Discover winter magic in Syracuse and Central New York
A FESTIVE SEASON AWAITS
Bridget Rooney
When winter settles over Syracuse and Onondaga County, the area transforms into a wonderland of lights, hopefully snow, and heartwarming traditions that make the season feel truly special. Whether it’s the magic of twinkling holiday displays, the crisp thrill of outdoor adventures, or the cheerful holiday festivities that unite our communities, Syracuse is the perfect place to celebrate winter’s joys. Here, we invite everyone to experience the festive fun and create memories to cherish.
Holiday Festivals: A Syracuse tradition
Winter in Syracuse is marked by time-honored festivals that bring friends and families together in celebration. Among the most iconic is Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park. This enchanting, two-mile drive-through light display features whimsical themes, dazzling animations, and larger-than-life characters— all set against a cool and wintry lakeside backdrop. Lights on the Lake has delighted visitors for decades, making it a must-see for anyone looking to start or continue a cherished holiday tradition in the heart of New York State.
Equally beloved is Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, where the charm of Victorian England meets smalltown America. On weekends throughout the holiday season, costumed characters
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Alyssa Dearborn
Kate Hanzalik
Jason Klaiber
Norah Machia
Bridget Rooney
Eric Rose
Jen Wing
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Discover
bring Charles Dickens' classic stories to life, greeting visitors along Skaneateles' historic streets. Carolers, Father Christmas, live music, and festive activities make it a nostalgic experience that invites everyone, young and old, to revel in the spirit of the season. Add this to your seasonal to-do list because it runs from Thanksgiving through December 24th.
More annual happenings
The 42-foot-tall tree in the heart of Downtown Syracuse welcomes all to visit Clinton Square during the holiday season. See how our beloved city center transforms into a season-long ice-skating winter paradise.
A warming room is available for skaters to step inside and warm up, and a concession stand helps satisfy the appetite you’ll surely work up as you glide under the glittering lights.
Clinton Square is perfect for creating those picture-perfect holiday moments. Be sure to explore downtown afterwards for a nightcap or a specialty dinner. With Hanover and Armory Square hugging the ice rink there’s plenty of local bars, restaurants and pubs to pop into while you’re out and about.
Get excited for the Festival of Lights! Another timehonored tradition is the lighting of the menorah in Clinton Square traditionally on the first night of Hanukkah – this year falling on December 25th.
The Hanukkah Village at Fayetteville Towne Center will also be celebrating the Festival of Lights with a menorah lighting, music, and traditional treats.
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These gatherings welcome families from all backgrounds to enjoy and learn about the customs and joy of Hanukkah.
Syracuse takes pride in honoring the diversity of winter celebrations, making it an inclusive destination during the holiday season. Visitors will find Kwanzaa festivities and activities that honor a variety of cultural traditions. The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) is delighted to host their annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration event in the Black Box Theater on Friday, December 13th at 6:30 p.m. This inviting night of fun, community, and live performances will reflect on the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.
For those planning to ring in the New Year in Syracuse, several venues host special New Year’s Eve celebrations, ensuring there’s something for everyone as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.
Family fun and outdoor adventures
Syracuse is a haven for family-friendly activities and outdoor winter fun during the holiday season and beyond. Check out Holiday
Nights at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, a festive and fun after-hours
stroll amid sparkling displays of holiday lights that transform the zoo into a winter paradise.
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Discover winter magic in Syracuse and Central New York
The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango is offering a Winter Wonderland of Lights, sure to please families and friends of all ages.
For those who love the outdoors, Syracuse’s winter landscapes offer serene beauty and a chance to enjoy nature.
Beaver Lake Nature Center offers scenic, snow-dusted paths perfect for peaceful winter walks or snowy explorations. Green Lakes State Park, with its stunning natural beauty, transforms into a snowy paradise for snowshoeing, offering a perfect winter escape that’s close to the city.
Start planning ahead for Syracuse Winter Fair, a family-friendly event in early February at the Expo Center at the NYS Fairgrounds. And while you’re making those plans, add Syracuse Winterfest, a lively festival that spans multiple days in February, packed with activities like ice carving, chili and chowder cook-offs and plenty of food and drink tastings. Winter Fair and Winterfest capture the best of Syracuse’s local culture, providing
Cazenovia
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endless ways for families and friends to come together and celebrate the season.
Make the most of Syracuse’s winter charm
With its festive events, family activities, and cozy winter traditions, Syracuse is a place where visitors and locals alike are invited to celebrate the magic of winter. Whether you’re here to enjoy holiday festivities, take in the lights, explore winter trails, or sit beside a cozy fireplace, Syracuse welcomes you to experience a season full of warmth, joy, and lasting memories.
So bundle up, gather your loved ones, and join us in making this winter unforgettable in Syracuse.
Learn more about all the seasonal fun waiting for you at www.VisitSyracuse.com.
Bridget Rooney is the marketing manager at Visit Syracuse.
Go Red for Women turns 20
The 2024 Go Red for Women luncheon, held Oct. 17 at the OnCenter in Syracuse, was a celebration of two major milestones – the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association and the 20th year of Go Red for Women. The annual celebration of women’s health drew an audience of hundreds, who heard the inspiring stories of survivors of heart disease and celebrated local champions of women’s heart health.
Photos by Edges Photography
Love, Laughs & Lager
Maureen’s Hope celebrated its 20th anniversary with its Love, Laughs & Lager gala celebration, held at the Andeuser-Busch brewery in Baldwinsville. It was a smashing success and sold out celebration for the organization, which provides support for thousands of cancer patients and their families.
Photos by Yvette DesGroseilliers
Front Row Players
INCLUSIVE THEATER GROUP PUTS EVERYONE FRONT AND CENTER
Jason
Klaiber
Coming from all over the area to audition, the performers in Front Row Players’ casts all get to have their moment in the spotlight. Returning members are given first dibs at joining every semester right after Labor Day before the group opens registration for any additional spots to the wider public.
As it prepares to stage its fall musical, an all-inclusive theater group is making certain that everyone in its cast is given the chance to flaunt their talents, those with physical, intellectual and other developmental disabilities very much included. In fact, the group grew out of founder Deborah Cavanagh’s desire to find another acting outlet for her daughter Amanda, who, with her friend Ellie Knodel, had been told she was too old to participate in a community theater program meant for kindergarteners through high schoolers.
“They would get together and act out the scenes with costumes, and they kept all the music from their previous shows,” Deborah said. “It was a huge part of their lives, and now it was going to be gone.”
From that motherly instinct to step in and support her daughter during a trying time, there evolved an idea: why not create her own outlet, she thought, one that would give the spotlight to her daughter and other adults with special needs so they wouldn’t be relegated to the back of the ensemble or outright turned away from performing onstage. Thus the Front Row Players were born, with an emphasis on providing actors of all abilities the opportunity to be right out front and visible and providing meaningful, prominent roles in the productions.
The group pulled off a pilot semester in the fall of 2016 with a dozen or so actors who caught onto it by word of mouth, all of them with disabilities to some degree, though not a single thing was limiting their love for theater.
After getting set up as a 501(c)(3), Front Row Players put on its first public show, a free-admission cabaret-style performance that brought in upwards of 250 attendees. Deborah and business manager for the organization Christine Byrnes sensed the magic in the air and saw the tears of joy welling up in peoples’ eyes, and at that point, they knew they had to keep Front Row Players going.
“Here we are 12 shows later working on our 13th performance, and we have 39 actors, a fully robust creative team and production people,” Christine said.
That 13th performance will be “A Dickens of a Christmas,” a musical written by area native Pat Lotito and Ken Prescott that debuted at Syracuse’s Salt City Center for the Performing Arts, where the former of the two was music director.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of that holiday production’s debut, and for its revival by Front Row Players Dec. 7 and 8, some of the original folks from Salt City will be in the show supporting the leads alongside other thespians from the community being brought in to fill roles as roaming wassailers.
The show’s basic story will be familiar to many, as it draws from Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” and its tale of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as well as that of his business partner Jacob Marley, but the music is all unique to the local production and much of the dialogue is too.
As with other Front Row productions in recent years, the performances will take place at Temple Adath Yeshurun at 450 Kimber Road in DeWitt, the site the group has called home thanks to a board member’s affiliation with the synagogue. Deborah, an East Syracuse resident, said that temple tends to have more availability as a performing venue than local high schools, which often have their stages booked during the school year.
The showtimes for Front Row Players’ performances of “A Dickens of a Christmas” this fall will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. and the following afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
For the full-scale musical — Front Row Players’ first that isn’t an abridged junior version — the cast of 39 will be the biggest the group has ever boasted, encompassing an age range from 19 to someone in their fifties with the exception of the child playing Tiny Tim, as well as people displaying varying levels of verbal communication and mobility.
Front Row Players is largely women-led. That includes not only Deborah as the president and Christine as the business manager, but also Shannon Tompkins as the artistic director and choreographer, Liverpool Central School District educator Shayne Knight as music director, Fairmount resident Chris Ecker as stage manager, JamesvilleDeWitt grad Hali Greenhouse as producer, and Andrea Calarco as the costumer responsible for this upcoming show’s flowing dresses and period-specific coats.
Shannon, who has been with Front Row Players since the beginning, is the one who picks which shows the group does season to season, all the while working to make the cast a constellation of shining stars by finding every member their perfect part and bringing out their best.
With experience directing shows for J-D High School, the Baldwinsville Theatre Guild, CNY Playhouse, Appleseed Productions and The Wit’s End Players to add to her credits, Shannon also portrayed the Ghost of Christmas Past in the Salt City Center’s successful production of the Dickens offshoot through the later half of the 1990s in addition to handling the choreography. To this day the holiday musical remains near and dear to her heart as one of her favorite musicals she’s been a part of, and so she relishes the opportunity to revive it,
Amid COVID-related restrictions, the musical theater group virtually performed scene readings from iconic films and yearly productions of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” to stay productive and keep people engaged.
whether theatergoers are being introduced to it or reminded of their experience seeing it during the ‘90s run.
Music director Shayne said Front Row’s acting group this semester is “wonderful” and talented, with none possessing the slightest ego or hint of cruelty, while Shannon said they always keep her on her toes and laughing.
Chris, the stage manager, who was a mentor for Deborah’s daughter Amanda before stage managing ever crossed her mind,
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The group puts on two musicals a year, one in the fall and one in the spring or early summer.
Front Row Players FROM PAGE 15
seconded those notions, saying, “I have never seen a group of people pull together so quickly, and they all mesh really well. Everybody includes everyone else — they all help each other and they’re quick learners too.”
Shayne also said she appreciates that the upbeat, catchy music in the show was all composed by Syracuse’s own Pat Lotito, though it does present a challenge that there’s no cast recording she’s come across that she could pop on at any given moment and rely on as a template.
To continue operating year after year, the non-profit Front Row Players organization is reliant on corporate sponsors, grants, a performance-based fundraiser set for the month of April and individual community donations to offset its expenses.
Christine, a Manlius resident, who gets the shows in order on the back end with Deborah and also has a daughter with special needs, said she’s thankful for the ever-growing support from audiences since the inception of Front Row Players in terms of their attendance, their embracing of the actors, and their appreciation of what the cast is able to do rather than what they can’t.
“People who’ve come to a show for the first time might have a preconceived notion of what they’re going to see onstage,” Deborah said. “Then when they actually see the show, all thought of disability disappears because what the actors are able to do onstage blows them away and draws them in. We change perception with every performance.” None of it would be possible without the right professionals in place, patient actors, costume change assistance courtesy of personal support people, everyone’s time commitment to the program, and a shared willingness to come together and make it all work, she said.
Featuring all the clapping, singing and toe tapping anyone could want, the theater group’s Saturday rehearsals for the Dickens show have been held in the all-purpose cafeteria of Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville.
The December shows will be dedicated to the late Bill Molesky, who played Scrooge in the Salt City Center’s version with all the cutting
The mission of Front Row Players is to provide a true theatrical experience for its actors, many of whom have special needs, and to show what is possible as opposed to what isn’t.
wit he could muster, as well as the memories and legacies of Lotito and the original Christmas Present Robert “Tank” Steingraber, a man with big shoes to fill who was light on his feet.
Tickets to Front Row Players’ evening and matinee performances of “A Dickens of a Christmas” are available through frontrowplayers.org. SWM
This fall ’ s show, “ A Dickens of a Christmas,” will make its way to the stage of Temple Adath Yeshurun Dec. 7 and 8. Past Front Row Players shows have included “ The Wizard of Oz,” “ Beauty and the Beast” and “ Spamalot.”
CAITLYN CAYEA
Helping people style their identity
Alyssa Dearborn
Growing up with a mother and aunt who were hairdressers, Caitlyn Cayea had not shown much interest in the trade early on. But when she began to think about her future career, hair design became her passion as time passed. After owning her own business, she now runs her own studio out of Sola Salons in Dewitt and enjoys creating a special space where her clients can express their individuality comfortably.
“I love what I’m doing,” Caitlyn said, “just to be able to create different environments and spaces where [clients] can truly shine and can see themselves in the mirror the way they envisioned. I think it’s really nice to participate in, to be a guest in that space, watching them thrive in that way.”
She purchased her first business from her mother and aunt in 2019, just before the pandemic. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic to all hairdressers and hair salons, Caitlyn was able to find sparks of inspiration during that time. “It actually did help me.
I started to work alone in the space instead of having stylists,” she said. “And I was able to start working one-on-one with transgender individuals in the area. And it really helped them to have a quiet, non-judgmental, open space for them to explore what they want and what was going to make them feel good in their own skin.”
Being a master colorist, Caitlyn especially enjoys working with and exploring hair coloring options for her clients. But for her, color is another form of design itself. “I love color, but I do love creating dimensional looks for people, utilizing colors that are not necessarily going to chain them to having to have color done every four to six weeks,” she said. “It’s not locking them into it, but it’s just allowing their hair to shine and look amazing, but also working within their budget and their schedule as well.”
But besides being able to use her skills to work with color and design, a part of Caitlyn’s passion for her work is her ability to help people. She especially emphasizes that her hair design business is a safe place for people to explore their identity and begin their journey of self expression. Hair design can be a powerful tool in helping a person become more comfortable and confident in their identity.
“Definitely the people, for sure.” she said when asked about the best part of her work, “The people are amazing and resilient and make me smile every single day. Just the ability for them to let me into their lives in the way that only a hair design can do is an extreme blessing. I’m so thankful.”
“I do think right now, especially just where we are in the world, [it’s important to] understand that I am working with a lot of trans individuals,” Caitlyn continued, “and that it’s really important to me that if someone out there is trans and they’re reading this, that they know that they have a safe space that they can come to.”
The WBOC provides a unique opportunity for women entre-preneurs and business owners to connect and help one another through networking meetings and events. Caitlyn has been able to find a community with her fellow business women, something that she had not had the opportunity to do before.
“Oh my goodness,” she said when asked about how the WBOC has helped her, “The WBOC is kind of my first time actually joining a female entrepreneurial group. And I was so surprised at just how welcoming and supportive they were. I had never really had that before in my life. And to walk in and to have people be interested in what I do and supportive of what I do, it really means the world to me. So I’m very thankful for the WBOC.” SWM
Carrying on a culinary tradition
Jen Wing
The holidays are well on their way, and I am so full of excitement for the days ahead; I love what they bring to my sometimes-monotonous life.
Perhaps “monotonous” isn’t the right word.
What I mean is that, with the kids off doing their own thing – having shrugged off the shroud of my household for the more-exciting and adventure-filled future they are pursuing in other cities, my husband and I have settled into, well, a routine. A nice routine, sure, with work to do during the day and evenings filled with going out to dinner or out with friends on the weekend or staying in for a movie or two or to watch football during the week.
But a routine nonetheless.
Now, with the season of good tidings approaching, I am looking around at my surroundings with a new interest, a new eye for what needs to be done in preparation for this festive time.
There’s the decorations, of course. As I’ve shared in a previous column, I do enjoy decorating for each part of this trifecta of holidays –the skeletons and ghouls taking up residence in our front yard for Halloween, pumpkins (half-eaten by deer) and corn stalks holding down the fort through Thanksgiving and the strings of lights, both inside the house and out, heralding the arrival of Christmas.
There’s shopping involved as well, such as the purchasing of candy for trick-or-treaters, and, of course, the all-important Christmas gift list, drawn up on my computer, with items highlighted after they are purchased – my own checklist relating to presents for the good little girls and boys in my life.
I love to shop for Christmas presents; it’s not work, more like a labor of love, fun and meaningful to me – a way to show people how much they mean.
But perhaps what I am equally passionate about is the gastronomical portion of the program. I mean, what would the holidays be without tables groaning under the weight of amazing food and drink?
Let’s talk about Christmas dinner. Oh, I know, Thanksgiving is a huge, traditional meal as well, but, really, my planning for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner are very similar, so I’ll concentrate on just one meal.
But first, a little background. My ancestry is 100 percent polish, which perhaps explains my need to feed everyone until they’ve reached satiety.
This is something that is generational – my Baci, Grandma and mother also had that same need.
And, as any fellow Pole will tell you, the big night for our “people” is actually Christmas Eve. I’m fortunate that my mother continues to be the purveyor of that meal each year – the kapusta, fried fish and, of course pierogi – potato, cheese and my personal favorite, sauerkraut.
There is also the oplatek (also known as oplatki,) a traditional Catholic Christmas wafer that we hold out to each other, breaking off a piece while wishing them good tidings - things such as health and wealth. We listen to Polish carols and enjoy the amazing food and company.
But dinner on Christmas day – well, that is all me, now.
When my mother-in-law was alive we would do two “Christmas dinners” – one at her house and the other at my parents. I know, that’s a lot of food, but we made it work.
After her passing, and with my mother’s blessing, I took over the duties of this important dinner.
I remember that first time I took up the reigns. I had decided to make what my mother-in-law called her “Roast Beast,” a prime rib masterpiece accompanied by mashed potatoes and a rich gravy.
I was nervous, but, armed with a recipe that I’d found online, I pushed ahead with the brashness of – well, certainly not youth, but … I guess I pushed ahead anyways.
And was rewarded.
The “Roast Beast” was perfect, with the correct doneness for every meat eater. What they don’t tell you – and I’m not sure who “they” are – is that prime rib is actually pretty easy to pull off. Much easier than a Thanksgiving turkey, which can easily end up too dry.
I’ve included my “Roast Beast” recipe which I’ve tweaked and added to as I’ve made it over the years. I’ve learned that there are three important parts to the methodology of roasting a perfect beast:
1. Arm yourself with a good thermometer. It’s important to know what’s going on inside that hunk of meat so that you can adjust your temperature and cook time accordingly.
2. The recipe is a guide, not carved in stone. I’ve questioned my judgement on the timing of things, but the fact is that every cut of meat is different and every oven cooks differently. The thermometer doesn’t lie, so if it’s at the right temperature but the recipe’s calculations (usually done by weight or number of ribs) say to cook it longer, trust your judgement over what is on paper.
3. If you are interested in having part of the meat be truly rare, take it out of the oven even earlier than you think you should, as it continues to cook.
Don’t worry about those who like their meat well-done. The outer edges will satisfy. Medium well can be found in the next cut. Then medium rare … you get it – it’s like peeling an onion, with the center being the rare beef that is my favorite.
I think that in many daughters’ (and sons’) lives there will come a time when he or she will take over the duties of a holiday meal. It’s a rite of passage that isn’t always discussed but is nevertheless real.
It’s a continuation of tradition, of reinforcing the things that are most important and valuable in life – family, friends and love.
It’s a time to get together and commiserate about the present and talk about the future.
Just as importantly, it’s a time to remember those who’ve gone before us, who’ve started it all. Those who are no longer with us in body but are right there, next to us, as we speak their names and raise a glass to their memory.
It’s also a time to introduce our children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to these traditions, to welcome them into the story, the tapestry that family weaves as the years go on.
They are, after all, our future, the legacy that we will leave behind that will, hopefully, be toasting us and the memories we’ve brought to their lives long after we’ve gone.
And maybe, just maybe, they’ll learn how to make your famous “Roast Beast,” carrying on a tradition that has been savored by all who sit around your holiday table.
The butcher should prepare the roast so that the bones are cut away from the roast and tied back to the roast with kitchen string. This roast is about half the size of the one I usually make on Christmas Day.
Another tradition introduced to me by my mother-in-law was the Christmas cracker; she would place one at each person’s plate on the table. These decorations consist of a cardboard tube wrapped in bright paper with a prize inside - usually a paper crown, a small toy and a joke. The cracker is pulled apart by two people, producing a snapping sound and releasing the gifts inside. According to Wikipedia, they are part of Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. It was a fun way to start off the meal, bringing us all together. SWM
Jen’s Roast Beast INGREDIENTS
Standing rib roast, (estimate serving two people per rib.) have the butcher prepare the roast so that the bones are cut away from the roast and tied back to the roast with kitchen string, salt and pepper.
FOR THE GRAVY
(You should proportionately increase the amount of ingredients if you have a larger roast)
¼ cup fat and drippings
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 to 4 cups beef stock Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Remove the beef roast from the refrigerator three hours before you plan to put it in the overn. Rub salt on all sides and let it sit on the counter, loosely wrapped in tinfoil. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Pat the roast dry with paper towels and sprinkle the roast all over with salt and pepper. Place the roast fat-side-up in a roasting pan. Brown the roast at 500 for 15 minutes, then reduce to 325 degrees. Cook about 12 minutes per pound for rare and 14 minutes per pound for medium rare. As I mention in the column, the temperature should determine the doneness – so cook until the thermometer
registers 115° for rare, 120° for medium rare or 130° for medium. I usually check the roast about an hour-and-a-half before I expect it to be done, adjusting the oven temperature if it seems to be cooking too quickly.
Once the roast has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven, cover it with foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes minutes before carving. I usually wait about 30 minutes while I make the gravy. The internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise while the roast is resting. Slice and serve.
TO MAKE THE GRAVY:
When you remove the roast from the pan, pour the excess fat and drippings into a large saucepan.
Heat on medium high heat, stirring until it starts to bubble.
Add flour gradually, whisking it to keep it smooth and prevent it from catching, letting it thicken a bit.
Slowly add 3 to 4 cups of beef stock (if it seems too salty, swap out with water or dilute the stock.)
Continue to cook slowly and whisk constantly, breaking up any flour lumps.
The gravy will simmer and thicken, resulting in about 2 cups of gravy, so if you need more, multiply the recipe.
MELANIE LITTLEJOHN
Authentically Melanie
CNY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CEO SERVES COMMUNITY WITH
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
Kate Hanzalik
When Melanie Littlejohn was working on Wall Street during her 20s, she realized she was trying to conform to others’ narrative about being in banking. From dictating how she was supposed to act to what she was supposed to wear, “Fitting into a box chipped away at me,” Melanie says. “I decided I needed to change. I needed to embrace and be comfortable in my own package, comfortable in who I am.”
By embracing who she is, she's achieved great success in service to others. Her career took her from Wall Street to the Urban League then on to National Grid for 29 years, where she ultimately became vice president of customer and community engagement.
Continued on page 24
"If my life depended on fitting in, would I still do it? Would I still show up this way?”— Melanie Littlejohn
In March 2024, Melanie became the President and CEO of Central New York Community Foundation, a charity that leverages contributions from a variety of stakeholders to provide funding toward an array of services to those in need, and to create a brighter future for the region.
The Community Foundation’s commitment to Central New York is forward-thinking and far-reaching, from eradicating lead poisoning, racism, and poverty to promoting economic development and access to education, through strategic grantmaking, collaborations and initiatives such as LeadSafeCNY and Say Yes Syracuse.
With an M.B.A. from Syracuse University, a B.A. from SUNY Stony Brook, and a lifetime of experience, Melanie oversees more than $450 million in assets for The Community Foundation. She’s also responsible for forging alliances with stakeholders from all walks of life, spearheading efforts with diversity, equity, and inclusion, and bringing all perspectives to the table when it comes to advancing quality of life for everyone in Central New York.
“Our aim is to be a convener of good, helping bring people from all walks of life together to address the most pressing issues facing our region. Increasing workforce demands from new, incoming employers presents an opportunity for us to lock arms, lean in and ensure there is room at the table for all. We believe that everyone — regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, geographic location, or background — deserves to be valued, and much of our work centers on ensuring that no one is left out or overlooked,” Melanie says.
Since she began her role as CEO, The Community Foundation has committed $1 million to eradicate lead poisoning in Central New York, continuing its efforts since 2018 to fund the renovation of rental units, provide education and training in lead abatement, and replace contaminated windows and doors.
“Yes we're moving the dial, but we have plenty, plenty of work to do. We’re moving in the right direction because of all of the great folks at the table, from government to academic groups to community-based groups to residents,” she said. “All are at the table trying to wrestle and tackle the beast called lead poisoning. It takes community and it takes convening.”
Every year, more than 400 children from the city of Syracuse are diagnosed with lead poisoning, according to a report from The Post-Standard. Lead poisoning, especially in children, can lead to issues such as neurological damage and severe learning problems.
“The things that keep me up at night are the faces of young people in particular and what we owe young people . . . I think about lead constantly, and I think about the impacts of that, and what it means to children, and what that does to their future success . . . I want to fix it now, I don’t want it to be months, years. I am impatient when it comes down to our kids.”
Her professional goals are deeply personal. “I am a wife, I am a mother, and I say this every chance I get, the best new title I have is a Mimi (grandmother),” she says, adding that she’s “trying to leave the world a little bit better because I owe it to the little people that call me Mimi.”
Her own childhood has shaped who she is. When Melanie was growing up, she spent Sunday dinners with her family, sharing a pot of beans that was big enough to feed the family – 24 sisters, 1 brother, parents, grandparents, great grandparents – and anyone else who happened to show up. “You never know who was going to come
by the house . . . and you always wanted to make sure you had a little something for someone who needed it, and I’ve carried on that tradition of making sure you have a little something extra for somebody who needs it. So if it's love, if it’s hugs, if it's guidance, advice. If it’s food, if it’s just you need some comfort.”
This sense of altruism is innate to Melanie, who learned it in part from her parents, who, through adoption, opened their home to so many children in need. “I understood early on what service, commitment, and commitment to others look like because I watched. I watched what it meant to be a parent to children that you didn’t give birth to; I understood what standing in the gap meant for community, what it meant to be present for others. I saw it, so I just grew up understanding that's just what you do, that is just what you do.”
She's faced many obstacles throughout her career, but these obstacles have become opportunities to become stronger and wiser. Melanie says she’s struggled to say no to others, but she's gotten better over time. “It’s extraordinarily hard for me because I come from a spirit of service. But sometimes you need to realize you can’t pour from an empty cup.” She's also learned ways to confront discrimination. When people have not respected or valued her perspective because of her gender and race, she realized how vital it is for women to be in community with one another. “What that [community] allows us to do is to say, ‘Was that me or was that just not cool?’ And to garner strength from one another to find out our own voices.”
She turns to who she lovingly calls her “sister friends” “to talk me through how my voice can be heard . . . And sometimes we just need that other person that will either validate our feelings and our position on something but also who could be there to say, ‘Okay let's try it again, let's do this, let's communicate in a different way, and let’s get back and stay in the ring.”
She sees so much strength in the women around her today. “I have seen more women being more bold and bodacious about those things that matter to them. I am supporting and standing in solidarity with each and every one of them to change the things that impact us.”
Melanie encourages young women to be true to themselves. “Begin to understand who you are, begin to understand those things that scare you to death, begin to understand those things that motivate you and make you happy. Begin to understand ‘If my life depended on fitting in, would I still do it? Would I still show up this way?’”
She wants women to ask themselves: “What happens if I say no? If I don't like something, what happens if I just went along to get along?”
And given today’s political climate, these questions seem more important than ever. “The divisions within our nation and region are becoming more evident. Political and social issues have highlighted our differing perspectives, leading to an increasing sense of polarization. These challenges, though difficult, also open the door for courageous conversations that can help us forge a path forward rooted in respect and shared purpose.”
Melanie is the kind of woman we should aspire to be – that is, the kind of woman who is true to herself as she courageously pursues what she is passionate about. “I'm old enough now to appreciate what being authentically Melanie looks like . . . There will be some days when I'm not everybody' s cup of tea, but at night I can lay my head down, understanding and knowing that Melanie Littlejohn didn’t compromise her soul, her spirit, her identity. Being authentic is so important, I want to embrace the world fully by being myself – with the full knowing that I’m good enough.” SWM
United, We Rise
United Way of Central New York celebrated their Annual Gala (presented by IBEW Local 43) with hundreds of community supporters at the Landmark Theatre on November 2, 2024. The dress code “black tie optional, pop of sunrise or sunset encouraged” brought to life the gala theme of “United, We Rise.” Photos by Sarah Heppell Photography
YWCA’s Spirit of American Women
The YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County Inc. celebrated another year with the Spirit of American Women Gala on November 16, 2024. This annual fundraiser supports the YWCA's mission and highlights amazing local women. This year, LaToya Jones-Joe, Emily Mahana, and Elizabeth Snow were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community. The YWCA's Executive Director, Fanny Villarreal, alongside Alice Kim and Susan Coscione from Spectrum, announced the opening of the Brexi's Way Endowment Fund (managed by the CNY Community Foundation).
The fund will honor the memory of Brexialee Torres-Ortiz by supporting the Girls Inc at YWCA summer programs, allowing all girls to access outof-school services in a safe, enriching environment.
by Marilu Lopez Fretts
Photography
Setting the stage for a healthier 2025
A FAMILY APPROACH TO NUTRITION
Eric Rose
As we approach a new year, families across the country, including here in Central New York, are making more intentional choices about nutrition. This growing focus on whole foods, mindful eating, and balanced habits reflects a desire not only for individual health but for family-wide wellness. In 2025, there’s a strong movement toward reducing processed foods and focusing on nutrient-rich options, especially as research increasingly shows the long-term effects of diet on physical and mental health.
Prioritizing whole foods in 2025
Awareness of the health risks associated with processed foods is at an all-time high. With their added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, processed foods contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and various chronic conditions. In contrast, whole foods — like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains — offer a wealth of nutrients without unnecessary additives.
This shift toward unprocessed, whole foods is especially popular among younger generations. A recent study found that 80 percent of millennials consider health benefits when choosing foods, compared to 64 percent of baby boomers. By choosing foods that don’t require an ingredient label — like an apple or a handful of almonds — families can enjoy meals that support physical well-being, mental clarity, and sustained energy. For those looking to make this shift, an easy rule of thumb is to choose foods in their most natural state, as close as possible to how they are found in nature.
Enjoying the holidays mindfully
While the holiday season often brings indulgent treats and large meals, it doesn’t have to derail health goals. The holidays are best enjoyed as a few special days rather than a month-long stretch of overindulgence. Research shows that mindful eating — taking time to savor each bite — can help reduce overeating and enhance satisfaction.
A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who practiced mindful eating during the holidays felt more satisfied with less food.
A balanced approach to holiday meals can make a big difference. Opting for smaller portions of favorite dishes, choosing fresher or lighter options, and prioritizing nutrient-dense foods can help stabilize energy levels. Simple traditions like a family walk after dinner or a group game can also add activity and balance to holiday gatherings. Remember, holiday meals are special occasions meant to be enjoyed in moderation.
Supporting health with key supplements
As families prepare for a healthier 2025, adding specific supplements to daily routines can provide valuable support, especially in areas where diet alone may not meet all nutritional needs. Remember to consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, critical for muscle repair and overall tissue health. Essential amino acids — those the body cannot produce — are especially beneficial for preventing or slowing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and maintaining strength and stability. By incorporating EAAs, families can support muscle health, reducing the risk of frailty and promoting an active lifestyle as they age.
Creatine: Often known for its role in athletic performance, creatine also benefits cognitive function and energy metabolism. As a supplement, it’s increasingly recognized as beneficial beyond muscle strength, supporting energy levels and even memory, making it a valuable addition for maintaining both physical and mental vitality.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. Research suggests NAD+ may support healthy aging, energy, and even cognitive health. Although more studies are needed, NAD+ supplements are gaining popularity for their potential role in antiaging and overall wellness.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. In Central New York, where sunlight is often limited — especially in winter — vitamin D deficiencies are common. A simple blood test can determine levels and help guide supplementation. For families in regions with limited sun exposure, a vitamin D supplement can be an important addition to support immunity and mental well-being during darker months.
Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and anti-inflammatory processes. Many Western diets are low in omega-3s, so adding fish oil can help increase these essential fats, promoting heart and brain health for the whole family.
For many families in Central New York, 2025 will be about creating a balanced and sustainable lifestyle that includes everyone. The shift toward whole foods and mindful nutrition reflects a desire to enjoy meals that nourish body and mind. By focusing on nutrient-dense choices, adding supportive supplements as needed, and adopting a balanced approach to special occasions, families can set a strong foundation for long-term health.
This year, embracing cleaner eating habits, enjoying food without overindulging, and prioritizing health-friendly supplements are steps toward a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
With these habits, families can look forward to a year of vitality, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being in every season.
Continued on page 34
Holiday Recipes
Matzo Ball Soup
Here's a heartwarming matzo ball soup recipe for everyone to enjoy, whether or not you celebrate Passover! This recipe, inspired by the Burgasser Family, combines matzo balls that strike the perfect balance— neither too dense nor too airy, but wonderfully al dente—and a chicken soup that warms the soul. It’s the ultimate comfort dish for children and adults alike.
MATZO BALLS INGREDIENTS
Yield: About 12 matzo balls
3 large eggs
1 packet of Manischewitz Matzo Ball mix
2 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tsp salt, more for cooking 2½ quarts water
Black pepper
BROTH INGREDIENTS
1 rotisserie chicken 2 qt chicken broth (homemade or purchased)
2 carrots (peeled &small diced) 2 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley or dill Black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, matzo meal and parsley. Season with 1 tsp salt and a few grinds of pepper. Gently mix with a whisk or spoon. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours or overnight.
2. To shape and cook the matzo balls, fill a wide, deep pan with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. With wet hands, take some of the mix and mold it into the size and shape of a Ping-Pong ball. Gently drop it into the boiling water, repeating until all the mix is used.
3. Cover the pan, reduce heat to a lively simmer and cook matzo balls about 20-25 minutes for al dente, longer for light. If desired, the cooked matzo balls can be transferred to chicken soup and served immediately. Alternatively, they may be placed on a baking sheet and frozen, then transferred to a freezer bag and kept frozen until a few hours before serving; reheat in chicken or vegetable soup or broth.
4. For the broth heat chicken broth with carrots until the carrots are fork tender. Take the skin off the chicken and pull and dice the meat. Add as much as you would like to the broth once the carrots are tender. Add black pepper to taste. Heat up matzo balls in broth. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill.
Christmas Sangria
The perfect holiday drink served warm or over ice.
CRANBERRY ORANGE SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
½ cup sugar
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Zest from 1 medium orange
2 cinnamon sticks halved
CRANBERRY ORANGE SANGRIA INGREDIENTS
About 1 cup Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup (above)
1 750ml bottle red wine
¾ cup Cointreau
32 ounces 100% cranberry juice
Juice from ½ lemon
3 cinnamon sticks plus extra for serving
2 oranges sliced plus extra for serving
1 apple sliced plus extra for serving
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries plus extra for serving
Rosemary sprigs for garnish
DIRECTIONS
FOR THE CRANBERRY ORANGE SIMPLE SYRUP
1. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cranberries, orange zest and cinnamon sticks.
2. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to low and simmer until the cranberries have burst and have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour the syrup over a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium mixing bowl and discard. Set the syrup aside until cooled.
FOR THE CRANBERRY ORANGE SANGRIA
1. In a gallon container, pour the cooled Simple Syrup, red wine, Cointreau, cranberry juice, juice from ½ lemon, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices and cranberries. Stir well.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, pour sangria in an ice-filled glass. Add an orange slice, cranberries and a cinnamon stick, rosemary sprig if desired.
DIANE NAPPA
New Elmcrest director has impacted countless children and their families
Janelle Davis
When Diane Nappa's son Alex was born with complex medical needs 35 years ago, she found herself navigating a world with few support services for families like hers. Rather than accepting the status quo, she transformed her personal challenge into a mission that would impact countless families across Central New York. Today, as the newly appointed executive director of Elmcrest Children's Center, Nappa brings this same spirit of innovative problem-solving and deep commitment to her leadership role.
"Alex was only supposed to live to be five, and he lived to be 23, so every day was a gift after age five," Nappa shares. "He made a difference in everybody's world, in the community." It was Alex who inspired Nappa to co-found a support group for families with children with disabilities, which eventually grew into Advocates Incorporated, a grassroots agency serving the community.
The early days were challenging but formative. "These children are 24/7," Nappa explains, "on all different levels, whether it's educational, social, medical – it's all encompassing." The support group became a lifeline for many families, operating under the philosophy that there is life with disability, and work-life balance is crucial for caregivers.
Her advocacy work took her to Albany, where she and other parents fought for better services and support systems. The group's mantra was simple but powerful: "We're not alone." This grassroots effort grew into
something far more substantial than anyone initially imagined.
Recognizing the crucial need for respite care during a time of severe medical staff shortages, Nappa and her parent group undertook an ambitious project in 2004: raising $1 million to build Casey's Place, a respite house in Syracuse for children with disabilities and medical conditions.
The facility, now a program of Elmcrest Children's Center, was named in memory of the child of another support group founder. "It was a huge community effort," Nappa recalls, "giving families a chance to regroup and spend time with other family members."
This initiative led Nappa to Elmcrest, where she served as director of disability services for 20 years before retiring. However, her retirement was short-lived when the board of directors approached her about returning as interim director. "After much contemplation and discussion, it was just decided that maybe my mission wasn't over yet," she says.
Under Nappa's leadership, Elmcrest is embracing a collaborative management style that empowers its leadership team. "I'm definitely not a micromanager," she explains. "My leadership team are experts in their fields. When you put together the leadership team as a whole, everybody's working autonomously but in their expertise. That provides what the agency globally needs."
Like many organizations post-COVID, Elmcrest faces challenges in recruitment and retention. Nappa is tackling this head-on with innovative solutions, including a comprehensive leadership development program. "We've realized that staff who started in direct line support professional jobs and worked their way up to different leadership positions are probably the most valued," she notes. The organization has hired a new talent and learning officer and is developing programs for professional growth at all levels.
Nappa's long-term impact on staff development is evident throughout the organization. "I hired people 15 years ago as front-line staff working with children at our very basic level of staffing, and now they're in administrative positions," she proudly shares. This internal growth pathway has become a cornerstone of Elmcrest's retention strategy.
What sets Elmcrest apart under Nappa's guidance is its commitment to measuring success through multiple lenses. Beyond traditional metrics and data collection, the organization emphasizes employee satisfaction and communication. "If somebody feels valued where they work, it's very important, and it really resonates with the quality of programming for the children," Nappa says.
Looking ahead, Elmcrest continues to expand its services based on community needs. The organization regularly meets with other industries and nonprofits to identify gaps in services for families and children. A recent success story is the opening of a children's crisis mental health respite program, which proved so beneficial that the organization is currently renovating another building to double its capacity.
When asked about her return to executive leadership, Nappa's enthusiasm is evident. "I actually look forward to going to work," she says. "The break that I had for a couple of years changed my mindset. To me, there's a solution to every problem, and work-life balance became more important to me."
With more than 500 employees and a 175-year legacy of serving children and families in crisis, Elmcrest Children's Center continues
to evolve under Nappa's leadership. Her journey from advocacy to executive leadership demonstrates how personal experience, combined with professional expertise, can create meaningful change in a community.
"We are grateful to our staff and partners for their support of our organization and dedication to the children of our community," Nappa says.
"I'm honored to work alongside them and look forward to a bright future for Elmcrest and the children and families we serve."
SWM
JOELLE HARLESTON
Bringing ‘good-hearted people’ together
for good
Norah Machia
Joelle Harleston knew from a young age that she wanted to help people live their best possible lives by empowering them with the needed education and resources.
“My parents were working class, but had a philanthropic sense of giving back to others,” said the Syracuse native. “They opened their home to anyone, and there was always a home-cooked meal ready to be shared.”
At age 16, she started working for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a program designed to improve the health and nutrition of mothers and their children on limited incomes. “That job made me realize that if you empower people, you can see them soar,” Harleston said.
After graduating from Cazenovia College with a degree in human services, Harleston took classes in community organizing and program planning at Syracuse University. But after the loss of her father, she developed an interest in pastoral care and decided she had a higher calling – to serve as a missionary in South America.
Harleston left Syracuse to carry out her mission work and began teaching English classes to children in El Salvador. It was there she witnessed the harsh realities of their lives, and the dangers faced by many young girls, including the risk of sex trafficking, something she had observed in earlier travels to other parts of the world. During her time in El Salvador, Harleston developed a passion for bringing people together to work toward addressing these types of critical issues. “I couldn’t unsee what I had seen there,” she said.
She met with representatives from the global nonprofit organization A21, that works to fight human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and the US-based nonprofit Love 146, also a nonprofit antitrafficking organization, and connected representatives from the two organizations in El Salvador. “When good-hearted people can come
together, they can accomplish so much more,” by sharing resources to obtain grant funding and enhancing program development that helps to carry out their vital missions, she said.
It’s no surprise that her life experiences led Harleston to spend her career working in human services.
She had served as director of development and community relations at Mercy Works, a nonprofit that provides after-school programs for teenagers to prepare them for college and the workplace. During her time with the organization, she led a team of professionals who focused on empowering those in underserved communities through education, health and economic development programs.
This fall, she joined the staff of the Samaritan Center in Syracuse as chief development officer. Samaritan Center is a nonprofit agency located in a restored church building at 215 N. State Street. Staff and volunteers serve free hot, nutritious meals 365 days a year with no questions asked. The meals are served in the beautifully renovated church sanctuary with ceramic plates and silverware, another small but meaningful way of giving people seeking help a sense of dignity. Approximately 120,000 meals are served each year.
The agency also offers several services to help promote selfsufficiency, including case management to address unemployment, housing, homelessness, and difficulty accessing benefits such as health care and legal services. The Samaritan Center works with other community agencies who meet with clients onsite to help make the connections needed for support, and also provides help for those seeking employment opportunities.
“We treat people with the dignity they deserve,” Harleston said. “We believe our guests have many things to offer this world. We believe in the best of them.”
Samaritan Center is also a place where those in need can obtain items typically not covered by assistance programs, such as personal care products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste), and receive diapers during a monthly distribution in partnership with the CNY Diaper Bank. Boxes of items filled with basic household furnishing, such as dishes and towels, are donated by volunteers and community groups to help people who are moving into their first apartments. It’s a popular service project for school and community groups.
“We are all about empowering the individual,” Harleston said. “When you believe in others, it’s incredible to see how that makes them feel empowered.”
The nonprofit organization is primarily supported by financial contributions and donated items, although it receives a small amount of government funding. Volunteers help carry out many of its programs and the daily meal service. “Helping others can involve giving your time and talent as well,” she said.
Several years ago, Harleston turned her passion for fund-raising, marketing, community development and grant writing into starting her own business, Harleston Consulting Group LLC. Most of her referrals are word-of-mouth, she said. She advises businesses and non-profits on issues such as grant funding, program development, communications, donor engagement and strategic planning.
Harleston also offers resources to address social and environmental challenges, strategic business guidance, professional grant-writing and fund-raising strategies. SWM
For more information abut Samaritan Center, visit www.samcenter.org. Harleston Consulting may be reached by emailing joellabell@gmail.com.
SAMANTHA CROSTON
Breaking barriers in Syracuse sports
Janelle Davis
In the fast-paced world of sports journalism, Samantha Croston is making history as the first female sports director not just at CNY Central, but in Syracuse. For a city with such rich sports tradition, this groundbreaking appointment marks a significant milestone. But for Croston, it's not about breaking barriers for the sake of it – it's about making sports coverage better through diverse perspectives and authentic storytelling.
"I truly believe that having women in sports makes sports coverage better," Croston says. This philosophy drives everything she does in her role overseeing sports coverage across three television stations: WSTM NBC3, WTVH CBS5, and CW6.
Croston's path to sports journalism wasn't a straight line. As a former NCAA Division I lacrosse goalie at Colgate University, she initially considered various career paths after graduation, including wealth management and Teach for America. However, when COVID-19 hit, it prompted her to reassess her direction. She applied to Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications – the only broadcasting school still accepting applications at the time.
"The second I got to Newhouse, I knew I was going to do this for the rest of my life," Croston recalls. "Now that I'm in it, I feel like, how could I have ever thought I was going to do anything else?"
Her athletic background gives her a unique perspective in sports journalism. This firsthand experience allows her to approach stories with deeper empathy and understanding of student-athletes' challenges, particularly the demands of balancing academics with athletics.
Together with weekend sports anchor Ashley Wenskoski, Croston leads a dynamic two-person department responsible for an impressive 31 shows weekly across three stations. They're also breaking ground as the only all-female sports team in Central New York, producing two successful podcasts: "The Orange Zone" and "Why Am I a Mets Fan?"
The latter, launched in May 2023, has surpassed expectations, reaching 35,000 to 40,000 views per episode and attracting an international audience. While their viewership is 96 percent male, Croston takes pride in the fact that the talent is 100 percent female. "Sports talk is still a new space for women in sports," she explains. "You see a lot of women at the national level who are the hosts, asking the male analysts how they feel. But on our podcast, Ashley and I share what we want to say, because we have plenty of opinions."
proved invaluable, covering everything from community issues to breaking news and severe weather. "It made me more empathetic and changed my worldview," she reflects. "Now when I cover sports stories, which are often news stories too, I'm asking better questions and I'm not afraid to ask hard questions."
Her commitment to local sports coverage, particularly high school athletics, sets her apart. The station's popular "Friday Night Lights" segment showcases local football games with an impressive 11-minute dedicated segment that brings the excitement and energy of high school sports to viewers across Central New York. Additionally, CNY Central's "Athlete of the Week" segment celebrates not just athletic achievement but also sportsmanship and character. "The thought of an athlete and their parents and grandparents being able to watch that segment on a Tuesday night... that's honestly why I do this stuff," Croston says. "I'm the one who feels honored to cover them."
Her connection to the Syracuse community runs deep, something she shares with coaches like Felicia Legett-Jack, Syracuse women's basketball head coach. "When she says those things about coming back to Syracuse because of what Syracuse means to her, I understand why Syracuse is so important to her," Croston explains. "Once you hear the stories about Syracuse, good and bad, there's no way that you couldn't fall more in love with it here."
Despite the demanding schedule – often working 100 hours per week between her and Wenskoski – Croston remains passionate about their mission. She credits her success to both her partnership with Wenskoski and the support of News Director Sean Carroll, who took a chance on hiring the station's first female sports director. Their collaborative approach has led to innovative coverage across multiple platforms, bridging traditional television broadcasts with digital content to reach audiences wherever they are.
Croston's journalism journey included three years in news reporting and anchoring before becoming sports director. This experience
"When you work in a place where the thoughts you can have and the ideas that you can present are limitless, and you feel supported to turn those ideas into reality, it really makes me feel like there's no bounds to what we can accomplish," Croston reflects.
As she continues to build her legacy in Syracuse sports journalism, Croston is proving that breaking barriers isn't just about being first –it's about using that position to elevate sports coverage for everyone, one story at a time. Through her leadership, she's not only inspiring the next generation of women in sports journalism but also demonstrating how diverse voices can enhance and enrich sports coverage for all audiences. SWM
Francis House names new executive director
The board of directors of Francis House recently announced the appointment of Jillian Trionfero as its new executive director. Since its founding in 1991, Francis House has been a part of the Central New York community offering compassionate care to those in need in their final days.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jillian to the Francis House family,” said Alicia Calagiovanni, board chair of Francis House. “With over 15 years of creative leadership in the non-profit sector, her strategic vision, collaborative approach, and dedication to our mission will be invaluable as we continue to serve the community.”
Jillian expressed her enthusiasm for this new role, stating, “I am honored to carry forward the important mission of Francis House. For over three decades, Francis House has been a beacon of care in this community, a legacy that began with Sister Kathleen Osbelt. I look forward to working with the incredible team here as we continue to serve those in need.”
Jillian holds a bachelor of science degree in child and family studies from Syracuse University and has extensive experience in leadership roles within the non-profit sector. Francis House provides a home and extended family to persons with terminal illnesses so they can die with dignity surrounded by the unconditional love of God. Over the years the organization has cared for more than 4,000 residents and supported over 12,000 families.
St. Joseph’s Health welcomes Dr. Amy Carter
St. Joseph’s Health has announced Amy Carter, MD, is continuing her medical career as a family medicine physician and hospitalist, having just completed a three-year residency at St. Joseph’s Health.
Receiving most of her education in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Carter is fluent in both English and French. She received her bachelor of science in human kinetics from the University of Guelph where she was on the dean’s list. She went on to study biomedical science at Carleton University in Ottawa and received her doctor of medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, where she received an International Peace Scholarship.
Dr. Carter worked as a medical assistant for a medical group in Ottawa and as a clinical research assistant at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. As a family medicine resident physician at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, she received extensive outpatient training, including specialty and pediatric practices serving a wide range of socio-economic communities. Among other roles, she also completed three months of obstetrical inpatient training and provided prenatal and postpartum care.
“It is always my goal as a physician to provide high quality, patient-centered care, while ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. These are goals shared by my colleagues at St. Joseph’s Health and I’m looking forward to continuing to pursue my passion among likeminded professionals,” said Dr. Carter. “It will be rewarding to watch patients progress from illness and injury to healing and discharge from the hospital.”
Outside of work, Dr. Carter enjoys baking, dance and playing pickleball. Oswego Health adds two to its Leadership Team
Elizabeth Rice, MSN, RN, has been promoted to director of inpatient services at the Lobdell Center for Mental Health & Wellness. Liz has a rich background in mental health nursing and brings over a decade of experience to her new role. She earned her master of science in nursing from SUNY Polytechnic in 2022 and previously served as the assistant director of inpatient mental health & wellness at Oswego Health. She was instrumental in coordinating activities for the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation.
Liz's diverse clinical journey includes significant roles in emergency care as a senior RN in Oswego Health’s emergency department, where she managed urgent treatments for patients of all ages.
Her commitment to education and mentorship is evident through her work as a basic life support instructor and staff preceptor, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals. We are confident that her dedication to high-quality patient care and collaborative spirit will drive our inpatient services to new heights.
Heather Cosgrove, Ph.D., has been named the new director of outpatient mental health services. Heather brings extensive experience in counseling psychology, having earned her Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo. Her most recent role was as the training director at the Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling in Syracuse, where she developed and oversaw a comprehensive training program for graduate interns, ensuring high standards of clinical practice and professional development.
Heather has a proven track record of engaging with diverse populations and implementing innovative programs. At the Hamilton College Counseling Center, she managed specialty interests among staff and spearheaded initiatives such as a successful peer counseling program, providing critical support to students.
Her diverse experiences, including work with eating disorders and outreach programming, highlight her commitment to community mental health and her passion for empowering individuals.
Saturdays in December
Arctic Pajama Party
What: Celebrate the winter season with a hot cocoa bar, hands-on activities, science, and the viewing of The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness in the ExploraDome. Pajamas encouraged!
Where: The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Info: www.themost.org
Dec. 5-15
Festival of Trees and Light
What: Join for a cherished Central New York tradition! View a variety of beautiful trees, wreaths and unique seasonal décor. This year will bring even more live performances, activities, and festive fun.
Where: The Everson, Downtown Syracuse. Info: www.everson.org
Fridays & Saturdays Dec. 6-21
Holiday Nights at the Zoo
What: Enjoy a seasonally lit, after-hours stroll through the tzoo! Featuring fire-pits, hot-chocolate, sm’ores, live music, ice carving, and animals.
Where: The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse.
When: 5 to 8 p.m.
Info: www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 22
Freedom for All: Syracuse’s Convention of 1864 Exhibit
What: Based on research from Syracuse University graduate Philip Haddix, this exhibit brings together images and biographies of 28 of the convention’s delegates. The convention included Black entreprenures, intellectuals, and others.
Where: The Atrium, Downtown Syracuse.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Community Chanukah Party
What: Celebrate Jewish culture and traditions with latkes, bagels, and more. There will be inflatables, crafts, and other activities.
Where: Schayes Family Gymnasium, Dewitt.
When: 12:30 p.m to 3 p.m.
Info: Free
Wednesday, Jan. 8
WBOC Meeting
What: The meeting will feature Christine Smith, who will teach everyone about the craft of networking and how to craft an attentiongrabbing statement.
Where: Drumlin’s Country Club.
When: 4:40 to 7 p.m.
Info: www.wboconnection.org
When: Fridays: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: Noon to 6 p.m.
Through Dec. 24
Art Mart
What: Shop unique gifts made by local artists. Selection includes paintings, jewelry, glass, pottery and more. Art Mart is celebrating its 69th year!
Where: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.
When: 11 a.m to 5 p.m.
Through Jan. 5
Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
What: Experience a magical celebration of dreams come true. Step into a storybook world brought to life with spectacular costumes, characters, and music. Where: Archbold Theater, Syracuse.
Info: Tickets start at $30. www.syracusestage.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
WBOC’s Holiday Hoedown
What: Connect and network while enjoying the festivities. There will be music, a silent auction, and surprises throughout the night. Proceeds benefit the WBOC. Where: Drumlin’s Country Club.
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Info: $75. www.wboconnection.org/event-5902718.
Dec. 6-8
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
What: Join the Syracuse City Ballet for a holiday tradition full of stunning choreography, costumes, and a classic tale full of imagination.
Where: The OnCenter, Downtown Syracuse.
Info: Tickets available at www.syracusecityballet.com
