Women of Upstate NY Magazine March Issue

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omen

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OF UPSTATE NEW YORK MARCH 2014

YOUR LIFE IS LIKE

A MOVIE

6 Places You’ve

NEVER SEEN

THINGS YOUR MOTHER

NEVER TOLD YOU

AT HOME & ON THE AIR WITH

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WOMEN OF UPSTATE NY MAGAZINE

Mary McCandless

Michael Aaron Gallagher

Editor-in-Chief editor@womenofupstateny.com

Associate Publisher Follow on Twitter @MichaelTVNews

Christine Vickers Writer

Kimberly Cook

Photographer, bigpawphoto.com Follow on Twitter@bigpawphoto

Amy Benson Jarvis Contributing Writer Owner The Travel Store USA

Molly Lizzio

Linda J. Quinn,

Dr. Joyce B. Farah

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer & Registered Dietitian

Medical Doctor, F.A.A.D. Farah Dermatology Contributing Writer

MA, LPMFT

MS, RDN

Email us at editor@womenofupstateny.com www.womenofupstateny.com

table of contents 8

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Connect with us:

MOVIES - “A reflection of your past” by Molly Lizzio

FEED YOUR GENES Dr. Linda Quinn shares a secret for looking younger.

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6 GREAT TRAVEL SPOTS

21 Cover: LISA CHELENZA 4

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

25 33 34

Facebook.com/WomenofUpstateNY Twitter.com/UpstateNYWomen

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW MAPLE SYRUP MONTH SKIN CANCER AWARENESS

Dr. Joyce B. Farah, M.D. F.A.A.D.

36 KIDNEY DISEASE

What’s Happening!

National Kidney Month March 1 through March 31

Be sure to read the article on Kidney Disease Awareness and save the Date for the 2014 Kidney Walk at 9 a.m., April 27 at Destiny. Hope to see you there!

March 13th Kidney Screening at The Gem Diner

March 12th. is Girl Scout Day

March 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 1st through March 31st.

Death of a Salesman Central New York Playhouse March 20th.

The first day of SPRING!!!

Don’t forget to order your cookies!

Save the Date: Pawcasso Date: May 3, 2014 Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Location: Maple Downs, 7220 E Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY

Check out the Carol M. Baldwin car wrap.

Helping our community to fight Breast Cancer.

Visit the fund’s website for many upcoming events. www.findacurecny.org

Correction: In the submitted article for the February issue on Reiki, the correct spelling of Mary’s last name is Riposo.

For more information, call Infinite Light Yoga at 315-373-0626.

To Advertise call 315-632-1549 or email: sales@womenofupstateny.com Women of Upstate New York, LLC 5701 E. Circle Dr. # 197 Cicero, NY 13039

Published by Women of Upstate New York, LLC 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.

Email us at editor@womenofupstateny.com Read us online at www.womenofupstateny.com Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter See what’s happening on Instagram.

We love our community and make it a point to bring articles to inspire, great heath segments and a variety of stories. If you know that ordinary woman who has gone above and beyond, that unsung hero, let us know at editor@womenofupstateny.com.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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Movies you remember, a reflection of your past

By Molly Lizzio, MA, LPMFT

A

s you wheel your wobbly shopping cart down the aisle, you spot the coveted discount DVD bin. You dig around until you find one of the movies you absolutely love, but sort of forgot even existed. Maybe you saw it in the theater many years ago, but never felt the urge to buy it - not until it was $5, anyway.

You’re so happy as you check out, with visions of your next movie night dancing around in your head.

When you finally find the time to pop the video in, so often you end up with quite a surprise. Is this the same movie? I don’t remember that part!

When did I start identifying with the parent trying to pay the mortgage and less with the teenage girl getting her first kiss?

Maybe it’s because you haven’t actually seen the movie since you were that teenage girl, hence you’ve forgotten.

But more likely, it’s that you’ve grown and changed

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WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

into a new person over the years.

A lot of times our lives can feel a little bit like the movies, you see it completely different as the years go on.

When I was in my training program, we learned about different theories and schools of thought about therapy. One of these theories is called Narrative Therapy.

This involves clients “telling their story.”

When I first learned about this theory, I had to suppress an eye roll every time someone talked about “their story.” Then they took it one step further.

Step one is to tell “your story.” Step two is to “re-author” it.

Now this is where I draw the line.

How in the world can you re-author your own life story? Suddenly your parents never got divorced and you grew up in a happy home? Up until this point some of the theories I’d learned about I didn’t really care for, but I fully understood. I was completely blocked when it came to this last element of Narrative Therapy.

“Our lives are like going to the movies for the first time” One rare afternoon off, I decided to pop in one of my old high school favorites, The Breakfast Club. As I was relaxing and watching, all of a sudden I felt myself being pulled.

On one hand, I was laughing and relating to the characters (much in the same way I did when I was 15), but then on the other side, I was feeling empathy for the villainous principal. I thought to myself, ‘God, these kids are actually kind of awful.’ What would I do if I were in charge? I’d probably be worse!

It was such an odd sensation to see things from both sides, and in such an unexpected place. I’ve seen the movie hundreds of times; the difference was that at that time I had a job working with some unruly teens. For the first time I related more to the disciplinarian, than to one of the troublemakers.

The Breakfast Club had become a different movie, but that couldn’t be right, the movie itself hadn’t changed at all. I’d changed. And like lighting I got it. Re-authoring! Just like a movie never actually changes, the events in your story don’t change merely by re-authoring.

You just know different things to be true now, versus what you knew years ago.

The things that happened in your past were real, and it’s so important to acknowledge them. When you tell your story out loud you can relive it in this new place that you’re in right now. You’ll start to see, not just yourself differently, but all the other characters in your story.

Instead of just living through your parents’ divorce, when you discuss it as a grown wife and mother, who knows exactly how hard and fragile those relationships can be, things can change for you.

A new perspective can give you a new lease on your past. Re-authoring can yield way to not just a better understanding, but also forgiveness, empathy, and even closure.

Our lives are like going to the movies for the first time in the theater. We see it, then we walk out and we’re so overwhelmed and over-stimulated, that not long after we can only focus on and remember certain parts.

If you never see that movie again, chances

are you’re probably missing out on a lot of what it has to offer. Luckily with movies it doesn’t matter too much, but with our lives, it means everything.

To tell your story is to buy the DVD and watch it again and again, until you get it. To experience that same story in different times of your life.

What you know, and who you are at this moment, is laughable to the you 30 years from now.

It’s a chaotic truth that sometimes in order to move forward, you must go through the door to the past. Re-authoring is powerful because you realize that the key to understanding, and even healing yourself, is already within you.

You have everything you need.

For more information, contact Molly Lizzio, MA, LPMFT of Harvest House Marriage and Family Therapy at: www.harvesthousecounseling.com

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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Feed your genes

By Linda Quinn, MS, RDN

W

hat you eat is one of the most personal decisions you make on a daily basis. What works for your sister-in-law may not work for you. Whether you prefer your diet low fat, low carb, or gluten free, you need to work with your own chemistry and genetics to develop a diet that will feed your genes and keep you lean.

We are all looking for that magic bullet, that secret that keeps us thin. We want better health and we want to look younger. Americans spend billions of dollars on diets and cosmetic aides to turn back the clock. We search for the answer in the pages of magazines and on the internet.

Turns out, “the secret” has been here the

whole time. Just like Dorothy and those ruby red slippers, the answer… lies at our feet.

Most diets, whether low fat, low carb, high protein, or even Subway sandwiches can all lead to weight loss. In a landmark study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2009, researchers from Harvard found that people could successfully lose weight on any of these diet patterns as long as they restricted their caloric intake. But, once people “went off the diets,” the weight came back on.

Temporary weight loss is achievable through any number of methods, but keeping weight off long term requires more.

Making permanent changes can help you look and feel more vibrant and alive.

To truly become younger, you need to change your cells.

Change Your DNA The fuel we put in our bodies can leave us feeling good or not so good. It can promote better digestion and immune

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WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

function or spike our blood sugar. It can change the diseases we will have in the future and can literally change our DNA. Just like exercise, food can change the way our genes are expressed. Each and every cell in our body demands nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water. They are constantly being created and destroyed.

Providing optimal fuel can improve these processes and can contribute to what happens to us and to what we will ultimately die of. The old adage, “You are what you eat” is actually true.

So what is the real secret? The answer is food grown from the earth. Researchers contend that adding these colorful and luscious foods can change our genetic destiny. Plants are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Over 25,000 phytochemicals have been identified in plants that can modify and decrease our risk for most chronic diseases. They are literally cellular bodyguards.

Without them, our cells can be invaded and die an early death. Adding more, may be just what you need to keep your cells active and young.

Include a mix of fruit and vegetables A Tale of Two Women

Mary Jenney of East Syracuse, says she had been overweight her entire life. Her mother’s last wish was for her to improve her health through weight loss. She lost 117 pounds on Weight Watchers and has kept it off for four years. She follows a low fat, low calorie diet.

promote a healthier life overall. Amazing new research is showing that tweaking our diets to include more fruit and vegetables may reverse our genetic risk for diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer and even Alzheimer’s.

The second, retired Health Teacher, Linda Shapess of Fayetteville, also finally reached her healthy weight after losing 20 pounds. She too joined Weight Watchers but she follows a low carb diet.

You might think these two diets have nothing in common.

But, looking more carefully, it becomes clear that both these woman had one big amazing thing in common. They both dramatically increased their fruit and vegetable intake to achieve their goals.

Not only are these foods low in calories, they are filling, and they taste good. Eating these foods daily was the surest way to maintain the weight loss once and for all.

According to Shapess, “I tried Atkins Diet about 15 years ago and it really worked for me. I lost weight. My cholesterol went down and I didn’t feel hungry.” But because it was so restrictive, she couldn’t follow it long term. She explained, “I love fruit.”

Now on her own Weight Watchers diet that concentrates on lowering simple carbohydrates, she can maintain a healthy weight and still eat the fruit and vegetables she loves. She found the real secret to lowering her weight was “I needed to eat more food.” Restriction did not equal weight loss.

Eating more healthful foods did. She eats more fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish and beans. She is now following what she calls a “Conscious Diet.”

Mary Jenney has a similar story. She frequently snacks on fruit and vegetables and she has made healthful eating an “obsession.” Her advice for weight loss: “It’s a Life change.”

This same high fruit and vegetable diet that helped both women lose weight and keep it off may change their genetic expression and

If there is a gold standard in research right now, it may be the Mediterranean diet. A large clinical study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in April 2013 found people eating a Mediterranean diet loaded with fruit, vegetables, nuts and olive oil could decrease their risk of stroke, diabetes and heart attacks.

Many of the 7,000 people already had diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure when they were recruited for this study. After five years, those eating a Mediterranean diet reduced their risk of heart attack by 30 percent.

The Research The average American consumes only three servings of fruit and vegetables a day. By increasing that amount up to five to nine servings, you will begin to reap the benefits of improved health.

In a February 2013, Canadian researchers asked 210 men and women to eat two different diets over a period of time. One was a Prudent diet characterized by vegetables, fruits, whole grain and low intake of refined grains. The other was the Western diet, characterized by high intakes of refined grain products, desserts, sweets and processed meats. The Prudent diet pattern had a protective effect on cancer initiation and the Western Diet had the opposite effect.

In other research, prudent eating is linked to weight loss while Western eating has been linked to obesity.

Taking the gene research a step further, Finnish scholars identified 8,000 people who had a genetic predisposition for heart attacks. Those who ate a diet rich in fruits, raw vegetables and nuts ended up with a heart attack risk close to people with no genetic propensity. Their diets actually changed their gene expression and protected them from fates they thought were inevitable.

The diet also reduced artery plaque, improved cognitive function and slashed the incidence of new diabetics in half. DNA samples revealed significant gene-diet interactions. People that were genetically at risk for stroke improved their total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

And the best news? These genetic changes can actually extend your life. In a 14-year study in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2011, researchers found that people who had higher levels of the antioxidant alpha carotene in their blood had a 39 percent reduced risk of dying.

Alpha carotene is in yellow (carrots, squash sweet potatoes) and green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, leafy greens). Whichever diet pattern you choose, be sure to choose more fruit and vegetables.

The Plan Make a plan this year to eat more plant foods. Visit the Farmers Market or produce section and enjoy the bounty of a better diet. The real healing foods, the ones that can change your genes and help your cells to grow are the ones your mother told you to eat more of. Thanks Mom! Linda Quinn, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian, Stott Pilates and TRX instructor. Stay tuned next month for her column, “Finding the Diet that will Feed Your Cells and Help You Achieve Your Healthy Weight.”

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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ARE you COVERED? Insurance Tips you may not know!

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TRAVEL 6 PLACES TO

By Amy Benson Jarvis

Late afternoon view of the Paphos Castle (Paphos, Cyprus).

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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The spectacular mountain views of Austria’s Semmering Railway will make you forget that you’re riding on one of the greatest feats of civil engineering, built between 1848 and 1854 and still running today.

I

n this article, I wanted to do something a little different. I will give you some valuable information about how to pick your travel dates by where you are going, how to pack for the destination, and some often overlooked spots to see along the way.

First, if at all possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Airlines know booking patterns, so on certain dates, they may not allow the lowest fares. The airlines know when the tours and cruises travel, when holidays are and so on. They simply raise the rates accordingly.

By being able to travel within a window of time, say three to five days in either direction, you could save a bundle.

Next, let your travel professional know why you want to travel to your destination. This will ensure you are getting the best season for the area. For example, if traveling to Hawaii specifically to see the whales, you need

“By being able to travel within a window of three to five days, you could save a bundle.” to go from mid-October to mid-March. Or if you want to go to Tattoo in Scotland. It is only held in August.

These tidbits of information are very important to be sure you have the best experience on your vacation. No one wants to be disappointed by missing their must-see and dos.

We all know the airlines have adopted the practice of charging for luggage. A few simple things will help you when packing.

Never overstuff your suitcase. Pack mix and match clothing so you do not have to bring

Aphrodite’s legendary birthplace in Paphos, Cyprus.

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WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

so much. You will buy things and need somewhere to put them.

Bring a big beach bag as your personal item instead of a purse. It can hold a lot more stuff and you do not have to check it. Figure the $25 each way for the first bag directly into your cost of travel. That way, you will not inconvenience yourself by dragging an overweight carry-on around the airports, trying to find overhead space when it is full or wind up with no way to bring your treasures home because you already have a carry-on and personal item that are full for the plane.

For more information on these or any vacation, contact The Travel Store in Fayetteville, NY at 315-663-0019 and in Liverpool, NY at 315-652-6227.

6 World Heritage sites you’ve never heard of... but once you have, you will want to go.

Few travelers know what UNESCO stands for (it’s the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), but whenever they hear that a UNESCO World Heritage Site is nearby, they head straight to it. These World Heritage Sites include such heavy-hitters has the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Pyramid of Giza. But not all World Heritage Sites are greatly known, including these six gems that you should definitely visit if you’re in the area.

Old Rauma, Finland

Longmen Grottoes – China

Situated on one of the oldest harbors in Finland, Old Rauma is an outstanding example of an old Nordic city constructed in wood.

Here you will find the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907), representing the high point of Chinese stone carving.

Paphos – Cyprus

Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump – Canada

Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Paphos still holds the remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs.

For more than 6,000 years, Blackfoot Indians chased buffalo herds off a cliff here and then carved their bodies in the valley below.

Aldabra Atoll – Seychelles

Austria’s Semmering Railway

Comprised of four large coral islands and protected by a coral reef, Old Viaduct nearby Semmering in lower Austria. isolated Aldabra is home to more than 152,000 giant tortoises, the world’s largest population of this reptile.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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Q&A Women of Upstate New York Magazine talks to Food Network Publicist Caragh Fisher.

WOUNY: What are your responsibilities at The Food Network?

CF: I’m currently a Public Relations Manager at Food Network. I promote programming across both Food Network and Cooking Channel. I’m very lucky to have such a fantastic job at a network like Scripps.

WOUNY: What brought you to Central New York to attend Le Moyne College?

Caragh Fisher: Le Moyne actually found me! Their admissions office reached out to me and I was sold, not only on the Jesuit mission, but their commitment to community and serving others.

WOUNY: What were some of your favorite things to do in Central NY? CF: Most of my favorite things to do in Syracuse involve food and my best friends.

We always celebrated birthdays at Pastabilities (one of my favorite restaurants) in Armory Square. We spent Cinco de Mayo at Alto Cinco on Westcott Street in Syracuse, where we enjoyed their amazing sangria and occupied almost half the restaurant.

No weekend was complete without a visit to Bruegger’s Bagels. Aside from the food, some of my best memories were going to SU basketball games at the Carrier Dome.

The entire city rallies behind all the Syracuse teams and I love the camaraderie you feel on game days.

WOUNY: Do you miss anything in particular in this area?

CF: I really miss Wegmans. We need one in NYC! Is there a petition I can sign? How do I make that happen? I miss Dolphy Day at Le Moyne. It’s an amazing tradition that brings the entire campus together on a rare Spring day with no rain or snow. The thing I miss the most though are the people. I met some of my best friends at Le Moyne and the people in Central New York are some of the nicest I’ve met. Everyone is welcoming, friendly and optimistic.

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WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

WOUNY: Was media and public relations always a dream? Who was your inspiration to lead you down this career path?

CF: I was fortunate enough to complete several internships during my undergrad, which led me to my career in public relations – it was a process of elimination of sorts. I held two event planning internships. The first was at Le Moyne College, helping to plan their Founder’s Day Gala, which is their largest fundraiser for their Annual Giving Fund. The second was with the NCAA to coordinate the salute dinner for the Women’s Final Four in Tampa. Both were invaluable learning experiences and made me realize I wanted to work more directly with media and develop strong working relationships. Three PR internships later, I knew I was onto something...

WOUNY: You did some interning at Eric Mower and Associates, what did you get from your time there? Do you think it assisted you in achieving your goals?

CF: EMA was one of the best intern experiences I had. I worked with a smart, hardworking team who were dedicated to helping me learn and gain as much experience as I could during my three short months there. I was able to work on several different accounts ranging in industries from hospitality to technology. I was included in brainstorming meetings and wrote press materials for my accounts, which prepared me well for my jobs to follow after graduation. What impressed me most about EMA’s internship program was how invested they were in my experience there.

I had individual meetings with each person on their PR team ranging from the Vice President to the department coordinator and was able to pick their brains and get career advice that helped tremendously during those formative years in my career.

WOUNY: I see that you were also with ABC News, was that something that led you to the Food Network?

CF: I learned so much during my time at ABC, not only about PR strategy, but also how to operate in a fast-paced, breaking news environment. It’s much different than what I do now at Food Network which is more long lead. But it definitely prepared me for running my own, strategic press campaigns. In the end, PR is all about telling a story (a good story) and getting people to listen and care about what you’re putting out there.

WOUNY: What would be the ultimate job for you?

CF: I would love to be a political press secretary. I have experienced both news and entertainment PR and I’d love to get involved in politics.

WOUNY: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a similar career?

CF: Work hard, be patient and always network. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. I graduated Le Moyne in 2009 – a very difficult time to be job hunting. I went on 24 interviews before I landed my first job. Some were informational interviews, coffee meet-ups, phone interviews, but they were all important and ultimately led to a job. An interview that does not result in a job is not a failure. It helps you hone your interview skills, clarify exactly what it is you’re looking for and you always make a connection with someone. It took a lot of hard work, patience and a ton of networking to get through that process for me but in the end it launched what I hope will continue to be a great career.

I try to add something new to my resume every six months. It may not always be a promotion or new job, but I join a committee, take a class, attend a seminar, anything that will deepen my knowledge of the communications industry and make me a more valuable employee.

At Home & On the Air with Lisa Chelenza

Lisa Chelenza. Photo by Kim Cook.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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At home with

Lisa Chelenza

By Michael Aaron Gallagher • Photography by Kim Cook

T

here were snakes falling from the ceiling above. Dozens of slithering serpents dangled from the crumbling drywall. But this wasn’t a scene in an indie horror film or a documentary about haunted places in Upstate New York — it was the beginning of Lisa Chelenza’s renovation project for her home in Skaneateles.

“When I bought this house, it had no windows,” Lisa said. “Animals were living in my house.”

Long before she began the daunting task of remodeling room by room, Lisa gathered friends and family to tackle the water-damaged ceiling in her downstairs bedroom. With the first pull of drywall, snakes of all shapes and sizes came falling down on top of her friend.

“I’m not exaggerating one bit,” Lisa said. “There were big momma and poppa snakes that were as big around as your thumb and two feet long, and little baby snakes as thick as a pencil and about 12 inches long... I would pick up a piece of insulation and snakes would just fall out of it.”

Being the animal lover that she is, Lisa gathered them up with her gloved hands and gently dropped them out the first floor window, returning them to the wild.

Once the critters were moved out and the smallscale demolition was complete, she worked with a contractor to install new drywall and windows, modernizing the interior and breathing new life into her home.

Salvaging materials left behind by the previous owners, she re-assembled a wooden fence and brought the stenciled artwork back to life with a fresh coat of paint.

A trip to the regional flea market also yielded an exciting find — butcher block countertops for $50.

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Lisa Chelenza. Photo by Kim Cook.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

“I found two gigantic pieces of it and they must have weighed three hundred pounds apiece,” Lisa said. “It’s such a good feeling when you can find butcher block countertops for 50 bucks.

It’s not really, really expensive granite. It was an effort to save money on cosmetics and do something that was original and different and more interesting.”

After re-assembling this wooden fence, Lisa used leftover paint to bring these stenciled floral designs back to life.

Overall, Lisa characterizes her eclectic interior decorating style as: “Adirondack/Mission-Shabby-Chic.”

“I like natural wood. I like stone,” Lisa said.

“Things that look like they came from the earth, fit so perfectly in this house... If you walk through my house, it’s all colors found in nature.”

Now that the restoration and repurposing phase of her home makeover is complete, Lisa is able to enjoy the rustic setting that makes her home such a comfortable and relaxing place to live.

“I love to be close to my family,” Lisa said. “I like the lifestyle. It’s so mellow and it’s fun and there’s nature.”

So what can you do to transform your own home from drab to fab?

Lisa says, some of the simplest improvements people can make include, “changing the hardware on your kitchen cupboards, a fresh coat of paint and accent painting. Even if you don’t change the wall color, if you just change the molding, that can sometimes add some amazing things.”

One of Lisa Chelenza’s simple do-it-yourself ideas was to recover this stool with duct tape, which not only adds a fashionable look to the piece, but it also makes it durable and easy to clean.

Lisa’s Home Improvement Tips • Do research first and figure out how to do it.

• Do it right the first time.

• Take your time • Focus on one project at a time. If you want your kitchen and your bathroom and your living room done, do the bathroom first. Do the smallest room first and build your confidence and move on from there.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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On the air with

Lisa Chelenza

By Michael Aaron Gallagher

I

t’s 6:30 a.m. and Lisa is in the studio, reviewing stories for her upcoming “Entertainia” segment. “You’re going to want to stick around for this,” she tells us.

Barely looking up from her paperwork, she jots down some last minute notes. Before you know it, the commercials are over and it’s time to get caught up in the world of entertainment.

As Gomez and Dave chime in with witty remarks and the occasional chuckle, you realize their morning show is no accident. It is a well-oiled machine. What comes across the airwaves as a seemingly effortless conversation is in reality a complex orchestration of preparation, sound effects, audio clips and non-verbal cues. They are a team of professionals, each selflessly passing the microphone with ease. Over the years, they have achieved something more important than broadcasting awards — they have found a way to engage their listeners with compelling dialogue that masterfully entertains.

“I think that we have really good chemistry,” Lisa said. “And we are pretty much who we are on the air, as we are in real life. You have to be honest with the listener and just be who you are. I think that’s what they like.”

As a little girl growing up in Geneva, NY, Lisa always knew she wanted to be in broadcasting.

“You know it’s funny, I used to pretend to be on the air,” Lisa said. “I used to put on my brother’s broken headphones. I would stick the headphone jack in my back pocket and I would interview my mother in the kitchen, while she washed dishes.”

Her pretend interviews with imaginary guests

24

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

like country music legends Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard were just the beginning. With dreams of someday becoming a video jockey on MTV, she went on to pursue broadcasting and communications in college.

the show include, Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Andy Serkis (who played Gollum in The Lord of The Rings trilogy), movie bad guy Mark Strong, The Office’s Raine Wilson, Lucy Lawless (Xena) and legendary NFL quarterback Joe Namath.

Lisa eventually built a successful career as a TV producer, winning two Emmy Awards for her work with NBC Sports on the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City and Athens. Her exciting career has taken her from being a pit reporter for The World of Outlaws sprint car racing, to producing crime re-enactments for the Lifetime network and hosting Pet Pointers on Time Warner Cable News.

“We got to interview Joe Namath and at the end of the interview, I said, ‘Hey, Joe.” And he said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I just want to kiss you.’ Because at the time, he had just tried to kiss Suzy Kolber, the sideline reporter for the NFL. So we got to interview him and I said to Joe Namath, ‘Hey Joe, I just want to kiss you.’ It was really funny. He laughed and he was a really good sport about the whole thing. So Joe Namath was probably one of the coolest.”

“ Hey, Joe! I just want to kiss you.”

“I have really been inspired my entire life by other women who came before me,” she said.

“Because broadcasting is tough. It’s still a male-dominated field. When you find women in the field that you can really look up to and talk to and get guidance from as a mentor — I’m really grateful for those people and those women and those moments.”

Whether she is entertaining audiences on the radio or educating viewers through her television program, one thing is certain — when it comes to broadcasting, Lisa Chelenza is one of a kind.

As a member of the TK99 family, Lisa enjoys her role as a co-host, delivering the news, interviewing celebrities and playing games with listeners each morning.

“We have fun with each other,” Lisa said. “We just try to pick up on interesting things that are happening in the world and just talk about it, and have conversations that people will probably have with their own friends.”

With a long list of celebrity guests, some of Lisa’s favorite interviews on

Gomez Adams, Lisa Chelenza and Dave Coombs.

By Mary M. Thompson, CMP, Executive Officer

Behind the Scenes!

W

hat is a consumer show?

The primary purpose of a consumer (public) show is to bring buyers together with sellers of goods and services. Consumers benefit from a diverse product mix, expert advice, education and entertainment. Sellers benefit by consumer purchases, product and brand awareness, public relations, research and development, and product testing.

A consumer show or public show is an event that serves specific industries or interests, held for a particular duration of time that is open to the general public. They include home shows, car shows, sportsman shows, RV and boat shows, computer and technology shows, craft shows, and many others, large and small.

Second, a bit about the history of our show: The Home Builders & Remodelers of CNY (HBR) began producing the ‘Home Show’ in the early 1990s at the Oncenter Complex.

As a trade organization committed to our objectives, to raise the bar of professionalism and customer service in the industry, the HBR is the perfect fit to produce the show.

We encourage consumers to do their HOME work, before starting any project on their home, and want them to know that doing business with an HBR of CNY member means you are doing business with a professional.

In 1999, the event was displaced due to the American Bowling Congress taking over the Convention Center. The HBR members realized that they could expand the show to include more exterior parts of the home, in working in conjunction with the local landscapers association. And so the name was changed to the ‘Home & Garden Show.’ It now takes up the two largest buildings of the NY State Fairgrounds and covers over 150,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The logistics: Event management is not an easy industry. There are hundreds of details that need to be paid attention to from selling the booths and working with the exhibitors on booth placement, to security, to show features, ad placements, exhibitor badges and keeping track of which exhibitors get a table, electric and who needs forklift service.

Think back to Donald Trump’s show The Apprentice- the final task he always gave was to manage an event. It’s because it takes a great deal of coordination, lots of management and multi-tasking, plus a good deal of patience.

Well, that is (part of ) what the staff at the HBR works on year round.

For the March show, we normally complete floor plans in May and put the show on sale in June. In 2014, we have a new program that allows exhibitors to book space online, and offers a digital trade show to consumers for reference and contact information after they have visited the Home & Garden Show.

It’s very cool, and we hope you will go to www.HBRcny.com to check it out. We work hard to ensure the Home & Garden Show experience is fun, easy and worthwhile for both the exhibitors and our patrons. The fact that we hire Centro buses to shuttle our patrons from the parking lots to the front of the buildings, and even in between buildings, is an excellent example of the positive experience we offer.

After all March is a cold, windy time of year in Central New York and it can be a bit confusing to get around the Fairgrounds.

When we get to the week of the show, we start working with the trade show decorator on marking the show floors - where do the aisles go, what bulk space areas are there, etc. We then load in large exhibitors first - those businesses that are going to build a garden or a brick patio or rooms of a house. Banners are hung, carpet is laid in the aisles, displays are installed and created over the next few days.

The show is built one step at a time. It takes four days to go from the bare floor of the buildings to the beautiful trade show our guests see when we open our doors Thursday at 5 p.m.

During the event, we work on crowd control, media interviews, and a whole lot of trouble shooting. Just like during the planning of the event - it’s one step at a time.

We invite everyone to welcome in spring at the 2014 Home & Garden Show!

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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DIVE

INTO

DESIGN

D

By Tori Giannuzzi

iving in to a new design project can be overwhelming. Where do you start, what options do you choose and how do you make everything come together in a cohesive manner? The following tips will help set you on the path to a successful venture and who knows, you may even have a little fun along the way.

There’s more to good design than looks, a truly good designer thinks about the function of the space as well.

Find your inspiration. The basis of your whole project is right in front of you, you just need to look for it. Designers scour stores looking for fabric that evokes a feeling or search magazines for photos of a space that creates a mood. The best place to start is with something that makes you feel…good. Start with a piece of artwork that temporarily calms your day or a pretty ruffled pillow that makes you smile.

Many designers fall into the trap of repeating certain details over and over and over again. The key to good design is keeping it simple while subtly making everything work together. If you have a shape to the coffered ceiling in your dining room, repeating that element in the draperies will highlight that feature.

These pieces can be the catalyst for your next project, you just need to look at them closely for color, pattern, texture, finish or anything else that stands out.

Build your color palette and design style. If you are drawn to your inspiration piece because of the warm, rich earth-toned colors, then use those colors. If it appeals to you for the high sheen or hammered texture of the metal, then look for elements that incorporate those features, such as a hammered nickel sink or a polished chrome chandelier.

Your first decision in the design process can guide you through all the other steps. Focus on what attracts you to that item and find ways to accentuate those features.

Don’t forget that your space needs to function in everyday life.

It’s tempting to fall for those pristine white cabinets, but if you like things clean and bright, you’ll also want to think about the fingerprints your children will leave behind every time they open and close those beautiful cabinets. And if you have pets, you really want to think about how much you LOVE the look before deciding to puddle your draperies on the floor.

Make it look intentional without looking obvious. In other words, don’t overuse a design element.

Hunting down a table runner and plates that also have that pattern is too much.

Most importantly, don’t lose sight of who you are. The best designs highlight the personality of the person they were created for. Whether you collect antique fishing lures or you are a life long fan of the Syracuse Orange, be sure to include a little piece of yourself in your space.

After all, that’s what a good design is, creating a functional, livable space that meets the unique expectations of its owner.

About Tori Tori Giannuzzi is the owner of Window Seat Designs, an interior decorating and window treatment design business. She has been working in the design industry for over 10 years.

Whether designing whole house projects, like the upcoming 2014 Parade of Homes model for Smolen Homes, or assisting a client with color selection for a single room, Tori brings her passion for design to every job. For more information call 315-468-1910.

Maple Syrup in the Making

T

here are many legends about how maple syrup was discovered. One is that an Iroquois Chief had thrown his ax into a tree the previous night and when he pulled it out sap began to flow into a container by the tree. Thinking that it was water, his wife boiled it and discovered the syrup.

For about the last 50 years, Cook’s Maple Products of Sherburne, NY has been tapping their maple trees and bringing the delicious maple syrup to maple lovers around Upstate NY. This time of year Don and Mary Jane use approximately 10,000 taps with plastic tubing that empties the sap into large collection tanks. Trees have to go through the winter freeze and then as it begins to get warmer the sap will begin to flow. Sap is then taken to the sugar house where the process of making maple syrup begins. This whole process begins in February right through the month of March.

A sampling of tasty treats from Cook’s Maple Products.

March is Maple Syrup Month and a great time to take family and friends out to enjoy maple popcorn, cotton candy and many of the other great treats that you can find at Cook’s Maple Products.

Visit www.facebook.com/cooksmaple for more information or call 607-674-9593.

NYS Maple weekend is March 22-23 and March 29-30. www.nysmaple.com/mapleweekend Don and Mary Jane Cook of Cook’s Maple Products.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

33

WHAT YOUR MOTHER NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT...

By Joyce B. Farah, MD, FAAD

W

hat is a skin cancer and how would I recognize one?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that we encounter in clinical practice. Skin cancer (like many other cancers) is the result of DNA damage to a cell or group of cells that cause them to grow uncontrollably. Identifying skin cancer can be tricky. In fact, quite often, individuals come to our practice worried about one spot (which turns out to be fine), while another spot close by is the actual skin cancer!

Let’s begin with some background information about skin cancers.

There are literally several skin cancer types. However, the three most common ones are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. In fact, basal cell cancer is the most common human malignancy! Skin cancers have been steadily increasing in incidence over the last several years. For all three types of skin cancer, the estimated number of new cases for 2013 is 82,770. With all three skin cancers, early detection is the key to prevent larger surgeries and scars, and death with melanoma. The number of skin cancers diagnosed has increased with the estimated deaths at 12,650. This month, we will focus on non-melanoma skin cancer (basal and squamous cell carcinoma). Next month we will focus only on melanoma – since most skin cancer deaths result from this.

For basal cell carcinoma, one should look for a lesion that resembles a pimple or small cyst but does not go away, in an area that has been sun-exposed. As the lesion grows, it can develop a scab that does not heal or that heals and frequently recurs. The lesion can also

bleed with very little trauma such as rubbing on a pillow at night or with washing or drying the area with a towel. Often, early lesions that are red and scaly can be mistaken for ringworm and treated as such. If the lesion does not respond to treatment, biopsy (a small sample) should be taken by the physician. Once the diagnosis is made, multiple factors must be considered in formulating the treatment plan. There are potentially many treatment options depending on the type of basal cell and its location. This is best determined by a trained physician who can help guide and council you to achieve the best possible outcome. Basal cells grow slowly and usually never spread beyond their local site of origin. However, if ignored long enough, they can be locally destructive and cause lots of trouble!

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can also occur in sun-exposed areas as well as in areas that have been exposed to human papilloma virus (the wart virus). Therefore this type of cancer can also occur in the genital area in both men and women. Other causes include ionizing radiation and immunosuppression, such as chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Squamous cell carcinoma starts as a small red scaly lesion that can grow slowly or sometimes very rapidly. With time, the lesion can also form a scab that bleeds easily. It can also form a scale that becomes very thick and hard. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive and serious than basal cell, in that it has the potential to metastasize (spread) to other places such as the lymph nodes or lungs.

Similar to basal cell, the diagnosis is made by performing a biopsy. Treatment depends on the subtype and location of the lesion and is best determined in close consultation with a physician.

So, what can you do? Do a monthly self-exam and get a yearly skin cancer screening from your doctor! Full-body skin exams performed by a physician are an easy and inexpensive screening that can save lives. But, before you go to your doctor, it is worthwhile to first examine yourself, so you can point out questionable lesions to them at the time of your visit.

Remember these points, look your skin over, wear your sunscreens, and a get a yearly full body skin examination.

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WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

Physicals should include Skin Exams

WHEN EXAMINING YOUR SKIN:

1. Look out for new growth spots 2. Learn to recognize old lesions that have changed in shape, size or color.

3. Pay attention to new or old spots that scab over, never heal or bleed with minor trauma.

4. Identify new or old spots that look different from neighboring lesions.

DID YOU KNOW?

• A ccording to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people who use “indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.”

For more information, call Dr. Joyce B. Farah at Farah Dermatology and Cosmetics at (315) 422-8332.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

35

The Gift of Life

By Christine Vickers

L

iverpool resident Michelle Corapi is busy mother, wife and vice president at M&T Bank in DeWitt, NY.

Like many women, she is continually giving of herself throughout the day.

Unlike the majority of the population though, two and a half years ago, Michelle gave the ultimate gift and became an organ donor.

On October 25, 2011, Michelle donated one of her kidneys to her father-in-law, Joseph Corapi.

Several years prior, Mr. Corapi had been ill with a virus that weakened his immune system. Being diabetic, he was unable to fight it off completely and the result was kidney damage, which continued to get worse over time.

The damage was extensive enough that the only options were dialysis for the rest of his life or a kidney transplant.

“ We knew we needed to try something else.”

“We knew that Dad was so active, still working a part-time job though in his early 70’s and golfing every day… dialysis was going to kill him or at least radically alter his lifestyle,” Michelle said. “We knew we needed to try something else.”

The family then decided to look into a transplant and several members were tested. Michelle had the best percentage, as she was a two in six match.

Michelle consulted with her own doctors

36

regarding her health and whether this procedure would shorten her lifespan.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

The answer was no. She was given a clean bill of health and her doctors were on board with her decision.

The surgery was 100 percent successful.

Her father-in-law’s body accepted the kidney and surprisingly, the donation of the new kidney jump started the functioning of his other remaining kidney, which had been virtually non-functional prior to the surgery.

Mr. Corapi was able to resume all of his activities and enjoy his family and a high quality lifestyle.

Today, Michelle is also at 100 percent.

She notes that the testing process prior to the donation was long and that it took approximately three months to heal, with a few minor complications along the way.

However, today she is completely healed and grateful that she had the opportunity to help in this most critical way.

The Corapi family participates in the CNY Kidney Walk each year and encourages others to consider becoming donors themselves.

Look for Team Corapi’s picture on this year’s CNY Kidney Walk Poster!

For more information contact Nanette Carbone, CEO, National Kidney Foundation of CNY at www.cnykidney.org or 315-4760311.

The Silent Epidemic

D

id you know that 1 in 3 Americans are at risk to develop kidney disease? The unfortunate reality is that kidney disease kills more people each year than breast and prostate cancer combined.

But while most Americans can recite the common tests for breast and prostate cancer, not many know the risk factors and tests that could keep them off of dialysis and subsequently a transplant list.

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation of Central New York is urging Upstate New Yorkers to take a moment to learn the top five facts about kidney disease.

1. Major risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, a family history of kidney failure, prolonged use of some over-the-counter pain medications, and being over the age of 60.

2. Because kidney disease often has no symptoms, it can go undetected until it is very advanced. Protein in the urine is the earliest marker of kidney damage. Simple urine and blood tests done annually can save people’s health.

3. Early detection can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease. Untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

4. There are 120,000 Americans currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant.

Of those, more than 96,000 need a kidney, yet fewer than 17,000 people received one each year. On average, someone’s kidneys are failing every five minutes and 13 people die each day waiting for a kidney.

5. More than 26 million people, one in nine adults, have chronic kidney disease and most do not know it.

Prevention and Risk Reduction On March 13, World Kidney Day, the National Kidney Foundation of Central New York is recommending that everyone over the age of 60 be screened for kidney disease. NKF recommends annual screening with a simple urine albumin test that checks for protein in the urine - the earliest sign of kidney damage - as well as a blood test for kidney function. In addition to seniors, NFK recommends that members of other high–risk groups, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure and/or a family history of kidney failure, also be screened annually.

The kidneys work ‘round-the-clock to filter 200 liters of blood each day, removing two liters of toxins, wastes and water in the process. Simultaneously, the kidneys regulate fluid levels, release hormones to regulate blood pressure and produce red blood cells and help maintain healthy bones. When the kidneys are damaged, they may not be able to keep you healthy and as kidney disease progresses, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick.

Prevention Tips Include: • Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. To lower blood pressure and protect your kidneys, reduce salt intake and watch for high sodium levels in processed foods.

• Maintain a healthy weight. When you are obese, the kidneys have to work harder to filter out toxins and to meet the metabolic demands of increased body mass index (BMI), increasing your risk of developing kidney disease. Obesity also increases your chance of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, two major risk factors for kidney disease. Weight loss can help reduce your risk.

• Many prescription and over the counter medications, including pain meds, are filtered by the kidneys. Always read labels

and weigh risks and benefits of taking a particular medication. Avoid excessive use of medications that can harm the kidneys such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

• Quit Smoking. Smoking can worsen kidney disease and diseases that damage the kidneys, like diabetes and high blood pressure.

What your Urine Says About Your Health Your next bathroom break may expose more than you realize. Before you flush valuable information down the drain, get better acquainted with your urine as it may detect the following: • Whether you’re hydrated. Dark yellow urine can be a marker of dehydration. Dehydration can cause kidney stones because it allows for stone-causing minerals to concentrate and settle in the kidneys and urinary tract. Aim for clear urine by drinking plenty of water, requiring you to urinate a lot.

• If you have diabetes. If your urine has a “sweet” smell it may indicate the presence of sugar. Diabetes and even pre-diabetes can damage the kidneys.

• Presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

If a UTI is not treated promptly, bacteria can move up to the kidneys and cause a more serious infection. Symptoms of an UTI, include a burning feeling when urinating, cloudy or blood-tinged urine and a strong odor.

• If you have blood in your urine. Diet may be to blame. The presence of red blood cells can also make urine appear more pink or red.

• If you have an early marker of kidney damage. Protein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

37

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What we didn’t know about our Cell Phone service!

By Mary McCandless

I wanted to break away from the overages that were ridiculous, expensive, and I did not want to be locked into a contact. So I stopped into one of these companies and found that I could get the same service for my iPhone, that major carrier offered for one flat fee.

Too good to be true? That is exactly what I thought until I switched.

It is amazing what you find out when you are brave enough to take the next step. I have unlimited everything, and when I say everything I mean everything.

My monthly bill is $54.00, and if I want to switch to another carrier, I can without having to pay a some ridiculous high fee. There is absolutely no fee. I can talk all day and all night, text as much as I want, use the internet. Oh, and what was even better, I brought my phone in and switched service without having to get a new phone, and I kept my same phone number.

I

n our world of high tech and cell phone options, are we really getting the best bang for our buck?

It is confusing when we seek out new cell plans. Which plan will give me the best service? Will I lose my call in the middle of an important conversation? Do I have to sign a contract? What if I go over my minutes?

What if, What if ? These are things I kept asking myself. I never liked being locked into something I could not change, and if I changed any of my services or upgraded my phone, my contract would just keep extending itself. I would get bills that were easily over $150.

I happened upon a company, (and I found there are many out there) that have plans that really are of value. It turns out that the major cell service providers lease their lines to other carriers.

So many times we fear what we do not know, but if you take the time to research options that are out there you can save so much money and have exactly what you want.

I went to Wireless Express and found my cell plan.

I averaged it out and I save about $1200/year. If I decide to upgrade my phone, I still am saving $500/year.

There are many great free apps that you can download to your phone if you are traveling internationally. They will assign a new number to you but it works in your favor. It is free and you can stay in touch with family and friends while you are gone. It does not effect your existing number, it just allows you to enjoy staying in touch.

Today, with a complete family needing phones, why not save some money that can be used for a family vacation.

These carriers can set whatever parameters they want to compete for cell service. By the way, they do a great job at it.

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

Rapini and Sausage

By Mary McCandless

A

re you looking to change up the old hum drum meal with a tasty dish?

I discovered this great recipe from my Sicilian friends who invited me over to dinner and this was one of the dishes they served.

I thought that is was a different type of Broccoli, but found out the Broccoli Rabe (AKA rapini) is in the same family as turnips.

Who would have known? It doesn’t look like a turnip, nor does it taste like one.

It has long stems, smaller florets than broccolini, and larger leaves all of which are edible.

Some may say that this vegetable is a little bitter, however I find it very tasty. I think you will too.

Rapini with sausage is a flavorful treat that exudes the wonderful taste of rappi.

I took leftovers and got a little creative. Leftover Italian bread, gave me a great idea, why not make brucchetta?

Scooping up some of it, I put it on slices of Italian bread, sprinkled with some Asiago cheese on top and popped it in the oven.

Rapini

Orecchiette, Rapini & Sausage INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 lbs Rapini • 1/2 lb. Sweet or Hot Sausage (whichever you prefer) • 3/4 Tsp. Black Pepper • 3/4 Tsp. Salt • 3 or 4 cloves Garlic minced • 1 lb. box orecchiette (aka Hats)

• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 1 cup Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

DIRECTIONS In a frying pan with medium to low heat add olive oil, garlic and sausage. (I prefer to remove casings). Break up the sausage while cooking into small pieces, add salt and pepper to taste. Place a pan with water adding a pinch of salt on the stove, when it begins to boil add your Orecchiette, cook until al dente. Drain and keep about 1 1/2 cups of the cooking water and drain the rest. Return the pasta to the pan. Then take your rapini and wash really well, dicing it into 1/2 inch pieces and steam until cooked. Remove, place in pan with your pasta and add your bowl with your sausage. Top with some freshly grated cheese, and Boun Appetito!

WOUNY.COM • MARCH 2014

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