March 2015 by Barbara McSpadden

march 2015

march fab finds LEADING LADIES

sw inspire

JENNIFER NADLER KAREN SCHWARTZ REBECCA THOMPSON

special feature THE SU PROTESTS

MaryJo Heitkamp-France Forgiveness, Hope & the Future w w w. s y r ac u s e wo m a n m ag . c o m

syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

I lost 80 lbs. and found my sense of adventure. Corrine couldn’t find the courage to step out of her comfort zone. Since having weight-loss surgery, she’s stepping into her harness and finding comfort high above the trees. And at Crouse, she’s discovered a support group, along with trusted surgeons and nutritional experts who encourage her quest for a happier, healthier life. Come to our next weight-loss surgery seminar and discover what you can find. crouse.org/weightloss

A partnership with CNY Surgical Physicians

March Letter from the Editor

Out & About 7

WISE Woman 8 Platter Chatter: The Garage Eatz

Healthy Woman 14 Fab Finds: Leading Ladies of Syracuse

Special Feature: Holly Sammons

In Her Own Words: Jacqueline Colello

Special Feature: Mayor Stephanie Miner

Cover Story: MaryJo Heitkamp-France

For a Good Cause: Paigeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pajamarama

Special Feature: George & Rebecca Barnes

Queen of Arts: Ava Andrews

Dollars & Sense 38

Syracuse Women Inspire 41 Special Feature: The SU Protests

SWM Main Events 48 SWM Calendar 49

36 38

bedroom

garage

e n t r y way

wa l l b e d

media center

kids

office

storage

craft

Every California Closets system is custom designed specifically for you and the way you live. Visit our showroom or call today to arrange for a complimentary in-home design consultation. See how your home can be more beautiful and functional with our exceptional designs, exclusive finishes and accessories.

DEWITT

3210 Erie Blvd. East

315.701.4382

CaliforniaClosets.com/Syracuse

pa n t r y

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR General Body, a coalition of students, faculty and staff at SU that developed during the protests. This organization works year-round to educate and inform students and the administration about a variety of topics and problems happening on campus.

We All Make History I had the privilege of not only attending the National Women’s Hall of Fame induction gala in 2011, but interviewing a handful of the women being inducted. It was eyeopening to hear how Loretta Ford co-founded the nurse practitioner model; how Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, had run the Berlin Marathon two days prior; and how Donna Shalala held the longest term to date as the U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services. To be in even the same room as these women, yet alone talk to them, was an honor. To be honest, I feel exactly the same about the women we’re featuring in this issue. Cover woman MaryJo Heitkamp-France strives to change the DWI law here in New York by advocating for Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law, a NYS Senate bill that would link all prior convictions of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, whether it be an automobile (DWI), snowmobile (SWI) or all-terrain vehicle, together during sentencing of a driving while intoxicated conviction. MaryJo’s motivation stems from her daughter Tiffany’s death due to a drunken boater eight years ago. The driver of the boat had two prior drunken driving convictions from driving a car and only served three-and-a-half years in prison for vehicular manslaughter. MaryJo hopes if the law is rewritten, these crimes would be prevented, as punishments for the first, and even the second, DWI conviction would be more severe and life-altering. With all the media that surrounded the Syracuse University protests last fall, we couldn’t have a “Women Making History” issue without featuring a few of the lead female protesters in this month’s edition. In one of our Special Features, SU students Danielle S. Reed and Farrell Greenwald Brenner discuss, from first-person point of view, what really happened with the protests and what they’ve achieved as a group. The two are both members of THE

OUR TEAM Publishers

Since politics play such a big role in women’s history — and since our city’s mayor just happens to be a woman — we thought who better to feature in this issue than Mayor Stephanie Miner. In the Special Feature Q&A with her, she discusses her past five years in the hot seat, her greatest struggles and successes, and what she strives to achieve for the remainder of her term in Syracuse.

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

This month’s SW Inspires are each making history in their own way for the city of Syracuse. Sexual abuse activist Jennifer Nadler, a newly inducted Vera House board member, tells her own story of abuse and explains the importance of sharing it with others. She hopes listeners walk away with the strength to stand up for themselves and tell the truth. Syracuse police officer Rebecca Thompson strives to do the same for animals in Syracuse. As the first-ever animal cruelty investigator for the Syracuse Police Department, she’s grateful her position is not only saving abused animals, but bringing awareness to such a prevalent issue in our community. Karen Winters Schwartz, on the other hand, wants to shed some light on mental health issues and the lack of support services for them in Syracuse. She not only achieves this goal in her role as president for the Syracuse chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, but as an author in her three published novels, each of which offers a different perspective on mental illness.

Cindy Bell Gerard H. Gaskin Mike Okoniewski Jussara Potter Parker Stone Chris Szulwach

I feel like there’s this stigma that great things happen in faraway lands, but in truth, they happen in our backyard. Loretta Ford founded the nursing school at the University of Rochester. Both Katherine Switzer and Donna Shalala are Syracuse University alums. And all three of them were honored at the National Women’s Hall of Fame, just one hour away in Seneca Falls. We all make history each and every day, whether we’re running for a spot on the town council or teaching our children how to make their grandmother’s pasta sauce. To a great past (and future), Alyssa LaFaro on our cover

MaryJo Heitkamp-France, a realtor and advocate for Tiffany’ Heitkamp’s Law, was photographed by Cindy Bell of Focus Studio Inc. at her Genesee Street home in Syracuse. Cover woman makeup artistry and hair by Jillain Salomone of J. Luxe Salon.

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

Editor

Alyssa LaFaro

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Photography

Contributing Writers Ashley M. Casey Jacqueline Colello Olivia Cuccaro Farah F. Jadran Brittany Sperino Horsford Kayla Isaacs Kailyn Jennings Alyssa LaFaro Kate Mahoney Samantha McCarthy Amari D. Pollard Colette Powers

advertising Sales

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

Advertise with us...

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

Contact our home office 315.434.8889 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com

Download our media kit at www.syracusewomanmag.com

The magazine is published 12 times a year by Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and Eagle Publications, 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. 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 & 21st Annual White Ribbon Campaign — March 20-29

Led by men, Vera House’s White Ribbon Campaign encourages all community members to wear a white ribbon or wristband. Wearing these symbols means “you will not commit, condone or remain silent about domestic or sexual violence.” Participants can purchase ribbons, wristbands and candy bars to help Vera House raise money for the campaign.

MOVIES Cinderella – March 13 Kate Blanchett brings Cinderella to life in this live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale. Cinderella transforms the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The Gunman – March 20 Sean Penn stars as a former special forces soldier and military contractor suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He tries to reconnect with his long-time love, but first must go on the run from London to Barcelona and across Europe in order to clear his name.

Get Hard – March 27 Millionaire hedge fund manager James is nailed for fraud and bound for a stretch in San Quentin. With 30 days to get his affairs in order, he turns to Darnell to prep him for a life behind bars. Together, the two men do whatever it takes for James to “get hard” and, in the process, discover how wrong they were about a lot of things – including each other.

Furious 7 – April 3 A continuation of the franchise, Fast and the Furious 7 continues after Dominic Torreto and his crew took down Owen Shaw, his brother, Ian Shaw, now wants revenge.

More than 25,000 people in the Greater Syracuse community supported the 2014 White Ribbon Campaign. This year’s 10-day event begins with a “Kick-Off Walk” at noon on March 20, in Clinton Square. There will also be a Celebrity Happy Hour with 93Q hosts Ted & Amy on Thursday, March 26, at the Bull & Bear Pub from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to raise money for the campaign. The White Ribbon Campaign was established in 1995 to help fund Vera House education and awareness programs and services. The primary goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about sexual violence and the ways our community is working to end that violence. The community’s support helps Vera House convey the campaign’s core message: Ending violence is a community-wide effort. For more information, visit verahouse.org.

Hope for Heather Breakfast at Tiffany’s — March 22

Grab your sunglasses and wear your best dress for the fifth annual Hope for Heather Breakfast at Tiffany’s Fashion Show at 10 a.m. on March 22, to be held at the newly renovated Sheraton University Hotel ballroom. This year’s vintage-style runway show promises “something for everyone,” as it will embark on current fashion trends from Indie Kids and Showoffs Boutique, beginning with “wee fashionistas in training” to designer gowns for your most glamorous occasions. The keynote speaker is Mary Gosek, an amazing woman and ovarian cancer survivor. Hope for Heather is a not-for-profit corporation in memory of Heather Weeks, who lost her life to cancer at age 24. Heather was an advocate for women’s cancer and committed to raising funds to find a cure. Through your donation, Hope for Heather will continue Heather’s dream of educating all women on the major symptoms of ovarian cancer. For ticket and scheduling information, call 315-439-8908.

AHA Syracuse Heart Walk — March 28

Grab your walking shoes and head over to the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College for the 2015 Syracuse Heart Walk from 8 a.m. to noon on March 28. This fundraiser for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association asks all participants to set a fundraising goal of $100. Enjoy physical fitness demonstrations, live music and entertainment, food, heart and stroke health education, kids’ activities and more throughout the day. The survivor and opening ceremonies kick off at 9:30 a.m. and the walk — a one- to three-mile, non-competitive course around OCC — begins at 10. Participants who raise $100 or more will receive an official 2015 Heart Walk t-shirt. Founded in 1924, the AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases, it funds cutting-edge research, conducts lifesaving public and professional educational programs and advocates to protect public health. For more information, contact Jessica Ambrose at 315-728-7548 or jessica.ambrose@heart.org.

about

F OA

::wise

woman

FEATURED ENTREPRENEUR Jody Hatch

Owner, Salmon River Alpacas

hen asked by her father what she wanted to do when she grew up, 16-year-old Jody Hatch responded that she wanted to own her own company. After attending college and taking a more traditional career route by becoming a teacher, Jody liked her job but didn’t love it. Ten years into her career and reaching the top of the pay scale, she knew that it was time she follow her original dream of owning a business.

Jody and her husband Chris started looking for opportunities for owning a business and knew that whatever business they chose had to meet three specific criteria: flexible hours that would work when they started a family, an industry that was related to outdoor living, and the potential to generate income. They researched many different ideas, but found nothing that fit all criteria. One day while watching TV, her husband saw an ad for an alpaca business. “I didn’t even know what an alpaca was,” remembers Jody. After researching the industry online, she realized this was her “a-ha” moment—this was a business that met all of her criteria. She picked up the phone, made

a farm visit, and two days later she purchased two alpaca animals and thus, officially launched the business. Diving into her new business, Jody researched alpacas—from breeding to shearing and the showing of the animals. She was quick to attend trade shows and learn from the experts. “I learned everything I could about fleece,” she says. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced is keeping myself educated in the industry so we can make the necessary adjustments during periods of growth and change.” Jody’s next goal is to export an alpaca—she recently attended a government exporting event and began making connections to see her vision through. “I may be a little farm, but I have a big farm mentality.” In addition to exporting, Jody focuses her time on consulting with other alpaca farmers new to or struggling within the industry. The best part about being an entrepreneur? “Being the mom I want to be,” says Jody.

wise words of wisdom… “Go with your gut… It never fails.”

PHOTO BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HERRMANN // PAGE DESIGN BY ISCA DESIGN STUDIO

– Jody Hatch

WISE HAPPENINGS: Check out wisecenter.org/events for a complete list of upcoming events!

The Building Blocks for Starting a Business March 3, 12:00 - 1:30PM March 25, 12:00 - 1:30PM

Roundtable Discussion: Women in Creative Businesses March 5, 12:00 - 1:00PM March 19, 12:00 - 1:00PM

Meet the Entrepreneur Series March 10, 12:00 - 1:00PM

Roundtable Discussion: Women in Food and Farming Businesses March 4, 12:00 - 1:00PM

Roundtable Discussion: Women in Business Against the Odds March 12, 12:00 - 1:00PM March 26, 12:00 - 1:00PM

Take your Business Global: Introduction to Exporting

Accounting Practices for Your Business March 17, 12:00 - 1:30PM (part 1) March 25, 12:00 - 1:30PM (part 2)

Export Success Story Videos March 18, 12:00 - 1:00PM

March 11, 12:00 - 1:00PM

A PROGRAM OF THE FALCONE CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Call (315) 443-8634.

CHECK IN & BREAKFAST WELCOME TO WISE MORNING KEYNOTE EXPO OPENS BREAKOUT SESSIONS LUNCH & EXHIBITORS BREAKOUT SESSIONS AFTERNOON KEYNOTE NETWORKING TAILGATE & EXPO

Details at wisecenter.org/the-symposium/

T� y

#WISE2015

Jo h n s o n

ter

R DOME

Sha nti D

Agenda 8:3O AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:15 PM

15 APRIL 21, 20 CARRIE

5.ev

wise201

Nikita Dev ere a

WISE SYMPOSIUM

SO BUY TICKETentbrite.com

Jamila Payne

Sa�ve edate

Registyer todaNLINE:

S a n d y Ca

PROFESSIONAL DE VELOPMENT • NET WORKING • BUSINESS EXPO • SPEAKERS

Fast forward your career with a degree or certificate from syracuse University!

SyracuSe univerSity

The Creative Leadership and Knowledge Management programs offer a variety of formats and lengths to fit your schedule. Gain the skills employers seek when hiring and promoting workers.

ChOOse YOUr MaJOr:

Creative Leadership

KNOWLedGe MaNaGeMeNt

• Conflict resolution

• Data assessment

• Creative problem solving • Managing teams

• Developing work processes • Managing organizational knowledge

Certificates* are 15 credits (5 classes) and can later be applied toward completing the degree program. Visit parttime.syr.edu/Bps-sWM or call 315-443-9378. * Gainful Employment Disclosure: • Creative Leadership: parttime.syr.edu/BPS/leadership • Knowledge Management: parttime.syr.edu/BPS/knowledge

SyracuSe univerSity

GO sU part time!

Graduate programs for veterans at Syracuse University

Quonset hut classroo ms were used to accommodate the large number of veterans using the GI Bill after WWII.

Syracuse University is one of the country’s top-ranked military-friendly universities. SU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing opportunity and empowerment to veterans and their families. A reputation for academic excellence extends to SU’s many graduate programs, where veterans can leverage their military experience to meet their professional goals. Visit our web site veterans.syr.edu to learn more about degree programs designed for veterans pursuing graduate study at Syracuse University.

chatter ::platter

Part of the Family at

The Garage Eatz

::platter

chatter

by Kayla Isaacs I photos by Chris Szulwach Real, authentic, family. Three simple words, but together they make up the entirety of The Garage Eatz, the Skaneateles based restaurant owned by Jamie and Kristin Hunt. Ten years ago, Jamie worked as a chef at Joe’s Pasta Garage, but knew he didn’t want to remain behind the line. Hoping to get into management, he and Kristin decided to take ownership and soon began the process of transforming and embodying their three core values. They changed the restaurant name to The Garage Eatz in 2013. “I’ve been trained to use the freshest ingredients and work with local farms. And that was something, after working in the industry for a little while, that I had lost perspective of,” said Jamie. “It was actually a part of who I was trained to be. And that’s where we’ve started to bring The Garage back to.” “He’s always been the kind of the guy who wanted to use the freshest product,” said Kristin. “It was not a hard transition for him to go and source farms and source local product and go to the farmers market. It’s just getting in that stride and getting in that routine of really doing that all the time.” Jamie and Kristin stopped using nationally sold products to source at the local level. They typically get about two deliveries a week and food from the farms about once a week, depending on what they need. Though a financial and time commitment, putting the right systems in place keeps their use of fresh products from being a burden. Part of this system includes the connections they form. “It’s about relationships,” said Jamie. “It’s about our relationship with our employee. It’s about our relationship with our vendors. We found that, on a local level, we have relationships.” The bonds that Jamie and Kristin form extend beyond just the kitchen and into the front-of-house, from their staff to the customers eating. “We hire people with our personalities — people who genuinely want to take care of people,” said Jamie, who considers himself more of a coach than a boss. He hires students and people not classically trained and helps develop their skills. “We know that if we take care of that, the people that are coming into the restaurant will take care of us.” The Garage Eatz therefore lends itself to a relaxed and comfortable environment, where customers will go for a date night or a family dinner. “We’re that kind of place for people,” said Kristin. “We make it a priority to know our guests and make them feel comfortable and remember them when they come back.” A favorite for these returning customers is the Garage Riggies. Riggies, a Central New York staple, is always a home run, but The Garage Eatz puts a spin on the traditional plate. “We don’t use rigatoni because I found that I don’t like rigatoni,” said Jamie. “One, I found that it’s too big and flops all over my face, and two, when you cook it, it tends to break up.” Penne takes its place, but what really makes the Garage Riggies stand out is its garlic and cherry pepper sauce with cream and tomato. The Garage Eatz has also become a destination for its gluten-free pizza, something not easily found that also tastes good. Making their own dough and taking careful measures, the pizza is safe for those with Celiac disease, while still holding its flavor. Dining at The Garage Eatz you can expect fresh and local ingredients, and service meant to satisfy your palette. Dining at The Garage Eatz, you can expect to be treated as one of the restaurant’s own, admitted into the The Garage Eatz family, always welcome back. For more information on Garage Eatz, visit garageeatz.com. syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

the women of

Let’s face it. Parenting can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Raising most kids is like learning how to drive; really awkward at first, but after a few miles, you feel like you have been driving forever! Some kids are like 18-wheelers. You can’t just hop in and drive. You need a unique approach & special skills. Tanya Gesek, PhD, specializes in children, adolescents, and their families. She addresses a variety of issues that children may have including: Anger Management

Anxiety

Stop By To See Us At The

IT ADM ONE

Dr Gesek is also trained and experienced to help families with the delicate transitions of Divorce & Separation.

Success gnited

Don’t travel the road alone, help is available.

Inspired Life Coaching

awaken your wholehearted life’s journey

Tanya Gesek, PhD.

(315) 430-8040

2100 East Genesee Street Syracuse, NY drtanyagesek.com

IUM20

POS SESYM

Depressive Symptoms

ZONE

Susan McCauley

315 214 8217

successignited.com susan@successignited.com

Ad 150223.indd 1

2/23/2015 4:36:16 PM

Spring

is just around the corner! Is Your Company Sponsoring Or Par ticipating In An Event?

Call Stacey at EMPIRE SPECIALTY PRINTING to discover how to make your team look great while advertising your business

WE OFFER SCREEN PRINTING, EMPIRE EMBROIDERY AND SPECIALTY PROMOTIONAL PRINTING PRODUCTS

315-415-3285

empirespecialtyprinting.com

L O CA L LY OW N E D A N D O P E R AT E D

f the w.b.o.c. Medicare Made Simple, LLC Medicare consultation & enrollment services THERESA CANGEMI, CSA, CLTC

Your Medicare Specialist and Independent Agent, serving New York State's Medicare eligible population since 2008!

COMMISSIONS PAID BY THE CARRIERS, NOT FEE BASED! “The Medicare Lady” DO YOU & YOUR PARENTS HAVE PROPER MEDICARE COVERAGE? FIND OUT.

Don't call a 1-800 number when you can get personalized service with face-to-face Consultation & Enrollment.

315-676-4933 • tcangemi@twcny.rr.com www.MyMedicareMadeSimple.com Medicare Advantage • Medicare Supplement • Prescription Drug Plans Long Term Care (CLTC) • Life Insurance • Final Expense (Burial) • Dental Plans

Insight Business Works

We're experts in the "people side" of business

Are "people problems" getting in the way of your organization's success?

Angela Renna

President 913 Old Liverpool Road Suite E Liverpool, NY 13090 315-699-3424 arenna@sterlingcny.com

Offering John Hancock Insurance Products. Registered Representative/Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Signator Investors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. 9 Washington Square, Albany NY 12205 518-452-8853. Sterling Financial Group, LLC is a separate entity from Signator Investors, Inc. 105-20140307-177785 913 Old Liverpool Road Suite E, Liverpool, NY 13088 Compass Federal Credit Union: 131 George Street, Oswego, NY 13126

may be your answer!

Try the PeopleMap System - A fun and powerful tool empirically shown to improve communication, relationships & productivity.

Are you Leader, Task, People or Free Spirit?

Find out with PeopleMap!

Dr. Christine M. Allen Board Certified Coach & Certified PeopleMap Trainer 315•727•8881 Chris@InsightBusinessWorks.com @insightbusworks

WE ARE YOUR Executive Coaching • Team Building SOLUTION FOR: Talent Selection • Leadership Development

woman ::helathy

Changing the Outlook on Illness:

A Journal Entry by Kate Mahoney

I guess I’ll make history today.

I have made a pledge to myself — this will be my year. Like many of you, I am familiar with the peaks and valleys that come with such a vow. These resolutions usually end around March anyway. Yet I am focused on my comeback, and I have signed up for this fitness class. I am in it to win it. My heart beats faster, the beads of sweat roll into my eyes and I am aware that the yoga pants, the ones that, if I’m being honest, I really just wear to Wegmans, roll just as seamlessly down over my [nope, I didn’t just have a baby] belly. I glance at the mirrored walls and think to myself, I do believe people travel to large, open parts of the Pride Land to gaze at creatures such as me. I hike up the pants, wipe my sweaty eyeballs and take another modified version of the required pose. I look again in the mirror and am elevated. I see March 18, 1993. I was discharged from Crouse Hospital. In certain circles I was a big deal. The parallel reality was that I couldn’t walk without assistive devices. I couldn’t talk and be heard in a crowd of more than two. I couldn’t hold utensils to feed myself or a pen to write. On the road to remission from Stage IV Germcell Ovarian Cancer and recovery from multi-system organ failure, I said goodbye to my nurses, doctors, therapists and support staff — on all accounts, family. My scars are a veritable roadmap of surgeries, tumors. I see the invisible scars, too: the years I was awake caring for my parents during their cancer journeys; the complete overhaul and rerouting of my career; the life I thought I’d have; my loss of self. There is shame and fear, but the beauty of history is that, in time, it can be viewed more gracefully. I wore a longsleeved dress to my prom because I didn’t want to show the 53-stitch 14

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

dialysis incision. However, it’s unclear to this day why I chose a Morticia Addams style in a fabric better suited for an ottoman. In this 55-minute class I have experienced all of Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ eight stages of grief. I am proud not to have roared out in defeat. Instead, my endorphins are excited to see one another again. “Hi! Haven’t seen you since the marathon, right?”

“Right, in 2006, before all the caregiving left us shipwrecked.” “WELCOME BACK!” Welcome back indeed. As I join SWM readers in celebrating women who make history, I thank you for the privilege I’ve had to share different parts of my story in and around our community. It is my hope as I continue to travel, speak and write that people will own the magnitude of just showing up — for yourselves and each other. We will rationalize our position in life at times. We will self-impose comparison or competition to prove a perceived truth. It’s a funny thing, the juxtaposition of our own lives against that of the proverbial Jones’. We convince ourselves that we must justify and judge, condemn and condone to solidify or establish our standing in life. It won’t be easy all the time, and you’re going to have to laugh. But, under the umbrella I call “the humanity of circumstance,” I believe “your story” makes history every day. Kate D. Mahoney is a professional storyteller, actorvist and a hopeful author who travels the country to share her journey of patient and caregiver — it’s crisis but with jazz hands. She is also a pretty big fan of Saint Marianne Cope, and was the SWM cover woman for November 2014. Mahoney currently lives in Syracuse. Please email MahoneyKateD@gmail.com to schedule a speaking engagement.

Thank you to all

who made Wanderers’ Rest Black Tie & Tails Inaugural fundraiser a Howling Success!

Our sincere and heartfelt appreciation goes to all our supporters!

Top Dog Sponsor - Jim & Lori Ranalli. Silver Bone Sponsor - Pathfinder Bank. Lucky Dog Sponsors - Washington Street Partners, Laci’s Tapas Bar, “Eat Small, Live Large”, Peaceful Pets by Schepp Family Funeral Home, Village Veterinary Hospital & DeRoberts Plastic Surgery. Event Partners: Ralston Supply Center, Inc., inHouse Graphics, LLC, Premier Photo Booth, Perfect Sounds DJ & Julie’s Place - Home of Karen’s Catering.

7138 Sutherland Dr. PO Box 535 Canastota, NY 13032

43173_5

Together We Made A Difference!

(315) 697-2796 www.WanderersRest.org

humane association

EVENT CENTER MARCH 16 • 8PM Ticket Prices: $29 / $34 / $44

Exit 33 Oﬀ NYS Thruway • Verona, NY

::fab

finds

leading ladies of

Syracuse

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

::fab

In reflecting on women’s history, we have our go-to gals — Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony and Eleanor Roosevelt have been ingrained, with good reason, as the standout symbols for Women’s History Month. But what about the women who achieved greatness right in our very own region? SWM writer Olivia Cuccaro spent a lot of time researching this topic, and discovered quite a few amazing women from the Syracuse area who have made some serious strides throughout history. Meet the locals she found who made their mark for March.

finds

FFF

Mother Marianne Cope The City’s Saint

A Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, she is the first Franciscan woman from North America to be canonized and only the 11th American saint. She acted as supervisor of St. Joseph’s Hospital until 1883. At that time, she was called to attend to the sick in Hawaii, a mission some 50 other religious institutes had turned down. There, she cared for those with leprosy and oversaw a home for girls. For her lifetime of contributions, she has been named the Patron Saint of lepers, outcasts, those with HIV/AIDS and the Hawai’i. Her memory lives on at the Saint Marianne Cope Shrine & Museum on Townsend Street. Photo courtesy of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

Rhea Doyle Eckel Clark The School Savior

In 1957, Cazenovia College had fewer than 50 students and 13 faculty members. Rhea, the music director of Solvay school district, was asked to act as president of the college for just three months. Flash-forward to 1971, and Cazenovia College saw 13 buildings erected and a serious surge in attendance. She had curtains made, furniture donated and recruited students to help the school live up to its potential. After retiring, she was appointed director of the New York Office for Aging by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. Today, Eckel Hall on the Cazenovia campus is home to a computer lab, classrooms, natural and physical science laboratories, and the Peterson Greenhouse. Photo courtesy of the Frederic and Jean Williams Archives at Cazenovia College.

Kathleen Hayes Snavely The Impeccable Irishwoman

At 19, Kathleen immigrated to Syracuse from County Clare, Ireland. At 113, she is still a resident, and the longest-living Irish person to date. From humble beginnings as an employee at a local department store, she went on to marry Roxie E. Rollins and found Seneca Dairy. The couple opened their first store on South Salina Street in 1933, and the business boomed right through the Great Depression. In 2000, she donated $1 million to the Syracuse University School of Management in memory of her late husband. Since then, her gift has helped others pursue their dreams and find success as she and Roxie had. Photo courtesy of University Archives, Syracuse University Library.

Adelaide Alsop Robineau The Astonishing Artist

3F 4F

When she was young, Adelaide garnered an interest for hand-painted china and eventually took up ceramics. Her “Scarab Vase,” or “The Apotheosis of the Toiler,” won the Grand Prize in pottery at the Turin International Exhibition and is renowned as one of the most important pieces in American ceramics. She took her artistic prowess to Syracuse University, where she taught until her death in 1929. Many of her works were displayed at the Everson Museum of Art, putting it on the map as a prominent expositor of modern ceramics. Her home and studio can be seen in town on Robineau Road near Onondaga Park.

Margaret Towner The Pioneer Pastor

She left her job as a medical photographer to study education at Syracuse University before attending the Union Theological Seminary. Before 1956, there had never been a single female minister in the history of the Presbyterian Church. Her ordination by the Syracuse-Cayuga Presbytery made her the first woman clergyman of the denomination. Despite being met with criticism and discrimination by other people of the faith, she maintained her position and helped other women aspiring to the same goal. She finally retired after serving several ministries throughout the U.S. — and forging the path for thousands of females to follow in her footsteps.

::special

feature

Key

to the

Past

Holly Sammons on the importance of unlocking history by Olivia Cuccaro As a general reference librarian, Holly Sammons had one main goal for the Onondaga County Public Library: “to make library collections accessible.” Now, as head of the Local History and Genealogy Department, that principle still stands. “When you start working in a department that’s really essentially an archive, which is different than popular books and books that people take home with them, one of the challenges is to have materials that people can use,” explained Holly. “And not only use, but how do people know that you have them? If someone is doing their family history or doing history on a business in Syracuse and needs to have some sort of historical information, how do they know where to find it; how do they know it exists; and how do they get access to it? That’s always been a big interest to me — opening up these collections for people.” Paired with FamilySearch.org, Holly has found a way to do just that. This past summer, the Onondaga County Public Library teamed up with the ancestry website for a project that will preserve 40,000 historic titles from the library’s collections. The materials will be made available to patrons online, free of charge. Holly said the concept of this joint initiative came about in 2012 when she attended a family history conference. “I was at a luncheon sitting with some FamilySearch people and we started talking about it. The next year, the conversation continued and they had hands-on exposure to our collection. It was very exciting for them to think about the opportunity to scan it.” For the multiyear project, FamilySearch is providing custom digital scanning equipment and trained volunteers at no cost to the library. The scanned documents will include published family histories, local and county histories, directories, locality records, school yearbooks, Bible records, personal journals published before 1920, and published cemetery records. 18

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

“The demand became so big from our patrons to have materials available online,” said Holly, “the idea of scanning just seemed the next obvious place to go. It takes a lot of expertise, it takes a lot of time and there’s a lot of cost to it. This opportunity came up with FamilySearch to collaborate, and it just worked. It was like a perfect fit for both of us.” The hope is to provide resources for anyone researching local history or genealogical roots from the region. “I think that the library and this department have a huge responsibility to the residents and to the people who trace their history back to Onondaga County to take care of the history of who we were and how we got to where we are today,” Holly stated. “That’s just so important. Whether you’re a student or a genealogist or looking to do some business research, to have access to that history is really so important.” For Holly, the impact of scanning these records extends beyond the patrons to the records themselves. “It preserves them in a way. It not only allows the item to be used, but we could choose not to take it off the shelf and handle it, but show an electronic copy of the item. It has a multifold benefit.” While it’s estimated the current project will take several years to complete, Holly is continuing to think bigger. “Down the road, I have some kind of wild ideas about opening up the project to other historical documents in Onondaga County. First, targeting the libraries that might have historical collections that could be scanned, and then maybe approaching town historians or historical societies in the county that have collections, government, maybe the county clerk’s office. I really would love it if it could become a regional scanning project and not just singular to this building. If the library can provide a venue to have that sort of community collaborative effort to help people scan and preserve the history of the county, that’s the perfect goal for us.” The Onondaga County Public Library is located at 447 S. Salina St. in Syracuse. For more information, make a visit or go to the Local History and Genealogy page of onlib.org.

513 S. Main Street (RT 11) North Syracuse, NY 315-452-0744 www.welchjewelers.com

EcoChic Boutique the look you want

for less

New Spring Items Arriving Daily. Huge selection of clothing and accessories! ok cebo se a F s on Syracu u n i Jo coChic at E 4314 East Genesee St. DeWitt, NY 13224 315.445.CHIC (2442) www.EcoChicBoutique.biz

Open Tuesday through Saturday 11-6pm, Sunday 12-5pm

words ::in her own

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

hope { hopeless} words

::in her own

Giving

to the

by Jacqueline Colello I photo by Gerard H. Gaskin

Life is like taking a painting class, whether we know it or not. We are all blessed with a blank canvas when we are born into this world. We may not all be blessed with the same set of colored paints or even the same set of brushes, but that’s what makes each life of canvas so interesting. Every person in this world can create a beautiful masterpiece to call his or her very own, yet we can still be inspired by each other’s works of art. We each have a teacher and, for me, my teacher is God. Now, whether I have always listened to instructions, showed up to class when I was supposed to or actually put in the right amount of work is a completely different story. Our life experiences, whether they are positive or negative, are all part of the creative process that will help shape our lives into the masterpieces they are supposed to be. Some people may experience more negative than positive and vice versa. I believe it’s up to us whether we want to push through the process, especially when it feels like all the colors keep blending together to create a drab brown. However, this is when patience, faith and trust come into play. Having patience while the paint dries, having faith that my masterpieces will be worth the wait and trusting that my teacher knows exactly what He’s talking about. I also need to trust that when the colors do blend together, there is a lesson that I needed to learn, which only makes me a wiser artiste, and in turn, is all part of life’s process as well. My name is Jacqueline Colello, and I have pushed through one ugly process in life. Looking back over the last 30 years of my life, the majority of it was that ugly brown color. At the young age of 14, I not only had my first drink, but had my first blackout. That night set the tone for the next 13 years of my life. I can’t tell you the numerous times I have not only lost my cell phone but my dignity in public from falling down wasted to being passed out on the side of random buildings. In my early 20s I quickly acquired the name “Drunk Jackie,” and although I laughed, there was a part of me that died every time someone called me that. I knew I deserved better, and I wasn’t raised to be some drunken barfly, but the insanity of my alcoholism skewed both my perspective on life and my ability to be honest with myself. In hindsight, I was really just trying to find God, my teacher. I just wanted my life to be a beautiful work of art, but I wasn’t patient. I had no trust and never put my faith in Him. The only thing I knew was the quick fix that the buzz of alcohol gave me. In reality, I was creating a mess instead of a masterpiece. The mess I created entailed one reckless driving, two DUIs, three totaled cars and a near-death experience. My life was starting to look absolutely insane, and everyone else could see the bigger picture but me until the night of Sept. 8, 2011, when everything changed.

After a long day of college classes, working out and a drunken night in hospitality, I fell asleep intoxicated on my way home at 3:45 a.m. driving into Tampa Bay’s crosstown. I was coming onto the on-ramp when I dosed off. My car ping-ponged seven times between two cement barriers. I should have died that night, but thankfully I walked away with only a smashed nose, broken jaw, busted eyebrow and a smile that was fixed $10,000 later. Shortly after my accident, I entered a 10-month, spiritually based drug and alcohol program called “Teen Challenge” out in California. After completion, in October 2012, I came to stay with my mom in Baldwinsville. Talk about being a fish out of water. There was no beach, no sun, no friends and only snow. I didn’t know what to do with myself, and I was also trying to live a new way of life without drinking. Thankfully, a few months later in my mother’s basement, I came across a blank canvas that she had left over from a painting class she had taken. This is when I began to tap into the artistic gift of painting that I didn’t even know I possessed. In the beginning, it was a lot of finger painting and positive sayings such as “beYOUtiful” and “life is beautiful.” I would paint until 2, 3, 4 o’clock in the morning. It was like discovering myself in a whole new way. As time went on, I started to evolve more and built up enough courage to display my art at Café at 407 in Liverpool. In May 2013, I sold my first painting with the word “beYOUtiful” painted on it, and it has become one of my signature pieces ever since. Today, I’m a full-time artist who is completely self-taught. I am also the founder of Colello Creations and sell my work internationally. My mission in life is to share with the world my story of struggle, strength and hope. I have also acquired three years of sobriety by the grace of God. I believe that my life was spared in my accident so I could share with the world how I have changed. How I discovered a hidden treasure within me that I never knew about. How I was able to push through life’s process, accept that all my struggles and setbacks were merely just stepping stones toward something more profound. Everything I have been through was all supposed to happen in order for me to create the beautiful masterpiece my life has turned into. May my life inspire, enlighten and give hope to the hopeless today and always. Artist Jacqueline Colello can be contacted for future public speaking arrangements or commissioned art by calling 315-715-5103 or emailing colellocreations@gmail.com. See her artwork in person at her upcoming show at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at The Vineyard Church, 312 Lakeside Road, Syracuse. You can also find Jacqueline’s artwork by visiting colellocreations.com; follow her on Instagram at @colellocreations; or “like” her page on Facebook at facebook.com/colellocreations.

syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

MARY T. SORRENDINO LMHC CASAC , BCPC

Mary is a licensed mental health counselor, a motivational speaker and a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor. Her specialty is treating those who suffer from mental health and dependency issues. Mary provides therapy for individuals with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, anger management issues, relationship issues and for those who have been sexually abused. Mary utilizes different modalities of treatment specifically targeting the needs of each individual. Mary also offers group counseling for individuals who have PTSD and substance abuse issues. Mary has worked in ministry at her church as a counselor; she is well versed in scripture, and is able to provide therapy for clients who seek a Christian based approach. Recently, Mary published her memoir, Misery to Ministry, sharing maryfrom a life of abuse and self-loathing to a her journey victorious life in Jesus Christ.

Woman

sup busin a bra fitting boutique

If you wish to make an appointment, contact Mary at: (315) 436-6877 or marysorrendino.com

The Shoppes at Towne Center Fayetteville, NY | 315.637.3467 www.everybodybras.com

Hard day? We’ve got you covered... $

30 Spa Facial

21+. First time clients only. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases or gift certificates. Expires 3/28/15. SWMMarch

Dr Suzanne Shapero, DMD, MBA, PC Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

“Don’t be afraid of the dentist, Dr Shapero is not only a dentist, but a good friend. Thanks to everyone there for making the trip to the dentist a painless and friendly experience.” - - Phillip E., patient

& Foot 40 Hand Salvation

Warm paraffin wax bath & soothing hand & foot massage With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 3/28/15. SWMMarch

25 Off

With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 3/28/15. SWMMarch

A Gift Certificate Purchase of $125 or More Gift Certificates Always Available

A Day Spa

6900 Highbridge Rd. • Lyndon Corners, Rt. 92. Fayetteville • 449-4036

lafleurdayspa.com

41784_5

Offer good through 3/28/15

La Fleur de Beauté

Certificate” 45 “Gift Facial

Stone 95 Hot Massage

Relieve tension & draw out toxins With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 3/28/15. SWMMarch

Facial & Massage

With coupon. Not valid on prior purchases. Expires 3/28/15. SWMMarch

635-6643 www.baldwinsvilledentist.com

Jussara Potter Photography

ATTENTION EMPLOYEES OF: • Wegmans • Anheuser-Busch • AARP • Erie Insurance • Lockheed Martin Corp. • M&T Bank • NY Power Authority • Clifton Springs • Cavalier Transportation We Accept: Delta Premier, Delta PPO, DeCare through Teamsters 1 Charlotte Street, Baldwinsville (across from the Police Station) In the old Post Office building opposite the Village Hall

n Owned

pport nesses NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTING

A woman is interrupted in as little as 12 seconds of speaking to her health care provider. Imagine a 90 minute conversation with a women’s health specialist, ALL ABOUT YOU!

www.botanic-her.com April Ward MSN,CNM

Women’s Health and Hormone Balance

315-200-2349 • 112 Dewitt St. Syracuse, NY

feature ::special

Mayorstephanie miner Five years and counting of Syracuse history

by Alyssa LaFaro I photos by Mike Okoniewski

“I’m generally not afraid to stand up for what I believe in,” Mayor Stephanie Miner told me in a recent interview. It is for this reason why the Syracuse Woman Magazine team believed Mayor Miner would have some wonderful things to share with us from her years of guiding our beautiful city. We sat down with her recently to discuss the past five years, her greatest struggles and successes, and what she strives to achieve for the remainder of her term in Syracuse. Here’s what she told us.

Syracuse Woman Magazine: How do you think you, personally, have grown and changed since becoming mayor five years ago? Mayor Miner: Well, I think that I now know a lot more about a lot of different things. I think it’s given me the ability to have an insight into people’s lives that I would not have otherwise had the privilege to see. It has given me patience. I was never a patient person, but it has taught me the value of patience. It has also made me value things more and really have perspective and priorities. SWM: Do you think you set a tone for young girls as Syracuse’s first female mayor? In fact, Syracuse has a lot of women in leadership roles. 24

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Is this coincidence, or does Syracuse embrace women who have risen to the top?

MM: You know, I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. What I

do spend a lot of time thinking about is trying to be true to who I am. I try to be a role model for telling people young and old, male and female, to be true to who you are and to stand up for the things you believe in. Good things will happen to you if you do that. I also think that if you look at the history of our community, we have always been a progressive community — whether you start at the abolition movement and move forward to, most recently, the fight for human rights and gay marriage. We are a community that has always been accepting and celebrates the inherent strengths that people bring to Syracuse. I think you see that reflected in our history, and I think having more females in leadership positions is just a reflection of that. It’s a reflection of the entire history of our community.

SWM: What has been the most difficult decision you’ve had to make as mayor, and what made it so difficult? MM: The most difficult issue I face as mayor is violence that impacts young people. When you see a young person pick up a gun at 17 or 18

and shoot another young person, you start to really think about what happened in that person’s life to make them think that was somehow an option or that was acceptable. And the frustration that I have as a leader in the community is all of the systemic breakdowns we’ve had in our society that have allowed that to happen. That’s the most difficult — dealing with all of those breakdowns along the way and having this terrible aftermath of it.

SWM: Considering that is one of the most difficult things to see as mayor, what do you feel you’ve achieved and what goals do you have in regard to crime in Syracuse? MM: We strive very hard to interrupt those patterns of violence. We

started a trauma response team to deal with trauma. Empowering people in the community to talk about it. We have received a number of grants from the U.S. Justice Department, which recognizes our innovative and progressive outreach to the youth community. And we look at the issue of violence with a holistic approach rather than an oppression crime model approach by looking at schools, families, social services, mental health services and job training. It’s looking at the whole person and trying to have different strategies in different places so that people don’t fall through the cracks. And that we have solutions for issues that, frankly, arise most often and in the most serious ways in places of severe poverty.

SWM: What has been the most rewarding part of being mayor? What accomplishments are you most proud of?

MM: The most rewarding part is it’s good work I get to do every day

— the investments we have made in Say Yes to Education; completing the Joint School Construction Board initiative phase one; getting the legislation to have an airport authority; getting the legislation to start phase two for the Joint School Construction Board; the burgeoning downtown from both the housing market and business development; the economic energy up at University Hill. There’s this sense of revitalization and belief that the city and the urban environment of the city is worth investing in and has a future. Every day when I walk into City Hall, I am reminded that this job is a privilege and I work hard every day to try to earn it to make the public’s trust in me worth it.

SWM: What are some goals you hope to achieve in the future for Syracuse? MM: Replacing the water main in connection with the CNY Naturally

Chilled Water Project as part of the Syracuse Billion project*. That would allow us to use one of our biggest assets — our water — and an infrastructure system that already exists to offer cheaper costs to cool your buildings. If you come into Syracuse, you don’t have to use electricity to power your chillers; you can use chilled water that comes straight from Skaneateles Lake. Your electricity cost goes down; we’re emitting our carbon footprint; and you’re using infrastructure that already exists to push this innovative technology. At the same time, in doing a water main replacement, we would be putting sensors on those water mains to make it more resilient for storms, to check usage, and to have the ability to be more efficient and check operation and maintenance. So, this document really says we have huge infrastructure challenges, but here is a way to take those challenges and position us to be innovative for the 21st century. Both work together because they are utilizing the same footprint. It’s a dig once philosophy. You’re digging once — you’re going to do the water mains and the additional pipes for the chilled water project, but they would be in the same footprint. *Since this interview, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has indicated he is not favorable to funding the repairs to Syracuse’s water system with state funds. However, Sen. Charles Schumer has indicated there is a strong likelihood that federal funds may be available for the project.

Mayor Miner’s

Favorite’s List

Restaurant: Alto Cinco Festival: Ukrainian Festival & Shamrock Run Festival Sports team: The Orange Outdoor activity: biking Historical fact: On April 30 — the Mayor’s birthday — George Washington delivered his First Inaugural Address and the last American helicopters left Saigon, Vietnam. Thing, in general, to do: laugh Nearby town to visit: Chippewa Bay on St. Lawrence River Local food: Café Kubal coffee Nonprofit to support: Brady Faith syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

story ::cover

Forgiveness, “It just seems like from all of this sad, tragic stuff that has happened, now it’s starting to turn around and develop into something good and positive.”

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

photo courtesy of Parker Stone II Photography

,Hope

and the future by Alyssa LaFaro I photos by Cindy Bell “It’s not easy to forgive,” admitted MaryJo Heitkamp-France. “I find that most people can’t even forgive for simple things. They carry that hurt around, and it’s such heavy stuff that it can really become debilitating.” MaryJo knows about forgiveness. In fact, she had to make one of the hardest decisions of her life eight years ago in choosing to forgive the man who took her only daughter’s life. But this story is not only about forgiveness. It is about a partnership. It is about awareness and education. It is about taking the tragic and terrible events of the past and forging ahead with the hope to make the world a better — and safer — place.

Tiffany Heitkamp (“I hope you dance”)

MaryJo’s daughter Tiffany was a happy and free spirit. And she had a heart of gold. “She loved all people. And she loved the underdog,” MaryJo told me. “If somebody was being bullied or picked on, Tiffany was right there. She was just brave that way.” Practical jokes were her game. “When she was younger, she had this fake pile of poop she’d put in the middle of walkways. She’d watch people react to it and laugh hysterically. And when she laughed, you laughed, because her laugh was so contagious.” This was just one of the many practical jokes that brought joy to her family and friends and all who knew her. She also had her own sense of style. “We learned a lot from each other in that respect,” said MaryJo.

June 23, 2006

On June 22, 2006, Tiffany, 20, headed to the Adirondacks to spend the weekend with five friends — her boyfriend Mike, Nate and his girlfriend Trisha, Sue and her boyfriend Keir — at Keir’s family cabin. That evening, they hopped in Keir’s 19-foot Four Winds speedboat boat and went to a local restaurant to listen to some music, shoot pool and grab a bite to eat. Around 12:30 a.m. — after everyone had been drinking — the crew decided it was time to head back to the cabin. Keir, who had also been drinking, felt he wasn’t as intoxicated as the others and was in the best shape to drive. They hopped in the boat and it wasn’t long before Sue,

Keir’s girlfriend, said she really had to use the bathroom. Keir, who spent lots of time in this part of the Adirondacks, thought he had his bearings and sped up. He hit the throttle and the bow rose up for just a few seconds — but when it planed he realized they were headed straight toward Alger Island, a state campground in the middle of Fourth Lake. It was too late to change course. The watercraft flew 150 feet inland. Tiffany, who was sitting in the front of the boat, was ejected immediately. She hit a lean-to, broke her neck and died instantly. Sue flew through the windshield, hit a tree and suffered severe injuries. Mike broke his collar bone, Nate experienced neck and head trauma, and Trisha sprained her ankle. The emotional injuries Keir suffered from wouldn’t come until later. With no lights or cell phone service, Nate and Trisha took off to get help. Keir turned the one working boat light on and off in an attempt to send some kind of signal that help was needed. But no one came. And Keir started to panic. He made what he would later call “the horrible decision” to leave the island and find help. He dove into the water and swam toward his family’s camp. Upon reaching shore, he was immediately greeted by police officers who took him into questioning. It wasn’t until after his arrival at the station that he learned Tiffany had passed away.

Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law

“Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law” is a NYS Senate bill that would link all prior convictions of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, whether it be an automobile (DWI), snowmobile (SWI), boat (BWI) or allterrain vehicle, together during sentencing of a subsequent driving while intoxicated conviction. For example, a person convicted of BWI would have that charge considered during sentencing for any subsequent DWI, SWI or ATV offense.

story ::cover Prior to the accident, Keir had two other drunken driving convictions. These convictions weren’t, however, considered in his sentencing because — under current New York State law — he received them while driving a car, not a boat. Therefore, he was only sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter. He served three-and-a-half years, released early for good behavior. Shortly after Tiffany’s accident, Sen. John DeFrancisco reached out to MaryJo and explained his efforts to pass the legislation. “He thought if we attached a name and a face to it, it would go farther, quicker,” said MaryJo. And so it became known as Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law. Each year, the New York State Senate has passed the bill. It stalls, however, once it reaches the State Assembly. “It shouldn’t matter what type of motorized vehicle you are driving while intoxicated to have the second alcohol driving offense make you a repeat offender, and subject you to more punishment,” explained Sen. DeFrancisco. “It’s very frustrating to pass a bill year after year that would address this problem, and have the Assembly not even vote on it.”

An unexpected partnership

The first and last time MaryJo saw Keir Weimer was Nov. 23, 2007 — the day of his sentencing. And although MaryJo had forgiven Keir at that point and time, Keir wouldn’t actually forgive himself until much later. “I don’t think I forgave myself until almost two years after the accident,” he told me in a recent interview. “I didn’t forgive myself. I didn’t forgive my addiction. I didn’t address it properly until after one year in prison. I went through a six-month, really intensive rehab program. I had to be honest with myself, look at the facts and see my life removed for a bit. I had to slowly realize I am an alcoholic and can’t ever drink again if I expect to live a good, purposeful life.”

It wasn’t until he finished rehab that he admitted to himself he had an alcohol problem and created a plan to heal — “and to realize I couldn’t blame the addiction to alcohol. I had to take responsibility for what happened. Then I began to slowly forgive myself for what happened.” During his time in prison, Keir wrote MaryJo a handful of letters expressing his regret and apology for what he did to Tiffany, sharing his gratefulness for MaryJo’s forgiveness. He remained hopeful that one day the two would meet again, under different circumstances. MaryJo, on the other hand, just wanted to forget. Even though she had publicly announced she’d forgiven Keir, she tried to put him out of her mind. She only received the first letter he’d ever written her — the others lost to the justice system ether — and was quick to put it back in its envelope and into the depths of her desk, where she didn’t have to think about it. It wasn’t until this this past August, almost eight years since the accident, when MaryJo and her husband Ron received a text from friends saying Keir was on the news. “I was in Nantucket on vacation with Ronnie when one of our friends texted him and said, ‘Did you see Keir on the news? He’s doing this public speaking.’ We didn’t know anything about what he’d been up to. I had not spoken to him since that day he went to jail. “I had been thinking about it,” she went on to further admit. “I knew Keir was out of jail. I even said at one point, ‘I wonder if he’d be interested in working together. I should reach out to him some time.’ I said it matter-offactly. This was maybe June or July. So in August, when that text came to Ronnie, I looked him up on Google. His bio came up, and I was impressed. So I decided to write him an email. He responded immediately with this long, lengthy email about how sorry and humbled he was; how he’d hoped someday I would reach out; how he’d wanted to but didn’t think it would be a good idea. We’ve been communicating, really, ever since.”

::cover

story

Keir told MaryJo about his new life. Not only is he the president of his own real estate and investment holding firm, but he regularly speaks — free of charge — at local prisons and high schools, sharing the events of that awful night with the hopes to educate people on the importance of not getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. He also wrote a book, “A Quest for Redemption: Stories from Prison,” all the proceeds of which he donates to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Make a Wish Foundation, in Tiffany’s name.

Forging forward for a better future

Before parting ways, he gave MaryJo a copy of his book.

Outside of generating attention for Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law, MaryJo and Keir have also discussed the possibility of partnering at speaking engagements to share both sides of the story. A “Stop DWI” assembly in early May will be their first official opportunity to do so.

“After lunch, I had to go to a Fair Housing and Diversity Committee meeting as part of the GSAR (Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors). So I arrived early and I had this book. I’m flipping through the pages, and I see this dedication to Tiffany: For Tiffany, forever. Tears started streaming down my face, and I lost it. Then, two women on the committee walked in, and I had to explain myself. I told them about Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law and that Keir and I had formed a partnership with the hope to get it passed.” The women of the GSAR were moved, and today, the group acts as a Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law task force, striving to capture the attention of local politicians to get the law passed. “It just seems like from all of this sad, tragic stuff that has happened, now it’s starting to turn around and develop into something good and positive,” explained MaryJo. “I’m surrounded by these great people who are willing to have my back, push me along and be my strength — and I also have my wind beneath my wings.”

{

Since this terrible tragedy, MaryJo has also made big changes in her life, knowing that her future is not going to be what she had hoped it was going to be. “I’ve since retired from a 30-year career as a hair stylist, received my real estate license, and now, am working as a buyer agent on the Chip Hodgkins team at Hunt Real Estate. I am finding joy in helping buyers find new homes and the freedom this career has given me to pursue these other very important things I am embarking on.”

“I’m glad Keir is turning his life around and doing great things and giving back to our community,” admitted MaryJo. “However, as much as it makes me happy, it is equally as difficult for me to do this with him and live with my loss, knowing Tiffany and I won’t have all the things he and his family have in the future.” I asked MaryJo what Tiffany would say to her if she could see her now. She responded: “I’d like to think she would say, ‘My mom is brave, and I am proud.’ Maybe this is her bravery channeling because this is a pretty courageous thing to do. She lived her life to the fullest. She had no regrets. And maybe she’d be proud that I’m keeping her spirit alive, partnering up with Keir and embarking on these new things we’re going to be doing. If I’d like her to have any thought or feeling that would be it — proud.”

“Tiffany was my chick flick chick. We would watch them together, sometimes the same one repeatedly. The last one we watched together was ‘In Her Shoes.’ In the movie, there is an E.E. Cummings poem that is read. I love the poem and was going to read it to Tiffany at her wedding. Each year on the anniversary of her birthday, I put that poem in the paper in the obit section.” This one’s for you, Tiffany.

i carry your heart by E.E. Cummings i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud And the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

}

Presents

March 19-22, 2015 At the NYS Fairgrounds

Welcome in Spring! Two huge buildings, hundreds of exhibitors, and advice and assistance from THE PROs! Whether you’re building, remodeling, landscaping or redecorating you’ll find fresh ideas to add comfort, beauty, energy efficiency and lasting value to your home inside and out!

For show times and details visit HBRcny.com Home Builders & Remodelers of Central New York

HOME OF THE PROs

S yracuse Fashion Week Join us as we showcase the fashions and styles of CNY.

Proceeds to benefit the Food Bank of CNY For more information, visit syracusefashionweek.net. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

April 8-12 5 nights, 5 shows More Fashions

cause ::for a good

Pajamas

Poignant by Olivia Cuccaro

A day in pajamas? Sounds like a dream come true. But what if you had to wear them every day? This year will mark the second annual Paige’s Pajamarama, a new spin on casual Friday, when “you get to wear ‘em in honor of kids who have to.”

“I’d been thinking about a pajama day for a few years,” said Ellen Yeomans, founder of Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. “Kids who have cancer spend a lot more time in their pajamas than they would like to. For a lot of kids, the idea of wearing pajamas is such a good thing, but imagine a time of having to wear your pajamas day after day, and not being well enough to get dressed and go somewhere.” Paige Yeomans Arnold was a first grader at Palmer Elementary School in Baldwinsville when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Paige received treatment at what is now Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, and eventually at Children’s Hospital in Boston, where she passed away. Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. was formed in 1999 as a not-for-profit corporation focused on raising money toward the battle against pediatric cancer. The symbol of the butterfly was chosen because Paige cared for them, and because “they typified her: beautiful and gentle, yet strong beyond imagining.” Since 1997, the organization has hosted the annual Paige’s Butterfly Run event, with all proceeds funding pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The event has gained widespread awareness and participation, but Ellen felt they could do more. “A lot of our schools that do fundraising or have a child who is newly diagnosed are a little bit farther away from Syracuse,” she said. “To send walkers or runners on Paige’s Run day is probably not going to happen because of where they are. A lot of the time the school wants to do something 32

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

in honor of their student, do something good with a lot of their sadness that a child among them has cancer. Paige’s Pajamarama is a way for them to focus and do something really nice in honor of their own student.” On April 17, schools, businesses and social groups can don pajamas and donate. The money raised from the Pajamarama will go to the Paige’s Run Fund, supporting research and helping families with major financial needs during the time of treatment, as well as kids who are off treatment but dealing with the after-effects. Additionally, donations will contribute to the Paige’s Fun Fund, organizing celebrations and activities, “all sorts of fun things to do to lighten life a little for patients and their families.” The debut Pajamarama raised $5,000, and this year Ellen said she hopes to double that. To wear pajamas for the day, suggested donations are $1 per student and $5 for teachers and staff, but Ellen emphasized that it’s the thought that counts. “When it comes to schools, some know that their students bringing in a quarter might be the exact right amount. They’re participating and they’re a part of it. If a quarter is perfect for them, then that’s perfect for us.” Those unable to participate on the set date can still get involved. “They can run it almost any way they like,” Ellen explained. “We want people to have fun with it. If they think of a way to do a Pajamarama that fits their work culture and makes sense for them, we want them to do it. If there’s a day that they think about our kids with cancer, that’s beautiful. “The fact is one in four elementary schools has a child with cancer. The average high school has two kids who are either current or survivor patients. We’re hoping this adds a little bit of awareness; this idea that there are kids who are in their pajamas more often than they’d like. It’s not a complicated concept.” To get involved, contact Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. at pajamarama@pbrun.org to sign up and/or for more information.

IS YOUR MEDICINE CABINET SAFE? The majority of teens are getting

Is Your Medicine Cabinet Safe? them from the medicine cabinets of family friendsreport abusing 1 inand 5 teen

prescription drugs

1 in 5 teen report abusing prescription drugs

The majority of teens are getting them from Talk with your kidsmedicine cabinets of family about the safe use and friends! and risk of Talk with your prescription drugskids about the safe use and medicines. drugs and OTC medicines. riskand of OTC prescription

For Fortalking talkingtips tips

471-1359 471-1359 preventionnetworkcny.org preventionnetworkcny.org

Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program

like us on facebook

FAYETTEVILLE 6903 E. Genesee St

214-3927

DrGsCNY.com

214-3927 NEW HARTFORD

New Hartford Shopping Center

735-2DRG (2374)

DrGsCNY.com

feature ::special

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Preserving

The George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation by Farah F. Jadran I photo By Gerard H. Gaskin

At 930 James St. in Syracuse stands more than 160 years of history — irreplaceable history that has been preserved by its community. The George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation was formed to preserve the mansion (still located at 930 James St.) and to educate the community on the history of the Barnes and Hiscock families. “Every community has a favorite son [or] daughter who personifies the values and takes a stand against injustice,” said Karen Howe. “In Syracuse, George Barnes was the quintessential example of a man who embodied valor and heroism without seeking praise or notoriety.” Karen currently serves as the chair of the foundation’s Grant Administration Committee, but she has been with the organization from the beginning. As a founding member, Karen worked with the founder, Arlene Stewart, and the original committee. The charter was granted in 2004 and Karen assumed the role of president of the board of directors in 2006 and held that position until Dec. 31, 2013. In 2014, she served as secretary on the executive committee and now remains on the board of directors. What was it about the George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation that sparked Karen’s interest? “I became concerned about the future of the house and the lack of awareness in the community about the original owners and the history that was made there,” Karen said. “When the opportunity presented itself to work with other like-minded people to start a foundation to preserve the physical property and the history of the Barnes Family, I jumped at the chance.” There are numerous aspects about the foundation and the mansion that Karen wants the community to know about. “The house is recognized as a stop on the Underground Railroad. In the mid-19th century, Syracuse was the grand depot of the Underground Railroad,” Karen said. “Until the Federal Fugitive Slave Law was passed, men and women of color lived freely in Syracuse, had businesses and were part of the community.” The Barnes Hiscock Mansion earned National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom designation from the National Park Service in 2010. This is the gold standard for museums, programs and resources related to the interpretation and promotion of the Underground Railroad. Karen says that George and Rebecca Barnes put themselves in great danger to support the abolitionist movement. “George Barnes not only participated in the Jerry Rescue in 1851; he was present when the Federal court moved the hearings to Auburn and personally put up more than $4,000 in bail money for several who were indicted, including a former slave.” Rebecca Barnes gave her support and worked behind the scenes to promote freedom, according to Karen. “She knew that harboring escaped slaves and helping them reach freedom carried great consequences for herself as well as her family. Rebecca demonstrated great courage and commitment to her values and those shared with her husband.” Karen described Rebecca Barnes as an “enigma” for a few reasons. “While

feature

::special

Irreplacable Syracuse

History

we know, and can read about Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and other notable women in the early Women’s Rights Movement, Rebecca, much like her husband, George, worked quietly behind the scenes, making history without claiming any publicity for themselves.” In addition, the foundation only possesses two photos from Rebecca’s life. One is the wedding photo with George and the Rev. Samuel May, who presided at their nuptials, and the other is a family photo taken on the grounds when she was captured with a group of family members. “We know she participated in the activities at the house and that she and George shared the same values,” Karen said. “Elizabeth Cady Stanton, along with her husband, Henry, visited the Barnes — as well as, Gerritt Smith, Rev. Samuel May, and many others involved in the advancement of freedom for all sectors of society.”

History’s Future

The Foundation just received a $300,000 grant award from the state to repair the roof, but not just the roof. Karen says the entire top of the structure requires extensive restoration including the chimneys, roof, cornices, access hatch and the possible addition of missing architectural details like balustrades and a skylight. “We see this grant, along with a Federal National Parks System Underground Railroad Network to Freedom grant, as giving us the credibility to move forward as a local historic site in Syracuse,” Karen shared. “It is our intention to have the house open for tours and to be a venue for community activities, as well as a place for students of history, architecture and social justice to visit.” Until August, last year, the foundation was run entirely by volunteers — “a daunting task,” according to Karen. “We are pleased to announce that we were able to bring on an executive director, Kristin Earle, to take over much of the day-to-day activities,” Karen said. “Through Kristin’s efforts the house has been open for more holiday events and special activities to benefit the Central New York area, our Facebook page has been made more relevant and our membership is starting to grow.” The foundation has a website, a Facebook page, email blasts and a semiannual newsletter — collective efforts that connect the foundation to the community it calls home. “We still need the engagement of the community as volunteers and participants,” Karen said. “We invite the Syracuse community to embrace its history and support our efforts to preserve this history by becoming members, volunteering or visiting this home that is ‘irreplaceable history since 1853.’” Visit grbarnes.org for more information about the George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation, or visit facebook.com/GRBarnesSyr. Farah F. Jadran is the former editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine — you can find her on Twitter at @FarahJadran to follow her community involvement.

syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

arts ::queen of

BRINGING’on the by Ashley M. Casey I photos courtesy of Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook

Music has always been a family affair for Ava Andrews. The lively, raspyvoiced chanteuse grew up singing in the choir of her father’s church. Her sister, Marcia Hagan, is a singer and playwright. Most notably, Ava has been the front woman — and the only woman — in R&B/funk outfit Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook for 32 years. “It feels like having four brothers,” Ava said of her band mates. In 1983, Ava auditioned for Hanlon over the phone, singing Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.” Hanlon was sold. After a year of rehearsals, Cookbook made its debut at the Syracuse Jazz Fest at the Suburban Park dance club. Three decades later, Ava is still a mainstay in the band’s current five-piece lineup, which has been in place for about 10 years. “Dave and I laugh now,” Ava said. “I say, ‘Some people don’t even stay married that long.’” While most of Cookbook’s performances are at local clubs and restaurants, Ava said she loves performing at weddings as well. “People are there for one purpose: to celebrate that love,” she explained, adding that when she sees someone whose wedding Cookbook performed at, she asks, “Are you still together? Was my work in vain?” Ava got her start in the church choir circuit, touring the East Coast with a group of teenage gospel singers. She said she inherited her pastor father’s voice. “He kind of had that Nat King Cole husky thing going on,” she recalled. “I thought, How come I can’t be a soprano? It wasn’t meant to be.” Fortunately, Ava has embraced her unique contralto voice since then. She cites Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder as her influences, but she pooh-poohs comparisons to other singers. “People always got a way to put you in a pocket and say, ‘You sound like so-andso,’” she told me. 36 march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

funk

She’s never shied away from the stage. Her job as a National Grid customer service representative (she’s now retired) and her work with Cookbook let her interact with people easily and confidently. She says meeting new people is “like a treasure” to her. “It just seems second nature to perform,” she added. “Music has always been the sustaining thread through my whole life.” While music has been her lifelong passion, Ava said she realized early on that she didn’t want to pursue stardom. She tried her hand at the New York City music scene and found that she didn’t want to live out of a suitcase between late-night gigs. “Everything that glitters is not gold,” she said, noting that some of her favorite performers’ lives ended in tragedy: Whitney Houston struggled with substance abuse before her 2012 death, and Donny Hathaway suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and depression. “I figured out right then this is not the life for me,” she said. Ava is happy to stick with the Syracuse music scene, which, according to her, is small but full of hidden gems. “There are so many talented people here,” she shared. “I just feel blessed that I’ve been part of this journey.” She hopes to continue performing for a long time to come, noting that “music brings youth.” As for her own musical legacy, Ava said that someday she wants people to remember her as someone who loved what she did. “I want them to remember that whenever they saw me perform, I gave it everything I had, whether there were two people in the room or a thousand.” For more information on Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook or to find out dates for upcoming shows, visit davehanlonscookbook.com or like the band on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/Dave-Hanlons-Cookbook/87424275217.

BEST in Care! BEST in Technology!

Welcome To Our State-of-the-Art Facility CEREC Technology

Cerec Is Used In Producing Our Fillings, Crowns And Veneers. It requires only ONE appointment and produces a quality, long lasting, metal-free and best of all the most cost effective restoration available today.

DIGITAL X-RAYS DENTAL IMPLANTS

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

6 MONTH ORTHODONTICS

Six Month Smiles Uses Clear Unique Ceramic Braces For Adults Giving You A Beautiful Smile In 6 Months.

Your Choice for Beautiful Healthy Teeth! Dr. Shafey Sayed, DDS

315-699-3305

8382 Elta Drive Cicero, NY • www.cicerofamilydentist.com

Let’s Talk!

Mary Ann Pierce, CLU

Take the first step & make an appointment.

It just gets easier from there. • We have an experienced team of financial professionals. • We help our clients strive to reach their financial goals. • We offer a complete range of services including retirement planning, investments, financial strategies & insurance.

315.446.5797 • www.susanbudrakey.com Securities and investment advice offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Susan Budrakey & Associates and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.

sense ::dollars &

Why

you should plan for retirement

by Colette Powers

TODAY

First, let’s gain some perspective. A little more than 20 years ago, the average price of a new home was just $150,000 1 and tuition, with room and board at a four-year private university, cost a mere $13,0002. Gas was a little more than a dollar a gallon3; the average new car cost just under $16,0004. But by 2010, a new home averaged $240,0001 and an undergraduate degree $32,0002, while gas prices and the price of the average new car had just about doubled. What will prices look like 20 years from now? That’s where financial planning comes in. We can’t predict the future, but developing a financial plan now to help prepare for retirement is a good first step — one that can also help ensure you stay on track toward your goals. Your retirement will probably look very little like your parents’. It used to be that when folks turned 65, they got a gold watch, a party and started a life of leisure. Today, retirement is looking more like a continuation of work in some form, and current trends make planning ahead more important than ever. People are living longer, which increases retirement costs, and need to start saving earlier. The traditional sources of retirement income such as social security or the equity in your house may no longer be sufficient. More and more individuals are realizing they have to bear primary responsibility for meeting their retirement needs by saving. And we’ve all seen the potential impact of volatile markets on retirement assets (2008), further highlighting the need for a financial plan to help ensure you do not outlive your money. What this all comes down to is that it’s not enough to merely talk about growing portfolio assets. Preparing for the future requires a plan that takes into account far more than investment growth. It means getting advice on every aspect of your financial life. A financial plan is based on each individual’s circumstances, but generally should include the following.

could have a significant impact on your ability to meet your financial goals — particularly retirement. 4. Borrowing wisely. The word “debt” has a negative connotation, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It comes down to borrowing wisely and a financial plan can help ensure that your borrowing decisions work in concert with other decisions. 5. Protecting assets. If you and your loved ones are not adequately protected with life, long-term care, disability and other important insurance coverage, unexpected circumstances could potentially lead to a financial catastrophe. 6. Giving. Establishing an estate plan is an essential element of a financial plan. What’s more, people who have a plan tend to feel more confident. UBS surveyed individual investors and the results showed that those who consistently follow a financial plan felt significantly better about their financial situation; 73 percent felt very good compared to 31 percent for those who don’t follow a plan; and 68 percent felt highly confident about achieving their financial goals versus 21 percent for those who don’t follow a plan5.

How good do you feel about your financial future? Colette Powers is a Financial Advisor with UBS Financial Services Inc., 440 S. Warren St., Syracuse, NY 13202. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment, tax or legal advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The information provided may be deemed reliable; however, the accuracy and completeness is not guaranteed by UBS Financial Services Inc. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC.

1. Discovering needs, goals and resources. Every good plan starts with a conversation to discover your needs, wants, wishes and what is important to you.

Sources: 1 United States Census Bureau 2

U.S Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2012). Digest of Education Statistics, 2011

2. Managing cash flow. Cash is king. Until you get a handle on income and expenses, you can’t determine how to save and how much to save for the future.

U.S. Department of Energy – eia.doe.gov National Automobile Dealers Association – www.nada.org (average retail selling price)

3. Investing and saving. Following a consistent saving and investing plan

4 5

UBS, Investor Watch, January 2013.

FEATURING

Pelvic Floor “Jeopardy”

Tues., March 24, 2015 6-8 PM (DOORS OPEN 5:30) Upstate University Hospital Community Campus 4900 Broad Road, Syracuse Free parking in outdoor lots

In this session modeled on the game show, follow along to learn about the issues women experience related to their pelvic region. Also featured in our opening session: Pelvic Health 101.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS Do You Leak When You Laugh?

Urinary incontinence is common, yet hidden. Learn practical steps to improve this condition and how to identify when to follow up with your doctor.

Techniques You Can Use to Strengthen and Tone Your Pelvic Core

Learn from experts at a fun and candid ladies’ night out. Refreshments will be served.

Life events (including childbirth and middle age) can change pelvic tone. Under guidance by our experts, learn how to improve tone and prevent decline.

Brought to you by:

Explore the myths and facts about women’s sexuality and how can you identify and improve common concerns.

Ladies’ Confidential: Sexual Health At Every Stage

Visit With the Experts Our experts will provide the latest news on what encompasses pelvic health: bladder health, sexual health and bowel health.

Pappas, Cox, Kimpel, Dodd & Levine, P.C.

Woman to woman... There is no substitute...

...for experience, knowledge trust.Clients Serving Both You and and Your

Providing quality and personalized legal representation for all your real estate and business needs. Contact me today for all your small business and personal needs in these areas: Appeals • Bankruptcy • Business Law • Corporations • Partnerships Criminal Law • Family Law • Insurance Issues • Litigation • Matrimonial Personal Injury • Social Security • Traffic/DWI Wills & Estates • Workers Compensation Proudly

supportin

g passage

THE TIFFA NY HEITKAM P LAW

Edwina Schleider

Pappas, Cox, Kimpel, Dodd & Levine, P.C. 614 James Street Syracuse, New York 13203 Phone: (315) 472-4481 • Fax (315) 671-1785 www.pappascoxlaw.com

Edwina C. Schleider, Of Counsel eschleider@pappascoxlaw.com

Inspire

syracuse women

Rebecca Thompson Animal Cruelty Investigator

by Amari D. Pollard I photo by Jussara Potter

“I always wanted to do something more for the animals, I just wasn’t sure what I could do,” said Rebecca Thompson, the firstever animal cruelty investigator at the Syracuse Police Department. When it comes to a career, everyone dreams of the same thing … in a way. They dream of making a living by doing something they love. And every day Rebecca gets the chance to live out that dream. From a young age, Rebecca was drawn to animals, always reaching behind the fence to pet the caged animal at a festival — even when she knew the tiger was not meant to be touched. “I just loved all animals and have always felt a connection with them. I found it so amazing they could interact with people and show such loyalty,” she told me.

Along with being an avid animal-lover, Rebecca had also been interested in law enforcement and the court system. Just like she had been interested in animal behavior, in college she developed a fascination with human behavior and interaction, and what can lead a person to becoming a violent criminal. After graduation, Rebecca worked with juvenile delinquents and children locked in long-term psychiatric centers — and that’s when she decided she wanted to be a police officer. She wanted the opportunity to have a job where she could work with people and experience something new every day. It wasn’t exactly clear how Rebecca would be able to combine her two loves, but when she became a part of the Syracuse Police Department, she made sure to check on the animals during her calls. At first, the amount of animal cruelty that occurred within Syracuse shocked her, especially since Rebecca grew up in a household where the dogs were extremely loved and treated like family — she wasn’t aware that animals were mistreated or abused. But Rebecca said it was hard to make animal cruelty arrests back then because it was not a common area that the department was familiar with. But things are different now because the Syracuse Police Department made a necessary change, she explained. Now there is an animal cruelty investigator to keep animals safe and to make sure that there is someone to give them a much-needed voice. “With nobody following up on these cases they just got lost in the shuffle — some of these being misdemeanors and felonies. The offenders of these crimes were getting away with it,” said Rebecca. “And since they were getting away with it and had no consequences, they were more than likely going to continue such behavior.” Like a lot of people, Rebecca loves what she does, but she admits there are aspects of her job that are very hard to deal with, aspects that she has lost sleep over. For her, the hardest part definitely has to be seeing all the endless barbaric conditions that some animals have to endure. Rebecca said she has seen it awaken emotion within some of the most seasoned police officers. However, a moment of pain watching those tormented animals is completely worth getting the chance to see them healthy and happy (continued on page 44)

syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

inspire

“To present for an audience and stand there in my truth without guilt or shame is incredibly empowering.”

::sw

Jennifer Nadler Sexual Abuse Activist

by Kailyn Jennings I photo by Jussara Potter

While being sexually abused by a male family member at ages 12 and 13, Jennifer Nadler carried on as if nothing were happening. She got good grades and joined several clubs and sports teams. No one saw her struggle. “I was not able to face what was happening,” she said. “I pushed it out of my mind and wouldn’t let myself think about it. It wasn’t a choice. It was a coping mechanism.” The abuse ended after two years when Jennifer moved. “Once I realized my life was falling apart, as a young adult, I received treatment at an inpatient mental health facility,” Jennifer explained. “I saw a psychologist. I went to a peer counselor. I attended group therapy sessions, and I saw a psychiatrist. Each one of these pieces was essential to my healing. I found creative outlets to also be instrumental to my healing. I wrote poetry and did various forms of art therapy.” Jennifer found difficulty during recovery, though. “I could logically understand what my therapists would tell me, but there was a huge disconnect for me between logic and feelings,” she said. “I still felt like it was my fault — that I had caused the abuse.” Jennifer’s original goal was to heal from the abuse. “But once I felt like I was in a good place,” she said, “my goal shifted. I wanted to stand out, speak up and share my experience with others who might be struggling the way I had been.” Roughly a year and a half ago, Jennifer began working on a presentation. “Suddenly, I found myself creating this very personal PowerPoint about my life,” she said. “I wasn’t sure why I was creating it, but it just kept pouring out of me. There were many times that I felt like I was in the passenger’s seat.” Her presentation is a multi-media experience where she speaks of her childhood sexual abuse, its effects and her arduous path to recovery. “I want survivors to know three things,” she said. “The abuse was never your fault. You are not alone. And healing is possible. “It’s incredible and humbling to know that something I shared may have helped plant a seed or create a shift for another person’s healing,” she said. “The most rewarding part of presenting is not what people have said about me; it’s what they’ve said about themselves, the truths they have admitted to me, some speaking for the first time.” While watching Jennifer’s presentation, her colleague overheard a young woman say, “Today is the first day of my healing.” “It doesn’t get more rewarding than that,” Jennifer said. “I’m also still surprised by the liberation I feel after each presentation. To present for an audience and stand there in my truth without guilt or shame is incredibly empowering.”

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Jennifer’s story and guidance do not end at presentations. She is in the process of writing a book to chronicle her journey, and Vera House, a domestic and sexual violence service agency, recently elected her to its board of directors. “It is an exciting time to be on the board at Vera (continued on page 44)

::sw

“No one needs to feel alone in their struggles with ill family members.”

inspire

Karen Winters Schwartz Author & President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Syracuse

by Samantha McCarthy I photo by Chris Szulwach

Karen Winters Schwartz never aspired to be an author or an advocate — or even a mother for that matter. She aspired to be a research scientist. But when the reality of that aspiration proved to be too isolating, she decided to use her scientific background and studied to become an optometrist. She married, moved to Central New York with her husband, purchased a private optometric practice, and discovered the joy of raising two daughters. Inspired by a dream, somewhere in the middle of her mid-life crisis, she began to write. And write she did. It wasn’t until the completion of her third novel, “Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?: A Family’s Journey Through Bipolar Disorder” that her work was accepted and published by Goodman Beck Publishing in 2010. “Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?” is at its core her personal family story, and this experience, for good or bad, is what led her to where she is today. Karen is now a sought-after national speaker and the president of the Syracuse affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI Syracuse is one of more than 1,000 local affiliates throughout the country that supports and advocates for families and friends of people with psychiatric diagnoses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other severe mental illnesses that affect the brain. In spite of her strong science and medical background, Karen was completely blindsided when mental illness hit her family. Thanks to the support she found in NAMI, Karen went from feeling alone and desperate, to educated and empowered. “No one needs to feel alone in their struggles with ill family members,” she said. By taking NAMI Syracuse-endorsed 12-week “Family Support & Education” classes run by Sheila LeGacy, she learned that one in four adults — approximately 61.5 million Americans — experiences mental illness in a given year, and that 20 percent of children experience severe mental disorders. That translates to one out of four families having a first-degree relative who is ill. “We just don’t know about it because people are afraid to share their struggles,” she explained. And this, Karen believes, is due to stigma. Decreasing stigma is the key to better treatment and to recovery. Combining her love of writing and her passion to advocate, Karen now has three published novels that seek to humanize individuals with mental illness. She likes to think of her books as a trilogy. “Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?” (2010) looks at the effects of mental illness on a family. “Reis’s Pieces: Love, Loss, and Schizophrenia” (2012) stresses the effects of mental illness on the individual. Her most recent novel, “The Chocolate Debacle” (2014) — a cozy whodunit set in Skaneateles — takes on the societal effects of mental illness. “Serious mental illness is neuro-biologically based,” she explained. “Sometimes even doctors forget this. But understanding it can be very complicated when the symptoms are so enmeshed with an individual’s personality.” Entering her second year as NAMI Syracuse president, Karen and her board members are taking on some major challenges here in CNY. (continued on page 44)

syracuseWomanMag.com :: march 2015

Rebecca Thompson

Jennifer Nadler

Karen Winters Schwartz

with a family that loves and appreciates them. “To know that the animal will never know what it is like to starve or be beaten again means the world to me. It makes all the hard work worth it,” said Rebecca.

House, as they begin ‘The Hope Campaign,’ an initiative that seeks to ensure the long-term stability of Vera House’s vital programs by raising $5 million by our 40th anniversary.” She will also sit on Vera’s programming committee. “I hope to offer an insider’s perspective to the organization, as well as voice to those who are unable to speak yet for themselves,” she explained. Vera House presented her with an Award of Appreciation, as well.

One of the most challenging issues is the lack of beds in Upstate’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. There are currently no beds for children with mental illness at Upstate. Often, children who are unable to get into Hutchings due to insurance restraints are sent hours away from their families for inpatient care. NAMI Syracuse has enlisted the help of Assemblyman William Magnarelli, Senator John DeFrancisco, Congressman John Katko and the Office of Mental Health to help change this.

Vera House not only focuses on education but on prevention, too. “They believe, as do I, that we also need to be looking at ways to be proactive and stop these crimes before they happen,” she explained.

“The large number of mentally ill individuals who are being housed in the Onondaga County Justice Center is another problem NAMI Syracuse is working with John Katko to address,” she explained. “Our justice centers should not be our main treatment facilities.” This can be changed with better education, early treatment and diversion from prison into proper medical care.

By implementing the first animal cruelty investigator into their division, the Syracuse Police Department is exploring uncharted waters, and so far it’s been a success. The court system has recognized that animal cruelty is a problem throughout Syracuse, among many other cities, and has arranged for all animal cruelty cases to be handled by one judge. “This is making history in Syracuse because never before have we had such a strong support system to prosecute these animal abusers,” she explained. “It starts with the police, then the court system, and ends with the animal advocates. We still have a long way to go, but I think we have accomplished a lot in such a short period of time.” To Rebecca, the greatest part about this new addition to the Syracuse Police Department — besides saving the animals — is the fact that it is bringing light to such a prevalent issue. “I was surprised by the animal cruelty that occurs within Syracuse,” said Rebecca. “But the problem exists everywhere, not just Syracuse. It just so happens that we are taking a stand against animal cruelty and putting a spotlight on it. We can only hope that other cities and small towns follow our lead.” To report animal cruelty in your neighborhood, contact the Syracuse Police Department’s animal cruelty investigation team by calling 315-442-5336.

(cont)

Jennifer has two messages of her own to share with the community. The first is to know that current statistics regarding the rate of childhood sexual abuse is higher than we think — although statistics report one in 10 children will be sexually abused by the time they are 18, that number only reflects reported cases. “Secondly,” she continued, “the majority of the time, children are abused by someone they know and even trust. Do we need to have conversations with our children about the dangers of strangers? Absolutely. But we also need to have real conversations with our children about what is appropriate and what is not appropriate, regardless of who is involved.” For more information and presentation dates, visit thevoiceofasurivor.wix.com/Jennifer or follow her on Twitter @notasilentvoice.

ws! e r d n A a v A ns

Congratulatio

You have be en

our Queen since 1983 WE LOVE YOU.

Dave Hanlon’s

Cookbook 44

www.davehanlonscookbook.com • 315-243-8550

march 2015 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

(cont)

With a lot of frustration and hard work, NAMI Syracuse has brought the curriculum “Breaking the Silence” into 31 area schools. “With this program we’ve managed to teach 1,000 to 1,500 students about mental illness in CNY,” said Karen. NAMI Syracuse will continue their efforts until every school in the area has adopted some sort of mental illness educational curriculum. “Society needs to step up to the plate and demand change.” But this change can only take place if society is made aware of how dire and how common these illnesses are, and how deeply mental illness affects society. For more information about Karen and her books, visit her website karenwintersschwartz.com. Photo taken at Downtown Books & Coffee in

41399_5

::sw

inspire

(cont)

The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS®

The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® 5958 East Taft Road North Syracuse, New York 13212

cnyREALTOR.com

42443_5

Fully supports the efforts of the New York State Assembly and Senate to pass the ‘Tiffany Heitkamp Law’

feature ::speical

BREA the Si Behind the protests at Syracuse University by Brittany Sperino Horsford I photos courtesy of THE General Body

In May 2014, the Syracuse University administration passed policies calling for the shutdown of the Advocacy Center, which provides support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and defunding the POSSE program, which provided scholarships to promising individuals in inner cities. Five months later, a group of students who felt these and other policy changes were unjust, gathered in Crouse-Hinds Hall for a sit-in reminiscent of the college sit-ins two generations before. THE General Body was born. On Jan. 22, 2014, President Barack Obama signed the Presidential Memorandum establishing a White House Task Force to help protect students from sexual assault. The first report by the task force estimated one in five women would become a victim of sexual violence during their college career. The report also emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and support services to survivors of such acts. In that context, many SU students felt ridding the campus of an advocacy center for these victims was out of touch and ignorant to the safety of its diverse student body. Protestors formed THE General Body, an entity that continues to protest the SU Administration. THE General Body organized an 18-day sit-in, drafted a 45-page document of grievances and demands, and continues to strive to affect changes on campus. Danielle S. Reed, a Syracuse University student, was one of the organizers of what would become THE General Body. Danielle serves as editor-in-chief of “The Black Voice” and is an e-board member for the NAACP. “Prior to THE General Body’s creation, there were already lots of protests and rallies going on around campus for different topics and issues,” explained Danielle. “What we tried to figure out is how we could channel this energy and activism into one large student coalition.” Danielle and other student organizers had their work cut out for them. “We conducted two student leader meetings prior to the sit-in,” she continued. “We invited student leaders of almost every organization to attend.” In October 2014, 30 students met to plan the first THE General Body meeting. The organizers pushed ahead with the plan to conduct a sit-in. “We decided on a sit-in because, in the month leading up to it, there were hundreds of students, faculty and staff who saw a lot of red flags,” said Danielle. “A lot of closed door decisions were made that ended up hindering students rather than helping them.” “There were so many reasons for protesting, but to sum it up, student voices have become very undervalued,” added Farrell Greenwald Brenner, an SU student and member of THE General Body. “This was an opportunity to regain some of the agency that was taken from the most silenced voices of the university — whether that meant sexual assault victims; students with mental health issues who were unable to access healthcare; students of color facing a hostile environment and saw their scholarship opportunity slipping

AKING ilence away; or adjunct faculty who are some of the lowest paid laborers in the city of Syracuse. In any case, these silenced voices were part of this community, but had increasingly little say in the way decisions were made.”

THE General Body and the sit-in was a combination of timing and general unrest among SU students, and the closing of the Advocacy Center was flashpoint that set the protests in motion. “It brought up a lot of pain,” said Danielle. “So we came up with something that was radical. Something that could not be ignored.

“THE General Body was the first time so many students from different organizations came together to even be in the same room,” explained Danielle. “Now we’re seeing the results of students, who may be different or have different beliefs, working side by side. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal.” THE General Body has, in fact, seen results and is continuing work toward having its demands met by Chancellor Kent Syverud and the SU Administration. “We’ve achieved so many things,” said Danielle proudly. “In terms of our demand document, we’ve achieved and started to move forward on multiple things — one of those things being that the Student Association president now has the power to email the entire student body.” This ability gives student leadership an important two-way communication tool with the entire SU student body. Other accomplishments have been expanding psychiatric staff for students, extending the POSSE scholarship contract, arranging meetings for environmentalist students devoted to SU’s sustainability efforts, and acquiring an ADA coordinator for students with disabilities. “We haven’t had a full-time ADA coordinator in 10 years,” said Farrell. “That’s horrible within itself, but it’s also meant students with disabilities have had difficulties accessing their education. The search for an ADA coordinator is underway.” With the media exposure of the sit-in and protests came criticism from both inside and outside the school community, something the leadership of THE General Body took to mean that they needed to work harder to communicate their grievances with the whole school community. THE General Body continues to work with the community and will hold conferences throughout the year. It’s also working on communicating with students who aren’t fully informed on what THE General Body is and does. “We’ve been able to gain more representation and revitalize SU as a more cohesive community,” said Farrell. “For the first time I was able to look into the faces of the administrators who are making the decisions that affect us,” added Danielle. “The sit-in allowed a space for students, faculty and the community to have a voice. That’s possibly the most important thing THE General Body achieved. No one can say they don’t know what the students at Syracuse University need or want, or what our solutions are.” For more information on THE General Body, visit thegeneralbody.org.

Syracuse Woman Magazine

events SWM’s Events SWM Celebrates 4 Years

More than 100 people came out to celebrate Syracuse Woman Magazine’s four-year anniversary on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Café at 407. The event featured food from Avacadough, Café at 407, Cooking Italian with Joe, Half Moon Bakery, King David’s, Meadowood Farms, Olive’s Eatery and Rise Artisan, as well as wine from Greenwood Winery. SWM raffled off eight baskets and raised nearly $800 for Ophelia’s Place, as well as 318 toiletries that were donated to Operation Soap Dish, which named Editor Alyssa LaFaro February’s “volunteer of the month” in response. Many former cover women made an appearance, including Cynthia Scott, Leisha Doherty, Lisa Butler, Lindsay Wickham, Joanne Lenweaver, Stefanie Heath Higgins, Ann Marie Otis, Frieda Weeks, Ann Marie Stonecypher, Shauna Diliberto, MaryEllen Clausen and Natalie Gingerich Mackenzie. Photos courtesy of Hilde Wegner.

Sled for RED with ACR Health

Cardboard. Duct tape. And some major flair. Those three ingredients are what make each February’s “Sled for RED” event, hosted by ACR Health — a not-for-profit providing a range of support services to individuals with chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, diabetes, heart disease and more — a success in CNY! More than 400 locals flocked to the Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center in Fayetteville to watch daredevils ride their cardboard creations down the snowy course. Each participant had to raise at least $250 for the event; ACR Health raised nearly $20,000.

Lake Ontario Wedding Show

Syracuse Woman Magazine ad sales rep Renee Moonan was on the scene at the Lake Ontario Wedding Show Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lake Ontario Conference Center in Oswego. More than 225 people attended this free event to check out the more than 50 local wedding professionals in attendance — a spectacular display of cakes, wedding dresses, tuxedos, rental decor, floral arrangements and more. This event, which was designed to give brides a one-stop shopping experience, also featured a post-event bachelorette party after the show. Photos courtesy of Limelight Studios Photography.

Gingerich Mackenzie

MARCH 2015

Pick up the latest edition at hundreds of CNY locations!

Running through college, jobs, pregnancy Natalie and beyond Gingerich

Mackenzie

2015 C H I L D CC2015 AA RR EE CGGHUUI II LDDDEE

Running through college, jobs, pregnancy and beyond

Syracuse Parent Magazine is your local resource for information, tips, recipes, parenting trends and more when it comes to families in Central New York! Find our more at syracuseparent.net or call (315) 434-8889.

Blast

in the

Vats

A Wine Tasting & Shopping Event Thursday March 12 6-9 p.m. Greenwood Winery & Bistro Route 298, East Syracuse

Featuring

Laurie Copeman, Thirty-One Gifts Michelle DaRin, Fine Art Jewelry Designer Wine Tasting & Other Vendors

RSVP to Laurie at lcopeman27@gmail.com no later than March 5, 2015

march 2015 EVENTS CALENDAR

SWM “Winter Warmup” Ladies’ Night WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m.

WHAT: SWM has partnered with a la Maison & The Changing Room – Downtown to host another one of our fabulous Ladies’ Nights! Enjoy savory soup from a la Maison and spring shopping at The Changing Room. WHERE: a la Maison & The Changing Room, 425 S. Warren St., Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit facebook.com/SyracuseWomanMagazine.

Preparing For Labor WHEN: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

WHAT: This CNY Doula Connection class will teach attendees ways to work with your body during labor naturally. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Light snacks and tea will be provided. WHERE: Women’s Info Center, 601 Allen St., Syracuse INFO: This event is free and no registration is required. For more information, call 315-395-3643

Syracuse Half Marathon & Expo WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon

WHAT: The third annual Syracuse Half Marathon kicks off at 8 a.m., followed by a post-race expo from 9 a.m. to noon. WHERE: The OnCenter, 800 South State St., Syracuse INFO: For more info or to register, visit syracusehalf.com.

Jumping for Justice, WHEN: 5:30 p.m.

WHAT: Hiscock Legal Aid Society is shutting down Sky Zone for its first-ever “Jumping For Justice.” This healthy, family-friendly fundraiser invites all to come and get their jump on. WHERE: Sky Zone Syracuse, 3179 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit firstgiving.com/hiscock/jumping.

ARE YOUR LEGS READY FOR SUMMER?

If you’d like healthier looking legs, now’s the time to take action. VARICOSE VEINS?

They are not just a cosmetic problem. If left untreated, varicose veins can sometimes progress to a more serious form of venous disease. We oﬀer options tailored to each patient's needs.

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Downtown Campus 750 E. Adams St.

Community Campus 4900 Broad Rd.

ASK ABOUT OUR EVENING OFFICE HOURS (315) 492-5750 | upstate.edu/varicoseveins

Premier Equipment Group

MSRP $36,580 48 AVAILABLE

$2500 Down, Plus First Payment, Tax & DMV fees. Must qualify for Owner Loyalty or Competitive. Conquest Incentive, 10,500 miles per yr., $.20 per mi. thereafter. Lessee responsible for excess wear. For well qualified buyers financed through Lincoln AFS. Offer ends 03/31/15

329

LEASE $ FOR

/mo* 24 mos.