August 2016 Syracuse Woman Magazine by Lorna Oppedisano

August 2016

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The Education Edition

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August 2016

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August C O N T E N T S

Letter from the Editor ............................................................. 6

Past SWM Events ..................................................................... 7 Fashion Forward: Fashion Felons.......................................... 8 Platter Chatter: The Evergreen ........................................... 10

WBOC Leading Woman: Heather Kennedy..................... 13 CNY Latina: Wendy Sanchez-Rolón .................................. 15 Busy Woman’s Guide: Growing a Growth Mindset ........ 16 Making Dollars & Sense: Preventing Fraud ...................... 17

Special Feature: Women of The Fair ................................. 20 Cover Story: Casey Crabill .................................................. 25 Sponsored Content: For the Love of Service Animals .... 30

In Her Own Words: Kate Zacharek Lane ........................... 31 Inspire: Mim Readling .......................................................... 34 Inspire: Stephanie Horton-Centore.................................... 36 Inspire: Mary Lynn Mahan.................................................... 38

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For a Good Cause: Learning with the LDA....................... 42 Upcoming Events ................................................................. 48

The Education Edition

August 2016

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LETTER from the Editor

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” — George R.R. Martin

am a proud bookworm. Growing up, I was never without a book in hand. I was the girl who would wake up early on a school day to see what Harry Potter’s next move was. The ending to my favorite series, “His Dark Materials,” still gets me every time, and I can promise you that the pages are well-worn. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t reflect on the life lessons “Anna Karenina” taught me. So why didn’t I follow in the footsteps of my heroes and write fiction? It’s not that I’ve outgrown my childish ways and prefer real stories to the made-up tales. Like any good bibliophile, I’m partial to a healthy balance of both. But when it comes to the thoughts I pen, I’m drawn to telling other people’s stories. When I was young, I constantly asked my parents for their stories. “Tell me a story from when you were a kid” became my catchphrase. It’s occurred to me in recent months that although I’m an adult now, I still ask roughly the same questions. Along with the proofreading and planning that comes with being editor, I get to ask people for their stories. People let me into their lives. As I write each piece, I get to dive into their world for a short bit, and as George R.R. Martin said, live another life. The best part? I get to bring you all with me. Our cover woman, Onondaga Community College President Casey Crabill, has traveled the country learning about how community colleges serve their areas. During our interview, I asked Casey about her journey back to our region. She told me that although there were several job openings in New York state, she only applied for the OCC position. She chose to be here and make a difference. A few months ago, I connected with the staff at the Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York. I was mildly familiar with their programming and mission, as a family member of mine is a client of the organization. This month, we bring you the stories of two LDA clients. I’m absolutely honored to be able to share their lives with you. As the summer inches to its end, that means one thing: the Great New York State Fair will be here soon. In this issue, we bring you the inside scoop. In a Q-and-A format, six women involved with the fair share what it’s like to be at its heart and what they’re most excited about this time around. We hope that you join us for the fair’s Women’s Day on Wednesday, Aug. 31. This month’s Inspires — Liverpool High School English teacher Mim Readling, Program Facilitator for the Syracuse City School District’s Refugee Assistance Program Stephanie Horton-Centore and SCSD art teacher Mary Lynn Mahan — strive daily to make a positive impact on Syracuse. As you flip through this Education Issue, I hope that you enjoy slipping into the worlds of the women who fill its pages. Happy learning,

Lorna ON OUR COVER: Onondaga Community College President Casey Crabill was photographed by Alice G. Patterson of Alice G. Patterson Photography on the college campus.

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OUR TEAM CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Publisher David Tyler

Editor Lorna Oppedisano

Design Andrea Reeves

Photography Daylight Blue Media Alexis Emm Sara Felice Steven J. Pallone Jeff Paquette Alice G. Patterson Matt Turner

Christine Allen Alison Grimes Kailyn Jennings Kate Zacharek Lane Lorna Oppedisano Colette Powers Gabrielle Reagan Ann Marie Stonecypher

Advertising sales Linda Jabbour 315.657.0849

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.

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The Education Edition

PAST SWM Events

On Wednesday, June 29, our friends at SKY Armory hosted an event to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ community. All the proceeds from the White Party for Peace were donated to the recovery fund for the Pulse Nightclub and The Q Center here in Syracuse. “We felt helpless as we watched the news, and knew we wanted to help. We decided to support Orlando and Syracuse the best way that SKY Armory and The Events Company know how: Bringing together groups of people for a wonderful event,” said SKY Armory’s executive chef Jason Jessmore. Photos courtesy Alexis Emm, Sara Felice and SKY Amory.

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FASHION FORWARD Fashion Felons

The Right to Remain Stylish

Photography by Matt Turner Photography

By Ann Marie Stonecypher

he dreaded Fashion Felon. We’ve all seen this person. They walk by our desk in something strange, and we wonder if they lost a bet. Their clothes are too tight, too bright or just not right. The idea of dressing well might seem simple, but it’s the execution that some find elusive. Conversely, there is the woman who always looks flawless. She’s put-together and seemingly perfect. There are fashion rules, of course, but I thought I would present actual evidence to make my case. Dressed and Orderly: Heather is wearing a navy suit with red piping that can be dressed up or down, and is tailored perfectly for her. Notice that the hemline is perfect for the heels she’s wearing. Don’t leave the length to chance. If it’s not right, it’ll take just a few dollars to make it work. This fabulous men’s-inspired suit is a wonderful staple, and you can mix and match the pieces with other pieces in your wardrobe. The blazer would be great paired with jeans or a print skirt. The pants would be terrific with a turtleneck or a blouse in crisp cotton or drapey silk. This suit is a wardrobe workhorse and many outfits in one. Miss Demeanor: Kara, our fun fashion felon, is only an offender if she wore this to work. In that case, we would need to issue her a serious fashion citation! While her outfit is perfect for a night out, the silver shoes, the slit and studs — along with the oversized hoops — are risky business for a day at the office. A large slit in the front is a definite no-no. A better option for a dress could be a traditional sheath. Any color — even red — or print would be a nice alternative. A sheath is a classic and can be worn under a sweater or blazer, making it a good choice for all seasons. Adult and Flattery: Christina looks grown-up and great in her wrap dress, which is not only a classic, but also flattering on most

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body types. While a basic black version of this dress would be a super wardrobe staple, we opted for a nice print that complimented her skin and hair. It’s good to know which colors flatter you and, by all means, buy them! This is the kind of knowledge that gets you compliments all day long. We skipped the easy black heel opportunity, and opted for something lighter, making her legs look longer. Also, when wearing a fabulous print, consider the graphic itself an accessory. Don’t go overboard with jewelry; often the dress and print are enough. White Collar Prime: Shonna is wearing a classic pencil skirt. This is another wardrobe basic that can be worn many ways: boots and a leather jacket, heels and a coordinating blazer, or a dark sweater with bold jewelry for a sharp monochromatic look. The key is fit, and finding a length that flatters your body. Again, go to your tailor and make it perfect. When visiting the tailor, don’t forget to bring your blouse so that it fits you perfectly when tucked in. That’s what makes this whole outfit so sharp: the perfect tailoring. A bargain can be transformed into something beautiful by having your tailor make it look like it was custom made just for you. The bottom line: Make sure that you remember the importance of tailoring and buying versatile items that you can rework to create many different looks — especially if you don’t want anything you wear to be held against you in the court of public perception. SWM Ann Marie Stonecypher is an award-winning business woman and the owner of AMS Models & Talent. She is also a stylist, inspirational speaker, two-time breast cancer survivor and freelance writer. She lives in the Syracuse area with her children Taylor and Steven, and her dog Cocoa. If you have any style questions or comments, email Ann Marie at info@amsmodels.com. Models Heather Giamartino, Christina Carmella, Kara McCandless-Eure and Shonna Rankins courtesy of AMS Models & Talent. Styling by Ann Marie Stonecypher and Taylor Stonecypher. Photo editing by Sydney Wright. The Education Edition

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PLATTER CHATTER The Evergreen

The Evergreen MIKE BARLETTA AND MIKE SWATT PART-OWNERS OF THE EVERGREEN

Photography by Steven J. Pallone

Economically it just seems better to keep as much of every dollar spent in the community,”—Mike Barletta, The Evergreen co-owner

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The Education Edition

The Evergreen

Local Greens By Gabrielle Reagan

ith décor in the style of Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” The Evergreen — located at 125 E. Water St. in Syracuse’s historic Hanover Square — will make anyone nostalgic for long, hot days lazing by the lake. With a scratch kitchen, twenty rotating taps and a craft cocktail list, summer camp never looked so cool. “We couldn’t afford our own cabin in the Adirondacks, so we brought one here,” said Michael Swatt, one of three partners who opened the restaurant in the old Bull & Bear Pub location last November. Owners and long-time pals Mike Swatt, Mike Barletta and Rob Podfigurny modeled The Evergreen’s vibes and menu after places they used to frequent in the Catskills, Adirondacks and Southern Tier before they opened their own place. With an emphasis on local, the menu features areaappropriate fare; almost all of The Evergreen’s produce comes from local farms, including Grey Barn Farms in Tully, Main Street Farm in Homer and Critz Farms in Cazenovia. The menu changes seasonally and chef Chris

Leonard is constantly looking for new sources. Even though a local focus lends to an incredibly laborintensive kitchen, buying locally and preparing menu items from scratch is a nobrainer for The Evergreen. “Economically it just seems better to keep as much of every dollar spent in the community,” Barletta said. It’s not just about local food either. If there’s a product or service that the place is utilizing, the guys will go for a local company as often as possible. The Evergreen menu features a mix of dishes — think American comfort food with a healthy twist — and offers a plethora of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The boys try to keep the menu stocked with a few “high-end” pub fare items, like their corn dogs, locallysourced from Liehs & Steigerwald, dipped in handmade batter and served with house-made beer mustard and spicy ketchup. For the vegetarians, they offer a tofu option. Most menu items are prepared from scratch, including their popular beet and grain burger.

“I think the ketchup in the caddies is about the only thing we don’t make,” Barletta joked. The beer menu is just as curated. The Evergreen only purchases one keg of any given American craft beer that they feature on their handmade taps. Whenever one kicks, the guys change the keg in the basement, change their website, tweet the new beer, put a freshly-drawn name slat up and ring the beer bell. “So it’s a lot to change the beer, but it’s the cornerstone of the place,” Swatt said. “We really try to make a production out of it.” They see an entirely new beer list about every two weeks. It’s diverse enough for everyone’s taste, and the well-educated staff encourages tastings, growlers and flights. The Evergreen always offers a cider, gluten-free options and even outliers like the recent kombucha beer, plus a full bar and Happy Hour every day from 4 to 6 p.m. In pure summer camp style, guests order food at the counter and seat themselves at any one of the beautiful reclaimed wooden tables. Working on perfecting their menu and service in this first year, The Evergreen is also planning Farm-to-Fork dinners, farm and beer pairings, and two Mondays a month they will feature a brewery, distillery or farm. SWM The Evergreen is located at 125 E. Water Street in downtown Syracuse’s Hanover Square. Hours are 3 p.m. to midnight on Monday and Tuesday; 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday; closed Sundays. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and midnight Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations accepted for large parties. For more information, visit theevergreen.co or call 870-3500. Detail photos courtesy Daylight Blue Media.

August 2016

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The Education Edition

WBOC LEADING WOMAN Heather Kennedy

The Power of Dance

Photography by Alexis Emm

By Lorna Oppedisano

I never thought that being a ballroom dance teacher would be that outlet that would help people. To me, that was very powerful.”—Heather Kennedy, Professional Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor

ome people know what they want to be when they grow up from the moment the toy stethoscope or paint brush is in their hands. For the majority of us, however, the grand scheme isn’t quite as clear. Heather Kennedy didn’t know she wanted to be a ballroom dance teacher. She certainly didn’t know she wanted to run her own business. Now she does both. “I can remember very vividly when people would ask me what I wanted to do with my life,” Heather reminisced. “I really wanted to be happy, and I really wanted to help people. And I didn’t really care what that was, but that’s what I loved.” Heather was an active child. Her earliest memory of dancing was ballet class at age 3 or 4. As an adolescent, she took gymnastics and played sports, and then did musical theater in high school. When it was time for college, Heather went to Onondaga Community College to study music. She loved everything about the major except for the musical theory itself. She made the most practical decision, and took time off from school to redirect her efforts. While she didn’t have the specific details down, she had a general idea of the direction she wanted to go. “I’ve always loved movement, even when I was young,” Heather said, noting the serotonin and “all of those happy juices” the body releases during exercise. She decided to return to OCC to study sports medicine. One day, she happened upon a woman who was planning to leave her position at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. The woman told Heather the gist of the job: “It’s dancing, and you teach people. Definitely apply.” So she did, and after a series of intense and competitive training classes, Heather was hired. The next decade or so was filled with her own training, lessons and classes she taught, and competitions and showcases around the country and the world. Heather was fascinated by the benefits of teaching dance, she said, citing a confidence boost for everyone involved and a newfound August 2016

ability to bring people closer together through movement. “I never thought that being a ballroom dance teacher would be that outlet that would help people,” she said. “To me, that was very powerful.” Eventually, the woman who owned the franchise decided she no longer wanted to run the company. Heather was faced with a decision: go back to school or find a partner and keep the dance studio alive. She picked the latter, and with the help of a financial backer, opened the Downtown Dance Studio of Syracuse. “That was pretty amazing, because I was able to see what it was like to run everything,” Heather said. But she had never envisioned herself as a business owner. Even though she had taken the position of COO at the new studio — in a moment of necessity rather than pure desire — her dream was to compete as a professional dancer. In 2015, Heather came to a crossroads once again. Her business partner was retiring and no longer wanted to own the studio. This time, she was less hesitant. “I had to kind of change my mindset a little bit — and I have very much so in this past year, being part of the WBOC actually,” Heather said. “I had to figure out what I really wanted and how to restructure what it was I was going to do.” Heather found the perfect space at 327 W. Fayette St., and Dance Syracuse was born. She’s still in the restructuring process, but has been teaching ballroom dancing classes in Armory Square since July of last year. On the hard days, she reminds herself that she has a great space, landlord and clients. And most importantly, she’s found her passion. “It’s funny how it’s changed from a need to a want now,” Heather said with a smile. SWM To learn more about Dance Syracuse, call or text (315) 200-0266 or email dancesyracuse@gmail.com. Women Business Opportunities Connections (WBOC) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 20 years. To become a member, visit wboconnection.org or follow the organization on Twitter at @WBOConnection. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

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The Education Edition

CNY LATINA Wendy Sanchez-Rolón

Making an Impact I will always try to connect with families through the curriculum whenever possible,” —Wendy SanchezRolón, teaching assistant at McKinleyBrighton Elementary School

alking into a kindergarten classroom for the first time can be daunting for a 5- or 6-year-old child. Tiny chairs and desks, tables and alphabet decor may not create the most familiar setting; but add the energy and enthusiasm of teaching assistant Wendy Sanchez-Rolón, and suddenly you have a contagiously positive, welcoming and energized experience. Wendy vividly remembers her first day working in education. On October 15, 1998, Wendy began her career at McKinleyBrighton Elementary School. She spent four years working oneon-one with first and second grade students in special education, and then transitioned to a teaching assistant role in Laurie Coleman’s kindergarten classroom. Laurie attests to Wendy’s dedication: “Wendy always has kids coming into our classroom. Whether it’s for lunch, as a reward for doing a good job, or whatever reason, she is constantly working with students, well above and beyond what is ever expected of her.” Wendy works special holiday activities into the curriculum, and also creates projects and crafts with math work for family members to cherish. “I work with a lot of single-parent and nontraditional families,” she explained. “So I will always try to connect with families through the curriculum whenever possible.” Wendy is frequently called to her school office to help interpret for Spanish-speaking families; that honor alone is reward enough for Wendy, she said. “I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to Syracuse with my sister when I was 17 years old, in 1993,” Wendy said. “I had to be a mother figure to my sister, who is five years younger than me, while seeking out the education that my parents sought out for us.” Like many Latino immigrants, Wendy had no prior knowledge or experience with English, but was determined to succeed. “When I left the Dominican Republic, I was only three months away from graduating high school, but I started out at Nottingham High School in the ninth grade,” she reminisced. After catching up to speed with ESL teachers, Wendy was August 2016

Photography courtesy CNY Latino

By Alison Grimes

presented the opportunity to graduate. She instead decided to graduate two and a half years later with her newfound interest in American history and bilingual abilities in Spanish and English. Before her first year at McKinley-Brighton Elementary School, Wendy continued learning at Bryant & Stratton College and then Le Moyne College. In 2002, Wendy applied the American history knowledge she learned in high school to obtain American citizenship. A few years later in 2006, Wendy bought her first home. Shortly after the purchase, she married Jorge Rolón, Syracuse’s first Hispanic firefighter, and gave the house to her mother. Her mother now helps care for her two children, who are ages 2 and 7, while Wendy is at work. With many fond memories of past students and the same enthusiasm she had in 1998, Wendy looks forward to making a difference in the lives of everyone she meets and sharing her love for education with all. Wendy has dedicated herself to her students for more than 12 years, and she’s loved every second of it. Some of the best moments are those when she’s reminded of the impact she makes on the students. Wendy cites one student in particular: Nyree Ross. Nyree’s father passed away after being shot at a store by the Valero gas station close to McKinley-Brighton Elementary School. Wendy was there with card in hand to pay her respects to the family, letting Nyree know that he could count on her for anything he needed. “One of the greatest rewards I can think of is seeing one of my old students, Nyree Ross, who is currently in fifth grade,” Wendy said. “[He comes] to the classroom every day to say goodbye and to thank me for helping to change his behavior for the better.” SWM This article was provided by the CNY Latino newspaper, the only Hispanicoriented publication in Central New York. The Spanish version of this article can be read in the August edition of CNY Latino, in both the traditional paper version and the digital format at cnylatinonewspaper.com. July correction note: We apologize for the misspelling of our featured woman’s name, Nilsa Migdalia Gonzalez, and that of her son, Jonatan. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

BUSY WOMAN’S Guide Growing a Growth Mindset

The Key to Fulfilling Your Potential By Christine Allen

he start of the school year has always been my favorite time of year. New shoes, new lunch box, new books, a new teacher, new classes and a new me! I’ve always loved school — yes, I know that can be viewed as weird — because I’ve loved to learn, grow and become the best version of myself. You might assume I’ve always had a “growth mindset,” but you’d be wrong. People with a growth mindset love to learn, learn, learn, and that was definitely true for me as a kid. They also understand that hard work and perseverance are key to success. Also true of me. “The Little Engine That Could” was my favorite book at 6 years old. And finally, people with a growth mindset face setbacks. That’s where I fell short of the mark. Early in life, I had more of a “fixed mindset.” If I failed at something — or even just performed in an “average” manner — I’d cross the activity off my list, and plan to never

do it again. When I was 10 years old, I came in fourth place in my first competitive swimming meet. After that “defeat,” I decided I would just swim for fun. The plan in my mind was to avoid doing anything at which I wouldn’t be best. According to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, people with a fixed mindset believe that everyone possesses a fixed amount of talent, ability or personality. Everything becomes a contest of whether we can prove our worth. Conversely, Carol offers that people with growth mindsets believe they may have some natural ability or talent that can be developed through hard work and practice. People with growth mindsets look at setbacks, mistakes and even failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Take Muhammed Ali for example: he was big but clumsy as a child. Tolstoy and Darwin

were considered ordinary children. Michael Jordan, arguably one of the greatest basketball players in history, initially didn’t make the varsity team in high school. While people with a growth mindset may not become famous or play piano like Beethoven, they recognize that true potential is unknown and unknowable, and amazing things can be done with hard work and practice. While no one likes to fail, I’ve come to embrace mistakes and know they’re not reflections of my true potential. I don’t dwell on the mistakes. I praise myself for taking the risk and focus on the learning. Not surprisingly, I’ve achieved far more with this philosophy and came across some amazing opportunities. I wish I’d adopted a growth mindset earlier, but am grateful that I’ve learned it in the last 20 years.

Tips for developing a growth mindset: 1. Be willing to be your toughest critic. As the author David Shenk writes, “Hollywood movies suggest that genius is a series of ‘Eureka!’ moments, that true greatness flows effortlessly.” But greatness takes repeated effort and refinement. And regardless of greatness, you’ll have accomplished more than you would have in the fixed mindset. 2. Realize that we live in a world of instant gratification. Learn to celebrate small successes and steps along the way. Check out Diana Nyad’s TED Talk “Never, Ever Give Up.” Diana was the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida, and she did it on her fifth attempt at age 64. She first tried the feat in her 20s. 3. If you have children, show them both how hard you work and how you respond to disappointment or failure. They’ll mirror your habits — good or bad — as they age. 4. Remember that a growth mindset will help keep you and your brain young and help you reach your fullest potential. SWM

Christine Allen is a psychologist and an executive and life coach. She is the vice president of Insight Business Works. For more information on Christine, visit chrisallencoaching.com. To learn more about Insight Business Works, visit insightbusinessworks.com.

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The The Education Education Edition Edition

Making Dollars & Sense Preventing Fraud

Keeping Personal Info Secure Offline By Colette Powers

raud is more prevalent than ever. Many clients are concerned about the impact that an instance of fraud can have on their accounts and credit rating. Here are some important tips and actions you might consider taking to protect yourself.

Keep your information secure from roommates, caregivers, etc., by locking your financial documents in a safe place. Regularly shred outdated bank statements, expired charge cards, receipts, insurance forms, checks, prescription bottle labels and similar documents when you don’t need them any longer. When you go out, limit what you carry by taking only the identification, credit and debit cards you need. Leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place. Make a copy of your medical card and black out all but the last four digits on the copy. Carry only the copy with you, unless you plan to use your card at the doctor’s office. Before you share personal information at your doctor’s office, workplace, a business or your child’s school, ask why it’s needed, how it will be safeguarded and the consequences of not sharing it. Try to promptly remove mail that arrives in your mailbox and take all outgoing mail to a post office collection box or the post office. If you won’t be home for several days, request a vacation hold on your mail from the U.S. Postal Service. Unless you have a secure mailbox with a lock, don’t have your bank send new checks to your home. Instead, let the bank know that you would prefer to pick them up. Consider opting out of prescreened offers of credit and insurance by mail. You can opt out for five years or permanently. To opt out, call 1-888-567-8688 or go to optoutprescreen.com. The three nationwide credit reporting companies operate this phone number and website. Secure your Social Security number. Keep a close hold on your SSN and ask questions before deciding to share it. When someone asks you to share your or a family member’s SSN, ask if you can use a different form of identification, why they need it and how it will be used. Remember the decision to share is yours, so ask

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what would happen if you don’t share your number. Sometimes a business won’t provide you with a service or benefit if you don’t provide your number. Note: There are situations in which you’re required to share your number. Your employer and financial institutions need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. A business may ask for your SSN so they can check your credit when you apply for a loan, rent an apartment or sign up for a utility service. Before you decide to share, make sure it will be protected securely. Monitor your accounts and credit reports. Carefully review your bank, credit and debit card, brokerage, insurance and other important account statements to make sure your contact information is up to date and there is no suspicious or unauthorized activity. Also, regularly review your credit reports. Consumers have the right to obtain a free credit report annually by contacting annualcreditreport.com. Order your report and look it over carefully for: accounts you didn’t open; inquiries from creditors that you didn’t initiate; and personal information, such as a home address or Social Security number that is not accurate. If you see something you don’t understand or recognize, call the consumer reporting agency at the number on the report. SWM

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. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE

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The Education Edition

August 2016

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Photography by Jeff Paquette

SPECIAL FEATURE Women of The Fair

Cheryl Lavin, Manager of the Art and Home Center

or all of us New York State Fair goers, the fair is a 12-day long extravaganza of food, exhibits, animals, people and more. But there’s so much more to it than that. We asked six women who have seen the fair grow and evolve for the behind-the-scenes details of the Great New York State Fair.

SWM: You started working at the NYS Fair when you were 25 years old, and eventually became a teacher. What brought you back to the fair? Cheryl: I wanted a fun retirement job, and this was part time, so it fit into my schedule. This is my tenth year [back here]. SWM: How have you seen the fair change over the years? Cheryl: We have tried to get more people involved with the fair. We’re getting into fine arts and photo. We’re getting into Women’s Day. We’re getting into a whole different aspect, a whole different environment. And we are — in our building — focusing on education. SWM: What did you learn from the teaching world that you brought back here? Cheryl: The education we’ve been doing here. Just trying to tell people a little bit more about things. I think we’re having the public ask more questions. SWM: What’s your favorite part of the fair? Cheryl: My favorite part of the fair probably has to be Women’s Day. I have a lot of fair friends who come for Women’s Day, and they like it and enjoy it. That has to be the best part. SWM: Do you think the role of women at the fair has changed over the years? Cheryl: Yes. Women’s Day has been around a long time, dating back probably about 60 years, and then it stopped about 20 years ago. When I took the job, that was one thing that I wanted to do: bring back Women’s Day. It’s been a big success.

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The Education Edition

Holly Racha, Warehouse clerk

Mary Ellen “Mel” Chesbro, Agriculture manager

SWM: How long have you worked at the fair? Holly: Six years. I worked in the events department for four years, and I’ve been down here for two years. An opportunity presented itself, and they asked me. I decided [I wanted] a change, something different.

SWM: You’re a retired teacher. What led you to this position at the fair? Mel: I was a teacher for five years, teaching over at Cato-Meridian, and then I met my farmer husband. We got married and we had three children. And [years later,] one summer, I applied to the fair, and got a summer job. That was with [former fair director] Peter Cappuccilli. Then the gentleman who was at my [current] position left. I just about tripped running down the hall to Peter. I said, “Peter! This is my job! This was made for me. This is education. This is agriculture. I need this.” And hence, I’ve been here since 2004.

SWM: What are your responsibilities? Holly: Right now, I run the warehouse. I’m in charge of keeping all the inventory for all the departments. SWM: What did you do prior to working for the fair? Holly: Prior to working the fair, I ran a certified daycare for 13 years. SWM: Why did you decide to make the change? Holly: My kids are older. That was the main reason. As they got older, I wanted to be able to go to their games. It just happened to work out. The timing was right. SWM: What’s your favorite part of the fair? Holly: The people. I love to watch people. It’s just so fun to see everything going on. It’s like controlled chaos for me, because you’re always busy, always moving. SWM: What are you most excited about this year? Holly: Every year, there’s always something different that happens or takes place. And definitely the food; who wouldn’t be? Just the fair itself, it’s such a great place to work.

August 2016

SWM: What did you bring from the education world to this job? Mel: The love of educating. The love of seeing the lightbulb. And creativity. I’ve always been a person who can see outside the box, and try to make it fun. People don’t come to the fair to learn. So you’ve got to be able to make something fun and interesting, and as an accident, they learn something. SWM: What’s your favorite part of the fair? Mel: The youth. Absolutely. If the kids aren’t raising the goats as a child, they’re not going to show them as an adult. So they’re our future. And the stuff these kids do! You’ve got to go through these buildings and see the stuff. It’s amazing. SWM: What are you most excited about this year? Mel: I’ve got my Horticultural Experience that’s going on in the Horticulture Building. We’re going to have facades on both sides of it, so when you enter, you know you’re entering something different. You’ll be able to see, you’ll be able to taste, you’ll be able to learn — accidentally — and sample things. And it’ll be all horticulture.

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SPECIAL FEATURE Women of The Fair

Women of The Fair continued from page 21

Robin Webb, Chief Financial Officer

Sharron Pearson, Marketing Department

SWM: Give me a short summary of your responsibilities. Robin: I’m in charge of fiscal operations. It’s extensive. I have the electronic ticketing fair-wide. I have the gate admissions. Each of us [during] non-fair [time] has a different role, and then fair time, we assume responsibilities way beyond our titles.

SWM: Give me a short summary of your responsibilities. Sharron: I’ve got three stages: Gospel Music Weekend, the Regional Artist Variety Stage and Pan-African Village. I do advance sales, the fair coupon program, youth organization day [and] agency donations.

SWM: Do you think it’s harder working up to the fair, or those 12 days? Robin: It depends upon what your role is. Leading up to it, it’s really hectic. And then during the 12 days, you manage the processes that you’re responsible for, and then manage the other things that come into play. The teamwork here is remarkable.

SWM: How long have you been in your position? Sharron: I’ve been with the fair now almost 10 years.

SWM: What’s your favorite part of the fair? Robin: For me, I like what’s new and changing. I want that to be successful. We did a pilot program last year with electronic ticketing at one gate, and we’re expanding that to the entire facility. So I want to make sure that process is seamless. That’s what excites me: to prepare it and then watch it, and make sure that it has a positive impact on the fairgoers. SWM: What are you most excited about this year? Robin: I really want to see the public’s response to the transformation. We have some work to do after this fair, but we’re staged to the point of having much of the transformation work done, and I really want to see the responses from the public. I really hope they like it.

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SWM: It sounds like everybody has a gambit of responsibilities. Sharron: Everybody has lots of responsibility. It’s a lot of work.

SWM: How has the fair changed since you started? Sharron: It was really intimidating when I first started because I just didn’t know what was involved. There’s a lot of overlap — how my job relates to someone else’s job, and how everybody needs to know enough about everybody’s positions so that we can make whatever contribution needs to be made to make things happen. As far as the general fair, it still focuses on fun, family, success [and] having a good time. SWM: What’s your favorite part of the fair? Sharron: I like the smells associated with the fair. I like the smell of the cotton candy, and the popcorn. That excitement that’s generated, it’s kind of a buzz that you hear when the fair starts. SWM: What are you most excited about this year? Sharron: I’m excited about the front gate [and] welcoming people who are expecting big changes here, and pointing those changes out.

The Education Edition

Geneanne Keegan-Smith, Concessions and Exhibits Manager SWM: What does your job entail? Geneanne: I manage approximately 450 commercial, educational and food vendors for the fair. I also oversee and manage our fair-time parking department and our camping during the state fair. SWM: How long have you worked for the fair? Geneanne: Twenty-four years full time, plus five years as a summer typist. In addition, my parents had a food stand here from 1974 through 2008, so I have grown up at the fair and knew I always wanted to work here.

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SWM: Talk about how your position has changed since you started. Geneanne: When I started, I mostly worked as the receptionist and then in our human resources/payroll department. As my love for the fair grew, I shifted to the concessions and exhibits department, working on the layouts and with vendors from all over the country. I have a great relationship with my vendors and understand their concerns and issues. I try to take those into consideration when implementing the layout, as this is the vendors’ livelihood. SWM: What’s your favorite part of the fair? Geneanne: Seeing the fair come together on opening day like a big puzzle. SWM: What are you most excited about this year? Geneanne: The new layout of the new transformed fairgrounds. I’m not always a big fan of change, and never thought I would see our fairground get a transformation. Fairgoers won’t recognize [the fairgrounds] with all our new landscaping, paved and wider streets and our beautiful new main gate. SWM Interviews by Lorna Oppedisano. Text was shortened for clarity and length.

August 2016

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The Education Edition

COVER STORY Casey Crabill

CASEY CRABILL

Photography by Alice G. Patterson

ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT

August 2016

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COVER STORY Casey Crabill

Lessons in Community By Lorna Oppedisano

yracuse has the highest level of poverty concentration of poor black and Hispanic people of any of the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. When that data on segregated poverty was released by The Century Foundation last August, it shook both the city and the Onondaga Community College community. “The day stopped around that information,” remembered OCC President Casey Crabill. “The day up here just stopped and people went, ‘Oh my god, not OK.’” Figuring out where the college fit into the community-wide conversation was difficult, Casey said. “The first thing people want to do is say, ‘Well, we’re the answer.’ Well, I don’t know what the question is, so why are we jumping to be the answer? Let’s unpack it. And that’s been a challenge.” And as they’ve unpacked the issue, they’ve found that like many community resources, OCC does have some place in that question-and-answer equation. Casey cited the example of workforce development as part of the college’s response to the area’s poverty. “What we’ve started doing is working really closely with employers on a special process that takes jobs apart and looks at individual performance skills,” Casey explained, adding that the skill sets range from technical to behavioral. From these studies, OCC created workforce programs — classes different from the typical track leading to an associate degree — aimed at serving those people who need work, but are not in the position to attend college. Programs like this are a huge game changer, explained CenterState CEO Vice President of Economic Inclusion Dominic Robinson. Dominic met Casey when she joined the team at OCC roughly three years ago. He stressed that the area is lucky to have a leader as down-to-earth and committed to serving everyone as Casey. “Casey’s leadership has been the missing link in a lot of the work … that’s been happening in Syracuse related to creating solutions for businesses and opportunity for people,” Dominic said. “To have a community college interested in the people often disconnected from education, it’s huge.” But the educational innovations that Casey has launched at OCC in her first three years would be of little surprise to those who have known her all along. You see, from her earliest days, she’s always been a teacher.

Destined for education “I had great teachers. I remember them as individuals all the way back to kindergarten. I can still picture every single one of them,” Casey said. With a bright contagious smile spread across her face and a back-to-yesteryear twinkle in her eyes, Casey described the day that her fifth grade teacher — “a magical guy” — took her class on an afternoon-long walk to impress upon them the magnitude of the universe. He’d converted the miles from the sun to Mercury into feet, and walked the class one eighth of the distance. “He just did cool stuff like that,” Casey said. “I can’t think of anybody who more exemplified for me the relationship between and the growth of the whole individual that can take place in a classroom.” That idea of the impactful development a teacher and education can have on a student shaped Casey’s life and career. From an early interest in education — “I didn’t just play school with my stuffed animals; I organized all the kids in the neighborhood, and they had desks and chairs and homework,” she remembered with a chuckle — students have always been at the forefront of Casey’s mission. From the days of organizing the neighborhood “school” in her hometown of East Greenbush, a suburban city near Albany, Casey’s family always knew she would enter the field of education, she said. When most children would rejoice on the last day of school, Casey felt melancholy. The day the back-to-school supplies hit the shelf came with a wave of anticipation and excitement. Simply put, school is the place she’s always felt happiest. 26

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The The Education Education Edition Edition

Photography by Alice G. Patterson

One of the many nice things about this job is that none of it’s about me. So there’s always a purpose for the struggle. And the students are always right there.” — Casey Crabill, Onondaga Community College president

August 2016

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COVER STORY Casey Crabill

Lessons in Community continued from page 26 When Casey was young, her father taught anatomy and physiology at Albany Medical College. Her mother was a stayat-home “Girl Scout-leader, Brownie-leader, cookie-mom” until Casey’s youngest sister entered full-day school. Then Casey’s mother made a decision that would help shape her daughter’s future: she went to community college to study nursing. “I think the biggest influence on me was really her journey, because I was old enough to have a ringside seat,” Casey explained, adding that her mother had wanted to attend college after high school, but didn’t have the funds for it. “So by the time she got to go, it was like gold for her.” That was the first time Casey learned about the value of a community college. “And I thought it was pretty cool that at my mother’s ‘advanced age’ at that point — she seemed a million to me, she was probably 30-something,” Casey joked, “that she would be able to have that opportunity that passed her by before.”

Experience at Redwoods gave Casey real-life insight into the “community” part of community college, she said. “Politicians and economic developers all look to resources like the community college to play a big part,” she explained. Redwoods gave Casey the opportunity to learn about board service, working with nonprofits and K-12, and more. In 2006, she moved closer to home when she accepted the position as the first female president at Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville, N.J., where she served until 2013. Raritan’s educators and staff were terrific, Casey said, but when she arrived, there was very little physical space for “students to be students,” she reminisced. One of Casey’s feats at Raritan was the expansion of a student life building, which led to some of the school’s clubs gaining national recognition. The work ties back to her graduate school dissertation: “We know from a retention and competition standpoint that students have to form a connection with the college before they can really form an Foundations in higher education intention about graduating,” she said. “So the student life area was Casey began her own journey into higher education at Skidmore really, really important.” College with a bachelor’s degree in English. During her last year Along with other accomplishments at Raritan — including the there, she took part in a establishment of a program to program that matched senior provide education to women at the local prison, which has English majors with freshmen Students have to form a connection with the since grown to offer a fourstruggling with writing. college before they can really form an intention year degree from Rutgers Thanks to that experience, University — Casey introCasey was hired to teach in about graduating.” — Casey Crabill, Onondaga duced the college to the Educational Opportunities Community College president Achieving the Dream. Program at SUNY Albany, “One of the bad raps where she remained for almost community colleges get is [that] people don’t graduate,” Casey said, 14 years. While she was at the school, Casey earned a master’s explaining that these institutions offer wide-open doors, entered by degree in teaching English as a second language, and then a doctorate in curriculum people with a and instruction. variety of both good and bad habits. “But it’s our job to move them ahead. And so what are the ways to sustain those efforts?” For her dissertation, Casey embarked on a project that provided lessons she used at every stop in her career. The answer Casey found was Achieving the Dream, a national She gathered information on three freshman classes in the EOP network of community colleges — now including more than program, with the goal of determining which support services 200 institutions — devoted to student retention and completion. led students to return for their second year. The data included Raritan Valley was different from many of the colleges in the stats like the number of counseling sessions the students attended; program; it’s a suburban institution in a relatively affluent part of the state with good test scores. their scores in English, math and reading; the courses they took; “But even in that context, we found a lot of benefit with their major; the dorm they called home that year, and more. people helping us look at our policies, look at our developmental When it was all compiled, she found that the number of times courses, look at our advising system, look at our materials, students visited their counselors was the most important factor. to make sure that of what we could control — the conditions for Casey then interviewed students to ask their feedback on why students — we were optimizing those conditions for retention that point carried such weight. “They talked [about the fact that] and completion,” Casey said. the counselors knew you and cared about you,” she explained. “And in a large place like Albany, it’s easy to feel like nobody. Achieving the Syracusan dream That was important work for me, and I use that all the time.” When Casey began at OCC, she realized that unlike Raritan The importance of community Valley, the college had striking similarities to the typical Achieving the Dream school: “We have a fairly challenging socioeconomic In her field, people have to move around to move up, demographic that you’re trying to assist,” she said. “You have a Casey explained. Her journey took her to Connecticut, Maryland much more diverse area with a lot of companies having moved and eventually Eureka, Calif., where she served as the College recently, and the employment mix really sort of changing. So it was of the Redwoods’ first female president from 1999 to 2006. an absolutely natural fit.” 28

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The Education Edition

The college spent a year studying two models: Achieving the Dream and Foundations of Excellence. They came to the conclusion that Achieving the Dream was the best fit. The institution was accepted into the 2015 cohort, and spent the first year in planning stages; now they’ve submitted the plan, and are “ready to get to work,” Casey said. Achieving the Dream is divided into 14 focus areas. While they’re all important, OCC plans to address a couple in particular: equity and support services. The college’s new strategic plan — covering 2016 through 2021 — ties in closely with these topics. The plan is broken down into three goals, and that simplicity is Casey’s favorite aspect, she explained with an appreciative laugh, adding that the sections really do affect everyone. “So for me, that’s the definition of a great strategic plan,” she said, “that everybody’s work falls under these goals, and you can get them done without stepping on the things that are important to people.” The plan states that the college’s “overarching goal is that clear academic and career pathways, student-focused services, collaboration with our educational and business partners in the community and engaged employees will ensure equitable access and success for our students.” The three strategic goals address issues of equity, early and ongoing student engagement, and partnerships with business and community organizations.

August 2016

Casey explained that the goals link to both OCC students and the greater Syracuse community. So whether students are working toward an associate degree or participating in a workforce development program, the goals aim to help them. “You want to use the time you’re with us to engage with the career development folks because that’s part of fully mapping you,” Casey explained, “so that you can find the way forward.”

The reason why Regardless of whether someone is taking the traditional college route, returning to higher education as a nontraditional student or utilizing OCC’s workforce development programs, in Casey’s eyes, “a student is a student is a student,” she said. And at the end of the longest days, it’s the students and their stories that keep her smiling. Just like her dissertation proved and her fifth grade teacher epitomized, the person-to-person interactions put the “community” into Onondaga Community College. “One of the many nice things about this job is that none of it’s about me,” Casey said. “So there’s always a purpose for the struggle. And the students are always right there. All I have to do is walk out of the door and there’s going to be somebody. And they’re so inspiring.” SWM To learn more about Onondaga Community College, visit sunyocc.edu. To read further on Achieving the Dream, visit achievingthedream.org.

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SPonsored content For the Love of Service Animals

Therapy Dogs at Wanderer’s Rest Humane Association

nimals are known to have healing effects and provide therapy for people in various situations. Most of us have heard that interacting with animals reduces blood pressure, lowers stress and anxiety levels, and also releases endorphins which trigger positive feelings. Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association built upon this concept when humane educator Dee Schaefer trained two shelter dogs as therapy dogs. Wanderers’ Rest currently has two registered therapy dogs: Stewart Little, a 16-year-old Papillion mix and Rosie, a 5-year-old Chihuahua. Recently, Dee has added another shelter dog, Peanut, a 2-year-old long-haired dachshund. Peanut is currently in training. Stewart and Rosie are both registered through Pet Partners, an organization with 40 years of experience promoting and demonstrating positive human-animal interactions to improve the physical, emotional and psychological lives of those they serve. In 1990, Pet Partners started its Therapy Animal Program. The goal was to establish rigorous standards for both animals and their human handler, which as a result would ensure safe and effective therapy animal visits in the community. The efficacy of animal-assisted interventions is very dependent on the partnership between the handler and the therapy animal, and therefore the WRHA therapy animals all live with Dee. Stewart and Rosie both received their Canine Good Citizen Certificate before starting Pet Partners therapy training. Each has spent about two years in training, and both the dogs and Dee are reevaluated every two years to ensure they continue to work effectively as a team.

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They are considered “employees” of the shelter as they “go to work.” Rosie and Stewart visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals, counseling sessions, pre-schools and colleges. As part of training, Peanut tags along and visits “Reading to Rover” programs, health and wellness fairs, college stress relief and nursing homes. Because Peanut hasn’t completed his training and testing yet, he can’t go into hospitals, hospice and some schools. In September 2015, the dogs visited Colgate University after two freshmen were killed in an airplane crash. Some students and faculty sat quietly with a dog on their lap, some cried into their fur, and some told stories while holding a dog. For just a moment, life was a little easier. A month later, they lent their assistance again at a vigil for Lucas Leonard, a young man beat to death during a church counseling session. On that somber night, each dog instinctively knew to be quiet and wait. Soon, one by one people came over for a pet. Children confused by the pain and heartache had a brief moment of laughter as Peanut rolled over on the damp pavement for a belly rub. This work is often physically and emotionally taxing for them as they actually take on some of the pain and heartache they help to alleviate. Overall, therapy animals provide unconditional acceptance to those they visit, and their gifts of friendless and innocence are usually just what the doctor ordered to make the sun shine again. SWM Get involved and make a difference. Call about having the therapy dogs visit your organization. Dee Schaefer welcomes your input and feedback, wrhahumaneeducation@gmail.com.

The Education Edition

IN HER OWN WORDS Kate Zacharek Lane

All-Inclusive Education By Kate Zacharek Lane

henever I meet someone new, the conversation inevitably leads from small talk about the weather to delving into the details of our respective careers. Without fail, every time that I explain what I do for a profession, I’m met with the same comments: I must be someone very special to have dedicated my life to this job and the people I work with must be extremely lucky to have me. What my new acquaintances fail to realize is that I am not the special one; the children who I work with are. I’m honored to be a small part of their lives. I’ve been a special education teacher in an inclusive preschool classroom for the North Syracuse Early Education Program at Main Street for the past six years. The students I teach range from the ages of 2 and a half to 5 years old, and are either considered preschoolers with a disability or typically-developing preschoolers attending school to serve as models for the other students. In New York state, a preschool-aged child must demonstrate a developmental delay of at least 12 months in speech, motor or cognitive skills to require special education services in a special class-integrated setting. The classroom may include students who require special education services due to minor articulation errors in speech, language-processing skills, autism, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, complications from premature birth, visual impairments, hearing impairments, or other genetic or global developmental delays. Each student is set up with an individualized education plan. The IEP — which describes the child’s areas of strength, needed growth and goals — is utilized by the staff teaching the child. Each classroom hosts eight students with a disability, one special education teacher, two full-time teaching assistants and one parttime teaching assistant. The classroom also includes at least eight students who are considered typical preschoolers and do not require any special education services. These students attend school to learn and grow, just as any other preschooler would. August 2016

The most beautiful part of my profession is the ability to help nurture the growth and education of 16 young children, regardless of their abilities or needs. My students enter the classroom and work unbelievably hard each day. Their levels of strength, passion and positivity are lost within the adult world. They treat each other with incredible kindness and see past differences. The children often ask open and honest questions about each others’ differences, and accept the response that some children may need extra help to learn and become stronger. All of the children — both those with disabilities and those who do not receive special education services — benefit from learning together. The students with disabilities are naturally motivated to work harder to strengthen their areas of need. All the while, the students without disabilities learn to be patient and kind, offering positive encouragement to their friends. The power of inclusivity is incredible. My students remind me each and every day that all people in this world deserve respect and compassion; while we are all different, all of our lives are beautiful and important. My goal is for my students to leave the classroom with the academic skills necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond. But my true passion lies in teaching them life skills. I hope my young students will grow into adults who will make this world a much kinder and more accepting place for the next generation. I am unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to guide all of my students on the path to learning and compassion, which in turn will help them to have a beautiful and fulfilling life. SWM To learn more about the Main Street Early Education Program, visit nscsd.org/main.cfm. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

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The Education Edition

August 2016

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INSPIRE Mim Readling

MIM READLING

Photography by Sara Felice

Liverpool High School teacher

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The Education Edition

Exploring Gender Studies By Kailyn Jennings

ollege is a time to let new ideas blossom and ponder on “High school students aren’t given enough credit,” she said. “I find [them] to be very compassionate, empathetic and attuned to previously foreign concepts. For Liverpool High School each other’s experiences, especially if you can cultivate a safe space.” teacher Mim Readling, undergraduate studies at Smith At first, the thought of parent reactions unnerved Mim because College, a women’s college in Northampton, MA, was a first of the controversies related to sexual orientation and gender studies. introduction to gender studies. But then she realized she didn’t have to be nervous, she explained. “The community itself [at Smith College] is really diverse in “What I’m telling them is straightforward and true,” she said, terms of gender studies and feminist studies,” Mim said. “There was a very active transgender community. I learned a lot about it from adding that there are more than two gender identities, and that the having friends transition.” idea of gender itself is socially constructed. “I’ve never had parent Mim learned that gender identity and sexuality are spectrums, pushback. I’ve had students be challenged by their parents; but it’s she said, even though many assume a gender binary of male or open to dialogue, and that’s the first step to spreading information.” female. She explained that many genders fall in between male and When Mim teaches masculinity, she has students interview those female, and many exist outside of this spectrum completely. who identify as male – often their fathers – on what it means to When Mim began working at Liverpool High School almost identify as male. six years ago, she realized it once offered a gender studies course. “It was the first time many had this intimate conversation,” Mim said. “It brings parents and students closer, even if that Two years ago, Mim revived the class, and has taught it four times. means disagreement and explanation.” She also teaches sophomore English and Advanced Placement Mim runs her class as a forum. Instead of lecturing on what being Literature and Composition. a transgender student means, transgender “I felt like there was a need to create safe space where [students] could have It’s important to bring students students share their experiences and create an academic discussion,” Mim said, dialogue with their peers. together and let them share “a space for them to talk about their “I’ve had students come out in class,” Mim experiences and for other students with said, “and their classmates are hugging and their personal experiences.”— no frame of reference to learn.” supporting them.” And that support system Mim Readling, Liverpool High doesn’t stop when the bell rings, Mim explained; She strives to create a more cohesive school environment where students can the students support each other outside of the School teacher be themselves and other students can classroom as well. respectfully navigate gender identities But despite the evolving support system, and sexualities. Mim said the alienation students face surprises her. She explained “The status quo is being threatened, and it can bring out the that while she’s honored to have created this safe space, she wonders worst in people because they are fearful or don’t know how to where the support system was before the class was created. react,” Mim said. “It’s important to bring students together and “I can’t imagine having to navigate high school with its normal let them share their personal experiences.” academic and social pressure, and on top of that, be struggling to Mim said that initially, many students interpreted the class as figure out who you are and how you want to be seen, and on top of feminist propaganda. That wasn’t her aim, however. In the class, that, struggling to have your parents and friends understand you,” the students study the nature of gender, socialization of gender she said. in men and women, history of feminism in America, masculinity Her support doesn’t stop at the end of class. Mim wants her in America, sexual orientation and cross-cultural comparisons students to know their gender studies knowledge fits within a of gender. real-world context. As word spread, a diverse population of students took the course. “I’d like to take on some project where we are more integrated “My favorite students are those who have no idea there are more within the community – work toward some goal rooted in than two genders,” Mim said. “They go back to their friends and promoting equality and social justice,” Mim said. “We could shed light, ask what pronouns they prefer. They affect change more write letters to support legislation or at least sit in on a college gender studies class to see if it’s something they would pursue as than those who already know.” a major or minor.” SWM Mim said she’s received positive responses to the course, especially from students who entered the room on day one with a strict notion of what they’ve been taught as fact. Throughout the semester, they become more open-minded.

August 2016

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INSPIRE Stephanie Horton-Centore

Stephanie HortonCentore

Photography by Alexis Emm

Program Facilitator for the Syracuse City School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Refugee Assistance Program

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The Education Edition

Breaking Language Barriers By Kailyn Jennings

tephanie Horton-Centore’s interest in other countries’ citizens, Since The Refugee Resistance Program originated in 1978, the organization has grown and changed. their cultures and their languages has been influencing her “This program started as a temporary program and yet here path in life for decades, from her choices in college to her current position as program facilitator for the Syracuse City School we are today,” Stephanie said. The program previously offered socially-oriented services, but now focuses mainly on education, District’s Refugee Assistance Program. After all, the United States is a country of refugees, immigrants and their descendants, employment preparation and placement. she explained. To achieve those goals, six classes grew to 20, including an After studying French in college, she wanted to maintain fluency, ASL class for deaf refugees. Instead of one employment specialist helping find jobs, The Refugee Resistance Program now has three. and began volunteering at the International Center of the Capital Stephanie said more than half of the full-time staff arrived in the Region in Albany. area as refugees. “I fell in love right away with the field,” Stephanie said, “and I And the development doesn’t stop there. Stephanie foresees knew I wanted to stay involved one way or another with refugees.” a strong future with expanded opportunities for senior citizens The volunteer work eventually led to a career as a job developer, and additional social events for the more than 20,000 individuals helping newly-arrived refugees find work. When Stephanie moved the program has served. to Syracuse, she worked with the Syracuse Area InterReligious Even though The Refugee Resistance Program offers numerous Council — now InterFaith Works of Central New York — in their services, Stephanie said the job still proves difficult, especially with refugee resettlement program. the current political climate. Meanwhile, she became certified to teach English for Speakers “We need to be addressing what is happening with people here of Other Languages and taught part time. In 1994, she began in the U.S. who have become marginalized teaching at the Refugee Assistance Program, and disenfranchised rather than those who also known as Bob’s School, providing are arriving here in search of safe haven,” refugees with the necessary skills to become It’s important tobring students Stephanie said. successful, productive members of the The Refugee Resistance Program has been community. together and let them share successful despite the serious challenges “All newly-arrived refugees who are resettled their personal experiences.” through the two local agencies, Catholic the program and the people it serves face. —Stephanie Horton-Centore, Charities and InterFaith Works, come to Stephanie cited a story of a beginning The Refugee Resistance Program for intake English student who opened up to her about Prgram Facilitator for the and assessment,” Stephanie explained. the day 27 members of his family were massacred in Srebrenica. Catholic Charities, a not-for-profit human Syracuse City School District’s “To see that man work so hard to services agency, aims to provide care and Refugee Assistance Program communicate with such a small amount advocacy for people in need. of English was truly one of the most “We work collaboratively with the agencies memorable experiences in my career,” she said. “At the same time, to ensure people are receiving necessary support. The goal of all of to hear the horror stories of what people like him are forced to us – refugees and agencies – is for people to become self-sufficient, endure is heartbreaking.” engaged members of the community,” Stephanie said. However, the frustration never hinders Stephanie’s love for The time needed to secure self-sufficiency does vary, Stephanie her work. said, but once people conquer the language barrier, The Refugee “I love walking around the building and hearing different Resistance Program can assist with more of their needs. languages,” she explained. “I am proud to know that in some “With our Targeted Assistance Grant [from the Office of small way, the work we do here everyday helps people start a Refugee Resettlement], we can work with people for up to five new life.” SWM years after arrival for employment and support services,” Stephanie said, explaining that while some people may find work in a short period of time, it takes others longer to get on track. “We really try to assess individual needs, and if we can’t provide it here, For more information on SCSD’s Refugee Assistance Program, visit we reach out in the community to see who can help.” syracusecityschools.com/districtpage.cfm?pageid=4295.

August 2016

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INSPIRE Mary Lynn Mahan

Mary Lynn Mahan

Photography by Steven J. Pallone

Edward Smith Elementary School art teacher

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Owning the Elements of Art By Gabrielle Reagan

ary Lynn Mahan doesn’t consider herself an artist. “I don’t call myself an artist,” she said. “Maybe an artisan. Definitely an educator.” But the truth is she is an artist. She’s also a teacher, mother and advocate for the more than 550 students attending art classes every week at Edward Smith Elementary School. Mary Lynn grew up in the halls of the Syracuse City School District. At that time, she took little interest in art. After high school, she earned a degree in biology and landed a high-stress job in Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “I realized it wasn’t for me,” Mary Lynn said. “I came back home and thought I better just learn to wait tables and do what I love to do.” And that meant creating. Mary Lynn worked at Phoebe’s while she took art classes at Onondaga Community College. She opened up a silversmith studio on the third floor of Awful Al’s Cigar Bar — now Al’s Wine & Whiskey Lounge — where she worked alongside local jewelry artist Michelle DaRin. It was Michelle, who at the time was working on a master’s degree in art education, who initially piqued Mary Lynn’s interest in education. But the early afternoons Mary Lynn spent at Ed Smith were the real catalyst. “I would go in for my daughter’s kindergarten reading groups and I just never wanted to leave,” Mary Lynn said. She enrolled part time in a master’s degree program at Syracuse University. When she graduated, she was hired as her own daughter’s art teacher at Ed Smith. “I lucked out,” Mary Lynn reminisced. “It’s exactly where I wanted to be.” Thirteen years later, she’s still in that ideal spot, motivating her students through art on a daily basis. Mary Lynn aims to instill in her students far more than the ability to sketch a portrait or the perfect circle; her interdisciplinary approach weaves various disciplines —including history, science and current events — into the theory of art. “I want to show the kids that art is not just about making something pleasant and beautiful,” Mary Lynn explained. “It’s about making a statement.”

In one of the poorest districts in the country, Mary Lynn witnesses her own creativity blossom in crafting lesson plans to help each student find a unique voice. She’s helped her students throw a dinner party fashioned after feminist artist Judy Chicago’s monumental sculpture “The Dinner Party.” Last year, Mary Lynn and her mini artists crafted hundreds of tiny houses to help raise $800 to put a roof on a building cooperative in Rwanda. “Believe it or not, people do not want to listen to a child’s voice,” Mary Lynn said. “All too often, we don’t ask our kids simple questions that tell us about them.” It’s not always easy to teach outside the box, Mary Lynn admitted, as the new code of conduct, common core and highstakes testing has changed both the curriculum for Syracuse city schools, as well as the national standards. But as a former curriculum writer, Mary Lynn is a firm believer in being a positive participant in change. “You may not like it,” she said, “but if you don’t have control over it, get in there and get as much control as you can.” This mindset was a lifeline for Mary Lynn when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than two years ago. Now working on a Certificate of Advanced Studies in disability studies at Syracuse University, Mary Lynn creates pieces on the side. The work is inspired by her medication. When completed, she gifts them to other people who have been diagnosed. “It just makes sense to me,” Mary Lynn said. “Take something chaotic, and break it down into simple elements of art. You start to control it [and] own it somehow.” SWM Mary Lynn Mahan teaches art at Edward Smith Elementary School, located at 1106 Lancaster Ave. in Syracuse. For more information on Mary Lynn and her art, connect with her at marylynnmahan@gmail.com. Photo inset: Thanks to the Syracuse City School District for the photo inset of students participating in the Photography and Literacy Project. “The best person to tell your story is you,” Mary Lynn explained in an SCSD article. “The PAL Project allows students to tell their own story. Sometimes, it’s so raw that they have trouble at first. But the more you work with them, the more authentic that story becomes.”

I want to show the kids that art is not just about making something pleasant and beautiful. It’s about making a statement.” —Mary Lynn Mahan, Edward Smith Elementary School art teacher

August 2016

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE Learning Disabilities Association of CNY

Learning with the LDA By Lorna Oppedisano

eople often ask me how we choose our stories for SWM. The truth is that it’s a medley of ways. We keep an ear to the ground and an eye on the community. We look for inspiring people with unique stories. A few months ago, I connected with the Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York, and found out a little about their mission and programming. A family member of mine is an LDACNY client, so I was vaguely familiar with the organization, but I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet other clients. When I was introduced to Jennie and Shquria, I knew I had some stories to tell. As you’ll read, both women have come across and conquered more obstacles than a lot of people ever have to face.

The Choice of Happiness Jennie and Elaine have known each other for almost two years. They go out to eat. They go shopping, which is Jennie’s favorite pastime. They take care of Jennie’s dog, Fluffy. Since Elaine was hired by LDACNY as Jennie’s life counselor, the women have spent time together a few days a week. It’s a symbiotic relationship. Due to Jennie’s dual diagnosis of developmental and psychiatric disabilities, she has a number

of vulnerabilities. She can’t drive. She needs assistance handling her finances. The LDACNY team helps her manage the several medications she takes. Elaine watches out for Jennie, and helps her navigate the world. In turn, Jennie helps Elaine learn life lessons. “She’s really taught me to enjoy the simple things, because it’s sometimes the simplest things that make her happiest,” Elaine said, explaining that as a teacher and mother of four, she occasionally ignores the seemingly insignificant things. “She definitely puts things in perspective.” Jennie is 80 years old; although if you ask her age, she’ll answer “old enough to know better,” with a twinkle in her eyes. Her life journey — not an easy one — can help anyone achieve a fresh outlook. When I met Jennie and Elaine for an afternoon cup of coffee, I’d never have guessed that the smiling woman with the subtle sense of humor seated across from me has been through a couple marriages and several abusive relationships. “I’m always happy,” Jennie said simply, “because I’m going to stay happy.” When Jennie was 6 years old, she was removed from her parents’

Photography by Alcie G. Patterson

I’m always happy, because I’m going to stay happy.” —Jennie, LDACNY client

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abusive custody and placed in foster care for about a year, before she moved into her maternal grandmother’s home. However, she was destined to be shuffled back into the system. Her grandmother was reported to be cruel and neglectful, and in 1946, Jennie went to live at the Susquehanna Valley Home. In March of 1948, Jennie moved to the Syracuse area when she was admitted to the Syracuse State School. After completing her schooling, she lived in a group setting. This proved to be a bad fit for Jennie, and she eventually returned to the Syracuse State School as a housekeeper. She was discharged from the school in February 1972, and began to live a slightly more independent life. However, the next few decades were rocky. Jennie married her first husband in late 1972. It was an abusive relationship, and she divorced him six years later. In 1978, Jennie married again and gave birth to a child, David. The Department of Child Welfare took her son from her at the hospital. I asked Jennie if she’s sad when she thinks about David.

She answered no; she knows that he was placed with a caring family, and is an adult now. “The judge said, ‘Jennie, David’s got a good home and he’s happy, and he’s going to go on his own and have his own life,’” Jennie reminisced. In 1980, Jennie divorced her second husband, and hasn’t been married since. Living alone can be lonely, she said, but she’s getting used to it and doesn’t mind it now. She’s received community and case management services since 1988, and eventually became a client of LDACNY at the beginning of 2014. Hopefully later this fall, Jennie will move from her current apartment — the first floor of a two-family home where she lives alone — to St. Joseph’s Manor in Eastwood. A smaller space with a community atmosphere will make Jennie feel safer, Elaine explained. The Learning Disabilities Association plans to assist Jennie through the transition.

Photography by Alcie G. Patterson

If people come up to you and ask you about your disability, just try to explain to them the best you can. It’s not a right or wrong answer.” —Shquria, LDACNY client

August 2016

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SPECIAL FEATURE Learning Disabilities Association of CNY

Learning with the LDA continued from page 43 Over the years, Jennie has gained more freedom with the help of organizations like LDACNY. She likes the fact that her decisions are left up to her, she told us as she sipped her coffee. “This is what I do during the day: I go to a program every day. I walk my dog. I’ve got a little dog at home. I go out with her,” Jennie said, gesturing amicably toward Elaine. “We go out. We come to this diner here. We eat, go shopping, do laundry. I do everything. Everything you can think about.”

Achieving Self Advocacy One of Shquria’s least favorite words is “cripple.” In her life, the 36-year-old has faced, fought and conquered more than her fair share of obstacles. Her father was in jail from the time she was 5 years old, and passed away when she was 12. She’s removed herself from an abusive relationship. She’s relocated several times from her New York City home to cities in upstate New York where she had no friends or family. She’s traveled to conferences in Albany to speak about her journey and her life. Shquria did it all with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, developmental disability and dysthymic disorder, a mild form of depression. “I have tons of friends who have disabilities, and they will tell you, ‘If I need your help, I will ask for it.’ And it’s the same way with me,” she said. “I tell people… I say, ‘Look, if I need your help, I will ask for it.’ But don’t just assume that I need help.” Shquria was born and raised by her mother in New York City. When the time came for school, she was enrolled in special education classes, Shquria reminisced, but that didn’t make interactions with classmates any easier. “You know how you want to fit in so badly with the other kids, but you know that you’re so different?” she asked. “That’s how I felt.” Shquria sucked her thumb a lot when she was younger, which made her a target to bullies, she explained. She liked school itself, but was afraid of the ridicule, and just shut down when teachers asked her what was wrong. Summer was her respite. Each year when school ended, The Fresh Air Fund’s summer program brought Shquria upstate to Cortland. Starting when she was 5 years old, she’d spend the season with a host family. Eventually, after she graduated from high school, Shquria moved in with her host family. Then in 2002, seeking a little more independence, she followed the only option available to her at the time, and moved into a group home in Cortland. But it wasn’t a good fit, for reasons anyone could agree with: “I like my space,” Shquria explained. “I don’t like being crowded.” Shquria eventually moved to her own apartment in Cortland in 2005 and then her own place in Syracuse in 2010. Now that she’s settled in Syracuse for the time being, she’s achieved the balance of freedom and services she’d been searching to find. The journey has taught Shquria to advocate for herself and the importance of making her own independent decisions. The original move from her mother’s house was a huge step. As most people who have lived with a parent after high school can attest, living with her mother could be a challenge at times. Shquria didn’t always feel like she could make her own decisions and have her freedom. 44

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“I love my mom, but who wants to live with them all their lives, you know?” she said with a chuckle. “You want to move forward with your future.” As most parents would, her mother still worries about her living alone in Syracuse, a city in which she has no family, but she’s accepted Shquria’s decision. Most of Shquria’s time is dominated by her job now. A little more than six months ago, she was hired at her first job, at Menorah Park. She rides the Centro bus to and from work several days a week to help with residents’ meals. She loves the relationships she’s developed with the residents, she said. Shquria’s learned to respect their privacy, but also realized that many people living at Menorah Park really do appreciate a conversation and company. “I think that’s one way that she advocated for herself,” LDACNY’s LIFE Program Manager David Haas said. “When she started that job, it wasn’t always the easiest thing and it took a lot of dialogue, meetings and communications to get to the point that she was comfortable and expressing what she saw the job as. And they loved her there, so they wanted to help.” Shquria spends her free time in LDACNY programs and is also a part of the Self Advocacy Association of New York, a group run by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Although she’s been advocating for herself for years now, the self advocacy group has connected her with people who have faced similar challenges. To others with disabilities who might still be searching for their voice and independence, Shquria warns that it’s not always easy. People won’t always understand, because they haven’t faced the same obstacles. “I would tell them not to be afraid, to put your foot down, and speak up,” Shquria said. “If people come up to you and ask you about your disability, just try to explain to them the best you can. It’s not a right or wrong answer.” SWM To learn more about LDACNY, visit ldacny.org.

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August 2016

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August 2016

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UPCOMING SWM Events Wednesdays in August 1 Million Cups When: 9 to 10 a.m. What: Presentations by local early-stage startup companies aim to draw feedback from peers, mentors, educators and advisors. Open to the public. Cost: Free admission. Where: Syracuse CoWorks, 201 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse. Info: 1millioncups.com/syracuse. Wednesdays in August Funky Jazz Wednesdays When: 6 to 9 p.m. What: Live music by Dave Hanlonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funky Jazz Band. Where: Greenwood Winery & Bistro, 6475 Collamer Road, E. Syracuse. Info: greenwoodwinery.com. Tuesday, August 2 LaFayette Community Band concert When: 7:30 p.m. What: Annual performance to benefit LaFayette Outreach. Free refreshments after performance. Cost: Suggested donation of $2. Where: Columbian Presbyterian Church, corner of Routes 20 and 11, Lafayette. Info: 677-3293 or cpresbyt@twcny.rr.com. Friday, August 5 Twentieth Annual Brew at the Zoo When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. What: Benefits Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Includes regional beers and wines, zoo exhibits, food and music. Ages 21 and older admitted. Cost: Advance sale, $50; group tickets (six or more), $45 each; day of (if available), $60. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Info: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo; 435-8511 ext. 113. Fridays, August 5 & 12 Food Truck Fridays When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. What: Offers a variety of local food trucks. Presented in partnership with the Syracuse Food Truck Association. Cost: Free admission. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org. Saturday, August 6 Eastwood Market Day When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. What: Annual flea market, yard sale and craft show. Proceeds benefit Eastwood Neighborhood Association community outreach programs. Cost: Free admission. Where: 100 Eastwood Road, Syracuse. Info: facebook.com/EastwoodMarketDay. 48

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Saturday, August 6 Syracuse Neighborhood Olympics When: 11 a.m. What: Open to all neighborhoods in the greater Syracuse area, including city and suburbs. Events include bocce ball, volleyball, cornhole and kickball. Winners to receive volunteers to come beautify their neighborhood. Open to all ages. Presented by Believe in Syracuse. Cost: Free admission. Where: Cummings Field, 311 North Ave., Syracuse. Info: believeinsyracuse.org/olympics.html. Saturdays, August 6, 13 and 20 Summer Movie Nights When: 8:30 p.m. What: Free outdoor movie night. Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores and campfire at 7:30 p.m. Popcorn served. Check online for scheduled movies. Bring blankets and chairs. Where: Green Lakes State Park Lakeview Picnic Area, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville. Info: facebook.com/greenlakesstatepark. Sunday, August 7 Iron Girl Syracuse What: Iron Girl sprint triathlon includes 600 meter swim, 30K bike and 5K run; bike-run includes 30K bike and 5K run. Cost: Triathlon, $130; bike/run until Aug. 2, $115; bike/run Aug. 3 to race, $120. Where: Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. Info: irongirl.com/Events/Syracuse. Monday, August 8 Design a Nursery on a Dime When: 6 p.m. What: Affordable nursery design ideas presented by seasoned DIY decorator and mother, Brandy. Refreshments provided. Hosted by CNY Doula Connection. Where: Simpson Family Wellness, 309 Kasson Road #1, Camillus. Info: 447-4343. Thursday, August 11 Zoovies Summer Movie Series: Zootopia When: 6 to 10 p.m.; zoo opens at 6 p.m.; movie at dusk. What: Family event screening of Zootopia. Limited seating provided; bring blankets and chairs. Cost: Zoo members, $5; nonmembers, $10, includes zoo admission and movie. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Info: rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

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Friday, August 12 Coffee Talk: Access Your Female Leadership When: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. What: Hosted by Femfessionals Syracuse. Aims to help attendees discover special qualities of female leadership. Cost: $5; business, free. Where: Crowne Plaza, 701 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Info: femfessionals.com. Sunday, August 14 Fourth Annual Teed Off at Cancer golf outing When: 1 p.m. What: Benefits Chase Angel Fund at CancerConnects, Inc. Hosted by Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer. Cost: Individual, $90; foursome, $360. Where: The Pompey Club, 7200 Hamilton Road, Pompey. Info: Ann Marie Otis, stupiddumbbreastcancer@gmail.com. Wednesday, August 17 Celebrity Bartending What: Supports Hope for Heather and the Teal Ribbon Run and Walk. Where: Trappers II Pizza & Pub, 101 Main St., Minoa. Info: Stay tuned for more info at hopeforheather.org. Thursday, August 18 Wine and Psychic Night When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. What: Laughter and connections by JennieMarie, the Psychic Comedium. Includes complimentary glass of wine. Cost: $50. Where: Lincklaen House, 79 Albany St., Cazenovia. Info: thepsychiccomedium.com. Thursday, August 18 & Friday, August 19 Smock Sidewalk Sale When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. What: Discounted letterpress cards, keepsake boxes, gift wrap, calendars, art prints, notebooks and more. Refreshments available. Where: Delavan Center parking lot, 509 W. Fayette St., Syracuse. Info: smockpaper.com. Saturday, August 20 Fifth annual 5K Run for Down Syndrome When: Open registration, 7:30 a.m.; Kid’s Dash for Down Syndrome, 9 a.m.; 5K run and mile walk, 9:30 a.m. What: Aims to raise money for purposeful programming offered by GiGI’s Playhouse. Cost: $25; after Aug. 5, $35; ages 12 and younger, $15. Where: Willow Bay Pavilion, Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. Info: gigisplayhouse.org/syracuse/5k.

August 2016

Saturday, August 20 Asian Elephant Extravaganza When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. What: Blends wildlife education with Asian culture. Presented in partnership with Syracuse University’s South Asia Center and Cornell University’s Southeast Asia Program. Cost: Free with zoo admission and for members. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Info: rosamondgiffordzoo.org/upcoming-events. Saturday, August 20 The Blueberry Jam When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. What: Fifth annual event hosted by Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Company. Includes music, children’s entertainment, local craft beverages, food and more. Family friendly. Cost: Ages 12 and older, $10; ages 4 to 11, $3; ages 3 and younger, free. Where: Critz Farms, 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13 S., Cazenovia. Info: critzfarms.com. Saturday, August 20 Science Social What: Part of the MOST’s Summer of Science. Includes activities and demonstrations. Cost: Free. What: East lawn of the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Info: most.org/learn/summer-of-science. Sunday, August 21 Badass BBQ for Breast Cancer When: Noon to 5 p.m. What: Fund raiser for Hope Chest for Charity. Includes live music, vendors, auctions, games, food trucks, BBQ competition and more. Cost: Free admission. Where: Long Branch Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. Info: hopechestforcharity.com/badassbbq.html. Thursday, August 25 Crafty Hours When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. What: Workshop to make a unique and functional art object. Features local drink vendors. Cost: Museum admission and $5 for materials. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org. Wednesday, August 31 Women’s Day When: Registration and network, 10:30 a.m.; Empire Theatre program, 11 a.m.; luncheon program, noon; Macy Gray, 2 p.m.; mini fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What: Includes networking, luncheon, mini fair of women’s advocacy groups, and more. Cost: $20 includes luncheon, fair ticket and parking pass. Where: NYS Fair, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse. Info: nysfair.ny.gov. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

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