Syracuse Woman Magazine July 2019 by Eagle Newspapers

July 2019

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The Women in Service Edition

July 2019

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C O N T E N T S

July

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.......................................................6 CONTRIBUTORS............................................................................7 PAST EVENTS.................................................................................9 FASHION FORWARD Easy Breezy Summer Wear....................................................10 WISE WOMAN Leiza Semidey.........................................................................13 SYRACUSE EATS Barado's on the Water..........................................................14 SPECIAL FEATURE Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation......................................18 Women running for local office........................................... 20 Sarah Bond is Quilting by the Lake.................................... 36 ON THE COVER

Pamela Hunter............................................................................25 HEALTH & WELLNESS Reproductive Health Clinic:

Are You at Risk for Hepatitus?.............................................. 30

Busting Fitness Myths:

Who Really Needs Vitamins and Supplements?............ 32

Self Care:

Public Servants Need Self-Care, Too................................. 34 INSPIRE

Lynette Del Favero................................................................ 40

Maggie Bristol........................................................................... 42 Jennifer Sanders and Iris St. Meran.................................... 46 UPCOMING EVENTS................................................................. 48 MOVERS AND SHAKERS......................................................... 50

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The Women in Service Edition

July 2019

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LETTER from the Editor

e think of July as a time to celebrate our country’s independence — the moment when our Founding Fathers gathered to sign the document that would sever our ties with Great Britain and ultimately form the very foundations of not only our government, but American identity. But just 72 years later, another group forged a similar document, one that has garnered far less attention in the American cultural memory, but holds just as much importance. In July of 1848, a group of about 300 women and men gathered at the first-ever Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. It ultimately paved the way for major changes: married women soon earned the right to own property; women gained more power before the law when seeking divorce or custody rights; they made gains in education and work; and finally, in 1920, women (well, white women) were given the right to vote. The fight continued well after 1920, and it continues now. But it got its start with the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, signed on July 20, 1848, and reproduced in part below, courtesy of the Library of Congress: When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that which they have hitherto occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness… While evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their duty to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security… The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise. He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice… Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise, thereby leaving her without representation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides. He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead. He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns… He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, s he receives but a scanty remuneration. He closes against her all the avenues to wealth and distinction which he considers most honorable to himself. As a teacher of theology, medicine, or law, she is not known. He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education, all colleges being closed against her… He has created a false public sentiment by giving to the world a different code of morals for men and women, by which moral delinquencies which exclude women from society, are not only tolerated, but deemed of little account in man… He has endeavored, in every way that he could, to destroy her confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-respect, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life. Now, in view of this entire disfranchisement of one-half the people of this country, their social and religious degradation--in view of the unjust laws above mentioned, and because women do feel themselves aggrieved, oppressed, and fraudulently deprived of their most sacred rights, we insist that they have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of the United States.

Sarah

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OUR TEAM Publisher David Tyler

Editor

Sarah Hall

Design

Andrea Reeves

PhotographERS Jennifer Angeloro Steven J. Pallone Alice G. Patterson Maureen Tricase

CONTRIBUTORS Nichole A. Cavallaro Christie Donato

Sarah Hall Kathie Morris Carol V. Radin Heather Shannon Megan Sheehan Becca Taurisano Sarah Tietje-Mietz

SOCIAL MEDIA Nichole A. Cavallaro Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson at Alice G. Patterson Photography, 27 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Makeup by j. luxe salon.

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CONTRIBUTORS This month, we asked our contributors: What’s your favorite childhood summer memory?

Nichole A. Cavallaro Going to my best friend's lake house with her and swimming until dinner time.

Christie Donato Camping with my family at places like Glimmerglass and Watkins Glen. Going on hikes and cooking hot dogs on the campfire at night.

Kathie Morris My favorite childhood memories are of summer vacations on Keuka Lake with my parents and sisters. We would rent a cottage, and for two weeks, aunts, uncles and cousins would come to swim, fish and go boating. Nights were spent laughing, playing cards and building bonfires on the beach. We have the home movies, but even without them, the memories will always be in my heart!

Steven J. Pallone I feel like most of my childhood summers were spent deciding what type of candy or ice cream to invest in with our allowance, so I'd have to say eating a Fudgsicle (which was my personal favorite, are they even still a thing?) at the end of the day in the warm glow of dusk, with some of it dripping down my arm of course.

Alice G. Patterson My favorite childhood summer memory is probably when my family lived in Europe. I was very young so the memories aren’t super clear, but I have impressions and love looking at the photos. My family (all six of us) travelled much of Europe in a VW bus during the school breaks. It was a very special time!

CAROL RADIN

Heather Shannon My favorite childhood summer memory is going to our seasonal camp in Pennsylvania every weekend. I had great friends there. The best memories are hiking to the gorge, kicking off our sneaks and walking along the gorge’s smooth rock bottom. On sunny days, we would lie out on the floating dock or on the inner tubes talking, singing, dreaming, etc. Night games, especially hide-and-go-seek or ghost in the graveyard, were a ball. Our biggest stress was seeing how fast we could make it home when our family(s) rang the dinner bell. Times treasured!

Megan Sheehan There was a time our street had a ton of kids living on it. Every day would be an adventure of bike riding, swimming, solving mysteries, baseball, and kick-the-can when the sun would go down. I always felt like I got to grow up semi-reminiscent of my parents, which I knew was rare.

Becca Taurisano My favorite summer memories are road trips with my family. We would pack the car full of luggage, junk food, our dogs and head south to the beach. My sister and I would play I-Spy and try to spot license plates from all 50 states. We didn’t have screens back then, so we had to be more creative. I loved it!

Sarah Tietje-Mietz I just love being outside, and when I was a kid I would be out exploring everywhere as soon as it was summer, all day. I felt like the world was mine to discover.

Maureen Tricase My favorite summer memory is swimming! Swimming with family and friends and enjoying the beautiful sunshine after a long winter.

The Jersey shore! The wood-plank boardwalk at Asbury Park. Floating on huge saltwater waves and then feeling the sand sting when the waves broke. Grabbing for the metal ring on the Carousel. Eating skinny French fries in an oily paper cone and getting "custard" soft serve for dessert. July 2019

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July 2019

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fashion forward Easy Breezy Summer Wear

Easy breezy summer wear

Photography by Dennis Fernando

By Kathie Morris

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h how we look forward to summer in Central New York! The sun, warm weather and easy living. We can't wait to shed those layers of clothing and put on summer clothes! But why is it when the weekend comes around we tend to throw on the old standby denim shorts and graphic tee or default yoga gear? We love summer clothes! But putting together a fun outfit isn't always easy! Why not look cute on the weekends while running errands, going to the park, sitting at a sporting event or meeting friends for brunch? How about if I show you an easy way to have you still wear those standby favorites and look cute.... are you in? Yes, you can have fun cute outfits and still wear your favorite standbys! It's so easy! Just think three easy pieces! Here’s how we do it! Our models show examples of how easy it is! No. 1, we took your standby graphic tee; No. 2, paired it with flowy tropical pants and No. 3, added fun earrings top or bottom piece then add a new seasonal item, like the suggestion listed below, add an accessory and one, two, three you are ready to take off to the nearest brewery! This is what we have been waiting for — easy, casual summer outfits! The clothing options and trends this summer season are no exception: colorful florals, bright colors and tropical prints! I've formed an easy plan I've listed our faves below and what you can add to make you look effortlessly cute and not like your trying too hard.

Finish your look by adding on accessory (or two if you dare!) • colorful earrings • straw hat • round sunnies • woven bag • wrist full of bangles • wide leather belt • colorful scarf in your hair • colorful sandals • white kicks • cowboy boots • funky footwear Yes, the season is short, so spend less on trendy accessories and invest in pieces that will carry you through the year, consider a jumpsuits and a strappy black maxi dress. Both can be worn dressy now with sandals and casual with sneakers. Keep them out for next season — wear the jumpsuit with a blazer and boots and the dress with high heels to a cocktail party. Summer is short — try these easy tips and have fun with your weekend look! SWM Kathie Morris owns The Changing Room, located at 425 South Warren St., Syracuse; (315) 299-4320. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Styling by Pastel Makeup & Style.

Photography by Dennis Fernando

To your favorite graphic tee or tank top add the following: • fun tropical print pants • long breezy skirt • wide leg palazzo pants • white fringed jeans • a short full floral skirt • cropped pants or jeans • bright colored skinny jeans

To your favorite denim shorts add one of these: • colorful embroidered silk top • tropical print top • off the shoulder peasant top • baby doll top • sporty embellished top • patterned kimono • ruffle crop top (show off that midriff you worked so hard for)

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WISE WOMAN Leiza Semidey

July 2019

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syracuse eats Barado's on the Water

Barado's on the Water

Photo by Steven J. Pallone

By Megan Sheehan

L to R: Ericka Burns (Bar Manager), Donna DiRaddo (Owner/Chef), Cheryl Barsom (Owner), Ted Jandzio (Day Chef)

hoy! Load the family in the car or better yet, pack everyone up in the boat! Let’s head on up north! Oneida Lake has a spectacular way to make you feel worlds away from home. A short drive transports you to any resembling vacation spot hundreds of miles away. I believe there’s always a bit of where you’re from engrained inside each of us no matter where life takes you. Thankfully for us here in Syracuse, Cheryl Barsom, a Massachusetts native, has joined forces with culinary extraordinaire Donna DiRaddo to bring us a unique dining out experience on the water you will cherish. The two began as work acquaintances, DiRaddo as executive chef, and Barsom as a bartender and manager. Their journey linked together at Lakeshore Yacht and Country Club and included learning from Karen White. Their chemistry sparked and in 2013, after a few more locations, they answered their own question of “Why don’t we just do this on our own?” by opening up their first shop. Barado’s Café became an intimate spot where they were able to create a high-end level of fine dining. They received rave reviews and caught the eye and taste buds of the Bradbury family, who owned the marina up the street. It seemed their boathouse-turned-restaurant needed some new life breathed into 14

it. After a walk around and a bottle of wine, they were talking menus and visualizing where tables would go. The Lady Barado accepted the Bradburys’ offer and like a shot, they were on their way home. These BFFs pair like any savory delight. Though both are owners, Barsom is the face of the business. With a bachelor’s degree, she is prepared, focused and determined. She has a smile that cannot be contained when she is able to express her plans for future updates. She was quick to admit DiRaddo during her dreamy thoughts: “I want to soar, but she keeps me grounded.” DiRaddo is the cuisine master who keeps the menu fresh, seasonal, and with that “Pop!” required to keep things exciting. DiRaddo is driven, anchored, and takes a modest pride in her belly-filling creations. The passion for food comes through equally from both. While explaining their top dishes of fish tacos, using grilled Mahi Mahi, or their Ruby Shrimp, which can almost have its own phone line from hungry guests, or their classic Maine lobster roll on a toasted brioche, they were both in dream-like states. Their pride on the real, traditional take on seafood is what really makes them shine. There are no shortcuts or quick tricks!

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Photos by Steven J. Pallone

Maine Lobster Roll

Bradbury Bay Fish Tacos (w Sangria drink)

Their passion doesn’t stop at the tasty and delicious, mind you. Their décor could get Barry Manilow to spend a weekend here. There is a beautiful twinkle-lit deck with sea rope stretched across the edge to keep onlookers from getting too close to the water’s edge. A locally made boat canvas enclosure gives shelter to anyone enjoying the great outdoors while still being protected from any elements. And of course, there’s a stage for local bands to play on Thursday and Saturday nights, as well as a whimsical Tiki bar. All in all, there is seating for 200, inside and out.

Ruby Shrimp

Barado’s has a dedicated staff of 50. Proud of their crew, Cheryl spoke kindly, singling out head bartender, Ericka, and day chef, Ted. “It’s important to us to let them know how valuable they are to us,” she said. “I can’t do it alone, and neither can Donna. I don’t want to do it alone”. SWM Barado’s on the Water, located at 57 Bradbury Road, Central Square, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 .m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, with extended bar hours. Boats and families welcome!

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE Cpl Kyle R. Schneider Foundation

LORIE SCHNEIDER

CPL. KYLE R. SCHNEIDER FOUNDATION

Tell me about Kyle. What was he like? Kyle was dedicated, strong, fun loving, charismatic, and always smiling. He was compassionate, athletic and always helping in any way he could. Kyle loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to vacation at the beach. Through the years Kyle played sports, performed and assisted in the production of stage events, and enjoyed school social activities. One of his favorite family activities was hiking and mountain climbing in the Adirondacks.

Why did he feel compelled to serve? He was deeply moved by the events of 9/11, but even before then he had an internal sense of service and duty to community. At his calling hours, his third-grade teacher said, “Kyle was the most patriotic student I have ever had.” He lived by Honor, Courage and Commitment, the Marine Corps Motto. Kyle had an internal flame to honor, serve and protect.

What happened to Kyle? In May 2010 he volunteered for deployment, stating, “It’s my turn. It’s my turn to bring home a brother, a father, a husband, a son.” Kyle volunteered to leave his Presidential Support Duty at Marine Barracks, 8th & I, after serving two years in Washington D.C., and was transferred to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. In January 2011, days after his 23rd birthday, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the II Marine Expeditionary Force, where he served as a squad leader. He courageously led his team against enemy forces. Kyle was killed in action on June 30, 2011. He gallantly gave his life for his country. His military awards consist of: Double Purple Heart with Gold Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star of Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, ISAF NATO Medal.

What made you decide to start a foundation in his name? The foundation was created to honor Kyle’s legacy of service, to honor and remember our fallen, to be committed to service for our veterans and active duty, along with serving the community as needed, and to try and make a difference each and every day. I believe that every act of kindness is freedom extended, that kindness and good will prevail.

We started a foundation for our beloved Kyle, in his memory and to honor his legacy of giving. We are reminded that it’s not what Kyle died for, but rather what he lived for that inspires. When he joined the Marines, Kyle said, “It’s my turn.” Now, it’s our turn — to make a difference. Kyle devoted and sacrificed for his country and community, we will continue his legacy by giving back to veterans and their families, angel families and wounded warriors along with other military support groups.

What does The Cpl. Kyle Schneider Foundation do? What’s your mission? It is through Kyle’s leadership, his example of caring and giving, his legacy of saying “It’s my turn” that we, as a grieving family, knew that we needed to make each and every day count, make every day an example of what he stood for, his legacy. Every day we all have opportunities do an act of kindness, for every act of kindness is freedom extended. A few of the programs the Foundation has includes prayer/comfort shawls/lap blankets/pillows/critters, Mission of Thanks Thanksgiving and Christmas, care packages, Cpl. Kyle Schneider Family Room at Syracuse VA, Caring Hands Program, local scholarships to high school seniors, partners with Take A Soldier Fishing and Snacks for Veterans Program. The Foundation also partners with organizations for a common goal to aid and assist veterans and their families. The Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation will focus on giving aid to the military community and military support groups both locally and nationally. We will also aid and support community needs as they arise.

How has the Foundation helped veterans since it began? We hope the Foundation has be able to bring assistance, comfort and aide to some of our active duty, our veterans and their families. That the Foundation has been able to show them we are grateful for their service and dedication to our country, through the many programs that we have.

We enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the service, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces, and their families that are by their sides as they do so. We are the land of the free because of our brave. It is important for us to show them our gratitude, appreciation and thanks for all they have done." — Lorie Schneider

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How has it helped you? I have Kevin, my younger son, and I can spend time with him just like I always have. The foundation is a way for me to still be active as Kyle’s mom. He is not here with me physically, but I feel his presence in every act we do through the Foundation; from a smile or a hug, to food on the table to feed a hungry veteran and his family. It’s Kyle’s spirit that keeps me doing his work, continuing his legacy. He’s with us always. May he never be forgotten.

Why is it so important to help our veterans? We enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the service, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces, and their families that are by their sides as they do so. We are the land of the free because of our brave. It is important for us to show them our gratitude, appreciation and thanks for all they have done.

How can we help our vets? Being active in the veteran community and listening to our veterans is important. Give our veteran population our time, kindness, caring and assistance. Give them an opportunity to get together. Live lives worthy of their sacrifices.

How can people support the Cpl. Kyle Schneider Foundation? The Foundation is an all-volunteer organization. It is the community that allows us each and every day to make a difference in our veterans and their family’s lives. It is the community that comes together with their donations and volunteer hours that makes what we do possible. It is getting our youth involved, and educating them on caring and giving, on volunteering to make a difference in an individual’s life. The Corporal Kyle R. Schneider Foundation is an instrument of that care. Volunteering their time and talent is a wonderful way to assist the foundation and our veterans. Monetary Donations assist the Foundation in providing the programs it has to be able to aide our veterans and their families.

Is there anything I didn’t ask that you think people should know? I am who I am today by the grace of God and the spirit of an amazing angel. It is truly faith, family, friends and community that get me through each day. SWM

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SPECIAL FEATURE Women in Service

Taking their seat at the table MORE WOMEN CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR LOCAL OFFICE FOR THE FIRST TIME By Sarah Hall

here are more than 500,000 elected offices in the United States at the local, state and federal level. Of those, less than a third are held by women. According to the nonpartisan organization She Should Run, in 22 states, women make up less than 25 percent of the legislature. In 23 states, including New York, no woman has ever been elected governor. “It’s not that we don’t win,” SheShouldRun.org proclaims on its front page. “It’s that we don’t run.” She Should Run, along with Emily’s List, Higher Heights for America, IGNITE, Get Her Elected and a number of other nonpartisan groups, is working to change that. These organizations are recruiting and training women to run for office at all levels. In the 2018 midterm elections, a historic number of women ran, and a record-breaking number won — 102 were elected to the House, 14 to the Senate, and nine in state gubernatorial races. In 2019, the focus shifts to local office as town and county officials seek to defend their seats from challenges. Across Central New York, following the national trend, many of those challengers are women. At the moment, women are seriously underrepresented in local government. In Onondaga County, just 25 percent of municipal elected offices are held by women. Of the county’s 19 towns, just six are led by women. Only two of the 14 villages have female mayors. Several boards have no women at all. But women from both major parties hope to change that in November. A number of them have thrown their hats in the political ring for the first time in an effort to improve their communities — making their governments more diverse is just an added bonus.

Engaging voters A total of 146 village, town and county offices are on the ballot in Onondaga County this November, according to the Onondaga County Board of Elections, and 476 candidates have filed petitions for those offices. This year’s crop of petitions include a number of first-time candidates, including several women. While there are female

candidates on both sides of the aisle, there are more new Democratic women running this year, simply because there are more Republican incumbents in office Onondaga County. So what prompted these women to run? While all were motivated by a sense of personal obligation to their communities, each had additional factors pushing them into the race. Some were inspired by political factors. “I think an important priority should be to reestablish trust in our democratic system,” said Rita Paniagua, a Democrat running for an at-large seat on the Syracuse City Council. “There is a majority that have become disengaged and even a greater number that are not interested to be engage. A democracy only works when all voices are included.” Nodesia Hernandez, who is seeking the Second District seat in the Onondaga County Legislature, said in order for all voices to be included, more people need to run. “I noticed that within my district and in the county, many elections are unopposed,” said Hernandez, a Democrat. “For a fair democracy we need to have fair elections where both Democrats and Republicans are on the ballot.” Hernandez and fellow Democrats said it’s especially important to have a balance on the legislature in the coming years as the county and state look to redraw election district lines. The lines were last redrawn in 2012 after the 2010 census. The state is required by law to redraw district lines for the state legislature every 10 years based on population shifts. After the 2020 census, an independent commission will also redraw the district lines in the city of Syracuse.

Issues-based campaigns

Misse Ross said redistricting is an important issue, part of a larger problem with transparency and accessibility that she sees in Onondaga County. “Many of the problems our community suffers stem from root problems that have been left unaddressed for decades,” said Ross,

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a Democrat running for Onondaga County Legislator for the 15th District. “Many of these issues could be positively impacted with just communication between county agencies and other levels of government.” She pointed to what she called a “lead exposure epidemic” in Onondaga County. “[Lead exposure] is a root cause for low graduation rates, behavioral problems, youth violence, incarceration, etc.,” she said. “We have programs in place to help with this, we have had these programs for decades, yet the problem is not improving.” Ross said the reason for the continued issues is that the different agencies meant to help families—WIC, the county lead program, the county Department of Health, DSS—don’t communicate well enough. She said she’s running in hopes of addressing that larger issue of “dysfunction” in the county. For Mary Kuhn, the issue is I-81. “I favor the Community Grid,” said the Democrat, who is running for the County Legislature’s Seventh District Seat. She said she’s concerned about the framing of the highway reconstruction as a “city vs. suburb” issue. “It is an opportunity for us to listen to each other and recognize the substantive issues impacting us all… We now have the opportunity to reframe that conversation as a regional one.”

‘I was waiting for someone else’

Nancy White, a Republican running for the Cicero Town Board, said her decision to run was a combination of opportunity and a sense of duty. “I have always felt that at some point I would run for political office to leverage my experience to serve my community – to give back,” she said. Then earlier this year, White was approached by Cicero Republican Committee Chairman Jim Corl, Sr. Longtime Councilor Vern Conway had chosen to retire. The opportunity arose earlier this year when Jim Corl Sr., the chair

of the Cicero Republican Committee, approached me, about an open seat on the Cicero Town Council. Vern Conway had decided to retire and not seek reelection to the board and the committee wanted her to run. “I was humbled and honored to be recognized as someone in the community qualified to take on the challenge,” White said. When Bryn Lovejoy-Grinnell was approached about running for the Syracuse Common Council’s Third District seat, her initial response wasn’t quite so enthusiastic. “I had never before considered running for public office, so my first instinct was to say no,” said Lovejoy-Grinnell, a Democrat. “I looked around and I realized I was waiting for someone else to step up. But I knew that I would bring something uniquely valuable to the position.”

Getting more women to run Lovejoy-Grinnell’s response is fairly typical—statistically, women are less likely to even think about running for office. According to a 2017 survey conduced by Politico, women and girls are less likely to be encouraged by parents, teachers, coaches, grandparents, other mentors or by politicians to run for office from a young age than boys and men. Women are more likely to think they’re unqualified for political office. Lovejoy-Grinnell said the lack of women in local office was “outrageous.” “In general women wait until they think they are overqualified before applying for a job, and men apply when they have 40 percent of the qualifications for the job,” she said. “Politics is no different. Women have to believe in themselves and the gifts they bring to the position, and we all have to support women in running and succeeding.” Continued on page 22 L to R: Rita Paniagua, Nodesia Hernandez, Misse Ross, Mary Kuhn, Nancy White, Bryn Lovejoy-Grinnell, Christina Quijano and Heather Waters.

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SPECIAL FEATURE Women in Service

Taking their seat at the table from page 21 So how do we get more women in office? Frankly, by putting more women in office. According to a study by researchers from the University of Boulder and Notre Dame, “on average, the presence of a female governor or U.S. senator in a state translated to an additional seven women running for state legislature in the next election cycle.” That so-called “legacy effect” continued to impact future election cycles. This was true even if women candidates lost their races for governor or senator—women continued to run for state office in higher numbers. Researchers also saw an increase in the number of female candidates in neighboring states and across party lines. Indeed, the women running for office in Onondaga County said they were influenced by other women. While some pointed to well-known figures like Elizabeth Warren, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Condoleeza Rice and Nikki Haley, others found their inspiration closer to home. Christina Quijano, a Republican seeking a seat on the Geddes Town Board, said Geddes Councilwoman Susan LaFex is her mentor. “Sue is a retired schoolteacher and got involved in our town in a positive way,” Quijano said. “I have a lot to learn from her as it pertains to our town, local politics, and life in general. She has been the example to me that real change happens at the local level by people who care for what is best for the community above any self-interest.”

Every voice heard Putting more women in office has multiple benefits. First of all, it makes government more representative of its constituents.

“We need more women in office first of all to represent 50 percent of the population,” said Kuhn. “An individual’s perspective is shaped by their race, gender and generally speaking, their life experience. The County Legislature is primarily a policy-making body. Every dollar that enters our region goes through the legislature. A female voice, as well as the voices of our diverse community, is therefore essential when considering legislation and how those dollars are spent.” Manlius Town Board candidate Heather Waters agreed. “Research shows that having more gender equity strengthens democratic processes,” said Waters, a Democrat. “You’re increasing the numbers of citizens actively participating in the decision-making of a government.” Moreover, research has shown that government works differently when more women are involved. “It is suggested we are more likely to work across party lines and support social issues that are not given as much attention,” Waters said. At the national level, a Stanford University study found that women in Congress had twice as many bills passed into law. They were more likely to direct federal dollars to local programs than their male colleagues, bringing 9 percent more in federal funding back to their districts. If nothing else, having women in office serves as an example to others. “Me standing up and running for office in Onondaga County,” Hernandez said, “if it doesn’t do anything else, I hope it encourages other Democrats of all genders and race to run for office especially young African-American girls.” SWM

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The Women in Service Edition

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July 2019

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COVER STORY Pamela Hunter

PAMELA HUNTER

128TH DISTRICT ASSEMBLYMEMBER

Photography by Alice G. Patterson

I feel that if you are flexible and prepared and ready for opportunity, whatever the next opportunity is supposed to be for me, it'll come. It's not anything I'm searching for." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pamela Hunter

July 2019

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COVER story Pamela Hunter

A Veteran Legislator

PAMELA HUNTER 128TH DISTRICT ASSEMBLYMEMBER By Sarah Hall

amela Hunter’s first visit to a campaign office was a portentous one. Hunter, the current representative for the 128th Assembly District, had just moved to Syracuse and was looking to get involved in local politics. Syracuse Common Councilor Van Robinson brought her a campaign office in the midst of the 1998 election season. “There's all these volunteers in there, and they were stuffing envelopes, and it was busy,” Hunter said. “I was like, ‘This is democracy. This is how it works.’" As it turned out, those campaign workers were stuffing envelopes on behalf of former Assemblywoman Joan Christensen, whose 121st Assembly District seat would ultimately become part of the revamped 128th District in 2012. “[That’s the] actual seat I am sitting in today,” Hunter said. “I would never have known that back then that today I would have the seat that I just randomly had went in, and we didn't even stay. We were probably in there for 30 minutes.” Hunter is now in her fourth year on the Assembly, having first been appointed to Sam Roberts’ seat when he left to take a position in the Cuomo administration. The former Syracuse Common Councilor and chair of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee is the only female veteran on the state legislature — but she said she’s also very much a part of her community. “I think that people need to recognize on a human level, that I am your neighbor, too,” she said. “I walk my dog in the neighborhood every day. I know my neighbors. I know their dogs. I know their dogs' names. I've done this for years and years.”

SMALL TOWN TO BIG CITY

Hunter was adopted at the age of nine months by Robert Meyer, a Presbyterian minister, and his wife Janet. The Meyers also adopted another daughter, and they had four biological children. The family moved around a fair amount for Robert’s job, spending time in Utah as well as a Native American reservation in Arizona on the California border, but Hunter said most of her childhood — first her elementary years, then again in high school — she lived in Lake Luzerne, located in the Adirondacks. “My sister and I were the only people of color in this entire town of 3,000 people,” she said. “I think those kinds of experiences kind of shape people. It could make you feel less confident being in places constantly where you're the only one, where you don't have people who perhaps look like you, or you can embrace the challenge of diversity, and it makes you [a] stronger, more positive, confident person.” After graduating from high school in Lake Luzerne, Hunter was accepted to Johnson & Wales University. But she wasn’t able to pull together financial aid. “It was simple,” she said. “It was either you went to college, [or you] got a job.” When it became clear that college wasn’t an option, Hunter started looking at her choices. She had an older brother who had gone into the Army. She decided that was the right path for her, as well. 26

“I thought that it was a way out of living in a small town, and I wasn’t just going to get some random job,” she said. “I needed to have some kind of foundation for my future, and I definitely think if you don't know what you want to do, or if you want to have help to get you to where you want to go, the service definitely was a way to go. It makes you a more solid, well-rounded person.” Before she had even turned 18, Hunter was permanently stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where she spent nearly her entire three-year tenure in the Army. She got married and followed her husband to Germany and stayed there when he was deployed during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. They later divorced and she returned to the U.S., earning a dual bachelor’s degree in business and computer information systems. She started working at Arthur Anderson Consulting, commuting to their Washington, D.C., office from her home in Northern Virginia. “It was a great time,” Hunter said. “I was just kind of living my best 20-year-old life.”

STARTING A LIFE OF SERVICE

Then her sister got a call from Hunter’s high school sweetheart. “My sister calls me one day and she's like, ‘Some guy's looking for you.’ I'm like, ‘Give me his number,’” Hunter recalled. “I knew who it was already. She didn't even have to tell me who it was. So we had made plans to meet in New York.” Reconnecting with her old boyfriend, David Hunter, made her realize she wanted to make a major change in her life. “I owned my own home, I had a great job working for Arthur Anderson, and it was just that 12-mile commute that took one hour to drive, that all of a sudden became consuming,” Hunter said. So 21 years ago this December, she moved to Syracuse to be with David. They ultimately married and had a son, who just finished his first year of college. Hunter, meanwhile, looked to make her mark on this community. She worked for several area non-profits, including the Syracuse Community Health Center and AccessCNY, and served on the boards of such agencies as Catholic Charities, Meals on Wheels and the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency. “I think that's kind of been my trajectory into public service, because I had been ingrained in the community since I've been here,” she said. Hunter, who had been active in local politics in D.C. when she lived there, was looking for something more — “something you get your teeth into, that you're impactful,” she said. She met former Syracuse University basketball star Eddie Moss at a networking event. Moss, who published a Black weekly newspaper called The Pride, invited her to a forum for elected officials and introduced her to Van Robinson. That’s when she signed up to join the Democratic committee. “That kind of elevated me to running to be on the [Syracuse] City Council. I was appointed first, and then I ran again,” Hunter said.

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Continued n page26 The Women in Service Edition

Photography by Alice G. Patterson

I am a visionary person. I like to see 20 years ahead, and I want to know the decisions we're making are impactful for the future." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pamela Hunter

July 2019

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COVER story Women of WISE

A Veteran Legislator from page 26 “When the opportunity came to be in the assembly, I felt like I had whatever the check boxes are — actively participating in the community, having served on different boards, knowing the constituency, having provided constituent service before, having been able to author legislation. It just seemed like the right time.”

A DIVERSE DISTRICT

The district Hunter represents is one of the most diverse in the state. It includes the towns of DeWitt, Onondaga (including the Onondaga Nation) and Salina, as well as portions of the city of Syracuse. “It's impactful,” Hunter said. “It's very significant to see generational poverty and to drive not five miles away and see almost mansions that people live in. There is a huge culture/racial divide where we live. I have a dairy farm and I have the super inner city. I have one of the

best school districts out there in J-D, and I do have a sliver of F-M, and I’ve got the city schools.” You might think it’s a challenge to represent such different populations, but at the end of the day, Hunter said all of her constituents have the same needs. “Whether I am at Boulder Heights in DeWitt, or if I am down on West Newell on the South Side, if I knock on the door, every one of them would say having quality education is paramount,” she said. “People want a great quality of life. A great quality of life means they want their roads fixed, they want their bridges fixed. They want to make sure that the infrastructure is where it needs to be so that the home I live in has value, regardless where people live. They want to make sure when they call the police, that they come, that they have resources needed for their life… Regardless of where someone lives, all of them want that.”

I think a lot of times people think politicians are not approachable, and maybe some aren't, I don't know. I just know I am just a down-to-earth person, that I'm approachable… I'm part of the community. I'm part of your neighborhood. I'm here, and I think people should know that about me, at least. I can't speak for anybody else, but as far as me, yep, I'm in the community and I'm here." — Pamela Hunter

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Hunter takes her responsibility to her constituents seriously. All of the legislation she’s proposed, she said, comes directly from the people she represents. “Those that I craft that are original pieces of legislation actually come from people who live here,” she said. “It’s not some governmental bureaucracy creating legislation. It literally comes from people who have sat in this office, who said ‘We feel these are the needs of the people who you're representing.’ It's not some huge big grand policy — these impact a life at the every-single-day level.”

REPRESENTING VETERANS

Another important title Hunter holds is that of the only female veteran on the state legislature. She said she’s both humbled by the responsibility and awed that she holds it. “We're in 2019 still talking about firsts, and it's just amazing. How can that be?” she asked. “There's 150 people in the assembly, 63 people in the senate. How can it be just me in the whole state that has 19,000,000 people?” Hunter serves on the legislature’s Veterans Affairs Committee, and she chairs the Women Veterans Subcommittee. She said she feels a great camaraderie with the many vets who come through the legislative chambers. “We are kind of brothers and sisters in arms, so to speak, because we know without having to say,” she said. “And it doesn’t make a difference,

if you're in conflict or not, it's like you know. It's just like this bond that you will always have.” As chair of the subcommittee, Hunter hosts an annual statewide Women Honoring Veterans event. “It's an honor to bring women from across the state to the capital, and just the way that they're received from all of the members of the assembly,” she said. “People will come in their wheelchairs and their walkers. Some have uniforms, and a lot of people will wear their American Legion hat. To me, it's important. It's an honor. It's a part of me, and being able to actually represent the military in some way after being out, it's a privilege.” Hunter said she hopes soon she won’t be the only female vet in the legislative body. It’s already trending in the right direction. “I think even if you look at the dynamic of the assembly now, I mean, you have more women and more people of color in that House than you've ever had before,” she said. “You have a speaker and a majority leader of color. So that dynamic of how kind of that old school way of thinking, it's not like that anymore.” Hunter said she’s not sure what her own future holds. “I never thought that I would be here,” she said. “I know the steps that I need to continue to do to grow and be prepared and be out there and available in the community. Whatever the path is, it will come.” SWM

July 2019

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Health & Wellness Women's Reproductive Health

Are you at risk for Hepatitis? By Heather Shannon, MS, CNM, NP, MPH

orld Hepatitis Day (WHD) is July 28 and brings the world together to raise awareness of viral hepatitis and to create a change. WHD unites with medical professionals, governments, industry and health organizations to inform the public of the burden of viral hepatitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines hepatitis as an inflammation of the liver that is a single episode or develops into a chronic life threatening condition. Currently, there are five hepatitis viruses and are known as A, B, C, D and E. • Hepatitis A (HAV) is passed through contaminated food or water with human feces. Usual symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and jaundice (yellowing of skin). Many have mild symptoms, recover without a problem, and have a lifelong immunity to hepatitis A. Vaccines have been developed and are available to prevent HAV infections. • Hepatitis B (HBV) is passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids and from mother to fetus during childbirth. If a mother tests positive for HBV during her pregnancy, the baby will receive post-exposure prophylaxis within 12 hours of birth. The baby will also receive two additional doses over time. Blood transfusions, some invasive medical procedures and IV drug use are the most common ways of getting HBV infections. Nearly half of new exposures have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. However, 2 to 6 percent of adults will develop

chronic infection that may lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure or cancer. Children are at most risk for chronic liver conditions. Vaccines have been developed and are available to prevent HBV infections, but it cannot be cured. • Hepatitis C (HCV) is passed through blood exposure. Blood transfusions, some invasive medical procedures and IV drug use are the most common ways of getting HCV. Transmission through sexual contact is possible, but less common. Most people exposed will not have any symptoms. However, some will develop chronic liver disease that can be mild to severe. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, NYSDOH Public Health Law requires offering hepatitis C virus screening to all people born before 1965. Currently, there is no vaccine available for HCV. • Hepatitis D (HDV) infections only occur in those with HBV, which contributes to outcomes that are more serious. This is not very common. A vaccine for HBV will provide protection from HDV. • Hepatitis E (HEV) is contracted by contaminated food or water and is responsible for hepatitis outbreaks in developing countries. Vaccines are available, but not widely accessible. New York State Department of Health communicable disease case reports from 2008 through 2017 (excluding NYC) note an increase in Hepatitis A and C infections. The increase in HCV may be related to an increase in IV drug use. Medical facilities are now required to have specific medical practice protocols and procedures to eliminate hepatitis

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Illustration of Hepatitus C (HCV)virus.

exposure of HBV and HCV. Good hand washing when using the bathroom will help decrease the transmission rate of HAV. Hepatitis B (acute infections) have decreased, which may be related to improved medical protocols with aseptic technique during blood transfusions and medical procedures. What can you do? Know your risks, use good hand washing after using the bathroom, contact your medical provider and ask about being tested for Hepatitis. Be in charge of you! SWM

Resources

World Hepatitis Day. (2019). http://www.worldhepatitisday.org/ World Health Organization. (2018). https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitisday/2018 Center for Disease Control. (2016). Hepatitis A, B, C acute and chronic 2016 case definition. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nndss/conditions/hepatitis-c-acute/case-definition/2016/ New York State Department of Health. (2018). Communicable disease in New York State exclusive of New York City cases reported of selected diseases 2008-2017. https:// wwwn.cdc.gov/nndss/conditions/hepatitis-a-acute/case-definition/2012/ https://www.health. ny.gov/statistics/diseases/communicable/2017/docs/select.pdf, https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nndss/ conditions/hepatitis-b-acute/case-definition/2012/ New York State Department of Health. (2016). HCV testing law evaluation report â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 2016. https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/hepatitis_ c/consumers/testing_law.htm

July 2019

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Health & Wellness Women's Fitness

Who Really Needs Vitamins and Mineral Supplements? By Christie Donato

he vitamin and mineral supplement industry is the latest commercial wellness space to receive the direct-to-consumer treatment, with brands like Care/of, Ritual, and Hims delivering personalized vitamin packets, prenatal multivitamins and gummy bear vitamins right to your door. They market on podcasts and via Instagram, touting a minimalist design perfect for the social media age. It’s no secret that millennials care a lot about overall health and wellness, which has alcohol companies scrambling to rebrand booze as a “health drink” to capture the shifting markets. Vitamins and supplements have been on the rise for a while, with a 2013 Gallup poll showing that half of all American adults reportedly take a daily vitamin. If you’re not part of that 50 percent statistic, you might be a little curious about introducing vitamins and supplements into your life — I know I was. There’s something pretty alluring about being able to pop a pill or two every morning to ensure that you’re getting all your nutrients for the day. It sounds a lot easier than waking up early to make a balanced breakfast before work, that’s for sure. Before diving in, though, the first thing you should know is that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website, “the FDA is not authorized to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed,” which means that vitamin companies are left to selfreport, creating a “Buyer Beware” scenario. Third party organizations such as ConsumerLabs.com, NSF International and U.S. Pharmacopeia

exist to perform testing on vitamins and supplements, so look for certifications from these labs when choosing a vitamin brand. After all, these pills are going directly into your body, don’t you want to make sure you’re not unknowingly taking mustard, wheat or sugar fillers, or accidentally taking too high of a dosage? How common is the issue of mislabeled vitamins and supplements? Common enough that in 2017 CVS Pharmacy rolled out an initiative known as “Tested to be Trusted,” pledging to test all vitamins and supplements sold in stores and online through a third-party lab to ensure labels contained the correct information. In a 2019 report, they announced that about 7 percent of all products failed to pass the test and were either pulled from stores or had their labels updated. Say you’ve found a brand you trust. Should you really begin a vitamin regimen based on an online quiz or because your favorite influencer won’t stop hashtagging biotin on all her posts? Here’s the deal, there is little evidence to suggest that the average American adult eating a reasonably healthy diet is likely to benefit from taking vitamins and supplements. Registered Dietetic Technician Mallory Burnham put it to me this way: “The average person who is eating a healthy, well-balanced diet doesn’t need a multivitamin. The young, elderly and pregnant or nursing mothers are really the only ones who need supplementation.” She recommends getting all of your vitamin and mineral intake from a natural source, like food, and if you are taking multivitamin it

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The Women in Service Edition

“should only be under the direction of your doctor or a registered dietician who knows your medical and diet history.” Chances are good you’re already getting all the nutrients your body needs, and, in some cases, it is possible to overdose on vitamins, so you may be doing more harm than good. If you’re worried that you may have a vitamin deficiency, there’s an easy way to find out: ask your doctor to check your vitamin levels. With the help of a physician you can safely add vitamins into your routine without overdoing it. Don’t have access to health insurance (that’s about 44 million Americans, in case you were wondering)? There’s a very easy way to know that you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, and that’s by eating a healthy diet that’s relatively high in fruits and vegetables and low in sugary foods. SWM

July 2019

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Health & Wellness Women's Self Care

Public servants need self-care, too By Nichole A. Cavallaro

I t’s extremely important to be mindful of the mental health and

wellness of women in service — veterans, first responders, elected officials, journalists. They see things, hear things, feel things, smell things that many of us may not have been exposed to. To be fair, those experiences also affect medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, public service and state employees, among many more. Due to the amount of trauma I tend to see and hear in my work, it is extremely vital that working women get the help and support they need when they are feeling stressed from their jobs, social expectations and personal life. This is when that infamous term self-care comes out! For some, self-care is a mere “to do” or an indulgent or pleasant experience. For most women (and I’m willing to be my money on this), we don’t take the time to give ourselves that self-care. But I’m going to cut to the chase and give you some tools that are indicative of many of roles as first responders. • If possible, limit your time working alone by trying to work in teams. It’s never a sign of weakness to ask for help or assistance. The bonds that are created through times of crisis with a shared interest in saving others is irreplaceable.

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• Responders experience stress during a crisis. When stress builds up it can cause: º Burnout — feelings of extreme exhaustion and being overwhelmed. º Secondary traumatic stress — stress reactions and symptoms resulting from exposure to another individual’s traumatic experiences, rather than from exposure directly to a traumatic event. • Coping techniques like taking breaks, eating healthy foods, exercising and using the buddy system can help prevent and reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Recognize the signs of both of these conditions in yourself and other responders to be sure those who need a break or need help can address these needs. • Responder self-care techniques: º Limit working hours to no longer than 12-hour shifts. º Work in teams and limit amount of time working alone º Write in a journal. º Talk to family, friends, supervisors, and teammates about your feelings and experiences. º Practice breathing and relaxation techniques.

º Maintain a healthy diet and get adequate sleep and exercise. º Know that it is okay to draw boundaries and say “no.” º Avoid or limit caffeine and use of alcohol. • It is important to remind yourself: º It is not selfish to take breaks º The needs of survivors are not more important than your own needs and well-being — and this is because you are not helping anyone if you can’t take care of yourself. º Working all of the time does not mean you will make your best contribution. º There are other people who can help in the response. Responding to disasters or crisis can be both rewarding and stressful. Being mindful that you have stress and coping with it as you respond will help you stay balanced, and this will allow you to keep helping those who are affected. It is also to take care of yourself if you have a family at home that you return to. Your mental health and wellness are vital to them as well as yourself, as you are basically on the front lines. Be gentle, patient and kind to yourself! SWM Nichole is a mental health provider and writes about mental health and wellness issues on her blog, found at mentalhealthwellnesstherapy.com and self-mom.com.

July 2019

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SPECIAL FEATURE Sarah Bond is Quilting by the Lake

Quilting is in the blood of Quilting by the Lake instructor Sarah Bond

arah Bond didn’t understand why, as a teenager in 1979, she felt compelled to make a quilt. “I remember my mother coming in and asking me what I was doing,” she recalled. “I told her I was making a quilt. She then asked me why, and I replied that I wasn’t sure, but that I needed to make one. “It’s been an imperative ever since.” What Bond didn’t realize then was that quilt making is in her blood. Her great-great-grandmother, Jane Arthur Bond, born in 1828 in Kentucky, is among a handful of documented slave quilters. The wife of Jane’s grandson Max, Ruth Clement Bond, also was a famous quilter. “She was an artist and a human rights advocate,” Bond said. “During the 1930s when Max was working for the TVA,

she designed quilts that were then stitched by the wives of the black TVA workers.” Ruth Bond’s design Lazy Man was voted one of the 100 best quilts of the 20th century. Bond, who lives in Philadelphia, also traces her quilting heritage on her father’s side to her great-grandmother, Louvinia Clarkson Cleckley, a prolific quilter born in South Carolina in 1858. “I have many of Louvinia’s quilts, as it is those quilts that were on the beds when I was growing up,” Bond said. “I didn’t know, when my mother asked me what I was doing 40 years ago, why I was so fixed on making quilts,” Bond said. “I have learned more about my foremothers since, and I think it was meant to be.” Quilt making provides a calming force for Bond. “Making quilts serves as a cure for the stresses and strains that daily life brings to us all,” she said. “I am soothed by creating order out of the chaos of my fabric stash, I am fed by the intensity of color and value coming together in a design, and I am transformed by the creative expression that quilting affords me.” Her making process is an intuitive one, as she seldom sketches her design. Instead, she selects the elements - a series of shapes or

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the movement she is seeking to create - and begins arranging them. “Eventually I arrive at the endpoint of the finished quilt,” Bond said. “Sometimes that takes a few weeks, sometimes a few months, sometimes years. I always have confidence that I’ll reach a satisfactory endpoint.” Nearly 10 years ago, Bond attended her first Quilting by the Lake (QBL). “It literally changed my life,” she said. “Spending that time and giving oneself over to the creative process in the absence of distraction is transformative.” She recommends that every quilter take time out of their busy lives to attend an immersive workshop like QBL. At QBL 2019, Bond will be teaching a two-day session, Coming Full Circle, and a three-day workshop, Lone Star Variations. Bond is drawn to reinventing traditional patterns like the Lone Star with different colors and methods of construction in homage to the style of quilts her great-grandmother Louvinia made. “I’ve been on a creative journey for the last year or two, working with Louvinia’s Lone Star designs and letting them inspire new variations on an old theme,” she said. “This has proven to be a very fertile furrow to plow and I’m hoping it has yet more to produce.” SWM

About Quilting by the Lake

What: Quilting by the Lake, a two-week fiber arts conference run by the Schweinfurth Art Center. When: July 14-26. Where: Onondaga Community College campus in Syracuse. Details: Fifteen different in-depth workshops taught by 10 renowned instructors from around the world. Also available is an option for an independent studio space to work on your own projects without an instructor. Cost: Varies depending on number of days attending, classes enrolled in, and whether room and board are needed. More information and registration: quiltingbythelake.com

By the Numbers

1979 The year Bond made her first quilt 3 The number of Singer 401 sewing machines Sarah Bond owns, including one that belonged to her aunt 750 The square footage of Bond’s studio in an old manufacturing plant in the Germantown area of Philadelphia 25 The age in years of Bond’s Bernina sewing machine

July 2019

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inspire Lynette DelFavero

lynette delfavero

DEPUTY CHIEF SYRACUSE POLICE DEPARTMENT

By Becca Taurisano

ynette DelFavero has a calm presence and friendly demeanor that instantly puts you at ease. She is the second female in the history of the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) to reach the rank of deputy chief. A certified personal trainer and former basketball player at University of Buffalo and coach at Niagara University, DelFavero first studied sports and exercise science in college and has a Masters in Public Administration from Marist College. She worked as a physical therapist in Florida for a year before realizing she needed more of a challenge in her career. Now in her 22nd year with the SPD, DelFavero was the only female in her class of 15 at the academy in 1997. She spent 10 years as a police officer before being promoted to sergeant in 2007. As sergeant, DelFavero stayed on the night shift and afternoon shift, which she said are not the most desirable assignments.

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“I think I gained a little respect [from male colleagues] because I was in patrol for so long,” she said. “I didn’t take the easy way out and I was between the two most undesirable shifts.” Promoted to lieutenant in 2010, DelFavero moved to the Crime Reduction Team, focusing on proactive policing like loitering, drug complaints on neighborhood corners, or tracking down wanted persons. She was the only female commander on the Crime Reduction Team. Next, DelFavero worked in Community Relations and commanded School Resource Officers and DARE Officers. The Community Relations officers would do community events like Coffee with the Chief or Shop with a Cop. “It was a different side of policing. I got to see people in the community who showed their appreciation more,” she said. “It wasn’t when they were in crisis.” While working in Community Relations, she was approached to serve on the Board of Directors of Vera House. The board of Vera House has SPD, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department and district attorney representation. “One of the reasons they like to have a police presence on the board is to [facilitate] the relationship between the police department and Vera House,” DelFavero said. “It’s kind of a built in way to get a quick response if we are loaded down with calls for service. If someone is in severe crisis and if they need immediate response I will make sure our guys get over there. And vice versa, if we have someone who needs to be placed and we are being told there is no room in the shelters, I can call them and they will figure something out.” said DelFavero. Once she was promoted to Captain in 2015, DelFavero said she missed going out on calls. “With the layers between captain and police officer, we are a paramilitary organization and we follow a chain of command. When a captain walks in the room, everybody shushes. It’s even more so now as deputy chief! Before you could laugh and joke but now I have to remember if I say something we might be planning, the entire shift or platoon will think it is going to happen.” DelFavero is also the Immediate Past President of New York Women in Law Enforcement (NYWLE), a professional organization for female police officers across the state. “It’s a support system. There could be a town or village department with only one female officer and they have no one to ask questions, they have no policies and procedures in place for maternity [leave]. If they feel they are being discriminated against, they have no one to talk to. The organization has model policies that we could share with them and they could bring it to their department and get it approved.” DelFavero married in 2001 while she was still a patrol officer on the night shift. When she and Mike had their two daughters, he worked

days as a corrections officer while she worked afternoons and nights. The opposite schedule worked out well for a young couple with small children “We made it work. One of us was home all the time, but we didn’t see each other,” she laughed. DelFavero said that her professional life does impact the kind of mother she is to her girls. “I am making them aware that there are bad people in the world and they need to be smart and not put themselves in situations. I do like to know where they are and what the plans are. Knowing and seeing what I’ve seen and how people can treat other people is definitely a scary thing.” Talking about the emotional nature of policing, DelFavero said, “You’ll see officers in a group and maybe the cameras catch them laughing. That’s to deal with the trauma…. It’s tough. I’ve had a few calls that I’ve been on and I’ve related to my own family. You go home and hug your daughters.” DelFavero teared up while talking about a particular case. “There was an 18-month-old little girl that was killed. My oldest was 2 at the time and I just got in bed with her and slept with her the whole night. The whole system failed that little girl. Neighbors and daycare workers noticed evidence of abuse and did not report it. There were so many opportunities to help her. We were too late as a community,” she said. “When you see something, say something. I think people are afraid to get involved. But who is going to protect children if not us? There are systems in place. You can call anonymously. We’re the adults here and we need to intervene. It takes a community to raise a child.” DelFavero was named Deputy Chief on Jan. 22, 2018 and she currently oversees the Uniform Bureau, the largest division of the Syracuse Police Department, including all of the patrol officers, traffic, CRT, SRC/DARE, and K-9. She said there is a nationwide trend down in the number of new recruits to the police force. “It’s not popular to be the police these days. The people that are coming truly want to help; truly want to be the police. You don’t just sign up because you need a job. It takes a special person.” DelFavero supports her fellow female officers to rise through the ranks to leadership roles. “I’m always pushing people to take the promotional exam. We need more [female] representation. We are about 12 to 13 percent of the department and 13% is the average nationally for most departments.” About young women considering a career with the police department, DelFavero said, “I would encourage them. It’s been a great 22 years. It’s not easy, but the positives outweigh the negatives, knowing you may have changed someone’s life on a call or prevented something from happening. SWM

July 2019

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inspire Maggie Bristol

MAGGIE BRISTOL

MILITARY CAREGIVER AND DOLE CAREGIVERS' FELLOW

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The Women in Service Edition

Caring for Our Hidden Heroes Fellow By Carol Radin

ooking back on the night that she met her husband, “Have you ever thought of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?” the nurse asked. Maggie recalls Jeremy’s reaction vividly. “He looked Maggie Bristol beams. at her. He looked at me. And then he looked down. And then I “He was like my knight in shining armor,” she said. realized there was so much I didn’t know.” “A southern gentleman — kind, friendly, outgoing.” From then on, Maggie set out to know more about Jeremy’s pain. Jeremy was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Maggie was Side by side, she and Jeremy took on the struggles they could now teaching school nearby. They were married two years later. At the time, acknowledge. Along with that personal commitment, Maggie learned Maggie and Jeremy could not have known all the ways they both first-hand the importance of professional support. Jeremy sought would change, and, even after hitting rock bottom, grow together and residential treatment for PTSD, and both of them undertook marriage become stronger. Maggie’s devotion to Jeremy sparked something counseling to learn how to deal with their challenges. As for family, more — an intense commitment to promoting support for Maggie said, “My parents are wonderful.” To this day, they take Jeremy veterans’ with mental health problems and their caregivers. to appointments when Maggie can’t, and they have him and their In recognition of her activism for military caregivers and her work 2-year old son Jack over for dinner whenever Maggie works late. with mental health issues, Maggie Bristol has been selected as New Jeremy also discovered Project Healing Waters, an organization York State’s representative for the Dole Caregivers’ Fellowship. that has been therapeutic for him, offering a kind of brotherhood of The Dole Caregivers’ Fellowship is a national program started by fellow fly fishers. He recently took first place in his region for fly-tying, Senator Elizabeth Dole to promote advocacy, legislative support and now owns his own business, Custom Rod and personal support to the “Hidden Heroes,” and Angler Supply. the families of military veterans coping Above all, Maggie and Jeremy now have Jack, with physical and mental disabilities as a their two-year son. He gives new meaning to result of their service. As one of the 50 Dole their lives and, Maggie adds, inspires Jeremy Caregivers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, I want to be that person “to be a better person for our family and Maggie will champion caregivers’ needs at I needed five years ago. especially for Jack.” veteran events, local health fairs, conferences I was very alone for a long While the Maggie that the Dole Caregivers’ and political forums. Excited at the prospect, Foundation chose is a devoted wife and Maggie has already started initiating ideas time.” — Maggie Bristol mother, self-aware in new ways, she also she wants to implement, and the Elizabeth maintains a professional career, softball Dole Foundation will provide her with the coaching activities and community service. necessary assistance and materials. With a master’s degree in reading education K-12 and a doctorate in A particular focus will be to strengthen the connection with educational leadership, Maggie is currently the literacy specialist at another organization dear to her heart, the National Alliance for Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Middle School. She is also the girls’ varsity Mental Illness (NAMI). assistant softball coach for the Syracuse City School District. “I’m very passionate about mental health,” she said. “This coincides Adding Dole Fellow to her list of accomplishments is simply part with my role as a board member for NAMI Syracuse and also aligns of Maggie’s fundamental operating principle. with my role as a Dole Fellow.” Recently, she submitted a grant to do “If you’re going to be part of something, you have to participate!” events for veterans through NAMI, as well as another grant to support she said. veterans’ attendance at the NAMI state conference in October. Maggie put that into practice in the political arena in April, What was it that motivated Maggie to transform her own and when she spoke at a press conference with Sen. Chuck Schumer. Jeremy’s private struggles to a public forum? The event was the culmination of meetings she and other caregivers “I want to be that person I needed five years ago,” she said. “I was held with both Sen. Schumer and Congressman John Katko, to make very alone for a long time.” substantial improvements to the Veterans’ Administration Caregivers When Maggie and Jeremy got married in 2011, “it was perfect,” Support Program. Maggie said. “We had a cute little house. We had a cat. We had a lot While Maggie keeps everyone else going, who keeps her going? of friends. We went to the beach, to concerts.” “He does!” she said, referring to Jeremy. Yet even then, there were signs that Jeremy was not coping well When teaching Family-to-Family classes for NAMI, one of emotionally. He was enduring back problems from his Army days, Maggie’s favorite moments is when she can tell other caregivers, but this was different. Seeking medical help, Jeremy and Maggie went “Lots of people get to fall in love once. Not everyone gets to fall in to three different Veterans’ Administration hospitals in 2013 alone. Then, after Christmas, Jeremy had a breakdown. In the hospital, love with the same person twice. But that’s what I did!” SWM something like a moment of truth arrived.

July 2019

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The Women in Service Edition

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inspire Iris St. Meran and Jennifer Sanders

IRIS St. meran and jennifer sanders By Sarah Tietje-Mietz

t has been pouring for days in Syracuse, but when Iris St. Meran and Jennifer Sanders walk into Mello Velo Cafe at 790 Canal St., their smiles and positive energy seem to clear the clouds away. A genuine warmth radiates from the two and the special connection these women share is immediately evident. A palpable and powerful momentum has been created by this friendship. Both women are prominent Syracuse-area news

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anchors working at competing networks. Sanders is the morning news anchor at NewsChannel 9 WSYR-TV, while St. Meran is an anchor with Spectrum News - Central New York. They recognize that friendships like this can be a rare thing in such a competitive field, and there is not always camaraderie or support, especially from other females. These two are the exception. In 2018, the two started a The Women in Service Edition

Photo by Jennifer Angeloro/Francesca Photographers

podcast called The Ladies’ Room with the goal of featuring “inspirational ladies who are making an impact. We want to provide inspiration and information in The Ladies’ Room,” according to the podcast homepage. “It’s really just sitting down and having this positive and uplifting conversation,” Sanders said. “People are so inspired by listening to the guests, listening to their journeys.”

With this podcast, Sanders and St. Meran have created an opportunity to work side-by-side as co-hosts instead of competitors. Together they interview other formidable females from across the globe. They have interviewed such powerhouses as awardwinning news anchor Jackie Robinson, supermodel and body-positivity activist Emme and, for an upcoming episode, former editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor, a personal inspiration to both St. Meran and Sanders. “When we sit down with a guest, we are always inspired,” said Sanders. “We always take different nuggets, different gems from what they talk about and we’re able to apply to our own lives. These women… have been through a lot and they have achieved greatness.” Sanders and St. Meran met during a breaking news report at a local fire. Quickly they found common ground — both were transplants to the Syracuse area, and they’re some of the only women of color reporting on local news stations. “I was excited [to meet Jennifer] because at the time the market was not very diverse,” St. Meran said. “As far as ethnicity, the only person, really, was Jackie Robinson. So I saw her on TV and was like ‘Oh my goodness. I’m not the only one!’ So I think I went up to [Jennifer] and was like ‘Hey, black girl, do you want to be friends?’” “And we were!” Sanders said said with a laugh. “It was an immediate thing,” St. Meran said. “And she has stuck with me.” Raised by a single mother in a suburb just outside of Boston, St. Meran found her voice through performing with her local church, and always had a passion for writing and public speaking. “I wanted to be Oprah. I wanted to have a talk show,” St. Meran said. “I was just naturally curious and asked a lot

of questions.” St. Meran pursued her degree in journalism at Emerson College in Boston, and found guidance and direction when she started working at New England Cable News, now NBC Boston. Growing up in a military family meant multiple moves to locations around the globe during Sanders’ childhood, but eventually her family settled in Texas, which Sanders calls home. As a child, Sanders first dreamed of being a veterinarian, then had the very specific dream of being the dean of students at Spelman College, one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) located in Atlanta. “But then after that, I knew that I loved to meet people, I loved writing stories, I loved to read,” Sanders said. “So to couple all that together, journalism made sense.” Sanders pursued a degree in mass communications and Spanish from Texas Lutheran University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Though their childhoods differed, their career paths and personal goals were aligned. Both worked their way up through the ranks in the media industry, doing everything from writing, filming, and editing before taking their

place in front of the camera. Personally, they both know the power and importance of giving back to their communities. Aside from their individual service to local organizations, Sanders and St. Meran have been jointly volunteering with at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse City School District. Working with teacher Jeffrey Newell and his ninth-grade Media Communications class, St. Meran and Sanders have been mentoring these students as they learn about the field of media journalism. “We were there just to provide insight and just to be there for them. We are trying to be the me’s we wish we had,” said St. Meran. “The fact that they can say...’oh, there’s Jennifer Sanders,’ or ‘there’s Iris St. Meran. She looks like me, and she’s my mentor.’” On The Ladies’ Room, they ask each guest the same question: What would you tell your younger self? What advice would these two offer young Jennifer and young Iris? “Go for it. Don’t be scared. Just go for it. And achieve greatness, because it lies within you,” Sanders said. “And you have everything you need already,” St. Meran added. “You. Are. Enough.” SWM

You. Are. Enough.

July 2019

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UPCOMING SWM Events Tuesday, July 9

Syracuse Business Professionals Breakfast When: 9 to 10 a.m. Where: The Gem Diner, 832 Spencer St., Syracuse What: The purpose of this group is to make business connections. A member of the group does a presentation each month and breakfast is available, but optional. Cost: Free Info: eventbrite.com/e/syracuse-business-professionalsrng-monthly-breakfast- tickets-42541252030?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14

Grand Opening: Dinosaur Exhibit When: 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. Where: The Museum of Science and Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse What: Welcome the MOST’s newest permanent dinosaur exhibit to the heart of downtown Syracuse! Kick off Grand Opening Weekend with an adventure 65 million years in the making. Cost: Admission is $5 to $20; see website for rates. Info: most.org/explore/dinosaurs/ Friday, July 19

2019 Empire Brewfest When: 6 to 10 p.m. Where: Clinton Square, 161 W. Genesee St., Syracuse What: More than 200 craft beers all poured by brewery reps, a new VIP option that includes food, a giant “craft beer release party”, a food truck rally (13 trucks), music, games and a lot of fun. Cost: $10 to $99 Info: eventbrite.com/e/2019-empire-brewfest-tickets-62146019417?aff= ebdssbdestsearch Tuesday, July 23

Syracuse Business Professionals Lunch When: Noon Where: Laci’s Tapas Bar, 304 Hawley Ave., Syracuse What: Join the Syracuse Business Professional, formerly RNG for lunch. The purpose of this group is to make business connections so we can all help grow each other’s businesses. Cost: Free Info: eventbrite.com/e/syracuse-business-professionalsrng-lunch-meeting tickets-44143896583?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Friday, July 25

Food Meets Rum When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Sky Armory 351 S. Clinton St. Syracuse, NY 13201 What: Sample a vriety of Rums and foods made to pair with Rum. Cost: Visit SkyArmory.com for details. Info: Visit SkyArmory.com for more information. Sunday, July 28

Philanthropic Foodies When: 4 to 8 p.m. Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse What: Philanthropic Foodies is a gathering of dining enthusiasts with a desire to give back to the community. The event will showcase talented local chefs and products from local purveyors. Proceeds benefiting Friends of Dorothy House and Joseph’s House for Women. Cost: $100 to $1,250 Info: eventbrite.com/e/philanthropic-foodies-8th-annual-culinary-showcase tickets-59437761946?aff=ebdssbdestsearch 48

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The Women in Service Edition

July 2019

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movers AND Shakers CNY Diaper Bank celebrates record-setting “Make a Mother’s Day” Diaper Drive, collecting more than 250,000 diapers The CNY Diaper Bank last month collected 252,334 diapers during its fourth annual “Make a Mother’s Day” Diaper Drive, meeting this year’s goal and surpassing its collection of over 150,000 diapers during the 2018 drive. Since its inception, the CNY

Diaper Bank has distributed over one million diapers. “We are thrilled that 2019 was our biggest ‘Make a Mother’s Day’ Diaper Drive yet,” said Michela Hugo, founder of the CNY Diaper Bank. “We want to thank everybody who participated, as this will make a tremendous impact on local families in need.” As part of the drive, the CNY Diaper Bank was selected by Movement Mortgage’s foundation as one of 12 national recipients for a 2019 “Movement 10K” grant. Each month, the Movement Foundation encourages employees to nominate nonprofits doing good work in their communities for a $10,000 grant, dubbed the “Movement 10K.” East Syracuse Movement Mortgage branch manager John O’Brien nominated the CNY Diaper Bank, and the diaper bank then submitted a video about the organization before being selected as a grant recipient. A generous donation from NBT Bank also helped the CNY Diaper Bank reach their 2019 goal. “NBT Bank is happy to support the CNY Diaper Bank,” said Tom McEntee, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of NBT. “This is a great cause that provides an essential service for families and babies in the Central New York community.” Several schools, churches and businesses throughout the area additionally supported the CNY Diaper Bank’s 2019 “Make a Mother’s Day” Diaper Drive. Moses-DeWitt Elementary School in DeWitt collected 200 diapers and raised enough funds to purchase over 1,500 more diapers. DeWitt Community Church made the diaper bank their “Mission of the Month” for May, and Fairmount Community Church contributed to the drive through their endowment fund. Wegmans provided the CNY Diaper Bank with gift cards to purchase diapers, and Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen in Syracuse hosted a collection bin and donated 50 cents to the diaper bank for each of their frosted buttercream sugar cookies that they sold throughout the month. The 100 percent volunteer-run CNY Diaper Bank was founded in May 2016 by Michela Hugo with a mission to make diapers accessible to all CNY families and to bring awareness of diaper need to the community. One in three families experience diaper need, and diapers are not covered by WIC or food stamps. The diaper bank now provides over 70,000 diapers to local families each month, up from 6,000 in its first month in operation. For more information on how to donate to the diaper bank or for more ways to get involved, please visit cnydiaperbank.org. The CNY Diaper Bank operates year-round, collecting diapers of all sizes for distribution to local families through a growing network of 24 partner agencies.

Crouse Health receives honor from Syracuse/ Onondaga County Chapter of the NAACP

Crouse Health was awarded the Earl G. Graves Corporate Award from the Syracuse/Onondaga County Chapter of the NAACP at its recent 40th anniversary Freedom Fund celebration. The award was presented by Linda Brown-Robinson, president of the Syracuse/Onondaga County chapter. “This important community recognition affirms our strong commitment to advancing and nurturing a culture that supports diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organization,” said Crouse Health president and CEO Kimberly Boynton. In 2014, with senior leadership support, Crouse Health formed an employee-led Diversity and Inclusion Committee and began to have conversations around the topic of diversity and inclusion. Recognizing that Crouse Health is a locally-governed community asset that serves people from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, it became clear to Crouse leadership that the organization could do a better job of paying closer attention to how it maximizes each employees’ unique talents, background and potential. Crouse also made a commitment to ensuring that it is continually recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, one that mirrors the diversity not only of those the health system serves, but of the entire community. “We feel that our commitment to diversity and inclusion, while still in its infancy, represents a key differentiator for Crouse Health in our community,” Boynton said. “In fact, the work we have done, and the early progress we have made—as recognized by the NAACP—has become an integral part of the Crouse culture, which extends not only to our employees house wide, but to our patients and visitors as well.” To support its work and commitment to this initiative, Crouse hired Twiggy Eure in 2016 as Director of Diversity and Inclusion to oversee system-wide corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives. Since 2016 the hospital has made solid progress, both internally and in the community, where its commitment to diversity and inclusion is being noticed by business and community leaders. Crouse has taken the lead on an initiative called Diversifying the Hill, which encourages the sharing of best practices among businesses and organizations on the University Hill. Further reflecting Crouse’s strategic focus on this initiative is the fact that over 3,000 employees have participated in D&I education and information sharing sessions over the past two years.

About CNY Diaper Bank: The Central New York Diaper Bank is a nonprofit that was created in 2016 to help social service organizations in the Syracuse area distribute diapers to families in need. It is a part of the National Diaper Bank Network. CNY Diaper Bank’s mission is to ensure that all Central New York families have access to an adequate supply of diapers, and to build awareness of diaper need in our community.

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The Women in Service Edition

July 2019

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