Syracuse Woman Magazine December 2019 by Eagle Newspapers

December 2019

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December 2019

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C O N T E N T S

December

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.......................................................6 CONTRIBUTORS............................................................................7 PAST EVENTS.................................................................................9 FASHION Fashion Forward: Presents with a Purpose..................................................... 10 WBOC LEADING LADY Jill Merluzzi Johnstone......................................................... 13 SYRACUSE EATS Hercules Candy Co. ............................................................. 14 QUEEN OF ARTS Selma Selman............................................................................ 16 FOR A GOOD CAUSE Father Champlin's Guardian Angel Society.................... 20 ON THE COVER Sharon Owens, Deputy Mayor, City of Syracuse............ 25 HEALTH & WELLNESS Reproductive Health Clinic: PRePare for the Holidays................................................... 30 Self Care: Keeping the (Inner) Peace During the Holiday Season..................................................................... 32 Fitness Forum: Weight, Diet and Maintaining Your Sanity.................. 34 SYRACUSE WOMEN OF DISTINCTION Dora Sedgwick Hazard......................................................... 37 INSPIRE Jennifer Covert....................................................................... 42 Cathy Pemberton..................................................................... 46 UPCOMING EVENTS................................................................. 48 MOVERS AND SHAKERS......................................................... 50

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CONTRIBUTORS

LETTER from the Editor This month, we asked our contributors: What do you do to give back to the community?

is the season of giving, and, appropriately, our December issue focuses on giving back. You needn’t look too far to find a worthy recipient for your time and financial donations. Central New York has a wealth of deserving organizations doing good, and they’re all in need of your support. We’ve written about many of them in the pages of this magazine, but I’d like to share three of my favorites that we haven’t discussed before with you here in hopes of getting them some attention this holiday season. Blessings in a Backpack Liverpool Chapter 1854 Info: 210 Hazel St., Liverpool, New York 13088; blessingsinabackpackliverpoolny.org Donations accepted? Yes Volunteers needed? Yes

The Liverpool community has teamed up with Blessings in a Backpack, a national nonprofit program that works with local organizations to provide bags of food to elementary school kids in need. Each bag contains two breakfast item, two lunch items and two snacks. All are non-perishable and childfriendly and represent three of the four food groups. Sometimes these meals are the only food they'll have from the time they leave school Friday afternoon until they return Monday morning. Because the need is so great in the city of Syracuse, the Liverpool chapter is working to feed kids at Seymour Dual Language Academy, where more than 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade need food over the weekend. The organization began with 50 kids in September of 2017. Thanks to the generosity of the community — including grants from Wegmans and Walmart and donations from parishioners at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Liverpool First Presbyterian, Liverpool First United Methodist and St. Matthew’s Episcopal churches — with the start of the 2018 school year, they’re now up to 200. For $100, you can feed a child for 38 weekends a year. Your sponsorship provides kids with food to get through the weekend, but it's more than just a couple of meals — that bag of food is a sign that someone cares about them. Friends of the CanTeen Info: P.O. Box 1521, Cicero, New York 13039; canteencny.com Donations accepted? Yes Volunteers needed? Yes

Okay, so this is cheating, since I wrote about CanTeen Executive Director Toni Brauchle in May, but YOU GUYS. This is such an amazing place, and I wish every school had a program like this. The Friends of the CanTeen are the fundraising arm of the teen center next to Cicero-North Syracuse High School. The board oversees the day-to-day operations of the youth center, which serves kids in eighth through 12th grade. There, teens can play games, do homework, watch movies, make food (which the center provides) or socialize. The CanTeen sees kids from all walks of life, every clique and all backgrounds. Regardless of any stereotypes and prejudgement, the CanTeen provides a welcoming environment for everyone, whether it’s kids that come every day or someone just stopping in for the day. The Friends group raises approximately $40,000 a year, supplemented by other funding streams, to fund field trips and events as well as provide food, internet and other amenities while paying the bills. Operation Northern Comfort Info: 800 Second St., Liverpool, New York 13088; operationnc.org Donations accepted? Yes Volunteers needed? Yes

Operation Northern Comfort is an offshoot of Operation Southern Comfort (also a great organization), which formed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild the Gulf Coast. Operation Northern Comfort, like its southern counterpart, serves the community by offering labor, monetary donations and other forms of support when needed. ONC takes on handyman projects in Central New York, from delivering furniture or painting a room to retrofitting a house for an amputee coming home for the first time since his accident. No job is too small. The nonprofit has no paid staff. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome. Remember, these are just a few of the many deserving nonprofits in Central New York, and the introductions offered barely scratch the surface of the services they provide. Check out the websites of these organizations for more information. Got your own favorites? Feel free to share on our Facebook page!

Sarah

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OUR TEAM Publisher

CONTRIBUTORS

David Tyler

Editor

Sarah Hall

Design

Andrea Reeves

PhotographERS Ana Gil-Taylor Steven J. Pallone Alice G. Patterson Maureen Tricase

Angela Antonello Ashley M. Casey Nichole A. Cavallaro Christie Donato Sarah Hall Jamie Jenson Alicia Madonna Dinah Olson Megan Sheehan Staci Solsowitz Becca Taurisano Sharee Turpin

Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson in downtown Syracuse. Makeup by j. luxe salon.

Angela Antonello

I give back to the Central New York community by donating and holding various fundraising events through my boutique and volunteering my time throughout the year.

I receive a request from proud parents, coaches, or athletic directors. Whatever measure of joy I can bring about through this is much more rewarding to me anyway than the modest monetary compensation it would bring (plus karma!).

Nichole A. Cavallaro

Alice G. Patterson

I donate to the local ASPCA of CNY and I also support local farmers whenever possible.

Ana Gil-Taylor

I give back to the community by attending fundraising events as well as volunteering both time and talent, to various local organizations that support children/youth.

Ashley Casey

I give back to the CNY community by volunteering for Vera House. Their mission means a lot to me, and it is very rewarding to help people who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Christie Donato

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Renée Moonan Linda Jabbour 315.657.7690 315.657.0849 Rmoonan@eaglenewsonline.com Ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com

This past year I've made it a priority to shop and eat locally to better support small business owners in our region.

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I chose a career that makes me feel like I can give back to my community every day: I'm a high school English teacher and love sharing my passion for reading and writing with my students!

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Copyright © 2019 Community Media Group, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Community Media Group, LLC and will not be returned. The Holiday Edition

Jamie Jenson

Alicia Madonna

I always try to support local businesses! Whenever I can, I make sure to spend my time and money at business where locals, like myself, put their livelihood and energies into. I believe that any time a person can take their passion and turn it into a business, they deserve the time, respect, and appreciation from their community.

Steven J. Pallone

My fave gig is shooting high school sports for a local news organization (apologies SWM) and my small gesture of giving back is to pass on my photos of these young athletes, gratis, whenever

I donate services to a few charitable auctions and fundraisers each year. I also give back by supporting friends that have annual charitable events, like Lorna Oppedisano’s Extreme Hike fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CNY, and Krista Owens of Lavish Salon’s annual coat drive for the Rescue Mission.

Megan Sheehan

I think the best way I give back to Syracuse is by promoting local businesses as often as possible. Whether it's by being a patron myself, or by recommendation to others. Buy local. Shop local. Eat local. Support local.

Becca Taurisano

I give back by volunteering with and donating to McMahon-Ryan Child Advocacy Center. My favorite thing to do is take part in their Holiday Angels program where volunteers shop for holiday gifts for a local family that has been affected by abuse. I like to have my daughters pick out the items and it helps us remember that the holiday season is about giving, not just getting.

Maureen Tricase

When I am not shooting for Capture Your Moments, I teach 9th graders global history at Liverpool High School Annex. Students leave my classroom with an appreciation for the diverse community in which we live. Learning about other cultures enables them to look beyond their own culture and foster inclusiveness.

Sharee Turpin

I give back by searching for the gems and hidden stories that exist around me. Taking the time to appreciate what CNY has been more rewarding than I thought it would ever be.

CORRECTION: Last month, we brought you a story about the On Our Own Time art exhibit being hosted at the Everson Museum of Art. We neglected to mention that the program was started by CNY Arts in 1974 and is actually their endeavor. “[It’s been] replicated throughout the country, and even given a Presidential ‘Private Sector Initiative Commendation’ award by Ronald Reagan in 1984,” said Matthew De Bellas, Comunications and Marketing Consultant for CNY Arts. We apologize for the error. December 2019

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swm past events

Photos by Edges Photography Hundreds of people celebrated the strength of women in the fight against heart disease on Oct. 24. The Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon brought nearly 600 attendees to the Oncenter Convention Center to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The Go Red for Women Luncheon is the culmination of the year-round Go Red movement. The event, along with year-round activities, raised a record total of more than $425,000. Those funds will be used to fight disability and death caused by cardiovascular diseases and stroke through research, training, advocacy and community education. One in three women dies of heart disease and stroke. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than all forms of cancer combined. Go Red for Women aims to educate women about their health, so we can change these statistics. Krueger Advisors kicked off the holiday season with a free Holiday Gift & Glamour expo on Sat Nov 2. Many local stores and crafters participated in the festivities. Cicero Canteen provided free beverages while Mission Catering offered free samplings of their catering menu to those who attended.

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fashion forward Holiday

Presents with a Purpose By Angela Antonello

ith the holidays approaching, we all know finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is never easy. Did you know there are several gift options that give back to charities and causes that will bring deeper meaning to your holiday season? Whether its one other recipient or a hundred who can benefit, pay it forward with a present that gives back. Look ahead to see our charitable gift picks from the Fashion Rescue 911 Boutique.

JOIN THE HERD!

Good Clothes for a good cause. Lifestyle brand Ivory Ella is committed to ending the elephant crisis and their risk of extinction by donating 10 percent of profits to Save the Elephants. Made from 100 percent organic cotton grown using zero pesticides, 62 percent less energy and 91 percent less water! Fits true to size â&#x20AC;&#x201D; perfect for pairing with leggings or your favorite jeans! Be the king of the jungle, join the herd; www.ivoryella.com

ECO FRIENDLY

Reducing the use of plastic is a big topic these days, and it seems like many people are trying to do what they can to be more eco-friendly. Syracuse-based Sea Culture Brand makes it their mission to get rid of plastic pollution that is suffocating our earth. They take recycled plastics

and turn them into shirts and beanies that are completely made in the USA; www.seaculturebrand.com

INSPIRATIONAL

Good Work(s) Make a Difference: What better time of year to spread joy and be inspired. Check off your list with a unique, uplifting, inspirational bracelet today. This company donates 25 percent of net proceeds to charitable organizations in order to make a meaningful impact for our neighbors, communities, and lives. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I call pretty with a purpose; www.goodworksmakeadifference.com

SHARE THE LOVE

Join the Pro*ject LoVe movement! Local woman owned company brings you comfortable clothing for a cause. What a perfect gift for

those who thrive on spreading love and light. A percentage of proceeds are donated to local non-profits in hope to make and impact on those in need. Together lets continue to spread LoVe and Light; www.kkdiscovers.com

SPARK JOY!

Be the Good brand represents more than just a jewelry line. The collection themes embrace the moments, milestones and emotions that celebrate those things that make us feel happy and connected. Every piece is designed with the belief that the right piece of jewelry at just the right time can change a woman's whole day, outlook, or life. With each purchase, Be The Good donates to the non-profit Dress for Success which empowers women to achieve economic independence through support, professional attire and development tools; www.shopbethegood.com With these gifts that give back, you can not only feel good about buying them, but giving them, too. This holiday season, use your purchasing power for good and gift not only the ones you love, give to those in need and remember to shop local. SWM Angela Antonello owns Fashion Rescue 911 Fashion Truck & Boutique, located at 52 Oswego St., Baldwinsville; (315) 857-6690. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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WBOC Leading Lady Jill Merluzzi Johnstone

Jill Merluzzi Johnstone By Jamie Jenson

ill Merluzzi Johnstone hadn’t planned on becoming a consultant for Rodan+Fields, the billion-dollar skincare company developed by Drs. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, the same dermatologists who developed Proactiv in the 1990s, but once she used their products, she was hooked. A physician assistant who has spent the majority of her career in surgery and orthopedic surgery, Jill said she started learning more about the company and its products after a friend of hers hosted a Facebook party for Rodan+Fields. “The fact that the brand was created by female dermatologists struck with me,” Jill said. “They are clinically-tested, sciencebacked products that really do what they say they’re targeted to do, and it just fits along with my whole being as helping people.” Jill was also impressed that the products came with a 60-day money back guarantee. “You see things on television and you’re like, ‘Yeah, right,’ but no, it really is!” Jill said. “You send it back and you get credited your money, and I had never heard of that with any other products before.” In February 2017, after using the products, Jill contacted her consultant friend not only to order more skincare products but to also find out what being an independent executive consultant with the company entailed. Unlike other brands, consultants do not stock their own inventory. All transactions are done inperson and over the phone, and consultants encourage their customers to call Rodan+Fields where they can discuss their skincare needs with a registered nurse without having to wait for a dermatology appointment. Having a career with flexibility was another attraction for Jill, who had orthopedic challenges of her own. She was recovering from neck surgery and was concerned about the physical demands of her physician assistant job. There were also more exciting things happening in Jill’s life, too. “Things in my life changed,” Jill said. “I wanted to start a family.

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My husband and I took in a couple of foster children and one was a newborn, so I needed to be out of work for at least eight weeks anyway. So at that time, that’s when I really started working the business full-time.” While the flexibility is an added bonus — Jill says she can work wherever there is Wi-Fi — she said she also loves her consulting job for the same reason she loved being a physician assistant: she gets to both help and educate people. “My goal now,” Jill said, “is to continue to educate people about the products and what they can do for them to solve their skin problems, as well as bring on other men and women to become skincare consultants and lead them on my team.” Jill also uses her business to give back to local nonprofits and causes that she’s passionate about. She’s helped to fundraise for Francis House, an organization that provides a home for people with terminal illnesses, and most recently, the CNY Diaper Bank, which helps to distribute diapers to families in need. Jill said making a career switch like hers as been easy because of the amazing people she’s met on her journey. “The Rodan+Fields community is so supportive, and it has been very inspiring meeting other successful consultants. Rodan+Fields empowers women and men to be their best self; it is so much more than skincare,” she said. For the past couple of the years, Jill has spent time as a member of the Women Business Opportunities Connection. In WBOC, Jill said she has also found a supportive local community where she can network and meet new people. While Jill said she still works part-time as a physician assistant, but her main focus is on her consultancy. Since going full-time, she hasn’t looked back. “My only regret,” she said, “is not hearing about the brand years ago!” SWM

December 2019

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syracuse eats Hercules Candy Company

Hercules Candy Company By Megan Sheehan

“C

andy makes people happy” may be the truest statement in existence. For Terry and Steve Andrianos, the owners of Hercules Candy Company, it isn’t just a phrase or logo, but their way of life. Not only do they live and breathe candy, but their family does as well. The original owners, a trio of brothers from Greece, would be delighted to see that their shop, recipes, and family name have carried on for over 100 years. First known as The Boston Candy Kitchen, Hercules Candy has gone through the depression, being tossed about between siblings in order to please a matriarch, the ups and downs of the general economy, local

Cara Andrianos, Joe McDonough, Terry Andrianos, Steve Andrianos, Craig Andrianos

business struggles, and continuing to have the will and drive through generations to stay alive. One thing that is incredibly unique is the fact that from 1902-2018, the business was run mainly from a family home in East Syracuse. The basement was a factory, the first floor was the store, and upstairs was the family’s residence. The business shut down for approximately five years until Steve decided to re-open his family store and take it on, despite everyone calling him crazy. “The equipment was very simple,” Terry said. “He just had candy thermometers, copper kettles, the double boilers you need for chocolate and he started it up. He got some sugar and some ingredients and he started it up in 1977.”

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Fast forward a few years, and the store was only open seasonally. Steve was bartending in August 1983 when he met future wife Terry. “I took a hankerin’ to him and sat in front of his cash register until he asked me out,” Terry recalled. “He finally got the hint.” They were married that next May and Terry joined the family business — literally. She took over the business role of Hercules Candy and Steve continued to make the candy. Over time, the pair grew into a family of five. All lives would change in 2012, however, when it was discovered that their son Craig had a crippling auto-immune disease. While fighting during this incredibly dark time, Craig began to research treatments and found that going on a plant-based diet would put the disease into remission. Which it did. He then decided, since he had essentially cured himself, to share this information with others via YouTube. Here’s another turning point for Hercules Candy. Through his research, Craig discovered that ribbon candy is made with no animal products and decided to make a video for his channel. His viewers loved it so much they demanded to see more. He added videos showing other candy made by the family shop—peanut brittle, candy canes, and more, all with no animal products. Finally, in 2017 to avoid confusion, Hercules Candy began their own YouTube channel. Craig is now a professional YouTuber and runs both pages. The store’s YouTube channel now has close to 400,000 followers. “Now to people, it’s more like a reality show,” Terry said. “They think of us as characters, some of them think we’re celebrities; some people will come in here and cry when they meet us. They want us to sign things and stuff.” But Terry said there’s actually very little drama behind the videos. “We’re just being ourselves,” she said. “We are showing them everything we actually do. So we’re giving away our recipes, but it’s like you think you can do this? Go ahead. There’s a reason people have us do it.” With the generated funds from their channel they were able to move into a store front in September 2018. The larger space is allowing the family the flexibility to try new creations and masterpieces. “The things we do here are so unique. There’s no one candy store that makes all of the stuff that we make, even if you go online and look at big websites for competitors,” Terry said. “They’re not doing all of the stuff we’re doing here, like hard candy made by hand, and candy canes, and nut brittles. Most companies will do chocolate or those things. We do both.” The map on the wall with pins showing where people have traveled from to make it to the candy shop in East Syracuse speaks volumes. Folks stop by on their way to and from Canada, or as a side trip. But the family doesn’t forget their local support. “They know it’s made here, and they know it’s fresh and they like supporting a local business,” Terry said. “We’re part of the community. We’ve been here since 1910. It’s not just the history. It’s really good candy”. SWM

1 lb. box assorted chocolates

Enrobing Irish creams

Hercules Candy Company is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and can be found at 720 W. Manlius St. in East Syracuse. Get to know your favorite candy makers on Youtube as well. Photos by Steven J. Pallone

December 2019

Hand covering peppermint creams

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Queen of Arts Selma Selman

Get the Heck to School SELMA SELMAN By Sharee Turpin

And having broken those barriers, Selman has made quite a name for herself. Whenever she visits her hometown, there’s an excitement that follows her as young girls run up to greet their hero. They all want to be her when they grow up. While she’s touched by their admiration, Selman encourages the girls to find their individuality and to be better than she can. “You have to become yourself,” she said. “My path was my path; you have to create your path.” The first of its kind in Europe, Get the Heck to School is the only non-profit organization that focuses on primary school, according to Selman. There are many organizations that give scholarships for high school and college, but no one is fixing the problem from the roots. Selman also noted the lack of focus on the individual versus collectively. “Education especially for girls is one of the most important factors in order to become independent, in order to fight sexism,” she said. Education is the foundation of her message, but not the only layer. Eventually she’ll also incorporate self-defense classes for girls. While she fights for all youth in Ruzica, she has one specific wish for girls everywhere. “That no one will ever take their place,” she says. “I want every girl to have their own place in the best way. Each of them deserves a fair life… and to be proud of that.” Destroying the cycle of poverty, unfairness and child marriages is her main objective but her art gives it breath. She’s nominated for the Power of Excellence award in Bosnia and has shows coming up in Italy, Slovenia and New York City. Adding to the list, she got funding to publish her first photo book, comic book style, in which she’ll put stories about her and her mom and advice on how to overcome poverty. Selman clarifies she is an artist before anything else. Avoiding any additional names and accepting she can be anything, art makes her who she is. “Regardless of my nationality and everything… I’m an artist,” she says. “That’s how I would like to be perceived and respected… because I truly believe in art.” SWM To donate to her organization, email Selma at selmaselman91@gmail.com

Photos by Ana Gil-Taylor

rt lives within Selma Selman. As a child in Bosnia, she used to sell her drawings for lunch money. One teacher noticed her gift and created opportunities for her to experience the world. Receiving a scholarship to attend school in Budapest, Selman knew she would never return home. She received her master’s degree in fine arts from Syracuse University last year. But Selman has never forgotten the hardship she faced growing up in Bosnia. Children in her home village are dropping out of school as early as the third grade and being married off to flee poverty. That’s the reason she started her non-profit organization “Get the Heck to School.” She wants to instill an appreciation for education in as many children, especially girls, as possible. The effort is focused on Ruzica, the village where she grew up in Bosnia. Her first phase is to eliminate prejudice that keeps kids from going to school. Selman and many other residents of her village are members of the Romani people, or Roma, a traditionally migratory ethnic group that has faced tremendous persecution throughout its history. “Regardless of how you look, people are going to put you in a cage,” she said. “The best way to fight that is knowledge.” Selman aims to help people achieve that knowledge with Get the Heck to School. Knowing she needed support to make this happen, she partnered with an organization based in Washington, D.C., “BHeart,” in 2017. Together they raised over $9,000, resulting in five scholarships which allowed 35 children the ability to pay for school lunch. At the moment, Selman is handling the fundraising for her organization solo, and it’s proving to be successful. Without aid, only 15 percent of children in her village would finish their primary education prior. But since she started Get the Heck to School two years ago, that number has gone up to 95 percent. Two girls in high school are following her footsteps; one is applying for college and another just started college majoring in art. Selman said there are a few major hurdles keeping Roma people from sending their children to school — all of them economic. First, due to high levels of poverty, parents believe it’s better for children to work instead to make more money. Arranged marriages amongst young girls is also very common. Families believe if their daughter gets married at an early age, she’ll have a better life. Selman had to fight against these stereotypes to get where she is today. “This is why you have to work at all three problems at the same time… economic reasons are one of the biggest reasons,” she said. “If you just give them a little bit of support, like financial support, you believe a little bit in them, you can make a miracle.”

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE Father Champlin's Guardian Angel Society

Sarah Ioele

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS FATHER CHAMPLIN'S GUARDIAN ANGEL SOCIETY WHO WAS FATHER JOSEPH CHAMPLIN?

Father Champlin was one of a kind. Many of us called him the “People’s Priest” — he made you feel like you were the only person in the world. He genuinely loved people and wanted to spread God’s love to everyone regardless of their faith or place in life. He was a visionary, inspirational leader, author, Monsignor, an avid runner who loved music, a mentor, and friend. Many people recognize him without ever seeing his face. His 60 second radio spots on 570 WSYR’s Spiritual Suggestions for a Stress-Filled Society made him famous with his tag line, “You may have tried everything else — why not try God?” Father was born in 1930 in Hammondsport, New York. After graduating high school from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, he studied at Yale and Notre Dame Universities before attending seminary in Rochester, New York. Father authored more than 50 books and was Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for more than 10 years after serving as Rector in numerous churches in CNY including St. Joe’s in Camillus and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Warners. Father, as accomplished as he was, was not one for titles and formalities. He was best known for being a humble

parish priest who had the privilege of being part of families’ most important milestones: baptisms, marriages, funerals, and everything in between. Father once stated that he was “touched most by experiences of loss and gain, of losing things and gaining people.” Father Champlin was a free spirit who followed his own path and blazed a trail of love, light, and hope, which is why he founded the Guardian Angel Society in 1997. He saw so many students that were in need of a quality education and he wanted to open that door for them and their families.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE GUARDIAN ANGEL SOCIETY?

Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty and change the world by educating one child at a time. Our not-for-profit organization provides tuition assistance, mentoring, and tutoring services to help build a path to success for at risk students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

WHY WAS EDUCATION SO IMPORTANT TO FATHER CHAMPLIN?

Father realized that too many children in need were not graduating from high school. He desperately wanted to stop the cycle of poverty for these kids by helping them receive a quality education based on a strong set of values. Not only did he want our students to be prepared academically for high school graduation and college, he wanted to equip them with life skills so they could better navigate the quickly changing world we live in and understand the power and importance of giving back to the communities that invested in them.

WHAT PROGRAMS DOES THE SOCIETY PROVIDE?

There are two foundational programs within the Society: our Tuition Assistance Program and our Mentor & Tutor Program. It was Father’s goal that financial burdens never stand in the way of a child’s desire for a quality education. Our tuition assistance is available to families of students who attend Cathedral Academy at Pompei (CAP) and continues with them through high school graduation at Bishop Grimes, Bishop Ludden, or Christian Brothers Academy. Continued on page 22

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE Father Champlin's Guardian Angel Society

Sarah Ioele from page 21 The mentor tutor program was implemented to ensure each scholar successfully graduates from high school and is prepared to be a productive citizen to our community. Participating students boast increased grades in many academic areas and clearly enjoy the special relationships built between them and their volunteer mentors, some of which are lifelong. In addition, experienced tutors provide weekly academic support as needed in subjects including math, literacy, chemistry, Spanish, U.S. history, algebra, geometry and Regents exams preparation.

real solution to poverty. We instill in them the ability and values to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities and make the world a better place. We are impacting generations of people and opening doors to opportunities that may have never been possible without the Guardian Angel Society programs.

HOW CAN PEOPLE SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER?

The quickest way to do so is by visiting our website at www. GuardianAngelSoc.org, clicking on the Mentor & Tutor Program tab at the top, and then clicking on our volunteer application. You can provide us your contact information and what you might be interested in volunteering for. You are also welcome to call our office directly at (315) 422-7218, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, we would love the opportunity to connect with you personally and discuss what interests you.

HOW MANY STUDENTS HAVE BEEN HELPED?

In the 21+ years we have been in existence, we have helped hundreds of students graduate from high school. One thing that is very unique about our program is that we are the only one we know of in the country that commits to supporting a child starting in kindergarten and stays with them until high school graduation. Each school year, on average, we support 80+ students and provide $80,000-$100,000 in tuition assistance. Since our inception we have raised well over $2.5 million for Father’s kids.

WHY ARE THE SERVICES YOU PROVIDE ESSENTIAL TO YOUR STUDENT POPULATION?

The Guardian Angel scholars who rely on our tuition support and mentoring programs represent a very diverse population within our community. Our students include a large number of Sudanese, African American, Asian, Hispanic, multi-racial, and Caucasian children. Our scholar demographics include a large number of refugee families who often come to our country speaking little English. The stress of adapting to American culture and way of life is tremendous and this alone can present them with even more academic difficulties. Many of these students will not succeed in junior high school without literacy and math intervention. In addition, involvement with our mentors and tutors enables our students to graduate from high school on time.

HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS TAKE PART IN YOUR PROGRAMS? WHY DO YOU THINK THEY VOLUNTEER FOR YOU INSTEAD OF ANOTHER CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION?

Without our dedicated family of volunteers we could never do what we do! On an annual basis we average about 50 volunteers including those that serve on our Board of Directors, our Mentors, event committee members and volunteers that help in our office. I often hear from those we work with that they love the Guardian Angel Society because we are providing a lifelong solution to a global problem. Ensuring children have access to a quality education is a

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU’RE HONORING FATHER CHAMPLAIN’S LEGACY?

The success and growth of our many students is the greatest testament to Father’s lasting legacy. Guardian Angel Society scholars have a graduation rate of 99 percent! They have gone to fine colleges such as Georgetown, Notre Dame, Clarkson, Syracuse University, RIT, SUNY Cobleskill, OCC, the University of Rochester, and LeMoyne, to name a few. The first Guardian Angel scholars have now graduated from college and are establishing successful careers, starting families and contributing to the community. Who better to answer that question than one of our recent graduates, Ater, who recently said, “Being one of Father Champlin’s children is

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an opportunity I am grateful for. The Guardian Angel Society kept my mind focused on my faith and my schoolwork. My mentor encouraged me to go after my dreams and to make choices that will give me a good life. Because of this, I plan to go to college and have a career as a computer engineer. Without this program, my life would not be what it is today. As one of Father Champlin’s children, I am blessed and grateful to share what I have gained and I look forward to being a mentor myself one day.” And Ater is just one of hundreds of students who are out there making a brighter future for our community. It is in these children and their giving hearts that Father’s legacy lives on!

IS THERE ANYTHING I DIDN’T ASK THAT YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW?

Our organization is small but mighty, with only one full time staff member and a total of 2.25 employees. We are truly grassroots and all the funds we raise are a result of the dedication and hard work of our Guardian Angel team, faithful volunteers, and generous individual and corporate donors. Each year we have far more requests for assistance than we have the resources available, so please know we would love the opportunity to meet more of the readers of Syracuse Woman Magazine and have you become part of our Guardian Angel family! SWM

December 2019

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COVER STORY Sharon Owens

It's About Service SHARON OWENS DEPUTY MAYOR CITY OF SYRACUSE By Becca Taurisano

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December 2019

Photo by Alice G. Patterson

Seeing women coming back to me to tell me what they are doing now — for every time I feel like I can’t move the mountain or I’m not doing enough, or there is this perception that I’m a bureaucrat not doing anything… God sends that person to reenergize me and get me going again. And they come out of the blue and it’s ‘SHARON!!’ I love those moments.” — Sharon Owens SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

COVER story Sharon Sandra Sabene Owens

It’s About Service

SHARON OWENS DEPUTY MAYOR, CITY OF SYRACUSE By Becca Taurisano

new husband were living in substandard housing. She knew she didn’t want this for her family or her children but she didn’t know where to start.” Owens recalled that the woman got her GED, then her CDL and worked for transportation. Owens saw her again when she came to Home HeadQuarters, ready to buy a house. Owens said she sees her often and they talk about her two children, now in their 20s. “Seeing women coming back to me to tell me what they are doing now — for every time I feel like I can’t move the mountain or I’m not doing enough, or there is this perception that I’m a bureaucrat not doing anything… God sends that person to reenergize me and get me going again,” she said. “And they come out of the blue and [yell] ‘SHARON!’ I love those moments.”

Getting in on the ground floor

Understanding the need

Owens started her career at the Dunbar Center working with families on the Southside of Syracuse, and then went on to PEACE Inc. where she stayed for 14 years. “PEACE was a place that really cultivated my career development in all aspects,” Owens said. She credits that development to Lou Clark, the CEO at the time and career mentor to Owens. During the 1990s, Syracuse was in an infant mortality crisis, with high numbers of children dying before age 1. The Onondaga County Health Department partnered with PEACE on an initiative to target the city’s Lower East Side of Syracuse to address the problem. Clark tapped Owens to manage the project. Owens was able to identify barriers for mothers and pregnant women in Syracuse, and her office was on the first floor of an apartment building, putting her face to face with the members of the community every single day. “We were literally on the ground level,” Owens recalled. After leaving PEACE, Owens moved over to Parent and Child Centers, now called Early HeadStart, where she took on the Directorship of Family Support Services supporting parents with children in the preschool program or under 3 years old. “Those folks had kids with either babies or preschoolers, and later in my career, I’d see them and they would tell me their baby was in high school and they were ready to buy a house,” Owens said. “The lesson for me was that the role you play in the lives of people is for that place and time. It can plant a seed that you may not see the end growth of what you did, but your role at that moment was to do what you needed to do to cultivate that seed.” Owens saw the residual of that as she progressed into other roles in the non-profit. She said is constantly running into people she has helped along the way. “I can remember one particular woman who was at HeadStart,” she said. “Her oldest son was in the preschool program. She and her

After being at PEACE Inc. for 14 years, Owens had given birth to her youngest child, who will be 20 in January, and she decided to stay home with him. During this time her son was diagnosed with autism. She said her son’s diagnosis gives her a unique understanding for families of special needs children. “When people talk to me about their kids, I get it! He was the kid with the behavioral issues. He was THAT kid. And we just had to plug through. And around third grade, it was like the sun came out,” Owens recalled. She noted that, while disability doesn’t discriminate based on socioeconomic status, those with access to more money also have access to more resources, which allows them to provide therapies beyond what’s required by law. It’s one of many issues caused by the wealth gap, Owens said. “People in poverty, many of them work two or three jobs,” she said. “The myth that they are sitting around taking advantages of systems is bull. They are working their tails off every single day… using public transportation to get to multiple jobs and coordinating daycare. These are the most skilled people on the face of the earth. And that is where the divide happens particularly when you are talking about health, education, and housing…. everything!”

Changing city neighborhoods After less than two years at home, Owens decided to go back to work. At that time, Jubilee Homes was looking for someone to help with some grant writing, planning, and policy development, and her former boss and mentor Lou Clark recommended they hire Owens.

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Where you lay your head every night impacts you tremendously. When your neighborhood and the actual physical dwelling you live in is clean and safe, nourishing, it helps you to prosper and grow.” — Sharon Owens Photo Photo by by Alice Alice G. G. Patterson Patterson

haron Owens believes that everyone deserves a nice place to live. “Every day of my life, the ultimate goal is that every resident deserves to live in a safe, affordable, clean, prosperous neighborhood,” Owens said. “We have a long way to go in some neighborhoods, but that is the mission and to do it in a way that celebrates the diversity of who we are as a city.” Owens, now the deputy mayor of the city of Syracuse, has spent her entire career trying to make that happen. She began working in the non-profit world after graduating from Syracuse University in the 1980s. She credits her success to the inspiration of her mother, who grew up in poverty and held her children to a high standard. “It wasn’t a question of ‘do you want to go to college,’ it was “you’re going and what are you going to study,’” Owens said.

Continued on page 28

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December 2019

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COVER story Sharon Owens

It's About Service from page 26

‘Just the right thing to do’ Owens began her career in public service shortly thereafter, joining Mayor Stephanie Miner’s administration as Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development. In this role, Owens was able to continue the neighborhood and housing related work she had been doing with Home Headquarters, but with the added responsibility of overseeing the distribution of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds, and she was the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Compliance Officer. Owens was also the hearing officer for water shut-offs in the city. Often, landlords would not pay the water bill and tenants would be left without water, despite having paid their rent on time. Owens negotiated payment plans and set up a process by which the tenants would have a voice. “Some things are just the right thing to do,” Owens said. In May 2013, she left Mayor Miner’s administration to become the Director of the Southwest Community Center. She had worked in the building while she was at PEACE, Inc. “It just felt like going back home to me,” she said. But it wasn’t the kind of safe home she hoped to provide for city residents. 28

“The building itself was in disrepair,” she said. “There was gang activity in the neighborhood. It was keeping people away.” She had a two-fold plan in her first 100 days as director. First, she wanted to change the environment of the building to make sure people felt safe. Secondly, she wanted to improve the building itself. In addition to cosmetic updates, Owens upgraded the HVAC system and the security system. Owens had to make some tough decisions, but she successfully grew the center from $3.1 million to a $5.2 million organization. She changed the perception of the space in more ways than one. “Any conversation that’s going to happen around how people of color, particularly African Americans, live, work, and play in the city of Syracuse, that conversation is going to happen at Southwest Community Center,” she said. “We began a campaign to make a hub of community conversation around life in the city for people of color. At the end of the road I left the agency in a better place than it was.”

A life of public service When Mayor Ben Walsh was elected in 2017, Owens was his first major appointment. At City Hall, there are five senior staff including Owens, and she covers police, fire, neighborhood, and business development. “I am the service part, which fits into who I am and who I have been my entire life.” Of her move to City Hall, Owens said, “I want to now take my experience and my know-how and what I’ve learned on the ground to a policy level in government.” Owens admits she is an insomniac. What keeps her up at night is that she sees people struggling but can’t fix it immediately. “On a larger scale, I can implement policies that can help it. I can’t control everything,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, engaged in the community and many people never knew me before I took this job. For some people working for government there is an immediate switch over that means you’re a bureaucrat. It does bother me when people have a perception that the person changed all of a sudden because I’m sitting in this office.” Owens said she doesn’t see herself as a politician. “I don’t do politics well,” she said. “I say what I think because I don’t have time. ‘This is what’s best for people, so lets’ do it!’ I don’t do this job for political reasons, I do it because it’s about service… If you don’t understand from a basic foundation of what that word means, then you should never work for city government.” In addition to her husband, Shaun, and her son, Owens has a grown daughter who lives in Rochester. Owens wants to keep our young people in Syracuse, instead of moving to other cities for career opportunities. “What I’m seeing now with 5G and Smart technology and Microsoft interested in our city, and that is exciting, when it is inclusive,” she said. “When we transitioned from manufacturing to the computer age, we left a lot of people behind and we cannot do that again. I’m thoroughly excited about what’s on the horizon for us. This place isn’t the Salt City just because of its history and the salt industry, it’s the salt of the earth people.” SWM

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I want to now take my experience and my know-how and what I’ve learned on the ground to a policy level in government. To be able to influence the decisions that are being made. To be the person that says why are we doing that and how is that benefitting the citizens of the city of Syracuse.” — Sharon Owens

Photo by Alice G. Patterson

While neighborhoods had always been at the center of her work, that was Owens’ first foray into the housing development arena. “I was engaged in programs that could affect how people looked at their lives and the skills they needed and what vision they had for themselves and their family and I would help them get along that path,” she said. “But I had no influence in how they lived and where they lived.” At Jubilee, Owens believes she started to have an impact on where people lived and how neighborhoods were configured. “Your vision for who you were as a person was transforming, but where you were living was not keeping up with who you were becoming,” Owens said. “Where you lay your head every night impacts you tremendously. I’m able to come [to work] every day energized and ready to go, because I’m able to lay my head down in a house that’s safe, clean, and affordable. I’m able to be in a neighborhood that I feel safe in, and not everyone in this city can say that.” Owens continued on this path when she became the Assistant Director of Home HeadQuarters, helping underserved populations in Central New York with housing development, lending, and home ownership. At the time, Congressman James Walsh had made possible the Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative, making millions of dollars available to city neighborhoods. That initiative changed the composition and appearance of many neighborhoods across Syracuse. “There are neighborhoods in Syracuse now that people cannot remember the condition they were in before that money came in,” Owens said. When the foreclosure crisis hit, Owens became the Homeownership Center Director, helping clients with foreclosure prevention. The shift in roles was an opportunity for her to be face to face with the community again. “When you think of poverty in this community, and income stability the first and greatest asset any individual will have is their home,” Owesn said. “Not only were we trying to get people into homes, but get them in there sustainably.”

December 2019

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Health & Wellness Women's Reproductive Health

PrEPare for the holidays By Dinah Olson, PA-C

appy holidays from Oswego County Opportunity Centers for Reproductive Health! While you are busy planning your holiday season Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like you to know about another form of preparation that has been gaining momentum. Have you heard of PrEP? PrEP stands for Pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is an HIV prevention approach that consists of taking daily medication that has been shown to substantially decrease the risk of acquiring HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. PrEP is recommended for people who are at high risk of HIV infection, but who are HIV negative. It is used in addition to other known prevention strategies such as use of condoms. Currently there are 2 medications that may be used. Truvada has been used since 2012 and the more recent option is Descovy. Both medications are pills that are taken once daily. PrEP medications have been shown to be safe and effective. Like any medication, there can be side effects and people should be screened by their healthcare provider to determine if they are a good candidate prior to starting treatment. As you might suspect, this type of care can be costly. The good news is there are many programs in New York that cover the cost of necessary office visits, lab work and the medication.

Thankfully, new HIV infections are declining. But did you know 21 percent of new HIV diagnoses in New York State in 2017 were women? In contrast, women represented only 8.4 percent of those who accessed PrEP that same year. Several awareness campaigns have been launched to increase awareness about PrEP and increase its use among eligible women. At OCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centers for Reproductive Health we have trained providers who can make PrEP available to people who may be at increased risk of acquiring HIV. If you know someone who might benefit from PrEP, encourage them to contact their healthcare provider. Sharing this information might be the best holiday gift holiday gift you can give. SWM Resources: NY State PrEP Assistance program hotline number: 1 800-542-2437 For more information on PrEP online visit: cdc.gov, health.ny.gov, prepforsex.org For more information on our services visit us on the web at: thecentersatoco.org or visit our Facebook page

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December 2019

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Health & Wellness Self Care

Keeping the (inner) Peace During the Holiday Season By Nichole A. Cavallaro

omething happens literally right after Halloween. The day of Nov. 1 somehow merges into this hybrid of controlled, chaotic brainstorming of Thanks-Mas. That’s what I like to call the obvious two holidays at the end of the year that I and my family celebrate. And this can go along with Hanukah and Kwanzaa too! Planning for the holidays is – stressful. Per my usual writing pattern, I’ve listed a few of my suggestions to cope with the stress, so hopefully it can be easy to preserve some inner peace and have a joyous time. • Reread that last sentence. I used the word “preserve” some inner peace. Change your usual mantra of “I don’t have enough or any time” to “How much of my energy am I going to preserve tonight, tomorrow, this weekend?” You can’t get time back nor can you preserve it. Your energy, you can. This is a hard one to practice, but my favorite tip. • Stick to your diet or eating lifestyle. I’m not a nutrition expert, but we aren’t alive to deprive. So if you are watching your sugar, fat, salt intake, etc, stick to it and eat in moderation. You don’t want to be miserable if you can have a treat. Now if you cannot, in fact, have certain things, be mindful of your limits and understand it’s for your benefit that you need to refuse the heavy cheese or the sugary dessert. Be mindful. • If you’re shopping, set your budget or limit. Get the number in your mind and challenge yourself to stay under it. Make it realistic, too! Also, it’s okay to get something for yourself. Giving to others is wonderful and giving to yourself is irreplaceable. • Awkward family history under one roof? Yep, this is a fun topic. I get it, because I have the same predicament every year. I think the simplest way to put it would be “see each person in your home as a PERSON, not as a Parent, Sibling, Cousin, Mean Uncle, Snobby Aunt, etc.”

It’s an interesting angle to see these dynamics from. You are not doing this for them, you are doing this for you and your inner peace, remember? Inner peace is the intention. • Lower your personal expectations. Are you expecting yourself to be the perfect hostess, the perfect gift giver or the perfect anything this year? Erase that mentality, because perfection does not exist so you will forever be defeated. Aim for your best. I bet your best is amazing! No one who loves you will think less of you if your home doesn’t look like an insert out of Magnolia House Journal. • Make your Christmas list of the people you plan on gifting to. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “Yeah, I can keep it in my head, it’s fine.” It’s not fine. I get confused, overwhelmed and sweaty running around Target, Ulta, the mall, etc., all because my mind is not the place a list goes. Especially at this time of year when things are extra sparkly and shiny! • Crowded stores trigger your anxiety? Oh my gosh funny story, mine too. I prefer online shopping like 90 percent of the population! However, late in the evening, I do make an appearance at some stores and go in “just to look and if I see something great, if not, then I’m good.” That’s the actual self-talk I engage in while driving to said store. • If you are having a particularly hard time around this time of year, which is normal for many folks, be sure to seek any support through friends, family or professional guidance. This can also be done at your place of worship for some internal clarity. I wish you a blessed holiday season. Stay safe and take care of yourself and one another. SWM

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Health & Wellness Fitness

Weight, diet and maintaining your sanity By Christie Donato

ecember is my favorite month of the year. It has Christmas, my birthday and New Year’s Eve all rolled into one week, with a whole month of holiday music, decorations and sweets leading up to it. This time of year is all about indulgence, which makes sense considering we follow the holidays up with January, a time when we’re all expected to make an abrupt u-turn and give up all the candies, cookies and rich foods we’ve been binging on for weeks. That’s why this month I wanted to tackle a very complicated subject: dieting. In recent years, diets have become way more involved than simply cutting carbs and fats. There’s the ketogenic diet, Whole 30, paleo, and intermittent fasting. You can do a three-day juice cleanse or detox your body by fasting for an entire day. There are so many options and so much information (or misinformation) floating around places like Instagram and Facebook that it’s become increasingly hard to parse out the true from the false. Even when losing weight isn’t the primary goal, everyone wants to make the right choices to keep their bodies as strong and healthy as possible. I think we can all agree that this is mostly a good thing. It’s important for us to care about our health and take care of our bodies, but what happens when the diets we hope will make us thinner, healthier, and more “fit” are actually doing the opposite? The evidence against dieting has been piling on in recent years, with multiple different studies showing that “one third to two thirds of dieters regain more weight than they lost on their diets.” We’re also learning that what we commonly refer to as “yo-yo dieting” - rapid cycling of weight loss and gain - might be the true culprit behind an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, all health issues thought to be caused by obesity. When it comes to long-term weight loss, diets are not it. A November 2012 study out of the Oregon Research Institute showed that restricting calories actually caused the reward centers in

research participants’ brains to spike when looking at images of yummy foods or just thinking about eating something delicious. This is in line with what proponents of Intuitive Eating (the anti-diet diet) preach. That telling yourself you can’t have cheesy fries only makes you want cheesy fries even more than if you’d just allowed yourself to eat a few cheesy fries from the beginning. The restriction is what causes the binge. For some, intuitive eating is a healthy approach to overcoming an obsession with food. When we’re dieting, food becomes the most important thing in our life. We label ourselves as “good” or “bad,” depending on what we’ve consumed. It’s a terrible way to live. When we allow ourselves to eat what we want, as the practice of intuitive eating asks us to do, then we stop putting chocolate cake on a pedestal and start paying attention to what we really enjoy. Maybe we’ll discover that a few bites of chocolate cake is all we really wanted, but what we really love are some fresh strawberries. It’s easy for me to sit here and write about how dieting is bad and we should all love our bodies just the way they are, and it’s just as easy for you to nod along as you read this. What’s much harder is putting that kind of radical self-love into practice. In Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s brilliant NYT article, “Losing It in the Anti-Dieting Age”, she writes, “Weight isn’t neutral. A woman’s body isn’t neutral. A woman’s body is everyone’s business but her own...It is terrible to tell people to try to be thinner; it is also terrible to tell them that wanting to lose weight is hopeless and wrong.” Everyone’s relationship with their body is different, and everyone has their own journey to go on when it comes to health and wellness. Let’s all agree to keep in mind this holiday season that eating cookies doesn’t make us “bad” or “weak,” but yelling at the cashier when things don’t go our way during the shopping rush does. SWM

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December 2019

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Peanut Butter Pie

1 bag of Oreo crumbs 2 ½ c. peanut butter 16 oz. cream cheese 1c. confectionary sugar ½ stick Butter Whip cream large container Directions º Pulse Oreos in food processor. º Spray a 10 inch spring pan and spread Oreos in the bottom packing down well. º Pour ½ stick melted butter over Oreo crust and bake for 3 minutes. Take out. Let cool. º Mix cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar with mixer until creamy. º Add whip cream and mix well. º Pour mixture into crust and refrigerate for 4 hours. 56 Oswego St #2427, Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (315) 303-0321

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inspire Jennifer Covert

JENNIFER COVERT

JENNIFER COVERT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH AREA MEALS ON WHEELS By Ashley M. Casey

t is said if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s not quite the case for Jennifer Covert, executive director of North Area Meals on Wheels. She certainly loves her job, but she works hard every day managing her stable of 300 volunteers and 11 staff to feed more than 250 seniors in the northern suburbs. “Not once have I woken up in the morning and thought, ‘Ugh, I don’t want to go to work today.’ That doesn’t mean I don’t get stressed out,” Covert said. “If there’s stress at work, I leave it at work. I’d rather be wicked busy and have a lot to do and feel good that I accomplished it than be bored.” Covert was hired in August 2016 as the part-time program director. Earlier this year, she was promoted to executive director. The position is full-time. “My job just evolved into something so much bigger,” she said. “I just don’t think anyone knew when they hired me what the job would look like.” Originally from Liverpool, Covert now lives in Baldwinsville with her husband, Dave, and her son, Jaden, who turns 13 in December. She has two grown children, Hailey and Jacob. While her résumé is a varied patchwork — she went to school to become a music teacher, sold makeup and mattresses, sang in CXtec’s corporate rock band, and ran an in-home daycare — the thread that has tied Covert’s career together is caring for others, whether by entertaining people through song or feeding hundreds of seniors. Covert’s first foray into the nonprofit world came when the

family lived in Arkansas. Jaden was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, so Covert threw herself into volunteering for the Autism Association of Northeast Arkansas. As president of AANEA, Covert presented on autism in 14 counties and several area school districts. She helped families connect with resources. “I’m passionate about it. It meant something to me,” she said. “I’m very, very proud of what I did with the Autism Association, but it was a volunteer position.” The Covert family decided to move back to Central New York, and Covert applied for the job at NAMOW. “I’ve been an advocate for kids with disabilities, and I’m good at it and liked it. I can be an advocate for seniors,” she said. “I wanted this job so bad.” Covert knew she could be a voice for older people in need, and she said she is grateful that the NAMOW board believed in her. “They’re so supportive. They trust me,” she said. “I like to be creative and think of things out of the box, and no one’s telling me not to. It’s nice to know they appreciate me — I’m lucky.” She is even more fortunate to have her staff. “I have great employees. Every employee that works here is here because they have a passion for this place,” she said. “Nobody’s here because we want to get rich.” In the three years since she was hired, Covert has weathered Onondaga County’s client funding wait list and threats to federal funding. Despite these storms, Covert has brought

NAMOW into the 21st century by updating the organization’s online presence, devising innovative fundraisers and hiring a case manager for self-funded clients. “One of my goals when I first started here was to make sure all of our clients are being cared for the same way,” she said. Clients whose meals are paid for by Onondaga County have case managers who assess their overall well-being regularly and can refer them to other services in the area. Covert began meeting with self-pay clients herself to make sure no one would fall through the cracks, and the NAMOW Board of Directors agreed to hire a part-time case manager. Covert also strives to uphold NAMOW’s promise that every client will get fed, no matter the weather. She ended NAMOW’s previous policy of closing when area schools called a snow day. “We will not let anybody go hungry. It just will not happen,” she said. Now, in advance of winter weather, NAMOW prepares hundreds of “blizzard bags” containing nonperishable food for the days when drivers can’t make deliveries. Not every driver is comfortable braving the blizzard — Covert’s oldest volunteer driver is 93 — so she has a contingent of backup volunteers who can. “I don’t want to put anybody in danger, but people need to eat,” Covert said. Covert’s work is attracting attention at the national level. She presented on innovative fundraising and volunteer retention and appreciation at this

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year’s Meals on Wheels Annual Conference and Expo, held in August in Dallas, Texas. “It made me happy to put little NAMOW on the map,” she said. At the conference, Covert presented on NAMOW’s “nonevents.” The organization used to put on a gala, which required a lot of time and volunteers. “I don’t have the manpower to put on massive events,” Covert said. The fall appeal exhorted donors to stay home and donate from the comfort of their couch rather than dolling themselves up for an expensive gala. It worked: donations poured in. This year’s fall appeal has garnered close to $40,000. In 2018, NAMOW generated $166,432 from fundraisers, including the fall appeal, a golf tournament, annual pasta dinner, bottle drives and other donations. Covert also has worked with local Subaru dealers during the Share the Love Event. For each car purchased or leased during the event, Subaru donates $250 to a charity of the customer’s choice. NAMOW was awarded $6,765.80 after the 2018-19 event. While community donors go a long way in helping NAMOW feed seniors and other vulnerable people in northern Onondaga County, the organization relies on more than 300 volunteers to make NAMOW’s mission a reality. “Seventy-five percent of my job is making sure my volunteers are happy because if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do,” Covert said. Each holiday season, Covert hosts a luncheon for her

The Holiday Edition

volunteers, featuring music and raffles. She also hosts a summer picnic, where the volunteers unwind with a water balloon toss and line up for the Skippy’s Ice Cream truck. During Volunteer Appreciation Week each April, Covert prepares hot meals for the volunteers. “It’s really about feeding people because that’s what we do,” Covert said. “The type of personalities that these volunteers are, they like to give. I want to show them what it feels like to have someone give back to them.” It can be difficult to manage “people who don’t have to be here and don’t get a paycheck,” Covert said, which is why she works so hard to let her volunteers know how cherished they are. That care trickles down into the meals NAMOW serves. Covert said these clients receive more than food from the organization. They also receive companionship, even if it’s just a brief daily interaction with a delivery volunteer. Also, volunteers can check on residents’ well-being and keep an eye out for safety hazards and needed repairs to a client’s home. “You have your aunts and your grandmother making food from their hearts,” she said. “Everybody here cares, which is awesome.” SWM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTH AREA MEALS ON WHEELS

Photos by Maureen Tricase/Capture Your Moments

‘We will not let anybody go hungry’

North Area Meals on Wheels is located at 413 Church St. in North Syracuse. To learn more about the organization or volunteer and donation opportunities, visit namow.org.

December 2019 2019

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December 2019

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inspire Cathy Pemberton

Sweet Success By Staci Soslowitz

CATHY PEMBERTON

CATHY'S COOKIE KITCHEN

CHALLENGING START

Trying to start a business as a woman is a challenge in itself. In her own opinion, the best way to start your own business is to do something you love doing. “Don’t do something because it will make you money, do something you enjoy because you’re going to be doing it night and day,” Pemberton said. She had to overcome a lot of negative feedback. “You have to overcome a lot of patronizing, condescending comments, like, ‘She doesn’t really know what she’s talking about,’ kind of attitude,” she said. You have to also be comfortable going out of your comfort zone to make important phone calls, ask questions and ask for help. While being a single mother and working a full-time job was a challenge for Pemberton, she also had to focus on financing her business, getting licenses and permits and baking dozens of cookies a day. Pemberton enlisted the help of some organizations downtown like WISE, the Small Business Development Center and the Small Business Association. Other than their help with the process, Pemberton ran the business all on her own. “I called everybody for money and financing, I read everything I could get my hands on. I researched everything,” she said. She’d sell the cookies at different festivals, like the Downtown Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival, Beer Festival and Jazz Fest. As her cookies generated more buzz, other local businesses, like Peppino’s Neapolitan, became interested in buying the cookies wholesale. Once she established enough accounts, Pemberton decided it was time to look for a larger kitchen to work in.

RIGHT AT HOME

Finding a location for a commercial kitchen wasn’t easy either. She worked out of a church kitchen for a while until she settled in her storefront on West Jefferson Street. “It just made sense that if I was going to have a commercial kitchen to open a little storefront,” said Pemberton. Pemberton bakes 50 to 70 dozen fresh cookies daily including flavors like S’mores, Milkyway, and caramel pretzel. Not only does she make these decadent cookies, but she also makes a variety of gluten-free, keto and vegan products as well, which are extremely popular. “Every time we put them out, they sell out!” she said. A lot of Pemberton’s business also comes from Syracuse University parents looking to send something yummy to their kids. She offers a wide range of care packages, as well as an “SU Cookie Club” where she sends the student a monthly package throughout the semester. Parents can select items like cookie cakes, Rice Krispie treats, cupcakes and even edible cookie dough.

COOKIES FOR A CAUSE

Pemberton’s business goes even further beyond wholesale and care packages. She donates cookies or gift certificates to a variety of local organizations throughout the year. In the past, she has worked with MOST for their Savoring Science and TAP events, and the March of Dimes’ Farm to Table event. Additionally, Pemberton has had proceeds of her daily purchases go towards McMahon Ryan House, the CNY Diaper Bank, and Helping Hounds Dog Rescue. Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen has grown a lot in its six years of business. She’s established relationships with other businesses and organizations, cemented her business in the form of a store and gave back to her community. In the future, Pemberton hopes her business will continue to grow both in size and profits. She recently received her Woman-Owned Business Enterprise certification from New York state, the only bakery in Syracuse to receive the designation, and she’s already begun working on plans to expand her store either into another location, or reconfiguring her space to make it more efficient. The best thing about owning her own business, Pemberton said, is the freedom and the joys of success. “There’s definitely an appreciation when you get to a certain level and see your ideas come to life,” she said. “Saying, ‘I did that’ is a cool feeling.” SWM

Photo by Maureen Tricase/Capture Your Moments

s you enter into this little bakeshop in Downtown Syracuse, you are greeted with the delightful smell of freshly baked cookies. Pink and lime green walls surround the space with cookie-centric decals, including a quote from the famous Cookie Monster. Neatly wrapped cookies are organized and on display for all to enjoy. These cookies, made by Cathy Pemberton of Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen, have become a staple of Syracuse, especially when it comes to baked goods. After working for the Syracuse City School District, Cathy Pemberton she wanted to do something on her own, something that she was passionate about. She settled on baking and ultimately chose to bake and sell cookies. For 15 to 18 hours a day, Cathy worked simultaneously in the school and on building the business. Using a single wall oven, she baked 400 cookies a day, but only a dozen at a time.

Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen is located on 266 West Jefferson Street in Armory Square. They are open noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. For delivery, visit www.cathyscookiedelivery.com/ Photos by Maureen Tricase/Capture Your Memories

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The Holiday Edition

December 2019 2019

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UPCOMING SWM Events Sunday, Dec.1

Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22

Monday, Dec. 9

Dec. 31

When: Noon to 2 p.m. Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse What: Come after the 10 a.m. performance of The Nutcracker or come before the 3 p.m. performance! This is a family fun event you will want to make your next holiday tradition. Tickets are VERY limited! Cost: $30 to $250 Info: eventbrite.com/e/syracuse-city-ballet-sugar-plum-social-2019-tickets 76459579661?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

When: 9 and 11 a.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Elves serve breakfast while young guests meet Santa. Includes post-breakfast zoo admission. Cost: $15.95 members; $19.95 non-members Info: Reservations required; register at syracusezooevents.org/event/ breakfast-with-santa-dec-7-2019/ or call (315) 435-8511 ext. 8589

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Where: A Mano Kitchen & Bar, 344 S. Warren St., Syracuse What: Celebrate the holiday season with a five course tasting menu designed by Alex Fiacchi and a team of talented chefs and farmers. Cost: $60 Info: eventbrite.com/e/holiday-community-dinner-at-amano-tickets 75159693667?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Come ring in the “noon” year at the zoo with entertainment, a dance party and New Year’s celebration that keeps bedtime in mind – complete with ball drop countdown at noon! Cost: Free with membership or zoo admission Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/noon-years-eve-2019/

Syracuse City Ballet Sugar Plum Social

Tuesday, Dec. 3

95Xmas Pajama Jam

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Where: SI Hall New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse What: Jimmy Eat World with special guests The Unlikely Candidates, Houses and Jocelyn and Chris Arndt. Doors at 6, music starts at 6:30. General admission is all ages, but VIP is 21+ only. Cost: $35 to $75 Info: eventbrite.com/e/95x-pajama-jam-2019-tickets-74981598981?aff= ebdssbdestsearch Tuesday, Dec. 3

Wreath Decorating Night

When: 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Stingers Pizza Pub, 4500 Pewter Lane, Building No. 3, Manlius What: Decorate a handcrafted local 12-inch wreath made by Spruce Ridge Landscape and Garden Center. Let your imagination run wild! Cost: $40 Info: eventbrite.com/e/holiday-wreath-decorating-night-tickets 80334774473?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Wednesday, Dec. 4

Business After Hours and Member Showcase

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Where: Visions Federal Credit Union, 500 Erie Blvd. W., Syracuse What: Come network and celebrate the holidays with local business leaders. Join us for snacks, refreshments, and making connections! Cost: $15 for members; $25 for non-member Info: lmetot@centerstateceo.com Wednesday, Dec. 4

WBOC Holiday Party and Auction

When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Where: SKY Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse What: The festivities celebrate all professionals in business and supports the work WBOC does year round. Great music, fabulous food, fun raffles, unique auction items, and SURPRISES! Cost: $60. Includes parking. Info: WBOConnection.org Friday, Dec. 6

Executive Leadership Development Series Information Session

When: 9 to 10 a.m. Where: CenterState CEO, 115 W. Fayette St., Syracuse What: Seven-month leadership series presented by CenterState CEO. Cost: Free Info: Call Lisa Metot at (315) 470-1870 or lmetot@centerstateceo.com

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec 7

Dasher’s Magical Gift

Holiday Community Dinner

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1

When: 8 to 10 a.m. Where: Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center, 801 University Ave., Syracuse What: The 5th annual Family Business Awards of CNY recognizes and honors family-owned businesses that are headquartered in Central New York. Cost: $45 to $360 Info: eventbrite.com/e/2019-family-business-awards-registration 76176633361?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

When: 5 p.m. Tuesday to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday Where: Crowne Plaza Syracuse, 701 E. Genesee St., Syracuse What: Live music, plenty of food, five-hour premium open bar, midnight champagne toast, a view of the Syracuse skyline & an overnight guest room. Cost: $399 Info: eventbrite.com/e/2020-new-years-party-the-crowne-plaza-tickets 71429667057?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Family Business Awards

When: 11 a.m. Where: John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse What: CNY Arts continues its tradition of more than four decades with providing an educational and affordable production. Cost: Call box office for ticket prices Info: dashersmagicalgift.org or (315) 299-5598 Saturday, Dec 7

Eva's Boutique Holiday Open House

Sunday, Dec. 8

Brunch with “You-Know-Who-Ville”

When: 9 a.m. Where: Crowne Plaza Syracuse, 701 E. Genesee St., Syracuse What: Kick off the Holiday Season with an exciting morning of fun and food, activities for kids, photos with "you-know-who" and a kid-friendly breakfast buffet. Cost: $30 to $240 Info: eventbrite.com/e/due-to-popular-demand-brunch-with-you-know who-ville-tickets-75928663677?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Sunday, Dec. 8

Christmas at the Palace with the DeSantis Orchestra

2020 New Year’s Party at the Crowne Plaza

Sunday, Dec. 15

Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse What: Help us celebrate the season with the animals as they receive their enrichment “gifts” to engage them and enhance their well-being. Cost: Free for members or with zoo admission Info: syracusezooevents.org/event/holidays-with-the-animals-2019/

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday Where: Oh My Darling, 321 S. Salina St., Syracuse What: Live music, open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres. Multiple packages available. Cost: $45 to $170 Info: eventbrite.com/e/roaring-into-the-new-20s-at-the-fitz-oh-my-darling tickets-79035652765?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Holidays with the Animals

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Where: Eva's Boutique, 106 Salt Springs Road, Fayetteville What: Light refreshments and holiday shopping specials! Cost: Free Info: (315) 632-4191

Noon Year’s Eve

Monday, Dec. 23

Roaring Into the New ‘20s

Breakfast with Santa

When: 9 a.m. to noon Where: 5996 E. Molloy Road, Mattydale What: What better way to start off Christmas break than to have breakfast with Santa! Cost: Up to $18 Info: Email: Info@rizeevents.com or visit eventbrite.com/e/breakfast with-santa-tickets-74913816241?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Where: The Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., Syracuse What: Holiday and inspirational favorites get the posh treatment from CNY's legendary ensemble. Cost: $30 Info: eventbrite.com/e/christmas-at-the-palace-with-the-desantis-orchestra tickets-80351664993?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Sunday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 15

Santa Breakfast

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse What: Chef prepared breakfast for all ages, holiday music, arts & crafts, photos with Santa, cookie decorating and free admission to the Everson Museum of Art's Festival of Trees. Cost: Up to $18 Info: Call (315) 474-2424 or visit eventbrite.com/e/santa-breakfast-tickets 77126763225?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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The Holiday Edition

FROM ALL OF US AT

December 2019

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movers AND Shakers Filmmakers create documentary on WWII vets

Crouse congratulates the following employees who graduated recently as members of the Future Leaders Class of 2019: Doreen Boateng-Kennedy, Pomeroy College of Nursing Nancy Counterman, Patient Access Vickie Dimaggio, PACU Aris Dysert, Chemical Dependency Brenda Harrington, NICU Lauren Hartung, Corporate Compliance Charles Klinger, Chemical Dependency Treatment Services Matthew Madonia, CT Scan Susan Mccaffrey, Physician Assistants Kristin Merritt, Care Coordination

Taylor Mizro, Respiratory Therapy Rebecca Morgan, Purchasing Jennifer Obremski, Patient Access Jessica Parry, Physical Therapy Jeannette Rainbow-Galvin, HIM Jessica Redmond, CMP Emily Tedesco, Radiology Patricia Sorbello, ICU Daniel Vona, Finance

BUSCH PRODUCTS FULL PAGE Local filmmakers Andrea Reeves and Eric J. Roberts recently released “Honor Flight Heroes,” a 45-minute documentary recounting the experience of two World War II veterans who participated in the Honor Flight program in September. The film aired at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 on the American Heroes Channel. The film centers on vets Harold Stryker, Army PFC, Mortar crewman in the Phillipines and Okinawa, Purple Heart recipient 1944-46, of Rochester, NY and Philip “Curly” Voystock, Army AGRC (American Graves Registration Command) T5 corporal, of Upper Lehigh, PA. The two were among 55 veterans to take part in Honor Flight Mission 67 in September out of Rochester. Honor Flight is a national organization that provides free trips to Washington, DC for vets so they can see the national war memorials as well as bond with others who have served the country. Reeves, the creative director and designer for Syracuse Woman Magazine, and Roberts were inspired to make a documentary about Honor Flight after Roberts became aware of the program last spring. They met Stryker and Voystock on the flight, were inspired by their stories and have plans for an Honor Flight Heroes series. To learn more about Honor Flight, visit honorflight.org.

Crouse Health Future Leaders Program graduates 19

Crouse Health is an employer of choice in Central New York because of its unique culture, competitive pay and benefits and the investment the organization makes in employees who want to grow personally and professionally. Crouse’s Future Leaders program, now in its second year, provides a pathway for leadership to those in the organization who aspire to enter supervisory or management roles. Those who apply and are accepted into the program attend monthly classes, led by members of the Crouse management team, in areas ranging from finance to emotional intelligence. “Our goal is to provide as much support and opportunities to our employees as possible,” says CEO Kimberly Boynton. “The Future Leaders program helps prepare interested individuals for the responsibilities that come with leading an organization,” she said, noting her own movement from an entry level position in Finance to her current position as Chief Executive Officer. 50

Thank you to all our wonderful and loyal advertisers who make Syracuse Woman Magazine a must read publication in CNY. We couldn't do it without YOU!

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December 2019

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