August 2014 by Barbara McSpadden

August 2014

44 hearts

JILL OUIKAHILO

for a good cause

TEAL RIBBON RUN

Education with the Cuse Pit Crew...

sw inspires

KARI HAMMOND PATRICIA BLISS CHRISTINE SIGNY

Stefanie Heath Higgins w w w. s y r ac u s e wo m a n m ag . c o m

syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

You can help finish the t s n i a g a t h ig f . r e c n a c t s a e r b

Making Strides events enable the American Cancer Society to fund groundbreaking research to understand, prevent, find, and treat breast cancer; provide comprehensive support to patients, survivors, and caregivers; and ensure access to mammograms for women who need them. Join the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Together, we can finish the fight.

Sign up at MakingStridesWalk.org/syracuse. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Syracuse October 19, 2014 Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse 1.800.227.2345 ÂŠ2012, American Cancer Society, Inc.

August LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ETC: OUT & ABOUT 7

PLATTER CHATTER: 1060 RESTAURANT

FASHION FORWARD 10 FABULOUS FINDS: NYS FAIR

WISE WOMEN 18 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT 20

14 12

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

WBOC LEADING WOMAN

COVER: STEFANIE HEATH HIGGINS

MIZ MATCH 31 FITNESS: EMPIRE STATE MARATHON

STEM-ING CURIOSITY IN THE ‘CUSE

I AM THAT LADY: BACK TO SCHOOL

HEALTHY WOMAN: APRIL PARKS

IN HER OWN WORDS

SYRACUSE WOMEN INSPIRE 43

SWM MAIN EVENTS 48 SWM CALENDAR 49

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On July 12, 2014, a dear friend of mine (and the ‘Cuse Nation) was called to heaven. Dan “Orangeyes” Johnson lived in a way that firmly reminded me to be grateful for every single moment of every day. He and his wife, Dianne, are a kind and genuine couple. I feel blessed by their friendship and I know that he’ll be smiling on his birthday next year…the same day Niko and I will be married. I’ll miss him every day, but I’m seeing life in a more special way now, through Orangeyes.

FROM THE EDITOR “Saying goodbye doesn’t mean anything. It’s the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it.” — Trey Parker To all the beautiful and genuine women and men I have been writing to since January of 2011… I am writing to you for the last time and passing the Syracuse Woman Magazine reins to a new editor. It has been my true honor to help launch this publication that celebrates the incredible women in our community. I was a part of that and you are a part it, too. Although this position was a dream that undoubtedly came true, I continued to dream and I have wondered what was around the corner. I recently accepted a national position as Social Media Manager for Time Warner Cable News, TWC SportsChannel and TWC Community. But don’t worry — I will be working out of the Syracuse TWC Newsroom! You’re welcome to virtually follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @FarahJadran for a look at my new adventure. I’m looking forward to running into loyal readers and SWM fans every day. I will continue to serve as the media spokeswoman for Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness and I am still serving as a board member for Ophelia’s Place and Vera House — all organizations I hold close to my heart. So many events have happened to me since SWM launched. There were happy and sad moments, but at the same time, I felt like all of you were there for each moment. You were there when I ran my first marathon and raced my first triathlon. You were there when I lost my beloved dog, Rock. You (and many other people) were there when I said, “Yes,” to Niko’s marriage proposal and in a way, you’ll be there when we tie the knot locally at The Oncenter next May. And in this final edition, I will share with you yet another tragic loss.

On Aug. 11, it will have been three years since I lost my dog Rock, a rescued Rottweiler-mix, during a dog fight. A loose dog attempted to attack me and Rock stepped in. The dog may have taken Rock’s life, but I know not to lay blame there. This month’s cover features an important message. Stefanie Heath Higgins, the founder of the Cuse Pit Crew, and Thomas, a rescued pit bull, are on the cover to communicate the love and trust that happens between people and their dogs. Thomas is lucky. But what about the other misunderstood dogs? Will they also have a fresh start and be loved? Just a few years ago, the American Temperance Testing Society found that pit bulls had an above average temperament, with 86 percent making the grade. In this study, pit bulls were the second most tolerant breed tested by the ATTS, after only golden retrievers. Put aside any preconceived notions, and read this month’s cover story with an open mind. If I can look past a rough exterior and into a dog’s eyes to see an innocent soul, then I certainly hope you can, too. I kept thinking about how I would end this letter and how I could possibly thank this community for embracing me and inviting me to tell its stories. The conclusion is that I’ll never find the perfect words. I was raised by a loving mother and father who taught me to work hard and be grateful for any success and accolades that I may receive. And at this moment, I can’t express how thankful I am for this great opportunity. While I was a graduate student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, I dreamed of being the editor of a magazine for everyday women. What can I say? I got to live that dream less than two years after graduation. I’m indebted and I am proud to say that no matter what, I will always be a Syracuse Woman. Until the next time we meet, be beautiful and genuine. In other words — be you!

OUR TEAM Publishers

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

Editor

Farah F. Jadran

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Photography Cindy Bell Gerard H. Gaskin Rick Needle Jussara Potter Jacqueline Vidler

Contributing Writers Jennifer Bernstein Kelly Covert Susan Dutch Farah F. Jadran Kailyn Jennings Alyssa LaFaro Samantha McCarthy Amari Pollard Maggie Quinn

advertising Sales Renee Moonan Linda Jabbour

Please contact Renee Moonan (315) 657-7690

AUnlike d vanye rother t i spublication e w i tinhthe Syracuse u s . . . 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 info@syracusewomanmag.com

Sincerely,

Download our media kit at www.syracusewomanmag.com

Farah

The magazine is published 12 times a year by Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and Eagle Publications, 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.

ON OUR COVER... Stefanie Heath Higgins and Thomas were photographed by Cindy Bell, of Focus Studio Inc. at 920 N. Salina St. in Syracuse. Shoot location: Syracuse’s Northside. Cover woman makeup artistry provided by Antonietta Moritz.

Copyright © 2014 Syracuse Woman Magazine, 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 Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and will not be returned.

etc

MOVIES

Expendables 3 – 8/15 In The Expendables 3, Barney, Christmas and the rest of the team comes face-toface with Conrad Stonebanks, who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables.

OUT & ABOUT Canine Carnival — Aug. 9 The Fifth Annual Canine Carnival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 9 at Jamesville Beach Park. Nearly 100 rescue organizations, vendors, and groups participated in the 2013 Canine Carnival, and it was attended by more than 15,000 people, with many dogs in attendance. With this success, the Priscilla Mahar Animal Welfare Foundation (PMAWF) was able to make more than $31,000 in donations to over 40 animal rescues in 2013. “While we loved our years at Long Branch Park, the size of the Canine Carnival has outgrown that park,” says Wayne Mahar, CNY Central Chief Meteorologist and founder of the PMAWF. “We look forward to continuing to thrive and grow at Jamesville Beach Park!” Wayne Mahar established the PMAWF in 2008 in memory of his mother, Priscilla Mahar, and her love for animals. PMAWF works closely with the community to find and help non-profit organizations that work hard to provide animals with second chances for a better life. Through various events and donations, PMAWF donates the money they raise to those that need our support. Community members planning to attend the event are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs to this outdoor event. Hundreds of animals will be up for adoption on site, from dogs and cats to horses. This is a free event. For more information, visit pmawf.org.

Women’s Day at The Great NYS Fair — Aug. 27

When the Game Stands Tall – 8/27 The movies tells the journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), who took the De La Salle High School Spartans from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport.

The Great New York State Fair will once again host Women’s Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. All women and women’s groups are invited to Women’s Day at the Art and Home Center. The registration of $20 includes a luncheon and program, one fair pass and a parking pass.

The program begins at 11 a.m. in the Empire Theatre with a presentation, “Caring for the Care-giver” presented by Ann Sedore (past SWM Inspiring Woman), PhD, RN, and Chief Nursing Officer at Crouse Hospital. Yvonne Conte, (another past SWM Inspiring Woman) motivational speaker, humorist and author, will give a presentation.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For – 8/22

Stop by the Mini-Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. held near Chevy Court. Visit with local advocacy groups for women and get a free blood pressure check by the Crouse Hospital staff.

In Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Dwight is hunted down by the only woman he ever loved, Ava Lord, and then watches his life go straight to hell. Chronologically, this story takes place prior to “The Big Fat Kill” (featured in the film Frank Miller’s Sin City) and explains how Dwight came to have a dramatically different face.

For more information, please call 315-487-7711, ext. 1264 or email Cheryl.lavin@agriculture.ny.gov.

November Man – 8/27 An ex-CIA operative (Pierce Brosnan) is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high level CIA officials and the Russian president-elect.

13TH ANNUAL GOLF EXTRAVAGANZA — Sept. 26 The 13th Annual Golf Extravaganza to benefit Ophelia’s Place is set for Friday, Sept. 26, at Foxfire Golf at Village Green in Baldwinsville. Join the community for a great evening of golf, dinner and community awareness. Registration will begin at 3 p.m. and there will be a shotgun start at 3:30 p.m. Dinner and a music will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Foursomes can play for $260 and singles can play for $65 each. Registration fees include green fees, a golf cart, dinner, event T-shirt, giveaways, door prizes, silent auction and raffles. Plus, enter the Hole-In-One contest for a chance to win a vehicle sponsored by Summit Cars. Pick up your registration at Cafè at 407, complete it there and receive a free cup of coffee! Find registration information at opheliasplace.org/upcoming-events. Ophelia’s Place is a non-profit organization providing support and resources for those impacted by eating disorders. Everyone in the community is invited to change the conversation and join the movement that defies stereotypes and celebrates diversity.

chatter ::platter

1060 Restaurantâ&#x20AC;Ś

Dine & Relax

BY KAILYN JENNINGS I PHOTOS BY RICK NEEDLE

Drive down Genesee Street and stop when you hit 1060 on the block. You have arrived at the Genesee Grande Hotel. You can stay the night or simply enjoy the cuisine at 1060 Restaurant. The restaurant began operating about nine years ago when Norm Swanson opened the Genesee Grande Hotel as a Syracuse Hospitality project conducted by the Woodbine Group, a commercial real estate holding and development company right here in Syracuse. The group looks to connect buyers with underutilized properties to benefit the community. The Genesee Grande Hotel and 1060 Restaurant are among other projects, including LEED Platinum Hotel Skyler and the Parkview Hotel. “We wanted an upscale yet comfortable [restaurant] experience for both the guests of the hotel and local patrons,” said Tom Fernandez, the Director of Business Development for The Woodbine Group.

Dark polished wood, leather seating and a grand fireplace offer comfort as you unwind after a long day. Grab a drink at the gleaming bar or sit around a table enjoying the cuisine and good company. Either way, you are in for a calm and relaxing evening. “We try to be eclectic,” said Tom about the menu. “We have the local traffic that we try to keep the menu exciting for, but we also have the hotel traffic, so we want to makes sure we have a menu that is pleasing to the overnight guest.” There are a few signature dishes you should try when you head over to 1060 Restaurant. “The chicken penne pasta is our signature dish and has been on the menu the longest. Our sea bass is always a house favorite,” Tom said. “We also do an excellent burger.” The chicken penne pasta is served with pan-seared chicken, wild mushrooms, butternut squash, Asiago, roasted

According to Tom, there are many aspects of the restaurant that make it attractive to the public. “Our staff is amazing; we have servers who have been with us since the opening of the restaurant,” he said. “Our wine list is outstanding and is a Wine Spectator award winner. And our food is superb. Everything from our burgers to our seafood just have a little extra something.”

They followed through on their vision. Speaking of the style, Tom said, “It is matching of the hotel. The dining room is very comfortable, with both standard table and bend seating booths, and the bistro space is relaxing with the fireplace and comfy chairs and couches.”

shallots and madeira-thyme cream reduction. If that’s not enough to get your mouth watering, the sea bass comes pan-seared with champagneherb risotto, roasted garlic and baby spinach, all in a smoked tomato fennel nage. And let’s not forget the Angus burger: a half-pound of juicy beef with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, choice of cheese and French fries. No matter your preferences, 1060 Restaurant has you covered.

Emma Weichselbaum, the evening chef, and Melissa Parsons, the Food and Beverage Manager, add that extra something. Their work allows the restaurant to deliver high quality meals to loyal patrons.

So, where’s the proof? Wine Spectator recognized 1060 Restaurant as its 2014 winner. With more than 257 wines to choose from, that comes with no surprise.

There’s no need to cook dinner tonight — have it plated and serve to you at 1060 Restaurant. For more information, visit 1060restaurant.com.

forward ::fashion

Rock a

fashionable FLAT this summer

BY KAILYN JENNINGS The cute wedges in the window display may be tempting for your summer wardrobe, but why not go for something more foot-friendly. According to the American Osteopathic Association, one in 10 women wear heels at least three days a week. One third of those women have fallen while wearing them. It’s easy to laugh at a woman who can’t walk in heels, but those who don’t wear them may be better off. Dr. Natalie A. Nevins, DO, an osteopathic physician said heels have been linked to long-term issues, including ingrown toenails, damage to leg tendons, nerve damage, bunions, overworked and injured leg muscles, osteoarthritis of the knee, plantar fasciitis and low back pain. These result from your foot sliding forward in your shoe, which forces your toes into an unnatural shape and the redistribution of weight on your toes. This causes your body to lean forward, and you compensate for that by leaning backward and overarching your back, which can strain your knees, hips and lower back. “With repetitive wear, you can develop unhealthy patterns that can persist even when you’re not wearing high heels,” said Dr. Nevins, who practices on the West Coast. “Your feet are, quite literally, your base of support. If your feet aren’t happy, nothing above them will be.”

But don’t stop at the sandals. Flats are another great option for day-to-night wear. There are numerous textures from leather to suede that are suitable for any outfit. Check out the pointed-, rounded- and open-toed flats to mix things up. And don’t forget about the boat shoes. The dock-friendly shoe has become not only a waterfront style, but a city and country favorite, as well. Although Sperry Top-Sider was the trendsetter, there are plenty of brands, such as Nautica and Roxy, offering a lower cost shoe with the same amount of style. Spice up a flowy summer dress with a pair of Oxfords. The Scottish and Irish shoe made its way to the U.S. and has caught the eyes of many. The 19th century style has made a comeback, so it’s true — what goes around comes back around. Go raid our local thrift stores — stat! While you’re out, you’ll probably come across some high-waisted shorts and oversized sweaters and leggings. Are you ready for another flashback? Break out your Converse. High-tops, low-tops, it doesn’t matter. Shorts or a dress — it doesn’t matter. The shoe can be paired with anything.

So are the heels worth it? Probably not. But don’t fret! Heels may be higher than flats, but it doesn’t mean the style is on a lower scale.

The same goes for Keds. The Taylor Swift commercials have girls buying various colors and prints. But they aren’t just for teenagers! Keds are cute and comfortable for people of any age. Check out their lace-ups, slip-on’s and even high-tops and mix up your summer footwear.

Gladiator sandals can be dressed up or down and they’re great for a night out or simply running errands around town. Pair them with a dress or a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt, and you have a killer outfit tied together.

And finally, don’t forget about your exercising sneakers. We live in Central New York, so we need to embrace the sunshine whenever we can get it. Get out and walk, run, bike, whatever makes you happy. You won’t regret it.

And some brands offer more support. Look to Birkenstocks, Clarks, b.o.c. and Naturalizers for stylish and comfortable shoes you can wear all day without insoles.

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Ready Be Sometimes we take for granted the fact that The Great New York State Fair is located right here in Syracuse. It offers unique food and entertainment for us to enjoy each summer. This year, the fair runs from Aug. 21 through Sept. 1. You can stop by for a day of fun for you and the kids, a concert and a meal (you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to cook) or just to walk around and take in the atmosphere. And be sure to stop by the Syracuse Woman Magazine booth on Aug. 27 for Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day at The NYS Fair!

event tickets Make sure you have your fair and event tickets accessible. Know exactly where they are and double check to make sure you have them before you leave your house. The last thing you want is to hold up the line or wait in line and not be able to get in!

sun protection With The NYS Fair comes long days walking around the pavement with little shade. Remember your sun protection: sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Protect yourself from UV rays, even on cloudy days.

august 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Don’t forget to check the forecast before you leave! We live in Central New York and thus we know how quickly the weather changes. Don’t get caught in the rain without an umbrella or rain jacket. Also, when it’s hot, dress appropriately. Dark colors and thick material absorb the heat, and no one wants to be uncomfortable and covered in sweat.

functional footwear Keep your feet comfortable, too. You’ll be walking around all day or standing up at a concert, so wear shoes with some support.

picture time The State Fair has many photo-worthy moments. Bring a quality and charged camera! If your battery starts to drain, stop by one of the four charging stations located in high traffic areas so you can be sure to capture the first bite of a doughnut burger, your favorite artist on stage and your smiling faces from a day of fun. And if you’re using your camera phone, be sure to bring that charger too!

safety first If you are bringing kids, keep them together. Wegmans provides Lost Kid Tags, as well, so those who get separated can be found in the Lost Persons Center between the Main Gate and Gate 12. Strollers are also available to rent outside the Main Gate, within Gate 4 and outside Gate 10.

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feature ::special

44 hearts beat toward reeducation

BY KAILYN JENNINGS

“If we didn’t have a body, we wouldn’t be in the world. So every day when I have an opportunity to move my body, I am affirming and celebrating that I am physically on this Earth. My body is my vehicle, and it is a joy to breathe and feel it move because that is me moving inside it.” – Jill Ouikahilo Jill knew it was time to seek help with her eating disorder when death seemed to be the best option. “When the thought of living within the constructs of what I believed to be true, what I was brought into, was a tremendous amount of suffering, I got help,” she said. “Inherently, in all of us, we know something is wrong. There are stages, and at some point you like [the eating disorder]. It is working until it doesn’t work anymore.” Recovering from an eating disorder is not an easy task. It’s a lifestyle change; you have to reeducate yourself on what being healthy means.

The reeducation process does not only include nutrition. It relates to anything from health, beauty, success, achievement, joy, passion and love. “Once we develop ourselves, we must decide what is true for ourselves, what we believe about our purpose and why we are here,” Jill said. Although reeducation does not strictly focus on food, it is a large portion of it. “The truth of reeducation is that there is a tremendous embracing and gratitude of food,” Jill explained. “You embrace it from fullness, and you learn about the chemicals and processing and how your brain plays a role. You realize there is nothing wrong with you. Your cravings are reactions to chemicals.” With reeducation, we realize we have the ability to choose what we fuel our body with. As Jill noted, it’s not about the calories and the numbers, but instead about what heals our bodies and allows us to feel good. “I was brought up with a really comfortable suburban life, with homecooked meals,” Jill said. “But we also ate fast food and soda. And there’s a reason it’s called junk food. There is nothing that makes you feel good.”

Reeducation has nothing to do with dieting. It’s about what makes you feel good and understanding why that is. It’s about what it means to be healthy. “It goes into beauty, body image, how we define and embrace our femininity in a way that is not a regurgitation of the sexualization of women,” Jill added. “You educate yourself on what it really means to embody confidence and empowerment. It’s education from the inside out, not the outside in.” There are numerous difficulties that hinder advances in overcoming eating disorders. Speaking from experience, Jill said, “The hardest part in overcoming the eating disorder was being able to redefine and reeducate myself on the belief system that was true to me and then living in our current culture that doesn’t support it on a broad scale. So really, budding up against, on a daily basis, the belief systems and pressures of the outside world and how you live with that balance and stay strong knowing what is right.” Food is a different kind of addiction. “You can choose to drink, smoke, do drugs, but you have to eat to survive. If that is your challenge, you really need to go to the deepest level of yourself and heal that. It is the core,” Jill said. With that, when people exercise, sometimes they tend to do so because they feel badly about the way they look. “If you come in from a place saying ‘I have to lose weight,’ you’re going to feel shame and guilt, and those emotions do not result in lifestyle changes.” There are many ways to find joy in exercise. For example, Jill is drawn to dance — it’s what she loves. “Through reeducation, you understand exercise as the opportunity in your day to fill yourself up with as much positivity as possible,” she said. “When you are breathing and increasing your heart rate, you are exercising your body and your mind.” It is so easy to kick back on the couch in front of the TV, but as Jill noted, exercising is a privilege, and we should take advantage of it. At the beginning of the reeducation process, exercising may not be easy. But once you learn the meaning of true health, it will not become a hardship, but a joy. Now that she’s recovered, Jill works to reeducate others through 44 Hearts, which captures her healing process and her time spent in India. Helping others in their journey is not easy. “One of the most difficult parts is trying to respect and honor the way people currently think and believe, while at the same time, offering a new perspective in a way that is not attacking someone’s personal beliefs,” she said. And the experience is just as rewarding as overcoming her own eating disorder. “The amount of freedom people experience as they go through the recovery process is amazing.” And the challenges do not stop there. “It’s so subconscious,” Jill continued. “People don’t even understand what they believe. I hear it every day — people expressing messages that put them down physically. I hear this every single day because I’m aware of it.” Although Jill hears their suffering, it’s not always the time and place to bring up the reeducation process. “It’s that awkward position where I have the awareness so it is my role to help them see something they don’t even know is happening,” she said. “In bigger, broader social situations I don’t feel it is my place to step in.”

Once the awareness begins, so do the rewards. “I think the most rewarding part is that I get to live life by my own rule books. It’s amazing,” Jill said. “And yes, I’m still in this society and inundated with media that is cultivating ideas of women and beauty and sex. However, I’m not sleeping to it. I’m not brainwashed to it. I have power and can create anything I want.” When Jill returned from India, she got involved with Ophelia’s Place, a nonprofit organization committed to redefining beauty and health. Her mother saw an article in the newspaper and shared it with her. She knew it was important for her to share her story with others. “We sometimes need to see a reflection of someone else to give us approval to do it for ourselves,” Jill explained. “There is value in that, and that is why I still do this work. We all need physical examples, and I try to live my life as an affirmation to follow your heart.” Through her reeducation, Jill was able to follow her heart and heal herself. Travel and adventure played critical roles in that process. “The journey is the destination, right?” Jill asked. “You don’t just get there and it’s over. When you have an eating disorder, you are consumed by the thoughts in your head, and they are debilitating. Traveling to new places with new people required me to live in the present because I was in a totally new environment. It wakes you up and gives you space from being attached to your thoughts.” That detachment from her negative thoughts revealed to Jill her inner power, confidence and comfort. “Learning about new cultures, people, places and the best aspects of life helped me find joy again. They were these deep, spiritual quests that brought me to new things, and I felt like there was some value in sharing that and explaining you can get through it in a way that is totally unique to you.” Helping people through their own unique recovery processes led Jill to realize more people struggle with their self image than she previously thought. “More people struggle with their beliefs about beauty, success, confidence and wholeness than I ever could have imagined. And with that, people have a natural tendency to do good. People want to help. People want to support; they want to care. And Ophelia’s Place offers an invitation for people to express that good nature.” No matter what, Jill advises to listen when our hearts speak. For more information on Jill’s healing journey, visit 44hearts. org. For more information on Ophelia’s Place, visit opheliasplace.org. syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

& spirit

BY KELLY COVERT & MAGGIE QUINN

::Mind, Body

Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about eating healthy? Let’s face it, whenever we turn on the TV, go online, or into a store, we are bombarded with mixed messages: what foods to eat or not to eat, what kind of diet we should be on, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, lowfat, low-carb, and so on. The list of questions appear to be endless, and the path to health seems very complicated. We are here to tell you that it can be simple — just eat real food. Real food is whole, unprocessed and unrefined. We are talking about food that is as few steps as possible from what it looked like in the beginning: meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. An apple is an apple. It wasn’t something else first, it’s real food. Now think about bread. How closely does bread resemble its beginning state? It is many steps removed from the stalk of wheat in the field. What about anything that is low-fat? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard of a low-fat cow. Low-fat is not real. It is a man-made process that takes our food further away from their natural state. And to add on to that, today’s packaged food have added chemicals to help preserve them longer on your grocery store’s shelves. The things that are added to these boxed and bagged foods have never even been food! They are man-made chemicals that our bodies cannot even identify and don’t know what to do with. Many of these additives have known health consequences, yet are still found in many of the foods in stores. Our bodies were designed to thrive by eating real food. The beauty of this design is the more you feed your body with the real food that it naturally craves, the better you feel! If you are eating tons of veggies and fruits and high quality protein and fat from pasture-raised animals, you are giving your body the building blocks that are essential for good health. Health doesn’t come from a “diet” — which we think should be a four-letter word. It comes from making simple choices like choosing an apple instead of a granola bar, or choosing a hard-boiled egg instead of potato chips. As you start to shift toward eating real food, one of the hardest parts is avoiding the processed foods you typically enjoy. You might think you have to employ huge amounts of willpower to keep away from the “bad” foods, but it can be so much simpler than that. Take willpower out of the equation. Willpower is about restricting. Willpower is about holding back. Instead of restricting, eat as much as you want of beautiful, real foods like eggs, bacon, tomatoes, almonds and strawberries — whatever you want, as long as it doesn’t come out of a box or a bag.

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Throw the rules out the window and start nourishing your body with the real food that it needs in order to be full of energy and vibrancy. The magical thing about eating real food, is that once your body starts to get the nutrients it truly needs, those once-favorite cookies or crackers or chips won’t even taste good anymore! According to the 2013 Food & Health Survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation, 56 percent of Americans are trying to lose weight, but let’s just focus on what we like to call whole body health. When you start to switch your body back to real foods not only will you lose weight, but your mind will be clearer, your focus sharper, and your emotional landscape will start to change. As we begin to eat intentionally, we start to shift inwardly as well. Physical health will mirror emotional well-being and vice-versa. As Virginia Wolfe so eloquently put it, “One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well, if one has not dined well.” If you are ready to start eating real food, you can download the free Eat Real Food 7-Day Meal Plan at strongbodywholeheart.com/us/eatrealfood. Kelly and Maggie are co-founders of Strong Body Whole Heart. For more information about their coaching, visit strongbodywholeheart.com.

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BY SAMANTHA MCCARTHY

::for a good

The Sixth Annual Hope for Heather Teal Ribbon Run is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, with the race beginning at 9:30 a.m. This year’s “flat and fast” 5k run and walk will be held at a new location — Lewis Park in the village of Minoa. This year, Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness and the village of Minoa are partnering to provide a festive day for the community. The co-emcees for the 2014 event are Hope for Heather Media Spokeswoman Farah Jadran, national social media manager for Time Warner Cable News, and Wayne Mahar, CNY Central’s Chief Meteorologist. Frieda Weeks, founder of Hope for Heather, started this organization in honor of her daughter, Heather, who passed away on Nov. 14, 2008, after a bout with colon cancer. Heather gave up her “career in dance to make a difference with ovarian cancer,” Frieda shared. “Heather was going to make the career change to make ovarian cancer her life’s work.” Heather worked for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) where she advocated for ovarian cancer. Hope for Heather started to “make a difference in her memory and carry on the work she believed in,” Frieda said. Frieda and Hope for Heather want to continue raising awareness and one day, find a cure for ovarian cancer. Since a PAP test does not detect ovarian cancer, Hope for Heather hands out symptom cards to inform women on the symptoms of ovarian cancer. According to Frieda, the organization has handed out about 250,000 cards so far in the past six years. The risk for ovarian cancer is about 1 in 68. In 2014, 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,000 of those 22,000 women will die. The best way for a woman to detect ovarian cancer is with a blood test and an ultrasound, but ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed. On the day of the event, the 5k run will be the first race and the 3k walk will begin shortly after. There will be an awards ceremony at the end the event. Once the Teal Ribbon Run event concludes, the village of Minoa has organized an after party for families. The “After Race Family Party” will be held in Lewis Park and includes live music, food, a kids zone, and fireworks.

run

walk & Raise

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august 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Eric Christensen, village of Minoa Trustee, says the community is looking forward to this new event. “On behalf of the village of Minoa and its residents, we are very privileged to partner with a wonderful organization called Hope for Heather. As a village we hope to spread the awareness of ovarian cancer throughout our community.” The event has been successful in previous years, according to Frieda. Last year’s race attracted more than 1,100 participants. Funds raised by Hope for Heather benefit three areas of the mission. “Our mission is to raise funds for ovarian cancer research, raise funds for local education and awareness, and to assist families devastated from the disease.” More than $100,000 has been raised and donated to OCRF and Hope for Heather has a “$25,000 pledge for the Angel Fund at the Upstate Cancer Center,” says Frieda. “The Angel Fund helps to cover out-of-pocket expenses concurred for ovarian cancer patients at the hospital.” If you’re running or walking...The first 100 Syracuse Woman Magazine readers will receive a special discount for the 2014 Hope for Heather event. The discount code is SWM2014 and expires on Aug. 15. Frieda and the Hope for Heather organization are aiming to inform as many women as possible about ovarian cancer. The proceeds from this Hope for Heather event will be channeled toward finding a better way to detect ovarian cancer and ultimately find a cure. To register, visit tealribbonrun.org and find more information about how your pooch can help raise funds and awareness for the cause. Visit hopeforheather.org for more information about the organization.

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BY ALYSSA LAFARO I PHOTO BY CINDY BELL

::wboc leading

“What you give out you receive back at least threefold, so give your best,” says Esther Zorn. The active realtor, broker and manager of EXIT Eagan Real Estate practices this philosophy in her business with both her clients and agents. “I enjoy helping realtors grow their business. The one who shares their knowledge and expertise with team members is often the one who learns the most.” This philosophy is more than just business for Esther. It’s personal. And it’s obvious to any onlooker who’s experienced her philanthropic efforts in the community. In 2012, The Post Standard covered Esther’s involvement with the Central New York CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk, which donates proceeds to local food pantries, the Interreligious Food Consortium, and Meals on Wheels. Esther has participated in more than 15 of the annual walks since the very first one held in 1978. She’s also served on the board of the Westcott Community Center, is a longtime member of Plymouth Congregational Church, and is a founding member of Believe in Syracuse, a non-profit organization that cultivates connections and civic engagement within the Syracuse community, What Esther considers to be one of her most notable achievements is her work with the International Cesarean Awareness Network, called ICAN. She founded the organization in 1982, and is credited for bringing the overuse of cesareans to national prominence. Because of her efforts, there are now more than 75 organizations around the country helping women who are recovering from these high-risk procedures. With all this philanthropic work under her belt, it’s no surprise that Esther joined WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections). The organization’s core mission, after all, is to “support and advance the success of women entrepreneurs,” which goes hand-in-hand with Esther’s desire to give back. She began to give back to the organization almost as soon as she joined 10 years ago. She’s served on both the membership and marketing committees, and eventually became vice president. She was board president from 2007 to 2009. During that time, she guided the organization as it developed its website, changed the meeting format and location, and reorganized the board structure.

ESTHER

ZORN

Giving her best to business, to Syracuse & to WBOC

august 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

In return, WBOC has also given back to Esther. “The women at WBOC just can’t wait to help you,” she told me. “I have consistently returned to the organization over the years because it is my time to spend with other success-driven women who are friendly, informative and helpful. I have done business with so many members, with women who know about organization, finance, investing, insurance, legal matters, beauty consulting — you name it.” Esther hopes to continue building these beneficial relationships with the community of successful women that make up WBOC, and looks forward to meeting new faces at future meetings. For the future of EXIT Eagan Real Estate, Esther hopes to give back to her realtors by sharing her knowledge of the industry. “We are a learning company, which means we work collaboratively and support one another in our individual real estate businesses,” she explained. “My number-one enjoyment is helping the realtors I work with grow their business, and encouraging them to be successful.” Women Business Opportunities Connections (WBOC) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 20 years. To become a member, visit wboconnection.org or follow the organization on Twitter at @WBOConnection. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC.

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Stefanie Heath Higgins Education with the Cuse Pit Crew Group advocates for misunderstood dog breed

BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BELL Today’s common “pit bull” is misunderstood and misidentified. The term “pit bull” is not a dog breed, but rather a generic description for dogs that have any similar physical traits to that of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier. According to the SPCA, some pit bull breed classifications also include the Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bulldog. This breed is then carried over to another column of classification that can contain numerous words that would inflict fear: monstrous, killer, jaw-locking, ferocious, fighter and blood-thirsty. How and why did we come to these conclusions? In my mind and in my heart, I have fully come to terms with the belief that any dog can show signs of aggression and take it to the next level with either people or other dogs. Dogs are beautiful and loving animals, but if abused, neglected or trained to be violent — there is no telling what the animal is capable of. Many could disagree with me, but I encourage everyone to keep an open mind on this topic. Read on, and take in the facts and the efforts of a local organization that is tirelessly working to change the stigma that surrounds pit bull breeds. After that, I want you to read my brief personal **account (at the end of this article) that has caused grief because of a loss but a further understanding of why it’s so wrong to let certain dog breeds get such a bad rap.

THE CREW

Like many shelters across the country, Wanderer’s Rest has limited space and resources. There are time limits for dogs (and cats) to be housed before they are either adopted or put into foster care. If neither of these options is met, the animal is euthanized. In addition, animals may be euthanized in cases of illness and behavior. Stefanie began to wonder why so many abuse cases involved pit bulls and why people were not eager to consider adopting one of them. Within her current network of animal shelters and various programs across the country, people know that pit bulls tend to be the first killed in shelters instead of small breed dogs that may have already been in the shelter for a long time. “They’re pit bulls, it was common and it was understood,” Stefanie said. “I was not OK with that.” Stefanie witnessed firsthand the great lengths taken by the staff and volunteers at Wanderer’s Rest in order to care for animals. It was at this time that Stefanie realized the larger, more global issue at hand. She started a foster network with a group of like-minded community members to help pit bulls avoid euthanasia. While her newly assembled team was hard at work, Stefanie’s curiosity only continued to grow. She attended a conference in Las Vegas and also visited the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. While at the conference, Stefanie met a woman named Lori Weise, who runs Downtown Dog Rescue in Pasadena, Calif. “She goes into one of the worst parts of the country with high crime, violence and dog fighting, and she works with dog owners and families,” said Stefanie about the non-profit organization that “believes in second

It all started when Stefanie Heath Higgins would see countless pit bull breeds end up on the fast track to euthanization over any other large or small dogs. Stefanie has always had a passion for animals of all kinds, but her most passionate affair has been for the pit bulls. Seven years ago she began working as a volunteer coordinator doing outreach in the community at Wanderer’s Rest Human Association in Canastota. According to the mission statement on wanderersrest.org, Wanderer’s Rest is an open admission shelter dedicated to providing the highest quality care and compassion for the animals they care for. Stefanie took the next opportunity there when a part-time position opened up. “I thought, this is great, it’s all butterflies and rainbows,” Stefanie described. “Then, I’m in there and it was not what I was expecting to see.” No matter how much you love animals, choosing to work or volunteer at a shelter is not easy. (In my experience working at rescue in Colorado, the more you care for the animals, the harder it is to see them continue to live at the shelter and not get adopted or for some, to die from an illness.) “Bully breeds” came into the shelter fast and furiously, according to Stefanie. Since the shelter is in a rural area, Stefanie says many people might assume that pit bulls are uncommon because the “urban” affiliation to the breed. “It was not the case,” she said. “A lot of them are neglected or they have been abused.”

“A dog will teach you unconditional love.” — Robert Wagner

story ::cover

“We noticed that just walking down the street, people would turn the other way just because of the look of our dogs even though they’re wagging their tails and they’re very friendly.” --Caitlin Simmons

chances for both dogs and people.” The key to this organization’s mission is to work with the owners and to encourage spay and neuter and provide assistance when needed. “She was working to stop things like neglect and dog fighting from happening.”

Stefanie has found so much support and further inspiration from CPC’s dedicated team of volunteers. One volunteer, Caitlin Simmons, joined us at the cover shoot for this edition. She gladly attended so that “T-Rex” (also known as “Twinkle Toes”) could be a part of the photo shoot.

And then it clicked. “Downtown Dogs was the inspiration for me,” Stefanie shared. “I loved the impact that she had on her community. I knew what it was like for those dogs even though I didn’t live in their neighborhood. This is what I wanted to bring to Syracuse.”

T-Rex, a black and white stout pup with features of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, entered the studio with gusto. She was full of energy and clearly happy to meet everyone. Her name was inspired by the absence of a few toes on her front right paw. However, the “ferocity” of an actual T-Rex was nowhere to be found. T-Rex arrived at DeWitt Animal Hospital as a stray this summer.

Stefanie started to pitch the idea to some shelters and then started to conceptualize the components of education, prevention and advocacy — all aspects that would become crucial to the group’s mission. The concept and mission for Cuse Pit Crew was formed in 2010 while a small group gathered inside Café at 407 in Liverpool. Stefanie says it was launched in its entirety in 2011. Now, Cuse Pit Crew continues to work with Wanderer’s Rest, the CNY SPCA, DeWitt Animal Hospital and the Humane Association of CNY by sending a “shelter team” to work with resident pit bulls. The group provides exercise through walking and activities while helping improve their socialization. Volunteers also take photos of them for adoption purposes.

THE MISSION & EDUCATION

The Cuse Pit Crew (CPC; cusepitcrew.org) started off with a group of passionate women. “I saw women that think just like me,” Stefanie said. “It’s so easy to see that the dog needs help, but that’s every day. We needed to get off the hamster wheel and get to the root of this problem.” While Stefanie knows the extent of what it will take to make this education and advocacy permanent in the community, it’s still hard for her to “put on blinders” and not run to every scene that involves a dog in need, especially a pit bull in need. 28

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By the time the shoot was over, T-Rex was tired from the extended walk and all the new socialization she experienced. In the end, she was content. For any dog owner, you know when your pooch is showing you signs of affection and appreciation. And on that day, T-Rex felt loved and showed gratitude for the fun day. It’s a volunteer like Caitlin who makes it possible for dogs like T-Rex to experience love and trust. Caitlin is the shelter liaison for DeWitt Animal Hospital. She and many volunteers visit regularly to provide proper education and socialization for pit bulls. Caitlin and her husband own pit bull-mixed breeds. They wanted to help CPC because of their passion and experience with their dogs. “We noticed that just walking down the street, people would turn the other way just because of the look of our dogs even though they’re wagging their tails and they’re very friendly,” Caitlin said. “Even in our own community in DeWitt, we felt like our dogs were being discriminated against just because of their breed.” The couple found CPC on Facebook when searching for other people who wanted to advocate for the breed. Caitlin attended a volunteer

The CPC provides free dog training to low-income area residents. Primarily, Stefanie says that targeting youth for humane education is crucial to culture change. “You need to start somewhere, but this is where our heart and efforts are,” she said. CPC is connected with teachers at the American Humane Association to ensure the lesson plans are effective. “It’s not just talk, but lessons.” Stefanie says the programs established here in Syracuse are not only beneficial to the dogs, but to the dog-owners. She recalls a 15-year-old boy, who wouldn’t look at anyone or talk to anyone, but he loved his dog — that much was communicated. After the six-week program, Stefanie found out that the boy’s grades improved, he was more confident and he was expressing the desire to volunteer in the community. “Just by connecting with his dog (through the leash), he developed so much more.”

Zach says that while he and Shani are always working to have Thomas feel comfortable with all people and different settings outside of his home, they’re also aiming to set a good example. “When we walk through Skaneateles, people will look at him… but he’s the biggest baby there is.” In addition to having Thomas venture into the Syracuse suburbs, Zach says it’s important to have Thomas represent pit bulls in a positive light in the city. “I see it all the time,” he said. “I’ll be in the city, and it’s a shame because of the reputation that they have. Young kids want a pit bull for the power and protection. You can’t raise a dog based on anger and fighting.”

CPC has a presence in many local schools and at the same time, it works with the Syracuse Police Department when necessary. The CPC even has a program where a cash reward is given when an arrest is made in some cases involving pit bulls. Also, a volunteer is assigned to dog incidents in which the SPD requests their assistance. “For a moment they can feel like they’re not alone anymore,” Stefanie said. “The most beautiful thing you can see happen…when they start to trust you.” How can you help? Stefanie says community members can volunteer for a variety of needs and services within CPC. “We’re always looking for more volunteers to serve as humane educators, work on shelter teams and get the word out.” Social media, Facebook in particular, has played a substantial role in aiding pit bull adoptions. Many local photographers contribute their work to this effort. “It’s about breaking down the ‘hard side’ of pit bulls,” Stefanie said. “They really do like to wear hats and scarves…they do…and some like their nails painted.” She laughed when talking about dressing up the dogs, but in reality, the dogs let their guard down and smile. They’re innocent and put trust in the humans around them.

story

he had Thomas by his side. Although we were only on the phone a little more than a half-hour, I could sense his love for Thomas. Plus, I could hear Thomas panting every now and then while Zach and I talked about a key part of his therapy — a tennis ball. “We never go anywhere without it.”

::cover

meeting and she found her niche. “I found a voice for all these animals who can’t speak,” she said. “We are seeing so much neglect and cruelty cases and our shelters are just overrun with animals and I want to be able to help them.” Like her fellow volunteers, the goal is to “change the culture” surrounding pit bulls in our community.

**On Aug. 11, 2011, my then 12-year-old Rottweiler Rock and I were attacked by a loose dog in my Syracuse neighborhood near Le Moyne College. Although one neighbor and I made numerous attempts to stop the fight, nothing worked. Yes, the dog that took his life was some breed of pit bull, but I did not walk away angry at the breed. Instead, I have been angry at the owner who never fully understood the error of his ways. While looking into the eyes of this animal during this horrifying fight, I could see that something was wrong. It was not a dog with a loving heart, rather a dog that was not cared for properly. Rock lived his final day with bravery. Rock was a rescue pup I adopted from Southern Colorado Spay and Neuter Association when I was finishing my undergraduate degree. So, on Rock’s final day on Earth, I realized that I saved his life, so he could save mine. I still miss him dearly, but I am hopeful that better days are on the horizon for all breeds… everywhere. If after this terrible loss I endured, I can look into the eyes of a kind pit bull and smile, then I hope other people can, too.

The most current project for the CPC is having a facility built on the property of the Jamesville Correctional Facility that will house between 15 and 18 dogs that will be rehabilitated, in part, by inmates. A partnership will be formed in order to make this project effective. “Dogs that would potentially be at risk for euthanasia could be moved to this location and they could begin working with people,” Stefanie said. “Inmates could learn compassion and the educational piece of the program.” Stefanie says this is a big undertaking, but she believes it will give hope to some dogs and even to inmates who are looking to integrate back into the community.

TRAINING THOMAS

Zach Raus saw a photo of Thomas, a dog with light coppercolored fur and pit bull features, and he couldn’t stop thinking about him. With no exact expectation, Zach and his girlfriend Shani Ring went to DeWitt Animal Hospital to meet Thomas, who was scheduled to be put down in the very near future. “It’s almost mind-blowing to me,” Zach said. “I wasn’t expecting a dog that had a rough past to be the way that he is.” Zach spent more than two hours with Thomas that day. Once he had warmed up to both Zach and Shani, the decision was clear. The next day, they picked up Thomas to take him to his “forever home” that has wide open acres for his enjoyment. Looking past a rough exterior and into Thomas’s fierce, but beautiful eyes — Zach saw into the soul of his new sidekick. “I didn’t think of him differently because he’s a pit bull,” said Zach as

“I found a voice for all these animals who can’t speak.” --Caitlin Simmons

syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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match

Navigating the ex-factor BY SUSAN L. DUTCH

Over the past three months, on several occasions, I’ve been called a “saint.” Those occasions have included events related to the upcoming wedding of my step-daughter. I’m not sure I’d consider myself a “saint” but I would say I am sufficiently open-minded. I have been keeping things in perspective while meandering through blended family territory. Since marrying my husband a few years ago, I’ve attended showers, engagement dinners, holidays, recitals, sporting events and other activities, which have at times included the presence of his two exwives, their children, their grandchildren, and sometimes even the ex-girlfriend who lived with my husband for many of the children’s formative years. Fold in my husband’s brother and sister who have close relationships with all of them, and mix in the patriarch of the family, his mother, who considers us all to be her beloved daughter-inlaws — even the ex-girlfriend. What’s crazy is that all the exes get along well, which I contribute to being strong, confident women (my husband knew how to pick them) but also because we know and respect our place on this zig-zagging road map of a family tree. My husband is probably the most uncomfortable in these situations, as he should be, I suppose. He is the common denominator and without him, none of this would be possible. Not all blended families experience such accord when they are required to be in the same room with exes. Many shake their heads when I tell them about one of my blended family events and say, “No way could I do that.” I’m not saying I haven’t had my pangs of feeling awkward or uncomfortable, but for the most part it’s been fine. Let’s face it, once you have kids together, you’re a family, and no piece of paper such as a divorce decree is going to change that — ever. As

a mother, I have the utmost respect for the mothers of my husband’s children and each of their roles as grandmothers to their children’s children, and so on. The kids didn’t ask to be put in this situation. As tough as we may think it is to be in the company of exes at events like graduations, bar mitzvahs, showers, weddings, etc., we cannot forget how the grown kids must feel as they are trying to announce or plan such events. Besides, who pays for what? Who do you call first to announce the news? How do you word the invitations? Who sits where in the church or at the head table? Who is grouped with the bride and groom or graduate for family photos? Who dances with whom during the traditional dances? Who is first to see the new grandbaby in the hospital room? The quandaries are endless. Therefore, while pondering my role for the upcoming wedding, I found the answer as I babbled on endlessly to the store clerk at the dress shop. I’m not the mother of the bride nor am I the mother of the groom. I’m also not just another guest, so I wasn’t quite sure as to what the “step-mother of the bride” was supposed wear, do, say or be. The clerk peered at me over the glasses at the end of her nose and said, “Honey, you are supposed to look hot — that’s it.” So, now that she literally put me in my place, I’ll do my best to stay out of the fray. I’ll do whatever the bride and groom want me to do because it’s their day, and just have a good time rockin’ my awesome new dress like a good little step-mother should do. Susan Dutch is a freelance writer and blogger who enjoys writing about the humorous side of love, marriage, and family. You can find her at mizmatch.com, follow her on Twitter at @mizmatchblog or email her at mizmatch@mizmatch.com. syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

Ready, set ::fitness

Empire State marathon Run the relay, half or full marathon on Oct. 19 BY KAILYN JENNINGS

Lace up your trainers and hit the road because it’s time to start preparing for the Empire State Marathon. The Oct. 19, 2014, race marks the fourth year of this Salt City marathon. The full marathon, half marathon and relay will begin and end in the NBT Bank Stadium parking lot. The Empire Flyer, a children’s run will take off following the start of the 13.1- and 26.2-mile races. The race may be on Sunday, but the weekend is full of events and activities meant to bring the community together and celebrate healthy lifestyles. Race weekend begins with the New York State Health and Wellness Expo at Driver’s Village. There, runners will pick up their race packets and have the chance to meet with the exhibitors. It runs from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. But that is just the beginning. A pre-race pasta dinner buffet is also available on Saturday so runners and spectators can fuel up for their big morning. The cost is $25, with proceeds going to Team Red White and Blue, composed of retired and out-of-service military members. Following Sunday’s races, there will also be the Post Race Extravaganza where volunteers, friends and family are welcome to attend both events, as the race would not be possible without their support. Locations and additional details will be announced soon. Registration for all races is open, and it’s not too late to begin training, even if it is your first race. The course is great for beginners, according to assistant race director William Dunham. “Runners can expect a beautiful fast course through Ononodaga Lake Park highlighting a breathtaking autumn run.” For the competitive runners, this is also a USA Track & Field certified course, and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. However, if you are still unsure about racing a half or full marathon, you can always create a relay team. “The relay is a unique aspect of the race,” Dunham said. The relay marathon consists of teams of two to four people. Team divisions open for registration are female, male and mixed. And if running isn’t your thing, not to worry — you can be a volunteer or simply cheer on your family, friends and community members. Every bit of encouragement helps in distance running! A sign-making booth will be available at The New York Health and Wellness Expo for friends and family to custom design signs to cheer on their runners. The expo is open to the public. Since Dunham has been involved with the race, he has noticed increased camaraderie among runners, as well as the growth of supporters on the sidelines. “If they know someone running, especially if it is their first, they will come back and help them in,” he said. “They’ll go back as far as five or six miles and find them and bring them in.”

Get involved on Facebook, too, at facebook.com/EmpireStateMarathon. Check it out! For more information, visit empirestatemarathon.com, and follow @EmpireMarathon on Twitter. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a proud media sponsor of the 2014 Empire State Marathon.

august 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

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::special

feature

stem

august 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

The world is ever-changing, and with today’s technology, it’s changing even faster. Because of society’s increasing need for new gadgets and other forms of technology, jobs are starting to take a new direction — STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). These are the jobs of the 21st Century and beyond. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, STEM jobs will grow 55 percent faster than non-STEM jobs over the next 10 years. Yet, as careers in the STEM field are increasing, national interest continues to decline. There is a lack of STEM curiosity among the nation’s youth. As a result, the country is not growing as it should, academically or economically, to remain competitive on an international scale. “We are being outpaced,” revealed Maria Moore, the owner and director of Bricks 4 Kidz – CNY. However, Maria is confident there is a solution to the American STEM crisis, and it all starts with the children. “An investment needs to be made in STEM, starting from a young age, and this is why I am so excited to bring Bricks 4 Kidz to Central New York,” she said. “We Learn, We Build, We Play...With LEGO Bricks.” That is the motto of Bricks 4 Kidz, a program that focuses on teaching children STEM through the use of LEGO Bricks. Maria says the main goal of the program is to provide a fun, hands-on environment where girls and boys can engage with STEM learning outside of the classroom. And the best part, kids are having so much fun that they forget to stop and realize that they’re learning. Maria insists that without people to encourage children to engage in STEM-based activities that challenge their physical and cognitive skills, there is no way for them to foster an interest. “Without children being exposed at an early age only a few are interested in pursuing robotics and engineering at a higher level,” she said. Children looking toward the future need to be aware that STEM-based careers are endless and that they are a viable option, especially young women. “It has been said that people who choose a career in science, technology, engineering or math made an emotional connection early on when making their career choice, “ Maria revealed. “And often, they can trace that moment back to a pivotal experience in their lives that connected them on an emotional level for the first time with their chosen line of work.” Although Bricks 4 Kidz may sound like just a club where kids build with LEGO Bricks, it has become more than that. “We have a full STEM curriculum with over 200 proprietary models designed by engineers and architects specifically to accomplish our learning objectives at Bricks 4 Kidz,” explained Maria. “Our LEGOs move! It’s so fun to see the excitement on a child’s face the first time we turn on our motorized models. They have never seen models like ours before, they have never seen LEGOs move, and the pure awe in their eyes is priceless!” The average day for a Bricks 4 Kids student is separated into three parts: We Learn, We Build, We Play. The class starts off with a 10- to 15-minute PowerPoint presentation on the “build of the day” — We Learn. For example, if students are building a Carousel Swing that day, then the lesson will revolve around centripetal force, centrifugal force and the Law of Inertia. Maria says while those may sound like big terms for little kids

feature

BY AMARI D. POLLARD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSSARA POTTER

::special

m-ing curiosity in the ‘Cuse to learn, they are able to grasp the complex concepts rather quickly when they are taught through fun activities. After the lesson the students will build their model in pairs to foster “teamwork and socialization,” which are much needed in a world rapidly lacking proper communication skills — We Build. And when they are all done building the students are allowed to play with and manipulate their construction to make it their own, or create something completely new — We Play. Maria first got involved with Bricks for Kidz after searching for local enrichment programs for her two young children, and finding herself shocked by the lack of options in Syracuse. This experience ultimately drove her to bring Bricks 4 Kidz to the area. “When I began to really dig in and look deeper into the program, I was very excited to learn how developed the STEM curriculum was,” said Maria. “It was then that I saw how this program can really impact a child’s life, and knew I had found something really special to bring to Central New York.” Before Bricks 4 Kidz, Maria was a stay-at-home mom who also started a photography business called Whimsy Photography Studio. While Maria’s business has been successful, she decided not to take on any new clients so she can focus all her energy on Bricks 4 Kidz. Now, with the program officially in Syracuse, Maria knows that her children have a great enrichment program, but so do other kids in CNY. “It is amazing,” Maria says, to see the growth in her children and in her students since they have entered the program. When her five-year-old daughter started Bricks 4 Kidz, nine months ago, she could barely put a LEGO DUPLO car together, and now she is constructing complex builds all by herself. Her three-year-old son helps his father take apart their motorized display models and has learned the concepts of the wheel and axle through watching and playing with them. While observing her classes Maria found that as the students build more, they want to learn more. Students want to learn more complex constructions like software engineering and robotics, and continue moving up levels. According to Maria, programs like this are a great way for kids to become eager about learning while having fun and to start their path toward becoming the engineers, scientists and innovators of the future. Through the program Maria is hoping to do some building of her own. She wants to create a “pipeline of students that we can take from kindergarten all the way through high school and advanced robotics.” She wants to make sure children stay curious and engaged and eager to learn through building as they continue on throughout their education. She believes that is the only way to ensure the number of students who choose STEM-based careers increases. The problem isn’t the lack of STEM jobs available in the industry — it’s the lack of qualified people available to fill those jobs. “Today, we are a throwaway society. If the toaster breaks, we throw it away and get a new one. No one is tinkering with tools and fixing things like Americans used to do years ago, “Maria explained. “As a result kids today aren’t getting that real world hands-on experience of building, making, and fixing. Children aren’t participating in these activities, which means they aren’t learning key skills about how the world around them works.” For more information about this program, visit bricks4kidz.com. syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

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back-to

lady

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school

Shop Early & Save Big BY LAUREN GREUTMAN

It seems like school just ended and here we are in the middle of “Back to School” season already! Many of you may wait until the day before school starts to get school supplies for your children, but did you know that the best time to buy school supplies is July and August? Not only can you get a great deal on school supplies this time of year, but you can also get great deals on computers and clothing too! One of my favorite things to stock up on this time of year is printer paper. Make sure that you are looking at the office supply store ads every week because they will alert you to when you can get free printer paper. Another item to look out for is photo paper, which you can also get for free after rebate this time of year. Crayola Crayons, markers, and paints are also on sale. Often times the best place to purchase these will be at either Walmart or Toys“R”Us. Make sure to purchase extras because you don’t want to be stuck paying full price when you need to re-stock the crayons mid-year! If you don’t want to shop at a lot of stores you can always price match competitor ads at Walmart. Just simply take the store ads you want to price match to any Walmart store, and let the cashier know that you want to price match the items. You can usually find the school supply lists for your school at your local Walmart, but asking your friends is also a good option to find out what your child will need for supplies. If you do not have school-aged children, you can still take advantage of some great sales in August. Stocking up on printer paper, photo paper and pens for your home are great options. The month of August also bears great deals on laptops, dorm furniture, grills, patio clearance, swimwear clearance, and back-to-school clothing. If you see a good sale, but don’t need the item, consider donating it to a school for a child in need. You can also donate it to a teacher; often times they purchase their own school supplies. Shopping for school supplies can be tiring, but getting it done early is always the best option. Plus, it increases your chances of earning that coveted “A+” for the first day of school! For more about Lauren, follow her blog at iamthatlady.com, or follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/iamthatlady and on Twitter at @iamthatlady.

“

If you see a good sale, but don’t need the item, consider donating it to a school for a child in need. syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

woman ::healthy

Syracuse… Home of a Jiu-Jitsu World Champion BY AMARI D. POLLARD

Growing up — our dreams and aspirations have no boundaries. However, as time passes, we naturally endure challenges and begin to feel limited in our abilities. Always the athlete, April Parks competed at a young age in track and field at the national level and went on to run at Syracuse University. As a child she had always dreamed of becoming a world champion. When April started Jiu-Jitsu she brought that same competitive drive that had allowed her to conquer the track. April’s childhood dream resurfaced when her first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, Scott Schultz, told her she could become a world champion within her first month of training. “Holding his words close to my heart, I embarked on a mission, a journey, to achieve a goal that would ultimately fulfill my dreams,” explained April. On May 30, 2014, April became the No. 1 ranked female in the world after winning the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s World Championship in the Blue Belt Light Weight female division. April’s fiancé, Gee Vien, has been involved in Jiu Jitsu for more than five years, so she was around the sport for a while before she decided to try it herself. She later discovered her love for it in 2011 when she took her son Michael to try Jiu-Jitsu. While her son decided it wasn’t for him, April was intrigued. “Competition is in my blood, my nature, my very being; and this strange sport looking somewhat like wrestling and somewhat like Judo sparked my interest,” said April. “I recall watching and thinking to myself in a nostalgic way, ‘This reminds me of wrestling with my brother when I was younger...that was so much fun!’”

April started competing in 2012 and hasn’t looked back. As a mother of four and a program coordinator for the Syracuse City School District, April said the most difficult part of training was time management. A lot of effort was put forth to design a training schedule that would least affect her family life. Every morning April does strength training, conditioning and cardio so she can get home to cook breakfast for her kids, get them ready for school and on to the bus. Luckily, she works from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which enables her to fit in extra training hours. She would also meet her children at the gym so they could hang out with her while she trained in Jiu-Jitsu. And although competitions take April away from her family, she uses them to spend quality time with her children, taking turns bringing them on trips. Jiu-Jitsu has sparked something within April, but she hopes everyone can gain something from her journey. She wants all mothers to realize it’s never too late to go after their dreams. “Whether it is to run a 5k, open your own store, travel the world, get a degree; whatever it be, listen to that lone voice in your head that tells you that you can. It tells you that you can for a reason,” said April with encouragement. “I believe, that a mother should love and be proud of not only her children but of herself.” She wants people to know Jiu-Jitsu is “a beautiful art,” and a great way for women to learn self-defense, which in turn will help them become more confident and prepared. “Stereotypes associated with women in wrestling, or Jiu-Jitsu. are silly. We can be a lady off the mat and a beast on the mat,” said April. “This is a sport that you will only see evolve in the future and I am honored to be a part of its evolution.”

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words ::in her own

he & pleasure tpower BY DR. JENNIFER BERNSTEIN I PHOTO BY REBECCA ONDREY

“You help kids with their college applications, right?” That’s what most people say when they hear I’m the founder and president of Get Yourself Into College Inc. Helping juniors and seniors navigate the college admissions process is an essential part of my business. I teach them how to find schools that are a good fit, earn excellent letters of recommendation, maximize their campus visits and alumni interviews and write great application essays. Everyone seems to understand this part of my work. It’s when I mention that I also work with freshmen and sophomores that I start getting quizzical looks and questions like, “Isn’t that a bit early to start focusing on college?” That’s when I have to explain that I’m more than a college admissions consultant — I’m a mentor. So, what does this mean? And how does it relate to my mission to transform the overwhelming college preparation and application process into a meaningful, exciting and empowering experience? As a mentor, I share the insider’s perspective I’ve developed through my two decades of experience within higher education — as a college English professor, a member of an admissions committee and an advisor to hundreds of other students. But I don’t just tell my students what to do. Instead, we enter into a dynamic partnership. As one of my students explains, working with me “is like learning from a teacher, collaborating with a friend, and talking to a parent all at the same time.” Together, we discuss their interests, strengths and weaknesses, but they’re the ones who initiate the process of creating their own action plans and developing strategies for implementing and fine-tuning them. I’m there every step of the way — answering questions, making suggestions, helping them overcome doubts and insecurities, and opening their eyes more 40to even august 2014possibilities. :: syracuseWomanMag.com

of mentoring

Students are no longer just following someone else’s advice. They’re tapping into their potential and becoming active participants in shaping their lives. This is what makes me a mentor more than just an advisor. It’s through this kind of work that students experience significant transformations that promote their transition into adulthood. Of course, this process takes time. That’s why I also work with younger students. One of my current mentees is a sophomore who’s fascinated with astronomy and wants to get into a special program in this field. Through our work together, he’s clarified what he’s already accomplished and what he needs to do in order to be a strong candidate for the program. Now, he’s taking action. He’s learning how to reach out to teachers to support him in his self-directed studies. He’s also building upon his experiences within Science Olympiad by interning in a professor’s lab. This hasn’t been a linear journey. It rarely is. There’s been confusion, setbacks, and rejections along the way. He’s had to learn how to revise his plans to stay on course. I don’t solve students’ problems. I’m there with them in the complexity of their lives and support them in navigating their way through it. Guidance like this is vital for the most driven, high-achieving students as well as for kids who need extra support in realizing their potential, overcoming academic problems and clarifying their goals. As a mentor, I don’t want my students grinding away doing things just for the sake of getting into college. I want them to dedicate themselves to projects where they’re pursuing their interests in creative ways that support their long-term growth and keep them excited and energized. What’s the perk? Students wind up gaining a competitive edge in the admissions process. Colleges want students who are engaged in this kind of ongoing exploration and possess the underlying skills that allow them to continue evolving in their new environment. It’s a win-win situation. Dr. Jennifer Bernstein is the founder of Get Yourself Into College Inc. For more information on her services and to get free access to “What Really Matters to Admissions Officers (and Why),” visit getyourselfintocollege.com.

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CHRISTINE SIGNY

May 2014 Graduate, University College at SU

BY SAMANTHA MCCARTHY I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER

Christine Signy and daughter Rachael both share an amazing accomplishment. Together this mother and daughter both graduated from Syracuse University this past May. Christine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in information technology and management from University College at SU. At the same time, Rachael earned her master’s degree in museum studies from SU. Before that, Rachael also received her bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in European history and forensic science. The saying use to be, “if you go to college,” when Christine was growing up, but now the saying is, “when you go to college.” A college education is very important in today’s society and helps many students find a job. “A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is needed to succeed,” said Christine, and not having a clear path is also common among college students. They are able to “experiment” and “have the ability to learn,” according to Christine, the senior student records administrator at SU. Rachael was a full-time student while Christine was a part-time student. After Rachael finished her undergraduate studies in three years, she decided to complete her master’s degree with another two years of classwork. “Having a family and a full-time job, you need support,” says Christine and support from their family helped both women earn their degrees. Christine wanted to provide an example for Rachael by going back to school. “I feel like in today’s job climate you cannot even get a job that has the possibility of advancement within the field without a bachelor’s degree,” says Rachael. There were many emotions shared the weekend that Christine and Rachael graduated together. Christine referred to graduation as “our day” and Rachael did not mind “sharing the stage.” Since Rachael was graduating with her master’s degree, Christine was happy to share this day with her daughter. Rachael says she was excited to graduate with her mother. “She deserved the day to be mainly about her because in a way my achievements are a reflection of her commitment to my education,” Rachael shared. “You can never stop learning,” says Christine, and that is one reason why she invested her future in receiving a college degree. After not completing her degree in England where she was born and raised, Christine wanted to finish her goals here. She wanted to “feel selfsatisfaction after walking across the stage.” The biggest challenge for Christine was “getting back into it.” As for Rachael, there were a few obstacles. Balancing education, work, and social life, and figuring out a plan for the future were challenges she faced throughout college. “I changed my major a year in and it took me some time to even figure out what I wanted to do with history or what I could do with it,” Rachael shared. Challenges did not stop either woman from earning her degree from SU. “An amazing support system” was something that attracted Christine to University College at SU. Emily, Christine’s advisor, encouraged (continued on page 46)

inspire

“I have the opportunity to get to know the students better.”

::sw

KARI HAMMOND

Teacher, Fayetteville-Manlius High School BY AMARI D. POLLARD I PHOTO BY GERARD H. GASKIN

Becoming a teacher wasn’t always the plan for Kari Hammond. “People always told me that I would be a great teacher, but I never really had the confidence to pursue that until I was an adult,” she revealed. It wasn’t until after graduating from SUNY Oswego with a degree in communications that Kari decided to go back to school and earn her Master of Arts in teaching from SUNY Cortland where she studied Adolescent English Education grades 7 through 12. And after working with teenagers for years at the riding stable where she keeps her horse, it was natural for Kari to take on the role of a certified educator. Now, she’s an English and Broadcast Journalism teacher at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. When we’re able to have passion for our careers — it shows. “I think the relationships with the students keep us going,” Kari said. “Why else would teachers even get up in the morning? I think also my own thirst for learning is a driving force, too. I want to share that curiosity about the world with my students.” In her ninth grade honors course, Kari and her students focus on “how literature reflects the truth about life, and how writing is an intentional act.” She says this course is a transition course that helps the freshmen understand what high school life at F-M is like. Although Kari teaches English courses on a regular basis, she can be found spending most of her time in the F-M Broadcast Journalism and Film Studio. There, students who are interested in being on FMTV, making videos or pursuing a career in communications or film in college have the opportunity to take some elective courses. The two classes available are Introduction to Broadcast Journalism Workshop and Advanced Broadcast Journalism and Film. While it is a lot of work, Kari says it’s meaningful work. “I have the opportunity to get to know the students better because the class sizes are smaller and course work is driven by student interest,” she told. And she’s confident there is no way she would manage without her incredible support system. She’s thankful for her administration, Instructional Specialist Tim Burns, her colleagues in the department, a topnotch technology department, and an extremely patient husband. Kari makes sure her BroJo (Broadcast Journalist) students get all they can out of her courses by bringing in special guests to speak about their careers. Local news professionals such as Tanja Babich, a former 9WSYR reporter, and CNY Central’s Niko Tamurian and Tom Eschen have visited her classes to focus on broadcast journalism. Her classes have also Skyped with filmmakers in LA and NYC and have had local documentary filmmakers Jay Halpin and Lukas Korver come speak about their experiences. It doesn’t just benefit the students, but also Kari herself. “I realize that I have just as much to learn from these talented individuals as my students do,” she explained.

august 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

(continued on page 46)

::sw

“Life is all about a continuum.”

inspire

PATRICIA BLISS

Director, Le Moyne College Center for Continuing Education BY SAMANTHA MCCARTHY I PHOTO BY GERARD H. GASKIN

“I learn something new every day,” says Patricia Bliss. Pat is the director for the Center for Continuing Education at Le Moyne College and she is a Licensed Master Social Worker. After completing her undergraduate degree in social work at Syracuse University, Pat did not earn her master’s degree right away. “I had a family, two kids and a husband, and a large home to care for. I was juggling all of those things adults have to do,” says Pat, who wanted to set a good example for both of her children by heading back to school. Going back to SU for her graduate degree “stimulated” her passion for adult education and the transformational impact it has on people’s lives. “It’s a different experience going to school later in life.” Pat started her career at Le Moyne as an academic advisor in 1996. “I wanted to learn about higher education.” Being an advisor was a perfect opportunity to learn more. Now, Pat has been the director in her department for more than 11 years. “There is no typical day on the job,” said Pat, who helps a lot of adults and veterans to get back on track to earn a degree or certificate. Le Moyne offers several certificate programs, which can help students build skills to find employment or advance in their career, according to Pat. Collaborating with the Syracuse community is also a part of Pat’s career. “Identifying needs for the people in CNY,” is something she incorporates in her work as well. CNY Works and Le Moyne College submitted a grant proposal to the US Department of Labor in June. If it is indeed funded, the program would focus on intensive career coaching and training of the longterm unemployed (LTU) with the goal of rapid reemployment. LTU is defined by the Department of Labor as being unemployed for six months or longer, and many of these people have already earned a two- or four-year degree, or a graduate degree. Spending a lot of time and energy in the Nursing Department, Pat sees many adults working toward this degree. St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse is collaborating with Le Moyne College by working to offer the Registered Nurses an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree. The degree will be offered primarily on site, with a few courses offered online. It will be structured to be completed in the evening and part time for the full-time working nurses (RNs). Le Moyne College attracted Pat to continue helping and educating students of all ages. “The Jesuit education has always been committed to educate the whole person,” says Pat. Le Moyne focuses on the people not only enrolled, but people in the community, she says. Pat has the ability to watch people evolve after attending Le Moyne College. There are several steps Pat takes to help adults and students earn an education. Hearing a student’s story is part of the initial appointment. Pat learns where the individual has been and where the student plans to go after earning an education. Some students are not able to meet (continued on page 46)

syracuseWomanMag.com :: august 2014

CHRISTINE SIGNY

KARI HAMMOND

PATRICIA BLISS

her to keep working hard. UC’s programs offer many workshops to help re-familiarize students like Christine with the aspects of earning a college education. In turn, Christine helped Rachael in many ways. “She has managed to give me pride and commitment to my education and achievements without losing my personality and the hobbies and interests I love,” says Rachael about her mom’s encouragement.

“We aren’t just teaching reading and writing. We are really teaching them how to read everything as a text, how to think critically, and how to make meaning,” said Kari when describing what keeps her passionate about English and broadcast journalism.

Pat in person, so she has talked to them on the phone, through email, or by using Skype. Pat says she’s learning to use technology to engage with different students.

::sw

inspire

(cont)

After graduating, Christine and Rachael headed in two different paths. Christine is not sure what she wants to do with her bachelor’s degree so she is planning on heading back to school once again for her master’s degree in instructional design and development. As for Rachael, she has recently moved back to England in search of a job in her field. Currently, Rachael is finishing up a three-week professional development program. The program is called Open Palace — it helps her connect with professionals working in the museum and heritage field through sites visits, hands-on activities and lectures. Education has played an important role in the lives of both Christine and Rachael, but their recent accomplishments are only the beginning. There are many lessons that Christine has learned while re-entering the world of academia. However, some stick out in her memory more than others. “The lesson that you are never too old to learn new things and that you will never reach an age when you cannot change your path and forge a new one.”

(cont)

“At the same time, we are talking about life and perspective, and truth, while giving students the skills to navigate the world.” Every time that she walks into the classroom, Kari is also learning herself — learning with her students and from her students. “I think the greatest thing my students have taught me is not to take myself too seriously. You can’t work with teenagers and not have a sense of humor and humility and flexibility. They are people, too. Some of the best people I know.”

(cont)

No matter a student’s major, certification goal, age, gender or ethnicity, he or she is helped by Pat and the Center of Continuing Education. Moving forward is very important and Pat may have to take a student’s transcripts to provide the best choice. “People who complete a four-year degree, have a brighter future.” Another step is assessing the barriers to “ensure people’s success,” says Pat. After completing orientation and showing the campus to the students, Pat introduces course work. While completing the course work, she establishes a support system for each student to keep everyone on track. With many adults heading back to school, the adults provide a new dimension to traditional students. Also, there is a large diversity among the students at Le Moyne College which can provide different experiences for each individual. Friends tell their friends about their success at Le Moyne College, which leads to a diverse student population. Pat says the Le Moyne College and the Center of Continuing Education work to integrate adult students into the community. “Life is all about a continuum,” says Pat, and Le Moyne College matched her personal and professional values.

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Syracuse Woman Magazine

events

SWM’s Events SAVOR SUMMER SOIREE AT THE ONCENTER Summer is here and that means it’s time to savor the season! Attendees of the June 26 Savor Summer Soiree enjoyed hot and cold cuisine prepared by The Oncenter’s chef and catering staff. Delicious small plate entrees, appetizers and desserts were accompanied by a live pianist. If you were unable to attend, oncenter.org/venue/catering-and-menus, to learn more about catering services and The Oncenter’s executive chef of 18 years, Gerald Bolton. Cheers! LOOKING BACK ON 2013-14 WBOC : PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE VIDLER Syracuse Woman Magazine has been a proud sponsor of the WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections) since its first year of publishing in 2011. Sharing similar views with this organization, such as supporting professional women and women entrepreneurs, a signature sponsorship with the organization was a no-brainer! Look back at this year’s program photos with us, and learn more about the organization and become a member by visiting wboconnection.org.

august 2014

EVENTS CALENDAR

Syracuse Fashion Week “Mad Tea Party”

15 16

Natur-Tyme Customer Appreciation

54th Annual Great Syracuse Oktoberfest

16-17

Women’s Day at the NYS Fair

WHEN: 7 PM WHAT: Travel down the rabbit hole and celebrate Syracuse fashion. his night will be filled with mayhem, models, insanely delicious food and fashion fit for a queen. WHERE: Marisa’s Fortress of Beauty, 220 Walton St., Syracuse INFO: For more information visit facebook.com/Syracusefashionweek. WHEN: 9 AM to 6 PM WHAT: The Enhanced Beauty Salon staff will be cutting bangs for $1 and Closets for Charities proceeds go to Ophelia’s Place. Special offerings, free chair massages and double wellness rewards for customers all day. WHERE: 3160 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt INFO: natur-tyme.com WHEN: Aug. 16 & Aug. 17 WHAT: The German American Society of CNY will once again be bringing the fun to Syracuse with its annual Oktoberfest. Celebrate a day of excitement filled with authentic German food, beer, and entertainment for adults and children. WHERE: Long Branch Park, Liverpool INFO: Free parking and admission. For more information visit germanyamericanscny.com WHEN: 10 AM to 4 PM WHAT: The NYS Fair is proud to present the annual Women’s Day Luncheon and Mini-Fair where various women advocacy organizations will be present to share the services they provide to the community. Come visit the Syracuse Woman Magazine table! WHERE: New York State Fairgrounds, Chevy Court Pavilion INFO: For more information or luncheon tickets, visit nysfair.org.

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