December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

JANUARY 2015

APRIL 2015

MARCH 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

fitness

THE YEAR OF YOU

your exclusive

MEN GO RED

SPECIAL WEDDING INSERT

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

you can do it

HOME DÉCOR TIPS TO HEAT UP THE NEW YEAR

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SUSAN MCCAULEY CHRISTI SMITH APRIL WARD

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: JANUARY 2015

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LEADING LADIES

TIPS FROM THE WPO

special feature

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THE SU PROTESTS

HEART HEALTHY V-DAY RECIPE

Evelyn Carter

W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

MAY 2015

INTERPRETING THE KEYS TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

Theresa Slater

FORGIVENESS, HOPE & THE FUTURE W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

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SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: FEBRUARY 2015

JANET LUTZ SHEILA OHSTROM MARY ANN PIERCE

MaryJo Heitkamp-France

HEART HEALTH FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

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career advice feature

JENNIFER NADLER KAREN SCHWARTZ REBECCA THOMPSON

fit&flavorful

Running Through COLLEGE, JOBS, PREGNANCY AND BEYOND W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

march fab finds

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MARY ILACQUA DELL FORD JORDAN LISA WHITE

fab finds

SYRACUSE FASHION WEEK

GUIDE TO WISE

JUNE 2015

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: MARCH 2015

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SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: APRIL 2015

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AUGUST 2015

JULY 2015

special feature

NFL SUPER BOWL CHAMPION ROLAND WILLIAMS

new in the cuse BRIDAL FITNESS

healthy woman

KOINONIA ORGANIC JUICE BAR

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS

JASMEEN BARNES CHERYL BARSOM DONNA DIRADDO MICHELLE WATTS

PHILANTHROPIC FOODIES

DOM CAMBARERI DAN CLAUSEN JOHN DESANTIS

W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

Hey Ladybug

FACIAL HAIR FANCIES

HEALING THROUGH DRUM, DANCE, TRAVEL & COMMUNITY

Chris Fowler W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

SEPTEMBER 2015

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: JUNE 2015

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SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: JULY 2015

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new in the cuse

A FAMILY FOREVER CHANGED

new in the cuse

ATMS FOR GOOD

special feature

special feature

KELLEY CUSTER

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CINDY BELL PAMELA CONNER EMILY COOK

special feature

DR. EDNITA WRIGHT, BETH HURNY AND MONIKA TAYLOR TAKE ON ADDICTION IN CNY W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

THE PATIENCE PROJECT

swm pink man

MISS HEART OF NY NINA ZESKY

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: SEPTEMBER 2015

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PLATOON NANA

Confronting the Disease

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: JULY 2015

CAROLE BRZOZOWSKI JOANNA JEWETT LAUREN KOCHIAN

GRIFFIN’S GUARDIANS

in her own words

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Color, Culture &Couture Michelle DaRin Fine Art Jewelry

NOVEMBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015

Tamara Pulley

KATHERINE FRONTINO REBBECCA OPPEDISANO BOBBI HESS ROGERS

IN THE DRESSING ROOM

FOOD TRUCK OWNER PAM DWYER TALKS BUSINESS, FOOD & THE FUTURE

SYRACUSE’S “BUY LOCAL” AMBASSADOR

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SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: MAY 2015

take your voice back fashion forward

BUILD A WARDROBE

fab finds

Jill Catherine

SCOTT STERLING

EILEEN GANNON

TIM O’SHEA’S JOURNEY TO MT. MARCY

CHRISTINE GOLDMAN JACQUELINE COE HANNON CHARLENE VERNAK

TARA DESALVO GERALDEAN LANTIER LAURA MARINO

fashionable man

in her own words

in his own words

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for a good cause

sm inspire

platter chatter

METASTATIC BREAST CANCER 1

W W W. S Y R AC U S E WO M A N M AG . C O M

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: OCTOBER 2015

LIZZY SCOLLO-CHOCK From Cuse Pit Crew to “Pit Bulls & Parolees”

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SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: DECEMBER 2015

1

Elite Plus stroke care.

It’s why more people are saying “Take me to Crouse.”

I

t takes a talented team of dedicated, patient-focused experts to meet the most rigorous standards in the diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke — the most common form of stroke.

The new Elite Plus level of the Target: Stroke Honor Roll is reserved for hospitals that consistently meet aggressive door-to-treatment times that surpass the U.S. average. Crouse is the only Central New York hospital to earn Elite Plus status from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Thanks to our team for exceeding the highest national standards of stroke care.

You make us proud — and our patients grateful. crouse.org/stroke

December Letter from the Editor

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Out & About 7 Fashion Forward: Making Ugly Stylish

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Platter Chatter: Aster Pantry & Parlor

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Fab Finds: Great Gifts from Local Merchants

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Special Feature: Salvation Army

16

Cover Story: Making Merry Memories

18

You Can Do It: Simplify Your Holidays

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New in the Cuse: Murphy’s Specialized Pastry 26 Take Your Voice Back: Embrace Your Faith

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Fit & Flavorful: A Healthier Egg Nog

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SWM Events & Calendar

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Syracuse Woman Birth Center Ad Snow.qxp_Layout 1 11/19/15 2:36 PM Page 1

DREAM BIG LITTLE ONE Jim and DeDe Walsh Family Birth Center

The Jim and DeDe Walsh Family Birth Center provides a safe, quiet, comfortable, and relaxing environment to welcome your new baby into the world. Should your doctor or midwife not be available, we have physicians and nurse practitioners available in house 24/7 to care for you and your baby. Anesthesia is also on site round-the-clock.

The Family Birth Center has six beautifully furnished private labor, delivery and recovery suites that include: • Large Jacuzzi bath tubs • Cable TV with DVD/CD player • Wireless internet access • Comfortable sleeper chair for a guest who wishes to stay overnight After you deliver your baby, you will move to one of 18 private rooms in our mother-baby unit.

There you will continue to experience wonderful, personalized care. At Upstate, we support the practice of couplet care, which means mother and baby remain together while in the hospital. The couplet care method promotes stronger family bonding and attachment.

TO LEARN MORE, GO TO UPSTATE.EDU/BIRTHCENTER

Located at the former Community General Hospital

Letter from the Editor

But I beg to differ. From the Westcott area to Armory Square – two places that I consider essential in the creation of “me” – this city is teeming with life. Which brings me to my favorite part of the area: the people. The people of Syracuse and the surrounding areas never cease to inspire me. It’s an honor to be able to tell their stories.

SEASON’S GREETINGS It’s hard to believe that as I write this, the holidays are settling in upon us. And, much to my relief and happiness, the snow has yet to appear. That’s one seasonal tradition I could easily forgo.

In this holiday edition, we asked 2015’s cover women – and man! – to share their traditions with us. Although I’m new to the magazine and haven’t had the pleasure of meeting all these inspiring folks yet, it was an honor to be given a window into their lives and families.

For Fashion Forward, Kayla Isaacs unraveled the “ugly sweater,” and explained how to best rock the look in style and comfort at your next holiday party.

We also visited Aster Pantry & Parlor, a recent Armory Square addition, as well as Manlius’s newest bakery, Murphy’s Specialized Pastry. As someone truly enamored with good food, these were both a treat.

And now, a quick personal note from me, the new editor.

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Lorna.

I’m a Syracuse native. I grew up in Eastwood, followed in both my parents’ footsteps in graduating from Bishop Grimes and earned a bachelor’s degree from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in the winter of 2012. During my time at SU, I was told that my goal was to get out and start my career in New York City. After all, that’s where most of the big magazines and big writers are made.

That’s where the stories are.

So here’s a little shout out to all the amazing Syracuse women who’ve helped me become the person I am now. I hope that in taking on the responsibility of editor, I can make you proud.

Last, but not least, a holiday tradition of mine.

A favorite highlight of my season is getting a Christmas tree. For as long as I can remember, my family and I -and sometimes a friend or two, as well -- would bundle up, pile into the car, and head to Critz Farms. Once there, we would trek through the forest until we found that year’s “perfect” tree. After that great debate was settled, we’d get the obligatory pound of fudge and hot chocolate, tie the tree to the top of the car and drive home. Then came more hot chocolate, Christmas music and the decorating. (A special thanks to my mom for teaching me to string the lights just so.) Little by little, the tree would fill up with ornaments that we’d accumulated throughout the years, each one a little nostalgic tradition in and of itself.

When the evening came to a close, we’d build a fire in the fireplace and relax, taking in the essence of fresh pine tree and memories that filled the air.

To me, the holidays are a celebration of family and friends, and a time to be thankful for the spot they fill in my heart.

Until next year,

Lorna

EDITOR’S NOTE

Many thanks to Alice Patterson of Alice G. Patterson Photography for my fabulous new headshot and Holly Piselli of A-List Artistry for the makeup.

OUR TEAM PUBLISHERS

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Barbara McSpadden

EDITOR

Lorna Oppedisano

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

PHOTOGRAPHY Steven J. Pallone Alice G. Patterson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christine Gray Kayla Isaacs Tracie Long Carrie Luteran Joleene Moody Lorna Oppedisano

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Renee Moonan or Linda Jabbour Please contact Renee Moonan (315) 657-7690

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Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women.

Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

CONTACT OUR HOME OFFICE 315.434.8889 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com

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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.

O&A

::OUT & PLOWSHARES CRAFTSFAIR AND PEACE FESTIVAL – DEC. 5 & 6

Get your local holiday spirit on with the Syracuse Peace Council’s 45th annual Plowshares Craftsfair. This year, more than 120 local craftspeople and organizations plan to come together to create the ultimate community market.

Attendees can tick items off their holiday gift lists, while supporting regional artists.

MOVIES

In The Heart of the Sea – 12/11 In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance.

The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick.

The event is planned to take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The entry cost ranges on a sliding scale from $2 to $5. Food will be available for purchase, and entertainment is planned throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit peacecouncil.net or call 472-5478.

FESTIVAL OF TREES – DEC. 4-13 Sisters – 11/18 Follows two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.

The Everson Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Each decorated tree and display is donated, and items are sold to benefit the museum.

General admission is $5 per person, with children 10 years old and younger admitted free. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more information, including a schedule of special performances and events, visit everson.org.

GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER – DEC. 13 Star Wars: The Force Awakens – 12/18 The beginning of a new Star Wars trilogy will take place 30 years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The new films will feature “a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces” .

Experience the beauty of the season with this holiday tradition.

Performed by the Moscow Ballet, along with local performers, the company brings to life Tchaikovsky’s classic story.

The performances are slated for 1 and 5 p.m. at the Crouse Hinds Theater at the Oncenter. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and range from $28 to $68, plus service charges.

For more information, visit nutcracker.com.

Joy – 12/25 The wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce.

DICKENS CHRISTMAS IN SKANEATELES – EVERY WEEKEND THROUGH DEC. 24

For many people in Syracuse, it isn’t the season until the annual trek to Skaneateles is made. Each weekend, Charles Dickens and his cast of more than 50 characters interact with visitors.

The days are filled with carol sing-alongs, free horse and wagon rides, free roasted chestnuts, meetings with Mother Goose and Father Christmas and much more. On Sundays at Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a professional photographer will be waiting to take your family photo in front of the Currier & Ives sleigh.

For more information, reach out to the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce by visiting skaneateles.com or calling 685-0552.

about

F OA

forward ::FASHION

stylish

MAKING UGLY

BY KAYLA ISAACS

Winter is coming, and that can only mean one thing: the ugly sweater makes its return.

Once a year, those chunky, festive and often outlandish pieces of knit are pulled from tucked away hiding places to confirm that the holiday season has arrived, and with it, the coveted theme parties calling you to don your most outrageous and ugly sweater. The prospect of transforming these hilariously awful, statement-making knits into stylish outfits may seem daunting. But fret no more: your Ugly Sweater Party Style Guide is here.

Coming in all flavors of loud patterns or primary colors, a never-fail and easy pairing for your ugly sweater is a simple pair of jeans. Keep it modern with a girlfriend jean, which falls just over the legs, allowing some wiggle room for dancing or egg-nogging. Opt for a light wash if you’re headed to a casual or daytime party, or a darker wash to make it a little dressier. This look is full of comfort and effortlessly stylish when topped with simple booties and a matching lip for extra pop.

To bring some flirtation to the ugly holiday sweater, keep it feminine on the bottom. Silk shorts in navy or black over tights is elegant and ladylike, so long as your pullover falls just to the hips. For something a little more daring, try the sweater over a dark or neutral-colored slip dress. Keep the slip midi-length, and heighten with sling-back pumps or mules, optionally belting your waist to highlight curves. Cuff your sweater once or twice to the forearm, and add a few bangles on each arm as the finishing touch.

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DECEMBER 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

If you’re going bold with a patterned sweater, take it all the way with pattern on the bottom too. Do this by choosing a different design on your lower half, while making sure to use similar colors to connect the two pieces. If the focal color of the sweater is red, with navy accents, try focusing on that secondary color for the bottom. This look can be tamed with neutral shoes, whether boots or heels, and simple accessories.

For an edgy look, try pairing the sweater with leather accents: a no-fail party “do.” Any version of your chunk of knit will work well with leather pants or thick leather leggings. On your feet, black boots – either moto boots or plain, simple ones – melt seamlessly into the pants, adding length to the body without distracting the eye. After all, the focus should always be on the sweater, right?

With this gritty style, add some hardware – dangling earrings or a necklace – to make it party ready. Finish off the emsemble by creating a moody pout in dark red, maroon or a shady purple, with cat-eye liner over the lids.

Last but not least, for those women aiming to look effortlessly stylish and party ready in an ugly sweater, combine the top with a full-length pleated skirt in a basic hue, and add tall boots to complete the look. If the full skirt is not quite for you, stick to pleats in an easy midi-skirt form — a sparkly one is prime holiday material — with a simple pair of pumps on your feet instead.

With some added flair and a put-together style, your ghastly sweater isn’t so vile anymore. So whip out those knits and embrace the look; rock that party and own the holiday season, one ugly sweater at a time.

chatter ::PLATTER

Aster Pantry & Parlor:

Where Country Meets City

::PLATTER

chatter

PC

BY LORNA OPPEDISANO I PHOTOS BY STEVE PALLONE

Aster Pantry & Parlor, a recent addition to Armory Square, offers restaurantgoers a piece of the city itself: a healthy balance of rural and urban. Housed in the large space on Walton Street previously occupied by Small Plates Detroit for two years, and owned by the same parent company, Aster juxtaposes kitschy country with sultry city for a unique dining experience.

Make your way through the threshold and look left. You’re met with a quaint cottage feel. The tables are decorated with dainty flowers. The shelves on the back wall house a teapot collection that would make the Mad Hatter jealous.

The ceiling is adorned with pleasantly bright lights and hanging green plants.

Look right, and the ambiance changes completely. From the walls lined with deep maroon-colored wallpaper and dotted with landscape paintings, to the collection of Victorian-era chairs, tables and couches filling the room, to the moose head positioned on the wall dividing “pantry” from “parlor,” this half of the scene drips with a quirky mix of extravagance and class.

Regardless of your atmospheric preference, the food is the same. Aster’s menu, which changes with the seasons and uses as many locally-sourced products as possible to create a spread of American cuisine, was actually decided before the décor scheme was set.

“We let that dictate what we were going to do,” Jonathan Gregory, vice president of operations for the restaurant’s parent company RainDog Hospitality Group, said. “By letting that define what everything else was going to be, it turned into the restaurant we have now. We let the food define what we were going to do, as far as the ambiance.”

The large space is both a blessing and a curse, Jon said. It felt cavernous in the restaurant’s last incarnation as Small Plates, but now being able to offer customers two completely different feels in one space is a luxury, he explained.

The transition from Small Plates, a tapas joint, to Aster began when Jon came on board, restaurant general manager Bethany Case said. RainDog Hospitality originally planned to open more locations of Small Plates in different cities, but Jon’s drive through the miles of farmland surrounding Syracuse sparked a new idea. He recognized the need for an establishment that better emulated the agricultural and culinary climate of the region, and the idea for Aster was born.

“It’s more fun to create new models in the places you go,” he explained.

“Then you can firmly root them in the community.”

Supporting regional farms pays off in a number of different ways, Beth and Jon explained. The culinary team at Aster can visit and see the conditions of the farms. Most items they purchase are organic. The food is free of steroids and pesticides. Perhaps most importantly, small local farmers and their families profit.

“You get all these things that are secondary to just trying to do the right thing,” Jon said.

Aster uses Farmshed CNY to connect with a variety of local farms, including Reeves Farms, Galvin Farms and Ithaca Creamery, just to name a few.

Jon stressed that the company isn’t simply boarding the “farm-to-table” bandwagon in the creation of Aster’s ideology. Sourcing as locally as possible is “the way you should do it,” he said. “And hopefully down the road, everybody does it.”

Aster Pantry & Parlor is located at 116 Walton St. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit asterpantry.com or call 373-0031.

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: DECEMBER 2015

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fab finds ::SWM

Buy Local &

Find Great Holiday Gifts ALL MIXED UP

A personal touch goes a long way when it comes to gift giving or your own home decor. All Mixed Up carries signs and pillows with great sayings starting at $8. All Mixed Up is located at 8140 Brewerton Road No. 1, Cicero; 698-4330.

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

Find the perfect bird feeder atWild Birds Unlimited in Fayetteville. The Blossom Skunk Seed Cylinder is a seasonal mix of black oil sunflower, canola seed, pecans, safflower and white millet with apple, blueberry and various fruits. Retail price is $18.99. The Buttons Snowman Seed Cylinder is a seasonal mix of safflower, sunflower chips, peanuts, cherries, blueberries and papaya. Retail price is $18.99. The Hoot Owl Seed Cylinder is available only at Wild Birds Unlimited. It’s made of black oil sunflower, sunflower chips, peanuts, apples, apricot, blueberries and almonds. Retail Price: $9.99. For these unique gifts, visit Wild Birds Unlimited, 314 Towne Drive, Fayetteville; 637-0710.

SYRACUSE SOAPWORKS

Featuring a large variety of natural soap and bath products, Syracuse Soapworks also has gift crates and baskets available, starting at $3.99. Syracuse Soapworks is located at 226 Hawley Ave., Syracuse; 479-0400; syracusesoapworks.com.

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DECEMBER 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

fab finds

::SWM

FF

ISABELLA

At Isabella, you can find great clothing and accessories and a large selection of outerwear, perfect for anyone on your list or to help you shine this holiday season.

Come see the selection at Isabella Women’s Clothing and Accessories, 61 Albany St., Cazenovia; 655-4459; isabellacazenovia.com..

OLIVE ON BROOKLEA

Olive on Brooklea offers grab-and-go olive oil and balsamic vinegar gift sets, available in two-, four- and six-bottle collections, with prices ranging from $12.95 to $34.95. Olive on Brooklea is a tasting boutique specializing in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, with over 60 choices. The shop also carries an array of seasonings, honey, sea salt, pasta, local products, art work and more.

Olive on Brooklea is located at both 205 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville, 637-2070; and 116 West Jefferson St., Syracuse, 475-2070. In addition, they will be opening a third location soon at Marketfair North, 4130 State Route 31 in Clay, near Liehs & Steigerwald. For more information, visit oliveonbrooklea.com.

J.D. HUNTER/HOME ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR

Give the gift of American craftsmanship, or add quality to your table with silverware by Liberty Tabletop, formerly Oneida. With 19 patterns ranging in price from $20 to $60 for a five-piece place setting, this line features the highest quality stainless you can get and is now available at J.D. Hunter/Home Architecture & Interior Design, 55 Albany St., Cazenovia; 815-4123, jdhunterhome.com.

LILLIE BEAN

There’s nothing like bundling up, all warm and toasty, to face Jack Frost in the winter, and Lillie Bean has just the thing: accessories by SKIDA, perfect for a snowy day, whether playing, working or just enjoying the season. Visit Lillie Bean for a wide selection of clothing and accessories for women and children. The shop is located at 57 Albany St., Cazenovia; 655-0677.

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: NOVEMBER 2015

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Don’t Forget To Stop Into

HOMEMADE

Sandwiches, Hot Soups, Salads, Fresh Haddock Fridays, Homemade Desserts Every Day, And Much More!

P: 699-7044 • Fax: 698-2598 Both Great Locations at 8140 Rt. 11 Cicero (1 mile North of Home Depot)

Wild Birds Unlimited UNIQUE & WHIMSICAL GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!

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Lots of Gift Ideas!

Birkenstocks • Leather Bags & Belts • Dr. Martens Zippos • T-Shirts • Minnetonka Moccasins • Posters • Jewelry Candles • Wood & Metal Signs • Canes & Walking Sticks

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Birdseed | Feeders | Birdbaths | Jewelry | Nature Gifts Fayetteville Towne Center, 314 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY 315-637-0710 | wbucny@earthlink.net | www.wbu.com/fayetteville

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings December 9 – 23, Auburn Merry-Go-Round Playhouse

Dasher’s Magical Gift

December 12, 2015 The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, Syracuse

Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble December 17 Rome Capitol Theatre, Rome

Symphoria’s Holiday Joy!

December 18 The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, Syracuse For more events from around CNY gotocnyarts.org

Happy Holidays

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DIGITAL X-RAYS DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental Implants Are Used For Supporting Dentures And Replacing A Single Tooth.

6 MONTH ORTHODONTICS

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::SHIFT+CONTROL

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BELLS BRING

feature

holiday

::SPECIAL

CHEER

The Salvation Army helps people remember what the season is all about

BY CHRISTINE GRAY “The army behind the Salvation Army” is a phrase frequently used to describe the thousands of volunteers that help The Salvation Army during the holiday and throughout the year.

“It does take an army of volunteers to support the red kettle campaigns at locations throughout Onondaga County. On our Christmas Bureau Distribution day, there are almost 1,000 volunteers at the Oncenter to help make the day run smoothly,” said Andrew Sabbaghzadeh, Resource Development Director for The Salvation Army in Central New York. The distribution day this year is slated for December 23.

One of those dedicated volunteers is Annie Hughley of Syracuse. The retired Bristol Myers Squibb employee has spent the last 11 Christmas seasons ringing a bell six days a week at different kettle locations. Until Black Friday, she rings outside JCPenney at Destiny USA. But once Black Friday arrives, she moves to her usual Red Kettle location, outside the Camillus Walmart.

“I enjoy being outside in the fresh air, and the cold and snow do not bother me,” she explained. “Being at the same kettle location, I’m able to see familiar faces again from prior years. I tell people that even the smallest amount of change helps every bit. I’m particularly grateful to see parents and their children. Parents handing change to their children to drop in the kettle, teaching them the need for giving and helping those in need in our community.”

Similiar to many Salvation Army volunteers, Anne has a past connection to the organization that motivates her to give back.

“Many years ago, my daughter was helped by The Salvation Army,” she said.

“They helped her to find a new apartment. I volunteer as a way to pay back their help, and I have been volunteering for 11 years!

“Not everyone who passes the kettle donates, but I always give them a smile,” she continued. “There are so many good reasons to donate to the Army: families who don’t have any food, people who have no home, people who are really in need. I’m speaking from the heart, saying the Army is there to help them.”

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DECEMBER 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

Major John Stewart says “many volunteers can learn from Miss Annie, her great spirit, and love of God and her dedication to the Army.”

The iconic Red Kettle is a holiday tradition for The Salvation Army nationwide.

From its humble beginnings as a local San Francisco fundraiser featuring a single crab pot in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States.

The coins and dollar bills that stuffed the kettles last year raised millions of dollars nationwide to support Salvation Army programs and services in the communities where the funds were raised.

Last year, donations from the more than 35 standing kettle locations in Onondaga County contributed to funding the Christmas Bureau distribution of gifts and food for over 2,600 families.

In addition to ringing the bell at a red kettle location, there are many other ways to give back and help your community. Families, school groups, church groups and companies are encouraged to host food and toy drives at local schools, organizations and businesses. As a bonus, along with supporting the region, it’s an ideal volunteer opportunity for teens to meet their community service hours.

Another opportunity is to host an Angel Tree or Adopt a Family at your company.

The program is simple; the Salvation Army provides “Angel Tree Tags” to be hung on your Christmas tree. Donors can then choose a tag and purchase the requested gifts, drop them at a predetermined collection site and The Salvation Army will deliver the gifts for the children and teens to open on Christmas morning. For Adopt a Family, The Salvation Army provides information on a family including number and ages of children, as well as their needs and wants for Christmas. You and your family, class or office mates divide up these needs and make miracles happen by providing gifts for Christmas morning.

For more information on volunteering this holiday time for The Salvation Army contact Andrew at 434-1395 or empire.salvationarmy.org/empireny/volunteer.

Contributions can also be made online at donate.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

JANUARY

Natalie Gingerich Mackenzie

::COVER

story

I wish I could offer up less of a cliché, but to me the holidays are all about family; and perhaps even more specifically, about mothers.

My mother and her Scandinavian heritage have always been the driving force behind many of our family traditions, including making special foods like lefse (a sort of Norwegian potato tortilla that we eat rolled up with butter and sugar), Swedish meatballs and creamed rice (rice cooked with milk and topped with cinnamon sugar). Despite my mom’s more recent objections that it’s a weird meal and we should change it up, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve if we didn’t have these special foods; not to mention the almond secretly stirred into the rice that bestows good luck on whoever lands it in their bowl.

Three Decembers ago, I became a mother myself when my son Henry was born on December 16, and this year I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my second child, due any day.

And while new babies certainly bring new reasons to celebrate with family, they also bring a certain passing of the torch and emergence of new traditions.

For now though, I’ll stick to being sous chef and leave the lefse-making to Mom.

FEBRUARY Evelyn Carter

MARCH

MaryJo Heitkamp-France

MaryJo declined to participate, but wishes everyone a happy holidays.

The holidays is such a joyous time of the year. My focus at this time is being thankful for life, health and strength. Thankful for peace of mind. I try to instill these principles in my 12-year-old son, Austin, helping him understand the true reason for the holidays. Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for the things we have and to give to those who don’t have. Christmas, a celebration of Jesus and his birth. The real gift of the season is not the wrapped “presents” we may give to family and friends but the “presence” of Jesus, knowing He is close by our side for in His presence there is fullness of Joy.

APRIL

Terre Slater

Our little family walking into a country church on Christmas Eve, all in our Sunday best. Anticipation of the final hymn, which would be sung by candlelight as we held hands around the perimeter of the sanctuary.

Looking up through the flame’s glow, proud and happy, Mother in her pretty and perfectly coiffed holiday dress, Dad with his fresh-pressed shirt and impeccably placed tie.

Arriving home to homemade holiday treats carefully placed around the room. The Christmas tree perfection. Milk and cookies out for Santa. Coffee next to Dad’s recliner, with the “Night Before Christmas” strategically placed in his hands. Waiting for him to read it to his children as they look up from the rug at his feet. Drifting off to sleep with Christmas music playing in the background, the smell of cinnamon and pine cones filling the air, dreaming on crisp, clean sheets in a safe, warm home.

All the wonders of Christmas that seemed to perfectly, magically happen. Only now as I write this, I understand that without the hard work and creativity of my mother, none of these amazing childhood moments would have occurred. My memories are not the sight and sounds; they are her love at Christmas.

Making

Merry

Memories

MAY

Jill Catherine

One of my favorite traditions is my year-in-review reflection. This entails a long, slow and deliberate journal session, followed by a walk in nature. It either happens on New Year’s Eve or sometime between Christmas and New Year’s.

The process tends to look the same. Start the morning with a cup of dark roast coffee and half-and-half; a perfect blend of bitterness and creaminess. Find a pen that feels good in my fingers and as I ink the page. Select a journal from my usual abundance of on-going line-free booklets. It’s rare for me to write in one journal at a time. Choose a comfortable seat with natural light, and then, begin the adventure.

The calendar year guides my memory, starting with what my intentions, hopes and dreams were for January, and then I work through each month that followed, writing down the peaks and valleys, joys and heartbreaks, successes and failures, surprises and setbacks. Afterwards, my body is ready to move in a gentle way outside. I walk from the heart space of gratitude, focusing on my out-breath and softening into the beauty and privilege of life and all that unfolded. Then, I listen for what’s next.

JUNE

Chris Fowler

As I have grown older, my appreciation for the holidays has shifted from speeding up to slowing down. I love the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family over the holiday season.

There is so much to do in Central New York during the holiday season, from Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles and sleigh rides at Highland Forest, to Syracuse City Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker and Symphoria’s performance of the Messiah. Every year you can catch me at the downtown tree lighting, Christmas Eve with old friends at the Scotch n’ Sirloin and, of course, celebrating my local business community on Plaid Friday, steering clear of the Black Friday consumer frenzy.

You are all welcome to join me. Happy Holidays!

JULY

Pam Dwyer

I love Christmas mostly because it was my mother’s favorite holiday. She would decorate every room in the house, right down to the bathroom. She would transform every room into a sea of Santas and silly trinkets, brightening up the most plain of rooms. Can you believe there was a tree set up near the laundry room? She would blast loud Christmas music and sing, all while making the house as special as she could.

We grew up in some of Syracuse’s most impoverished areas. We lived in Syracuse public housing near Shop City, and somehow my mother found a house on Kidd Ave. It was a dead end street with 5 houses on it, a scary area back in the late 70’s, and not as built up as it is now. We were very poor back when I was little. But even with the outside world looking rough, my mother made our poor housing look like a Winter Wonderland. Her love for the holidays was beautiful and made everything feel like it was all good.

One of her most happy times was Dec. 25, 1992 when her grandson was born; my son Christopher John Paul Dwyer is a Christmas baby. Can you imagine? Now she was beyond excited. Our own Christmas joy!

I felt blessed to have my mom for the holidays. She would love to sing karaoke, relax with a few beers and sing every Christmas song ever written. Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” was her all-time favorite.

It has been a few years now since she passed away, and truly and honestly, my holidays have never been the same. The Christmases are lot quieter and less exciting without her. I kept a lot of her decorations and play the songs, but her absence makes it all seem a little emptier.

AUGUST

Michelle DaRin

::COVER

story

I am a very nostalgic person, so when it comes to the holidays, there are several images that come to mind.First and foremost, watching all the Christmas specials that were on when I was a child: “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolf, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Frosty The Snowman.” I have continued the tradition with my own kids, and we don’t have to worry if we miss any when they air; we have them all on DVD, along with a few new ones like “Elf.” I grew up in a house with lots of food and music. I have memories of my dad playing Sinatra and Bing Crosby’s Christmas albums. My mom and my grandmother would always make a huge Christmas Eve feast; shrimp cocktail, baked clams and pasta with crab sauce were always on the table. For dessert, my grandmother would spend weeks baking all kinds of Italian cookies. Even though she was not Italian by birth, she learned from a master: my father’s grandmother, who was “right off the boat,” as they say. My grandmother was a very good wrapper too; not music rapper, but boy, she and her two sisters Ruthy and Troody could bring the house down singing old Bill Baily and playing piano. They are from my Irish side of the family. They were a hoot for sure!

My mom was the anchor and pulled it all together, as most matriarchs do, multi-tasking and getting all the details to come together for that table that was always beautifully set and the food that was always hot. All were always welcome!

SEPTEMBER

Ednita Wright

With a busy semester on her hands, Ednita didn’t have a chance to participate, but wishes everyone a happy holidays.

Beth Hurney

Holidays with the Hurnys. Our holiday season is all about family coming together to share love, laughter, conversation and great food. For us, holidays are about building memories and celebrating the season together. I cannot highlight just a single memory. However, I can share that 17 years ago I received the most amazing gift ever: my oldest daughter! She was born exactly two weeks before Christmas, and that will always be a very special holiday season for me. I was blessed with the gift of motherhood. God has blessed our family in incredible ways, none of which are ever forgotten.

Monika Taylor

Holidays are a time with family, the smell of fresh-baked cookies filling the house, the Advent calendar, St. Nick, Christmas pyramid and blending of traditions. Having grown up in Germany, there are many great traditions that I wanted my children to experience. St. Nick was a big part of my childhood, and I wanted our kids to have St. Nick in their life as well. Every Dec. 6, St. Nick comes to pick up the wish list for Santa and leaves some candy for the children in their boots, which they place outside their room the night before.

OCTOBER Tamara Pulley

This year is very special to me. My house has been a little empty with just one teenager living at home, and now I have a full house. My daughter moved back from Virginia with her first child. It’s my first granddaughter’s Christmas. She will be seven months old, and I’m buying every cute outfit and lots of noisy toys. I’m looking forward to having lots of presents under the tree, and the fun and joy of putting back the traditional milk and cookies out for Santa again. I feel like a big kid and can’t wait to take a picture of my granddaughter opening all her Christmas presents. I miss the little things, like getting to visit Santa at the mall. I love having a house filled with family, laughter, smiles and the sounds of a baby to bring me joy.

NOVEMBER

Lizzy Scollo-Chock

For me, the holidays will always be about family. My family is everything to me. My grandparents showed us all the true meaning of Christmas. The only tradition we have is that we are together. None of us are concerned with gifts. We don’t dress up. We all just get together, eat until we can’t breath, laugh and then eat some more. Since many of us have moved to other states, we sometimes spend holidays apart. It can be difficult being apart, so it feels good when we can see each others’ faces. Although I don’t always get to spend every holiday with my family in New York, I am lucky to have family in New Orleans to do the same things with, eat and laugh, and sometimes even rescue a dog.

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DECEMBER 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

‘Tis the season to celebrate in Baldwinsville

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it

Holidays

::YOU CAN DO

Simplify your

Paring down to what’s important

BY CARRIE LUTERAN The holiday season should be a time for family, food and fun, but these days it just feels overwhelming. Pressure to decorate the house, cook elaborate meals, select the perfect gifts and attend lots of parties can make this time of year feel like a chore. To recharge your holiday spirit and free up time for what is most important, try simplifying your traditions with these ideas.

3. KEEP IT LOCAL. For the gifts you do decide to purchase, support

small businesses in your region first. Not only will you find unique, one-of-a-kind items; you’ll also be giving back to local merchants and brightening the holidays for them and their families.

4. GET HELP WITH MEALS. If you normally spend the holidays trapped in the kitchen, ask your guests to contribute a dish or even just

1. DON’T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING EVERY YEAR. snacks and drinks. There’s nothing wrong with ordering some pre-made Holiday traditions are great until they start to feel like obligations. Instead of trying to accomplish them all, pick one to focus on each year. Maybe this December you do lots of baking; then next year you plan to go all out with outdoor lights and décor. Get a professional holiday portrait done every few years, and make do with your own photos in between.

Picking and choosing from your traditions each year makes the season feel fresh and new.

2. REDUCE GIFT GIVING. Broach this subject with the adults

you typically exchange gifts with and they will likely be relieved. Consider setting a dollar-amount limit, or forgo them altogether and instead splurge on special food or drinks at your celebration. Take the money you would normally spend on presents and donate it to a cause that has special meaning to your family. While this can be a tough sell for little ones, some parents try the approach of one gift each for a want, a need, something to wear and something to read. Also, getting children involved in choosing a charity or selecting things for a family in need teaches them a valuable lesson about the true spirit of the season.

or ready-to-cook items from the grocery store or an online service! It might feel like cheating, but it allows you to focus your time and energy on those special dishes that your family loves at the holidays.

5. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. This is so important at this

time of year, and yet it’s the thing we find most difficult to justify. But without recharging your batteries, you won’t be fully present for the people you love. Schedule time to workout or get a massage, and don’t feel guilty about sitting down to enjoy a favorite movie. It’s those simple moments that make for great holiday memories.

Carrie Luteran makes spaces totally functional and fab. As owner/designer of Pretty Neat, she provides interior design and organizing services to the Syracuse area. Learn more at prettyneatsolutions.com or call 315-400-1966.

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: DECEMBER 2015

23

WHAT WILL YOU ROLE MODEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

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cuse

::NEW IN THE

cuse

::NEW IN THE

NC

Murphy’s Specialized Pastry

Sweet Treat

a new

BY LORNA OPPEDISANO

Career change doesn’t come easy. Risky career change in particular is quite an endeavor. Trading out a comfortable and secure, albeit bland, position for a back-burner dream takes some guts. Murphy’s Specialized Pastry chef Colleen Guynup knows that firsthand.

“Sometimes you have to put yourself out there,” she said.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Cazenovia College in early childhood education and program administration, Colleen settled into teaching 3- to 5-year-old students at Playschool Preschool in Manlius. She did a lot of baking at home, but had never considered that it could one day bring in the dough.

When her mother passed away, Colleen took a step back to reevaluate where her life was headed, and realized that she wasn’t really doing what she wanted to do. She heard about an opening in the kitchen at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Despite not meeting many of the qualifications, Colleen decided to apply and was hired.

“That experience there just gave me more knowledge. It was definitely an amazing experience and learning environment at that time,” she said. “They took the time to show me how to do stuff.”

Even since that fateful first day in culinary class, the idea of opening a bakery had stewed in Sean’s mind. Now seemed like the opportune time to take the leap.

While they worked on formulating the business plan, the duo used the kitchen at St. Ann’s Church in Syracuse as a jumping off point.

Colleen, a Manlius resident, knew of an empty space in Limestone Plaza, and thought that due to the demographics and community atmosphere in the town, it was the perfect place to open up shop.

The most difficult part of the process was creating the physical space, Sean said. He explained that before they cultivated the spot, it was just an empty shell. They signed a three-year lease, and opened the doors to the public in December 2014.

Now the bakers make their goods in the kitchen in the back, and sell everything from half-moon cookies to cheesecakes to cream pies and more in the storefront. The shop itself is minimalist, unassuming and simple. When customers walk in, all eyes are immediately drawn to the case of desserts.

Murphy’s Specialized Pastry offers items that other bakeries don’t, Sean said. He used the word “customizability” to describe it.

One of the people from whom Colleen learned was her soon-to-be business partner, Sean Murphy. Sean had always known that he wanted to end up in a kitchen. He started his education at BOCES, where he was supposed to take culinary classes. Ironically enough, he was accidentally placed in pastry instead. He decided to give it a try for a few days, and found his passion.

“We’re really flexible and willing to take on new challenges,” he explained.

“I like working with my hands,” he explained. “I’ve always had an inkling for it.”

Looking forward to the future, they’d like to expand further into catering, eventually take on employees and Colleen might even look into imparting her baking skills to others in a class setting. But for now, they’re just focusing on getting the bakery “off the ground and running,” she said.

Sean earned an associates degree in specialized baking and pastry from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts, and began his career in Colorado. Eventually, life led him back to the region, where he managed fine dining pastry outlets at Turning Stone.

After working for the casino and resort for about four years, Sean wasn’t content with his environment.

“It was kind of like, ‘Well, what do I do now?’” he said.

Colleen added that the bakery’s cream pies are one of their specialties.

The two also use fresh mint, and roast their own pumpkins to make pumpkin puree, Sean said.

For fellow future small business owners out there thinking about taking the leap and following their gut and their dreams, Colleen has three words.

“Patience, patience, patience,” she said with a smile.

SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM :: DECEMBER 2015

27

::TAKE YOUR VOICE

back

Embrace Your

Faith

BY JOLEENE MOODY

It’s the holiday season. I love this time of year. I know lots of people don’t. I’m the one who has three Christmas trees and different colored lights hanging from every window in every room of my house. It’s not close to Griswold, but I definitely outshine my neighbors. It’s what I like. It’s what I want. I get that it’s not what everyone wants.

This season can mean whatever it needs to mean to whomever wants to attach meaning to it. You don’t have to attach any meaning to it if you don’t want to. You don’t even have to celebrate it. All you really have to do is appreciate how others feel about it. I don’t celebrate Canada Day or Boxing Day, but I appreciate those who do. I don’t show up for Easter like I show up for Thanksgiving, but I appreciate those who do. I don’t go crazy when St. Patrick’s Day arrives; but when my birthday comes, you can be assured that the entire world has been alerted via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and I celebrate that blessed day for an entire week.

I celebrate and embrace special days, historical days and spiritual days based on my beliefs and desires. In turn, I honor and respect how others “do” or “don’t do” these days based on their traditions. I spent three incredible and enlightening weeks at a Buddhist temple once and had the privilege of experiencing a Puja ceremony. It was so humbling and beautiful that I helped set up the next one, so I could fully understand and appreciate the ritual. It opened my eyes.

It humbled me. It made me step into my own spiritual journey with an open mind. But more than that, it made me appreciate the beliefs of others even more.

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DECEMBER 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

You know what I think of first and foremost when this season rolls around?

My mother. She loved it. She used more tinsel and blinking, colored lights than should be allowed in one household. She would set up a hand-painted nativity scene, lace garland on the stairwell and string at least twelve tangles of colored lights on our artificial eight-foot tree.

She sang Christmas carols out loud... months in advance, mind you.

She shared the story of the baby Jesus and Santa Claus and danced with us when Frosty came on TV. Because of her bright spirit and the way she loved the holiday, I can’t help but embrace her traditions and beliefs when the snow begins to fall. I can’t help but say “Merry Christmas” to every single soul that walks past me. I don’t want to not say it for fear of offending someone. I just want to say it because it’s how I feel: merry and joyous. And if you say “Happy Hanukah” or “Happy Kwanzaa” to me in return, I would appreciate that. I would appreciate your beliefs, culture and celebration. Mostly, I would appreciate your trusting me to honor your beliefs.

Embrace your faith. Honor it. And allow yourself to embrace and honor someone else’s. In the end, isn’t that what enables us to live together respectfully and harmoniously?

P.S. I also believe in Santa. Pretty sure I always will.

Joleene Moody is a keynote speaker and author residing in Central New York. Visit her at joleenemoody.com.

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flavorful ::FIT &

BY TRACIE LONG

With all of the tempting, traditional holiday food and beverages, this classic is rich enough that it can be lightened up, while keeping the flavor and cutting some of the calories and fat!

HEALTHIER EGG NOG (yields approximately 1½ cups)

1 large egg 1 large egg white or 3 tablespoons egg substitute (such as egg beaters) 3 cups low-fat milk ¼ cup evaporated cane juice or turbinado sugar 1¼ tablespoon cornstarch 1¼ tablespoon pure vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) 3 tablespoons rum (optional) In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and egg whites until blended; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, mix 2¼ cups milk with the evaporated cane juice and cornstarch. Cook on medium-

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DECEMBER 2015 :: SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

high heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Allow to boil for one minute. Remove the pan from heat.

Gradually whisk 1/3 cup of the milk mixture into the eggs to temper them. (Trick of the trade: Tempering is a process by which hot liquid is slowly added to eggs or other foods, without curdling or cooking them.) Pour the egg mixture back into the milk in the saucepan, whisking constantly.

Pour into a large bowl. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, rum and remaining milk. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

You can sprinkle on some nutmeg prior to serving if you want to spice things up a bit more.

Tracie Long is the founder of Avocadough, a bakery that creates all of its confections using avocados and other all-natural ingredients with no preservatives. For more information on Tracie or her business, visit avocadough.com.

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Events

Syracuse Woman Magazine

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON & EXPO The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon & Expo took place at a new location this year: the Oncenter. Each year, this event is the primary fundraiser for women in the region to band together against cardiovascular disease. This year’s speaker was SWM cover woman, Evelyn Carter. Evelyn is the director of consumer affairs for the Central New York Region of Wegmans Food Markets and the 2015 Go Red For Women Chairwoman. Local sponsors for this event included Wegmans, Kinney Drugs Foundation, M&T Bank, St. Joseph’s Health, CNY Central, 93Q, Syracuse Woman Magazine and Eagle Newspapers.

RESPECT: CNY CELEBRATES WOMEN IN MUSIC Central New York women got a taste of the finest female artists in the area on Friday, Nov. 13 at Respect: CNY Celebrates Women in Music. The sold-out event at The Palace Theater featured live covers of songs by women who have paved the way in the music industry. All proceeds benefited The Centers at St. Camillus. Performers included Joanne Troy Perry, Anna Vogel, Terri Kohut, Maureen Henesey, Joanna Jewett and more.

DECEMBER 2015 WISE HOLIDAY HELLO Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

What: Annual WISE event features hors d’ouevres and networking. No formal program. Free to attend.

Where: Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St. Info: whitman.syr.edu

15

WIZARDS OF WINTER Time: 8 p.m.

19

27

5THANNUAL40BELOWOUTNEWYEAR’SEVEPARTY

31-jan1

What: Live performance featuring original members of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Where: Crouse Hinds Theater, 411 Montgomery St. Tickets: $29.50 to $49.50 Info: oncenter.org Time: 9 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday What: Includes open bar, light hors d’oeuvres provided by Diamond Catering, live music by Joe Driscoll, midnight champagne toast, silent auction, photobooth and more.

Where: The Landmark Theater, 362 S. Salina St. Tickets: before Dec. 15, $90; after Dec. 15, $100; VIP before Dec. 15, $125; VIP after $150 Info: 40belowsyracuse.com

MAXIMIZE, MANAGE & PRIORITIZE YOUR TIME Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

jan 6

What: Presented by WBOC. Where: Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St. Info: wboconnection.org

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