 4:00 PM

We Offer a Spacious and Clean, Family Friendly Facility!

Groups of 10 or More are Welcome Anytime

by Appointment Ask about Discounted Rates and Meal Packages For More Information and Our Schedule of Popular Fall Events: Visit our Website or Facebook Page

Planning a Function or a Meeting?

Ask about Rental Spaces

4386 US Route 11 South  Cortland, NY

607-299-4185  www.cnylivinghistory.org  info@cnylivinghistory.org S10501316-05

38

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

This year’s CEO Soak, which has grown to include more than chief executives, had more than 30 business leaders, employees and supporters participate in the event, which helps keep the cause top of mind in the community.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS NETT

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Central New York

We will be Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Malmgren Concert Series of Hendricks Chapel presents

TAMAR GREENE A Broadway actor, Greene currently plays the part of George Washington in the hit musical Hamilton.

Sunday | Sept. 17 | 4 PM at Hendricks Chapel There is no cost to attend. Free parking is available.

Please visit chapel.syracuse.edu for more information about this and other concerts in the series.

For more info:

chapel.syracuse.edu | 315.443.2901

S10702105-01

Good news

THE SEEN

J U LY 1 5

Syracuse Nationals The Syracuse Nationals, the largest car show in the Northeast, roared into the New York State Fairgrounds from July 14-16. The event featured classic cars, vendors, food, fireworks, live music and entertainment and much more. Thousands braved a hot and humid weekend to attend the event, which offered attendees

PHOTOS BY SCOTT SCHILD

respites from the heat including pop-up shade tents and inflatable pools near campers.

40

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

GET THE

UPSTATE ADVANTAGE FOR BREAST CANCER CARE

At Upstate, every patient with breast cancer is reviewed by a team of experts, all who focus on you and your type of cancer.

Advantages from these trained specialists mean that you have the most personalized approach, with many services found nowhere else in Central New York.

Visit our website or call 315-464 HOPE (4673) and learn what THE UPSTATE ADVANTAGE can do for you.

THE UPSTATE ADVANTAGE SYRACUSE • ONONDAGA HILL • OSWEGO • VERONA • AUBURN

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S10699643-01

SHOW ’EM W H AT W E ’ R E M A D E O F Upstate museums highlighting examples of Empire State ingenuity

BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN

NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER & LUCILLE BALL DESI ARNAZ MUSEUM

New York is overflowing with incredible museums that showcase the stories of significant people, places and things that have made history. Unique foods, history, pop culture icons and impressive inventions have all been memorialized in exhibits in museums scattered across the state.

This fall, get on the road and discover some of the special museum experiences across Upstate New York.

One of the newest and most unique museums in New York shines the spotlight on famous comedians who continue to make us laugh. Located in Jamestown, birthplace of Lucille Ball, the National Comedy Center opened in August 2018 and has won numerous awards since. One of the most interactive museums, visitors start by getting microchipped wristbands which tailor their experiences throughout the museum to their personal comedic profiles. The exhibits are dedicated to famous comics, TV shows, movies, comic strips, internet memes, comedy props, late night TV and so much more. Guests can watch clips from their favorite comedies, draw their own comics strips and perform their own stand-up performances.

Just around the corner from the National Comedy Center is the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. A fabulous tribute to the infamous comedic couple, the museum showcases their stories before, during and after “I Love Lucy.” Set replicas from the famous show are displayed throughout the museum and guests can take photos as if they were in the scenes.

Dual admission tickets give visitors entrance to both attractions. Together, the museums host the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival every year in August.

203 W. Second Street Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-2222, comedycenter.org

» Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum 2 W. Third Street Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-0800, lucy-desi.com

PHOTO BY DAVID LASSMAN

» National Comedy Center

KAZOO FACTORY, MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP OF EDEN While the kazoo has roots going back to Georgia in the 1800s, the modern — and first metal — kazoo was actually created in Buffalo.

George D. Smith patented this kazoo in 1902, and in 1916, the Original American Kazoo Company opened in Eden, south of Buffalo.

Over a century later, the factory is still in operation and is the only metal kazoo factory in North America. The machines that the kazoos are made on today are the same 1907 die presses used when the building housed a sheet metal workshop.

The accompanying museum and gift shop, which features toys, books, apparel and accessories in addition to kazoos, are open Tuesday through Thursday. Visitors can learn about the history of kazoos, see an impressive collection of the musical instrument in different shapes, sizes and materials and even make their own kazoos. » Kazoo Factory, Museum, & Gift Shop of Eden 8703 S. Main Street Eden, NY 14057 716-992-3960, edenkazoo.com

J E L L- O G A L L E R Y

A century after its creation, the museum was opened in LeRoy to celebrate the dessert, known for its low cost and ease of preparation. Visitors to the museum can see artifacts from the company’s history, discover random trivia about Jell-O and vote for their favorite flavors and recipes. » Jell-O Gallery 23 E. Main Street LeRoy, NY 14482 585-768-7433, jellogallery.org

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PHOTOS BY SCOTT SCHILD

While experimenting with ingredients for a cough remedy in 1897, Pearle Wait combined gelatin with fruit flavors and discovered what we know today as Jell-O. The carpenter from LeRoy then sold the recipe to Orator Frank Woodward two years later, with the hopes that he would be able to market the dessert.

As you can guess, Woodward was successful in establishing Jell-O’s popularity with the slogan “There’s always room for Jell-O.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EASTMAN MUSEUM

EASTMAN MUSEUM New York native George Eastman is regarded as the pioneer of the modern camera. Eastman developed technology that allowed him to patent and release the first Kodak camera in 1888. Since then, Eastman and Kodak have been synonymous with photography and cinematography advances. The history of Kodak technology is now on permanent display at Eastman Museum in Rochester, the oldest photography museum in the world. Opened in 1949, the museum is housed in Eastman’s former Colonial Revival mansion. Visitors can walk through the hallways admiring both the changes in film and camera technology over the past 140 years and the beautifully restored mansion. The collection includes some of the most important examples of 19th- and 20th-century photography. The museum is also home to the Dryden Theatre, screening notable films from past and present, a library of literature on photography and cinema and a seasonal gingerbread gallery. » Eastman Museum 900 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 585-327-4800, eastman.org

BETHEL WOODS CENTER FOR THE ARTS While most people know that the famous Woodstock music festival was held in New York in 1969, many folks do not know that there is a museum at that site dedicated to the music of the 1960s. Inside the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, visitors will be transported back in time, surrounded by the sounds of the decade in multimedia exhibits and interactive displays. A new augmented reality tour of the site, narrated by Nick and Bobbi Ercoline — the quilt-covered couple featured on the cover of the Woodstock album, provides an immersive experience. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

The venue is also home to a beautiful amphitheater, which hosts numerous concerts and other events throughout the year. » Bethel Woods Center for the Arts 200 Hurd Road Bethel, NY 12720 bethelwoodscenter.org/museum

ALL THINGS OZ MUSEUM

The volunteer-run museum showcases several of Baum’s works, with a strong focus on his most famous piece. With over 15,000 pieces of Oz paraphernalia in the collection, roughly 1,500 pieces are on display. The artifacts include costumes from the original film, Judy Garland’s autograph and props from several Oz film remakes. Baum’s Bazaar, a gift shop, is stocked with Oz-themed accessories, books, prints and home goods. All Things Oz Museum is also known for its yearly Oz-Stravaganza festival held every June. » All Things Oz Museum 219 Genesee Street Chittenango, NY 13037 315-687-7772, allthingsoz.org

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETHEL WOODS CENTER, GARY WALTS

In the village of Chittenango, visitors can physically follow the yellow brick road, and that road (sidewalk) will lead them to the All Things Oz Museum, dedicated to the life of L. Frank Baum and his stories about The Wizard of Oz. Born and raised in Chittenango, Baum published hundreds of novels, poems and short stories, including 14 in the Oz series.

SAFE HAVEN HOLOCAUST REFUGEE SHELTER MUSEUM The United States’ only shelter for refugees in World War II was located at Fort Ontario in Oswego. In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a document allowing 1,000 refugees to come to the United States seeking freedom and safety.

Two months later, 982 refugees made their way to Oswego.

Mostly from Yugoslavia and Eastern Europe, the lucky ones were chosen based on their skills to build a new community at the fort. Once their month-long quarantine ended, the immigrants built a thriving community, intertwining with the locals. In the end, over 900 of the refugees chose to stay in the United States to continue building their new lives.

SKÄ•NOÑH – GREAT LAW OF PEACE CENTER Located in the heart of New York state, the Great Law of Peace Center celebrates the history of the Indigenous people who first settled in the area and the impacts the Haudenosaunee people had on our modern way of life. Its site at Onondaga Lake in Syracuse is considered sacred to the Haudenosaunee people, as it was the meeting place of three Indigenous leaders — the Peacemaker, Hiawatha and the Tadodaho (chief). The museum’s name, Skä•noñh, represents its history with the meaning “peace and wellness.”

In 2002, volunteers transformed the fort’s gate house into a museum to honor Safe Haven’s refugee population. Visitors can meander through artifacts from the refugees, including dolls, clothing, photos, books and newspapers. Videos and audio clips document firsthand accounts of life at the fort.

Now Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center serves to honor the Onondaga Nation through native artifacts, miniature reproductions of longhouses and permanent and temporary exhibitions about the Creation and Haudenosaunee culture and philosophy.

» Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum

» Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center 6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway Liverpool, NY 13088 315-453-6767, skanonhcenter.org

PHOTOS BY DANIELLE BENJAMIN

22 Barbara Donahue Drive Oswego, NY 13126 315-342-3003, safehavenmuseum.com

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LOCAL ARTISTS TURN TRASH INTO USEFUL HOME GOODS AND UNIQUE GIFTS

Norine LeClair turns sweaters and quilts into precious characters like Potter, Punky Booster, Santa and Cotter.

For the love of

JUNK

BY ALLISON KENIEN | PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH

Mandy Walts started jumping into dumpsters when she was working in construction more than 15 years ago. She noticed that usable wood and other building materials were being thrown away. She took supplies out of the dumpsters and brought them to her home in Weedsport where she incorporated them into craft projects like photo blocks, bottle cap charms and home decor to sell on Etsy.

Eventually those dumpster dives turned into paychecks that

Repurposing the bike parts eliminated the cost of buying new

let Walts and her husband rely on their upcycling business, Waste

materials, plus the environmental benefits appealed to Nieder-

Not Recycled Art, as a sole source of income for their family of five.

hoff, so he launched his business, Upcycling4ACause. He learned

Walts’ business taps into the sustainable living movement

to clean and degrease parts and began crafting them into new

that’s happening across the world and right here in Central

treasures. From a pile of bike chains, gears, wheels and rims,

New York. As sustainability trends spread, large corporations

Niederhoff can make candelabras, tables and statues.

are publicizing their efforts to be more eco-friendly, as seen by

As business took off, Niederhoff found that people were hap-

Kroger’s release of upcycled bread and Coach’s production of

py to supply him with used bike parts. Bike shops like Mello

upcycled handbags. For big businesses, the motivation to go

Velo and Advance Cyclery set aside boxes of trashed gear, and

green might involve ethics, public perception or other causes,

friends and neighbors brought him their scraps and recyclables.

but for local CNY artists, the reasons tend to be more personal.

“I’ve really enjoyed feeling this community of people helping

Rob Niederhoff of Liverpool turned to zero-waste crafts to

me out and in a small way reducing our collective waste stream,”

raise money to support a teenage girl his family adopted from

Niederhoff says. “Throwing things out is so unimaginative!”

Ukraine. Since Niederhoff’s wife enjoys sewing, she was already

Reducing waste by upcycling and repurposing creates benefits

fundraising by selling handmade goods and Niederhoff wanted

that stretch way beyond the environment. The practice breathes

to find a way to make his own creations.

new life into used goods and keeps stories alive. That continu-

“I am an avid cyclist and I like to build up and maintain my

ity is at the heart of Norine LeClair’s business, REFORMiTee.

bikes, so I had spare parts in the basement,” Niederhoff says.

From her home in Syracuse, LeClair converts old t-shirts,

“My wife kindly suggested I could make something out of that

sweaters and coats into stuffed animals, quilts and other textile

‘bike junk.’”

arts. Each project captures a story, memory or personality. One

Mandy Walts’ products include photo blocks, collage cubes and home decor made with upcycled fabrics.

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Below, a Green Velo Dragon by Rob Niederhoff. Right, a wire tree with soda can leaves by Mandy Walts. Bottom, a bike wheel table by Niederhoff.

customer asked her to convert a father’s wool plaid bathrobe into 15 birds for his family members. Another person asked her to weave 35 Bob Dylan t-shirts into a quilt. She had a request to turn a man’s bow tie collection into pillows, and one woman wanted to transform her wedding dress into a teddy bear for her daughter.

Often LeClair’s creations include extra embellishments like old-fashioned buttons, vintage jewelry or antique toys. She finds these gems at thrift stores or estate sales.

Antique marketplaces are hot spots for artists who work with second-hand materials, like Mary Matthews, owner of Bird on a Wire Crafts. Based in Nedrow, Matthews salvages vintage silverware from across Central New York and shapes it into necklaces, rings, bracelets, windchimes and other gifts.

The intricate vintage designs serve as the perfect springboard for elegant accessories. For example, a fork handle that’s etched with flowers, shells or bees may be converted into a pendant or earrings.

“My materials are things that often have little relevance in our modern lifestyles, but I love to take many of those items and give them contemporary relevance while appreciating and respecting the energy and craftsmanship that went into the original design,” says Matthews.

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Her work rejuvenates old-fashioned styles, showing that outdated everyday items can be made fresh again.

Ultimately, that’s the creative spirit that energizes the artists who use upcycled and repurposed materials, and they love to share their passion with others. Walts and Niederhoff have led art classes that teach local residents to create beautiful, usable items from “junk.”

Walts works at a school in Tompkins County where her students are uncovering resources that hide in a pile of trash. Instead of throwing away antiquated jewelry, they have learned to deconstruct it and use the materials for a new project. The students have made tote bags from used t-shirts, and they built wire trees by punching leaves out of Mountain Dew cans.

Niederhoff also teaches upcycling workshops across the region including regular sessions at the Montessori School of Syracuse where he’s taught kids how to make wearable accessories from bike inner tubes and how to make thread from two-liter soda bottles. Niederhoff likes sharing his creations with people of all ages, and he recently branched out into teaching adults with a bike chain art workshop offered at the Liverpool Library.

Niederhoff says his students get excited about creative crafts that help us live more sustainably, and sometimes students leave the sessions hoping to make more objects with scrap material at home.

“I’m reducing waste in a tiny way,” Niederhoff says.

Perhaps the work of one person alone is a tiny contribution as Niederhoff says, but the impact is much bigger when you consider the collective of artists, students and customers who are supporting sustainability. Our climate-conscious neighbors are reducing waste together, and that’s a contribution that stretches far beyond Central New York.

Steampunk birds by REFORMiTee’s Norine LeClair. Top, Slick; bottom, Meeting Adjourned.

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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Mandy Walts Waste Not Recycled Art, wastenotrecycledart.com Rob Niederhoff Upcycling4ACause, etsy.com/shop/upcycling4acause Norine LeClair REFORMiTee, facebook.com/REFORMiTee Mary Matthews Bird on a Wire Crafts, birdonawirecrafts.com

Clockwise from left, Sing Me a Rainbow windchime, Sterling Brilliant Cut Spiral Ring and Magnetic Clasp bracelet #31402 by Mary Matthews, Bird on a Wire.

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A RT F O R A L L INCLUSIVE ARTS OPPORTUNITIES ALLOW EVERYONE TO SHINE

BY LORNA OPPEDISANO

Art is a tool through which we can understand the world and express ourselves. From accommodating different learning styles and abilities to providing accessible materials, these organizations recognize the value of meeting people where they are and enriching the experience for all by incorporating the talents and perspectives of marginalized groups.

A RC O F O N O N DAGA Along with a variety of services and recreational programming for people with developmental disabilities, Arc of Onondaga offers inclusive arts opportunities, including a long-standing partnership with the Redhouse Arts Center and a newly opened art studio.

The Redhouse Theatre Experience Series, a partnership between Arc and the Redhouse that spans more than 10 years, includes workshops, individualized support and their largest collaboration, annual stage productions. The rehearsals and performances take place at the Redhouse, located in downtown Syracuse.

“In recent years, the focus has moved away from larger musicals to smaller productions,” says Community Support Manager Shane Hoey. “This enables the people supported through Arc of Onondaga to have more personal-

PHOTOS BY SYRACUSE COMMUNITY CHOIR, ARC OF ONONDAGA

ized attention focused on each person’s specific interests, abilities and needs.”

Through their involvement in rehearsals, Arc actors ages 18 and older benefit in a variety of ways, including the development of improved social and communication skills.

Hoey says that while some people are part of the chorus, others have more prominent roles with speaking lines. The opportunity for this inclusion levels the playing field, he says.

Opposite, the Syracuse Community Choir in concert. Above, artist Dara Putnam works on her Ukranian sunflower.

Ron Palmatier, a performer who has been in various skits and five productions, including “Grease” and “The Little Mermaid,” says, “Three words: I. Love. It. Singing, dancing, acting and performing is something I have always wanted to do.”

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Hoey says, “This benefit — being treated the same as everyone — is invaluable.”

In June 2023, Arc expanded access by adding an art studio at their main location in Syracuse. Including a range of classes, along with open studio time, the space offers adults the chance to experience a variety of visual arts.

The goal is for everyone to participate in art, explains Art Coordinator Erica Danega. While some artists work independently, others work closely with instructors.

“Taking class makes me feel that I can go back to doing art because of the encouragement,” says Anna Carroll, an artist who draws and paints. Carroll had turned her attention away from art to other hobbies, but the support brought her back.

“To me, the focus is to make sure everyone can get a quality art experience regardless of their abilities,” Danega says.

ArtSurge is a program for teens who have been diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder. Us-

Top, interpretations of sunflowers. Above, performers on stage at the Redhouse during this June’s adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

ing art as an outlet, participants gain communication, self-expression, trust and socialization skills. “ArtSurge supports the social, creative and sensory needs of the individuals it serves by allowing participants an opportunity to understand the creative process from conception to completion,” says Hoey.

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Arc of Onondaga is hosting an art exhibit and reception on Oct. 25. For tickets, visit arcon.org.

For upcoming show information: visit theredhouse.org.

ARISE According to ARISE Chief Executive Officer Tania An-

my artwork in ‘UNIQUE Magazine’ my work is getting

derson, art is a part of everyone, and “’UNIQUE’ is all

more exposure, which has helped me a great deal,” says

about inclusion for people with disabilities and recog-

painter Constance Avery.

nizing their talents.”

at the Everson Museum of Art. The exhibit, which this

viding services that promote the inclusion of people with

year opened on Aug. 18 and closes on Sept. 24, allows

disabilities, and works to create a fair and just commu-

artists a chance to share their work with the public on a

nity in which everyone can participate fully.

larger scale. The show then travels around the commu-

The first edition of “UNIQUE Art & Literary Magazine,”

nity for several months; in the past, the works have ap-

featuring work by teens and adults with disabilities, was

peared at Syracuse Stage, Upstate hospital and at con-

published in 2001. The annual publication includes poems,

gressional offices.

paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, computer-

As the numbers of people living with a disability in-

based art and mixed-media works. Once the magazine

crease — one in five people have a disability, from those

hits shelves, readers can find it at the Everson Museum

identified at birth to those that develop throughout one’s

of Art, ARISE in Syracuse and online. “It is a wonderful

life — expanded inclusivity is important, Anderson says.

opportunity because as a visually impaired artist, I am

“You need to honor the value and contributions of every-

not able to go to galleries in different locations. By having

one to improve our community together,” Anderson says.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARC OF ONONDAGA, ARISE

Ten years later, “UNIQUE” expanded to include a show

ARISE focuses on access and independent living, pro-

For more information: visit ariseinc.org.

Left, “Emergence” by painter Constance Avery. Right, “A Story Uncontained, A Life Transformed” by Christina Papaleo.

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The ensemble of “Newsies, Jr.” performing in summer 2022.

S Y R A C U S E C H I L D R E N ’ S T H E AT R E Syracuse Children’s Theatre (SCT) has offered inclusive opportunities for more than 25 years.

“We are a completely inclusive environment where we do classes and produce shows,” says Todd Ellis, SCT Executive Director.

SCT teaches students from pre-K through 12th grade the fundamentals of theater through semester-long sessions and school break camps. Students rehearse at the SCT building in East Syracuse and programs end with performances at the Civic Center’s Carrier Theater. “SCT has been wonderfully inclusive and welcoming to our son since his first show. SCT’s staff and his theater family have been accommodating to his unique needs while also making him feel like a part of a community,” says Kobie Natoli, whose son, Rhys, has been involved in four productions.

While SCT has been inclusive since its inception, it expanded three years ago to include a part-time grant-funded Student Success Specialist position to provide necessary support to students with differing abilities or emotional needs. The inclusive environment also serves the typical population, Ellis says.

“It helps the typical students to have an understanding of the world and empathy.”

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For upcoming show information: visit sctkids.com.

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G I G I ’ S P L AY H O U S E While the stage at Gigi’s Playhouse is not open to the public, it gives performers the chance to shine in front of peers and family.

GiGi’s offers free programming to individuals with Down syndrome from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. One of the programs offered at the Syracuse location is Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP), which uses sign language and music to foster language development and emerging communication skills, aimed at children ages infant to 3. The class is held on the stage inside GiGi’s Playhouse facility, a common element in all GiGi’s locations across the country.

“Our self-advocates can perform, act and be themselves on that stage, and show everyone who they are and what they’re capable of,” says Mary-Jo Klein, GiGi’s Syracuse Board of Managers president.

Though GiGi’s was founded to serve individuals with Down syndrome and their families, Klein explains it is a safe space where anyone with disabilities is welcome.

GiGi’s Playhouse parent Amy McCarthy says of her daughter, “AnnaLaya hasn’t only excelled while being at LMNOP in her language, but it has helped her make friends forever.”

“It’s a place where they can come and be themselves,” Klein says.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SYRACUSE CHILDREN’S THEATRE, GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE



For more information: visit gigisplayhouse.org/syracuse.

Interactive Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) sessions for young children and parents pair basic sign language, music and language-based activities.

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F R O N T R O W P L AY E R S Theater is a competitive world. For performers facing physical or developmental challenges, finding an avenue to share their passion can be difficult. That is why Front Row Players was created, offering musical theater programming for adults of all abilities.

“We make it as professional as possible,” says Front Row Players Founder and President Deb Cavanagh. “It’s their show, all about them being front and center.”

Cavanagh founded Front Row Players in 2016. Weekly rehearsals for three to four months during fall and spring semesters lead up to two performances, which have been in different local venues, such as Fayetteville-Manlius High School and Temple Adath Yeshurun. In the spring, Front Row Players performed “Finding Nemo, Jr.,” to an audience of 575 people across two shows.

The shows give everyone a chance to have a meaningful role in the production. “With their support, I have gone from being shy to being able to perform in front of an audience.

And with this family, I know I will continue to grow,” says Courtney Ryan, who performed in both “Beauty and The

Top, performers in “Let’s Go to the Movies,” an original production in 2021. Above, performing “Finding Nemo Jr.”

Beast Jr.” and “Finding Nemo Jr.” “All of these actors absolutely shine on stage,” Cavanagh says.

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For upcoming show information: visit frontrowplayers.org.

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SYRACUSE COMMUNITY CHOIR The Syracuse Community Choir (SCC) has a complex definition of inclusivity and accessibility, says Executive Director Karen Mihalyi.

“It is not based on disability,” she says. “Instead, it’s based on dismantling barriers to participation for everyone.”

Founded in 1985, part of SCC’s mission is to “provide an opportunity for all people to sing.” They help their members of all ages through supports like transportation, childcare, Brailled words, large-print words and music, one-on-one support and more.

“Our intent is to try not to treat people with disabilities as ‘other’ but proceed more like the idea of ‘universal design,’ creating systems that work for everyone,” Mihalyi says. The impact of those efforts is felt by choir members. “What Syracuse Community Choir means to me is family, inclusion and friends I’ve never had,” says Carol Mowat, an alto who has sung with the choir for five years.

The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at Grace Episcopal Church and holds performances at various locations throughout the year. Mihalyi stresses SCC honors people and creates a safe space.

“Our dream is that every arts organization is accessible to everybody,” she says.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRONT ROW PLAYERS, SYRACUSE COMMUNITY CHOIR



For upcoming shows, visit syracusecommunitychoir.org.

Above and below, the Annual Summer Solstice Concert at University United Methodist Church. This year’s theme was Seeds of Transformation.

RETRO RETREAT POU R YOU R SELF A M A N H AT TA N A N D PU T A R ECOR D ON THE HI-FI. THIS IS NO OR DINARY F RO N T D O O R ; I T ’ S A P O RTA L T O T H E PA ST.

B Y B E C C A TA U R I S A N O PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT

Amanda Albert, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, and her husband, Mike Sklens, moved to Syracuse from Florida in 2021 when Mike was hired

by Syracuse University’s marketing division. They were enamored with the abundance of affordable homes in Central New York with little to no renovations made — “time capsules” as Amanda calls them. The couple found their 1962 Colonial Revival split-level in Geddes and knew it was meant to be when they saw the original pink and blue bathrooms were completely untouched.

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HOMEOWNERS MIKE SKLENS AND AMANDA ALBERT. THE 1960S DOOR KNOCKER SAYS “PEACE TO ALL WHO ENTER HERE.” DOORKNOCKERS OF THIS STYLE WERE SOLD AT WOODSTOCK.

ABOVE, A LADY HEAD VASE AND VINTAGE PYREX BOWLS ON TOP OF THE CHINA CABINET. RIGHT, THE MAIN BEDROOM, OR “BOUDOIR,” INCLUDES SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF SYROCO DECORATIVE WALL HANGINGS, INCLUDING THE FLORAL TRIPTYCH OVER THE BED.

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The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home

addition to her design business, Amandaland,

was meticulously maintained by the prior own-

she works part time at Stay Fresh Design in

ers. “Most people would probably see this house

Syracuse and is inspired by mid-20th-century

and gut it,” says Amanda. “We want to stay true

Disney illustrators and old Hollywood glamour.

to the era when it was originally built.” Amanda

“My work as a designer goes hand in hand with

and Mike intend to only use furnishings and de-

my interior design style,” she says. “Both are

cor from the home’s time period or find modern

informed by my obsession for this era.”

purchases that mimic that feel. The few updates

Amanda and Mike wanted the kitschy tone of

they have made include painting walls and re-

the house to be apparent at first glance. Amanda

placing some light fixtures.

painted the front door a shade of pink color-

Amanda grew up in Anaheim, California, in the

matched to Farrow & Ball’s Nancy’s Blushes

shadow of Disneyland and is heavily influenced

and added a 1960s door knocker. A handful of

by what she calls the cultural hangover of Disney’s

pink and blue plastic lawn flamingos reside in

popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. “The design

the landscaping.

elements of that era — diamonds, starbursts

Inside and up a short flight of stairs, the main

and Googie architecture — were everywhere

level parlor is a mid-century modern feast for

you looked in Southern California,” she says. In

the eyes. Amanda and Mike have gathered their

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

classic Lane Acclaim dark wood furniture one piece at a time from thrift stores, friends and family. In one corner, a knock-off Eames lounger sits underneath a print of an Andy Warhol tomato soup can.

Two orange leather chairs and an ottoman are tucked companionably on either side of the fireplace. On the wall behind one chair hangs a sunburst clock and above the other chair dangles a decorative mobile in the style of Mary Blair, the Disney illustrator best known for It’s a Small World. The wall color is neutral to complement the natural elements of the stonework and wood paneling.

The dining room off the parlor features a wall painted a Tiffany blue-like color that is echoed in the fabric covering the dining chairs. A chrome Stylaire bar cart shows off Amanda’s vintage glassware. The early 1960s china cabinet is filled with Syracuse China, and a gold-toned Sputnik chandelier with Westinghouse Starlight bulbs hovers over the dining table for true space-age style.

The home boasts two kitchens. The kitchen on the main level is Mike’s domain and honors his Italian roots and love of cooking with red and white accents, his copper baking mold collection and many cookbooks, both vintage and modern. A red laminate table and yellow vinyl chairs would look at home in a 1950s diner, and on the wall, decorative plates display some of the couple’s favorite locations. The red-and-white gingham window valances complete the “Italian grandmother” theme, Amanda says. This is where Mike has perfected his Bolognese sauce and chocolate chip cookie recipes.

“Now that I have a double oven, there is no going back,” he says.

At the back of the house, Amanda has filled a

ABOVE, THE BLUE LOO INCLUDES POP CULTURE NODS SUCH AS STAR WARS HAND TOWELS AND A BRITISH PHONE BOX TRASH RECEPTACLE. LEFT, TABLE AND CHAIRS IN THE MAIN KITCHEN WERE FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE FINDS. A SIDEBOARD HOLDS COOKBOOKS AND COLLECTED ITEMS.

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ON THE MANTEL, A COLLECTION OF RAINBOW SWUNG VASES, A SMALL SELECTION OF AMANDA’S LADY HEAD VASES AND A CERAMIC ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS FIGURE, IDENTICAL TO ONE MIKE HAD BEEN EYEING ON THEIR HONEYMOON TO SCOTLAND. AMANDA FOUND IT ON EBAY AND IT DATES BACK TO THE 1860S.

ABOVE, A LUCILLE BALL CATCHALL ON AMANDA’S BEDROOM VANITY. RIGHT, THE PINK LOO IN ITS WELL-MAINTAINED GLORY. OPPOSITE, THE FLORIDA ROOM FEATURES METAL PATIO FURNITURE AND A COLLECTION OF FLORIDA KITSCH.

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Florida room with lawn furniture, plants and her Florida kitsch

walls are color-matched to Farrow & Ball’s Middleton Pink and

memorabilia. The sunny yellow furniture evokes the feel of a

there are touches of ivory and gold throughout, including the

1950s motor lodge. The yellow shutters were already fixtures

bedroom set, which is reminiscent of the furniture Amanda had

in the room and Mike installed blue window boxes under the

as a child. To the right of the vanity is a sumptuous chaise lounge

kitchen-side window. The room is encased in sliding glass doors

covered in pink velvet where she likes to read. The walls are cov-

making it a perfect place to enjoy the view of the backyard. A

ered in Syroco brass decorative objects, lady head vases and nods

Dutch door leading to the kitchen adds charm.

to Crawford and burlesque star Dita Von Teese, whom Amanda

Upstairs, the primary bedroom is romantic and luxurious, in-

calls “the patron saints of this room.” The en suite bathroom is

spired by Joan Crawford’s Hollywood Regency bedroom. The

coined the “Blue Loo” because of its blue tile and fixtures, and

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

“This house fits us.

Every room has its own vibe and I love the use of color.”

Mike Sklens

TOP, STAIRS FROM THE FRONT ENTRY LEAD TO THE PARLOR. THE THREE-GLOBE PENDANT LIGHT FIXTURE IS ONE OF THE FEW UPDATES THE COUPLE HAS MADE IN THE HOUSE. ABOVE, A ROTARY PHONE AND ADDRESS BOOK SIT ON A GOSSIP BENCH IN A NOOK OUTSIDE THE PINK LOO. RIGHT, THE STYLAIRE BAR CART IN THE DINING ROOM WITH VINTAGE GLASSES, DECANTERS AND A COPPERY ICE BUCKET.

70

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

blue-and-white tiled floor.

Collections are displayed throughout the house, but in the other two bedrooms, which serve as Amanda’s office and Mike’s home office/a guest room, childhood memorabilia are presented to great effect. The couple shares a love for collecting and together they have furnished a curated, rather than cluttered, home that feels personal to both of them. And it’s not all mid-century: There are hints of modern pop culture references throughout, including a Dr. Emmett Brown Funko Pop, a Nintendo wall switch plate and a Seinfeld LEGO set.

In the hallway, another bath, or the “Pink Loo,” boasts a double vanity with pink sinks and pink laminate countertop. Vintage advertisements starring Marilyn Monroe hang on the wall. An octagonal shelf holds old perfume bottles and Avon toiletry bottles designed by Mary Blair. A vintage Dixie cup holder and Lucite hand towel ring are positioned on either side of the vanity. A stunning pink ombré diamond pattern turns the tile floor into a work of art.

The lower level of the house features a cozy wood-paneled den that reminds Amanda of the house she grew up in. A modern slate blue-gray sectional from Article matches the love seat in the parlor and makes for a comfortable lounge area where Amanda and Mike and their two Chihuahuas, Bela and Fiona, spend most of their time. Another starburst clock hangs on the wall as well as velvet paintings, artwork by Margaret Keane and a painting of the king of television, Charles Nelson Reilly. A hi-fi record player and the couple’s vintage vinyl collection are housed here as well. A minty-green powder room and the laundry room contain their own decorative touches.

The basement has been transformed into the ultimate party space featuring a red painted rattan tiki bar. The couple’s tiki mug collection fills several shelves and kitschy velvet paintings and album covers grace the walls. The downstairs kitchen ON THE LOWER, OR GROUND, LEVEL OF THE HOUSE, A MINT-GREEN POWDER ROOM IS DECORATED WITH POODLE ART AND FIGURINES.

is painted pale yellow and funky salt and pepper shakers sit on a pink shelf. A Mellow Mushroom cookware collection and canisters with shades of harvest gold and avocado green complement the wall color, wood cabinets and green laminate countertops. They love entertaining and decorating for the holidays, including Easter, Halloween and the cleverly monikered Kitsch-mas. “I want it SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

71

“I dreamed of a home to go with my life, my husband and my dogs, and now I have it.”

Amanda Albert

to feel like you are at your favorite grandparent’s

this home even before moving in and knew it was

house and you can have as much ice cream as you

the perfect one for them. “This house fits us,” says

want,” Amanda says.

Mike. “Every room has its own vibe and I love the

Growing up watching classic ‘50s and ‘60s sit-

use of color.” From the tile pattern in the bathrooms

coms, Amanda dreamed of living in a home with

to the muntins in the windows, diamonds are a

vintage appeal. As a child, she loved hunting for

design element found throughout the house, as

flea market treasures with her mother and spend-

are the colors pink and blue. Coincidentally, pink

ing time in her grandmother’s own time-capsule

and blue diamonds are featured prominently in

home. Being surrounded by vintage objects kick-

Amanda’s business logo which she developed more

started Amanda’s life-long compulsion to build

than a year prior to moving to Syracuse. “This house

collections of her own and display them in inter-

makes me feel very actualized,” says Amanda. “I

esting ways.

dreamed of a home to go with my life, my husband

Amanda and Mike felt a strong connection to 72

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

and my dogs, and now I have it.”

ABOVE, AMANDA’S OFFICE SHOWCASES HER SAILOR MOON AND HELLO KITTY MEMORABILIA. OPPOSITE, THE DINING SET CAME FROM AMANDA’S MOTHER, WHO HAD BEEN GIFTED IT BY A WOMAN SHE CARED FOR.

PHOTOGR APHER FOCUSES ON THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN

BY KAILA CHAMPOUX

Five years ago, Jessica “Jess” Montgomery moved from

all in one,” she says.

Oklahoma to Syracuse to work alongside her best friend, Tommy

In 2018, Montgomery was eager to introduce herself to the

Lincoln, at Stay Fresh Design. As head of photography, she

area, so she masterminded the 31 Days project as a way to

typically creates commercial work for businesses like Beak and

express that wonder, imagination and her creative prowess.

Skiff/1911, but when the Harvest Moon rises and temperatures

Since then, she has used her technical and artistic abilities to

begin to drop, Montgomery unleashes her beastly creation: The

produce and photograph 155 different scenes. From ghoulish,

31 Days of Halloween.

gory and grotesque to funny and family friendly, Montgomery

When Montgomery was growing up, she couldn’t wait for fall

conceives and captures it all.

when she, her mother and grandmother would spend quality

The project’s visual results include images representing ret-

time crafting a costume personal to her. Her favorite was a

ro-horror, black and white films, kids’ movies, childhood ex-

“Soccer Zombie.” They tore her old soccer uniform, painted her

periences, bingeworthy Netflix series and newer scary movies.

mother’s tire black and rolled it over the outfit. There was even

Her favorite is the Weird Girl from “Frankenweenie,” which she

fake blood on her soccer ball. “It was humorous and horrific,

created in 2020.

Opposite, Jessica Montgomery and Marcela Tobar of MTMakeup took The Print Hub co-owner Drew Shoup down the rabbit hole to portray the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA MONTGOMERY

76

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

She looks at each photo as an individual portrait but there is

Confused, who was transformed into a human-donut hybrid.

continuity in the categories. “You can redo a witch and it can

After putting feelers out for participants, she matches mod-

be different every time, incorporating anything from Hermione

els with a character that may share physical attributes or has

Granger to the Wicked Witch of the West. I’ve also done a lot of

similar energy. Sometimes she simply picks someone that she

Tim Burton-inspired photographs and they’ve all been very dif-

knows will have the most fun with the role.

ferent [from one another],” she says.

“You can’t take yourself too seriously,” Montgomery says of

Each year starting in July, Montgomery tackles this monster

being part of the project. “I love when I pull in a model to shoot

task, leading a team of hair, makeup and graphic artists in the

and they come out of their shell! Halloween provides an oppor-

ultimate showcase of Halloween scenes. Natalee McGowan is

tunity for people to connect with their inner child and have fun.”

the hair artist and Montgomery works closely with three make-

While Halloween is very surreal, Montgomery strives to make

up artists, Marcela Tobar, Hannah Fleet and Hannah Iozzia,

the experience organic. If an intended vision isn’t working, she

who each have their own niche, from special effects and gore

does not force it and will switch up everything from costume

to sugar skulls.

to hair until the most natural supernatural look is achieved.

Montgomery brings in more than 31 models; she uses a differ-

A proper wardrobe can make or break a Halloween costume.

ent person or group of people for each day. Not all are profes-

There are instances when a model will approach Montgomery

sional models, though: several of the subjects are members of

with a costume that they are interested in being photographed

the Stay Fresh team, friends of the staff and she has even pho-

in. “When a model brings their own costume, it creates that per-

tographed her own little gremlins, er…children.

sonal connection to the photograph,” she says.

Her portfolio also contains some notable personalities such

In other instances, the costuming is a compilation of what is

as Ben Walsh, the mayor of Syracuse, who posed as the mayor

on-hand, either in her or her models’ collections. If the model

from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (another favorite of

has a coat but it’s the wrong color for the shoot, Montgomery can

Montgomery’s). Local business owners featured include Drew

improvise, altering the image using post-production tools like

Shoup of The Print Hub and Paul Valenti, owner of Glazed and

Photoshop. Sometimes, costume pieces have to be purchased,

Opposite, clockwise from top left, Alice Queen as Adelaide Wilson/Red from “Us,” Rylie Yvette as Weird Girl from “Frankenweenie” (Montgomery’s favorite), Tommy Lincoln as Dr. Frank-N-Furter from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and Margot Elizabeth as a scarecrow. Makeup by Marcela Tobar and Hannah Iozzia. This page, Jess Montgomery shoots a photo for this year’s edition of the project.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

77

she says. “After all, not many people have striped tights hanging around their house.” When the costume has to be made, though, that can take days.

To prepare for the 31 Days, Montgomery keeps a spreadsheet year-round, that is organized by columns: concept, model, creative team, location, and links to references or mood boards. As soon as she has an idea, she records it.

The location for each shoot provides additional context to the portraits. While a location won’t always be a perfect match, especially when shooting something with an ultraspecific reference, Montgomery focuses on getting the feeling right. She frequents spots like CNS High School (for her Teen Wolf shoot), The Fitz and Syracuse Antiques Exchange, whose four floors and ever-changing displays give her a lot to work with.

She is also drawn to cemeteries, particularly those with moss-covered headstones. “I’ve never found them creepy — there’s some sort of serenity to them and history.” For gory scenes, like the girl with her face falling off, Montgomery opts to shoot at the studio, located at Stay Fresh’s Near Westside headquarters, so as to not frighten any spectators in public.

A creative mindset and flexibility often come in handy with locations and props. To recreate a scene from the movie “The Ring,” she needed a well in a clearing, but she couldn’t find a spot that looked exactly right. “My coworker Alex improvised and found us an old fire pit — it worked great!”

She also shot tighter frames so that the audience couldn’t tell that the location had been fabricated.

Occasionally, portraits are digitally manipulated. “If it isn’t practical to do it in real life or it’s unsafe, then we Photoshop it,” she says, referencing cases like Valenti’s donut-headed Homer Simpson from a Treehouse of Horror episode.

Montgomery’s 31 Days of Halloween provides a welcome break from reality and showcases the power of bringing together multiple artistic mediums to create colorful and frightful scenes that allow viewers’ imaginations to run wild.

Montgomery enjoys sharing this experience with others and has a lot of fun with it herself.

“In general, people really underestimate the value of

PHOTOS BY JESSICA MONTGOMERY

having fun,” she says.



For more information, visit stayfresh. design/category/31-days-of-halloween

Opposite, Rachel Hall as Maleficent. This page, top, Mayor Ben Walsh as the mayor from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and bottom, Paul Valenti as Homer Simpson when the devil turned his head into a donut. Makeup by Marcela Tobar.

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Making good CN Y SC OU T • FA R M T O TA BL E • A RT PROF I L E

VERSES AND VALUES Hughie Stone Fish — a singer, Emmy awardwinning songwriter, producer, musical improv performer and instructor — is releasing his debut solo album, “Sunlight & Stars,” this fall.

The L.A.-based Jamesville-DeWitt grad is living a life in the arts, one he dreamed of as a child, and he credits that life to the opportunities and experiences he had growing up in Central New York. He and his brother, Avery, a producer, director and videographer, created the nonprofit The Arts Project Syracuse (TAPS) to provide similarly transformative arts education opportunities to underserved youth.

Stone Fish says the album, which includes several references to Syracuse, allowed him to really delve into and share who he is. To celebrate the release, Stone Fish is planning an extended residency in Syracuse with a series of performances, musical improv classes, speaking engagements related to different facets of careers in arts and entertainment (Hughie will be joined by his wife Jessica, a television producer, and Avery), as well as programming for TAPS participants.

PHOTO BY JOSIAH ZAVALA

For more information: visit hughiestonefish.com or tapsny.com

Making good

CNY SCOUT

Mike Flynn, owner of recreational marijuana retail shop FlynnStoned, prior to the store’s opening.

Joint venture Inside Central New York’s largest cannabis dispensary

BY KEN STURTZ

When Mike Flynn opened Syracuse’s first legal marijuana dis-

consumption lounge and event space on the third story once he

pensary in mid-June, he anticipated business would be brisk,

receives state approval. He says he wants to create a space that

but even he was dumbfounded when the business registered

has a “chill lounge atmosphere” that will make the business a

nearly $2.5 million in sales its first month.

destination for customers rather than just a stop and go.

“That was pretty exciting,” he says. “I was expecting not even FlynnStoned Cannabis Company occupies a chic three-story

located downstate and the next closest dispensary is in Ithaca).

brick building in Armory Square, formerly Urban Outfitters,

It’s open daily and during the week serves about 650-700 cus-

and features a sleek design that Flynn likens to an Apple store

tomers a day; on weekends that number jumps to around 1,200.

for cannabis.

82

At 13,000 square feet, FlynnStoned is a cannabis superstore and the largest dispensary to open in New York state so far (most are

FlynnStoned is far removed from what some might conjure

The first floor consists of a welcome and check-in area complete

up in their minds when they picture a cannabis dispensary. No

with photo booth and panels detailing marijuana history. The

seedy shop in a strip mall. No bars on the windows. Flynn says

second story houses the sales floor and features dozens of polished

he’s taken pains to ensure the store has a professional, welcom-

glass cases displaying various products. Flynn plans to open a

ing atmosphere.

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTO BY RICK MORIARTY

half that.”

“It’s a whole different ball game than most dispensaries,” he says. “It’s attracted all walks of life through these doors. Everybody has been coming through.”

The majority of FlynnStoned’s customers have never been to a dispensary or have minimal knowledge of cannabis. While some have used cannabis for years and have a good idea of what they’re looking for, even experienced users will have a lot of questions about different products.

One of the benefits of a legal dispensary, Flynn says, for both experienced users and novices, is that the staff is knowledgeable about all the products and can make recommendations.

So far, pre-rolled joints have been the most popular product, followed by loose flower (also known as buds, the part of the marijuana plant that is typically ground up and smoked), vaporizers and edible candies. While edible sales have been strong, Flynn says he was a bit surprised that they weren’t the most popular product as his research suggested they would be.

Customers don’t have to worry about the quality of what they’re buying at a legal dispensary. Flynn of cannabis have no way of knowing if a product is contaminated with mold, toxic pesticides or heavy metals. There’s also no guarantee that the label on a product from an unlicensed store is accurate. For example, an edible gummy’s label might say it has

Flynn says marijuana has been a large part of his

a potency of 100 milligrams of THC per piece but

life for years and that he sold it in his youth to sup-

it could actually be twice as strong.

plement his income as a line cook. He decided the

At legal markets, “all the percentages, THC and

risk no longer outweighed the reward and gave up

strain are all on the package. Everything here is

selling marijuana when he was 24 to start a roofing

consistent, lab tested and it’s got the state seal of

business. “I always knew that this was something

approval,” Flynn says.

I was going to do,” he says. “It was just a matter of

PHOTOS BY SCOTT SCHILD

Despite having been open less than six months,

when, that’s all.”

Flynn is already moving to expand. He recently

Flynn says he originally planned to open a bou-

received state approval to begin selling cannabis

tique cannabis shop in Armory Square and was

products at events statewide, such as concerts. And

ready to go in 2021 but the state moved so slow-

he bought the former Pope’s Grove golf course last

ly in handing out licenses that he ended up buy-

year near the New York State Fairgrounds. He plans

ing the three-story building on Walton Street for

to open a second dispensary there and include a

$2 million and spending $1.3 million on renova-

drive-thru window.

tions. He couldn’t get financing and had to dip

But Flynn, who owns a roofing company in Ged-

He had the store ready in April 2022 but wait-

ness wasn’t driven by money. “I just wanted to

ed more than a year before receiving his license.

made money.”

For more information: 219 Walton Street, Syracuse, 315-299-9334, flynnstoned.com.

into his savings.

des, says his goal in getting into the cannabis busibe one of the pioneers,” he says. “I didn’t care if I

Lit glass cases display a wide variety of products. Budtenders, staff members, are knowledgeable and provide assistance to experienced and novice users of cannabis.



says consumers who shop at black-market purveyors

“I definitely put it all down on the line there,” he says. “It worked, though.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

83

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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FA R M T O TA B L E

Get a ‘shroom Spore to Fork offers a comforting mushroom dish that’s big on flavor

BY M J K RAV EC PHOTOS BY ALAINA POTRIKUS BECKETT

PHOTO COURTESY ZACH PAPALEONI

Making good

Making good

T

FA R M T O TA B L E

he fascination started with a big, bright orange fungus growing off a dead tree.

To the average person, it might seem scary, but to mushroom aficionado and chef Zach Papaleoni,

it inspired a culinary adventure.

Papaleoni has always had a passion for cook-

ing, which he credits to his mom, dad and Italian grandmother — who were avid cooks — welcoming him as a child to help out in the kitchen. He became interested in mushrooms as a student at SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry.

One day hiking out in the woods with friends, the group came across wild mushrooms growing on a dead log. It turned out to be what knowledgeable foragers refer to as Chicken of the Woods.

“They were like, ‘you can eat that, you know.’ And I’m like, ‘you sure?’” Papaleoni recalls. “One of my buddies … ran over to check them out. Curious but cautious, I followed. He was extremely excited and told me all about how great they are. He sent me home with some, I cooked them simply with butter, garlic and salt. I was hooked,” says Papaleoni.

After completing a degree in environmental studies, Papaleoni underwent an intensive two-year culinary management trainee program through Wegmans in 2013.

“That program utilized the Culinary Institute of America’s textbook and provided me the opportunity to train under some of the company’s top chefs. In 2015, I scored in the top 10 of trainees exiting that program in the company’s history and was offered a position as sous chef, where I worked for many years.”

Then the pandemic came and Papaleoni’s interest in mushrooms really grew.

“My wife and I have two little girls and, through

grew into a wholesale distributorship. Papaleoni

those times, one of the few places we could go and

and his wife of 12 years, Stephanie, had grown

breathe fresh air was out on the trails. Around that

vegetables for years, he says, and while he was

same time, my co-worker who gets out foraging a

out foraging just before Christmas 2020, he came

lot began kindly sharing some of his bounty with

across a Mushroom Grow Kit from Maine-based

us. It was our first time eating morels, chanterelles

North Spore Mushrooms.

and many others. It just seemed like learning more

“I ordered a Lion’s Mane and a Golden Oyster

about the wild foods around us would be a fun way

kit and gave them to my girls as Christmas gifts...

to enhance our hiking and eating experiences,

I loved them so much that I reached out to the

while also deepening our connection with nature.”

company to see if they’d be interested in working

From there, a hobby and Instagram page eventually 86

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

together a bit.”

Zach Papaleoni is owner of mushroom wholesale distributor Spore to Fork.

Yield: 2 servings

Papaleoni has been working with North Spore

as far as I can tell, Spore to Fork is the only busi-

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 6 oz. mushrooms, cut in ¼-inch-thick slices (this recipe works best with King Oyster Mushrooms but virtually any mushroom will do) 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 Tbsp. ginger, minced 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced scallion greens (garnish)

ness in the area with those credentials,” he says.

1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet

for more than two years. His following on Instagram grew with his affiliation with the brand, so he decided to turn his hobby into a business. Last June, Spore to Fork got its official business license.

“New York is one of a handful of states requiring a certification to sell foraged mushrooms and,

With Spore to Fork, Papaleoni says his goal is to place mushrooms at the center of the plate, but not always necessarily in a vegan sense. “I like the idea of using a little less meat,” he says.

Spore to Fork sells Papaleoni’s foraged mushrooms, small-batch gourmet cultivated mushrooms and oyster mushrooms from Galvin Farms in Phoenix, New York. Through a partnership with North Spore Mushrooms, Papaleoni develops and publishes GINGER MUSHROOMS PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH PAPALEONI

mushroom recipes, shares foraging, growing and cooking tips through his Instagram feed and his website, sporetofork.com, and distributes mushrooms to local restaurants, including The Krebs, Rosalie’s, Lalalu, Apizza Regionale, Lemon Grass, Saint Urban, Plum & Mule Community Market and others.

For our fall issue, Papaleoni shares Ginger Garlic

over medium-high heat.

2. Add mushrooms, cook until golden

brown, flip, reduce heat to low-medium and add butter, ginger and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are cooked through and mushrooms are golden brown on the other side.

Left, Papaleoni admires a non-edible type of mushroom found at a CNY park. Above, Ginger Garlic Mushrooms with Honey Butter Soy.



GINGER GARLIC MUSHROOMS WITH HONEY BUTTER SOY

Interested in fresh mushrooms? Email zach@sporetofork. com. If growing your own sounds fun, check out northspore.com and use promo code SPORETOFORK for a discount. Also, check out @sporetofork on Instagram.

3. Add soy sauce and honey. Turn off heat

and gently toss contents of pan.

4. Plate with care and top with scallions.

Special preparation tips To achieve maximum flavor and crispy texture, let the liquid from mushrooms evaporate.

Once it’s gone and your mushrooms are in contact with hot fat in a pan, only then are you really sautéing! Let them get golden brown and their unique flavors will emerge.

Mushrooms with Honey Butter Soy. “Salty and sweet come together with a crunchy chew and blast of umami goodness. These are ex-

Pair it with A nice crisp cold lager or dry white wine

cellent on their own or served with steamed vegetables and rice,” he says.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

87

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Making good

DOWN TO EARTH

Just leave ’em Skip the trouble bagging dead leaves and replenish your soil instead

BY M J K RAV EC

bag leaves and use them to replenish your soil with valuable nutrients — either through composting or mowing.

spice latte. Now, read this: “Bagging leaves and leaving them on

“Leaves act like a mulch and improve the soil structure as

the curb uses up your time and spends fuel in the trucks that

they break down. Mowing or shredding them helps speed up

come to collect yard waste…Your garden or yard would also be

that process,” Piering says.

deprived of the benefits that leaves provide, such as moisture retention and soil improvement.”

To be fair, bagged leaves are put to good use by municipalities — as mulching or composting. But there’s a carbon cost incurred

Sorry to disrupt this fall ritual, but you’re better off keeping

by the vehicles picking up yard waste, Piering says. In addition,

leaves in your yard and helping them to decompose. The state-

by bagging leaves, you are also removing soil nutrients that could

ment above comes from Onondaga County Resource Recovery

be put to better, more efficient use in your own yard.

Agency (OCRRA) Recycling Specialist Lisa Piering, who uses

“You can avoid buying and using petroleum-based fertiliz-

dead leaves to freshen the soil in her own garden. To make the

ers to replace some of the benefits that leaves would natural-

best use of fall leaves, save yourself the time it takes to rake and

ly provide if you don’t get rid of them in the first place. Carbon SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

Put the rake down. Put the paper yard waste collection bags down. Back away slowly. Maybe even get yourself a pumpkin

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

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Making good

DOWN TO EARTH

in plants is mostly pulled from the air, but plants are also pulling nitrogen into themselves from the soil. Under the right conditions, that can return to the soil when leaves and grass clippings are decomposed on-site,” says Piering.

Those right conditions include aerobic decomposition, or decomposition with air, which is what takes place during composting or on your lawn surface. By mulching or composting leaves, you are returning carbon to the earth by allowing the carbon from leaves to enter the soil. This helps improve soil structure by allowing air and water to permeate creating a better environment for roots and the soil ecosystem to thrive, Piering says.

“This improves the soil’s ability to store carbon,” she says. “That’s important because excessive use of fossil fuels is driving up carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. We need more ways to absorb that carbon.”

In addition, leaves used as mulch help improve water retention while enriching soil.

“The advantage of mulching with leaves or shredded woody material is that the mulch will decompose. That improves the soil for your garden.” On a side note, Piering advises against using a weed cloth since it prevents new soil from being used by plants. “You just end up with a buried layer of plastic cloth, with weeds rooting into the soil that forms on top of it.” Spreading leaves in your garden also helps insulate the ground and protect plants during the winter, while shielding the soil from the sun to slow evaporation and reduce the need to water during summer.

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A BETTER USE F O R D E A D L E AV E S » Mow leaves with a lawn mower to chop them into smaller pieces and help break them down more quickly and permeate the soil. » Insulate trees, shrubs and bushes with leaves. Avoid putting any kind of mulch up against the trunk of a tree as “mulch volcanoes” cause girdling roots.

Mulch should form more of a “crater” around tree trunks, with the root flare (but not the roots) exposed, Piering says. » Add a mulching layer of leaves to protect root vegetables in your garden and insulate overwintering bulbs, like garlic, or slightly tender plants that need a little help enduring the winter months. » Keep leaves near your compost bin or pile. Home composting is a great way to keep food scraps out of the waste stream and give your garden a boost. The process requires a mix of air, water, greens and browns. “Greens,” including food scraps, fresh grass clippings and coffee grounds, are a source of nitrogen for your compost pile.

“Browns,” including fallen leaves, wood chips, dried grass and straw, are a source of carbon. Avoid using meat, oils, dairy or animal waste for home composting. Find more tips at youtube.com/@OCRRA

D I D YO U K N O W ? » Onondaga County does not allow yard waste in trash. » Our community’s trash goes to a Waste-to-Energy Facility (WTE), not a landfill. With its strict air pollution controls, the WTE Facility reduces the county’s trash volume by 90%, while allowing OCRRA to retrieve trashed metal for recycling, and creating enough electricity to power about 30,000 homes. » In 2022, OCRRA accepted more than 48,000 yards of trees, limbs, grass, leaves and other yard waste at its Amboy and Jamesville Compost Sites. OCRRA uses that organic material to produce compost and mulch, which is sold throughout the community.

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For more information; visit ocrra.org

INVITE OTHERS TO LIVE THE GOOD LIFE We live in an amazing community, with wonderful restaurants, stunning outdoor parks, unique local shops and so many things to do. Our four beautiful seasons offer different adventures year-round.

It’s no wonder Micron Technology, Inc., selected Central New York’s White Pine site for its semiconductor manufacturing facility that will

These local companies are working with CenterState CEO and Onondaga County to promote CNY:

» NexGen Power Systems » CPS Recruitment

create 9,000 new, high-paying jobs — the largest private investment

» M&T Bank

made in New York state history.

» Oneida Nation Enterprises, Turning Stone Casino

Central New York is a place with many job opportunities. Like other communities in the U.S., CNY has companies eager to fill open posi-

» National Grid

tions. That’s why CenterState CEO, the region’s business leadership or-

» Rapid Response Monitoring

ganization, Onondaga County and several local companies are working together to make sure more people outside our region know about our

» SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital

low cost of living, easy commutes and the many job opportunities and

» Syracuse University

career paths our area has to offer.

» Thompson & Johnson

CenterState CEO has also partnered with Advance Media New York to create an all-in-one resource for companies to help sell the area. The project includes a multimedia marketing effort and a website that provides potential Central New Yorkers everything they need to know about the region and encourages them to join us in the Good Life.

Check it out at goodlifeCNY.com. The site is filled with stunning pho-

» SOS - Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists » Equitable » C&S Companies » Inficon » TTM

tos, videos and enticing stories about our home and the people who are

» VIP Structures

already living their good life. Share it with friends or family who are

» Bristol-Myers Squibb

considering relocating and employers looking for their next new hire.

» Dermody Burke & Brown

Among the website’s many features is a job board for hiring managers and job seekers that pulls open positions from rapidly expanding companies in Central New York. It lets job seekers share information about their experience and career interests, giving participating employers access to a qualified pool of candidates. Access it through the Good Life CNY website at https://careers.goodlifecny.com.

#goodlifeCNY

» Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors Join the initiative. Follow @GoodLifeCNY on social media and share your love of CNY by using #goodlifeCNY to highlight the fun and beauty of life in Central New York.

Find out more at goodlifecny.com.

Making good

ART PROFILE

Black Girls Don’t Get Love founder Eden Strachan with her selfpublished book.

Main character energy

BY J OY E L L E RO N A N

The DoubleTree by Hilton banquet hall was filled with profes-

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in her community despite the cool weather.

sionals dressed more business than casual, ready to receive rec-

While the titles of filmmaker, author, entrepreneur and philan-

ognition in categories like board leadership and career achieve-

thropist all apply to Strachan, the award she received perhaps

ment at the CNY Business Journal Nonprofit Awards in March.

describes her best: rising star.

Sitting among them was Eden Strachan, who at 24 was a few de-

Back in 2021, Strachan asked herself, “How do I combine my

cades younger than her fellow winners. Clad in floral, she em-

career in media and my heart for social impact work, and make

bodied a spring-like hopefulness about the positivity blooming

them into something that is able to serve the community and

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTO COURTESY BLACK GIRLS DON’T GET LOVE, LLC

Entrepreneur, author and producer gives voice to the experiences of young women of color

also be profitable?”

She found her answer in Black Girls Don’t Get Love, a multimedia brand for teenage girls of color. Her mission is to turn silence and lack of representation into language by creating content and experiences made for and by Black girls, providing authentic stories for them to consume.

As founder and CEO, Strachan says she wants to “bring Hollywood to Syracuse.” But first she is helping local girls of color associate coming-ofage moments like dances, sleepovers and camping with positive memories through Black Girls WILL Get Love, the company’s nonprofit offshoot, which she started in 2022. The organization has raised more than $40,000 and has served over 100 girls ages 5 to 17.

As she began to see success with her business, Strachan caught the attention of Sean Branagan,

Top, from left, Madison Hare, Aisha Stephens and London Hare at the Black Girls Don’t Get Love Prom in July 2022. Bottom, Enjoli Blount at the Black Girls Don’t Get Love Feature Film Promo Shoot at Solon Quinn Studios.

Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship director and adjunct professor for the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

He asked her to serve as a start-up example to the students in his New Media Venture Launch class to show the passion and determination needed to make it as an entrepreneur. He compliments her sense of self and ability to know her market.

“She is the combination of things that I really look for in entrepreneuring, which is talent and work ethic,” Branagan says. “She’s got success written all over her — as a business, but more importantly as a person.”

PHOTOS COURTESY BLACK GIRLS DON’T GET LOVE, LLC, MARILU LOPEZ FRETTS

The seed of Black Girls Don’t Get Love germinated in 2021 when Strachan used her senior the-

producing, directing, acting, cinematography,

sis at Ithaca College to launch her short film of the

post-production or screenwriting, and they leave

same name. Her goal is to make a feature-length

the program with work samples and an IMDb film

film and a television series — and she has already

credit. Twenty-two girls representing 10 different

written the scripts for both. But it wasn’t enough

states participated in the multi-day program.

to just tell her own story; she wanted to empower

“They are walking away with tangible skills that

girls of color to do the same. Society can lead young

have income-earning potential, like how to edit,

Black girls to believe they aren’t beautiful or worthy

how to shoot, produce, direct and act,” Strachan

during the defining years of their childhood, lead-

says. “We want to boost self-esteem, but we also

ing to low self-esteem. Through media they create

want to push financial wellness and literacy.”

themselves, they have a chance to take back their

In her pursuit to address the lack of Black fe-

narrative so Black girls everywhere feel seen and

male representation and erasure of Black girl-

celebrated for the skin they’re in.

hood in the mainstream coming-of-age genre,

Strachan created a film training program where

Strachan wrote her first book, also titled “Black

girls between the ages of 13 and 25 can gain industry

Girls Don’t Get Love.” Strachan self-published

experience. The program is primarily for girls of color,

the book, written for middle- and high-school-

but allies are welcome also. Trainees can choose

age students, in 2022.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTOS COURTESY BLACK GIRLS DON’T GET LOVE, LLC, ISAAC ENSEL

Clockwise from top left, Z Harper, Ladan Osman, Lamahj Graham and Naimah Wayman at the Black Girls Don’t Get Love promo shoot.

“I believe Syracuse has a lot of heart, and we have such a beautiful community here. I also know that we’re one of the top poor cities in the country, and those two things are true at the same time. That makes me want to return back to the city that helped me realize my dreams and help other girls of color have their opportunities as well.”

Eden Strachan

Alaysia Duncan, who played the main character in the short film, praises Strachan for writing a script that shows Black girls and women in their full humanity and “not having Black characters just be the friend, the ghetto girl or the drug dealer, but to have them be full, real people. To be leads and carry a story and to be allowed to make mistakes.”

Last year, Strachan organized a Black Girls Don’t Get Love prom, which celebrates girls of color in a ballroom with live music, dancing, a catered meal and a photo booth. Other Black Girls WILL Get Love events centering young girls of color include a Valentine’s Day slumber party, a camping trip to a New York state park and a reading where performers acted out a scene from one of Strachan’s television scripts.

Ty Tillie and her 14-year-old daughter, Ri’kiha Tillie, were among the 80 attendees for the “Black Girls Don’t Get Love” script reading. Ri’kiha says watching Strachan’s short film was her favorite part of the prom event she attended.

“We appreciate her taking her time to focus on something like that — to provide something for them to go to, something positive,” Ty Tillie says. “And to dress up and feel good about themselves.”

Strachan says, “I believe Syracuse has a lot of heart, and we have such a beautiful community here. I also know that we’re one of the top poor cities in the counStrachan presented at TEDx Ithaca College in October.



For more information: visit blackgirlsdontgetlove.com.

try, and those two things are true at the same time.

That makes me want to return back to the city that helped me realize my dreams and help other girls of color have their opportunities as well.”

Now she’s living the coming-of-age story she seeks to tell, one that will inspire girls of color to pursue their own dreams and replenish their roots.

Joyelle Ronan is a graduate of the Goldring Arts Journalism & Communications Program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

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APPLY FOR THE AWARDS! The Post-Standard & syracuse.com will be awarding 2024 high school seniors in the CNY Region with the prestigious Best & Brightest Award.

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SINGLE TICKETS + SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW!

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Galleries

ARTRAGE GALLERY

CAZENOVIA ARTISANS

505 Hawley Avenue, Syracuse. 315-218-5711, artragegallery.org. Open 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday (and by appointment for groups).

39 Albany Street, Cazenovia. 315-655-2225, info@cazenoviaartisans.com.

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Helen Zughaib: Stories My Father Told Me. Employing vivid color, rich pattern, stunning beauty and admiring love, Lebanese American artist Helen Zughaib has brought her father’s childhood stories of Syria and Lebanon in the 1930s and ‘40s to life. In 1981, Zughaib received a BFA from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and has since become one of the world’s most renowned Arab American artists. Her work is in the collections of the White House, World Bank, Library of Congress and the Arab American National Museum. ArtRage will exhibit her full series of 25 gouache paintings, each illustrating a story as told by her father, Elia Zughaib. “As an Arab American, I hope through my work to encourage dialogue and bring understanding and acceptance between the people of the Arab world and the West. My work is ultimately about creating empathy and a shared space for introspection and dialogue. I ask the viewer to see through someone else’s eyes; to walk in another’s shoes.” Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m., Sat., Sept. 9. Runs Sept. 9 through Oct. 28.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Images of Outer Cape Cod: Robert Colley. Robert Colley is a writer, editor and photographer who resides in Upstate New York. Over the past 40 years, he has photographed the people and landscapes of New York, Cape Cod, Europe, Asia, South Africa and Mexico. His photography has been shown in many galleries, included in numerous juried exhibitions, and featured in such publications as Cape Cod Life and Photographer’s Forum. Colley is the founding editor of “Stone Canoe, a Journal of Arts, Literature and Social Commentary,” and the founder of Standing Stone Studios and Standing Stone Books. Colley’s next book project, entitled “Upstate Faces,” is a series of portraits celebrating the work and lives of a diverse group of people from the region. Robert Colley is Cazenovia Artisans’ Visiting Artist for the month of September. Artist reception 2 to 5 p.m., Sat., Sept. 2. Runs Sept. 1 through 30.

Greetings from Hanover Square, Syracuse, NY: Garments and Accessories from Vintage Wool Fabric. Felt maker Maria Wiklund’s homage to an iconic Syracuse neighborhood with one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories made from old wool fabric with felted details. The vintage fabric, many from longgone NY woolen mills, was left in a Hanover Square building that once was home to a century-old Syracuse tailoring business.

Opening reception 2 to 4 p.m. Sat., Oct. 7. Runs Oct. 1 through 31.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAZENOVIA ARTISANS

“Images of Outer Cape Cod” by Robert Colley at Cazenovia Artisans

“Bolero de Cochereau” at Edgewood

EDGEWOOD GALLERY 216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse. 315-445-8111, edgewoodartandframe. com. Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday. Closed Sunday-Monday. Free.

Dear World: Amy Bartell. New mixed-media work about the fractured landscape, possibilities of inclusion, the stitches we hang onto at the seams. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, from NYS Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and NYS Legislature and administered by CNY Arts. Also Sharon Schuchardt Patsos: Smoked earthenware in organic forms and Caroline Tauxe: Colorful fabric jewelry. Runs through Sept. 29.

Visual Music: Bolero de Cochereau. Stephen Carpenter’s visual interpretations of the rich and nuanced sounds of Pierre Cochereau’s organ improvisation of “Bolero,” presented using digital imagery on gallery-wrapped canvas; with Michael Hughes’ textural wheel-thrown stoneware and porcelain ceramics and Lily Tsay’s handmade porcelain bead jewelry with select materials evoking architectural design influences. Runs Oct. 6 through Nov. 17 with opening reception 6 to 8 p.m., Fri., Oct. 6.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTRAGE GALLERY AND EDGEWOOD GALLERY

EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. 315-474-6064, everson.org. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday-Tuesday. $5 suggested donation.

Pick & Mix. Spring 2023 marked the beginning of a massive project to convert an area adjacent to the ceramics gallery, which previously held paintings and prints, into dedicated ceramics storage. To accomplish this, the Everson closed a portion of the ceramics gallery to make room for organizing. More than 200 paintings came out of storage to be hung salon-style in the Everson’s upstairs galleries for the exhibition, “Off the Rack.” In the face of space limitations like these, most museums would offer you less art — but that is not the Everson way. Instead, the museum offers “Pick & Mix,” a cornucopia of five fabulous exhibitions under one banner.

“Pick & Mix” highlights the vitality of the museum’s mission to gather works that document the ways that artists draw inspiration from their cultures, as well as the ways that artists give back. Ceramics are an ideal

“Planting Olive Trees” from “Helen Zughaib: Stories My Father Told Me” at ArtRage Gallery

lens to examine the gender roles, politics and material culture of any given moment. Runs through Oct. 1.

Off the Rack. “Off the Rack” is the happy by-product of a major renovation of the Everson’s on-site art storage. As hundreds of paintings and framed works are displaced from their racks while renovations take place, the public has an unprecedented opportunity to view objects that have been in deep storage for years, never-before-seen recent acquisitions and some perennial favorites — all hung together salon-style in our exhibition galleries.

This smorgasbord of paintings and works on paper showcases the breadth and depth of the museum’s collections and provides a glimpse into the world of collections management and care. Runs through Dec. 31.

On My Own Time. CNY Arts’ 50th annual “On My Own Time” exhibition connects Central New York businesses in a collaboration that promotes the benefits of the creative process across community sectors. Original works created by amateur artists working in a variety of professions were displayed at the artists’ work sites.

This professional juried selection recognizes outstanding works by employees of Central New York companies and organizations. Runs Oct. 7 through Nov. 12.

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Galleries UNIQUE. Coordinated by ARISE, a nonprofit agency based in Syracuse, “UNIQUE” celebrates the artistic talents of Central New Yorkers living with disabilities. The works included in this exhibition eloquently speak to the myriad thoughts, ideas and feelings that all humans share, regardless of individual ability or circumstance. The annual competition invites submissions of art and literature, which are then selected for display by a panel of judges and exhibited at the Everson Museum. Runs through Sept. 24.

The CNY Artist Initiative. The CNY Artist Initiative builds upon the Everson’s ongoing support of the area’s vibrant arts community. It is a competitive program that highlights the multi-faceted talents of CNY artists. Each year, Everson curators select six artists to display their work in solo shows at the museum. Selections are based on the innovative quality of the work, how the work aligns with the museum’s mission and its relevance to the community. This year’s selections include artists from Ithaca, Syracuse and Utica who work in various media, including photography, fiber, mixed media and found objects.

Marc-Anthony Polizzi: Marc-Anthony Polizzi was born in the post-industrial city of Utica, New York. He attended Pratt Munson-Williams-Proctor, the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and received his master’s in fine art from Tulane University in New Orleans. Polizzi currently resides in Utica, where he operates his studio. Runs through Sept. 24.

Christine Chin: Based in Ithaca, New York, Christine Chin creates work that makes ironic and humorous commentaries on aspects of our culture. Most recently, she has used camera-less photographic processes, fiber and animation to create visual compositions around the evidence of climate change. Chin identifies as female, multiethnic and a mother, and has shown her work nationally and internationally. She is a member of State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca and a professor of art at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Runs Sept. 24 through Nov. 12.

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Christine Chin at Everson

Roberta Griffith: Trophies. For 42 years, Roberta Griffith served as a professor of ceramics and drawing at Hartwick College, cementing her status as a Central New York legend. Griffith now splits her time between Otego, New York and Kauai, Hawaii.

After receiving her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1960, Griffith was awarded a Fulbright grant that brought her to Spain to study with ceramist Josep Llorens i Artigas, who was then at the height of a 30-year collaboration with painter Joan Miró. Griffith returned to the United States in 1964 and has always retained ties to Surrealism and abstraction. In 1971, Griffith produced “Trophies,” a body of work combining inverted stoneware vessels with ethereal constellations of feathers to evoke both body adornments and undersea organisms. While Griffith’s “Trophies” are in tune with 1970s aesthetics, they also challenged the orthodoxy of a field dominated by men. More than 50 years later, this exhibition celebrates Griffith’s work for its bold innovation and continuing ability to shock, surprise and delight. Runs Sept. 9 through Dec. 31.

Grant Winners: Amy Kozlowski, Tahila Mintz and Linda Moses. Light Work announces the 49th annual Light Work Grants in Photography. The 2023 award recipients are Amy Kozlowski, Tahila Mintz and Linda Moses. The Light Work Grants in Photography are part of Light Work’s ongoing effort to provide support and encouragement to Central New York artists working in photography within a 50-mile radius of Syracuse. Established in 1975, the Light Work Grants program is one of the longest-running photography fellowships in the country. Each recipient receives a $3,000 stipend and appears in Contact Sheet: The Light Work Annual. A group exhibition of grant recipients’ work will be on view in the Hallway Gallery as part of the opening exhibition for the Fall 2023 season.

This year’s judges were Ally Caple, Kris Graves and Kelsey Sucena. Runs through Fri., Dec. 15. Opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m., Thurs. Sept. 14. Hoone Gallery dedication at 6 p.m.

LIGHT WORK

ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

316 Waverly Ave., Syracuse. 315-443-1300, lightwork.org. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For guided tours, contact info@lightwork.org.

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

Eduardo L Rivera: The Sun Echoed Like a Song. This is an exhibition of photographs made in Eduardo L Rivera’s childhood hometown near the Arizona/Mexico border.

Taking inspiration from light and heat, he has been exploring the personal histories of family, community and environment throughout the last decade. Runs through Fri., Dec. 15. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 14 with Hoone Gallery dedication and artist talk at 6 p.m.

Suit Up. This exhibit is taking over OHA’s large first floor gallery beginning September 2023. The exhibit, in collaboration with Syracuse University Research Center Special Collections, displays various Syracuse sporting uniforms throughout the years. Local professional and collegiate teams are featured in this sporty jaunt through local nostalgia, celebrating the history of Syracuse athletics.

The exhibit will be on display through December of 2024.

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Mall Memories. Beginning in September, “Mall Memories” explores the rise and fall of malls throughout the history of Onondaga County. The exhibit features shopping destinations like PennCan, Destiny, ShoppingTown and Great Northern, from construction to customers to closing. Revisit the stores that lined the halls of our local malls and read about the memories that locals have of these shopping megastructures. The exhibit will feature photos, testimonies, memories, directories and programs from the history of Onondaga County’s many malls. Runs through March 2024.

PHOTOS COURTESY LIGHTWORK GALLERY, OHA AND SU ART MUSEUM

Fernando A. Carter: The Man & His Artwork. The artwork of eminent Syracuse artist Fernando A. Carter (1855-1931) will be coming to OHA’s second floor gallery in September 2023. “Fernando A. Carter: The Man & His Artwork” will draw from OHA’s large collection of landscape and portrait paintings as well as Carter’s sketchbooks to present this artist’s creative art style.

Fernando Carter’s subjects range from the visages of some of Onondaga County’s prominent citizens to the natural beauty of the area. Along with being a very talented artist, Fernando Carter was an art instructor at Syracuse University and the second director of the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts. He also founded the Syracuse Friends of American Art, a group of local art enthusiasts who helped to purchase works of art for the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts.

Runs September 2023 to September 2024.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM 1st floor, Shaffer Art Building, museum.syr.edu.

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and until 8 p.m. Thursday. Closed Mondays and University Holidays.

Continuity, Innovation and Resistance: The Art of Peter B. Jones. The exhibition will feature the ceramic work by Onondaga, Beaver clan, artist Peter B. Jones that comments on and actively resists the impact of colonialism on Haudenosaunee communities, past and present. His art presents Haudenosaunee culture as a continuum that has resisted and persisted despite serious attacks on Haudenosaunee lands, sovereignty and cultural identity. Runs through Dec. 15.

“Mall Memories” at OHA

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 222 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse, library.syr.edu.

Open to the public 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 6th Floor is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

In Pursuit of Justice: Pan Am Flight 103.

Curated by Pan Am 103 Archivist Vanessa St. Oegger-Menn, “In Pursuit of Justice: Pan Am Flight 103” documents the December 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, that claimed the lives of 270 individuals, including 35 students returning from studying abroad through Syracuse University. Featuring materials donated to the Pan Am Flight 103/ Lockerbie Air Disaster Archives at Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections

Eduardo L Rivera at Light Work S10696295-01

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PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD PAUL MONETTI FAMILY PAPERS, PAN AM FLIGHT 103/LOCKERBIE AIR DISASTER ARCHIVES

Galleries

A S S O C I AT E D A R T I S T S O F C E N T R A L N E W YO R K Associated Artists of Central New York was founded in 1926 by a group of Syracuse University art teachers. Currently, the group includes 50 members who are local artists.

WHAT: 96th Juried Show

Pan Am 103 family members and supporters at 103rd Day Rally in Washington, D.C., April 3, 1989, part of “In Pursuit of Justice: Pan Am Flight 103” at SU LIbraries

Research Center by the victims’ loved ones and members of the investigative teams, the exhibition provides an overview of the disaster, investigation and first trial at Kamp van Zeist in the Netherlands. The exhibition is on view at the Special Collections Research Center, Bird Library, 6th floor gallery for the fall 2023 semester. An opening reception will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 21. For more information, or to request a tour, contact pa103archives@syr.edu or 315-443-0632.

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Associated Artists of CNY has a notable history. In one of its shows, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, also known as “Grandma Moses,” won her first award. This year’s show will feature works in a variety of mediums including oils, watercolor, pastel, gouache, enamel, metal, fabric, photography and mixed media. Associated Artists have held their shows at the Manlius Library since 1983. There is a gallery area in the library that is supported by the artists. Works will be available for sale. 10% of the proceeds benefit the Manlius Library.

WHEN: Sept. 9-Oct. 2. Opening reception 2 to 4 p.m., Sun.,

Sept. 10 in the Community Room of the Manlius Library.

The show is open for viewing during library hours.

WHERE: The Gallery at the Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese

Ave., Manlius, 315-682-6400, manliuslibrary.org.

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1 Roberta Griffith: Trophies Roberta Griffith American(b. 1937) 1971 Trophy #4, 1971 17” high X 9” wide X 9” deep 2 Off the Rack Beatrice Wose-Smith American (1908-1971) Winter Night, Fayette Park, 1937 Oil on canvas Gift of the Wose-Smith Collection, 72.21

3 Pick & Mix Rose Cabat American (1914-2015) Feelies Everson Photo

Pepe Mar David Castillo Gallery Photo

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Fall Exhibitions Roberta Griffith On View Sept 9–Dec 31, 2023

Off the Rack On View Through December 31, 2023

Pick & Mix

On View Through December 31, 2023

Pepe Mar

On View Sept 30–Dec 31, 2023

401 Harrison St. Syracuse, NY 13202 315 474-6064 / everson.org

At the Corner of Harrison & State Streets, in the Heart of Syracuse

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CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Flashback

WITH OHA

ON POINT

Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell pioneered ballet for young Black women

Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell, director of the Onondaga Dance Institute, at Thornden Park in Syracuse in 2003.

Many people know Misty Copland, the American Ballet The-

part of the production “An Evening of Ballet.” In 1967, Wilkins-

atre’s first Black principal ballerina. Although she was the first

Mitchell won a statewide competition for a scholarship to study

to reach that title at that company, numerous Black women have

with the School of American Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts

danced ballet before her, one of them being Syracuse’s Cheryl

Center that summer. Wilkins-Mitchell and two other girls from

Wilkins-Mitchell (née Wilkins). In a 2015 interview, Wilkins-Mitch-

Syracuse were part of a class of 35 students.

ell credited her grandmother, Willie Mae Wilkins, as the one

After graduating from Nottingham High School in 1970,

who encouraged her to dance. Willie Mae Wilkins had a life-

Wilkins-Mitchell’s dance career took her to the University of

long interest in ballet but was unable to dance herself since it

Cincinnati, where she majored in ballet and minored in mod-

was taboo at the time; Wilkins was born in Tennessee around

ern dance. She danced professionally in Houston, New York City

1905. When Wilkins was a young woman, ballet companies and

and South America. Although dancing has taken Wilkins-Mitch-

schools discriminated against Black women. In addition, there

ell throughout the country and abroad, she came back to Syra-

were few American ballet companies until the 1960s.

cuse in the mid-1980s to raise her family and to dance. In 1992,

During that decade, about 26 American ballet companies were

Wilkins-Mitchell became an adjunct dance instructor at SUNY

formed. In 1961, the city of Syracuse had ten dance schools of

Oswego and in 2006 founded her own dance studio, the Onon-

varying disciplines. As a teen, Wilkins-Mitchell danced at the

daga Dance Institute. In a 2006 article highlighting her career

Shields Dance Company (previously Ninita Johns School of

and new studio, Wilkins-Mitchell told The Post-Standard, “I’m

Dance) from 1964 to 1969. In 1965, she shared the role of Good

trying to train the next generation of concert dancers.”

Fairy of the Woods in “Snow White.” Three years later, she held

Jordan Scott is assistant archivist at Onondaga Historical Association.

the lead role in the performance of “Jeu D’Esprit,” which was

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PHOTO BY STEPHEN D. CANNERELLI

BY JORDAN SCOTT

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

105

Last word

WITH

KATHARINE TARKULICH Costume designer

BY M J K RAV EC

To close our arts & entertainment issue, we went to costume designer Katharine Tarkulich, whose creations have been featured in film, television and local theaters including Redhouse Arts Center, Cortland Repertory Theatre and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. We wanted to know where she finds her inspiration and what Halloween was like for her as a kid.

What time do you get up in the morning and

Do you have a favorite movie costume?

how do you take your coffee?

I have to pick just one? If I had to choose,

I generally get up anywhere between 6 and

I would probably choose the last dress Christina

8:30 a.m., depending on school schedules for

Ricci wears in “Sleepy Hollow,” designed by

my kids, whether I’m working from home or

Colleen Atwood. It’s one that is historical,

spending time at a theater or on set somewhere,

appropriate to the character and manages to

if I decide to squeeze in yoga before I go and

leave the stamp of the designer on it.

how late I’m up working the evening before. My husband and I make Recess coffee at home, and

Halloween must’ve been fun for you as a kid…

I take it with a little milk or cream.

I actually mostly dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (my favorite movie since I

Favorite season?

was 2) and variations of a cat. There were other

Autumn. When I was getting my MFA in

things speckled through the years, but I always

Southern California, it was one of the biggest

kept coming back to those.

things I missed, after family. The way the light quality changes, and the smell and crunch

Fun fact about you?

underfoot of the dried leaves, the chill in the air.

I started an online shop called Originals by I sell wearable art and upcycled fashion pieces

designer?

as well as have some bespoke, made-to-order

As a young girl, I used to watch something and

designs available. Katharine Tracy comes from

then draw costumes inspired from them. I had

my first and middle names, as my mother

an entire line of witch costumes and genie

named me after Katharine Hepburn and

costumes from watching “Bewitched” and ”I

Spencer Tracy, and I definitely feel a pull to

Dream of Jeannie” on TV at my grandparents’

classic and vintage fashion. I’ve also drawn a lot

house. I also loved playing with Tom Tierney

of inspiration in my life from being named after

paper dolls, and I would spend hours studying

such a strong woman.

historical fashion books from the public library.

I was a performer, though, through grade school,

Any advice for readers who want to dress up

and I didn’t start really thinking about costume

for a night out?

design as a career until college. While getting

Wear what makes you feel awesome or beautiful,

my B.A. in history at the University at Buffalo, a

regardless of whether it is “in style” or not. And

friend of mine from community theater days in

don’t be afraid to break so-called fashion rules.

high school said I should take a theater class that

Confidence and visual interest will leave a better

was an Intro to Design, taught by the costume

impression than checking all the right boxes.

faculty. I fell in love with the process and was able to design two shows before I left.

106

CENTRAL NEW YORK MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

As a young girl, Tarkulich loved to play with Tom Tierney paper dolls.

PHOTOS BY PETER TARKULICH, T&L PHOTOGRAPHY, TOM TIERNEY

Katharine Tracy during the pandemic, where How did you know you wanted to be a costume

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