Syracuse Woman Magazine - December 2021 - The Holiday/Giving Back Edition

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

decEMber GUEST COMMENTARY...........................................................................6 FASHION A comfortably chic holiday...............................................................8

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IN HER OWN WORDS Sister Kathleen Osbelt............................................................. 10 HOLIDAY COOKING Cooking up holiday memories: Golabki..........................

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ON THE COVER Siobhan O'Hora and Amy Canavan

'Be the change'....................................................................... 19 HEALTH Test your COVID-19 vaccine knowledge........................ 24

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WBOC LEADING LADY Jennifer Snyder........................................................................... 27 SUPPORT LOCAL Holiday gatherings with friends; Shop,dine, sip.........

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HOME DECOR A minimalistic holiday............................................................

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PAST EVENTS............................................................................................ 34 INSPIRE Terri Krueger ............................................................................. 32 UPCOMING EVENTS............................................................................. 36

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MOVERS & SHAKERS.......................................................................... 38

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GUEST COMMENTARY

Buying Time The Rev. Dr. Renée Tembeckjian

It all starts so early, doesn’t it? Even in early summer, the “Back to School” specials point us toward September, and we already see paper skeletons and bags of candy signaling Halloween. Before the first autumn leaf shows even hint of color, the marketplace presses us toward December, urging us to hurry our varied holiday preparations – to set the candles, buy the presents, decorate our spaces, play the music, and prepare the special foods of our family and cultural traditions.

Meanwhile, so many of us live in a blur of deadlines and activities. Communications constantly fly by text, email, and social media.

Information is processed so instantly that we expect all our questions to be answered in a nanosecond (Just Google it).

Under such relentless pressure of rate and pace, even the most cherished holiday gatherings might feel like “just another thing” to get through, sometimes accompanied by a sigh of relief when it’s over. Family life, work life, even our inner life, may become so crammed among other things, that we barely remember how to pause for a deep breath, have a deep conversation, or just allow ourselves to daydream. We seem to have mastered the hurry up part of life, but as for the waiting part, well, not so much.

Then came the pandemic… and the seemingly endless waiting that came with it, personally, locally, nationally, and globally. As quarantines narrowed our range of movement, what many of missed and most dearly wanted was certainly not more stuff.

What we desired was Time.

Especially at the holidays, how we longed for in-person time with loved ones, to greet someone with a hug or kiss, to offer a handshake of thanks to a frontline worker, teacher, public servant, or volunteer. How we missed learning in a classroom, cheering at a game, or sharing a meal. And, perhaps most poignantly, we were brokenhearted when we could not be present at the bedside of a dear one who left this life before those doors opened.

At the same time, we might give thanks that even in a pandemic, we have discovered some important lessons. We learned that technology cannot replace human presence, but it can help bridge the gap and soften our sense of loneliness. We are hopefully more aware and respectful of the differences in experience and opportunity within the human family. We may better appreciate the importance of self-care, mental health support, and our need to reach out for help and support from the community around us.

So, as this 2021 holiday season approaches, let’s not allow the marketplace to define what should matter to us and rush us through it. Instead, let us honor all we have endured and learned thus far by remembering that the most valuable “presence” we can offer is not the stuff of boxes and bows. What makes our holiday celebrations sacred is never how much we buy, but always how much we give…and Time is the most precious gift.

May you and yours find new and simpler ways to give “presence” this year, and with that, may your holiday season be ever more deeply blessed.

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Alice G. Patterson David Tyler

CONTRIBUTORS

Briana Goodwin Kate Hill Jason Klaiber Sister Kathleen Osbelt

Heather Shannon Ken Sturtz Rev. Dr. Renee Tembeckjian Jennifer Wing

Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson

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The Rev. Dr. Renée Tembeckjian is a NY State Licensed Psychologist and Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville.

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FASHION

A comfortably chic holiday Briana Goodwin

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t’s here again. The most wonderfully stressful time of the year.

The holidays have a particularly devious way of sneaking upon us. That is unless you are one of those people who have a count down to Christmas calendar.

If so, I can almost guarantee you are more prepared than the rest of us.

As captain of the last-minute club, allow me to be your guide to holiday fashions. My other credentials include being a stylist, personal shopper, and makeup artist. So, with my help, you can get back to deciding on what to buy your in-laws for Christmas.

Good luck with that by the way, I will light a candle for whomever has to write that column.

The most important advice I can give you is to put comfort first. As nice as they look, jeans have a way of getting tighter as the night goes on. We eat, drink, and expand just a little. We all know the feeling of wanting to unbutton our pants for a little relief from them digging in our skin. Choose bottoms with an elastic waistband or jeans with a high percentage of spandex.

A wide-leg pant is a classic look but there is also plenty of room in them as well.

Next, try to be adventurous with colors. Naturally, red is a go-to during the holidays, and that is ok. However, if you want to mix it up try something fun like hot pink instead of red, or navy blue instead of black. You have enough holiday photos wearing the same three colors. There is not a fashion rule book that says certain colors coordinate to certain holidays. While it may be true for the lights outside of your house it should not be for your wardrobe.

Obviously, accessories are important. Choosing more classic styles to be paired with fun accessories could easily make you the life of any party. For example, a fun pair of earrings would be perfect for a dinner party. Earrings are close to your face meaning they will be visible throughout the night and can be a conversation piece. Similarly, you could carry a fun handbag but once you put it down it will no longer be a focal point of your outfit.

If you are not big into accessories, the makeup you choose can also be front and center. Holiday makeup can make a statement and still be easy to apply. I would be thoughtful about the placement of bold colors or shimmers. At our gatherings, we will be talking and eating food so a fussy lipstick isn’t a great plan. Unless you have a really matte lipstick that does not move. Still, sometimes those lipsticks will not look the same after hours of talking, eating, and drinking. Instead, bring the focus upwards towards the center of the face, and eyes. A bold blush, highlighter, or eyeshadow can add a festive element to an otherwise simple makeup look.

Use the two guides I created as inspiration for your next holiday looks. Both wardrobe and makeup options are presented at two drastically different price points, details are included on where to shop these looks. SWM Briana Goodwin is a patient concierge at Syracuse Plastic Surgery Skin and Wellness, 3107 East Genesee St., Syracuse. Syracuseplasticsurgery.com

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HOLI DAY/GIVI N G BACK EDITION

IN HER OWN WORDS

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SISTER KATHLEEN OSBELT

We get so much more back than we give

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ometimes surprises come in life when we least expect them. I was labeled a “surprise” in my family, being born nine years after the last of three sisters. Until I was 10, my family lived in a cold-water flat on Highland Street surrounded by other families who struggled to keep things afloat. Many of the neighborhood kids, and my three sisters, went to the same kindergarten, Garfield School, which is now an apartment building on Butternut Street and the elementary parochial school, Holy Trinity.

What I remember most of those days is going into the cellar to fill the coal furnace with my dad, church on novena nights with mom, playing outside with the gang ‘til supper, and long forays in Schiller Park no matter what the weather.

Moving to Lyncourt when I was 10 meant that maybe I could have a dog, never mind that we were moving into a cute little Cape Cod home with hot water, a nice yard, and a driveway. But yes, I could now claim the puppy, Snooky, I had been visiting for weeks in my old neighborhood. Our family continued to attend Holy Trinity Church (now a beautiful mosque) and I was driven to Holy Trinity School by our neighbor.

From there I attended Assumption High School and started using the city bus for transportation. Those were the good old days of the parochial league, holding hands with your boyfriend as you walked into Tino’s for pizza, talking to friends on the party line, and trying to keep up with school work, clubs, and work at Dey Brothers.

Entering sisterhood Toward the end of sophomore year I read a book about the life of St. Francis, and decided I wanted to live just like him and his followers. At this point, I had been taught for 10 years by the Sisters of St. Francis and heard the stories of St. Francis and St. Marianne Cope, one of the early sisters of our order who served the leprous people in Hawaii. These two influences channeled by the grace of God, moved me to join the Third Order Secular of St. Francis, an opportunity for lay people to follow the values of St. Francis.

My ministry as a Third Order Member was expressed on Saturdays when I tutored children at the House of Providence. For the rest of my high school years I struggled with the idea of becoming a sister but never shared that with anyone. My days were filled with study, work, and being with friends who never would have guessed where I’d end up.

I was all set to attend Oswego State when I made my final decision to become a religious sister. I cancelled my registration and room reservation then broke the news to my parents that I was entering the Sisters of St. Francis’ convent on Court Street. Initially in my formation, I was assigned the care of our elderly and sick sisters.

When asked if I would like to go on in nursing, I said no because I could not endure being with dying people, since there was no way to help them.

From that point my education was geared toward teaching.

I attended Maria Regina College, then was sent out on mission, teaching elementary school. I taught in Vestal, NY, then Fayetteville, then two schools in New Jersey. While I was teaching in New SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

Jersey, I changed my name from Sister Ann Matthew back to my baptismal name Kathleen. During the summers I finished my first degree at Marywood College then a masters in pastoral counseling from Boston College. Subsequent education through the years has been in studying Franciscan Theology and completing certificates in chaplaincy and spiritual direction. In 1984 I was assigned as a chaplain at St Joseph’s Hospital. Three years later I was asked to take an office position for the Sisters.

Missing my hospital work with those who were sick, I volunteered to work as a Buddy for those who were diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. In those early days HIV/AIDS was a terminal illness.

Because there was no place for people with HIV/AIDS to spend their last days, those relationships led me to work for opening a home for people who were terminally ill regardless of the diagnosis.

Project Home begins The General Minister of our Order gave a green light to “Project Home” as we called it. Msgr. Robert Yeazel and Robert Pietrafesa were instrumental in introducing the idea to the community and raising money for such a home. Msgr. Yeazel has been for the past 30 years instrumental in the continuance of this ministry. He has served as an advisor, donor, board member, chaplain to the residents of Francis House and friend.

In the first years of Francis House I spoke at as many local churches as possible to invite people to volunteer, to donate goods, services and money, and to most especially pray for this much needed ministry. In those first years of Francis House, I not only did outreach but oversaw the operations within the house.

Continued on page 12

“When we see three generations around a bedside witnessing a peaceful death, when there is reconciliation in a family that has been divided, when an anxious resident finally obtains peace of heart… then I know all the effort has been worthwhile.”

—Sister Kathleen Osbelt

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IN HER OWN WORDS

We get so much more back than we give from page 11 With the mission to “provide a home and extended family for persons with terminal illnesses, where they can die with dignity and experience the unconditional love of God,” we started in a two-family house at 108 Michaels Ave., at first inviting two residents, then we increased to four, then six residents. In 1998, Francis House was officially incorporated and expanded. A new home for residents was built, attached to the original home, doubling Francis House’s resident capacity. We renovated the original home for offices.

In 2006, Nancy Light became the first executive director of Francis House so I could take my leave to co-create a new corporation, Partners in Franciscan Ministries (PFM). PFM became the parent company over all of the sponsored ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. After four years of developing that corporation and ensuring a future for our ministries through oversight, repositioning and securing our Franciscan values, I was asked to coordinate the building of the

Sisters’ new home, now called the Franciscan Villa on Buckley Road. In 2014 I returned to Francis House and took on the role of Mission Outreach. That role was created to carryout our expanded mission “to use our lived experience as a resource for others.”

Compassionate end of life care The core mission of Francis House is to provide a home and extended family for people with terminal illnesses. Each staff member and volunteer is committed to providing a compassionate environment of safety and love for each resident; caring with dignity and accepting unconditionally. Francis House serves all members of the community regardless of their faith, race, color, sexual orientation, or personality, or ability to pay. Francis House has served more than 3,400 residents throughout its 30-year history.

The house is staffed with 50 employees and is supported by the time and talents of more than 200 volunteers, many of whom attest that time spent volunteering is repaid exponentially by what is received in return – the blessing of human connection during a precious and sacred time. When we see three generations around a bedside witnessing a peaceful death, when there is reconciliation in a family that has been divided, when an anxious resident finally obtains peace of heart… then I know all the effort has been worthwhile.

During this time of COVID, Francis House has faced new and unique challenges.

With safety measures solidly in place, Francis House continues to recruit new volunteers for non-patientcare roles. While sustaining an active roster of trained volunteers can be a challenge at times – especially during the winter months – Francis House attracts interest from the outreach and impact of its two auxiliaries and from the lasting impressing it makes on the families and friends of residents.

We are blessed with talented volunteers, an active Auxiliary, and a Youth Auxiliary.

Along with Father Joseph Champlin and Rev. John Schopfer, Sister Kathleen Osbelt was the grand marshal of Syracuse’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2008.

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Just recently, I was telling an Auxiliary member that the members of our Francis House Auxiliary, adult and youth, are ambassadors for Francis House. She responded, “Yes, Sister, and the family members of those who have died at Francis House are also Ambassadors.” She went on to say, “Two people came to our table during Holiday Shoppes and went on and on about the wonderful care their loved one received.” This has been the case for 30 years.

An important component of the Francis House mission is education. Experience gained in 30 years of operation is at the core of numerous community presentations on topics such as end-oflife preparation, grief, the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of those who are dying, compassion fatigue, care for the caregiver, and effective communication. These important topics have been presented to church congregations, book clubs, nursing and medical students, healthcare workers, and of course to our corps of essential volunteers. Francis House staff also lead symposiums, retreats and days of recollection; all in an effort to improve end-oflife care wherever that care occurs.

I am very proud of the fact that Francis House is a founding member of the Omega Home Network (OHN), a national network of homes for persons who are terminally ill. The OHN provides guiding principles and criteria for members and features essential resources, such as its new ‘how-to’ manual for establishing a home like Francis House. Resources also include an online forum for the purpose of connection, peer support and education for those in this work.

There are presently 42 homes across the US and 39 more in the process of being established. In New York State alone there are 31 comfort care homes (2 beds). While not all of these homes are OHN members, they have been providing end of life care in a home setting for more than 30 years. While no one home can take care of the needs of all those who are dying, we hope to influence the way people see and respond to something we will all experience.

A season to celebrate love Christmas can be a very difficult time for people who are about to see a loved one die. But to know that his/her last days were ones of loving compassion, comfort and peace is to give that same experience to the family. Then there is that “peace that passes all understanding.” (Phil 4:7) Jesus came among us to show us the way to peace…love was always the way. At Christmas, we celebrate the love which has been a part of our ministry and the memory of love given us by our friends and family members who have died.

Francis House has memory lights around our gazebo and house to celebrate that love. Our great rooms are warmed and brightened by the light of our Christmas trees. Our manger scenes are the reminder of who came among us and whose love continues to be at Francis House. It has happened a few times that residents so wanted to express appreciation for the care they received that they left presents for each person on staff. One resident, Earl, said, “I’ll be home for Christmas” meaning with Jesus. His gift was a little clown holding a banner with that phrase.

Personally, I love Christmas, the entire season. This year I started playing Christmas songs on the car radio the second week of November. I love the fact that all around us are reminders of how much God loves us…so much that Jesus came to make that very clear. The message was not for one time but is given again and SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

again. So many parents tell their children over and over again that they love them. Friends and family say “I love you” before they end a call; many of us end our greeting card messages with these same words. How much more does God love each of us? I don’t want to miss any of it. Maybe my “seeing” has become more acute because I know I have a terminal illness. It’s a little like the young woman in the play, Our Town, who comes back for a day and realizes how painfully beautiful it all is.

As a Sister, my life has been full and blessed with so many people and creatures. We offer our lives as women dedicated to putting flesh on Jesus’ message of love, and as is often said of Francis House, we get so much more back than we give. SWM Francis House provides a home and an extended family to persons with terminal illnesses so they can die with dignity surrounded by the unconditional love of God. The values of Francis House are to accept each resident unconditionally and ensure that they are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Staff and volunteers function as an extended family offering physical, emotional and spiritual support.

Francis House founder Sister Kathleen Osbelt has authored a book entitled Glimpses of God In You And Me. It is available on Amazon for $15.

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HOLIDAY COOKING

Cooking up memories Jennifer Wing

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ne thing growing older has enabled me to do is try new recipes, especially during the holidays, now that I play host much of the time.

Well, let me rephrase that – growing older has allowed me to revisit, and appreciate in new ways, some dishes from my past.

I think it’s safe to say that we all have “food memories” from our childhood.

Examples of such memories, for me, include making pizza from scratch with my mother in our kitchen.

She used sliced, not shredded mozzarella, and we slid it into our wall-mounted oven, surrounded by brick. It’s funny how I can still remember that oven, although I haven’t been in that house in almost 40 years.

The pizza would come out, bubbling, too hot to eat right away, but oh-so-good when you did. I still don’t know how she was able to get the dough so perfect - soft on the inside with a crunchy exterior.

Studies have shown that our sense of smell is a powerful driver of memories, and I believe that to be true.

I remember the smells in my Baci’s Utica kitchen (Baci being our family’s version of babcia, the Polish word for grandmother.)

The house, built in the 1800s, had a dirt floor basement I was afraid of that housed a hand-operated water pump, a coal-burning furnace complete with coal bin and Baci’s ancient wringer washer.

The sheets on the beds were soft and fresh, having been dried on the line outdoors when the weather was fine.

Baci’s house was the kind of home that felt soft, like a mother’s lap - the stairs gave a little as you stepped on them while holding the banister, which had worn down to a smooth, polished finish, having been grasped by my family’s past generations’ fingers.

Us grandchildren would sit on the front porch when it was nice out and play games - the type that are made up, with rules only we understood.

When we had family gatherings at the holidays, the men would sit around the dining room table, with a beer and a shot lined up in front of them, talking about who knew what, with the occasional child on one or the other’s lap.

The women would congregate at the kitchen table, preparing food, talking of family news, laughing and reminiscing.

Oh, and the kitchen - Baci’s kitchen - was the heart of the house.

It had a checkerboard tile floor, which had settled so that when I placed a ball at one end of the room it would slowly roll to the lower part on the other side. She had an old-style refrigerator, usually stocked with my favorites such as farmer’s cheese and my not-so-favorites like neopolitan ice cream (I hated when the strawberry or vanilla ice cream would leave a bit of pink or white on the chocolate.)

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I remember the bread box full of babka and Wonder® bread, the bags from which would be placed into my boots in order to keep my feet dry when I’d play in the snow. I have such fond memories of that bread box that I bought a similar version for my own kitchen (You can see it in the background of the photo.)

As I mentioned earlier, the smells associated with Baci’s kitchen, that deceptively small room, were, to me, representative of not only my childhood, but my heritage.

When she would cook, the room would come alive with the fragrance of Polish cuisine.

The table would groan with the weight of periogi cooked to perfection in butter, oven-baked ham and boiled kielbasa, sliced and ready to be layered onto fresh rye bread from the local bakery, then topped with a healthy dollop of Kosciusko mustard, accompanied by relish trays glistening with pickles, olives and the like.

At Easter time, the parish priest would come to bless the butter lamb, kielbasa and hard-boiled eggs, and write a phrase in chalk over Baci’s dining room door. I’m still not sure what the significance of that was, unfortunately.

Two of my favorite dishes made by Baci were her veal pie, enrobed in a buttery pastry known as “Plotzki” and, of course, golabki (pronounced GWUMP-KI by 5-year-old me.)

When my family was in quarantine back at the beginning of November 2020, I attempted to make the latter dish, and had great success, resulting in fanfare from my husband and children.

At a time when stress was high for us, I found the comfort of this childhood dish helped to renew my feelings of hope and well-being.

This culinary creation, consisting of beef and pork with rice and seasonings wrapped in a sweetly savory cabbage leaf and cooked to buttery perfection in a light tomato sauce, had family written all over it.

For me, it underlined the fact that the important things are unchanged, regardless of circumstance, and that the most important of all - family - is there for you, through thick and thin.

And, although my Baci is no longer with us, she will never be forgotten, as long as I can reach into my pantry and grab the ingredients for a dish that can take me back to that bright, aromafilled kitchen in the tiny house that sat on Erie Street in West Utica.

I can almost hear her hum her favorite tune as she stirs the pots on her stove and tells me the food will be ready soon.

So, who’s ready to eat?

I’ve included a recipe that I believe is similar to hers - the one I’ve used successfully a few times since that first time in late November of last year.

Na Zdrowie! SWM

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GOLABKI

Yield: Makes one dozen cabbage rolls Ingredients: 1 large cabbage 1 lb ground beef ½ lb ground pork 2 cups cooked white rice 1 medium onion, chopped small 1 small green pepper, chopped small 3 tsp minced garlic 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp parsley flakes 2 eggs 1 6-ounce can tomato paste 3 10.75-ounce cans tomato soup

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Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place whole cabbage head in stock pot of boiling water seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then start peeling each large leaf off the head as they soften, cutting at the base, but keeping leaves whole. Pull them out separately as they reach desired softness. Cook rice as directed. Saute chopped onion, pepper and garlic in olive oil until softened. Combine ground beef, pork, rice, eggs, onions, peppers, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.

Mix together tomato paste and soup. Pour ¹/³ of mixture on bottom of large roasting pan. Put roughly 2 Tbsp meat mixture in center of leaf and form tight roll, making sure to tuck in edges. Line pan with rolls.

Cover with remaining sauce mixture. If pan is too small for just one layer, place more rolls on top and make sure to also cover with sauce.

Cover with foil and bake for at least 3 to 3 ½ hours, with the final 20 minutes or so uncovered.

Note: oven cooking times vary, so test the doneness by piercing the cabbage with a knife. If it goes in easily, it’s done!

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Small Gestures Big Impact O

ur annual Lights of Love campaign — now celebrating its 34th year — is a Central New York holiday tradition.

Help us give back to our community by lighting a light in honor or memory of someone special.

The small gestures of many will help sustain quality healthcare in a big way.

crouse.org/lights

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COVER STORY

‘Be the change’

SIOBHAN O'HORA AND AMY CANAVAN

ZONTA CLUB OF SYRACUSE FORGES A PATH OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Ken Sturtz

Amy Canavan Zonta Club Vice President

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Siobhan O'Hora Zonta Club President

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COVER STORY

‘Be the change’

SIOBHAN O'HORA AND AMY CANAVAN

ZONTA CLUB OF SYRACUSE FORGES A PATH OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Ken Sturtz

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ompile even a partial list of the Zonta Club of Syracuse’s charitable activities and the mind conjures up an image of an army of volunteers, not unlike the legions of elves Santa relies on. But Siobhan O'Hora and Amy Canavan – who serve as club president and vice president – have no elves. Instead they rely on a dedicated group of just 22 members to accomplish a multitude of community service, which makes the work the club does even more impressive.

“I was raised that if you’re doing it for recognition you’re doing it wrong and every single person in this club is doing it because they’re passionate,” Canavan says. “And their passion is contagious.”

For proof look no further than O’Hora’s house in Jordan.

Waiting on the porch are the most recent donations for several collection drives: 10 bags of clothing as well as large numbers of bras, shoes and boxes of Jell-O. O’Hora might be the one hauling the donations, but they came from scores of friends, relatives and club members.

“It’s not just about us, it’s about everybody doing their part as a group,” O’Hora says. “Many hands make light work.”

The Zonta Club of Syracuse has a rich history of service dating back a century.

It was one of the original founding Zonta clubs. The Syracuse chapter’s first president was also the first Zonta International president. The club was created by suffragettes in 1919, Canavan says. It was meant to support women working in professional fields, a nontraditional role for women at the time.

Zonta has grown into a global organization of professionals devoted to empowering women through service and advocacy. Today nearly 30,000 members volunteer in 67 countries. Although the Syracuse Zontas perform community service year-round, many of their projects take place during the holidays.

Each year the club collects 8,000 boxes of Jell-O for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau food baskets. They collect Jell-O because all that’s needed to make the desert is water. This year the club is partnering with the Syracuse Federation of Women's Clubs.

One of the club’s most popular annual activities comes when it helps wrap gifts for abused or neglected children served by the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.

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HOLI DAY/GIVI N G BACK EDITION

“It’s not just about us, it’s about everybody doing their part as a group, many hands make light work.”—Siobhan O'Hora

Decades ago the Syracuse Zontas provided a renovated building, called Zonta House, to the Girls Club of Syracuse. The Girls Club later merged with the YWCA, using the space for its summer camp and other programs. The Syracuse Zontas maintain an annual tradition of holding a holiday party with gifts for the girls and their mothers.

The club also hands out more than $10,000 a year in grants and scholarships and has given more than $120,000 in the past decade.

The club is in the middle of a raffle basket fundraiser to support its scholarship fund.

Its grants go to nonprofits that support the interests of women and girls. The club awards a Women in Transition Scholarship to encourage women to continue their education and improve their career opportunities. Other scholarships support high school students committed to volunteering or entering various professional fields. A scholarship named for aviator Amelia Earhart, herself a Zonta member, supports women pursuing advanced college degrees in aerospace-related fields.

“It’s a great night, when we do our awards ceremony, to hear the stories of these young women,” Canavan says.

Throughout the year the club collects clothing items. Last year it donated 500 hats, gloves and scarfs to organizations that support women such as Vera House and the YMCA. Members also collect and ship bras overseas to support a nonprofit that helps women who’ve been rescued from human trafficking. The nonprofit sets the women up with a business selling gently used bras as they attend school. Over the past five years the Syracuse Zontas have collected and shipped approximately 7,500 bras.

Zonta also partners with organizations that help women find work. Many of the women are leaving domestic violence and members volunteer with them as well as collecting and donating professional attire for interviews and jobs.

The group sponsors a Z Club at Manlius Pebble Hill, which allows high school students to get involved. Among other things the students at Manlius Pebble Hill help with fundraising for different causes, collect food donations and sell bracelets to support ending domestic violence against women.

O’Hora and Canavan are relative newcomers to Zonta; some of the club’s members have been involved with the group for decades. While they were introduced to the organization under different circumstances, they say their desire to help women and girls was what ultimately drew them in.

Canavan grew up in Syracuse, the oldest of three siblings.

They were raised by a single mom, which had a profound effect on Canavan.

“She instilled a strong sense of responsibility for the people around us,” Canavan says. “I always felt like it was my job to take care of everyone.”

After working in various corporate environments, Canavan became the deputy director of the Women’s Opportunity Center three years ago.

Continued on page 22

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Photo by Alice G. Patterson

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COVER STORY

'Be the change' from page 21

“As soon as I think I’m tired, I talk to one of my Zonta sisters and they re-energize me,” “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth every minute.”

—Amy Canavan

In 2016, her husband of two decades was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The disease often begins in a person’s 40s or 50s and there is no cure or specific treatment. It can be especially taxing on caregivers because the person with the disease often develops extreme personality changes and behavioral problems.

While working at the Women’s Opportunity Center, Canavan had begun researching organizations she could volunteer with to help cope with the challenges at home.

“I needed to be inspired,” she says. “The first thing they tell you as a caregiver is you have to take time for selfcare.”

Around that time Canavan’s supervisor mentioned that they had received a grant from the Zonta Club of Syracuse to help provide food to some of their clients. Canavan had always been passionate about helping women and discovered the Women’s Opportunity Center and Zonta had similar missions. Amazed at how welcoming the club was, she joined in 2019.

“It helps to keep my spirits up when things get tough at home,” Canavan says. “It’s something that helps as a coping mechanism for me.”

O’Hora wears a bracelet that says “Be the change,” and she tries to live by that credo.

“Each one of us can do something to help our community,” she says. “So, we can be the change whether it’s our club or individually.”

O’Hora got her first taste of the club when a friend who was in charge of organizing a district conference convinced O’Hora to help create a guided bus tour of Syracuse for all of the out of town visitors for the conference. O’Hora enjoyed the project and her friend encouraged her to join the club, which she did in 2015.

“She was really into Zonta and would share her excitement with me, O’Hora says. “She would say ‘This is something I think you’d be good at.’”

While O’Hora was drawn to the local community service the club did, she says the advocacy that the Zontas engage in greatly appealed to her as well.

Zonta has general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Each March the UN Commission on the Status of Women meets in New York City to discuss efforts to

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promote women’s rights and the empowerment of women.

Zontas are invited and O’Hora has attended several times.

Zonta International also leads scores of advocacy programs aimed at ending child marriage, fighting violence against women and providing education for girls in poor countries.

“It’s so hard to just do something by yourself, to advocate for big issues,” O’Hora says. “It’s pretty exciting because it goes beyond just our club and our district.”

The coronavirus pandemic forced the club to switch to virtual meetings and scale back some of its efforts. They were forced to rethink how they were going to fundraise, run their grant programs and have collection drives.

“It was challenging, it really was,” O’Hora says. “You put on your brainstorming hat and try to do things a little bit differently.”

The club has resumed in-person meetings and is in the midst of its holiday activities, but things won’t slow down much for its members in the new year. They plan on raising money and collecting donations for the Food Bank of Central New York in January because donations tend to drop off after the holidays.

They’re also in the middle of a membership drive.

O’Hora says they have four new people who will be applying for membership soon. And they’ll soon be inducting their first male club member who is also Canavan’s son.

And how exactly do O’Hora and Canavan find the time and energy to commit to the club, let alone to encourage other members to remain involved? O’Hora says sometimes it feels like a part-time job, but she retired in 2020 from her job as an administrator at OCM BOCES so she has more free time now.

“It’s hard because I keep wanting to do more and more,” she says.

“We’re always coming up with new ideas and things that we want to do.”

For her part, Canavan says taking on so many activities can be draining, but it’s the club and its sense of fellowship that keeps her coming back.

“As soon as I think I’m tired I talk to one of my Zonta sisters and they re-energize me,” Canavan says. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth every minute.” SWM

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JOIN US FOR A WINTER PARTY! Thurs. December 16th 4PM-8PM Chelsea’s Esthetic Boutique 204 West Genesee Street Fayetteville, NY Come celebrate the holidays with a night of beauty, discounted shopping & services, drinks, snacks, raffles & more! $5.00 admission

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HEALTH

Test your COVID-19 vaccine knowledge Heather Shannon

T

here is a lot of information out there regarding COVID-19 vaccines. It is hard to decipher what is true or not.

Where do you get reliable information that you can trust? Good news! You came to the right place!

First, test what you know about the COVID-19 vaccines.

1. Is the vaccine safe and effective?

2. Will the vaccine give me COVID-19?

3. Is it safe to get the vaccine if I have an underlying medication condition?

4. Do the vaccines work against COVID-19 variants, like “Delta” variant?

5. If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, should I still wear a mask?

6. Can I trust the vaccine because it was developed too quickly?

7. Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breast feeding my baby?

8. Do I need to get the vaccine even if I have recovered from the COVID virus?

9. Will the vaccine make me sick?

10. Does/Is the vaccine: a. Have a microchip/GPS/tracker, etc.? b. Have a magnetic? c. Alter my DNA? d. Cause infertility? e. Cause my baby to be born abnormal? f. Make me a zombie? g. Made with baby tissue? h. Unsafe because it was developed too soon?

How did you do? Before we go over the answers, let’s learn about the COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, there are two types of COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States. The first is mRNA, which is made by Pfizer and Moderna.

The second is viral vector, which known as Johnson & Johnson (J&J, Janssen).

The mRNA vaccines are newer than viral vector, but have been studied over the past 10 years and were ready to be “front and center” in vaccine development against COVID-19.

DECEM BER 2021

mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) No live virus Does contain material from the virus Teaches our cells to make a harmless protein that starts our body’s immune response against the virus  Our immune system will make T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight the virus if we are infected in the future  Does not interfere with human DNA   

Viral Vector (Johnson & Johnson)  Uses a modified version of a different virus (vector)  Delivers important instruction to our cells to make a protein that is unique to the virus  Our immune system will make T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight the virus if we are infected in the future  Does not cause COVID-19 infection or the infection from the virus used as the vector  Does not interfere with human DNA Answers: 1. Yes. All three vaccines are proven safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved them all for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Only Pfizer has been approved for full FDA approval. Moderna has submitted data for the final determination for full approval and is awaiting results. There is a rigorous protocol in place in order to approve a vaccine. Additionally, New York State has done additional review of the science before recommending any vaccine to New Yorkers.

2. No. The COVID-19 vaccine will not give you COVID. It is not a live virus or contain any virus material to cause the disease.

3. Yes. It is safe to get the vaccine if you have under- lying health conditions. It is especially important to be vaccinated to give you the protection against serious illness. As always, you will need to talk to your health care provider.

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4. Yes. The vaccines are proving tough against the variants so far.

5. Yes. Even though you are vaccinated, you can still get the COVID-19 virus. Masks will increase your protection from this.

6. Yes. Because of the emergency behind vaccine development to contain the spread of the virus, scientists and the FDA expedited the process for approval. It still needed to go through each phase of testing for safety, effectiveness, side effects and dosing. See FDA for more information on how a vaccine is developed, approved and manufactured.

7. Yes. Mother-to-be and unborn baby do benefit from the vaccine. Obstetrical groups strongly recommend being vaccinated before pregnancy and even during the pregnancy.

It is safe!

8. Yes. Scientists are still figuring out how long the antibodies will stay strong after recovering from illness. Because science does show some weakening in antibodies over time, the vaccine is still recommended to get the fullest protection.

9. For some people getting the COVID vaccine, or any vaccine, you may feel achy and sore for a day or two. You will recover completely.

10. No. These are all myths and are not proven facts.

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Fact: What we do know is the world in dealing with a serious pandemic, not just the US. The virus is real and is smart enough to change (mutate) and make the spread of disease worse. We also know that being vaccinated will reduce the spread of the virus and save people from serious illness or death. Before you make your decision, learn more about COVID-19 vaccines from credible sources listed below. SWM Resources: n World Health Organization WHO) https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 n Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html n Food and Drug Administration (FDA) https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/learn-moreabout-covid-19-vaccines-fda n National Institutes of Health (NIH) https://covid19.nih.gov/treatments-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccines n New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ Heather Shannon is a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner at Oswego County Opportunities. She has a master of science and a master of public health degree.

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Colonial

LAUNDROMAT Immaculately Clean Laundromats Your Big Quilts & Blankets are No Problem Huge 80lb. Capacity Washers Save Time & Money Make This Year Your Best Year Plenty Of Dryers - No Waiting!

3 5 LO C AT I O N S T O S E R V E YO U B E T T E R 26 Genesee Street • Auburn..........................................Tel: 315-258-9141 24 E. Genesee Street • Baldwinsville.............................Tel: 315-635-6291 8007 State Route 31 • Bridgeport ................................. Tel: 315-633-2063 8313 US Route 11 • Cicero .........................................................................

8440 Oswego Road • Clay ............................................. Tel: 315-622-4469 13 River Street • Cortland .............................................Tel: 607-758-7830 307 W. Manlius Street • East Syracuse .......................... Tel: 315-431-9453 3606 W. Genesee Street • Fairmount ............................ Tel: 315-701-4483 160 S. Second Street • Fulton ....................................... Tel: 315-598-1755 100 Grand Avenue • Syracuse ....................................... Tel: 315-476-9855 138 N. Exchange Street • Geneva.................................. Tel: 315-781-0901 489 James Street • Syracuse ......................................... Tel: 315-472-9435

408 Oswego Road • Liverpool ....................................... Tel: 315-457-2413 105 W Seneca Street• Manlius ...................................... Tel: 315-682-0785 222 N. Massey Street • Watertown ............................... Tel: 315-779-2266 100 Matty Avenue • Mattydale ..................................... Tel: 315-455-1938 330 Costello Parkway • Minoa ...................................... Tel: 315-656-3321 6131 S. Salina Street • Nedrow ..................................... Tel: 315-214-8760 3 Henderson Street • NY Mills ....................................... Tel: 315-736-5075 500 N. Main Street • North Syracuse ............................. Tel: 315-458-7658 502 Lenox Avenue • Oneida ..........................................Tel: 315-363-0345 65 E. Bridge Street • Oswego ........................................Tel: 315-342-5998

120 Black River Blvd. • Rome ........................................ Tel: 315-281-0014 1805 South Avenue • Syracuse ..................................... Tel: 315-472-6577

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours

DECEM BER 2021

3901 S. Salina Street • Syracuse.................................... Tel: 315-378-0016 1547 State Street • Watertown ..................................... Tel: 315-786-3998 5864 Thompson Road • Dewitt ..................................... Tel: 315-449-4326 1601 West Genesee Street • Syracuse ........................... Tel: 315-471-7472 16 E. Main Street • Trumansburg .................................. Tel: 607-387-4021 1502 Genesee Street • Utica ......................................... Tel: 315-732-0758 120 E. Fourth Street • Watkins Glen .............................. Tel: 607-535-5534 820 Wolf Street • Syracuse ............................................ Tel: 315-425-0899 59 Central Avenue • Illion ............................................. Tel: 315-894-2737 416 Velasko Road • Western Lights ............................... Tel: 315-475-0864 2685 Erie Drive • Weedsport ......................................... Tel: 315-834-9386

OPEN 24 HOURS

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE!

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WBOC LEADING LADY JENNIFER SNYDER

MathematiCUSE creates math community Kate Hill

E

ducator Jennifer Snyder founded MathematiCUSE Math Learning Center in Manlius in 2018 with the goal of creating a fun environment where students could enjoy learning and doing mathematics.

Located at 8240 Cazenovia Road #110, MathematiCUSE offers math tutoring and academic support to students throughout the area, including those from the FayettevilleManlius, Cazenovia, and Jamesville-DeWitt school districts, Christian Brothers Academy, and Manlius Pebble Hill.

During visits to the learning center, students can work on current classwork, homework, test prep, or receive extra practice and enrichment to meet their individual needs.

“I want to help build students’ confidence in mathematics,” said Snyder. “The main idea behind MathematiCUSE was the ‘Math Lab,’ which offers flexibility to busy parents and students. Students can ‘drop-in’ by signing up online, and [they] can even come in for same-day math tutoring as needed. [The Math Lab] can offer support for last-minute questions with homework or studying for tests. [It’s] almost like having a math tutor on-call.”

According to the MathematiCUSE website, the math lab’s qualified tutors offer help with any level of K-12 mathematics, including common core math, elementary math K-4, middle school math 5-8, algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, trigonometry, pre-calculus, statistics, calculus, Regents prep, SAT math, and ACT math.

Each tutor works with only one to three students at a time to ensure that all students receive individual attention. Private sessions can also be scheduled to guarantee one-on-one tutoring.

Snyder noted that the Math Lab currently has three tutors, but more may be added as the business continues to grow.

All MathematiCUSE tutors must pass a math assessment, an interview, a background check, and a tutoring audition to ensure that they are experts in K-12 mathematics, and they interact well with students. During the tutoring audition, the candidate is observed as they work with a student in a trial tutoring session.

Snyder, who holds a New York State teaching certification in secondary mathematics, has experience teaching math in both classroom and private tutoring settings.

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Originally from Orchard Park, she graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and holds a master's degree in math education from New York University.

Snyder said she decided to go into teaching during her senior year of college after doing some tutoring and working with students through the Syracuse University Literacy Corps, which sends SU students to tutor at elementary schools, middle schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

After graduating in 2007, Snyder was accepted into Math for America, a competitive teaching fellowship program aimed at improving math education in cities across the United States. Through the program, she was given the opportunity to earn her master’s degree and teach middle school math in New York City. “[The program] paid for the master's degree in math education in exchange for teaching in a NYC school for a few years after graduation,” Snyder explained. “They also provided monthly professional development.”

In 2011, Snyder and her husband moved back to Central New York, where she continued working with math students by tutoring privately.

The MathematiCUSE Math Lab is open Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. To learn more, call (315) 692-4029, email info@mathematicuse.com, or visit mathematicuse.com.

Founded by Jennifer Snyder in 2018, MathematiCUSE Math Learning Center in Manlius offers math tutoring and academic support to students in grades K-12.

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Holiday gatherings with friends.

This is the time for you and your home and family.

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Fragrance Free Formulation Be inspired by stunning blues and color combinations.

Fayetteville

Locations Baldwinsville

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acevillagehardware.com thegiftshopatvillagehardware.com DECEM BER 2021

HOLI DAY/GIVI N G BACK EDITION

. . Shop, Dine, Sip & Support Local!

511 E. Genesee Street, Suite 8 Fayetteville, NY (next to Dunkin Donuts)

(315) 632-4291 www.evas-boutique.com Hours: MON. - SAT. 11 AM - 5 PM Closed SUNDAY

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HOME DECOR

A minimalistic holiday Becka Miller

I

n my early 30’s we owned a big old drafty historical home in the village of Baldwinsville. I took decorating for the holidays very seriously. It was a weeklong affair adorning every banister and window frame with decor.

I love those memories and I like to think I made that time of year very magical for my children. But children grow up and my life looks very different now.

With a very busy career running two businesses I don’t have the time or energy to go all out like I used to.

But interior design is my business and I love my home to be beautiful, so I have learned a few minimalist approaches to the holidays.

The first thing I do is to gather pine branches. I cut them from my own yard or I purchase them from Home Depot and I use them everywhere. I keep the same decor I have all year long and add pine to vases, and urns.

DECEM BER 2021

I switch out my pillow covers on my couch to my holiday pillow covers, and I use a few simple wooden signs and word garlands around my home.

For our Christmas tree we went fake about ten years ago, and I don’t hang all of my ornaments, but I do keep them in a decorative bowl so we can still look at them and reminisce. A trick to make your tree look fuller is to buy neutral or decorative tissue paper and ball it up and stuff it on the inside of the tree, this fills in empty spaces in the tree and pushes the ornaments to the front of the tree.

The holidays can be stressful for most of us, a more minimalist Christmas allows us to put the focus where it should be, celebrating with our loved ones. SWM Becka Miller owns Millers Crossing Design, www.millerscrossingdesign.com

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INSPIRE

TERRI KRUEGER

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The around-the-clock helper Jason Klaiber

W

hen it comes to helping out in her community, there has been no off switch for Terri Krueger.

Matched with her desire to see communication between local schools and the CanTeen of Central New York, it was Krueger’s around-the-clock devotion that led her to campaign for spots on both the Town of Cicero Youth Board and the school board of the North Syracuse Central School District.

Upon securing those seats at the table, she has been dedicated to convening the supervised teen center’s Friends group with guidance counselors and principals on a monthly basis, thus allowing all parties to keep abreast of the social-emotional issues that students may be experiencing.

“We’re finding that when we communicate together, we’re catching the kids who may have some concerns and getting them the attention that they need,” Krueger said. “It could be anything from homework struggles that are bogging kids down to depression symptoms and questions related to peer pressure and drug use.”

Throughout the year, the Cicero Town Youth Board is the entity that assists the CanTeen with not only daily operations but also the drawing of attention to services the CanTeen offers to local teens.

Efforts on Krueger’s part in driving attention to the CanTeen have included her sponsorship of a free ice cream social for roughly 300 Cicero kids as well as a community holiday event in 2019 that allowed area small business owners to set up booths at no cost.

For the latter event, Krueger sent out a message encouraging townspeople to stop by and shop from an assortment of makeups, scented candles, totes, candies and various other items. She also sold coffee and water inexpensively the day of, with all of those proceeds going to the CanTeen, which runs entirely on donations and grants.

The after-school hangout on State Route 31 gives high school and junior high school kids a place where they can grab a bite, shoot some pool, play ping-pong and unwind.

“It’s also a safe space for kids to express whatever it is they might be going through,” Krueger said.

During her own teenage years, Krueger experienced a form of homelessness due to circumstances out of her control. For these reasons, she found herself devoted to working with the Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse as an adult in an effort to advocate for individuals and families who have found themselves in difficult circumstances.

Through the decades, Krueger has served meals and participated in several Rescue Mission Alliance committees, including the Ride & Run For the Rescue, the yearly fundraiser that includes a 5K walk/ run and races on a cycling course stretching for 62 miles.

In 2019, Krueger was honored by the Rescue Mission Alliance when she was awarded the Hope Award for Community Service, an individual recognition bestowed annually at the Hope Awards, a ceremony that spotlights the achievements of men and women who have overcome homelessness and gone on to accomplish lifechanging achievements.

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“It’s a bring-your-tissues dinner,” Krueger said. “It’s pretty wonderful to hear these success stories.”

As a Top of the Table qualifier with Million Dollar Round Table— a global association of premier life insurance and financial services professionals—Krueger was instrumental in receiving two Qualityof-Life grants totaling $12,000 for the Rescue Mission Alliance.

The first grant amounting to $5,000 was for a kitchen renovation so that the nonprofit can feed a greater numberi of underserved, food-insecure people day to day.

The state-of-the-art kitchen would also train visitors to build up their cooking skills and other employable qualities, and it would be laid out in a way that more easily allows families to sit and eat together rather than at different tables.

The $7,000 grant was for a youth center established by the Rescue Mission Alliance that was built to accommodate homeless teens.

The 10-bed shelter is treated as an alternative to couch surfing or nights spent on friends’ porches for those in Onondaga County ages 12 to 17 and as an affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals in particular.

Overall, the committee for the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation divvies up about $1.6 million every year after evaluating over 150 grants.

Alongside business development coach Sarah Ioele, Krueger founded the Women's Mastermind Networking Group, an inviteonly consortium that makes it its mission to empower women to reach their greatest potential.

The members are sought out for their integrity, leadership, kindness and philanthropic attitude among other attributes, while their meetings promote positive language in an effort to eliminate “negative commentary.”

Krueger has also had involvement with the Vera House-supported Elder Justice Committee and the International Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club on top of serving as the treasurer and then the vice president of the Plank Road Chamber of Commerce.

Though she no longer volunteers actively with PAWS of CNY, for which she brought her certified therapy dog, Gemma, to hospitals, libraries and schools, she still brings the Schipperke-King Charles Spaniel mix to her own office at Krueger Financial Advisors LLC, the company she started in 2018.

The namesake firm she owns on Brewerton Road in Mattydale serves individual families and businesses in and outside of New York State with retirement income planning, asset management, disability insurance, life insurance, estate planning, healthcare and other services.

Krueger is currently working on obtaining the ChFC or Chartered Financial Consultant destination from the American College of Financial Services and is a Registered Investment Advisor (or RIA) in several states. She first entered the banking and insurance business in 1988, and she has been immersed in the investment world since 2007. SWM

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PAST EVENTS

Oh yes it’s Ladies Night

Another successful and enjoyable Welch Jewelers Ladies' Night was held on Thursday, Nov. 18.

For more than 20 years hosts Luz and Dan Welch have been treating their guests to a Holiday extravaganza of gifts, door prizes and lots of bling to put on their Christmas wish list.

Going Red

In October, the American Heart Association hosted a reimagined Syracuse Go Red for Women showcase and luncheon at the OnCenter.

The event was planned in a way to provide for social distancing while providing the inspiration and powerful stories that have been a hallmark of our annual celebration.

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UPCOMING EVENTS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Performances take place daily except Mondays

Wednesday, Dec. 8

What:

Where:

Info:

What:

Where:

When: Info:

Matilda! at Syracuse Stage

Ceramic Christmas tree workshop

Children (and grownups) will enjoy this Tony Award-winning musical, a captivating treat that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Syracuse Stage, 820 E Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13210 syracusestage.org

Miller’s Crossing Design will host its second annual Ceramic Christmas Tree workshop. Participants can choose between three different size Christmas trees and paint it their way with more than 50 colors to choose from including metalics.

Miller’s Crossing Design, 3160 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information and tickets visit: millerscrossingdesign.com

Fridays and Saturdays throughout December

Saturday, Dec. 11

What: The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will transform into a winter

wonderland for Holiday Nights – a new after-hours event

for all to enjoy. Sing along with holiday carolers, visit with

Santa, gather around and warm up by glowing fire pits with family and friends,

enjoy festive lighting, ice sculpture carving, animals, and much more! Hot cocoa and

S’mores available for purchase (individual S'more package $2; family S'more package $6.)

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo,

1 Conservation Pl., Syracuse, NY 13204 Info: rosamondgiffordzoo.org

What:

When: Where:

Info:

Holiday Nights at the Zoo

A Winter Party at Chelsea’s Esthetic Boutique

Festival of Trees & Light

What:

When: Where:

Cost: Info:

Presented by the Everson Members’ Council, the Festival of Trees & Light features live performances, stunning displays, seasonal items for purchase, a holiday marketplace with hand crafted gifts, artist-led storytelling and art-making for kids, and Santa photo booth and more Wednesdays through Sundays. Check the website for specific hours and performance times.

Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202 everson.org/FOTL2021

A celebration of the holidays with a night of beauty, discounted shopping and services, drinks, snacks, raffles and more!

4 to 8 p.m.

Chelsea’s Esthetic Boutique, 204 W. Genesee St., Fayetteville $5 admission chelseasestheticboutique.com

Friday, December 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18

Home for the Holidays featuring Rachel Mulcahy What:

When: Where:

Info:

Saturday, Dec. 4

Handel’s Messiah What:

When: Where:

Info:

Symphoria presents CirqOvation in Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey. Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and other amazing cirq performers bring Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker to life in a way that you’ve never experienced before! Symphoria performs the music for this celebration of community. Dr. Juhanna Rogers is featured as narrator. The performance also includes special performances by Circus Culture of Ithaca and Salt City Burlesque.

7:30 p.m.

New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209 experiencesymphoria.org

Thursday, Dec. 16

Saturday, Dec. 4 to Sunday, Dec. 19 What:

When:

Where:

Info:

Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey

An undisputed favorite of the holiday season, featuring the Syracuse University Oratorio Society, Symphoria, and spectacular soloists.

8 p.m.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13202 experiencesymphoria.org

Vocalist and violinist Rachel Mulcahy is a New York City-based performer, originally hailing from Syracuse. She has appeared in the national tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas, and appeared in productions of Once in a Syracuse Stage and Geva Theatre co-production, Bright Star with the Florida Studio Theatre, The Buddy Holly Story with the Forestburgh Playhouse, Shakespeare in Love with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and many other regional productions.

Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Crouse Hinds Concert Theater, 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202 For information and tickets: experiencesymphoria.org

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SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

B’ville resident launches ‘The Smile Button’

Baldwinsville resident Debby Shaw recently launched a new product that she hopes will give people a little encouragement and affirmation when they’re having a tough day.

The Smile Button features 23 recorded messages such as “Hello, gorgeous!” “You are the best” and “You rock!”

Shaw said the breakup of a romantic relationship a couple of years ago prompted the invention. “In trying to make myself feel better, I came up with the idea for

the button,” she said.

“I thought this could be my little way of putting some smiles, laughter and positivity out into the world. It’s always nice when you can make someone feel good.”

After months of planning, writing, recording and manufacturing, Shaw’s idea is now an actual physical product – a bright red button set in a black base and powered by two AAA batteries.

“Put one on your desk, your nightstand, your kitchen table or wherever you want,” Shaw advised. “Press it anytime you’d like to lift your mood.”

“I’m so glad I purchased The Smile Button because it lives up to its name,” said customer Beth Nobles of Raleigh, N.C. “Whenever I need to hear a compliment, I reach for it. It adds a bit of brightness to my day.”

“I love my button,” exclaimed another customer, Deb Lonczak of Clay.

“If I’m having a bad day, I tap The Smile Button and instant smiles occur.”

The Smile Button is available for purchase at thesmilebutton.com.

Photo courtesy Ron Trinca Photography

CPS Recruitment names Rinaldi as COO

Joy Rinaldi has been promoted to the role of chief operating officer. In this role she will be responsible for the ongoing development and execution of CPS Recruitment’s strategic objectives, financial goals, and continued business growth.

Rinaldi joined CPS Recruitment in 2011 as a general manager. Prior to joining CPS, Rinaldi had an extensive career in staffing, recruiting, and public accounting.

She is a graduate of Le Moyne College. She also serves on the Golisano Children’s Hospital Advisory Board.

Headquartered in Liverpool, CPS Recruitment partners with companies coast to coast to provide professional direct hire recruiting, temporary staffing solutions, contract, contract to hire and payroll process services. To learn more, call 315-457-2500 or visit cpsrecruiter.com.

Crouse Health Foundation president retires

Carrie Berse, president of the Crouse Health Foundation, retired effective Nov. 12.

A valued and long-time member of the Crouse Health family, Berse has been leading the foundation since 1993. She said that although she will greatly miss being part of the Crouse team, she is looking forward to having more time to complete personal projects, explore new opportunities and enjoy experiences with her family.

In her 28 years of service to our organization, Berse has overseen and grown numerous high-profile signature events for Crouse that have set a high standard for fundraising and other philanthropic efforts in our community, including our Crouse Health Tribute Evening, the Crouse Classic Golf Tournament and Crouse Health Polo for Preemies.

Berse has led many major and highly successful fundraising campaigns in support of key Crouse services and programs over the years, including the Kienzle Family Maternity Center; Baker Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Miron Cardiac Care Center; Pomeroy Emergency Services Department; Pomeroy College of Nursing and more recently, Crouse Addiction Treatment Services. Under her leadership, the Crouse Health Foundation has seen its DECEM BER 2021

Endowment Fund increase substantially over the course of her tenure at Crouse.

Berse has also been a highly valued partner and supporter for many Crouse ancillary programs and initiatives, including the Crouse Hospital Auxiliary and Pomeroy College of Nursing.

Phyllis Devlin, manager, special events and donor engagement, has agreed to serve as interim executive director. Devlin will oversee found-ation operations while a search is conducted for Berse’s permanent successor.

Joins Oswego Health

Alissa Viscome has joined Oswego Health as the health care system’s new employee experience manager.

In her new role, Viscome will be responsible for managing all employee relations and employee engagement programs as well as human resources policy development and management.

Viscome brings 18 years of experience to the position as she previously worked for Oswego Industries, Inc. as associate executive director for programs where she was responsible for community engagement, staff recruitment, and retention initiatives, as well as

program development.

Viscome is very involved within the local community and actively serves on several boards, including the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Oswego County Workforce Development, Fulton Block Builders, Fulton Family YMCA, and the Parents of Special Children. As a Fulton resident, she enjoys volunteering at Fulton PorchFest and supporting local youth sports with her family.

Vice President of Human Resources, Marq Brown shares, “I am pleased that we found a local candidate with such extensive experience as we are confident that Ms. Viscome will help enhance our culture and overall employee experience at Oswego Health.”

Viscome earned her master of science in management from Keuka College and bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Wells College.

Cicero resident earns prestigious fellowship

Cicero resident and Keuka College adjunct instructor of biology Dr. Dominique Derminio said what she enjoys most about teaching is when the light of recognition goes on in a student’s eyes.

“My favorite part is when a student goes from completely and utterly confused — they don’t know what to do — to then having that ‘aha!’ moment and seeing everything start to connect,” she said.

And the best way to shorten the trip from “huh?” to “aha!,” she believes, is through active learning.

Dr. Derminio, who earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will be sharpening her active learning tools after being awarded a 2021 PALM Fellowship.

The PALM Network — PALM stands for Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring — guides instructors in adopting active learning methods in undergraduate courses through networking, professional development, and personal mentors. It is funded by the NSF Research Coordination Network in Undergraduate Biology Education.

“It’s a network of educators throughout the country ranging from community colleges to R1 schools who engage in teaching as active learning,” said Dr. Derminio. “It’s about not just lecturing, but getting students involved.”

The popular instructor, known as “Dr. D.” among her students, has long had a love of educating others.

“I’ve always loved teaching. I even started teaching my ‘poppy’ long division at age 8, because he never learned it,” she said of her grandfather.

Before her Ph.D., Dr. Derminio earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Keuka College in 2011 and her master’s degree in psychiatry/molecular biology at the University of New South Wales in Australia.

Dr. Derminio is the first Keuka College faculty member to earn a PALM fellowship. They’re not exactly easy to come by; only four were awarded nationally this year.

HOLI DAY/GIVI N G BACK EDITION

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Cazenovia

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