Women of Upstate New York April 2017 Issue

W

omen

FREE

OF UPSTATE NEW YORK APRIL 2017

l e h c a R t r e b l i H

ane, m u H g K, Bein N I ving i P L n , I r e y t v t Pre M a ke o n o i t m o re ! c e d S n a d i M tism with Au

Breast healthcare at Crouse.

As individual as you are.

N

o two women are alike. And no two breast imaging results are alike, either. That’s why our comprehensive breast healthcare program puts a continual focus on what matters most — you.

From routine screening mammograms to advanced diagnostic testing, to treating diseases of the breast, including cancer, your needs — physical and emotional — guide our multidisciplinary team in providing breast healthcare that’s compassionate, comprehensive and customized.

The first area program to be designated a Breast Center of Excellence, Crouse offers the latest in 3D imaging technology, the region’s leading radiologists and surgeons, as well as empathic nurse navigators who make your experience seamless, less stressful — and all about your individual breast health needs.

Crouse is proud to work collaboratively with Breast Care Partners.

crouse.org/mammoappt | 315/470-5880

DON’T RELIVE YOUR YOUTH, IMPROVE ON IT.

XC90

VISIT YOUR SYRACUSE AREA VOLVO DEALER

1230 W GENESEE STREET SYRACUSE, NY ALAN BYER VOLVO (315) 471-6107

Contents

ON THE COVER

6 9 10 16 19 21 25 30 33 35 42

25

Gum Anyone?

Mid Section Makeovers Sofie’s Giving Tree Fresh Faces - Behind The Scenes Plant Based Foods Humane Society Cover -Rachel Hilbert IN ART- Ellen Edgerton Power Of Attorney Just for MOM Living with Autism

Photo: Pascal Le Segretain

Fleet Services

RoadForce

TM

Tire Balancing

Collision

NYS TIRES Inspections

Tire Balancing

BRAKES

BRAKESFrame

Repair & Frame Correction NYS Inspections

Shocks Struts

Repair Fleet Suspension Services TIRES

Rustcheck Rust Proofing & BRAKES TM

Corrosion Protection

BRAKES

Suspension Repair

Shocks Struts

Services

TM

BRAKES

Corrosion Protection

BRAKESFleet

Fleet

Insurance

TIRES

Claims RoadForce BRAKES

RoadForce TIRES

BRAKES

TM

Tire Balancing FrameRepair & Frame Correction

BRAKES

RoadForce

TM

Tire Balancing Fleet BRAKES Services

TIRES

FrameRepair & Frame Correction

Diane Schmid-McCall, Vice President (315) 422-8879 RudySchmid.com 228 East Hiawatha Blvd., Syracuse 4 wouny.com • April 2017

TM

Tire Balancing

NYS Inspections

TM

Rust Proofing & Corrosion Protection

Wheel Rotations

Services

Tire Balancing

SUSPENSION REPAIR

Collision

Rustcheck

TM

Tire Balancing

Rustcheck Rust Proofing &

Shocks Struts

BRAKES

TIRES

Collision NYS shocks Inspections RoadForce

TM

Frame Repair & Frame Correction NYS Inspections

Shocks Struts

FrameRepair & Frame Correction

Shocks Struts

Oil Changes

TIRE BALANCING

Wheel Rotations

Repair TIRES BRAKES Suspension

TM

Shocks Struts

Suspension Repair

TM

Tire Balancing

OilTIRES Changes Tire Balancing

RoadForce

Tire Balancing

TM

Alignment

Repair

BRAKES

Frame Repair Repair TIRES & Frame Correction

RoadForce

TM

Tire Balancing

TIRES Fleet Services

& RoadForce Oil FrameRepair Frame Correction Tire Balancing Changes BRAKES Insurance Claims Wheel Rotations RoadForce BRAKES

NYS Inspections

NYS TIRES Inspections Suspension Suspension

OIL CHANGES

RoadForce

& Frame Correction

BRAKES Tire Balancing

FrameRepair & Frame Correction

Services

Frame Repair Fleet Services & Frame TIRES Correction

Wheel Rotations

TIRES BRAKES

Shocks Struts

TIRESFleet

Wheel Rotations

FrameRepair & Frame TIRES Correction

Fleet Services

Wheel Rotations

Shocks

StrutsTIRES

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

TM

Tire Balancing

Repair NYS Oil TIRES Inspections Changes

Repair

RoadForce

Suspension

Shocks Struts

Frame Repair

BRAKES

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

Services

NYS Inspections

Inspections

Tire Balancing

BRAKES

TIRES shocks BRAKES

TM

TIRESFleet

Wheel Rotations

Tire Balancing

Wheel Rotations

Tire Balancing

Shocks Struts

Tire Balancing

Repair

OIL CHANGES

Struts

Shocks

TIRES

TM

TM

Tire Balancing NYS TIRES Frame Inspections Repair Wheel Rotations& Frame Tire Balancing NYS struts Correction Struts

Fleet RoadForce Services Tire Balancing

Suspension

Insurance Claims

Tire Balancing

RoadForce

RoadForce

Shocks

TIRES

OIL CHANGES

TIRES

Shocks

Suspension Repair

TM

NYS Inspections Struts Wheel Rotations Fleet Services

TIRES

Struts NYSShocks Inspections

Wheel Rotations Oil Changes Suspension

Fleet Services

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

Balancing Shocks Struts

Rust Proofing & Corrosion Protection

Wheel Rotations

Services

Suspension Repair

Rustcheck

TM

Rust Proofing and Corrosion TIRESFrameRepair &Protection Frame Correction BRAKES

TIRES

TIRES

TIRES

Struts Rustcheck OIL CHANGES

TM

Tire Balancing

BRAKES

Wheel Rotations

Brakes

Shocks Struts

Wheel Rotations

Shocks

TIRES

TM

Suspension

Tires

BRAKES

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

Rustcheck

Rust Proofing & Corrosion Protection Suspension Repair Fleet

Shocks Struts

Shocks Struts

Tire Balancing Fleet NYS Services Inspections

OIL CHANGES

RepairTIRES NYS Inspections

TM

Tire Balancing

Tires

TM

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

BRAKES

NYS Tire TIRES Fleet Collision InspectionsServices

Shocks Struts NYS Inspections

RoadForce

Shocks Struts Fleet Services

RoadForce

OIL CHANGES

Tire Balancing

Suspension Repair Fleet Services

Tires

BRAKES

RoadForce

Fleet NYSServices Inspections

Services

OIL Brakes CHANGES

Shocks Struts

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

Struts Fleet

Tires

TIRES

NYS Inspections

Fleet Services Tires

Repair

Services

BRAKES

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

Shocks Struts Suspension

Tires Fleet

Wheel Rotations

Oil Changes

Oil Changes

Tires

Wheel Rotations

Frame Repair & Frame Correction Tires

Insurance Claims

Frame Collision Repair Wheel Rotations & Frame CorrectionFleet Tire Balancing Services

Services BRAKES

Fleet Services

Shocks Struts

OilNYS Inspections Changes

TM

Rust Proofing and Corrosion

Tire Balancing BRAKES Tires

TM

Tires Fleet

Rustcheck Inspections

Tires

Oil ChangesNYS

Shocks

Frame Repair & Frame Correction

RoadForce

Tire Balancing

Wheel Rotations

Tires

Fleet Services

COLLISION REPAIR

TIRES

Frame Repair & FrameBRAKESFleet CorrectionServices

Frame

Collision Repair & Frame Repair Correction

Brakes

NYS Inspections

OIL CHANGESInspections

Tires

Tire Balancing

TM

Collision

Tires

Fleet Services

Suspension Repair Tires RoadForce

Tire Balancing

Collision Repair

Fleet Services

BRAKES

Inspections

Wheel Alignments

Shocks Struts

BRAKES

Alignment NYS shocks Tire Balancing

Wheel Rotations

TIRES

Oil Changes Shocks

Suspension Repair TIRES

TM

Rust Proofing and Corrosion

Suspension Tire Balancing Repair

Suspension Struts Inspections Fleet Shocks Struts RepairNYS Services

Frame Fleet RepairServices & Frame Correction

OIL CHANGES

Rustcheck Tires

Tire Oil Changes Balancing

Oil Changes

Tires

Oil Changes NYS Inspections

Tires NYS

Before

After

CNY’s only Hair Replacement Studio offering every solution available for men, women, and children. w w w. ge n e s i s h a i r.co m

( 3 1 5 ) 4 5 8 - 1 0 74

4 0 5 E a s t Ta f t R o a d

6 wouny.com • April 2017

FlAVORS, FUN AND THE FACTS! By: Mary McCandless s kids, many of us always enjoyed gum, especially Bubble Gum. It allowed us to make huge bubbles and to have the pop all over our face. It was fun to see how much gum you could put into your mouth to make the largest bubble, and when it was all done you would swallow it. I could remember being told that if you swallow your gum, it will stick to your ribs. Today we know that it is not true. If you swallow your gum, it may in rare cases block your intestines, however, most times you will pass it.

Many people chew gum for tons of reasons. Some chew for the sheer pleasure or taste, to have it to substitute eating or smoking or just calm their nerves. I can remember my mom telling me not to talk while chewing, no gum when company is over and no gum in school or at work. I always wondered why and even asked her, she said, “It is not polite and first impressions are everything.” Chewing gum can have a calming effect and with all the varieties that are now out there you can ever buy gum to get rid of “Potty Mouth” as one gum (Orbits) company promotes.

Enough said! I wanted to know when people decided to start chewing gum. According to Wrigley. com, and History.com, It turns out that the Ancient Greeks some 6,000 years ago started chewing mastic gum. Mastic is a tree found in Greece and Turkey, and the resin was taken from the bark.

Women liked chewing it for fresh breath and to clean

their teeth. From the Greeks to the Mayans, sap was a source of gum and the American Indians passed their habits to early settlers by introducing them to sap from spruce trees. It wasn’t until the mid 1800’s that John B. Curtis made and sold the first commercial chewing gum. Then in the 1890s, William Wrigley Jr. launched his chewing gum Juicy Fruit and Spearmint Gum. Today, there are tons of chewing gum companies with every flavor you can think of on the market. I think of it as a flavor for everyone. Now, with all of this chewing going on is it healthy to chew gum.? Let’s face it. It does take effort to chew, and chew and chew. So, I asked local dentist Dr. Susan B. Dunn, DDS of Smiles by Design in Liverpool and here is her take. You are either a gum chewer, or you are not ….simple!

Thinking positively — if you are going to chew gum, always chew sugar-free gum, so as not to be bathing your teeth throughout the day with sugar that can cause cavities. You should also chew gum that has xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from plant fibers that does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.

Xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth so it can protect the teeth from tooth decay.

Chewing gum might be helpful for people with “dry mouth” problems to stimulate saliva flow. It could also help some people with relieving a stressful situation and is certainly better for you than chewing on your fingernails or chewing on pencils.

On the negative side, if you tend to have TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint) problems, or if you are a clencher / grinder, you shouldn’t chew gum because it can aggravate the jaw muscles and become painful.

From a professional standpoint, gum chewing is never appropriate in any business setting, especially when dealing with the public. If you’re going to chew gum, the best time is in your car, at home, while reading, or anytime you’re not carrying on a conversation with others on the phone or in person.

Learn more visit smilesbd.com, or call them at 315-474-1711

wouny.com • April 2017

7

TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN INTO WATERFRONT PROPERTY to your kitchen or bath with Cambria’s Coastal Collection.™ Uncover more than 130 inspired designs for your home, including Galloway,™ at CambriaUSA.com.

© CAMBRIA 2017

Add a striking touch of sea, sand, and shore

Mid-section Makeovers...

Redefine Your Midline

A

s the winter months start to fade away, and the daylight hours become longer, many of us start to look forward to the summer months ahead.

With this in mind, we become more aware of what has been hiding underneath our bulkier winter clothing and realize that summer clothing and swimsuit season are almost here. As I look at my schedule at our plastic surgery practice, I am struck by the seasonal increase in abdominoplasty consultations that occurs each spring.

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a “tummy tuck,” is an excellent procedure to restore abdominal contour in the right candidate.

While the standard abdominoplasty is likely the most well known procedure, there are many variations and considerations that need to be investigated prior to scheduling a surgery. I frequently have patients come in for a consultation in hopes of having a tummy tuck as a way to lose weight. The procedure is best for people that are at a stable weight and have excess skin and loose fatty tissue.

It is not a replacement for the gym, but a way to get rid of tissue that will not likely go away with diet and exercise.

As weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeves have become more commonplace, the number of abdominoplasties has increased dramatically.

Skin that has been “overstretched” will lose its ability to contract. Following childbirth, some women have an amazing recovery of their skin, while others are left with stretch marks and saggy skin. Much of this is due to genetics.

The standard abdominoplasty removes the skin and fatty tissue from approximately the level of the navel down to the superior

By: Beth Phillips,RPAC aspect of the pubic region. An incision is made in the bikini line extending from hip to hip. The tissue from the navel extending up to the rib cage and sternum is then elevated from the upper abdomen and stretched down to the pubic area to fill in the created defect. The belly button is left connected to the underlying abdominal wall, and a new hole is made in the skin where it is brought to the surface and sutured in place.

belly button. Sometimes the belly button is detached from the abdominal wall and re-sutured slightly lower to allow for the tissue to stretch more freely. Rectus plication can be performed during a “mini-abdominoplasty” as well.

In cases of massive weight loss, a more extensive procedure is often required. A “body lift,” also called a belt lipectomy, combines an abdominoplasty and a buttock lift. In essence, tissue in a “belt” distribution is removed circumferentially allowing for better contour of the abdomen, hips and buttocks.

Abdominal and flank liposuction can be performed in patients who have good skin elasticity and isolated areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion to the remainder of the body. Procedures such as Sculpsure and CoolSculpt are noninvasive techniques that can help to redefine your mid-section without surgery.

Often following significant weight loss or childbirth, the rectus muscles of the abdomen do not return to their original position and have a gap between them. This is termed a rectus diastasis. Sometimes, the muscles are sutured back together to act as somewhat of an “internal corset.” The decision as to whether this is necessary is usually made intra-operatively based on each patient’s current anatomy.

A “mini-abdominoplasty” is a procedure that removes less tissue and mainly addresses the area below the belly button.

Instead of removing all the tissue from the belly button to the pubic area, about half of that tissue is removed. The belly button is often left attached and in its original position. This avoids a scar around the

Recovery varies. For standard and mini-abdominoplasties, as well as liposuction, most patients go home the same day. Patients typically will need a few days to a few weeks off of work depending on the extent of the procedure. By 6-8 weeks, most patients are back to full activity.

Clearly, there are many options available for mid-section improvement. These range from non-invasive techniques to more aggressive surgical procedures. Consulting with an experienced health care provider will help you to decide which procedure, if any, is best for you. Remember, beauty is so much more than skin deep! If you want to learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us at 315-663-0112 or www. plasticsurgeryofsyracuse.com

wouny.com • April 2017

9

Sophie’s

Giving Tree

E

nergetic and filled with energy from the day she was born, Sophie was said to be an inspiration to everyone who met her. In February 2011 at the age of seven, Sophie was diagnosed with ganglioglioma also known as glioblastoma multiforme, and is the most aggressive cancer that begins within the brain. According to National Brain Tumor Society, brain tumors come in two forms, benign and malignant. It is estimated that over 688,000 people in the U.S. are living with a primary brain or Central nervous system diagnosis and that 138,000 are malignant.

The diagnosis led her and her family on a journey they never expected. There were rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, which gave Sophie the chance to live life to the fullest. For an extra year, Sophie was surrounded by the people closest to her. A few weeks before her 9th birthday, Sophie passed away at her home in Syracuse, New York.

“When you lose a child your biggest fear is people forgetting who she was,” Jenee Kawejsza, Sophie’s mother said. People didn’t get a chance to meet Sophie, or she didn’t grow up to be someone, so honoring her name is even more important so people may see who Sophie was.

Nine months after Sophie’s passing, her parents had the idea to turn Sophie’s life journey into a nonprofit organization to help research this type of cancer. Their family all played hockey and loved being on the ice, which gave the parents an idea of a skating fundraiser.

10 wouny.com • April 2017

By: Samantha Leader In October 2013 the first event, Sophie’s Skat-A-Thon, was held at Shove Park in Camillus. Putting posters in local businesses, Facebook, and word of mouth promoted the event. By the most-recent Skat-A-Thon they could get billboards up on 81, Township five, and West Genesee School.

The first Skat-a-Thon raised $11,000 which all went to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. “We had a lot of people ask us if any of the money was staying local, and if we would continue this next year,” Kawejsza said. This gave the parents the idea to give back the money locally but differently from what other nonprofit organizations do.

“Our family was lucky because I worked in the medical field and could understand the types of tests she needed, different medications, questions to ask, and machines that she needed to go in,” said Kawejsza.

Brainstorming through multiple ideas led them to create a resource binder for parents with children who are diagnosed with a brain tumor. According to Kawejsza, they wanted to make something that was not overwhelming, but guide them and store their information while traveling.

The resource binder includes many things such as the dates of their MRIs, scheduled doctor visits, websites with accurate information, questions for the doctors, restaurants, banks, and hotels.

If you have to go through this type of life-changing event, it is beneficial to have close family and friends helping. While

Sophie Kawejsza Sophie was in the hospital, their family was lucky enough to have the help from hockey friends, work friends and family.

Unfortunately other people in this situation may not have the same help.

“One of the things that came up that we worried about was paying for parking, its $15 a day, if they’re there ten days that could be an electric bill for the month,” Kawejsza said.

Donations received are also used to pay for parking while families are at the hospital, to help pay rent and bills for families in need that are falling behind.

According to Kawejsza, she got together with the child life worker and social workers to find out what families were in need of. This led them to making toiletry bags, which is their biggest donation. The bags would allow parents who are traveling to the hospital unexpectedly to have shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soap.

“We want families to worry about their kids and not have to worry as much about the other stuff, that’s one of the biggest things because we had that,” Kawejsza explained.

The Skat-a-Thon has gone on for four years now, this last year being the most successful event yet. The tickets for the event are five dollars, with raffles, face painting, henna tattoos, food, and clothing.

“This past year we could get a lot more sponsors prior to the event, leading into it we had made almost as much as 2015 just from our sponsorship money,” Kawejsza said.

Sophie’s Skat-A-Thon at Shove Park in Camillus

Photos Courtesy: L2LU Photography Volunteers help with the events every year, putting the bags together, handing out the dinners, and running the activities inside of the Skat-a-Thon. The three people behind Sophie’s giving tree are Jenee Kawejsza, Sophie’s mom, Rob Kawejsza, Sophie’s dad, and Kim Vandemark, Sophie’s best friend Morgan’s mom.

Each year gets easier because they are aware of what they need to do differently and prepare for the next year, according to Kawejsza.

“Our main goal every year is to raise as much money as we can so we can help as many people as we can,” Kawejsza said. Learn more or to donate visit www.sophiesgivingtree.org

wouny.com • April 2017

11

WOMEN OF UPSTATE NEW YORK MAGAZINE

Mary McCandless

Christine Vickers

Joseph Tiberio

Writer, Educator, MLS,CAS Follow on Twitter @Vickscuse

Design Production

Luciano Miceli

Megan Callahan

Audrey Levinson

Photographer

Writer

Educator, Artist, Writer

Amari D. Pollard

Jeffrey L. Drimer, Esq.

Abbey Adams

Beth Phillips,RPAC

Contributing Writer

Writer

Contributing Writer

Publisher, Editor-in-Chief editor@womenofupstateny.com

Writer

Kristen Penfield Writer

Leah Wolf Intern/Writer

Sales: CarrieAnn Hughes

Write to us at 5701 East Circle Drive #197 Cicero, NY 13039, email editor@womenofupstateny.com or call 315-632-1549.

carrieann@womenofupstateny.com

Facebook.com/WomenofUpstateNY Twitter.com/@UpstateNYWomen www.womenofupstateny.com

Jennifer Hendrix

Published by Women of Upstate New York, LLC

jhendrix@womenofupstateny.com

Women of Upstate NY Magazine is published 10 times a year. We will not knowingly accept or print any material that is fraudulent or can be misleading.

We reserve the right to reject or cancel any advertising, at our discretion. All images and content are copyrighted 2014. Distribution or usage of images and story content is prohibited without written permission.

12 wouny.com • April 2017

Hair Extensions

I

f you ask Alicia Elsner of Genesis II Hair Replacement Studio what services they offer she’ll smile and tell you, all of them. Hollywood starlets have certainly increased the popularity of hair extensions over the past several years and created a huge demand in the market place for them. One of Genesis II’s most popular services is hair extensions, and they are fulfilling the demand for professional-looking hair extensions right here in Central New York.

Alicia will tell you that not all hair extensions are created equal.

“At Genesis II, our exclusive Reallusions Hair Extensions are hand-crafted from 100% human hair, and we only use our exclusive non-damaging application techniques, to ensure the safest and best-looking extensions you can buy, which are on par with Hollywood standards.” said Elsner.

Most of her clients are seeking out hair extensions to add volume and/or length to their hair, but anyone looking to temporarily change up their look is also a great candidate for hair extensions. “When I met with Genesis II, they were friendly it was a safe environment, and they were knowledgeable. I love my hair extensions because they are well blended, and they match the color of my hair to a T.” said Robin of Syracuse.

Genesis II offers extensions in a wide variety of hair lengths, textures and colors. The staff at Genesis II has multiple years of experience in both matching hair color and applying the extensions in a “hair friendly” manner. The Reallusions Hair Extensions are not sewn into natural hair, which has been proven to damage hair. At Genesis II, we use a method that will not damage existing hair or cause hair loss. There is no need to fear the extension horror stories floating around out there. Alicia and her staff pride themselves on offering the best and safest services available.

“I actually have to show my friends my extensions because people don’t believe I have them in. That’s how natural looking, they look.” Robin also said. For over 40 years, Genesis II Hair Replacement Studio has earned the respect of their clients by always providing the best in customized service using the latest state-of-the-art technology. “Obtaining the most natural results available is our goal every time we provide a service for a client, ” said Alicia Elsner, co-owner of Genesis II.

14 wouny.com • April 2017

Whether you’re looking for top notch professional looking hair extensions, or maybe you’re suffering from hair loss, Genesis II offers all proven hair replacement solutions for both men and women in the Central New York area. Visit www.genesishair. com to get more detailed information on hair extensions and all of Genesis II Hair Replacement Studio’s services. They would be happy to meet you for a free private consultation to answer all of your questions and hair restoration options.

TAKE OUT, DELIVERY. 315-622-5100 FOR RESERVATIONS 315-622-9690 Enjoy Dinner in our Newly Remodeled Restaurant Arancine (Rice Balls)

Chicken Riggies

View Our New Dinner Menu Online Featuring Many Great Food Options.

Chicken Scallopini

6 OFF Dinner

3 OFF LUNCH

Buy 1 Dinner Entree, Get $6 off 2nd Dinner Entree Valid Sun.-Thurs. with this coupon. Limit one per customer.

Not valid with other offers.

Expires 4/30/17 Valid in Formal Dining Area Only

Buy 1 Lunch Entree, Get $3 off 2nd Lunch Entree Valid Mon.-Sat. with this coupon. Limit one per customer.

Not valid with other offers.

Expires 4/30/17 Valid in Formal Dining Area Only

$

Entree

$

Entree

7839 Oswego Rd. • Rt. 57 • Liverpool • myavicollis.com

Behind the Scenes

By: Amari D. Pollard The light smell of vanilla and coffee beans welcomed me as I left the damp night for the coziness of Cafe Kubal. The baristas quietly chatted as they shuffled over the counter, wiping away spilled almond milk and cookie crumbs. I settled at a nearby table, collecting myself before the ladies arrived. As I reached in my purse for my tape recorder, La Shaun “LS” Jones, LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese sashayed through the door, shaking off the cold as they introduced themselves. The interview wasn’t supposed to start for another 20 minutes, but we all had the same idea to get there early, something I should have foreseen, considering they are businesswomen.

We quickly became acquainted, laughing over LaKisa eyeing the barista that was taking too long to make her coffee and chatting about the film they’re working on, “Priest the Lost Son.” The film, starring Robin Givens and Jamal Woolard, is about a father trying to get his son out of the drug game. Tammy is the Production Assistant for the film while LS and LaKisa are the Casting Directors, and all three

16 wouny.com • April 2017

have acting roles. This is just one of many collaborations the women have worked on together over the years, and it’s definitely anything but coincidental.

You see, there’s a special way their relationship functions.

They’re each other’s support system, talent agents, cocreators, and in an industry that oftentimes feels cold and unwelcoming, they’ve found solace in each other.

After moving to Syracuse from New York City LS decided to enroll in acting classes at Barbizon, an acting and modeling agency, as a way to make friends. As a self-proclaimed tomboy, LS was never really interested in entertainment, the heals, the makeup, the acting, but after only three weeks of classes, her teacher asked her if she’d be interested in teaching herself. LS taught at Barbizon for two years, teaching people how to walk on the runway, go on go-sees, and do hair and makeup. That’s actually how she met LaKisa; she was her teacher.

Their friendship continued as

they pursued their individual careers. LS worked as an event and set coordinator, an actress and worked at Syracuse Stage, while LaKisa worked on her cosmetics line Lè Du Jour, her apparel line Community Proud Apparel, and as a Teaching Consultant at the Center for Community Alternatives, teaching students about fashion, makeup, wellness and fitness.

After a few years working separately, they got back together and started managing models and doing coordination.

Eventually, they got the idea to start a company that focused on providing promotion and consulting services for models and other talents. LSK Modeling & Events Company is now going on five years and with accomplishments like coordinating Syracuse’s first International Fashion Show and being the back and front managers for Couture Fashion Week in NYC, the business is going strong.

LS and LaKisa had been business partners for two years when they first met Tammy in 2014 at the Syracuse

International Film Festival.

Tammy was already a wellestablished actress in Syracuse, having worked with Syracuse’s The Media Unit for 10 years, performed at The Redhouse in The Color Purple and Dreamgirls, and now she’s even producing a film she wrote called “Loving The Same Man.” At first, Tammy was nervous to approach LS and LaKisa because she had been a fan of their work within the industry and was a little intimidated by it all, but once she introduced herself; they immediately clicked.

To name all their individual and collective achievements would be to create quite a long list, but luckily, there are two words that encompass them perfectly: Renaissance women. They have done and do everything, and all while being moms (except LaKisa, but she says she’s getting there). There is clear love and admiration they have for each other; they’re not just a representation of girl power, but something deeper; they’re sisterhood. They’re women cheering each other on and as one climbs, she makes sure they all climb. I wanted some insight

Amari Pollard: Was it hard for you to individually break into the entertainment industry in Syracuse?

LaKisa Renee: Oh yeah! Syracuse is one of those places where you have to know people to get ahead, so us being black women in a market dominated by white men and white women is hard. People were kind of standoffish at first, and we had to really prove ourselves to everyone.

La Shaun “LS” Jones: We were already stereotyped as unreliable or ghetto without people even talking to us. Then you have those people you think will support you but aren’t your biggest supporters when it comes down to it. We learned to have thick skin in this business, and each situation has made us better businesswomen.

Amari: What you do requires a lot of networking, but it also requires you to be your biggest advocate. How do become comfortable with talking yourselves up?

Tammy: You have to promote yourself, but some will take it as you thinking you’re better than people. That’s not the case, you just have to get your name out there. You have to get that exposure.

LS: Every day is an audition for us even though we’ve had our company for a few years. We never come off as though we have big egos, or we’re all that because we want to help and reach out to everyone.

LaKisa: We just want to bring people together and prove that together we are better; that women, black women especially, can work together because there’s this idea that a lot of black women can’t.

Amari: There has been a huge emphasis on sisterhood over the years, and especially now.

How important is it for you all to have this tight support system?

LS: That’s one of the reasons why we started [LSK Modeling & Events Company] in

the first place. There’s a lot of minorities, women of color and men of color who don’t get the opportunity to shine in some of the local productions. We’re a company that other agencies come to for minorities for their projects. That’s one of our top goals, to support minority talent because no one else is supporting us.

Tammy: LS and Kisa are Casting Directors for “Priest The Lost Son” and I’m the Production Assistant, and we are always reaching out to people to be a part of the project. We’re trying to give people the chance; we’re presenting them with the door, all they have to do is open it. We know it’s not just about us, but we really want to see other people do their thing as well.

Amari: You are all about giving minorities opportunities, so how essential is it to haveproper

representation in entertainment?

LaKisa: So essential, especially for kids and teens because they follow what they see in the media. If all you see are minorities playing gang members and bad guys, then that impacts what they think they’re going to think they’re capable of. When you see them in positive roles like doctors, lawyers, scientists, it empowers people. You start to see this movement happen where they realize their intelligence and what matters–– that they can be the cool, smart people too.

It’s important to set that example, because people are always watching and following.

LS: Exactly! It’s important to make sure we get clients and gigs that represent us in the most positive light possible. If we don’t agree with the representation, then it’s not going to happen because we don’t want to be represented in a certain type of light–– reality TV does enough of that.

Tammy: I don’t want people to down themselves. I don’t want people to think ‘I’m too big, I can’t do this’, or ‘I’m from the hood. I am thick, and I also put myself through college and have won many awards for my craft. Don’t ever think you can’t do something because of who you are or your past.

Amari: Does seeing more women of color directing and starring in TV and film give you all hope?

LaKisa: Yes! LS: Especially during this time, with the whole political climate. I honestly think this is the year of women. Black, white, every woman. We need to support each other.

Amari: You’re all working on ”Priest The Lost Son” now, and I used to be one of those people that thought everything about working on a film was glamorous. Then I worked on a movie set last year in Syracuse and got a huge reality check.

LS: They’ve had us on set from 7 a.m. to 11 at night.

LaKisa: I had a scene with Robin, and it was just a few lines back and forth ... It took us almost four hours to do those lines. They had to do my lines first then get her reaction, and vice versa.

I literally stood in a doorway freezing for almost four hours on the snowiest day ever, and I got sick, but that’s what you have to do. You have to sacrifice, and it was worth it.

LS: So worth it! And Ms. Robin Givens is such a professional. We hadn’t rehearsed with her or acted opposite of her before, we just did a quick-dry read, and then it was “action” with her. She is legit, so professional and warm.

FRESH FACES

on how they make it work and share their thoughts.

Amari: What advice do you have for women looking to get into entertainment, or just pursuing their dreams?

Tammy: Don’t be scared. Go for it, just know that you’re going to have upsets but in the end, it’ll all be worth it.

You’re going to hear no but you’ll hear yes as well. There are so many opportunities and achievements and joy.

LaKisa: Be patient, because nothing happens overnight. It took me a long time to get to these point––years. You have to have thick skin and do your research. Once you think you know everything, there’s something else to learn.

LS: Find people that will love your idea and are willing to invest in it. I feel that when people give up on their dreams, then it really wasn’t their passion in the first place.

wouny.com • April 2017

17

304 Hawley Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 218-5903

www.lacistapasbar.com

G H

HAWLEY GREEN

Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 479-0400

www.syracusesoapworks.com

Everything you need is right here!

Explore the Hawley /Green Neighborhood.

T•H•A•N•O• S IMPORT MARKET 105 Green Street Syracuse, NY 315-422-4085

cny REALTOR .com

HAIRANOIA 101 Green Street Syracuse, NY 13203 (315) 479-8255

Salon

www.hairanoia.net

Local. Accurate. Professional.

The only resource you will ever need when looking to buy or sell your home!

Your Local Real Estate Authority

Joseph’s

at the Carriage House 422-3194 Don’t Forget MOM!

Pick up your Gift Certificates They make a great Gift!

CUTS | COLOR | MASSAGE | FACIALS | MANICURE | PEDICURE | WAXING

1 LANDMARK PLACE

DOWNTOWN

SYRACUSE, NY

MARATHON FINANCIAL ADVISORS

SAVING FOR COLLEGE

Cancer Care at its Best The Only CNY Cancer Practice that is Certified for Quality by the American Society of Clinical Oncology!

retirement planning | investment | financial strategies

| insurance

“To Save or Not to Save...for College”

by Mary Ann Pierce, CLU, in this issue of Women of Upstate NY magazine, page 38.

“Helping our clients strive to reach their financial goals”

hoacny.com

315.446.5797 | marathonfinancialsvc.com Securities and investment advice offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Marathon Financial Advisors and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.

A

s humans there are certain things, we’re willing to overlook. For some that may mean brushing off climate change because snowless, relatively warm Syracuse winters are quite enjoyable, while for others, it means walking passed a lost looking pedestrian on the street instead of offering assistance. However, there are those unquestionable situations where people feel compelled to intervene, where it’s not possible to just walk away. With a strong animal rights community in Syracuse, animal cruelty is one of those things many can’t ignore.

Longtime animal advocate Stefanie Heath-Higgins has been deeply involved with animal welfare in and around Central New York for years, helping to reshape the relationship’s people and their communities have with animals. By teaching humane education to children in local school districts, partnering with the DeWitt Animal Shelter, and providing abused dogs with voices through attorneys (yes, actual attorneys!), The Humane Society Food Policy Coordinator and Cuse Pit Crew Founder has helped turn Syracuse into a hub for animal cruelty prevention.

Here are some ways the work she does with Cuse Pit Crew is helping protect the community’s animals: Humane Education in Schools: One of the many goals of Cuse Pit Crew is to show children how they should treat animals and reverse the methods used to introduce them to animals, if in a negative way.

The organization offers free lesson plans to school districts in the area that allow them to go into classrooms and talk to students from grades K-12. Each lesson is catered towards a specific age group and serves to break the cycle of damaging animal

By: Amari D. Pollard introductions. “Animals are not here for us to hurt or for our family members to hurt, and humane ed is able to really show [students] that,” said Heath-Higgins. “They have interactions with therapy pit bulls that we’ll bring into the classroom, so they really get a good experience with them.”

A Rewards Program: Along with the DeWitt Animal Shelter, Cuse Pit Crew has created a rewards program where they are able to go into communities and hang up reward fliers if an animal abuse case is reported to the police, and the department is unsure of who committed the crime. Heath-Higgins says this is a great program because it garners a lot of media attention for unsolved cases and targets the community that the abused dogs come out of, that way they know people are watching.

“Not only does it help find the person who committed the crime, but it also sends a message out to that neighborhood: If you’re going to hurt an animal, we’re going to find you,” explained Heath Higgins.

She believes the program to prevent abuse cases from happening altogether because people are now aware of how seriously they’re taken.

Sending in the Behaviorist: Sometimes dogs find themselves in shelters because their owners didn’t want them anymore or just let them loose, but a great majority of dogs do end up there due to behavioral issues. So, Cuse Pit Crew has developed a program where certified animal behaviorists go into people’s homes for free to help them work with their dogs and teach them to connect with them. They learn how to manage their behaviors and practice patience with their pets, that way they don’t resort to abuse as a result of frustration. Heath-Higgins says,

“when it comes to animal abuse, animals feel just like we do; they feel physical pain and emotional, mental pain.” She also credits humane education for helping to improve the way humans interact with each other, because when people learn treat animals better they treat each other better.

Lawyering Up: Until the Michael Vick case in 2007, when more than 50 dogs were removed from the NFL quarterback’s Virginia home because of a dog-fighting operation, it was unprecedented to hear of dogs being provided attorneys by the court. When Heath-Higgins saw animal representation happening in the courtroom, she thought that was something that needed to happen everywhere. After meeting Syracuse lawyer Nicholas DeMartino, the two developed a program called CNY Law Guardian Program, where DeMartino and other local lawyers act as dog attorneys for animal abuse cases. Heath-Higgins says programs like this are essential to communities because dogs are the true victims. They “languish in the shelters during court proceedings” and are oftentimes re-victimized, but at least by assigning attorneys to dogs, they can find their voice, or in their case, rediscover their barks.

wouny.com • April 2017

21

Marny & Co. Hair Studio 315-622-3775

Wow MOM! Enjoy a *Haircut with Deep Conditioning & 30 Minute Facial Treatment with Kate!

50

Only $

reg. $87

*Long Hair Extra

Offer valid until April 30, 2017. Cannot be redeemed after this date. One offer per customer. Not redeemable for cash.

Kimbrook Plaza 8395 Oswego Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Gift Certificates Available Offering DevaCurl & Olaplex Products!

GH

HAWLEY GREEN

Explore the Hawley /Green Neighborhood.

HAIRANOIA

H

ave you discovered the Hawley/Green Area? Situated at the four corners of Hawley and Catherine streets you will find Syracuse Soapworks filled with your favorite soaps, lotions, and more that are created by Rick and Jeremy. In addition find a large array of locally made and unique items such as jewelry, ceramics, textiles and other art objects.

Thanos Import Market offers a totally different experience of savory sandwiches with fresh olives and cheeses from around the world. If you are looking for other products to compliment your meals you will find an abundance of local items that will be sure to enhance your next meal.

Hairanoia will create your favorite look and give you vibrate colors that will surely turn heads. Micheal and his team creates sophisticated styles using only natural hair care products and none of them are tested on animals. Hawley/Green is an example of Syracuse diversity that really works, and they are close to downtown and Syracuse University. So come in, relax and break up your day with looks only from Hairanoia.

Lacy’s Tapas is distinct and delicious. Laura and Cindy personify the restaurant with great customer service, along with giving back to the community with the many charities that they support. From Lamb Chop Lollipops to Baked Sole with Crabmeat and Scallops you will not leave hungry.

Take a break and spend a day in Hawley/Green where you can shop, relax, and eat. Find it all at the four corners.

Photos by: A. Erlebacher

T•H•A•N•O• S IMPORT MARKET

2nd-largest auto insurer 97% customer satisfaction 24/7 licensed agents Helping people since 1936

The choice is yours, and it’s simple.

Why enjoy just one cookie when there’s a whole stack in front of you?

The same goes for car insurance. Why go with a company that offers just a low price when GEICO could save you hundreds and give you so much more? You could enjoy satisfying professional service, 24/7 from a company that’s made it their business to help people since 1936. This winning combination has helped GEICO to become the 2nd-largest private passenger auto insurer in the nation.

Make the smart choice. Get your free quote from your LOCAL GEICO office today!

LOCAL OFFICE

®

geico.com/syracuse | 315-479-2886 Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Customer satisfaction based on an independent study conducted by Alan Newman Research, 2015. GEICO is the second-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States according to the 2014 a.M. Best market share report, published April 2015. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washinton, D.C. 20076, a Bershire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2016 GEICO

Rachel Hilbert R

By: Abbey Adams Photos By: Dimitrios Kambouris Courtesy: Sevan Kalayjian Everitt Full Picture

achel Hilbert sashays down the long glistening runway in a salmon colored track jacket. Underneath? A mint colored bra and panty set. Her bleach blonde curls bounce with each step as she makes a kissy face toward the camera. Did I mention this is the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? Her debut was in 2015, as she was named the face of their PINK line, a branch of VS launched in 2002 geared towards 15-22 year olds to introduce them to the brand. Selling pajamas, sweats, underwear, bras, activewear, etc. Rachel also walked in the 2016 Fashion Show last December in Paris featuring Lady Gaga, the Weeknd, and Bruno Mars. She was once again proudly sporting PINK gear.

Hilbert grew up in Rochester, NY, graduating from Webster High School. She was a very active child, taking part in various activ

wouny.com • April 2017

25

“

“It all happened so fast...

It’s really been an incredible journey.”

in the world? “It’s so wild seeing my picture larger than life in a window of a PINK store in SoHo. Sometimes if I’m shopping there people recognize me, which is crazy!” said Hilbert. Not only do people recognize her, but she now has fans who follow her every move and show their support for all her achievements. With 441,000 followers on Instagram and 20.9 thousand followers on Twitter, everything Hilbert does, is being watched.

Many models in 2016 have made the transition into media stars. We see/ ities”I “I was full of energy. I grew up dancing and downhill skiing at Bristol mountain,” says Hilbert. Modeling wasn’t really on her radar until she was 16 years old. A trip to New York City forever changed her life. Working for brands like Urban Outfitters, Target, Delia’s, and Macy’s gave Rachel a taste of what was to come in her future. She immediately signed with an agent and started working with the Victoria’s Secret PINK brand.

She says, “It all happened so fast...It’s really been an incredible journey.” There’s no doubt the Big Apple holds a special place in her heart not only because of all it has given her career-wise, but how close it is to her home and family. “I see them as much as possible. Some of them will meet me on set or location if I’m in a fun place,” says Hilbert.

Fast-forward to now and 21-year-old Rachel Hilbert is jet-setting all over the world, making appearances, doing photo shoots, walking long glistening runways, and hanging out with big-time models in the industry. How does it feel coming from a small upstate NY area to be representing one of the biggest lingerie fashion empires

26 wouny.com • April 2017

hear about them everyday, from Kendall Jenner to Cara Delevingne, and Gigi Hadid.

There’s no doubt that being a model puts you in the immediate limelight for a massive following. Hilbert doesn’t

“

seem negatively phased by this newage popularity and level of social media stardom, she says, “I love engaging with my fans and really appreciate all of my followers...It’s been interesting to watch how the industry has used social media to shape the fashion industry.

Whether it’s doing castings via Instagram or Facebook Live events for Fashion Shows. We are living in a tech world now.”

Hilbert keeps it real posting pictures of her modeling in action, posing with herself (and sometimes pizza) on Victoria’s Secret posters, and staying grateful for all she’s been given so far. “Despite the increase in fame, I always try to remain grounded.

That is how I was raised. I surround myself with good people, which helps keep me focused.”

Working with many big names has left an unforgettable impression on the Upstate NY native. Receiving advice from VS vets is the norm for Rachel “It’s been incredible being surrounded by such powerhouses.

They all have such amazing advice to give and are all so friendly. I have learned a lot by even just seeing them in action.” She has learned to be herself and enjoy every minute of everything she does and in the midst of all that craziness, she stays focused. Hilbert keeps on track with her personal trainer who whips her into shape 3-5 times a week working in boxing and pilates to stay fit for the runway. What can you find on her gym play list? Fun artists like Drake, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna.

What’s in store for Rachel Hilbert?

She definitely sees herself modeling long term but wants to keep her options open, saying, “I am also interested in becoming an on-air host.

I’ve had a few TV gigs that have been really enjoyable.” She has appeared on an episode of TV Land’s new hit show “Younger” alongside Hilary Duff and Sutton Foster, and starred in country singer Brett Eldridge’s video for his song, “Lose My Mind.”

Rachel is a trailblazer for women everywhere, especially in Upstate NY, where fashion shows, Paris, and modeling seem like something in a far away world that we see and hear about, but never visualize as a reality.

Although this wasn’t a childhood dream, she has now made it a successful dream. Rachel’s advice is to, “Fight for what you want and stay positive even if people try to discourage you.

It’s important to set goals and work really hard to achieve them!”

wouny.com • April 2017

27

APRIL’S REALTOR OF THE MONTH

Broker/Owner Aspect Real

Estate & Consulting ommunity, connecting buyers and sellers is what Susan Martino does everyday. Susan started her career in Real Estate as a real estate paralegal, then went on to get her Real Estate license in 2005. When she began she was at an agency as many new agents do when they begin their careers. Here, she learned many things that would prepare her to be great at what she does.

It was an opportunity to shadow seasoned agents and fine-tune her talents.

As time went on, however, Susan realized that she had ideas of what she would like to do as a realtor and really wanted to be on her own. In most agencies, there is a set platform and marketing materials that you use, and for Susan, she wanted to do things her way. She continued her education and eventually became a broker. This achievement has allowed her, as a broker to open her own agency where she could now do newer and innovative things, and most importantly, work for herself.

Susan’s goal was to know all aspects of her job and to provide her clients with the best service and personal attention. She can help you find a fixer upper with short sales or help you to stage and sell your home to get the best possible price. When Susan

28 wouny.com • April 2017

works with buyers, she is attentive to their needs assisting them with finding the right size home with everything they are looking for. If you are moving or relocating to another state, she will provide you with a personal checklist to ensure you do not forget anything. If you are you looking to build, Susan works with all builders so that your dream home is completed to your specifications. Her one on one connection with buyers and sellers is what she values. Susan is Broker/Owner of Aspect Real Estate in North Syracuse. The agency works as a team, and they can provide you with relocation, sales/purchase of homes, bank owned, rental property and commercial property. Her self-motivated personality and hard work has earned her Realtor of the Month with us.

If you would like to learn more about Aspect Real Estate, or if you are considering, selling or buying a home, call her at 315-952-1356 or visit their website at www.aspectrealestate.com

Proudly Celebrating our 7th Year in the Historic Hawley Green District

WWW.LACISTAPASBAR.COM 304 Hawley Ave. Syracuse NY 13203 315.218.5903

T •H•A•N•O•S IMPORT MARKET

In The Heart of Hawley/Green

Join Us

For Lunch or Stop In For Your Favorite Imports

HAIRANOIA A Unique Salon Experience Michael A. De Salvo 315-479-8255 Appointments Appreciated

Tues Through Sat Evening Hours Available Imported Cheese, Meats, Sandwiches & More!

315-422-4085 105 Green Street Syracuse, NY

Located in the Heart of the Hawley/Green Historic Neighborhood 101 Green Street

Syracuse, NY 13203

IN ART WITH

Ellen Edgerton

E

llen Edgerton a talented portrait artist works with acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, and digital art.

Ellen can create a portrait of your favorite furry family member, your pet(s). Most of us who share our living space with a dog or a cat or any other comical, sweet, sometimes annoying but always forgivable animal knows how much they mean to us.

They give us the gift of unconditional love and are amazing creatures from cuddle time to play time and worthy of a portrait to be remembered.

When Ellen began to paint in 2003, she took a childhood activity that she so enjoyed and began to do it again. Influenced by the things she grew up looking at are key to her inspiration. One of those were watching her mother paint in oils and knowing her grandfather was a painter as well.

Ellen’s first effort was painting with a basic set of acrylics with no black. This gave

30 wouny.com • April 2017

By: Audrey Levinson her an experiment, to make black. She mixed all the other colors and was successful, then she moved to working with a limited palette. These are both classic organized exercises for beginning painters.

These are things that a beginner is “supposed to do” as she emphasized to me. I got the feeling that to her benefit, she’s a very organized individual. However, when it comes to painting or creating following all the rules has its place but must be balanced with adventure and imagination.

So, Ellen had yet to explore outside of the box. This produced a small quandary for her. She waded through this period only to have learned that lesson and never to give up on her newest passion.

She found that it was satisfying to paint, and it relaxed her from her busy job as an administrative assistant at Syracuse University. As she spoke about her job she reminded me of a Radar like character from the T.V. show M*A*S*H. Radar was always the one who knew all of the inner

workings of his unit and more. He could take care of any situation day or night, and did. Ellen seems to have played that role in the job she had. It consumed her life.

Now that she had rekindled her love for painting Ellen wanted more time that was only for her. She quit her time-consuming job and spent two-weeks job hunting. This was a pivotal time for her because she allowed the artist within to be a part of her life. She used that time to get organized building a database of all of her paintings, and a website before another job offer came her way.

Ellen took this position with ESF and no longer has the pressure of being on call day and night. I got the impression that she is very tech savvy. Ellen also creates animal portraits using digital art. What is nice about this medium is that you get a disc with the portrait on it. One would be able to have the portrait transferred onto anything, a mug, a T-shirt, etc.... As much as a painted portrait has its value, I love this idea.

IN ART

Her website Pansies and Paws got its name from one of her first paintings. Family members loved it so much that she painted copies for them, which is a portrait of one of her cats laying low in a garden of pansy like flowers, thus, the name of her website. Her pet portraits are very reasonably priced, and I recommend checking out her website pansiesandpaws.com, to view her beautiful artwork.

wouny.com • April 2017

31

• General & Family Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Smile Makeovers • Implants • Sleep Apnea Treatment • Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment • State-of-the-Art “All Female Office”

(315) 474-1711

www.smilesbd.com A Smile Promotes Face Value 3/16/17 3:35 PM 1304 Buckley Road, Suite 203, 1Syracuse, NY 13212

April 2017 CNY_WUNY_Half pg (Sculpsure).pdf

Slimmer Summer!

In as little as 25 minutes, FDA-cleared SculpSure can help reduce stubborn fat on the abdomen and love handles, without surgery or downtime. Results are visible in as little as six weeks!

BEFORE

AFTER

$200 OFF SculpSure

®

Non-Invasive Fat Reduction

UNRETOUCHED SCULPSURE PHOTOS COURTESY OF S. DOHERTY, MD

Call for your free consultation: 315-329-6602 Financing Available model

PlasticSurgeryOfSyracuse.com

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons, Drs. Baum and Deboni, along with Beth Phillips, RPAC and Kristyna Giancola, RPAC possess years of specialized training, decades of combined experience and an outstanding dedication to patient care.

5898 Bridge Street East Syracuse

Special promotions valid until 4.30.17, and may not be combined. Must mention this ad to receive specials. Individual results vary. Other restrictions may apply.

EXECUTE A

M

ost of the problems your attorney helps you deal with are reactive in nature.

Something happens to you, and you want to act in response. You might do something that necessitates a legal response. There is, however, one very important area of the law where you and your attorney can be pro-active. You can make plans for a time when you, and your spouse are ill or disabled or one of you passes away.

There are many attorneys that specialize in Estate Planning and Trusts which you can speak to about your plans for your spouse and your children and your assets. You can execute a Will, a Health Care Proxy and a Living will. You can create a Trust. That is being pro-active.

This article is intended to focus specifically on what is now becoming one of the most important legal documents you may ever execute to protect yourself and your family, a Power of Attorney.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that is used to delegate legal authority to another person. The person to whom you give this legal authority is then empowered to make property, financial and legal decisions for you. The question you should be asking at this point is “Why would I

By: Jeffrey L. Drimer, Esq. want to do this”? I am young and healthy.

I would only need a Power of Attorney if something bad happens. The answer is simple and worthy of your consideration.

When something bad happens, it is often too late. A Power of Attorney can still be used in the event of your disability or illness. It can also be used if you are not available to sign necessary legal documents.

It is good planning.

policy that everyone should have.

The choice you will be given when you sign a Power of Attorney is between a Non-Durable Power of Attorney and a Durable Power of Attorney. A Non-Durable Power of Attorney is usually used for a single transaction like a Real Estate closing or the filing of a Bankruptcy or executing documents related to an Estate. A Non-Durable Power of Attorney is usually used immediately and revoked immediately it is used but is effective until specifically revoked or until the maker of the Power of Attorney dies.

You should be clear that a Durable Power of Attorney cannot be used by your designated agent to make medical decisions for you. In New York State, you should prepare a Health Care Proxy to prepare for accident, illness or disability. Your attorney can prepare the proper form for you. The proper document is also available on-line for you to consider.

A Durable Power of Attorney is used to set up a procedure for the management of one’s financial affairs in the event of your incompetence, disability or illness. This is most helpful in avoiding the time and expense of having a Guardian appointed by the Court in the event of incompetence or disability. The simple act of doing a Durable Power of Attorney is an insurance

A person who has your Durable Power of Attorney could conceivably buy or sell real estate, do your banking, handle your investments, participate in litigation on your behalf and deal with matters related to your taxes and your retirement. Your children and your spouse will be thankful for your foresight.

As for who you should appoint as your agent in your Durable Power of Attorney you should look to your most trusted family members, a friend or a professional person with whom you have had a continuing relationship. Trust and Honesty are the key elements to be considered in this choice.

Do not wait for trouble. Prepare for it. You and your family will be glad you did.

If you need assistance, contact Mr. Drimer at 315-472-4331.

wouny.com • April 2017

33

D’s Beauty Bar with Donna Adamo

April is nature’s calling card for renewal. It’s a time to strip away the heavy layers bogging us down and reconnect with our inner best beautiful self.

This month, I’m trading surface beauty tips for soul-filled beauty tips by sharing a weight-loss journey with a happy ending and a sad, unexpected twist of fate.

Enter Candy Cook.

For 21 years, the 45-year-old administrative assistant has been an integral part of our support staff (one of our largest offices is in downtown Syracuse) at ARCADIS, Atlanta.

In spring 2016, beneath her sweet, beautiful, flawless-skin exterior, Candy was miserable in her own skin. At 5’4” and 216 pounds, she was the heaviest she’d ever been.

“Despite being on cholesterol and pre-diabetes meds, I planned my life around where and what the next meal would be,” said Candy Cook. “I worked out at the gym, but often, was putting little effort in before stopping to grab a pizza on my way home.”

Recovering from a prolonged bout of plantar fasciitis causing limited exercise in 2015, it was a vacation picture that forced Candy to come to terms with her bad choices. “I didn’t recognize myself,” Cook admitted. “I realized all those dinners finally caught up with me.”

Candy sought the help of respected strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Webb, at Hard Knox Fitness in Kennesaw. A strapping 6’5” muscle machine, Webb told Candy if she was ready and serious, he’d mentor her into shape. We all need mentors like Nathan.

“I started May 16, 2016,” Cook says. “The first day was brutal.

I was scared and didn’t think I could do it but I had made my commitment. Under Nathan’s guidance, I changed my diet to high protein, low carbs and drinking a gallon of water a day. It was hard, but the pounds started dropping immediately.”

Once Webb started Candy doing High-Intensity Interval Training, we all watched Candy’s body literally shrink. She passed on sugary temptations, instead, sticking with her regimented protein and vegetable lunches, almond snacks and protein shakes.

Inspired by her success, co-workers and friends joined gyms or started their own weight loss journeys.

By January 2017, Candy dropped 60 pounds, downsizing from a 16 to a sculpted size 6.

34 wouny.com • April 2017

“I now look at food as a way of fueling my body, and eat to live, instead of living to eat,” Cook says. “I plan my meals and am purposeful about what I’m eating. It was hard work at first, but now I’ve more energy and all the aches and pains I had are gone. I got out of my own way.”

Cook credits a big part of her success to Monday weigh-ins in front of Nathan.

She now radiates inner beauty, health and fitness, and her wardrobe is sleek and fitted these days.

“I wore a belt for a while, but finally had to buy all new clothes. It feels amazing,” Cook said. “This is the first summer since high school I’m looking forward to picking out a bathing suit and shorts.”

When I told Candy of my intention to share her story, she was honored. I asked her to have someone at the gym take some ‘after’ pictures later that night. Proud of his protégé, Nathan obliged. A few hours later, Nathan Webb died. Natural causes.

Cook says she’s grateful for the inner confidence fitness has given her and intends to pay it forward.

“I need time to take it all in,” Candy says. “Nathan gave me to tools to conquer anything in life. Because once you conquer yourself, you can do anything.”

JUST FOR MOM!

Jewelry for you or MOM The Heckled Hen Manlius, NY 315-682-1602

Beautiful Floral Arrangements The Curious Rose N. Syracuse, NY 315-454-5550

Bird Feeders & More Wild Birds Unlimited Fayetteville, NY 315-637-0710

Yoga, Reika, Massage Infinite Light Yoga Jamesville, NY 315-373-0626

A Salon Experience LaFleur de Beaute Fayetteville, NY 315-314-9594

Flowers and Tea for MOM Colorful Inspirations Camillus, NY 315-320-4364

Laci’s Tapas

Soaps, Jewelry, Textiles, for MOM Syracuse Soapworks Syracuse, NY 315-479-0400

Imported Gift Baskets For MOM Thanos Import Market Syracuse, NY 315-422-4085

A Delicious Bouquet for MOM Edible Arrangements Clay, Rome & N. Hartford 315-622-4438 315-736-8488

Avicolli’s

Delicious Dinners for MOM Avicolli’s Restaurant Liverpool, NY 315-622-5100

Tasteful Dinner with MOM Laci’s Tapas Syracuse, NY 315-479-8255 Reiki Charged Essential Oil Candles Soul Soothing Manlius, NY 315-692-2290

Hair Solutions for MOM Genesis II Hair Replacement Studio N. Syracuse, NY 315-458-1074 wouny.com • April 2017

35

Not Your Average Antique Store! ya rd Sa le !

Se as on al Sa lvag e Ba ck N O W O PE N !! ! e • Ar ch ite ch ur al Sa lv ag • Ya rd Ar t • In du st ria l Fi nd s & so mu ch mo re! !! ily !!!

Ne w Tre as ur es Ad de d Da

E XP ER IE N CE TH E D IF FE RE N CE

R. 1 0 7 F AIRGROUNDS D O P E N T U E S T O S AT 315.682.1602

1 3 1 W. S ENECA S T. O P E N T U E T O S AT 315.657.1235

Salina Family Dental “The Smile Makers”

•Dentures •Partials •Root •Canals •Crowns •Bridges •Extractions •Whitening

Now Offering Digital X-rays Accepting Medicaid, Most Major Insurances & Care Credit Evening Hours Available Monday & Thursdays Saturday -Every Other Week - 8 am to noon Closed Friday

6846 Buckley Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212

Bird & Wildlife Food Products & More Seed Cylinders the quickest, simplest, long-lasting way to feed your birds.

SQUIRREL PROOF BIRD FEEDERS I NESTING BOXES BIRD BATHS I POLE SYSTEMS I NATURE GIFTS I OPTICS

315-930-2700 8395 Oswego Rd. Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Located in the Fayetteville Towne Center

314 Towne Drive • Fayetteville, NY 13066

(315) 637-0710

SPAD0204125228

www.wbu.com/fayetteville

0000548058-01

A Unique Gift Shop 45 Main St., Camillus NY

Colorful

INSPIRATIONS

Wed. 10 - 5 pm Thurs.10 - 6 pm Fri. 10 - 5 pm Sat. 10 - 5 pm Sun. 12 - 5 pm Closed Mon. & Tues.

Seasonal Decor & Gifts www.colorfulinspirations.com ~ (315) 320-4364 Colorful-Inspirations by Diane

Tweeter Feeders Premium Pet Food & Critter Cuisine

The Birds are Back, keep the Feeders Full!

Canidae -Tuscan Natural-Orijen -Taste of the Wild Suet & Suet Feeders,Wild Bird Mixes Black Oil seeds

315-622-4737

Bird Feeders - Houses - Suet Holders & more.

Large variety of Dog and Cat Food.

Rt. 57, 3/10 Mile North of Moyers Corners

10% face0858 05/16/2017

Teddy’s Plaza

815 Black River Blvd, Rome, NY 13440 315-337-8488

The Orchard Plaza

Marketfair North

8637 Clinton St 4130 State Route 31 Suite 610 New Hartford, NY 13413 Clay, NY 13041 315-736-8488 315-622-4438

To Save or Not to Save…..

for College

(and how much?)

S

aving for a child’s college education is an emotional topic, on many levels. I have had many discussions regarding saving for children’s or grandchildren’s educations over the years and what I have learned is that there is no “right” answer for everyone.

Most of us would agree that we want the best in life for our children. We want them to have a happy childhood, go to a good school, be accepted at a college of their choosing and have a career where they can be fulfilled and make a comfortable living while supporting themselves and their family, if they so choose.

More difficult to agree on is how much we “should” contribute towards the cost of our kids’ secondary education. As we all know, college costs are skyrocketing, and it is nearly impossible to save enough to cover all the costs associated with a four-year degree, let alone a Masters Degree or PhD. One way to get information, is to visit one of a multitude of websites and plug numbers into a calculator. You can even choose the college you think might ultimately be your child’s destination. Two websites that I have found to be helpful are savingforcollege.com and .finra.org/investors/ saving-college. Be prepared however. What you might learn is a number so daunting you will wonder how anyone could possibly save that much!

38 wouny.com • April 2017

By: Mary Ann Pierce, CLU That is where the discussion starts.

• How much should one expect (or be expected) to save for a child’s education?

• What if you have several children?

• What about all the other things we should be saving for?

• Should we even consider paying the entire cost, or should we expect that our children will work part-time to offset some of the cost, and have some stake in their education?

As you can see, the questions are not always entirely financial. However, it is important to address them within the family to ensure that everyone agrees as to how paying for college will be handled in the future.

On the financial “side,” in a perfect world, we would be able to contribute the maximum amount to our retirement plans as well as have a comfortable nest egg in the bank. And we would also be able to put any “extra” funds at the end of the month into a savings’ vehicle for college.

The reality is often very different. We may not be saving sufficiently for retirement, and there may not be anything “extra” at the end of the month. In that scenario, where would we ever find money to save for college?

Often we are able to count on generous family members for holiday and birthday gifts; sometimes grandparents searching for a strategy to lower potential estate tax exposure by reducing the size of their estate, may make substantial gifts to a college saving’s plan. However, most times the burden falls on the parents.

An important point to keep in mind is that though we may be able to find assistance for college from a number of sources - grants, scholarships, financial aid, or loans - there are no loans available to supplement retirement income. As retirees, will be dependent upon Social Security, and perhaps a pension, along with what we are able to save for ourselves to ensure a comfortable retirement.

So when we talk about the “right” amount to save for a child’s college education, I believe the best answer is “what you can,” after you have taken care of your own future financial well-being.

One of the best ways to ensure that your children have a successful adulthood is to make sure you remain financially independent in your retirement.

Securities and investment advice offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Marathon Financial Advisors and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.

Soul Soothings

A Unique Boutique For Body, Mind & Spirit

131 W. Seneca St., Suite 1 Manlius, NY 13104 (Next to UPS)

MAZZYE’S Meats

The way you want them, Selections by choice,not by chance.

We Cater!

Meat Packages Available too.

Pick up these Holiday Specials!

Boneless Pork Roasts Choice Sirloin Tips Fully Cooked Hams Crown Pork Roasts

3.99 lb.

4.99 lb. $ 4.99 lb. $ 4.99 lb.

$

$

The Best Prime Rib Roasts in Liverpool!

Full line of fresh cut meats, Boars Head cold cuts

Open: Tues - Fri 11:30am - 5:30pm Saturdays 10:00am - 5:00pm

Try our own fresh Chicken, Beef or Turkey Pot Pies

(315) 457-3697

www.mazzyemeats.com | like us on Facebook Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

315-692-2290 • www.soulsoothings.com

Mother’s Day Show her you care this

FL OR

AL

DES IG

N

AND

GIFT

SH

OP

Offering the finest floral arrangements and local artisan creations.

211 N. Main St. • N. Syr., NY 13212

www.the curiousrose.net

454-5550

7252 Oswego Road (located in front of Sharkeys)

Liverpool, NY 13090

Infinite Light Center CNY's Premier Wellness Center

Yoga ~ Pilates ~ Barre Massage ~ Reiki Infrared Sauna

• For ages 6 weeks through 5 years

• Full- and part-time • Daily Red Cross sessions available Swim Lessons

• Circus • Day Tripper • Fencing

• Fishing • Gymnastics • Rocketry

• Secret Agent • Theatre • ...and more!

• SyraCruisin’ Travel Camp for grades 7–10

JCC of Syracuse 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt 315-445-2360 • www.jccsyr.org

European Facial Valid On Gift Certificates

$45

With coupon.No cash value.

Not valid on prior purchases.

WU17 Expires 4/30/2017

Facial Package 3 Facials

$130 Reg.$195

Only one person can use.

With coupon.No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. WU17 Expires 4/30/2017

1/2 Day of Beauty Full Body Massage, Facial, Makeover, Spa Mani/Pedi 3 1/2 hours of services

$150

Only one person can use.

With coupon. No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. WU17 Expires 4/30/2017

New Student Special ~ $25 ~ 2 weeks Unlimited Yoga

200-hr Yoga Teacher Training

InfiniteLightCenter.com ~ 315-373-0626 6499 E. Seneca Tpke, Jamesville, NY 13078

Facial & Massage STRESS RELIEVER! coupon.No cash value. $85 With Not valid on prior purchases.

WU17 Expires 4/30/2017

Great Escape Full Body Massage, Facial, Makeover, Spa Manicure, Hand & Foot Paraffin Wax Treatment

$150 Reg.$185

With coupon.No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. WU17 Expires 4/30/2017

Massage Package

3 Spa massages

$180

Only one person can use.

With coupon.No cash value. Not valid on prior purchases. WU17 Expires 4/30/2017

Gift Certificates Always Fit!

By: Christine Vickers essica Ellis says she missed all the signs. Prior to having her own child at age 32, her experience with babies and young children was minimal. Her beautiful boy, Jaden, was a good baby. Jaden never cried, yet as he grew bigger he did not point at things. He liked to watch objects spin, became fascinated with doorknobs and loved finding shiny objects that he could hide. Jessica and her husband Shawn was left wondering, was this behavior normal?

the emotion of that moment, “Jessica confides.

When Jaden was diagnosed in 2007, 1 in every 150 children had autism. Currently, the numbers are 1 in 68. “Autism awareness … we all are aware of it…now we want to know why,” Jessica says. Jessica does not believe in any link between vaccines and autism noting that studies have not proven this alleged connection. She does wonder about the effect of parental age, sharing

At two years old, Jaden did not talk or babble and appeared completely fearless. He also had many sensory issues with fabrics, tags and textures. At three, Jaden was still not speaking. “Up until this point, I trusted the doctors when they said not to worry and that some kids just take longer to develop,” Jessica shares. “At our insistence, we began an evaluation process and upon completion on January 7, 2007, a doctor said to me, I’m sorry, Mrs. Ellis, your son has autism.”

Jessica reveals that the devastating news made her crumble. “My husband was wonderful. Instead of breaking down, he said, ok, now what are we going to do, and he began to formulate a plan.”

Jaden began Park Hill preschool in the East Syracuse Minoa School District and began making great strides with the help of the teachers and therapists there.

He learned how to use pictures to help his speech and at four years old, he said Mommy for the first time. “I was at the stove cooking when he said it. I waited so long to hear it. I just can’t explain

42 wouny.com • April 2017

that autistic children tend to be born to older parents.

Causes aside, The Ellis family is raising Jaden with patience, love and a renewed sense of hope for his future. Faithful readers of WOUNY will remember this incredible family as we shared Jessica’s courageous battle with breast cancer in a previous issue.

Jessica cautiously notes that she believes Jaden is in recovery. “I don’t want to say that he is cured because it is not a disease, but his symptoms have gone down. We have tried to affect some of the environmental factors that impact autistic children. He eats organic food. No red dyes. We now live on a farm and grow much of our own food. We can clearly see a difference.”

The result… Jaden is a happy 7th grade student who attends school in a blended classroom with other high-functioning autistic students and neuro-typical children. “We know we are lucky; Jaden has high-functioning autism. He tells his Dad and I that he loves us. He’ll live a normal life, drive a car and move away from home.

“Our goal is to get him out of the house” laughs Jessica, injecting a bit of humor to this somber topic.

A typical day for Jaden includes after-school activities, chores and like most kids… homework. Jessica notes that he loves legos, computers and animals. He talks about becoming a veterinarian and as Jessica shares, “we hope Cornell will be the place for him. “ For now, he enjoys taking care of his pug, chinchilla and various other animals on their farm. Jaden is particularly close to his devoted parents. Jessica notes that they have never had babysitters as she and Shawn have arranged their work schedules so that one of them is bringing Jaden to school and one of them is picking him up and is with him after school. “Jaden just loves spending time with his Dad. Sunday is their special day, and activities might include bowling, a visit to Dave &

Buster’s or working on cars together.”

For other parents with autistic children, Jessica offers this hopeful message, “I know it can be overwhelming, but your child will not die.

Make sure you have continuous communication with the school. Try not to focus so much on scheduling your child, but spending time with them in activities that they truly enjoy. Remember just because your child has autism, does not mean that they don’t have a future!”

Components of Jessica’s important message can be found in the current success of the Rising Tide Car Wash business. This company has recently been profiled on national news outlets and is drawing praise for its innovative approach to utilizing the special skill set of autistic individuals. The premise begins with the idea that its founder, John D’ Eri, wanted to design a business for his autistic son to work in. He thus opened a car wash, employing autistic workers. With his other, neuro typical son, as the chief operating officer, this family business has become a success in Parkland, Florida with plans for expansion. As model businesses like this continue to grow, so many children like Jaden will have additional opportunities to live happy and fulfilling lives.

For information/ support visit: www.autism-society.org www.autismspeaks.org www.risingtidecarwash.com

wouny.com • April 2017

43

DR WILLIAM TUCKER DR TARA BRACKLEY

EYE PHYSICIAN AND SURGEONS NEW PATIENTS WELCOME • COMPLETE EXAMS ALL AGES MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED • FREE PARKING NORTHEAST MEDICAL CENTER 4000 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE FAYETTEVILLE

315.637.1010

Show Mom just how much you love her with medispa services from Rejuvn8™!

We are offering a Spring pick-me-up!

50 units of BOTOX®/Dysport/Xeomin & 1 syringe of Filler

$1,000

.......................... $300 savings over our normal rate!

Achieve the natural, age-defying results you’re looking for from the trusted experts Rejuvn8™ micromedispa.

At Rejuvn8™ micromedispa, we offer the latest in medical spa services. Our physician-led spa, we offer: • Non-surgical face lift, include digital fractional laser ex-foliation and contouring • Microdermabrasion • BOTOX® • Muscle relaxation with precise injection of Neurotoxin • Dermal fillers • Biostimulation and neocollagenesis • Vaginal rejuvenation TM

Call us today to schedule your consultation

315-708-9913

•

www.rejuvn8.com

4971 Bear Road, Liverpool. NY 13088

LIVERPOOL POOL & SPA

is a family owned and operated company that has been Secretly providing your neighbors with resort vaca7ons right in their own backyard since 1986.

Liverpool Pool & Spa has stayed successfully focused on what we have been doing well for over 26 years.

Stop in and relax with one of our highly trained, low pressure associates to see all we have to offer. With over 30 models on display we have the best selecJon in CNY.

HOURS: Mon.-­‐Thurs. 9-­‐7 • Fri. 9-­‐6 • Sat. 9-­‐4 • Sun. 11-­‐4

414-­‐0741|6804 Manlius Center Road East Syracuse|liverpoolpoolandspa.com

Join us for a free fun and open-to-the-public wellness festival starting at 1 p.m.

Plant the Seeds

OF GOOD HEALTH

Saturday, April 8, 2017 free activities

1:30 p.m. Guided meditation to relax and recharge 2 p.m.

Talk by Kaushal Nanavati, MD 3:15 p.m. Introduction to Tai Chi

at The Ranch at Wolf Oak Acres

6470 Creek Road l Oneida, NY 13421

1-4 p.m.

Visit with health and nutrition experts l chair massages l make your own sachet l tea tastings and other treats local goods and services l spring gardening tips l spices for health

RSVP:

ONEIDA

Outreach@Upstate.edu RSVP required for the 2 p.m. talk by motivational speaker and author Kaushal Nanavati, MD, Medical Director, Integrative Therapy, Upstate Medical University

Don’t miss this event! It’s just a short drive to The Ranch at Wolf Oak Acres in Oneida.

More info? 800-464-8668

Brought to you by Upstate Women’s Health and the Upstate Cancer Center at Oneida, serving your community for 25 years.

at Oneida l

upstate.edu/events