Syracuse Woman Magazine - July 2023

This summer, explore the arts in CNY

There is always so much to look forward to during the summer season. As we prepare to enjoy fairs and festivals, barbecues and baseball, I am so grateful for the promise of warm weather and many exciting opportunities to gather. After all, it was not long ago that some of our most cherished and reliable traditions suddenly felt distant and uncertain. However, our creative class has shown incredible resilience. This spirit of determination is especially true for our local artists, entertainers, and cultural venues. We have come a long way since the height of the pandemic, which isolated artists and audiences from each other. But there is still more work to do.

Art has been a lifelong passion for me. As a young girl in Puerto Rico, I always wanted to be a ballerina. This aspiration opened my eyes to the unique relationship between creativity and community. I learned that creativity is a dialogue – a special, tacit conversation between performer and patron. Like any good conversation, these words have the power to tell stories, shape identities, and above all, heal. While studying as a dancer, I also taught English to schoolchildren in San Juan.

At the time, the two were more closely connected than I could have thought possible. It delighted me to see my students learn, grow, and immerse themselves in another culture. One day, while balancing teaching and rehearsals, something clicked. I understood that there are different varieties of language, spoken and unspoken, in which every person – regardless of your heritage! – shares the same fluency. Art is just such a language; universal, timeless, and with an unlimited potential for expression. Love is another.

I have carried those formative memories with me all my life. They have guided me to some of the most fulfilling work imaginable, and often in unexpected ways. Exactly 20 years ago this month, I moved to Syracuse. My big sister Tere had just been offered a job at the university. Looking back, I could hardly imagine the countless ways in which my path would arrive, time and time again, at the intersection between art, language, and community.

In 2006, I accepted the position of executive director at The Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, also known as La Liga. It was my first job in Syracuse. Thanks to La Liga, I enjoyed the great privilege of organizing the annual Latino American Festival, inviting audiences from all walks of life to learn about and celebrate Latino dance, music, cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage. The festival returns to Clinton Square this August! In time, I would go on to join the New York State Council on the Arts as a Governor-appointed member of the oversight committee.

Today, I am honored to serve as board president for CNY Arts, your regional arts council! Each year, CNY Arts administrates several millions of dollars in grantmaking support for artists and art, culture, and heritage organizations. These funds help make possible so many of the exciting art and culture events available throughout the year in Central New York, and ensure access, equity, and opportunity among our creative community. CNY Arts is the largest geographic regional arts council in New York State, and also hosts the largest regional arts and entertainment online calendar, a one-stop-shop resource that anyone can use to find news and updates about an incredible variety of events, from performances and painting to museums and music. We’re thrilled to announce that the coming months will be full of exciting events, festivals, and entertainment that reflect the rich variety of culture and artistic talent in Central New York.

Warm weather and fresh air offer an opportunity to reconvene with friends, family, and audiences alike. Engaging in shared experience is a powerful and reparative custom. This summer, I encourage you to support your creative peers and explore art as a language that we can all speak and understand, no matter where you’re from. Whether it is the tender sweetness of a freshly prepared mofongo dish, or the timeless rhetoric of Shakespeare, Syracuse has something special for everyone, and everyone contributes something special to Syracuse.

SyracuseWomanMag.com

contact@ syracusewomanmag.com

PUBLISHER

David Tyler

dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com

DESIGN

Andrea Reeves

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alice G. Patterson

Chef Eric Rose

David Tyler

CONTRIBUTORS

Janelle Davis

Alyssa Dearborn

Kathy Franco

Kate Hanzalik

Norach Machia

Rita Paniagua

Chef Eric Rose

Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson

ADVERTISING SALES

Renée Moonan Linda Jabbour 315.657.7690 315.657.0849

Rmoonan@ eaglenewsonline.com Ljabbour@ eaglenewsonline.com

ADVERTISE WITH US

Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month.

The publication is available free of charge.

CONTACT OUR HOME OFFICE

315.434.8889 | 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206

The magazine is published 12 times a year by Community Media Group, LLC and Eagle Publications

2501 James St., Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206

Copyright © 2023 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.

Emphasizing mental health

A mental health retreat was held at the Doubletree by Hilton in East Syracuse featuring some amazing holistic presenters who helped the 10 attendees heal from their trauma and guide them to their life purpose. All mediums for therapeutic experiences were used such as art, sound and workshops.

Strutting their stuff at The Nottingham

The Nottingham recently hosted a glamorous fashion show at their independent living community. Ten residents took center stage to strut their stuff. The event brought together residents from the memory care, assisted living, and independent living communities at The Nottingham to watch the show. The looks for the fashion show were sponsored by Chico’s in Fayetteville, in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Before the event, the residents visited the Chico’s store for outfit fittings to choose the perfect outfits for the show. Following the fitting, the models returned to The Nottingham for a pizza party.

Take a hike

ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB PROVIDES CAMARADERIE AND STEWARDSHIP AROUND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Norah Machia

Are you interested in beginning a journey toward a healthier lifestyle through outdoor adventure, but don’t know where to start? The Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club may be the answer.

The nonprofit organization, also known as the ADK, offers yearround recreational opportunities for Central New Yorkers to explore hiking trails in their own backyards. The group outings are led by ADK volunteers who have a strong interest in sharing their experience and knowledge of the outdoors.

“We welcome anyone to join an outing and find out what we’re about,” said Lisa Druke, Onondaga Chapter Chair. “We have existing knowledge of hiking trails, what equipment to use and how to be safe.” The Onondaga chapter has 1,200 members and is one of 27 chapters statewide that is run by volunteers. The affiliate chapters lead groups on hiking trips, paddling expeditions, and in the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing treks, both locally and in the Adirondack region. The ADK organization has more than 26,000 members statewide.

Although most members in the local chapter are from Onondaga County, there are many people living in the surrounding counties who have also joined, said Druke.

“We are all like-minded when it comes to being outdoors,” and membership in the organization gives people from all backgrounds the opportunity to become part of a community looking for fun, adventurous and safe outdoor experiences, she said.

While trips are planned in the Adirondacks, many others are held in Onondaga County and the surrounding area. “We really saw an increase in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic” when people couldn’t travel, and really wanted to get out of the house, Druke added.

The ADK outings also provide an opportunity to capture some unique views of forestlands, rivers and wildlife along the trails, said Druke. Anyone interested may try out two free group outings, and will be asked to join the local chapter if they would like to continue participation in the club’s activities.

Adirondack Mountain Club volunteers plan to lead hikes this summer at Clark Reservation State Park, Jamesville; Highland Forest County Park, Fabius; Erie Canal Hike, Kirkville; Camillus Forest Unique Area, and the Oneida Rail Trail Hike.

Paddling trips are also scheduled for Deer Creek (starting in Pulaski), and at Little Long Lake in the Adirondacks. In addition, there are several trips planned along trail systems maintained by volunteers from the local ADK chapter.

The Onondaga Chapter has a vested interest in the Finger Lakes Trail System, which is a combination of state land and private land. The first Wednesday of each month in the spring, summer and fall is usually devoted to trail maintenance. “We stay in touch with the private landowners on a regular basis,” to monitor the trails, she said. “Our chapter maintains many miles along the Finger Lakes Trail,” Druke said. “People volunteer to be trail stewards and keep an eye out for one or two miles of trails.”

Several ADK chapters were involved in building the trail system in the early 1960s, including the Onondaga Chapter, which currently maintains approximately 80 miles of the trail, Druke said.

Continued on page 12

Take a hike from page 11

“A lot of people are engaged in taking care of this trail system,” she said. Volunteers help to maintain trails by clearing brush, picking up litter, building steps and bridges, removing downed trees and painting marks on the trees to help identify the routes.

The Finger Lakes Trail starts at the Pennsylvania-New York Border and runs to the Catskill Forest Preserve, with trail branches to Niagara Falls, the Genesee River Valley, the central Finger Lakes and the Syracuse region.

A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail System is also part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a national trail system that runs from North Dakota to Vermont and covers approximately 5,000 miles. “We have also adopted trails in the Black River Wild Forest and the Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area” in the Adirondack region, Druke added.

ADK members may book overnight reservations at the Johns Brook Lodge near Keene Valley in the Adirondacks, located in the “heart of the High Peaks area,” said Druke. Members interested in overnight trips can reserve lodge accommodations or stay in cabins or camp sites.

ADK’s Onondaga Chapter has also been expanding its outreach and education programs. As part of a partnership with the Fayetteville Free Library, the chapter offers educational classes on topics such as hiking, backpacking and CPR/First Aid. These classes are open to anyone interested, and “some people have later joined our chapter” after participating in them, Druke said. SWM

For more information about the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Onondaga Chapter visit www.adk-on.org. The ADK’s main website is www.adk.org and includes a listing of all the statewide chapters.

The WOW! Factor

A FLEET OF WOMEN AT WILLOW BANK YACHT CLUB MAKES WAVES IN CAZENOVIA

Kate Hanzalik

Every Wednesday night during the summer, Cazenovia Lake is teeming with colorful sunfish. It’s been this way since 1991 and it’s somewhat of a phenomenon, in that the sunfish are boats navigated by phenomenal women with penchants for sailing, self-reliance, and community. They are the WOWs (Women of Willowbank), the largest fleet at Willow Bank Yacht Club.

“I remember [Andrea Moreau] going from table to table one evening [at WBYC] recruiting for WOW,” said fleet co-captain Beecher Graham, one of the first WOWs.

“Her enthusiasm was contagious. I had not sailed, but immediately said YES.” Since then, “We’ve sailed in all types of weather: days where you could sit in the hull, feet on the deck and control the boat with your fingers on the tiller and hand on the mainsheet. And other days with the boat heeled over in howling gusty winds revealing the underside of the boat.”

Paula Stanton, a retired Spanish teacher, said, “I joined WOW because Beecher Graham was unrelenting in her invitation to experience sailing Sunfish with wonderful women on Cazenovia Lake.” Today, Stanton can’t imagine her future without the fleet. “I love remembering times with our longtime sailors of 75-85 years –priceless! And, I want to be here when I’m that age.”

Many WOWs see the fleet as an opportunity for themselves. Susan Anthony reflects on joining the group in the early 90s, saying that “At that time some of us were breaking free of full-time child care and were moving on to the life that we had left behind as we raised our families. We decided that WOW would be a chance for us to improve our skills as sailors, build community with other like-minded women

and to have fun and share our lives. Today we have accomplished all of that and continue to share our experiences with other Women of Willowbank.”

Sharon Jasek, a retired family nurse practitioner, said, “I loved sailing but put it on hold to spend all of my time with family. When they grew up, I knew I wanted to get back into it. I forgot a lot and didn’t know where to begin. I finally found Willow Bank (after 10 years of looking) and immediately joined WOW. I was readily accepted by these knowledgeable and experienced women and given training to be able to sail. They are caring and generous, and very patient. They are also very accomplished women in the community and tremendous role models.”

In addition to Jasek, one of these accomplished role models is retired emergency doctor Irene Warner. “I wanted to sail on my own,” she explained. “My husband bought me a Sunfish and as soon as I got it out and tried to sail several women invited me to join WOW, and others took me out on their boats when the winds were too much for me.”

BettyAnn Kram, a retired executive for INFICON, a multinational manufacturer of instrumentation, took time off from sailing because of an injury. “When I was able to rig and launch my Sunfish once again, I felt everyone’s care and awareness of my new beginnings. As it happened, when I tried to climb into my boat very near our launch area, I tipped it over and grabbed to hold on to it. I was fine, but I heard someone say, ‘Where’s BettyAnn?!’ and Eileen Lowe appeared immediately in the water beside me.”

For 92-year old Arlene Abend, a metalwork artist whose work has been exhibited at the Everson Museum, WOW is a tool for challenging

gender norms. Before joining WOW, Abend was crew for her exhusband on a large sailboat. She wasn’t allowed to make any decisions, but that changed during a regatta on Skaneateles Lake–they were in the lead, then the wind stopped. Abend knew the captain needed to loosen the sails to catch as much wind as possible, so she told him just that. He got angry, she jumped ship (even though she couldn’t swim), and he got disqualified for not finishing with the crew he started with. Shortly thereafter, she filed for divorce.

“I found that I couldn’t go by [his] rules anymore or someone else’s decision . . . In my divorce, my husband got our large sailing boat, and I ended up with a little Sunfish. [With the WOWs] I could put my hand on the tiller, and I could be the skipper . . . And the people around me–who gave me a sense of tomorrow–[were] just beautiful.”

One such beauty is Jean Doering, a WOW of 27 years and a Sunfish racer. Having won the Spirit Award for her passion for sailing, she’s taught lots of WOWs how to sail. Doering didn’t start with a Sunfish though; she was a windsurfer who was “excited by its simplicity, sail, board, boom, and speed!” She joined WBYC with her husband Eugene in 1993; by 1996 she was intrigued with the WOWs. “I hung around at 4 p.m. launching time when everyone

rigged their boats and sailed away. Our most senior WOW member, Pat Crosby, volunteered to take me on board. By the end of the season, I had bought my own boat and was hooked on sailing.” Then she tried racing: “I [started] by hanging behind out of the way of the ferocious competitors. I soon got tired of being behind the fleet, so I got a new boat with a racing rig, and started to catch up, and then to overtake!” New members are always welcome. Kathleen Muldoon, who joined the group this summer, said, “As a recent member of WOW, I am so excited to join this wonderful group of women, and push myself to learn a new skill.”

“I love the way this group encourages women to sail,” said Ruth Bates, who has been in a leadership role for the WOWs for six years and sailing for over 50 years. As a co-captain with Graham, she leads drills such as planned capsizing and knot tying, skills that are crucial to feel confident on the water. But the WOWs aren’t just about sailing; lots of women spend Wednesday evenings watching the sunset over the lake and enjoying hors d'oeuvres together. “Our social hour is a wonderful time to share and create friendships,” Graham said. “I would say that every one of us cherishes their WOW experience.” SWM

JOHANNA BEALE KELLER

An artist reflects on life, change and the miracle of art

Kate Hanzalik

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” —Oscar Wilde

JOHANNA BEALE KELLER

An artist reflects on life, change and the miracle of art

Kate Hanzalik

Love changes life. This is a theme Johanna Keller has explored in her many artistic performances–singing songs and reciting poetry as a child, acting, studying music at University of Colorado and the American Conservatory in France, working in public relations and writing award-winning art criticism for the New York Times, teaching, and building Syracuse University’s prestigious Goldring Arts Journalism Program from the ground up. Keller’s love for the arts is the reason for all the twists and turns she’s made professionally, and lately she’s a novice making films, plays and cabarets.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life that I have always been able to try something new. I believe in life-long learning,” she said, adding that it’s important to “push the edge of what you don’t know, and be unafraid to be humble and say, ‘I don’t do this very well. How would I do it better? How would I learn to do this?’ And then focus on that edge. That edge that doesn’t know what it is doing is the edge of myself that I’m most interested in.”

Keller found herself on the edge when she retired from Syracuse University in 2019. “I thought when I retired that I’d be swanning around the world and reviewing opera, which has to do with drama, and words, and music, things I love. But then the pandemic hit, and I said, ‘Well, I’ll see what comes up.’

One morning I sat down and wrote a play. And I thought to myself, ‘Oh, it’s genius!’ I looked at it the next day and I thought this is horrible,” she laughed. “A typical experience as a writer. So the next step is, learn to do it better.”

She took online classes with the Dramatists Guild and began to use the craft as a way to explore questions such as “What does it mean to be alive right now, in this moment? What are we experiencing?”

Her questions led to creations such as “Amicably,” “Kinda Sorta,” a short, sardonic play about divorce, which will be performed in August in Manassas, Virginia, and “The Perfect Match,” an 11-minute rom-com film about the pitfalls of online dating, which became a feature in NYC Rogue Theater Festival.

Her curiosity has also led her to artistic resources in Syracuse by joining Studio 24 and the Armory Square Playwrights Group. From there, she produced “Why Did They Get Me a Roomba?,” a holiday story performed at Jazz Central about a mother who received a robo-vacuum as a present from her absent children. As an artist making art in Syracuse, she’s developed many friendships with local writers and artists, such as Gerard Moses, Peter Moller, and jazz singer Hanna Richardson.

“I love this town,” she said. “I lived in Manhattan for 25 years, and when we moved here in 2003, a lot of people thought I’d miss Manhattan. But there’s more to do every night here than I can get to. It’s a wonderful town full of really creative, open people who are working hard at what they do.”

On collaboration

Keller is so inspired by Syracuse that she’s currently at work with Richardson on a comedy cabaret about the city set to premier in the fall. This project is particularly exciting for Keller – who has written scores of her own articles about music and composers – because she’s collaborating. “Collaborative writing was a skill I wanted to learn and I knew I could learn it by putting myself in the position of having to do it, or getting to do it.”

Working with Richardson has been illuminating. “Hanna Richardson had done an amazing cabaret show a few years ago, and we were thinking of reviving that. We tried and it didn’t work, so we set it aside. Then I had this idea to write a cabaret show of parody songs about Syracuse. Comic. All comic. I said to Hanna, ‘We have to try again.’” At first they wrote separately and met once a week to synthesize. “One day it clicked. We just got it. We were able to drop all our defense and just let our creative selves get in the sandbox and play together.”

“Johanna takes her art seriously, but (at least in this case) has lots of fun doing it,” said Richardson. “We’ve really started hitting our stride in our joint writing sessions–feeding off and appreciating each other’s ideas, but also each willing to express doubts or reservations, all with trust and respect. And laughter. Lots of laughter!,” she said, adding that “It’s good that we also bring different areas of musical expertise to the project – Johanna has deep knowledge of theater, musical theater, opera, and the arts in general. I’m knowledgeable about songs of the Great American Songbook. We both remember well the pop songs of our youth. So we have a lot of material to draw from when looking for good songs to parody.”

On the value of art

Keller’s knowledge of the arts has forced her to grapple with its significance. She said, “People think of the arts as being an add on, an extra thing. Think about human history–and here I’m talking about deep history—with anthropologists and archeologists digging into our very, very ancient past. What was the first thing we did after we took care of our survival? We had enough food. We had fire. We could keep the saber tooth tigers at bay. What was the first thing we did? Beat on logs, make music, dance, tell stories, put handprints on the cave walls. The first thing we did was art.”

Yet often during her own career, she wasn’t as close to the arts as she would have liked. When she was in her twenties, she worked as an uninspired receptionist on Wall Street. When she landed in the music business, she eventually started her own public relations agency where she represented musicians. This led her to arts journalism, but even then, writing about the arts for prestigious publications, she wanted something more.

Continued on page 22

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life that I have always been able to try something new. I believe in life-long learning... it’s important to push the edge of what you don’t know, and be unafraid to be humble and say, ‘I don’t do this very well. How would I do it better? How would I learn to do this?’ And then focus on that edge. That edge that doesn’t know what it is doing is the edge of myself that I’m most interested in.”

— Johanna Beale Keller

Johanna Beale Keller from page 21

“When I was doing arts journalism, I was 100 percent into that, but in the back of my mind, I thought, ‘Oh, I miss performing. I miss theater. I miss that part of my life that I’m writing about but not in.” So today, she’s taken the opportunity to do what has always been natural to her. “Starting to write plays put me right back into the performing arts, full circle.”

For women who are assessing their own careers, Keller has some advice: “I see a lot of people, women in particular, sometimes taking a job or a project with someone they can’t completely trust. It’s never worth it. It’s better to hold out and work with people you respect. At the end of the day, you will go home happy. You’re looking to work for people and with people who have complete integrity.”

On the day that changed Keller’s life

In Keller’s new radio drama, “The Foley Guy: A Romance,” an interviewer asks a sound engineer to talk about a day that changed his life. It was the day a beautiful cellist walked into his office fawning over the sound effects he made from unusual ingredients, like jello, cellophane, and gravel; it was the day that sparked a romance that led to a walk in the woods filled with sounds and eventually a kiss. Resonating with so many, “The Foley Guy” won the 2023 Atlanta Fringe Festival Audio Critics’ Choice Award, and received 3 of the 7 other awards, including: Best Writing, Best Mixing, and Most Creative.

With all of Keller’s success, growth, and change, it’s easy to wonder if there’s a day that changed her life. According to the artist, it was the day she went to a poetry reading in New York City. It was “The first time I heard my husband read and talk. . . I heard this wonderful man with this brilliant mind and this big heart and this beautiful voice. We became friends and later we became man and wife.” And so began what many appreciate about her work – an exploration of love, chemistry, what she describes as “the miracle of art.” SWM

“Starting to write plays put me right back into the performing arts, full circle.” —Johanna Beale Keller

Unforgettable summer parties

ENTERTAINING IDEAS AND HEALTHY DELIGHTS

Chef Eric Rose

Summer is the perfect time to gather friends and family for a memorable party right in the comfort of your own home. From casual backyard barbecues to elegant evening soirees, hosting a summer party offers endless opportunities for enjoyment and connection. To ensure your event stands out, we've compiled a list of awesome tips and unique, healthy food ideas that are both simple and delightful. Get ready to impress your guests and create unforgettable moments this summer!

Embrace outdoor ambiance

Take advantage of the warm weather by hosting your party outdoors. Set up cozy seating areas with comfortable cushions and throw blankets, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Decorate your patio or backyard with twinkling string lights, lanterns, and colorful banners to add a touch of magic to the surroundings. Don't forget to provide ample shade options, such as umbrellas or canopies, to keep your guests comfortable on hot summer days.

Signature summery drinks

Quench your guests' thirst with refreshing and vibrant beverages. Create a DIY drink station featuring a variety of infused waters, fruit punches, and spritzers. Offer a selection of fresh herbs, sliced fruits, and colorful garnishes so guests can customize their drinks. For an added touch of elegance, serve your signature cocktail in stylish mason jars or summery glassware.

Mouthwatering grilled delights

Grilling is a quintessential summer activity, so fire up the barbecue and serve a selection of mouthwatering grilled treats. Offer a variety of proteins, including marinated chicken skewers, succulent shrimp, and juicy veggie burgers for vegetarian guests. Add a flavorful twist with homemade marinades and rubs, such as honey lime, garlic herb, or spicy BBQ. Encourage guests to create their own custom skewers by setting up a skewer bar with an assortment of fresh vegetables, meats, and seafood.

Build your own salad bar

Healthy and refreshing, a build-your-own salad bar is a crowdpleasing option for summer parties. Provide a colorful array of fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens. Offer a selection of dressings, including light vinaigrettes, creamy yogurts, and zesty citrus options. Add variety with an assortment of toppings like toasted nuts, seeds, crumbled cheese, and grilled chicken or tofu. Your guests will enjoy the freedom to create their own personalized, healthy salad creations.

Delectable fruit kabobs and skewers:

Take advantage of the abundance of fresh summer fruits by creating delightful fruit kabobs and skewers. Use bamboo skewers or colorful straws to thread an assortment of bite-sized fruits like melon chunks, berries, pineapple, and grapes. Present them on a platter or arrange them in a decorative vase for a charming centerpiece. These refreshing and nutritious treats are a perfect option for guests looking for lighter fare.

Assortment of small appetizers and dips

Delight your guests with an array of bite-sized appetizers and flavorful dips. Create a tantalizing spread featuring an assortment of colorful and nutritious finger foods. Offer options like vegetable crudités with creamy herb dips, bruschetta with fresh tomato

and basil, mini caprese skewers, and savory stuffed mushrooms. Don't forget to include gluten-free and vegan options to cater to various dietary preferences. The combination of delectable bites and delicious dips will keep your guests satisfied and mingling throughout the party.

Games and entertainment

Keep your guests entertained throughout the event with exciting games and activities. Set up a bocce ball or croquet court for some friendly competition. Provide a variety of outdoor games like badminton, horseshoes, or a DIY ring toss. For a more laid-back atmosphere, arrange a cozy seating area with board games or a deck

Inforgettable summer parties from page 25

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad

5 servings

INGREDIENTS

20 oz. cooked chicken breasts, diced or shredded

8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped

½ cup 2% plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup chopped pickled jalapenos

1 Tbsp juice from jarred jalapenos

4 oz. or 8 Tbsp light cream cheese, softened

¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp light mayonnaise

¼ tsp garlic salt

½ tsp Cajun seasoning

⅔ cup sharp Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine chicken, plain Greek yogurt, jalapenos, juice from jarred jalapenos, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic salt and Feast Mode Asiago Jalapeno Seasoning in a large bowl. Stir until combined.

2. Gently stir in turkey bacon and Cheddar cheese.

3. Divide into 5 equal portions and serve as a lettuce wrap, on a cauliflower crust, stuffed in a cooked sweet bell pepper, or with an assortment of fresh veggies!

Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded

¾ cup Fage 2% plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup regular cream cheese

5 slices turkey bacon cooked and crumbled

3 oz. canned jalapeños, diced

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded 2% sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375° .

2. Combine shredded chicken, yogurt and cream cheese in a medium sized bowl. Add crumbled turkey bacon, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese and ½ cup Cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is combined. Pour mixture into a baking dish.

3. Top with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese.

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted.

5. Add your favorite raw veggies on the side!

Chef Eric Rose is an award-winning chef and health and wellness coach.

Providing every kid a special summer camp experience

Alyssa Dearborn

Liz Schmid, VP of properties and programs for Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways and member of Camp Beyond Binary’s planning team, wants to make sure that all kids – no matter their gender or orientation – are able to have a special summer camp experience.

“So, our CEO of Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Julie Dale, has a kiddo who needed a place to be themselves and explore who they were and be in a safe space.” Liz said about Camp Beyond Binary’s beginnings.

“As a CEO of Girl Scouts, she realized there isn’t really a place for kiddos who are not necessarily identifying as a girl or boy. And she decided that she would explore options for her own kid, which became Camp Beyond Binary.”

At the time, Schmid was the director of outdoor programs for the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways and was in charge of all the summer camps that we had, which are four camps throughout the council. “So she came to me and said, ‘Hey, what if we do a summer camp for kiddos who are LGBTQ and their allies?’ and I said, ‘That is a fantastic idea, let’s do that!’”

“I do want folks to know that even though we’re powered by Girl Scouts of NYPENN,” she added, “you don’t have to be affiliated with Girl Scouts to come to this camp. You don’t have to be a Girl Scout, you don’t have to have a mom who’s a Girl Scout. We really are open to the community as a whole as long as you are LGBTQ and or an ally, you are welcome. At this camp.”

The camp, which is running two sessions in August this year in Ithaca, has the typical camp activities that you would find at most camps, but the camp also includes exclusive activities that tap into LGBTQIA+ history and culture.

“Last year was our first year in 2022.” Schmid explained, “So we tried to marry both traditional camp activities – like hiking and waterfront where we do boating, we have canoes and kayaks and swimming of course – with other activities that really are enmeshed with the LGBTQ community. Things like queer history. We had a historian come in and set up a whole history trail for kids to walk on.

There were pictures and information about folks who were really important to the LGBTQ history throughout the years. So that was really cool for them to do. We had a talent show. The kiddos were able to dress up and sing songs and act out skits and things that really touched on their creative side. We had an arts and crafts area called ‘House of Frida’ - like Frida Khalo – and they did weaving and painting and all sorts of art therapy type things.”

In addition to all of the fun activities that happen at Camp Beyond Binary, the camp organizers wanted to include important activities and resources that help kids attending the camp build resilience and self-acceptance. According to the camp’s website, the camp has staff and counselors trained to work with those who have different physical abilities and those who are neurodivergent. The staff also includes LGBTQIA+ competent nurses and mental health providers.

Also, instilled in the camp is a support system where staff members can check in on the mental health of the young campers.

“We did something called ‘Community Circle’ where the kiddos got together with two or three staff members and a small group of kids and they talked about things, like how they’re doing in school and how they’re doing in after school programs, how their family’s doing, are they able to be safe and happy and do the things they need to do

in their outside world?,” Schmid said. “So we really think that the Community Circles are a great piece of the camp where kiddos are really able to talk with their own peers, but then also have adults who have maybe been through some of the same challenges and triumphs they have been through.”

Providing a sense of community and a place for kids to connect with those like themselves, Schmid said, is important for helping kids build a sense of self and not feel alone. When asked why providing spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth is important, she said, “I think that queer spaces are so important because the way that the world is right now… the world’s a scary place. We are helping to provide a safe space for kiddos to come and just be who they are. We don’t want them to worry about the outside world and what’s happening there while they’re at camp. But at the same time, we want to teach them to be strong advocates for themselves, for their community, so that when they do go back into this scary world that we are in, they can better support themselves and each other,” Schmid said. “They might have a stronger voice than they had before they came to camp. We want to make sure they know that they are a part of this world, they’re a part of society, they’re important, they matter, and that they shouldn’t think of themselves as ‘other’ or as ‘less than’ just because there’s a few

vocal voices out in the world telling them that they are. We want to make sure they know that they are supported and that when they go back out into the real world, that they have what we have built at camp.”

“I would love for people to know that our camp exists,” she continued, “that we are providing safe spaces for kiddos and allies. You know, sometimes being an ally is an important job you can do when you have friends and family and coworkers and people that you love in the LGBTQ community. I want folks to know that we’re here, that we are providing these spaces that will provide leadership and the advocacy work so that kiddos can go back out and be their true selves, no matter where they are. They can just go back and feel stronger and more empowered and more loved.”

This year’s camp sessions will take place August 6-11 and August 13-18. If you are interested in learning more about Camp Beyond Binary, visit www.campbeyondbinary.com. SWM

MARGUERITE MITCHELL

Bettering lives through the arts

Janelle Davis

Photo by Marc Safran

PhotogrAphy

“One of the reasons I absolutely love working with this organization is creating opportunities for people, especially children, to engage in a process that makes them feel better about themselves. It’s pretty special,” said Marguerite Mitchell, director of education at the Redhouse Theatre. Redhouse Arts Center is a not for profit multicultural organization whose mission is to use arts for community impact. Redhouse has always ensured that everybody, no matter what population, whether from an underserved population or a marginalized community, has access to art, and Marguerite, is an integral contributor to that mission.

Marguerite started her career as an English teacher, which she did for five years. During this profession, Marguerite’s vision was to someday become a principal or superintendent. “I started toying around with the idea of being an administrator so I could make curriculum and programming decisions and have a greater impact on students using literature and arts,” she explained.

With additional background as a violinist, singer and dancer, Marguerite was often integrating arts into her classroom. Despite being a successful educator, she was still trying to navigate where she wanted to be professionally. So when Laura Austin, founding artistic director of Redhouse Arts Center, offered her the opportunity to start an education department at Redhouse, Marguerite knew that was what she was supposed to be doing. “I thought this was the perfect fit, and I was really excited about it, so I left the classroom and joined Redhouse to start their education department,” she said. Redhouse launched its inaugural education program, Rock Camp. It was the first program to let the community know that Redhouse was offering arts education and outreach opportunities through theater. “Rock Camp was about learning interdisciplinary, instrument appreciation, teamwork, and communication,” Marguerite explained.

After Rock Camp’s success, Marguerite and her team convened to form additional opportunities for the community. They expanded the program to support diverse and underserved populations. They developed an Outreach Partnership Program with ARC of Onondaga, Upstate Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, the Syracuse City School District, and many more local organizations. A variety of workshops have been added, a Theatre Experience Series to engage in theater and music, and additional opportunities to allow community members to engage in collaborative processes that promote an inclusive society.

As director of education, Marguerite has formed meaningful partnerships with the Girl Scouts of America to provide programming support that builds courage, confidence, and character. She has also helped merge Redhouse with The Positivity Project. The Positivity Project takes place in schools Pre-K-12. Educators spend 15 minutes a day teaching students valuable and positive character strengths that promote positive relationships in their lives. Redhouse works in collaboration with this initiative to equip its students with a deeper understanding of character.

“We noticed in the first two years of expanding the education program, that there was a huge desire and need for kids and community members to engage in the artistic process and want to express themselves. The education department really blossomed in the first five years,” she said.

Because of Marguerite’s contribution to Redhouse, thousands of children across the city have had meaningful artistic experiences. When asked why she thought that these artistic experiences are so important to the children, she said, “It's about feeling heard. Children are so inherently creative and allowing them to express themselves and be who they are is so important, not only for their artistic expression but for their confidence. They learn to advocate for themselves, communicate with others, and interact with different perspectives. The arts provide that for them.”

Marguerite also explained the importance that these programs are for mental health, for all people, but especially for developing children. The process of engaging in the artistic process helps their mental well-being.

Marguerite has always gone above and beyond to ensure that the community impact Redhouse provides never falters. “Coming out of the pandemic, arts took a huge hit. The need that our community had during that time, especially for our students, was extremely high. So, it was important for me to make sure that those programs that people depend on for artistic growth, social/emotional growth, and mental wellbeing are always moving forward, no matter what's going on in the world,” Marguerite said.

She also stepped up during Redhouse’s transition to their new executive director. She ensured that logistics remained in place for the programs to be able to continue. Along with Artistic Director Temar Underwood, they kept things moving forward and the organization’s partnerships positive and intact.

The education department and its outreach are huge components of Redhouse’s mission. While the education department has its own programs, Marguerite works to make sure that any of the programmings at Redhouse has some sort of community impact piece.

“I always say to my staff that we're in the business of making people feel special. We're in the business of giving people permission to be who they are,” she said. “So, one of the reasons why I moved away from the teaching profession and stayed at Redhouse as long as I have is because our programs really do that. They allow people to see themselves and they allow people to feel and grow.” SWM

Elevating outdoor spaces

SUMMER DECORATING TIPS TO GIVE YOUR HOME SOME PIZZAZ

Kathy Franco

Temperatures are rising, and the time has come to embrace outdoor living. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add some pizzaz or a seller hoping to attract that perfect buyer, elevating your outdoor spaces is a great place to start! I have done this in my own house, and as a realtor I have seen countless clients add pops of excitement to their homes before they hit the market.

Embrace the power of curb appeal

First impressions matter! A well-maintained and thoughtfully decorated exterior can be the “wow factor” that significantly increases a home’s appeal.

Take a drive around nearby neighborhoods, what stands out to you and catches your eye? Is it a statement color on the front door or beautiful plants on the porch? Maybe it’s a unique piece of furniture

Variety and color are keys to curb appeal. Try a small table and chair, add pre-potted plants to your favorite decorative planters, or hang a seasonal wreath on your front door.

Create outdoor living zones

Functional and fun outdoor space is key in summer decorating. Potential buyers and house guests are drawn to well-defined spaces for relaxation, dining, and entertainment. By delineating specific areas with well-grouped furniture, guests begin to envision themselves truly enjoying the outdoor space at your home.

On our back porch, we have a sectional couch with a propane fire pit that doubles as a resilient coffee table. Whether it’s s’mores with friends, or decompressing after dinner, that space is always ready to entertain. There is an outdoor TV and a covered pergola above it, which lets us use the outdoor living room even in light rain or hot sun. And the ceiling fan we installed keeps the bugs away.

Our second space is a dining area on the deck. I found a glass top table and chairs a few years ago that fit right outside the door to the porch. I added a bright umbrella to give some shade when the sun is too bright, and sconces so we can have light well into beautiful summer evenings. How could I leave out our grilling space? Nothing beats local sweet corn and a cookout during the summer months. A space to cook where the mess stays separate from the rest of our entertainment has been a practical perk.

Harness the power of lighting

The party rarely ends when the sun goes down, so make sure your space is usable after dusk. Thoughtfully placed lighting will create an enchanting ambiance during warm evenings. String lights, lanterns, or solar-powered pathway lights can illuminate walkways and architectural features. Tiki torches are a fun and inexpensive way to brighten the yard, too.

Incorporate natural elements

A small fountain can add tranquility and serenity to your space. Plants, shrubs, and trees will provide shade and privacy. Bringing living and moving elements into an outdoor space will elevate your home’s overall appeal and create a fresh, calm atmosphere.

Add color and texture

We get plenty of gray during the winter months, so add some color to your home! Infuse your outdoor spaces with bright colors and eyecatching patterns. Throw pillows and outdoor rugs will show off your personality. Look for weather-resistant fabrics and materials to ensure longevity, and don’t be afraid to experiment with bold and contrasting colors to make a lasting impression.

Pay attention to details

Add the little touches that you think may go unnoticed – because they won’t! Try adding decorative accessories like garden sculptures, artwork, or a witty doormat. Upgrade your plain flowerpots to decorative planters with plenty of greenery between bright flowers. Think about installing a privacy screen or a shade to really make your space into its own outdoor room.

These small details make a huge difference in overall appeal and perceived value of your home!

As a real estate agent, I have seen outdoor spaces really make or break deals. When buyers are greeted by an attractive outside, they are excited for what’s to come once they open the front door. As a homeowner, I make sure our family can enjoy every part of the backyard to entertain or just to sit and relax on quiet nights. Adding the illusion of additional square footage through a beautiful outdoor space also helps keep family harmony.

What are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves, grab a friend, and unleash your creativity to create the backyard oasis you deserve! SWM

Kathy Franco is a licensed associate real estate broker with Coldwell Prime Properties. She can be reached at Kathy.Franco@coldwellbankerprime.com.

The Spirit of Syracuse Chorus announces new leadership

After an extensive national search, Sky Harris and Alicia Caron, were chosen as the chorus’ first ever co- front line-directors. Harris and Caron together bring decades of vocal and directing experience to the chorus, in addition to having been long time members of the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus.

Harris has been singing four-part harmony most of her life. A professional music educator in the Liverpool Central School District (LCSD), Harris holds a masters in music education from Syracuse University, has been a clinician and adjudicator on the east coast for the past 20 years and has traveled internationally as both a performer and educator.

Most recently Harris served as associate director of the Spirit of Syracuse. Currently, Harris serves as Greater NY/NJ Region 15 coordinator for Young Women In Harmony and a member of the region’s education faculty, a member of the National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, Onondaga County Music Educators Association and the Barber-shop Harmony Society.

Caron got her musical start in Sweet Adelines at the age of just 15, when she and her mom joined the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus together. After earning her bachelor’s in music education at SUNY Fredonia, Caron moved to Arizona where she taught music for seven years. She was also the artistic director of a community chorus, directed two groups for the Cochise children’s choir, a private voice teacher, directed several musicals and performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

In 2010, she earned her master’s degree in music education from Arizona State University. In 2012, returned to CNY where she is a professional music educator in the LCSD. Currently she serves as an assistant director of the Spirit of Syracuse.

Awarded by State Senate

Randi Matousek, of Cicero, was recently honored with the 2023 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction Award. “For her dedication to our military families through the establishment and continued operation of the Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, it is my honor to recognize Randi Matousek of Cicero as a 2023 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction,” said Senator John W. Mannion. “Randi is a role model for us all, and she is an example of what it means to make a difference in the world.” Matousek is a tireless advocate for our community and military families, an active volunteer with the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund and the driving force behind the Military Courtesy Room at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

A member of the Military Courtesy Room’s board of directors since 2008, she has fully committed and leads the effort to make the room as special as it is, keeping it stocked and comfortable. It is always available for military personnel and their families, usually traveling to and from Fort Drum.

Loretto promotes two

Loretto’s Eleanor Williams has been promoted to manager of new employee experience, a newly-created position at the long-term care organization. Williams will lead and manage Loretto’s employee coaches to help connect new employees with internal and external resources needed to succeed on and off the job. She will also develop new employee orientation and mentorship programs that ensure that new employees are given the training they need to increase employee performance, satisfaction and retention; as well as student/ intern programs to establish “pre-career” and entry level opportunities.

For many new hires, this is their first professional role in healthcare, and these new professionals benefit from not only career coaching, but assistance on a wide range of matters,” said Holly Hoehner, interim vice president of human resources at Loretto.

Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in social work – also at Syracuse University.

Michelle Cuttler was Loretto’s very first employee coach when the organization launched its coaching program in early 2020. She has now been promoted to manager of retention for Loretto’s employees.

As manager of retention, Cuttler will lead Loretto’s long-term employee engagement strategy by developing employee training and retention initiatives that supporting the organization’s employee engagement strategy. She will help employees navigate career ladders so they can advance within the company, including Loretto’s LPN apprentice program; and she will oversee employee recognition programs, including benchmark celebrations, graduations and other programs to help employees remain and flourish at Loretto.

“Michelle’s dedication to making sure others succeed at work is precisely what the long-term care industry needs, and her success as a coach was exactly the reason why we expanded the employee coach team,” said Hoehner. “She has engaged with literally thousands of Loretto employees over the past three years, and best suited to shift her focus to supporting employees who have surpassed their first year of employment with the company.”

Cella V. Boutique’s owner, Heather Vitale, will celebrate her brick-and-mortar store’s one year anniversary in July. Today, Heather is happily married with a two-year-old and a baby on the way and is proud to see how far her boutique in Baldwinsville has come. But creating her business and developing the store was, quite literally, a journey working from the basement up.

“It was 2018 and [my business] was actually out of my basement.” she said about the business’s origin. “I was actually going through a divorce, and it was just a really low time in my life. And I always had a part-time job in retail – my fulltime job is social worker at a school – but I loved retail, loved doing fashion.

Alyssa Dearborn

So after that, when the divorce happened, I needed something in my life…my dad was like, ‘Well, don’t go back to retail. Maybe start your own thing.’ So we did! I did a lot of research, got a core bit of items, and I was just doing private parties in my basement. So people that I knew coming over, like a family member would have a party or something with their friends just to get more exposure. And that’s how I started and then I grew from there.”

When you walk into the boutique – or visit their website –you find that there is a variety of curated items to shop from. Shoppers can find clothes and accessories for casual wear, nights out, and occasions in between.

“I primarily have a bit of a bohemian vibe,” she said about the styles in her shop, “but I do expand out to really like everyday wear. And then some pieces of, like, some contemporary, some dressy work-appropriate pieces. But I really try to grab styles of all different ranges because I want to make sure that anybody who’s coming in has something that they could buy.”

A big part of Heather’s love for fashion and for her business is her passion for styling and curating unique outfits. A favorite part of her work she said is watching women come out of the fitting room smiling and feeling confident in a new outfit.

When asked about her own personal style, she laughed and said, “I don’t think I have one! I think I pull from a bunch of different styles. I do like the bohemian look, but I really do wear any style that you can think of, and almost kind of create my own. It’s almost like every person has three different wardrobes in their closet. You have everyday wear, you have your dressing up, out-with-the-girls wear, you have your going-to-work wear, and then there’s your lounge wear. I don’t think anyone particularly sticks to one style, it really tends to mesh a lot of them.”

Calling her personal style “a little funky,” Heather said she has always had a passion for styling outfits, including putting together pieces that “the average person wouldn’t do.”

“If someone came into the boutique and they really liked a shirt, but it’s maybe a different style, I would personally make an effort to sit with them and show them the different pieces and the different ways to style it. So you get more than just coming in and shopping. You get the extra touch,” she said.

She encourages her employees to do the same. “They have their own styles that they try to promote throughout the boutique,” she said. “It’s definitely a place where we’re looking more at the shopping experience versus clicking online and just picking out a shirt that you like. I want people to come in and leave with a look, a whole look. That’s the goal for it.”

Getting people back into shopping at local, brick and mortar stores is one of Heather’s goals. She wants people to realize that unique, locally-owned shops still exist and that those places are worth supporting.

“I’d like to promote the experience of shopping again.” she said, “I like the boutique to feel like a place where women can come in and have some social hour, get back to retail therapy, where you can try clothes on, you can feel them, you can see the quality. We’ve gotten into this click on Amazon, receive an outfit, and then immediately return it because you don’t like how it fits you. My first full year of brick and mortar business is in July…and I just want the opportunity to get out to people that these places still exist, they’re still around. There’s people that really do need assistance with picking out outfits and things. I’m proud of where I’ve come, but I still want to get the word out that we’re there.” SWM

If you are interested in learning more about Heather Vitale and Cella V Boutique, visit her website at www.cella-v.myshopify.com

July 8

Symphoria Summer Concert

What: Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an incredible night of music and the sounds of summer.

Where: Beard Park, 505 Lincoln Ave, Fayetteville, NY 13066

When: 7:30 p.m.

Info: Free.

July 9

Penguin Palooza!

What: Kids of all ages can enjoy an ice cream party around the penguin exhibit! Enjoy activities, entertainment, free ice cream, food, music, face painting and demonstrations with the zoo’s Humboldt penguins.

Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Info: Free with zoo admission.

July 11

Salt City Corn Hole League

What: Join at the market to play corn hole!

Where: Salt City Market, 484 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202

When: 5:30 p.m.

July 15

Breast Cancer Walk and Health Fair

What: Shades of Inspiration Inc. presents their annual walk and health fair! Health vendors and free mammograms will be available.

Where: Kirk Park, 1101 South Ave, Syracuse, NY 13207

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Info: Register for the walk at 9 a.m. or in advance at shadesofinspiration.org. Registration cost $30 and includes a t-shirt.

July 28-29

Syracuse Ukrainian Festival

What: Learn about Ukrainian culture and enjoy food, live music and vendors.

Where: St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 207 Tompkins St, Syracuse, NY 13204

Info: Free admission.

July 28-30

2023 Arts and Crafts Festival

What: A family-friendly, three-day showcase of 170+ talented artists, craftspeople and performance artists. A part of Arts Week.

Where: Columbus Circle, 259 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202

When: Friday: 10 a.m.to 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.

Info: Free admission.

July 28-30

45th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show

What: More than 80 antique and classic boats and motors will be on display in water and on land. Also enjoy concerts, boat parade, photo-shoot cruise, children’s activities and more.

Where: Clift Park, 26 Fennell St, Skaneateles, NY 13152

When: Friday: 3 p.m.to 8 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday: 8 a.m.to 2 p.m.

Info: Free admission.

July 29

Puerto Rican Festival

What: Enjoy cultural music, food, vendors, dancing and more.

Where: Sharkey’s Event Center, 7240 Oswego Rd, Liverpool, NY 13090

When: Noon to 8 p.m.