June 2018
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The Man Edition
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June 2018
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C O N T E N T S
June
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.......................................................6
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CONTRIBUTORS............................................................................6 PAST EVENTS.................................................................................7 FASHION Fashion Forward: Men's Style................................................8
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FOOD Syracuse Eats: Daniella's Steak House.............................. 12 WBOC WBOC Leading Woman: Tamela Fabiano........................ 16 DOLLARS AND SENSE Dollars and Sense: Understanding Investment................ 18
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IN HER OWN WORDS Kathrine Switzer..................................................................... 22 ON THE COVER Mayor Ben Walsh...................................................................... 26
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SPECIAL FEATURE Love, Loss, and What I Wore................................................ 32 INSPIRE Dan Welch.............................................................................. 36 Michael Norton......................................................................... 40 Joe Convertino Jr.................................................................. 44
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UPCOMING EVENTS................................................................. 48 MOVERS AND SHAKERS......................................................... 50
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The Man Edition
June 2018
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LETTER from the Editor
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This month, I had the privilege of interviewing Mayor Ben Walsh, to talk to him about his thoughts on family, fatherhood and the future of our city. In addition to the cover story on Ben, we’re honored to feature other men who devote their time to supporting the women in their lives and communities. Speaking of supportive men… I’d like to dedicate this letter to my dad, one of the most inspiring people in my life and also one of my best friends. Here are some of my favorite memories with my dad: Phish show adventures — I’m proud to say my dad has been my concert buddy for almost every one of the many Phish shows I’ve attended. From the first show he took me to when I was 7 to our first New Year’s show back at the end of 2010 to the festivals we’ve attended over the years, those shows are some of the best memories I have! Star Wars — I always used to brag to my friends about how my dad took me out of school to see “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” And here I am, bragging some more. My dad taught me how to proudly be a geek, something for which I am forever grateful. Learning to run — For most of my life, I did not run unless I was being chased. That changed a few years ago, when my dad and I were inspired by my brother to start running. So, my dad and I would go to Green Lakes to run and walk around the lakes. We started by mostly walking with a little running mixed in here and there. Eventually, that shifted. Before long, we were running most of it — while listening to Phish, of course. Saturday, May 26, 2018 — Technically, as I’m finishing this letter on Sunday, May 20, this isn’t a memory yet. But it will be a great one soon. As I’m writing, my dad’s marriage is less than a week away. Congratulations, Dad and Janet! Enjoy this year’s Man Edition, everyone!
OUR TEAM
appy June, everyone!
Lorna
Publisher
Steven J. Pallone Alice G. Patterson Randy Zaborowski
David Tyler
Editor
Lorna Oppedisano
Design
Andrea Reeves
Photography Alexis Emm Edges Photography Mary Grace Johnson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nichole A. Cavallaro Katie MacIntyre Lorna Oppedisano Mary Ann Pierce Mary Beth Roach
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ON THE COVER: Mayor Ben Walsh was photographed by Alice G. Patterson of Alice G. Patterson Photography in front of and inside City Hall in downtown Syracuse.
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The Man Edition
PAST SWM Events
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19 1-3) This year’s Syracuse Fashion Week extended from Thursday, April 26, through Sunday, April 29. All proceeds benefited the Syracuse Food Bank. Photography by Randy Zaborowski. 4-8) This year’s A Cause to Celebrate, “Shine A Light: Black & White Gala” took place on Friday, May 4, at the Fireside Inn in Baldwinsville. The event raised funds and awareness for Vera House North. Photography by Edges Photography. 9-11) The Friends of St. Camillus held its annual fashion show, “Thank You for Being a Friend!” on Saturday, April 28, at DoubleTree by Hilton in Syracuse. The event benefited residents and patients and their families at The Centers at St. Camillus. Photos courtesy of The Centers at St. Camillus. 12-14) On Saturday, May 5, our editor, Lorna Oppedisano, kicked off her annual fundraising for the June 2018
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CNY Chapter with a concert at Funk ’n Waffles. Funk Gives Back to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation featured local musicians Sarah Hiltbrand, Joanna Jewett and The Messengers, and Jess Novak. KMase Productions helped to organize and facilitate the event, which raised more than $600 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Photography courtesy KMase Productions. 15-17) The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CNY Chapter celebrated 30 years of the Great Strides walk on Saturday, May 12, at Long Branch Park. 18-20) This year’s WISE Symposium was held on Wednesday, April 18, at Sky Armory in downtown Syracuse. The event featured speakers: Rick Tamlyn, Samantha Tassone, Jess Ekstrom, Sarah Chamberlain and Carrie Majewski.
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FASHION FORWARD Men's Style
Delving into the World of Men's Fashion By Nichole A. Cavallaro
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y first experience with men’s fashion or style was with a good friend of mine. He and his dad owned a high-end designer store, at which they’d do tailoring, sell merchandise and hold trunk shows. I was asked to help out during summers off from college. When asked, I was already bored, but said, “Sure, I’ll help.” Men’s style? There’s nothing but tedious palettes and one style of shoe, right? Wrong. I stepped into the showroom and was met with perfectly-lined suit jackets. A rack of gorgeous designer button-down shirts were stiffly hung on wooden hangers, each one a vibrant color that reminded me of a tropical sunset, a blue ocean and a perfect white. Folding the cuff up, you’d see the lining was a contrasting pattern, but, at the same time, it matched. And then I saw them: ties. All in a perfect line under lit glass, they spanned from where I stood near the entrance to the end of the store. They were in every color you could imagine — and the detail! They were exquisitely displayed, one half-hidden under the next, reminding me of dominos. I asked to hold one. My friend slid the door open, reached in and held one out to me. It was slightly heavy and the embroidery was immaculate. It was a deep scarlet hue, adorned with tiny purple, blue and yellow patterns. As I moved my hand, it appeared to shimmer in the light. Then, I saw heavy (and expensive) cufflinks in thick boxes, luxurious socks with tissue between them and slacks as soft to the touch as a silk blouse. I stood corrected. I’d thought that men’s style was boring. It certainly wasn’t. Although some men don’t share the taste for brightly-colored button-downs, this dimension
of quality and practicality exists in some wardrobes and it definitely isn’t boring. For this Man Edition, I decided to interview men from different backgrounds about what pieces of style they can’t live without. Here’s what they said: • Symon, who works in the film/entertainment industry in Los Angeles, chooses the following items: Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, Kiehls Deep Pore Daily Cleanser and Red Wing Heritage Iron Rangers boots. • Jason, the founder of nonprofit organization Inkululeko, is based out of NYC. He prefers socks with character, stating that, “a fun pair of patterned socks always dress up an outfit nicely!” I’d have to agree. Fun socks with a business suit are always a pleasant surprise to me, and add a sort of trendiness. • Eli, a photographer also based out of NYC, prefers the following: a variety of watches and cologne, a pair of sneakers (a must in the city of commuting on foot), T-shirts and buttondowns in black and gray. As we move up to cold weather parts of New York, black logo-less T-shirts and comfortable hoodies are a must. I’d agree since cold weather dictates much of what we wear up here! • Gary, head of maintenance at a local management company and soon-to-be father of twins, states he doesn’t go anywhere without his Timberland Pros, a pair of Levis and his safety sunglasses. It’s been my misconception that only women have more fun with style and self-care. Men have many things that offer a unique and stylish flair, such as gorgeous watches, luxurious skincare products, beautifully-patterned button-downs, imported cotton T-shirts, classic and American-made denim, Italian leather shoes and thick, well-made sweaters, along with well-made footwear to handle any sort of lifestyle and occupation. SWM
Nichole A. Cavallaro is a Syracuse-based fashion blogger. Read more of her work at eneverythingnice.blogspot.com.
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The Man Edition
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Photography by Nichole A. Cavallaro
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The Man Edition
syracuse eats Daniella's Steak House
The Story of the Small Steak House
Photography by Steven J. Pallone
By Lorna Oppedisano
From left: general manager Brian Stolusky, owner Charlie Roman and marketing director Elana Agrasto June 2018
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SYRACUSE EATS Daniella's Steak House
The Story of the Small Steak House By Lorna Oppedisano
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harlie Roman, owner of Daniella’s Steak House, was raised in the restaurant business. In 1960, his parents founded Roman’s Tavern, the small, working-class tavern that eventually grew into Daniella’s, the small and intimate steakhouse that’s become a Syracuse staple. When he was younger, Charlie washed floors, cleaned dishes and tended bar at his parents’ restaurant in downtown Syracuse’s Franklin Square. “I grew up with the business,” the restaurateur said. Though Charlie eventually got a full-time job working at Crucible, he always found time to help the family business. “It was much more enjoyable than working the 9-to-5,” he said. “My nighttime work — even though it was full-time work — was just much more relaxing.”
When his mother retired from the business, Charlie took over full time at Roman’s. In the 1990s, he decided to add a new element to the tavern — the concept that would eventually become the steakhouse. They aimed to transition from bar business to include restaurant business, as well. Daniella’s began to evolve at the original location for about two years, and then moved to its current location at Best Western’s The Inn at the Fairgrounds at 670 State Fair Blvd. in Syracuse, near the New York State Fairgrounds. In the early 2000s, a friend of Charlie’s was opening the hotel and asked Charlie if he’d consider opening a restaurant there. At the time, Charlie was running both the downtown restaurant and another eatery in the Thousand Islands. A location by the fairgrounds just wasn’t feasible.
Photography by Steven J. Pallone
House feature: 40-ounce “Texas Cowboy” bone-in ribeye steak topped with maitre ‘d butter.
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The Man Edition
But about a year and a half later, his friend approached him again about opening a restaurant. The timing was better and Daniella’s opened in The Inn at the Fairgrounds about 14 years ago. The space was small, but they used that to their advantage, creating an intimate setting. Charlie knew it would be in their best interest to pick a specialty, too. They decided on steak. “With so many places to eat and dine in the area and in Syracuse, we wanted to pick our little niche,” he said. In the years since the move out of downtown, the menu has evolved slightly, with its core elements remaining the same. The team at Daniella’s strives to bring in the best products and source as locally as possible. Much of their produce comes from Syracuse Banana or the Central New York Regional Market. They source many of their baked goods from New York Bakery and The Cookie Connection, and meat from Ascioti’s Market. “We’re trying to stay in tune with the current trends, but at the same time, not changing what we are, which is truly a traditional steakhouse with a little bit of a twist,” Charlie said. The location by the fairgrounds helps keep business steady throughout the year. Daniella’s even has a location on the grounds that’s open during the Great New York State Fair and the Syracuse Nationals. The added exposure from the fair brings an uptick in business, too, Charlie said. “The people who stay at the hotel, they’re very surprised when they come down and find a restaurant of our caliber inside a hotel,” Charlie said, adding that since Daniella’s is not corporately run, they have fewer stipulations than a chain hotel-based restaurant might. Even with the fair and hotel business, they do have a fair number of regular guests from the area. There’s even one diner who joins them for dinner most evenings every week. “It’s a feel-good for us,” Charlie said with a smile. SWM Daniella’s is located at 670 State Fair Blvd. in Syracuse. The restaurant is open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 4:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday; 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit daniellassteakhouse.com. SWM
Rack of lamb: herb-crusted rack of lamb served with rosemary demi glaze.
House specialty “lobster ala angel hair pasta”: fresh lobster meat tops a bed of angel hair pasta in a white wine butter garlic sauce.
Photography by Steven J. Pallone
We’re trying to stay in tune with the current trends, but at the same time, not changing what we are, which is truly a traditional steakhouse with a little bit of a twist.” — Charlie Roman, Daniella’s Steak House owner
Lemon raspberry layer cake with a lemon curd filling. June 2018
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WBOC LEADING WOMAN Tamela Fabiano
Creating Your Own Path By Lorna Oppedisano
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Photography by Alice G. Patterson
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hen Tamela Fabiano entered the workforce as a teacher at age 23, she never imagined her career would eventually lead her to the world of finance years later. Despite the differences between the sectors she’s worked in, some similarities have run through Tammi’s three careers and her life, as well. “I create my own way,” she said, her voice calm, confident and thoughtful. “And you do what it takes, right?” After moving to the Central New York area from California, Tammi began her career as a resource teacher in the West Genesee Central School District. Each day, she’d help her students find their talents and arrive where they needed to be, she remembered. After 12 years of teaching, Tammi had her first child and went on maternity leave. She was substitute teaching when her second career manifested. Her husband, an attorney, decided to build his own practice, Fabiano & Associates. Tammi initially got involved by setting up the office. Eventually, she ran it — “like a classroom,” Tammi added with a chuckle. Working with her husband in the office setting was an adjustment from leading a resource classroom, but the duo worked well together. “It wouldn’t have grown, of course, without him, but it wouldn’t have grown without me, either,” she said. “We had a healthy respect.” Tammi was first introduced to local women’s networking groups during her time at Fabiano & Associates. She accompanied a friend to a Women TIES breakfast and loved the experience. However, she didn’t see how it would fit into the firm. So, she tucked away the idea and continued on with her career. About 12 years later, Fabiano & Associates had grown to such a size that they decided to change direction and merge with another firm. “It worked me right out of a position,” Tammi said. She returned to Women TIES, hoping to gain some insight on the next step in her career. She shared her past work experience with the group, explaining she wanted to explore a new path. A number of financial professionals connected with her, including her future colleague, Allison Haslam. Allison works for Primerica, a financial services firm. The company’s people- and solutions-oriented approach turned out to be a great match for Tammi. “I fit in,” she said. “It matched my philosophy of living and life.” As a Primerica representative, Tammi creates her own schedule, often meeting with clients in their homes or via telephone conferences. Having regular commitments on her calendar — such as volunteer positions with organizations like Women Business Opportunities Connection or Father Champlin’s Guardian Angel Society — helps keep her grounded, Tammi said. Allison introduced Tammi to WBOC about five years ago. Tammi appreciated the regular monthly meetings and hyperlocal aspect of the networking group. Not long after becoming a member, she volunteered on committees and then eventually joined the organization’s board as membership director. Currently, she serves as the board’s vice president. With a plethora of different networking groups available for professional women in the area — including the WISE Women’s Business Center, WBOC, Women TIES and FemCity Syracuse,
We’re becoming stronger, streamlined, efficient. We’re making an impact.” — Tamela Fabiano, Primerica representative and WBOC vice president to name a few — Tammi’s proud to be a part of that community. Women can feel comfortable in and learn something from each group, she said. “There’s so much need and there are enough professionals who can make an impact on other people,” Tammi said. “I just see that continuing to happen — that we’re becoming stronger, streamlined, efficient. We’re making an impact.” SWM For more information on Primerica, visit primerica.com/tfabiano. Women Business Opportunities Connection (WBOC) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 20 years. To become a member, visit wboconnection.org or follow the organization on Twitter at @WBOConnection. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC.
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June 2018
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HEALTHY and dollars WOMAN sense TitleUnderstanding Investment
Making Sound Financial Decisions By Mary Ann Pierce
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recently met with a group to talk about investment basics. This group was a mix of people of all ages, from different backgrounds and varying professions. Every single person appeared to be confident and competent. We had a lively discussion. Relevant and interesting questions were asked. However, at one point, one of the women made a remark that just about everyone in the group echoed. “I feel so stupid about finances and investing,” she said. “I just feel as though I should know this!” Suddenly, this group of intelligent, capable people began to put themselves down. Why do so many feel this way? Why should you be expected to understand all of the ins and outs of financial planning and investing? Unless it’s the course of study you chose, financial planning generally isn’t taught in schools. Finances and investing aren’t necessarily intuitive. We’re not born knowing how to save, invest and plan for our financial wellbeing. I believe part of this stems from the myriad of advertisements we’re exposed to in media that encourage us to be “do-it-yourselfers.” These ads tell us we can — and should — be able to navigate a labyrinth of investment option-related information to choose an appropriate investment mix of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETF’s, etc. And we’re told we can balance our portfolios so we can someday retire and live comfortably off our investment earnings. Feeling overwhelmed by all of this is understandable — so is the urge to procrastinate when faced with this overabundance of information. Then we beat ourselves up because we feel we “should” be doing all of these things, in addition to spending time at work, running our household and perhaps raising a family. It would be easy to feel incompetent.
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My suggestion is to learn the basics of investing; learn about different types of investments and what vehicles — such as 401(k), IRA’s, etc. — are available to help us save and invest for our future financial goals. Having a good grasp of the basics will lend a sense of empowerment and trust that we are making sound financial decisions. I think it’s important to have a team of reliable professionals to assist in meeting financial goals. It’s important to work with an attorney to discuss your will and estate plan. Tax advisors are important to ensure we aren’t paying more tax than we’re obligated to. It’s also important to work with an insurance and/or financial advisor to define and implement strategies for achieving financial goals. Each of these professionals will work together to ensure you have an appropriate financial and estate planning strategy. Every one of the individuals I was speaking with had the intelligence and capability to learn about investing and financial planning if that was their desire. However, since finance wasn’t their chosen career, they didn’t have that knowledge. For them to feel they’re somehow “not smart” places unreasonable pressure to be proficient in an area that isn’t their main area of expertise. As I said to this woman: “Let’s turn this around. Should I feel bad that I don’t understand your profession of medicine? Should I have my hand held throughout every exam and procedure and have the ‘language’ explained to me?” Of course not. And neither should she or anyone else! SWM Mary Ann Pierce is president of Syracuse financial advisory firm Marathon Financial Advisors. For more information, visit marathonfinancialsvc.com. Securities and investment advice offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Marathon Financial Advisors, Inc. and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.
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in her own words Kathrine Switzer
The Man Behind the Marathon Woman By Katie MacIntyre
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n 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. Since then, she’s run 39 marathons. Kathrine has also been recognized as a sports and social advocate, author and Emmy award-winning television commentator. For this month’s Man Edition, local fellow runner and marketing professional Katie MacIntyre chatted with Kathrine about the Marathon Woman’s husband and No. 1 supporter, Roger Robinson.
Katie: You have a life companion in your husband, Roger Robinson. How did you meet?
Kathrine: We’ve been married 30 years and I feel like I met him yesterday. He is the great love of my life. We met on the speaking stage of the Canberra Marathon in Australia. I spoke first, thinking I was a good speaker. But when Roger spoke next, I was overwhelmed with his delivery, wit, wickedness, charm and insight. I did not fall in love at first sight; I fell in love at first voice. He was pretty smitten, too.
continue to get discombobulated. When I got stuck, he’d calmly say, “Just tell the story.” Roger’s clarity and simplicity at approaching a problem are awesome and important to me. He focuses on the issue and just gets on and does it. Katie: You and Roger travel the world together and have been part of some pretty remarkable events around the globe.
Kathrine: This is a timely statement! Roger recently launched his latest book, last book, “When Running Made History.” It is about this very subject. For the past 70 years, he has — and later, he and I have — been at running events that mark important moments in history, portend a future or evoke an era. For instance, we were together at the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. To share some of these moments with him has been truly a blessing. Not only could we get a shared grip on the situation, but we were able to analyze and cope with it, and put it in perspective — all in the context of running, a shared love. All couples should take a moment to realize the time or situation they are in, talk it out and find the shared joy or share the burden. It makes for great strength and a sense of trust.
Katie: Can you share some secrets of your relationship?
Kathrine: At the beginning, we understood we’ve both been married before, Roger had grown children and we were already older. So, the
Katie: Finishing the 1967 Boston Marathon — despite the hostility and aggression you faced from the race director — was only one of many remarkable things you’ve accomplished. How has Roger been a part of your success?
Kathrine: Roger has been instrumental in my success because he helped me understand it in both philosophical and historic terms. He’s helped me see work — even work I loved — not as a dutiful grind, but as a significant building block, a privilege. He helped me mature and be more patient. And he’s helped me enormously with my running. No longer was it, “I have to go run!” It was, “The run is the best part of the day.” Seeing him return to running after being in incredible pain and having a knee replacement was the inspiration I needed for taking on Boston 50 years later. I figured nothing is impossible. Roger was the one who kicked me in the butt to write my autobiography, “Marathon Woman.” I’d already written “Running and Walking for Women Over 40,” but was dithering over doing another. When I would get upset at people telling my history incorrectly, Roger reminded me that if I didn’t tell my story myself, it would
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In 2015, Kathrine Switzer founded 261 Fearless Inc., a global nonprofit organization. They use running as a vehicle to empower and unite women through the creation of local running clubs, educational programs, communication platforms and social running events. For more information, visit 261fearless.org. Information courtesy 261 Fearless Inc. website.
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Kathrine Switzer (center) crosses the Boston Marathon finish line in 2017, to be greeted by her husband, Roger Robinson (left), and the president of the Boston Athletic Association, Joann Flaminio (right).
most important thing was we made a vow not to drag old grievances and prejudices into our new relationship. Even young couples should do this. Dump the past! Get on with life together. Next, we had a big challenge; we had lives, homes, careers and even “fame” in two different countries. But since we love each other for our individual accomplishments, we decided it was unfair for one person to give up their country and career entirely for the other. So, we decided to live in both countries, which was a huge undertaking and required sacrifice from each of us. The best thing is — and this is a tip to all people who have to make big accommodations for another person — if you look at it carefully, usually there is no loss, but, in fact, a big gain. We live in two beautiful countries with families in each and have twice as many friends and unique opportunities. These gains are bigger than the losses. Katie: What is your favorite quality about Roger and why?
Kathrine: His phenomenal sense of equality and fairness. His mother always said he should have been a judge, and she is right. Roger sees the balance in everything. He has a lot of self-esteem, but never imposes his ego. He supports my activities, but not at the expense of his own. Often, I travel alone, as Roger prefers to use his valuable time not at my events where I don’t really need him, but to do his own important writing, speaking and training on his own terms. We discuss schedules and plan our time together. Roger mostly arranges our social things. He knows I’m a workaholic and makes sure we keep up with friends. I’d probably lose a lot of friends if it weren’t for him. Most importantly, we feel the best support for each other is that we regard each other’s lives and achievements to be of equal value.
Katie: Any advice for couples looking to strengthen their relationship? What are some things you and Roger do to stay connected?
Kathrine: We make time for each other — and always take time to be affectionate. We will often schedule time together and even put it in the calendar: date night, run together, important talk at breakfast. When together, we almost always sit down and share meals. We also make sure no matter where we are in the world, we communicate at least once a day — often several times a day — and, very importantly, by voice, not just email or text. One of the most important things to try to achieve: there must be a sense of fairness and equality in a relationship. We know this is not easy, as individuals have strong personalities and pre-conceived notions about who does what or acts how. This needs to be hammered out and, in many relationships, may not be achievable. At our wedding, Roger asked a friend to do a reading from Chaucer’s Franklin’s Tale. The words written in 1390 apply just as much today: “When there is mastery [dominance] in a relationship, love flies away.” Katie: In closing, is there advice you would tell younger Kathrine and younger Roger?
Kathrine: Forget all the petty little stuff and make love the only contest in your marriage: who can love each other the most. Katie: Anything else you’d like to share?
Kathrine: Put on your sneakers and start jogging. It will not only make you healthy, it will give you solutions to everything. SWM Katie MacIntyre is a marketing professional who lives in Auburn with her spouse, Bryan, and two young sons, Peter and Ennis. In 2017, she ran the Boston Marathon with Kathrine and her non-profit team, 261 Fearless, celebrating the 50th anniversary of that 1967 run. Interview has been edited for length and style.
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COVER story Ben Walsh
Ben Walsh
Mayor Ben Walsh stands on the front steps of City Hall in downtown Syracuse.
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Photography by Alice G. Patterson
CITY OF SYRACUSE MAYOR
The Man Edition
How to Rise Above By Lorna Oppedisano
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en Walsh, 54th mayor of the city of Syracuse, has some words of wisdom for anyone thinking of entering the public service sector. “I think it’s important that you don’t predetermine your destiny or pursue one option at the expense of all others,” he said. It’s that thoughtful approach that landed Ben — a man who strives to lead by example — where he is now. Growing up on the west side of Syracuse, public service was part of everyday life for him. His grandfather, William Walsh, was the city’s mayor from 1962 to 1969. His father, James Walsh, spent time on Syracuse’s common council in the late 1970s and then served as Republican congressman for two decades. Despite his political pedigree, Ben didn’t grow up dreaming of being an elected official. It wasn’t until he was working in former Mayor Stephanie Miner’s office that Ben even considered running for public office. He was driven by a desire to enable change and fix problems, and inspired by what people could accomplish when working together toward a common goal. “We were able to accomplish some pretty remarkable things,” he said.
The tools for change Ben uses the phrase “public service” rather than “politics” to describe his family’s drive to make a difference. “If they saw something in the community that they felt needed to be changed, they did something about it,” he remembered. “And the unique perspective for me was that, oftentimes, they were in a position to actually do something about it.” Now that Ben and his wife, Lindsay, have two daughters of their own, he has a better perspective on the path that led him to public office, he remarked. The girls, ages 4 and 8, have already begun to mention issues they think their father should fix. His older daughter has been pointing out dilapidated houses for years, since Ben was working for the city in neighborhood and business development. For a while, she probably pictured her father with a hammer and nails each day, Ben joked. “Now, seeing that she’s very civically conscious, as I look back on my own childhood, I guess I was, too,” he said. “It’s hard not to be when you live that kind of life.” After graduating from Westhill High School, Ben earned a bachelor’s degree in politics from Ithaca College. While he spent some time living in Albany and eventually Ireland, he kept coming back to his hometown. It always felt like home, he remembered.
From 2003 to 2004, Ben worked at the SUNY Center for Brownfield Studies at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. It was there his passion for cities — Syracuse, in particular — crystalized, he said. He returned to school at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration in 2005. “The reason I was going back to school was to get those tools to enact the change that I wanted to see in my hometown,” he said.
Bringing the community together After earning a master’s degree, Ben worked for the Metropolitan Development Association and then the city of Syracuse as deputy commissioner of neighborhood and business development. He was inspired by what could be accomplished when the people around him worked together. That’s what drove him toward public service. The Hotel Syracuse revitalization project solidified that notion, he said. For twoand-a-half years, he spent every Monday morning working with other members of the venture. Once the financing was in place and the project started officially moving forward, something occurred to Ben. “If you took any one of those people out of room, the project wouldn’t have happened,” he said. “The only way it worked was when everybody was working together. Maybe that sounds a little Pollyanna-ish, but that’s how I felt.” In April 2016, Ben left city hall to work as business development director at the Mackenzie Hughes law firm. Soon after, though, he was drawn back to government work. As Mayor Miner’s second term came to a close, Ben wondered who would next take the position. It had to be someone who could bring the community together, he remembered thinking. He believed that, on a smaller scale, he’d accomplished that during his time in Mayor Miner’s administration. Continued on page 28
I think it’s important that you don’t predetermine your destiny or pursue one option at the expense of all others.” — Ben Walsh, City of Syracuse mayor
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COVER story Ben Walsh
How to Rise Above from page 27 “Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I was the best person to do it on a city-wide scale,” he said. Ben ran a successful mayoral campaign and, on Nov. 7, 2017, won the election with 54 percent of the vote, becoming the first independent mayor in the city’s history. He attributes a large part of his success to having run an inclusive campaign. People from different political parties and different parts of the community felt comfortable coming together to support him, he said. “I take a lot of pride in the fact that we brought together a very diverse, broad coalition,” he said.
Creating inclusive growth
During his campaign, Ben was reminded of something he’d generally been aware of during his six years in Mayor Miner’s administration: despite the billions of dollars invested in the city during that time, some people didn’t feel connected to the economic activity happening in Syracuse. “Depending on where you are in the city, you can walk for blocks, knock on doors and talk to people who don’t feel any connection whatsoever from that investment and haven’t benefited from it, frankly,” he said. As mayor, Ben hopes to connect those people with their city. He stressed the importance of inclusive growth. His goal is to ensure investment and economic development are done in such a way that opportunity is created for all people, he said. He added this extends to minority- and women-owned businesses. It’s important to be intentional in providing opportunities for local business, Ben explained. “We know that there are a lot of entrepreneurs and businesses in the city that aren’t exposed to many of the opportunities that are here,” he said. “A lot of that just has to do with who’s in your network.” While he was growing up, Ben’s mother often talked about the importance of networking, he recalled. As a child, he didn’t put much thought into the concept. Once he got older, though, he began to understand the correlation between networking and opportunities. If people stay within their comfort zones and small networks, opportunities stay limited to small groups of people, he explained. He emphasized the importance of being more inclusive and extending opportunities to those who have been historically marginalized. Leading by example, Ben extends this philosophy to his office, as well. “In the same way that we have to be intentional about providing opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, you have to be intentional about empowering women to take leadership roles in government,” he said. “And I’m trying to do that.” Like many other industries, in the past, government was a maledominated sector, but in both his campaign and in the administration, Ben has empowered a significant number of women. Continued on page 30
Mayor Ben Walsh hopes to implement a bike share program in the city of Syracuse by this summer. Here’s what he said in our interview:
As someone who is passionate about cities, I like to visit other cities and most modern, progressive cities have bike shares. … It’s something that I saw in other communities and I wanted to see here. I also think there’s an equity component to it, in that not everyone has access to a car. When we’re thinking about transportation and mobility in the city, we have to account for an investment in multiple modes of transportation. It’s a way in which we’re making a statement about how we value different modes of transportation.
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Photography by Alice G. Patterson
I take a lot of pride in the fact that [my campaign] brought together a very diverse, broad coalition.” — Ben Walsh, City of Syracuse mayor
Mayor Ben Walsh at City Hall in downtown Syracuse. June 2018
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COVER story Ben Walsh
How to Rise Above from page 28 The first hire of his administration was Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens. The two met years ago, when they worked together in Mayor Miner’s administration. Sharon eventually left to run the Southwest Community Center. Ben was excited to gain her support during his campaign but never thought he’d have the opportunity to bring her on board after he won. He was pleasantly surprised when, shortly after he was elected, she expressed interest in joining the team. He hadn’t necessarily planned to have a deputy mayor. “I didn’t plan to fill it unless I had the right person,” he explained. “When I found out that Sharon was an option, it was really the only role that I thought was worthy of her. It happened pretty quickly, and the city is much better off for that.”
Getting involved While Ben’s path wasn’t always clear, his innate dedication to public service was. Right now, serving as mayor is the best way he can give back, he said, adding that in the future, it could be something completely different. For anyone interested in entering the field of public service, the first step is to be an engaged citizen, he said. “Read the newspaper. Be aware of what’s happening in your own community and be a part of it,” Ben said. “And I think, by doing that, you will figure out what the right role for you within the world of public service is.” SWM To connect with Mayor Ben Walsh, visit syrgov.net or email mayor@syrgov.net.
Photography by Alice G. Patterson
You have to be intentional about empowering women to take leadership roles in government. And I’m trying to do that.”— Ben Walsh, City of Syracuse mayor
Mayor Ben Walsh stands inside City Hall, in front of the ‘[re]think Syracuse’ collection by local artist Jason Evans.
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sPECIAL FEATURE Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Tammy Wilkinson
LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE DIRECTOR
Photography by Alexis Emm
THEATRE DU JOUR FOUNDER
Moe Harrington
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special feature Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Getting to Know the Producer and Director
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his month, Theatre Du Jour’s Tammy Wilkinson and director Moe Harrington bring us Nora Ephron’s “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.” Moe and Tammy casted members of the Central New York community, including our very own editor, Lorna Oppedisano, to be part of this performance. “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” is a play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects — mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black. We chatted with Moe and Tammy to learn more about the performance. SWM: Give us a short synopsis of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.” What can we expect from the show?
rockstar community volunteers, folks who shine in their community but may not have considered “walking the boards,” so to speak! It really elevates the project for so many reasons. We raise awareness for theater. We are able to honor our mission for mentoring — creating an environment where all involved are learning and growing. We just might end up with a few more amazing humans who catch the bug for performing! SWM: How is the rehearsal process for this show different from a typical performance?
Tammy: We’ll still have tech rehearsals to work out the lighting and sound cues and make sure we are all in-sync, but there will be less traditional blocking and direction driven rehearsals. Moe: Rehearsal process begins with a get-together with some interesting women. Tech will be set and a rehearsal reading will happen with any questions or concerns answered. And then, it’s showtime!
Tammy: Lighthearted and witty, “Love, Loss and What I Wore” is perfect for a girls’ night out or date night. Some have called it a chick flick for the stage. That’s a fair assessment. It has all the qualities of a great chick flick: relatable characters and quotable comedy with the right amount of SWM: Are there any differences sentimental moments mixed in. people can expect from venue to Moe: You can expect to feel surprised, venue? Join Moe, Tammy, our editor, Lorna, engaged, nostalgic, thrilled and flooded Moe: Every show will be different because and the rest of the cast at the Barnes with your own memories. Remember that every reading sparks a different emotion. The Hiscock Mansion on Tuesday, June 19. purse your mother carried? The smell of that pieces that affect me may not affect you in perfume your aunt wore? Where: Barnes Hiscock Mansion, the same way. 930 James St., Syracuse. Tammy: Each of our exclusive venues have SWM: What drew you to this show in When: Music and cocktail hour, 5 p.m.; something special to offer. Opening night particular? dinner and show, 7 p.m. at The Eis House will be full of great vibes Moe: I’ve always loved Nora Ephron, but it and smiling faces because the Trimble family Cost: Tickets are available online was my friend, KJ Leary, who told me about simply loves what they do. The mirror room now for $60 per person. it. The great thing about the show is there is has a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for a For more information and to purchase something familiar to everyone. dinner theatre experience and the food is out tickets, visit dujourcny.com. Tammy: We did “Steel Magnolias” last of this world! The historic Barnes Hiscock year and it was such a joy to explore as an Mansion is a treasure. It’s a joy to utilize each interactive reading. We utilized minimal props room for a piece of the experience. We start and staging, really focusing on the actors and in the glorious parlor for live piano music and story. This show allows for that same simple cocktail hour in the exquisite bar. Then we move up to the pink room journey, and the patrons love taking it with us! for the show! GS Steamers (Riverside Banquet Room) has the city of Oswego and flowing water as it’s backdrop, making for a relaxing mood SWM: Talk about the process of putting together this show. like no other! What was different from a more typical play? Tammy: With an interactive reading, there’s a huge focus on the SWM: Do you have a favorite scene from the show? story and the actor bringing that story to life. Actors are doing their Tammy: It has to be “Madonna.” To quote the script: “Any American homework independently and working one-on-one with Moe to bring woman under the age of 30 who says she’s never dressed as Madonna is the stories to life! either lying or Amish.” Moe: There isn’t a long rehearsal process for this show, given the nature I’ll never forget the talent show in Catholic school. I was decked out of a different cast every night. That’s the beauty of it: you can prepare, in a hot pink sweatshirt, safety-orange belt, bright yellow star earrings, but you never know what’s going to happen. glaringly green fishnets. I danced to Madonna’s “Lucky Star.” I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention: I was asked to go home and change! Ha! SWM: How did you decide which people to cast? Good times! Moe: We wanted women of strength, with strong voices, but also Moe: My favorite scene is the bathrobe story. It’s so heartbreaking and women who aren’t afraid of telling a story and being real. Cast members yet simply kind. might be people you’ve never seen on a stage before, but always wanted to. How exciting is that?! SWM: What’s been your favorite part of working on Tammy: It’s always been in the back of my mind to craft a cast of this show? community “celebrities.” I longed to involve fellow business owners or Tammy: My favorite part of working on this show will be experiencing 34
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my fellow community members who are new to performing step off the ledge and enjoy the joy that comes from a theatre experience. It’s also always inspiring to work alongside the incomparable Moe Harrington. But I think the absolute best part of any show I produce is standing in the back of the room as the show is happening and watching our beautiful patrons engage in the world we create for them. Moe: My favorite thing is bringing these women together and also watching Tammy’s process. She is meticulous and truly cares that her audience always gets an “experience.”
SWM: Anything else you’d like to add?
Moe: Reading this script reminded me of this dress my mother wore. It was a classic ’50s circle skirt with buttons up the front and a short collar. Covered in horses, it looked as though they were running around her. I loved that dress. She looked so beautiful. Imagine my surprise when she had one made for me in the same fabric. I don’t know what I loved more — the dress or looking just like my mother. Tammy: I feel truly blessed to be making art alongside these strong, passionate and inspirational women. Thank you Syracuse Woman for not only taking the journey with us, but sharing the experience with your readers!
Meet the Cast Anne Fitzgerald, Nascentia Health registered nurse pediatric case manager Sistina Giordano, Bridge Street TV co-host Mae Harrington, student Moe Harrington, ACR Health assistant development director Stephanie Johnson, Head Start teacher Karin Jean Leary, Karin Jean Total Body Waxing owner Lorna Oppedisano, Syracuse Woman Magazine editor Laura Serway, Laci’s Tapas Bar co-owner
Photography by Alexis Emm
Cindy Seymour, Laci’s Tapas Bar co-owner Kate Toomey, Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce executive director Kerri Webb, Oswego YMCA executive director Tammy Wilkinson, Theatre Du Jour founder
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INspire Dan Welch
DAN WELCH
Photography by Mary Grace Johnson
WELCH & CO. JEWELERS OWNER
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A Story of Carats and Caring By Lorna Oppedisano
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an Welch, owner of Welch & Co. Jewelers, has been in the industry for more than three decades. He’s held every position from salesman to buyer to jeweler. He’s helped countless couples find their perfect rings and family members pick out the best gifts. It’s a job he loves — and one he entered by pure coincidence. “It was an accident,” Dan said with a laugh. The North Syracuse native had been in retail since he was 16 and wanted a change. He just didn’t quite know what that change would be. A friend who worked for Kay Jewelers insisted Dan fill out an application at the jewelry chain. Dan did, though he had no real intention of entering the field. He got the job and has been hooked ever since. “I enjoy it. Every day is a little different from the previous day,” he said. “You meet a ton of people, and you meet people at some of the happiest times in their lives.” After starting his career with 10 years at Kay Jewelers, he spent a year selling jewelry wholesale on the road. It wasn’t a good fit, Dan remembered. He then accepted a job in the jewelry department at Ra-Lin. He worked there for five years, running the department and as a buyer. Being a buyer was a new experience for him. It introduced him to the relationship-building aspect of the industry, which he found interesting. It also helped him gain strong connections in the business. Dan eventually began to wish he’d entered the business as a jeweler, the one aspect of jewelry in which he hadn’t yet dabbled. Then, when a car accident took him out of work for a year, he got the chance to learn. He asked a fellow jeweler to teach him and they eventually went into business together. “That’s when you really get to know jewelry,” Dan said. The duo started by repairing, fixing and customizing jewelry for 15 jewelry stores. Before long, they even opened their own showroom, in addition to the repair business, which Dan kept when the two parted ways. Then, in 2008, Dan was faced with huge challenges. When economic hardship hit most of the country, the jewelry industry changed. To adapt, Dan added gold buying to the shop’s offering. Buying scrap gold helped fill the void the Great Recession had created. The new addition eventually spawned an estate business, too, Dan said.
A business decision Dan had made the year before helped the business stay afloat, as well. He had made the leap from renting space to buying the shop’s current location at 513 S. Main St. in North Syracuse. The move gave Welch & Co. much more visibility, Dan said. “It’s the best thing that could have happened, though, because I believe that if we hadn’t done that, we couldn’t have survived,” he said. Over the years, Dan has stayed ahead of the curve, making sure to set trends rather than follow them. He and his team read trade magazines and attend a yearly trade show in Las Vegas, one of the largest in the industry. “Even today, because the business is constantly changing, you’re constantly reinventing yourself to go with the business,” he said. As Dan has grown his business, he’s made a conscious effort to continually give back to his community. Having grown up in the same area that now supports Welch & Co., community is important to him. He has sponsored and donated to a number of organizations and events, including A Cause to Celebrate, Vera House, Make-A-Wish Central New York, Holy Cross School, Francis House and St. Rose of Lima Church. “That’s part of being in a community and being part of it,” Dan said. He also makes a point of staying in touch with past customers. Most even have his cell phone number. Additionally, Welch & Co. offers a “red carpet” wedding day to those brides who purchase their engagement ring and wedding bands from them. Any given weekend, anywhere from six to 10 pieces of jewelry are on loan to brides to accessorize their gowns, Dan said. It’s a tradition that’s been going strong for about 15 years, bringing Welch & Co. Jewelry everywhere from Las Vegas to Florida. Though he’s been in the business since 1980, Dan still loves every aspect of it. It’s rewarding, he said. “I want to see that smile on your face when you look at that ring that we made for you,” Dan said. SWM Welch & Co. Jewelers is located at 513 S. Main St. in North Syracuse. For more information, visit welchjewelers.com.
You meet people at some of the happiest times in their lives.” — Dan Welch, owner of Welch & Co. Jewelers
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INSPIRE Michael Norton
michael norton
Photography by Alexis Emm
ONONDAGA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SERGEANT
Because of my experiences … I truly believe what [Vera House does] is absolutely, positively necessary.” — Michael Norton, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant
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Teaching Respect By Mary Beth Roach
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n both his personal and professional life, Mike Norton has championed the cause of respect for women. Now a sergeant with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Norton grew up as one of four brothers in a home where respect for women was taught at an early age. That philosophy has stayed with Mike through his professional career as well as in his role as a board member for Vera House. “It’s foreign to me not to respect women,” Mike said. At the beginning of Mike’s 27-year career as a sheriff’s deputy, he worked as a detective in the abused persons unit. A few years later, he returned to run the division, before starting his current position as head of the warrants investigation unit. His work in the abused persons unit brought him into frequent contact with Vera House and the more he worked with the organization professionally, the more he wanted to contribute as a volunteer. “My relationship with Vera House was because of my position with the sheriff’s office,” he explained, “but my desire to be on the board was mine.” When the sheriff’s office investigates a sex offense or child abuse case, Vera House is often included from the start, Mike explained. “They were plugged right in from the get-go,” he said. The partnership has proven beneficial to both the victims of these crimes and the officers working the cases, Mike said. Vera House aims to help victims navigate the criminal justice system, so they aren’t forced to put their lives on hold. “There are a lot of social service agencies out there,” Mike said, “but because of my experiences investigating those types of crimes and then running the unit, I truly believe what [Vera House does] is absolutely, positively necessary.” Vera House’s board of directors includes representation from both the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and Syracuse Police Department. Mike is now in his fifth year of a six-year term representing the sheriff’s office on the board. Syracuse City Police Deputy Chief Lynette Delfavero represents the police department. With their law enforcement background, Mike and Lynette have a unique perspective, he explained. “We see the worst of the worst. And then we also see the best of the worst,” Mike said, adding that, as police officers, bringing somebody to justice is the best. “There’s nothing more gratifying than getting somebody off the street.” Being a member of Vera House’s board is also a gratifying piece of Mike’s involvement in the Central New York community. It’s one of the best boards he’s experienced, Mike said. “They pluck people from every aspect of the community,” he said, noting that the board is composed of people from different local institutions, sectors, ages and backgrounds. “The mix is just awesome.” Last year and this past spring, Mike co-chaired Vera House’s White Ribbon Campaign – an awareness campaign led by men in the community. “This male leadership helps to acknowledge the important contributions men have made in ending violence against women and invites others to take a role,” according to the Vera House website.
This year’s White Ribbon Campaign, which spanned the month of March, marked the 24th year Vera House took part in the global initiative. The international campaign was started in 1991 by a group of men in Canada, following a tragedy in 1989, when a man murdered 14 female classmates. The campaign reaches not only adults in the Central New York area, but also students. Throughout the school year, Vera House works with local schools to integrate a variety of educational programs into the curriculum, including the Mentors in Violence Prevention program, the Men of Strength Club, and Coaching Boys Into Men program. This year, Mike was especially impressed by the number of students who participated in the White Ribbon Walk. “If we can get the men [and] the boys to respect women at a young age, then I think we’re going to have an easier time when they get to be adults,” he said. SWM For more information on Vera House, visit verahouse.org.
Join Vera House at its annual Recognition & Celebration Luncheon for the presentation of the Sister Mary Vera Recognition Award, the Vera House Special Appreciation Awards and the Annette Briggs Memorial Award. When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13 Where: DoubleTree Hotel, 6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse Cost: $25 Visit verahouse.org for more information.
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Alice Patterson Full Page ad
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INSPIRE Joe Convertino Jr.
joe convertino jr. CH INSURANCE PRESIDENT
Photography by Mary Grace Johnson
We want to make insurance fun.” — Joe Convertino Jr., CH Insurance president
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Making Insurance Fun By Lorna Oppedisano
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oe Convertino Jr., president of CH Insurance, will be the first to admit insurance isn’t always the most thrilling product to sell. But he’s on a mission to change that. “We want to make insurance fun,” he said. “When it’s fun and [people] see you everywhere — whether it’s at an event, a billboard, social media, fundraiser, Little League ball game — that stress of the consumer comes down. And when that happens is when the magic begins in our world.” Joe, a Camillus native, began his career at ADP after earning a degree from Nazareth College in Rochester. At ADP, he cut his teeth with sales marketing and management, gleaning principles that are still with him at CH Insurance today. After his time with ADP, Joe joined his father, Joe Convertino Sr., in the insurance business. Then, in 1997, his father and business partner at the time created their own company, CH Insurance, as a spinoff from a larger company. When CH Insurance was founded, they employed 12 people. In 2002, Joe become co-owner of the business. Since then, the fatherson duo has worked to grow the company to 32 employees, including the third generation of their family in the business, Joe’s daughter. “It’s a proud accomplishment,” Joe said. “My dad started it and now we’re growing it together.” Working with his father has never been a struggle, Joe said, adding he’s always been close with his parents. Joe and his father have great synergy. Joe’s father is more of the technician and a better listener, while Joe focuses more on the sales piece of the operation and relationship building, Joe said. “When you put those mixes together with the same drive, out comes success,” he said. The only potential drawback to the family business is since the two are equally driven, it’s hard to keep business from coming up during family events, he explained. “It’s in our DNA to talk about it,” he said.
About six years ago, Joe realized he wanted to make some transformations in the company. He began to ask himself, “What do we do to become better?” He found one of the answers to that question to be branding. He worked with corporate coach Angela Moonan to bring more likability to insurance, focusing on social media and storytelling. “I can honestly tell you, we are everywhere,” Joe said. In 2017, the company also made the move from AXA Tower I to the Atrium, located in the heart of downtown Syracuse. Being visible in the community means being active in the community for Joe and his team, too. Along with partnering with organizations like Believe in Syracuse and CenterState CEO, Joe and CH Insurance are advocates for local nonprofits such as David’s Refuge, In My Father’s Kitchen, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign and Joseph’s House for Women. After meeting one of the Joseph’s House founders at the Cavalry Club, the organization’s mission of providing a safe environment for young mothers and their children hit home for Joe, a proud father of three young women. Since then, Joe and his company have been active in fundraising for the nonprofit organization. Joe’s helped organize an annual golf fundraiser in Skaneateles, raising more than $100,000 since its inception four years ago. Because of their dedication to giving back, CH Insurance employees have formed community committees to seek out organizations and nonprofits to partner with in the future. “If you look at our mission, vision and values, one of our state-ments is give back and volunteer to the communities we live and work in,” Joe said. “That’s No. 1.” SWM CH Insurance is located at 100 S. Salina St. #370 in downtown Syracuse. For more information, visit chinsurance.cc.
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UPCOMING SWM Events Tuesdays through Sundays in June New York State Chinese Lantern Festival When: Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, 6 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 6 to 11 p.m. What: Handcrafted lanterns, performances, vendors, food, drinks and more. Cost: $15.50; ages 60 and older, $14; ages 5 to 16, $12.50. Where: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse. Info: lanternfestnys.com. Fridays in June Food Truck Fridays When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. What: Partnership with Syracuse Food Truck Association. Special performance by Henniger High School Jazz Ensemble on June 15. Where: Everson Plaza, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Friday, June 1 First Friday at the Everson When: 5 to 9 p.m. What: Includes art, music, cash bar and more. Cost: Members, free; nonmembers, $8. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Friday, June 1, & Saturday, June 2 Taste of Syracuse When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. What: Annual festival includes local food and live music. Cost: Free admission. Where: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Info: tasteofsyracuse.com. Saturday, June 2 Paige’s Butterfly Run When: 8 a.m. to noon. What: Annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital includes 5K, 3K and 40-foot Caterpillar Crawl. Cost: Check online for pricing. Where: James M. Hanley Federal Building, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Info: pbrun.org. Sunday, June 3 Clam Jam 2018 When: 1 to 5 p.m. What: Clambake with live music, vendors, horseshoes, raffles, photo booth, helicopter rides, adoptable animals and more. Benefits Humane Association of CNY. Cost: $45. Where: The Spinning Wheel Restaurant, 7384 Thompson Road, N. Syracuse. Info: Krista Galster, 315-460-0429. Sunday, June 3 Syracuse High School Theatre Awards When: 6 p.m. What: Red-carpet Tony Awards-inspired event showcases talents of community's high school performers. Cost: $6. Where: Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Info: landmarktheatre.org/events/calendar. 48
Monday, June 4, through Sunday, July 29 Lego Design Challenge: Everson Architecture When: Noon to 3 p.m. What: Recreate or re-envision I.M Pei's existing architecture, or build a new addition for the Everson using Legos. Submissions due July 13. Selected submissions and winners will be displayed on the Everson Plaza for Arts Week at the Everson from July 27 to 29. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Wednesday, June 6 WBOC Annual Meeting When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. What: Spotlights entrepreneurial journey of women in WBOC membership. Cost: All access member, free; member, $10; guest, $25. Where: Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Info: wboconnection.org. Thursday, June 7 Food Truck Rodeo at Local 315 Brewing When: 5 to 8 p.m. What: Includes local food trucks, craft beer and live music. Where: Local 315 Brewing Company, 3160 Warners Road, Warners. Info: facebook.com/syracusefoodtruckassociation. Thursday, June 7 CF Golf Classic When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. What: Second annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CNY Chapter fundraiser event includes golf, food, prizes and more. Cost: Check online for pricing. Where: Timber Banks Golf Club and Marina Community, 3536 Timber Banks Parkway, Baldwinsville. Info: cnycfgolfclassic.eventscff.org. Friday, June 8 Rainbow: A Party for Pride When: 8 p.m. to midnight. What: Includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, drag, cash bar and more. Cost: $30. Where: Sky Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Info: info.skyarmory.com/rainbow-party-at-sky-armory. Friday, June 8 Summer 2018 Exhibitions: Opening Night Reception When: 5 to 7 p.m. What: Enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Cost: Members, free; nonmembers, $15. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Friday, June 8, & Saturday, June 9 Garden Party & Save the Mansion Tour of Homes When: Garden party, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday; tours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. What: Garden party Friday evening. Saturday’s event include tours of the Barnes Hiscock Mansion and private homes in the Sedgwick neighborhood. Includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. Cost: Member tour, $15; nonmember tour, $20; garden party, $40; patron ticket, $100, includes garden party, tour, lunch on tour. Where: Barnes Hiscock Mansion, 930 James St., Syracuse. Info: 315-422-2445; info@grbarnes.org.
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Saturday, June 9, & Sunday, June 10 CNY Fiber Arts Festival When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. What: Eighth annual family-friendly festival includes vendors, demos, workshops, children’s activities and more. Cost: $6; weekend pass, $10; ages 11 and younger, free. Where: Butternut Hill Campground, 6893 State Route 20, Bouckville. Info: cnyfiberarts.org. Sunday, June 10 5th Annual Bike for Brady and Walk, Too! When: Bike rides leave at 8, 9 and 10 a.m.; walk, 10:15 a.m. What: Fundraiser for Brady Faith Center includes 40-, 20- and 10-mile city bike rides and two-mile walk. Cost: $25. Where: Starts and ends at Brady Farm, 150 Ford Ave., Syracuse. Info: bradyfaithcenter.org. Sunday, June 10 Julie Carter-Trainham Benefit When: 1 to 7 p.m. What: Live music, DJ, raffles, food, cash bar, games and more. Cost: $20. Where: Sky Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Info: skyarmory.com. Sunday, June 10 City Market When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. What: Local vendors selling ceramics, vintage clothing, furniture, home décor, handmade crafts, antiques and more. Free museum admission on City Market Sundays. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Monday, June 11 Birdies for Babies Golf Tournament When: 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. What: Fourth annual Joseph’s House fundraiser includes tournament and dinner. Cost: Check online for details. Where: Skaneateles Country Club, 3344 W. Lake St., Skaneateles. Info: jhfw.org/birdies-for-babies. Tuesday, June 12 Speed Networking When: Registration, 7:30 a.m.; program, 8 to 10 a.m. What: Informal networking and time to share a one- to two-minute pitch. Breakfast provided by Peppino’s Restaurant and Catering Company. Cost: CenterState CEO members, $15; nonmembers, $25. Where: Teracai, 217 Lawrence Road E., N. Syracuse. Info: centerstateceo.com; kdejoseph@centerstateceo.com. Thursday, June 14 All-CNY High School Sports Awards When: 6 p.m. What: Ceremony honors Section III athletes who achieve All-CNY status in a number of sports throughout the 2017-18 school year. Cost: $6. Where: Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Info: landmarktheatre.org/events/calendar.
Saturday, June 16 Skanda’s Family Fun Day When: 1 to 5 p.m. What: Fundraiser to support The Haven at Skanda includes up-close-and-personal play time with Skanda’s rescued and endangered animals and family fun activities. Cost: Family, $15; individual, $10. Where: The Haven at Skanda, 4000 Mosley Road, Cazenovia. Info: thehavenatskanda.org. Saturday, June 16 Art on the Porches When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. What: Includes local art, music, dancers, indie bands, painters, potters and more. Cost: Free admission. Where: Ruskin Ave., Syracuse. Info: artontheporches.org. Saturday, June 16 You Are Not Invisible Walk/Run When: Registration, 7:45 a.m.; walk/run, 8:30 a.m. What: Proceeds assist In My Father’s Kitchen in helping build hope and change the lives of those who feel invisible (the homeless living under the bridges of our city). Cost: $30. Where: Onondaga Lake Parkway, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool. Info: inmyfatherskitchen.org. Tuesday, June 19 Love, Loss and What I Wore Dinner Theatre Experience When: 5 to 9 p.m. What: Nora Ephron’s “Love, Loss and What I Wore” presented in dinner theatre format and directed by Moe Harrington. Cost: $60. Where: Barnes Hiscock Mansion, 930 James St., Syracuse. Info: Theatre Du Jour, facebook.com/dujourcny. Saturday, June 23 2018 Landmark Theatre Gala When: Cocktails, 7 p.m.; dinner, 8 p.m.; afterparty, 10 p.m. to midnight. What: Celebration of 90th anniversary includes live music, fine dining, entertainment, silent auction and more. Cost: Check online for individual and group pricing. Where: Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Info: landmarktheatre.org/gala2018. Sunday, June 24 Yoga & Mimosas When: 10 a.m. to noon. What: Partnership between Original Grain and Syracuse Yoga’s Katherine Sargent. Cost: $15, includes one hour of yoga and a mimosa. Where: Original Grain, 302 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Info: originalgrainsters.com. Thursday, June 28, through Saturday, June 30 NY State Blues Festival When: Check online for daily music schedules. What: 26th annual celebration includes live music, local food and more. Cost: Free admission; VIP tickets for private tent available. Where: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Info: nysbluesfest.com.
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movers AND Shakers Loretto’s new unit expected to decrease readmissions
A new TeliStat Restorative Care Unit recently opened at the Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse. This unit is the first of its kind in Central New York. The 25-bed unit has portable monitors that track multiple health risks in real-time. Residents in the short-term rehabilitation program receive a portable wifi/cellular biometric monitor which registers real-time data. It also allows them to access physicians any time of day or night. The TRCU concept and associated proprietary technology were developed by Dr. Anthony Bacchi. This unit was also a reason for Loretto, the sixth largest employer in Central New York, to add several new jobs. Among those hired to staff the TRCU were registered nurses, a program director, a care coordinator, a medical director and a cardiologist. With the new nursing staff and remote medical team in place, the rehabilitation facility will be able to maintain a patient-to-RN-ratio of approximately 6-to-1, well above industry standards, with additional support coming from certified nursing assistants. Through this technology and the additional medical staff, Loretto can care for hospital patients recovering from major cardiac surgery and diagnoses requiring hemodynamics and telemonitoring. Loretto will work with St. Joseph’s Health, Crouse Hospital and Upstate University Hospital to serve patients.
CenterState CEO holds Annual Meeting
In April, more than 1,500 business and community leaders gathered at CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting, held at SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College. The event’s keynote address was given by David Lee, the vice president of Innovation and the Strategic Enterprise Fund at UPS. CenterState CEO also announced its Business of the Year award winners at the event, recognizing the achievements of regional businesses and organizations in five categories. This year’s winners included: Pathfinder Bank, CH Insurance, McMahon Ryan Advocacy Center, SUNY Upstate Medical University and Brackens Financial Solutions Network.
Syracuse Heart Walk raises $600,000
Thousands of people from across Central New York came together in April at the 2018 Syracuse Heart Walk to fight our nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers: heart disease and stroke. The Greater Syracuse region drew a crowd of nearly 3,000 walkers and runners that lined the Onondaga Community College campus. Pre-event activities were held inside the SRC Arena, including blood pressure screenings, healthy demonstrations, a Fun Run for kids and entertainment. Participants helped raise $600,000 at the Syracuse Heart Walk. 50
Over the past three decades of Heart Walk in Syracuse, the community has raised more than $6.5 million for lifesaving research, education, training and advocacy programs. Of the $600,000 total, $100,000 was raised by the Executives With Heart program. The program features community and business leaders who pledge to personally raise funds and help fight heart disease and stroke. If you were not able to participate in the event but would like to support the American Heart Association, you can learn more at SyracuseHeartWalk.org.
St. Joseph’s earns ‘A’ rating for patient safety
St. Joseph’s Health Hospital recently received an A rating in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades for its efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the U.S. St. Joseph’s is the only hospital in Syracuse and Onondaga County to receive this high rating, one of only eight in the state, and one of only 750 A-rated hospitals in the country. The Leapfrog Group is a Washington D.C.-based watchdog organization that aims to improve health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades indicate how safe general acute-care hospitals are for patients. St. Joseph’s Health Hospital received all of the available points for its ICU physician staffing, nursing workforce, leadership structures and systems, identification and mitigation of risks and hazards, computerized physician order entry and hand hygiene. The hospital also earned high points for nurse and doctor communication, staff responsiveness, communication about medicines and discharge information, among other categories.
Local nonprofit organization seeks summer volunteers
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York is encouraging community-minded individuals to sign up to volunteer this summer at the CNY Ronald McDonald House. The local nonprofit organization relies heavily on volunteers to assist with preparing homecooked meals, providing office support and participating in general housekeeping duties. The generosity and support of volunteers helps the organization save approximately $100,700 annually in service hours. The house serves as a temporary home for families who travel to Syracuse from across New York state and northern Pennsylvania, and in some cases, foreign countries. The house provides the convenience of a private room and warm bed, a home-cooked meal and supportive environment, all while keeping families whose children are seriously ill or injured close to Syracuse-area hospitals and medical centers. Interested adults and students over the age of 18 are invited to apply to become volunteers. For more information or to fill out an online volunteer application visit rmhcny.org or email volunteer@rmhcny.org.
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The Man Edition
June 2018
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