Community - that's who you are to us
To our dear Syracuse Woman Magazine community, COMMUNITY - that's who you are to us.
While some of you have just started reading and getting involved recently, many of you have been with us since the start. That was 15 years ago!
I am so proud to see this magazine turn 15 years old. It was a true honor to be asked to write this letter. I still remember the first conversations I had about launching Syracuse Woman Magazine as managing editor and how we would form a small staff to get things started.
My heart holds special memories from a brainstorming, expertise-sharing, and laughter-filled lunch at Tassone’s with Colleen Farley, Renée Moonan and Linda Jabbour. It was during moments like that when we all realized how much we love supporting other women, inspiring one another, reaching out, starting conversations, and creating a community.
That's just one snapshot of the making of this magazine. I could fill this entire edition with more memories like that from day one and shout-outs by name from every year to follow.
I had the honor of serving as managing editor for the first four years and contributing on and off for several years to follow. As many of you know, my husband and I moved to Seattle a little more than four years ago. You also know, you can move out of Syracuse but you can't take Syracuse out of your heart. We still have a lot of family and close friends there.
The sense of community has always been huge in the "Salt City" and across Central New York. It's so strong - we still feel it here - thousands of miles away. I know so many people who have also moved out of the region for various reasons who still speak highly of their time in ‘Cuse and miss many things about it.
Syracuse Woman Magazine’s mission has always been to empower, inspire and connect. Following that mission meant being where you are. We have always made sure to be present at as many events as possible, especially those that were supporting women entrepreneurs, non-profits and awareness missions important to our readers. We are proud to be the first and only women's magazine highlighting CNY’s incredible women.
I send my love, appreciation, continued support, respect, and well wishes to the SWM team and community for this 15th anniversary. It's a quinceañera, if you will. So, celebrate big and celebrate often. Read the magazine in print or read it online, and pass it on. You are the reason SWM is reaching this milestone.
Farah Jadran
Former SWM Managing Editor Anchor & Reporter, KING 5 News in Seattle
Proud wife of Niko & mama to Dario (and 3 senior pups!)
SyracuseWomanMag.com contact@ syracusewomanmag.com
PUBLISHER
David Tyler
dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Jennifer Wing jwing@eaglenewsonline.com
DESIGN
Andrea Reeves
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alice G. Patterson
Edges Photography Eric Rose
CONTRIBUTORS
Andrea Atcheson
Janelle Davis
Elena Ehrhart
Farah Jadran
August Lindsey
Holly Piselli
Chef Eric Rose
Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson
ADVERTISING SALES
Renée Moonan
315.657.7690
Rmoonan@ eaglenewsonline.com
ADVERTISE WITH US
Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month.
The publication is available free of charge.
CONTACT OUR HOME OFFICE
315.434.8889 | 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206
The magazine is published 12 times a year by Eagle News 2501 James St., Suite 108 Syracuse, NY 13206
Copyright © 2025 Sample Media Group, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Community Media Group, LLC and will not be returned.
2025 Key4Women Syracuse Breakfast
KeyBank’s Key4Women Syracuse Chapter held its annual awards breakfast in October at Traditions at the Links. KeyBank marked 200 years of service and proudly celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Key4Women — a program dedicated to supporting and empowering women leaders in business and beyond. Stephen Fournier kicked off the program by recognizing Stephanie Crockett, President & CEO of Mower, as the 2025 Key4Women Leadership Achievement Award winner.
It honors and recognizes the accomplishments of women business leaders and their contributions to the Central New York Community.
The event featured an inspiring panel discussion moderated by Tamika Goode-Otis with panelists Laura Serway, Entrepreneur; Jacquie Kelly Kaden, President, RLK General Insurance Agency; and Alex Canavan, Founder, CNY Women’s Network. Thank you for sharing your insights, passion, and dedication to uplifting other women. The program concluded with the presentation of the Key4Women Trailblazer Award to Rachel Galusha, senior business banking RM at KeyBank, in recognition of her integrity, dedication, and lasting impact on her colleagues and community.
Vera House’s 2025 New Beginnings Gala
Vera House’s signature annual event was a truly special and memorable evening. Together, participants honored survivors, remembered lives lost, and rallied our community’s strength in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence. Survivors shared powerful stories of resilience and hope. Their courageous voices are the heart of Vera House’s work and to create a world free from violence. The sold-out event, which featured a host of community sponsors and silent auction, raised funds that directly fuel Vera House’s mission to provide shelter, advocacy, and counseling to those in need.
BARBARA STONE
‘Helping people go where they want to go’
Elena Ehrhart
On Dec. 13, 2028, Barbara Stone quit her job as a CFO in the manufacturing industry, knowing the best was yet to come. That January, she began the process of getting her coaching certification and by Feburary she found the WBOC, where she would surround herself with other like-minded women looking to pursue their own newfound paths in life as entrepreneurs.
After leaving the mostly maledominated career in manufacturing, Barb was ready to open every door of possibility she could find. The WBOC provided her with networking opportunities, crucial information and aid in learning how to launch her own business, while also serving as a safe space with others in a similar situation. Now, Barb leads talks, helps to organize informational sessions and is a connection of her own for other women.
“I help people go where they want to go,” she said simply. “I’m always reaching for the stars.”
Barb coaches individuals, corporate teams, companies, executives and other professionals on how to best pursue happiness and success in life. She hopes to be a supportive mentor for her clients in the same way her own mentors were throughout her life.
“I’ve had a lot of great mentors along the way,” Barbara said.
“We all have a set of core values that we align with and that’s shown me my own. Being ethical, fair and collaborative are mine. They are very, very important to me.”
The value she stressed the most, whether for herself or for her clients, was being collaborative.
to assist in the illustration and editing process, later on using a connection she made to aid in the process of publication.
“I think this book is my greatest success so far,” she said. “It means so much to me.”
In her mission to encourage and inspire creativity in others, the book is a perfect example, centered around life lessons and anecdotes through the eyes of her Great Danes. Each story is accompanied by an inspirational phrase and an adorable drawing of one of the dogs. But for Barb, the book has so much more meaning than just being uplifting.
“We all have our zone of genius. My zone of genius is working with others,” she said”. Bringing others in shows us what they are seeing that we may not.”
Barbara is a firm believer that collaboration helps to fuel creativity and the overall quality of the work. A personal example she gave was the recent release of her book: “So Much Drool About Lessons For Life.” While she wrote the book in its entirety, she called in others
“It’s really about learning,” Barb said. “I want to show others and encourage them to continue to learn. I want people to be able to take up a room; Great Danes have such a big presence when they walk into a room. We as people also have to have a presence that big when we walk into a room.”
For her, she allows her motivation to create and desire to bring others together in the process to guide her path. While in the manufacturing industry, Barbara struggled to have a voice. Now, she inspires and encourages others to find their own and use them to pursue their dreams.
Looking forward, Barb wants to create a “Drool Jr.” that can be taught in schools and spread the inspirational messages to younger people. On top of that, she plans on continuing to coach, participate in speaking engagements and help others find their happiness in life.
“People need to love life,” she said. “There’s so many opportunities and we need to believe we can live a full life; keep looking under every rock and remember to be gentle to yourself – give yourself permission to be human but give yourself permission to be magnificent in whatever you’re doing.” SWM
The Baby Boom continues at St. Joe's
hiresapphire.com
720 Van Rensselaer St, Suite 201, Syracuse NY (315) 457-2500
"Congratulations to Syracuse Woman Magazine on 15 inspiring years of empowering, uplifting, and celebrating women across CNY!"
www.stickley.com 300 Towne Dr, Fayetteville, NY (315) 637-7770
"Congratulations to Syracuse Woman for 15 years of lifting up and inspiring the women of Central New York!"
"Big Cheers to Syracuse Woman magazine’s 15 year celebration! I am proud of Renée and very proud to be associated with her and Syracuse Woman Magazine! "
everson.org | (315) 474.6064
"Cheers to 15 years of inspiring, empowering, and celebrating CNY women!"
skyarmory.com 315 S. Clinton St. Syracuse, NY (315) 473-0826
"Congratulations and thank you for creating a platform that inspires, uplifts, and empowers women— one story at a time."
Joy Rafferty, Owner
californiaclosets.com 3210 Erie Blvd East (315) 701-4382
"Congratulations Syracuse Woman Magazine for creating where you belong!"
parrysgymnastics.com (315) 383-0707 Clay & Hamilton
"Congratulations to Syracuse Woman Magazine and Renée Moonan... Stay exactly who you are and all will be well!"
100 S. Salina Street, Suite 370, Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 234-7500 www.chinsurance.cc
"ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER Syracuse Woman Magazine... CONGRATS!"
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"Congrats to Syracuse Woman Magazine and my friend, Renée Moonan... SHINE ON!"
Inspire at the Grainery, 128 N. Warren St., Syracuse, NY
55 S. 1st St., Fulton, NY (315) 234-3535
Congrats to Syracuse Woman Magazine for 15 years of heartfelt and inspiring women stories.You make our women community-strong and beautiful!
Holiday Glow-Up
QUICK AND EASY PRODUCTS AND TIPS FOR ALL THE SEASON'S FESTIVITIES
Holly Piselli
The holidays are here! It's the season for family get-togethers, office parties, and New Year’s celebrations. Getting dressed up – hair styled, makeup done – is part of the fun. But if the contents of your makeup bag look sadder than Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, it might be time for a little retail therapy.
Whether you’re a busy woman with no time for full glam makeup, or you’re a novice who finds “glam” intimidating, don’t worry- you don’t need to overdo it to look party ready. Here's a few products that are easy-to-use and will have you looking pretty, polished and ready to celebrate.
The best way to start any makeup look is with healthy glowing skin. An illuminator can be applied on its own or before foundation. Try Saie Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator in Starglow, a universal champagne shade that hydrates while giving your skin a beautiful lit-from-within glow.
Eye makeup can feel intimidating. All those shadows, brushes and shading! A shadow stick is the perfect shortcut. Simply sweep across the lid from the lash line to the crease. Use a fingertip to gently blend up and out for a soft, seamless finish. Favorites are Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick in the shade Rosegold (a soft pink gold, for a bright, fresh look), and the shade Cocoa, (a shimmery walnut brown, for a subtle smokey eye). Shadow sticks come in matte as well as shimmer, both holiday worthy.
Finish with a sweep of black eye liner along the top lash line. For a more dramatic look, and for extra drama smudge a little along the bottom lash line too.
The finishing touch on any eye look is mascara. The holidays are the perfect time to crack open a fresh tube to give you full defined lashes. Looking for a change from your usual? Try Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Voluming and Curling Mascara for long lasting volume, lift and curl. It does it all!
Rosy cheeks for the holidays? Yes please! Blush sticks are foolproof –just dab, blend and glow. They are buildable so you can increase intensity as needed for your skin tone. Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick includes a built-in brush to blend to perfection. Pale Petal is a soft pink shade perfect for fairer skin while Pomegranate is a rich berry shade that’s great for deeper skin tones.
Lip oils are having a moment – and for good reason. They offer benefits that hydrate, soften and give the lips a sheer wash of color. Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil is a favorite with moisturizing oils and soft tint. Soft Mauve and Midnight Berry offer a nod towards the plum and berry trends. For more definition, line your lips first with a pencil in a matching hue.
Most of these products come in mini sizes – perfect for your purse and your budget. You can find them all at Sephora, in-store or online. Short on time? Order online and pick up in person.
(No affiliation – I just love sharing easy beauty solutions for busy women!) Snap a photo of the mini shopping list below to make your holiday glow-up even easier. SWM
Holly Piselli is a makeup artist with A-List Artistry. She loves creating easy, approachable beauty routines for real women. Her goal: help you feel confident and radiant – no 30-step routine required.
HOLLY’S QUICK PICKS
Saie Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator in Starglow $17 Mini
Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Rosegold or Cocoa $17 Mini (Cocoa full size only $33)
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Voluming and Curling Mascara
$15 Mini
Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Stick Pale Petal or Pomogranate $16 Mini
Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil in Soft Mauve or Midnight Berry $26 full size only
AM - angela moonan
angelamoonan.com (904) 515-3808
"Congratulations on 15 years, Renée! Your vision and steady hand have shaped Syracuse Woman Magazine into a voice that matters. Here's to all you've built and all that's still coming.
Love, Angela & McKenna Moonan"
cmichaelexteriors.com • (315) 433-9110
Renée, a HUGE congratulations on SWMagazine's 15th anniversary--WOW! It's been an honor working with you and watching your success over the last three decades. We truly are so proud of you and your accomplishment and dedication to women locally. We need more people like you! All of us at C. Michael's wish you many more successful years ahead.
BirchWealth.com • (315) 795-2005
"Congrats Syracuse Woman Magazine, you make our women community stronger just by being you! Here's to many more years of inspiration ahead!
www.bhlawpllc.com (315) 422-1500
110 W Fayette St. Suite 1000 Syracuse, NY
"Happy 15th Anniversary to the amazing team at our favorite SWMagazine! We are proud to support this incredible publication and honor its importance to our community. Cheers to 15 more years!"
ufsteam.com (315) 451-5885 4769 Buckley Road Liverpool
"Congratulations Syracuse Woman Magazine for being part of the CNY community.Cheers to many more years of success ahead!"
welchjewelers.com 315-452-0744 513 South Main St., N. Syracuse, NY
"Congratulations Syracuse Woman Magazine for 15 Wonderful years of JUST BEING YOU! We've known Renée Moonan for over 30 years and her zest for this magazine and all she does makes us proud to call her our friend! Cheers to many more years of storytelling and ad selling!"
www.cscos.com (315) 455-2000
"Cheers to 15 years of empowering voices and inspiring stories!"
liehsandsteigerwald.com (315) 314-4741
1857 Grant Blvd. Syracuse NY
" Congratulations on your 15 year Anniversary! You elevate so many women with your beautiful stories and create a community of positivity on each and every page!"
syracuseny.clothesmentor.com (315) 214-3311 208 Erie Blvd E Syracuse, NY
"Congratulations on 15 years! November 2010 was our opening date so we are both 15 years young! We have shared some wonderful moments side by side
and always believed in you and we celebrate all that you are."
Steffani Williams, Owner SmartyardNY.com (315) 980-7485
Congratulations! Your dedication to celebrating and empowering women continues to make a lasting impact. A heartfelt thank-you to Renée Moonan, my ad woman! Her friendship and support really opened doors I didn’t even know existed and helped bring my vision for my business to life! With gratitude, Steffani
- LOGO
There’s No Place Like Home
On Oct. 15, Francis House welcomed more than 1,500 friends and supporters to the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds for their annual There’s No Place Like Home event. Guests enjoyed gourmet food from six stations and an open bar serving beer and wine while bidding on a large auction, trying their luck at opening doors to ten prize houses, and spending a memorable night out with friends. Two raffles offered guests the chance to win valuable prizes, including a stunning pair of diamond earrings or a diamond necklace donated by Cazenovia Jewelry, as well as a $500 gift card to Nichols Grocery in Liverpool. More than 120 companies and individuals supported the event as sponsors, and over 400 businesses generously donated prizes and gift certificates. Brian Macrae and Jane Amico-Macrae of Fayetteville served as event chairs, with David and Laurie Wyman of Fayetteville as vice chairs.
most.org | (315) 425-9068 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse, NY
Congratulations to our friends at Syracuse Woman Magazine!
We can’t wait to see you at the MOST, CNY’s favorite winter destination for kids!
YWCA-syracuse.org (315) 424-0040
401 Douglas St., Syracuse NY
"Thank you Syracuse Woman Magazine for positively impacting our community by empowering women and girls through the written word. We stand with you on this mission always and appreciate all your support over the years....always stay women strong!
hopeforheather.org
"Congratulations to Renée and Syracuse Woman Magazine! You have been instrumental in the growth of Hope for Heather and our mission in CNY." Here's to many more years together spreading our mission of Hope and change, Gary & Frieda Weeks, Co-founders of Hope for Heather.
feedingnys.org (528) 930-7000
Feeding New York State proudly supports the 10 regional food banks and community programs serving all 62 counties across NY. For our interim Executive Director, CNY is home. Congrats on this 15 year milestone. It's your team's vision, spirit and generosity that make this community so special.
Verahouse.org 723 James St., Syracuse NY (315) 425-0818
Happy 15th Anniversary, Syracuse Woman Magazine! Thank you for shining a light on the remarkable women who strengthen our community and the countless lives they influence. Here’s to many more years of meaningful stories, greater awareness, and lasting empowerment.
syracusehearingsolutions.com
Nicole Anzalone, AuD, CCC-A Camillus
307 Kasson Rd., Camillus, NY 13031 | 315-468-2985
Fayetteville
7000 East Genesee St., Building E, lower level Fayetteville, NY 13066 | 315-565-3250
Happy Anniversary and Congratulations SWMagazine!
314 Second Street Liverpool, NY 13088 (315) 457-3895
liverpoolchamber.com
"Congratulations Syracuse Woman Magazine on 15 years of supporting local women and telling their stories!"
CMichaelExteriors.com (315) 433-9110
Congratulations, Andrea Reeves, on the 15th anniversary of SWM! Your evolving design style has continually elevated the magazine’s look and feel, bringing fresh energy and a distinctive visual voice to every issue. We also extend our sincere thanks for the extraordinary print newspaper campaigns you’ve crafted for us over the past eight productive years.
HalcoHomeSolutions.com (315) 946-6200
SWM's 15th anniversary marks a remarkable milestone for a publication that has become a vibrant voice for women across CNY and its visual strength is due to the exceptional talent of graphic designer Andrea Reeves. Her design mastery, is equally evident to HALCO HOME SOLUTIONS.
MediaResourcesMktg.com (315) 849-6411)
Congratulations, Andrea Reeves, on the remarkable 15th anniversary of SWM! We celebrate you and your contributions to the magazine’s design and graphics. We thank you for the unprecedented creativity and artistry you’ve brought to our many print and television clients over the years, your talent continues to shape compelling stories and unforgettable visuals.
The women of Syracuse Woman magazine
RENÉE MOONAN, ALICE G. PATTERSON AND ANDREA REEVES
August Lindsey
RENÉE MOONAN
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
When Syracuse Woman Magazine launched 15 years ago, no one could have predicted how deeply it would embed itself in the Central New York community—or how profoundly it would shape the life of one of its earliest team members, Renée Moonan. Today, she looks back on those beginnings with a sense of gratitude, wonder, and unmistakable joy.
“My beginnings with Syracuse Woman Magazine were truly the start of something extraordinary,” Renée recalls. “I don’t know what I would call it—divine intervention or a twist of fate—but I found my true ‘work love’ late in life.”
After losing her long-running advertising agency during the recession of 2008–2009, Renée was searching for a new professional path. Her business—nearly 24 years in the making—was suddenly gone. “The world turned upside down and crashed,” she says. “Those were very hard times, but I knew I had to remain positive.”
Then came the Craigslist ad that changed everything.
“It simply said: 'Launching a women's magazine in Syracuse, NY. Be part of our amazing team and our CNY debut!' Looking back, I’m amazed at the leap of faith I took. The words 'launching' and 'debut' should have been red flags— but instead they felt like a sign. I think I was always meant to be part of Syracuse Woman Magazine.”
Nothing had been printed yet. There was no established brand, no built-in audience—just an idea. But Renée trusted her instincts. “I went with a feeling that this was going to be something good, something wonderful, something I could believe in,” she says. “I believed in myself. I believed in the power of women. And yes—by the way—I did get hired.”
Though she had never technically “sold advertising,” Renée drew on decades of marketing experience and on the values she learned from her parents, who celebrated her every day of their lives. She built her sales philosophy on connection. “My favorite sales reps were all about relationships,” she says. “So I decided that if I was going into sales, I was going to build relationships first.”
Her background as a business owner brought empathy and understanding: “I get budgets. I get co-worker dynamics. I get that sometimes people just need someone to truly listen. Family comes first, patience matters, forgiveness matters. And in sales, you can’t take everything personally—though when you love what you do, that’s easier said than done.
Renée has often been called the magazine’s biggest cheerleader—and she embraces the label wholeheartedly. “I was a real cheerleader,” she laughs. “And the one thing you need is a fantastic squad to climb to the top of the pyramid.” To her current teammates: “Alice and Andrea, you are creative geniuses. You make this magazine look gorgeous every month. You look pretty amazing on the cover, too! We are a Syracuse Sisterhood dedicated to publishing excellence, and I hope we stay together for years to come.”
To her past teammates: “So many talented, caring women have graced the pages of Syracuse Woman Magazine—writers, artists, photographers, fellow sales reps whom I’m proud to call my friends. I miss you, and you know who you are.”Partnerships with organizations such as Hope for Heather, Go Red for Women, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Women Business Opportunities Connections, Women Inspire Spirit of Entrepreneurship and Women’s Day at the Fair have only deepened that bond. “We’re proud of every partnership,” Renée says. “We’re stronger because of them.”
ALICE G. PATTERSON
CHIEF COVER AND FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER
It has been a decade that Alice has been behind the lens at Syracuse Woman Magazine
The timing was right: after two decades of photographing wedding and families, she had just decided to shift her business focus entirely to brand photography for women entrepreneurs, when then-editor Alyssa Lafaro recruited her to photograph inside stories for the magazine. As the publication continued to evolve, Alice naturally grew into the role of lead cover photographer. The partnership proved to be not only seamless, but deeply aligned with her mission of celebrating women.
Photography has always been woven into Alice’s life. Her father, an excellent amateur photographer, and her mother, a gifted painter, both shared a refined and reserved aesthetic that shaped her early eye for art, gifting her her first real camera when she was thirteen—“This was the 1900s,” she jokes, “long before digital and cell phones”—and she quickly became the classic girl with the camera: yearbook editor, always documenting her surroundings. Still, it never occurred to her that this could be a career.
That changed during college, when she learned about the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. “It was like a bolt of lightning,” she says. Within months, she transferred from her liberal arts school in Pittsburgh to Brooks, then one of the top photography schools in the country.
“My admiration for photographers spans a long list, but several mentors were pivotal inshaping my path. My photojournalism teacher, the late Paul Liebhardt, saw something in my work. He selected me for a small group to have our portfolios reviewed by the legendary Mary Ellen Mark, who offered a critique I initially resisted, yet ultimately embraced, refining my wide-angle lens approach. I honor Paul not only for his talent but for being an extraordinary teacher whose belief that ‘photography is the star’ continues to resonate.”
Patterson earned her BA in commercial photography and launched her career in editorial work in San Francisco, photographing for magazines and musicians before spending 20 years focusing on weddings and families. Eventually, she transitioned once again— this time into brand photography for women entrepreneurs. Now, with her work at SWM, she feels as though she’s come full circle.
After all these years, what continues to motivate Alice is people. Through her brand photography and content creation membership Loving My Company LLC, Alice works closely with women entrepreneurs who rely on the monthly photoshoots for everything from social media and websites to billboards, press releases, and occasionally even SWM features. Their vulnerability, ambition, and authenticity fuel her creatively. The safe community her clients share—celebrating wins and discussing struggles— keeps her grounded in her mission and attentive to how visual needs shift in the evolving landscape of social media.
As chief photographer for Syracuse Woman Magazine, Alice describes each assignment as “a sprint.” She often receives tight turnarounds, requiring her to quickly coordinate schedules and locations. She sends subjects a detailed PDF of tips to help them prepare for the session, and many shoots take place in her home studio, though some stories call for on-location images that highlight a subject’s space. After editing, she sends her top selections to the magazine’s longtime graphic designer, Andrea Reeves, who then handles layout and design.
Capturing each woman’s personality within limited time requires deep listening—and looking. Alice pays attention to how subjects move, gesture, and express themselves as they talk, then gently coaches them to bring out the most authentic and flattering versions of those moments. Among her many memorable shoots (over 120 covers to date), the session with Sharon Owens, then Deputy Mayor of Syracuse—and now mayor-elect—stands out. Owens brought unmatched energy, style, and passion for Syracuse, all of which radiated in her portraits.
Balancing creative vision with the magazine’s editorial needs comes naturally, especially with the trust the team has built. Alice often captures both “safe” images and more experimental options—fortunate to have
ANDREA REEVES
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER
Long before she became the design force behind Syracuse Woman Magazine, Andrea Reeves was a teenager learning the fundamentals of visual storytelling in a farm magazine office. At just 16, she found herself navigating the analogue world of film photography, rubylith overlays, non-repro-blue markers, wax rollers, and t-squares. With the mentorship of her high school art teacher, Ed Coulter, she discovered early the discipline—and thrill—of balancing precision, design, and deadline. “I loved it,” she recalls. “And I wanted more of it.”
That appetite for creative challenge propelled Reeves into her first advertising job straight out of high school at Roberts Advertising. Juggling nearly full-time work with college courses, she thrived in what she calls the “fast and furious pace” of production art. Yet the true turning point came when she met Jim Cody, her professor at Onondaga Community College. His authenticity, personal style, and mastery of surface pattern and interior design helped unlock her own creative confidence. “His expressive integrity unleashed my creative mind,” she says. “His wisdom echoes in my brain to this day.”
Reeves reached a new stride during her time at The Syracuse New Times and the G. Andre Delporte Agency, all while pursuing her degree at Syracuse University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, where she received her BFA with honors.
As the design world shifted dramatically in the early 1990s—from meticulous paste-up to the uncharted territory of digital software—she dove in headfirst. “My approach to just about everything in life is to yell, ‘cannonball’ and jump in!” she laughs. A self-taught expert in every program she uses, she proudly calls herself a “Photoshop goddess and type snob,” believing most designers use only a fraction of the tools available to them. Mastery, she insists, comes from exploration.
One of her most rewarding challenges came during her decade at WCNY, where she helped launch a bi-monthly publication integrating local and national content with PBS programming. Working with program director Dale Wagner, she developed a system that allowed PBS to deliver its program grids in a format compatible with her design structure. PBS applauded the results. The project taught her a valuable lesson she carries into every collaboration: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Make your life simpler by asking.”
Her years designing WCNY Connected, a 48-page publication, proved to be ideal preparation for what would become her longest-running design relationship: Syracuse Woman Magazine
Introduced to the publication by the irrepressibly energetic Renée Moonan, Reeves joined the team nearly 11 years ago. Moonan’s contagious enthusiasm lit up Andrea's office at Zoey Advertising, and one day she simply declared, “You should design Syracuse Woman Magazine talk to Dave (Tyler, the publisher)!” Reeves did—and found a creative home.
From the beginning, she approached the magazine with the intention of giving it the sophistication of a national women’s magazine. She researched design trends, fonts, and layouts, seeking a balance between freshness and consistency. The result is a publication with a signature aesthetic that has evolved each year without losing its recognizable personality. In 2026, she plans to introduce new design elements to keep the visual experience sharp, modern and cutting-edge.
One of her proudest innovations has been the seamless integration of content and advertising—a flow that readers have come to expect in each issue. Her philosophy is that even the most technical or scientific stories deserve beauty; imagery can clarify, enhance, and welcome the reader in without diminishing complexity.
Teaching has been another major throughline in Reeves’ career. For more than three decades at Onondaga Community College and in courses at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, she has instilled in students not just technical skill but work ethic. “Art is work,” she tells them. Success comes from caring deeply, embracing assignments wholeheartedly, and understanding that design is a competitive field where excellence matters. Reeves quips, "No professional designer ever said, 'I learned it in Canva.'" Her teaching shows results: some of her former students have gone on to remarkable achievements. She speaks especially highly of Wurood Shaheer, originally from the Middle East who became a United States citizen and recently completed her doctorate in art education and Gianna Sobon Fey, a recent
graduate with boundless potential: “She could quite possibly replace me one day...she’s THAT good.”
Today, alongside her work with Syracuse Woman Magazine, Reeves remains active at Zoey Advertising and collaborates with her husband, Eric J. Roberts, on documentaries for Discovery Networks. She brings her print-honed storytelling sensibilities to motion graphics, archival photo restoration, and interviews with WWII veterans—work that requires sensitivity, patience, and an eye for detail. Her visual approach often mirrors documentary masters like Ken Burns, animating static images to bring history and narrative to life.
Reeves never loses her appreciation for the tactile pleasure of print. “I pray that print never goes away,” she says. “Classic design will remain timeless, but the personality of the designer ensures it is recognizable.” Her own philosophy reflects the cyclical nature of style: “There isn’t much that hasn’t been done before. Keep some old tricks in your closet— they’ll be popular again. But always get rid of those hip huggers.”
Looking ahead, she’s excited about the digital evolution of Syracuse Woman Magazine. Interactivity— live links, dynamic content, and embedded video that enriches the stories on each page.
Her inspiration comes from near and far. Within the magazine world, collaborators like Alice G. Patterson and Renée Moonan are endless sources of ideas and motivation. Beyond that, she draws from the everyday—the simple practice of paying attention.
Outside design entirely, her inspiration is rooted in joy: “It’s a choice I make every day to have a good day,” she says. Life with her best friend and husband in a beautiful place fuels that mindset. For aspiring designers, her advice is both practical and passionate. Understand type deeply— how it interacts with photography, how it shapes the reader’s eye. Avoid outdated effects like gaussian blur, outer glows and excessive drop shadows. And above all, respect and appreciate the sales team. “There wouldn’t be a publication without advertisers,” she says. After decades in the industry, Reeves’ love for design has only deepened. She remains, at heart, a visual storyteller with a contagious enthusiasm for the craft— someone still excited by every new issue, every student breakthrough, every leap into a new medium.
And true to her teenage self, she’s still juggling precision, creativity and deadlines with joy. With a chuckle, Reeves believes Ferris Bueller was spot on when he said, “Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Get in touch with Andrea at areeves.design@gmail.com.
One of Renée’s most influential mentors was Farah Jadran, who helped launch Syracuse Woman Magazine in 2010 shortly after earning her master’s degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications. During her four-year tenure, Jadran not only managed the magazine but also taught public speaking at SUNY Oswego, Syracuse University, and Cazenovia College, and served as host, reporter, and co-producer of WCNY’s public affairs program “Insite.” She cultivated meaningful partnerships with organizations that helped shape the magazine’s early mission of uplifting women and strengthening community ties. “Farah was a force who catapulted Syracuse Woman Magazine into a role of deep community involvement and support for women’s causes,” Renée reflects.
When the magazine first began in 2011, it wasn’t alone in the women’s-publication space, but now Syracuse Woman Magazine is the only periodical left standing. Renée believes the achievement is because the team stayed true to its mission: to celebrate the women of Central New York with compassion and authenticity. “Our content has always captured the women of CNY so eloquently,” she says. “Celebrating 15 years feels like a dream.”
“As I reflect on this milestone, the first thing I want to say to every reader is simply: thank you. If you’re reading this, you’re supporting our magazine and that means more to me than I can express. I never could have imagined loving a job as much as I love this one. Fifteen years ago, if someone had told me I would one day be managing a women’s magazine, I wouldn’t have believed it. It has never felt like just a job—it's felt like a community, even a friendship, that has blessed me with more incredible women and genuine connections than I ever dreamed possible. The messages, cards, and kind words I’ve received during this anniversary celebration have moved me to tears—the happy kind that remind you how rich life is because of the people in it. And to my family, I just love you and I know that I am stronger because of you... Thanks for always keeping it real!”
"Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out of thanks to Hair by Jane Lamie of The Cuttery for my hair looking so glamorous for this article," Renee smiled.
To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Renée at rmoonan@eaglenewsonline.com.
full creative control within the constraints of time and budget. One challenge she encounters frequently is helping women who feel uncomfortable being photographed. “About 80% of the women I photograph say they hate being photographed,” she shares. She attributes this discomfort to the contradictory expectations placed on women: be small but not too small, be confident but not loud, be attractive but not too sexy. Her approach is one of preparation, guidance, humor, and reassurance—and most subjects leave saying they enjoyed themselves.
Her collaboration with designer Andrea Reeves has grown stronger over the years. While they had a few bumps at first, they now share deep respect for one another’s talents and trust each other implicitly. Alice also speaks warmly of her partnership with Renée Moonan, who manages advertising and business relationships for the magazine. Renee, she says, is SWM’s “biggest cheerleader,” always encouraging and deeply connected to the magazine’s community mission. Together, the trio—photography, design, and advertising—has never missed a deadline and remains united by their commitment to celebrating women.
Alice describes her photographic style as “approachably classic.” She aims to create portraits that are both flattering and genuine, rooted in strong lighting, technical skill, and human connection. She draws inspiration from everything— locations, emotion, personal details of subjects’ lives—and strives to ensure each woman feels truly seen and valued. Helping women feel at ease during cover shoots involves preparation, including recommending professional makeup by Holly Piselli of A-List Makeup Artistry, whose natural approach puts subjects at ease. During shoots, Alice finds that acknowledging the awkwardness and offering step-by-step guidance helps subjects relax and eventually enjoy the experience.
She believes photography is a powerful tool for empowerment. Sharing professional images consistently boosts engagement online, providing positive reinforcement and encouraging women to show up as they are—acknowledging the resilience that got them to where they are today.As for her legacy, Alice hopes to be remembered not just for award-winning photography, but for caring deeply about the women she photographed—giving each woman her full attention. Over the years, some of the women featured have passed away and family members have reached out to share how meaningful the photos and experiences were. For Alice, those messages reaffirm the value of this work and the impact of telling women’s stories with care, intention, and heart.
Learn more about Loving My Company at lovingmycompany.com and on her Instagram page, @lovingmycompany.
Go Red For Women!
The Syracuse 2025 Go Red For Women luncheon, hosted by the American Heart Association, was held in October at the OnCenter in Syracuse. Hosted by Lisa Spitz and Amy Robbins, the event featured a number of women sharing courageous stories of the challenges they’ve overcome, empowered by the support of friends and family.
A roundtable discussion provided insights on how women can help themselves and others deal with the many contributing factors to heart disease, the #1 killer of women in the United States.
Photos by Edges Photography
New Year, New Health
START BY ORGANIZING YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS—A SMALL ACTION WITH A HUGE IMPACT
Andrea Atcheson
Most people start the New Year thinking about weight loss, travel plans, maybe a new hobby. Very few start the year thinking “I should organize my medical records.” But if there’s one investment that immediately reduces stress, protects your safety, and puts you back in the driver’s seat with your healthcare — this is it.We tend to assume our doctors, hospitals, and health systems automatically communicate with each other. The truth? They don’t. Records live in different portals, different formats, sometimes even different states. Medications get missed. Test results don’t get forwarded. Fax machines are still involved. (Yes… in 2026, we are still faxing.)
As a physician assistant who has spent 25+ years in medicine, I’ve seen the worst-case scenarios:medication errors, duplicate testing, delayed diagnoses, and patients who knew they had a scan “somewhere,” but couldn’t access it when it mattered.
The most empowered, healthiest patients I’ve ever worked with all had one thing in common: They knew how to organize and manage their own medical information.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. Why your records matter more than you think
Medical errors are not rare. They are the third leading cause of death in the United States.
One of the top contributors? Missing or inaccurate medical information. Every time you change providers, go to an urgent care, or travel, you’re relying on healthcare systems to “know your history.” But unless the records are shared—and often they are not—the provider only knows what you tell them.
And when you’re sick, overwhelmed, or scared, it’s easy to forget key details.
The reality is simple: Patients who are organized get better care. When you can pull up your medication list in 10 seconds…When you can hand over your last lab results…When you can confidently advocate for yourself…The entire tone of your appointment changes.
The power of one central system
If every year you find yourself digging through piles of old paperwork, random patient portals or emails with attachments titled “scan_3948_final_ FINAL.pdf,” it’s time for a different approach. You need one system, not seventeen.
Your system should allow you to:
• Store all medical records in one place (digital or physical)
• Easily add new results or doctor notes
• Instantly access information during appointments or emergencies
The best system is the one you’ll actually use. Paper. Digital. Binder. App. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s all together and easily accessible. Start here: The 10-minute “Medical Records Reset”
Set a timer.
Grab a folder (physical or digital).
Label it “Medical History — [Your Name]”
Drop in:
• Your medication list (current & past)
• Allergies
• Surgical history
• Major diagnoses
• Most recent lab results
Don’t overthink it. Don’t alphabetize. Don’t start shopping for fancy tabs on Amazon.If you can gather these five things, you’ll be more organized than 90% of patients.
Your medical records checklist for the new year
Use this as your roadmap: Medication List
• Name, dose, frequency
• Why you take it
• Prescribing provider
Recent Labs & Imaging
• Bloodwork from the last 1–2 years
• MRI, CT, Ultrasound reports
Diagnosis List (Past Medical History)
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune conditions
• Anything ongoing or chronic Surgical & Procedure History
• Dates (approximate is fine)
• Where it was done
• Complications, if any Allergies
• Medications, food, contrast dye, latex
• What reaction you had (this matters!)
If this feels overwhelming, remind yourself, ‘You don’t need every detail to start — just start.’
Create a one-page health snapshot
If I could give every patient one tool to improve their healthcare in 30 seconds or less, this would be it: One page, front and back, that summarizes your entire health history. A health snapshot saves you from filling out those exhausting new-patient forms over and over again.
More importantly, it ensures accuracy when you’re stressed, rushed, or emotional.
Doctors LOVE it. You instantly become the most organized patient they’ve seen that day.
The surprising health benefit no one talks about
Once patients organize their medical records, they always report the same unexpected change. They feel more at ease. There’s something powerful about seeing your health story in one place. You have clarity. You have confidence. You have control. And then, you can take a deep breath…as once you get organized initially, you are only “updating” and adding things thereafter.
Instead of reacting to your health, you start managing it.
When you show up prepared, providers listen differently. You become an informed partner in your own care — not a passive participant.
Consistency beats perfection
Will you organize everything in one day? Probably not.
But if you start one small habit this month:
• Write down every new medication or dose change
• Download lab reports after every appointment
• Add one document a week to your system
…you’ll end the year with a complete, accurate medical history.
And that could literally save your life.
New Year motto: "Prepared, Not Perfect"
This year, focus on the habit — not the outcome. You deserve healthcare that is accurate, coordinated, and centered around YOU. Mastering your medical records is not a chore. It’s a form of self-care.
And you’re worth that level of care. SWM
Andrea Atcheson is a physician assistant and owner of Heart Health Academy.
A low-stress, low-cost holiday table that brings people together
Chef Eric Rose
Every December, I find myself having the same conversation with friends and clients. “Eric, the holidays feel so expensive this year.” And honestly, they’re right. Between grocery prices climbing higher than ever, the job market feeling uncertain, and so many hardworking people tightening their belts after tough financial seasons, this year feels different.
But here’s the thing: a joyful holiday meal doesn’t have to mean draining your savings or maxing out your stress. The most memorable gatherings aren’t the ones with the fanciest spreads. They’re the ones filled with laughter, stories, and that comforting hum of togetherness.
As someone who’s cooked for crowds big and small, from restaurants to family gatherings, I’ve learned that generosity and creativity in the kitchen can stretch far beyond your budget. The heart of holiday entertaining isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about how much love you pour into it.
Make it a team effort: Everyone brings something to the table. One of the easiest ways to lift the financial and emotional load off your plate is to invite others to share in the meal. I’m not just talking about potluck style. I mean building the menu together. Have guests bring one element of the meal and coordinate in advance so it feels intentional and balanced.
Think of it like a symphony. Someone brings the melody (the main dish), another adds harmony (a side or salad), and someone else adds the rhythm (dessert or bread). Suddenly, your table is filled with flavors, stories, and memories from everyone present.
It’s amazing how empowering it is to tell a guest, “You’re in charge of dessert this year.” People light up when they get to contribute. It turns dinner into a shared experience instead of a solo performance.
Budget-friendly shopping:
A smart plan for a delicious feast
Before you even step foot in the grocery store, grab a notepad or your phone and map out your plan. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save when you plan ahead and shop with intention. Here are a few strategies that truly make a difference:
• Shop early and often. Pick up ingredients over time instead of all at once. Stock up on pantry items and frozen goods as they go on sale in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
• Take advantage of holiday meal bundles. In 2025, stores like Aldi, Walmart, and Wegmans are offering complete dinner bundles that can feed up to 10 people for $36–$40. That’s about $4 per person.
• Embrace store brands. I can tell you as a chef, many store-brand ingredients are produced by the same manufacturers as the “fancy” labels. Don’t be afraid to make that swap.
• Buy in-season or frozen produce. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and squash are affordable, full of flavor, and made for roasting. Frozen veggies are a hidden gem, picked at peak ripeness and often 30 percent cheaper.
• Skip convenience foods. Pre-cut veggies, pre-made desserts, or packaged sides might save you a few minutes but they often double your cost. Spend a little time prepping together as a family. It turns into part of the memory-making.
• Use what you already have. Go through your cupboards and freezers and see what you might be able to use or work into the meal. Pasta is always an inexpensive option that can be used in so many ways.
Your menu can still feel luxurious even on a budget
Here’s the good news. You can create a show-stopping meal without spending a fortune. Think of “simple elegance” as your theme.
For your main course, skip the full turkey or prime rib and go for a smaller but equally satisfying centerpiece. A turkey breast, pork loin, or spiral ham can serve beautifully, and all can be found on sale this time of year. For smaller gatherings, even a roasted chicken dressed
with fresh herbs and citrus can make the table feel special. Pasta can be the star of the show as well. A ravioli, tortellini or a bucatini could be perfect.
For sides, lean on ingredients that bring warmth and comfort. Roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes cooked in chicken broth for extra richness, or a seasonal salad with apples and toasted nuts all fit perfectly. And don’t forget the power of homemade bread or rolls. They are inexpensive, filling, and loved by everyone.
You don’t need ten different dishes. Choose a few that you can do really well and serve them with pride.
Reimagine the meaning of holiday entertaining
This might be the year to reframe what “hosting” really means. Maybe it’s inviting friends for brunch instead of dinner. Maybe it’s a dessert-only night or a “soup and bread” gathering where everyone brings a pot to share. The point isn’t to impress. It’s to connect.
If you’re someone who usually goes all out, give yourself permission to simplify this year. Less time in the kitchen means more time being present with the people who matter most. And at the end of the day, that’s what everyone remembers.
The gift of presence
When I think back on the holidays that have meant the most to me, it’s never been about the food itself. It’s been about who was sitting around the table. The clink of glasses, the shared laughter, the quiet gratitude for another year together.
This season, don’t let financial stress steal your joy. Cook what you can, ask for help where needed and fill your home with warmth, not worry. Because no matter how simple the meal, if it’s made with love and shared with others, it’s a feast.
Chef’s tip:
If you’re cooking on a budget, focus on flavor layering. Use what you already have like fresh herbs, citrus zest, or a splash of vinegar to brighten a dish. Even humble ingredients can taste incredible with a little attention and care.
Mindful moment:
Remember, the holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence. The table may not look like a magazine spread, but if it’s surrounded by people who care about one another, it’s already beautiful.
• Sweet potatoes and other root vegetables like turnips and parsnips can be roasted for a delicious and affordable medley.
• Green bean casserole is a budget-friendly favorite that uses canned soup and green beans.
• Stuffing can be made ahead using simple ingredients like fried onions, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
• Homemade desserts: Baking from scratch is much more affordable than buying pre-made bakery items, which have a high markup but only if you have most of the ingredients on hand. If you need to buy most of the ingredients to make something and will not touch them again until next year then maybe premade is a better value.
Continued on page 36
The healing power of sharing a meal
Heluva Good Mashed Potato
Chef Eric Rose
Serves 6-8
These mashed potatoes with French onion dip are the best side dish you can make in 30 minutes! French onion dip adds a little zip to the potatoes.
INGREDIENTS
1½ teaspoon salt
5 cups water, or as needed to cover
6 baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup butter
½ cup French onion dip
1½ tsp minced garlic
¼ tsp milk, or to taste
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Dissolve 1 ½ teaspoon salt in water in a large saucepan and add potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the saucepan.
2. Mash butter, French onion dip, and garlic into potatoes using a potato masher or fork. Mix milk into mashed potatoes, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and black pepper.
Bacon Wrapped Turkey
Stuffing Meatloaf
Chef Eric Rose
Serves 8-10
INGREDIENTS
1 package of center cut bacon
4 cups dry stuffing mix, divided
2 ½ cups turkey or chicken stock
6 Tbsp butter
1 ½ cups onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp Bell’s Seasoning or poultry seasoning
4 whole eggs, beaten
2 pounds ground turkey (85% lean)
1 ½ tsp kosher salt (taste your stock. If salty, cut back on adding salt)
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 370°F.
2. In a large bowl, add the stuffing mix and stir in two and half cups of the stock. Let sit to soak up the liquid and soften.
3. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add butter to melt. Once melted, add onion, celery, garlic and poultry seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are starting to get soft. Set aside to cool.
4. Add the eggs, ground turkey, salt and pepper to the bowl with the three cups of stuffing mix and gently combine
5. Add the now-cooled celery and onions to the bowl and stir in to combine.
6. Line a medium sheet tray with parchment and spray with pan spray and shingle bacon to wrap meatloaf.
7. Scrape the meatloaf mixture into the center of the prepared sheet tray. Fill a bowl with water and using wet hands, form the meatloaf into a log down the center of the bacon lined pan, wetting hands often to shape and smooth top and sides. This will also help keep it from cracking. Wrap with bacon.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Once the internal temperature reaches 155°F, remove the meatloaf from the oven, tent with foil and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve with vegetable, gravy and cranberry dressing.
NEVE MURPHY
Understanding the importance of service at an early age
Elena Ehrhart
Neve and her younger sister, Aria Murphy who also volunteers at Tillie’s Touch. They both played in the New Yorik State Final Four Championship game for their Marcellus Schools.
Neve tutoring at Tillie’s Touch Summer Academic Program in July 2025
Neve Murphy is your typical 15-year-old girl; she plays sports, goes to school and hangs out with her friends. But there is one thing that sets her apart from her peers – her unwaveringly deep dedication to helping underprivileged youths through the Tillie’s Touch program.
It all began two years ago when Neve and her friends were in Rochester, preparing for a soccer tournament. While watching a team of younger kids warm up, they noticed a little boy sitting alone. Neve went over to him and quickly learned his name was Abdul and that he had recently moved to the U.S. from Sudan. From there, Neve and her friends joined Abdul and his team for a little game of pick-up.
“It was really cool because even though he couldn’t speak English that well, he could still play with us,” said Neve.
That is when she learned he was a part of Tillie’s Touch. The program, run by Dale Johnson, serves the Southside of Syracuse and engages underprivileged children through soccer while also providing them with homework help, snacks and a safe space to play with friends and relax. On her way home from the tournament, Neve asked her parents how she could get involved.
A few weeks later, Neve and her friends volunteered at the program’s summer camp. Although some of her friends only lasted a few days, Neve showed up for each day of the camp. Then, once the camp was over, she continued to return. Dale and her parents both asked the same thing: “Why keep coming back?” Neve’s answer was simple: “I just liked coming and helping.”
holiday drive to provide 20 children and their siblings with Christmas presents.
Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is what makes it all worth it for Neve. “A lot of what we take for granted is stuff that makes them so happy. They are just so grateful for everything they get,” she said. Neve was honored for her work on Nov. 14 at the National Philanthropy Day breakfast held by the Central New York chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Initially, Neve and her mother, Prayga, nominated Dale for his dedication to Tillie’s Touch. Prayga then also nominated Neve, wanting to recognize her for the work she also put in for the organization.
Neve has gone above and beyond in her work with Tillie’s Touch. Not only does she help children with their homework and soccer skills, but she also organizes donations. Last year, she coordinated a
“It’s really an honor to be recognized,” Neve said. But the humble high schooler did not want the attention to be on her. “The focus should be on Dale and supporting him in his work. Tillie’s Touch does a lot of great things and I want more people to be aware of it and hopefully donate or volunteer.”
As she gets older, Neve hopes to continue working with Tillie’s Touch for as long as she can and discover more charities she can work with and donate to.
“Both my husband and I grew up with the importance of service,” said Prayga. “And now seeing those values transfer to Neve is really special.”
Despite the recognition Neve has received for her dedication to Tillie’s Touch, she does not want the attention to be on her; rather, she gives Dale the extra recognition. “He does such a good job,” she said. “He’s hooking [the kids] in with soccer but giving them the opportunity to prioritize their education and futures. Seeing the changes that are made in their lives makes all the difference.”
Neve also hopes to encourage others, whether they be her friends or fellow community members, to do the same. SWM
Neve and her friends volunteering at the soccer camp at Tillie’s Touch in July 2024 Neve with Dale Johnson, Executive Director of Tillie’s Touch who received an award for Outstanding Nonprofit Professional in Fundraising and all the honorees of National Philanthropy Awards today
AMBER YOUNG
Syracuse woman's mission
SAVING LIVES THROUGH EARLY DETECTION
Janelle Davis
Amber Young was 40 years old when a routine mammogram changed everything. What should have been a straightforward screening turned into four biopsies, and the day before Thanksgiving last year, she received the call no one wants to get: stage 2B breast cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.
“They said this could have been in my body for 10 years or even more, ” Amber says. “That means I was 25 or 30 when it started.”
The timing hit hard. Years earlier, Amber had noticed an odd lump in the same area where her tumor was eventually found. She'd sought medical attention, but, as a younger woman, her concerns were brushed aside.
“ They said, ‘You're young. You have dense tissue. It's normal,’” she says. “They didn't do any further testing or even flag it as something I should follow up with later.”
The experience of waiting until 40, only to discover cancer that had been quietly growing for years, became the catalyst for Mission 30, Amber's fashion-forward advocacy organization dedicated to encouraging breast cancer risk assessment starting at age 30.
Why 30 Matters
The statistics Amber uncovered are sobering. In the United States, 36,000 women under 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Women under 40 are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than women over 40, often because they're diagnosed with more aggressive cancers at later stages.
“I think those statistics alone are pretty motivating,” Amber says. “It's happening more and more, and it's more aggressive cancers. More women are dying from it. We need attention drawn to this.”
While ongoing research continues to explore possible reasons why younger women are being diagnosed at increasing rates, from genetic factors to environmental causes, one thing is clear: early detection saves lives. Mission 30's message is simple but powerful: women should be aware of their breast cancer risk starting at 25 or 30, not wait until 40 for their first mammogram.
“If you're 30 years old and you have a weird lump or notice something abnormal, absolutely advocate for yourself,” Amber urges. “These days, you really have to advocate for yourself more and more.”
Fashion Meets Advocacy
Mission 30 stands out by blending style with substance. Amber, who loves fashion and designs much of the organization’s merchandise herself, saw an opportunity to create something that would catch attention while driving real change.
“We don't just want it to be merch,” she explains. “We really want it to be a movement to save lives.”
The organization commits 25% of all merchandise profits to early detection, advocacy and awareness programs. Amber is currently meeting with local organizations to determine the best places to direct those funds, including a potential partnership with fellow breast cancer survivor Denika Lundy, co-founder of 2Sisters4Life Breast Cancer Awareness in New York. Lundy is fundraising for a mobile ultrasound unit, a project that resonates deeply with Amber's mission.
Beyond fundraising, Amber makes herself available for speaking events at women's organizations, schools and colleges.
“I love connecting with people and educating them,” she says. “Hopefully we can spark some real change, especially planting that seed when women are young. ”
A Year of Transformation
The past year has been grueling. Amber started chemotherapy in February, underwent a double mastectomy, completed 15 rounds of radiation and had reconstruction surgery in October. She's now in forced menopause at 41 due to medication that stops the hormone driving her cancer, a significant adjustment requiring frequent doctor appointments and medication changes.
But mentally Amber is thriving. During her two weeks of downtime after surgery, she couldn't sit still.
“I'm not very good with downtime,” she laughs. “I'm always trying to plan something or think of something creative I can do.”
So she planned Mission 30. Every day she felt well enough, she worked, deciding the mission, determining how to give back and figuring out the impact she wanted to make. Within weeks of her soft launch in late October, she'd secured media interviews and started building partnerships.
Looking Ahead
Amber dreams of hosting a gala next October — bringing together breast cancer survivors and supporters for an evening of speakers and maybe a fashion show, all in support of early detection. But her vision extends far beyond Syracuse.
“I really want to make it a nationwide movement,” she says.
“I'm available to travel for speaking events. We want this to go nationwide.”
For now, she's focused on one goal: helping women catch cancer earlier than she did.
“If I can help one person catch it before it's stage 2B, before it's stage four, everything I went through this last year will have been worth it,” Amber says. “ This isn't just my story. It's a movement to save lives.”
Her advice to women everywhere echoes what she wishes she could tell her younger self:
“Advocate for yourself. You know your body best.”
To learn more about Mission 30, shop merchandise, donate or book Amber for speaking engagements, visit mission30.org. Follow the movement on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. SWM
MEGGAN CAMP
Finding peace through breath
Janelle Davis
Meggan Camp has a simple but powerful promise: give her an hour, and she'll help you feel more peaceful, calm, and clear.
As a certified breathwork facilitator running Meg's Bright Life, the Syracuse native is introducing Central New York to a practice that's helping people process trauma, manage stress, and release emotions they didn't even know they were carrying.
“My teacher always says it's like 20 years of therapy without saying a word,” Meggan explains. “You will leave a session feeling lighter. You will have more clarity and focus.”
From theater to transformation
Meggan's path to breathwork wasn't traditional. A Syracuse native who attended CBA High School and SUNY Brockport, she spent 16 years at Syracuse University teaching costume design, stage makeup, and theater construction. After transitioning to community engagement work with Core Life Eatery, where she helped open 60 locations in five years, she was recruited by Dick's Sporting Goods as community integration director for their innovative House of Sport banner.
She discovered breathwork five and a half years ago during the pandemic and immediately recognized its transformative power. Nearly three years ago, she earned her certification through instructor John Remy, training in person and integrating herself fully in the practice.
“When I really believe in something, I'm all in,” Meggan says. “I feel very passionate about this, it's my soul's purpose.”
What breathwork actually does
For those unfamiliar with the practice, breathwork might sound like meditation or simple deep breathing. Meggan is quick to clarify the distinction.
“Meditation is designed to quiet the mind,” she explains. “Breathwork is designed to move emotion out of your body. It's very active.”
The science behind it is compelling. When dealing with stress, cortisol levels rise and emotions, sometimes generational trauma, sit in our cells. We can't talk them away, but breathwork produces a physiological response that allows those emotions to move.
“Many of us are shallow breathers,” Meggan notes. “We don't really open up the space in our diaphragm. That's where emotions get stuck, they kind of choke back and stay there in your chest. If you don't do anything with it, it just stays there.”
A typical session lasts 45 minutes to an hour. After grounding techniques like discussing favorite sounds and colors to ease racing thoughts, clients lie down for the core technique: continuous breathing through the mouth for about 30 minutes, focusing on expanding the belly rather than shallow chest breathing.
Then comes what Meggan calls her clients' favorite part: a giant scream. After that primal release, sessions close with heart-opening moments focused on gratitude, love, and forgiveness.
“Most people experience an emotional release where they cry,” Meggan says. “Crying helps us close the stress cycle. There are hormones in your tears, you're releasing cortisol out of your body.”
Who needs breathwork?
The short answer: everyone. Meggan has worked with athletes, CEOs, retirees and people from all walks of life dealing with everything from childhood trauma to current stressors.
“So many people are walking around with unprocessed childhood trauma,” she observes. “It just sits in our body and they don't really know how to work through it.”
The practice helps people become witnesses to their emotions rather than at the mercy of them, taking the charge out of triggers by making people curious about their feelings rather than controlled by them.
“We're operating on these limiting beliefs we adopted when we were kids, from parents, teachers, coaches, bullies,” Meggan explains.
“They play over and over in our minds, and we think they're our own thoughts. But they're not. They were adopted. Breathwork allows us to hear our true voice.”
Many people don't even realize they're living in discomfort. “Their normal is discomfort,” Meggan says. “They don't even realize there are other options for them.”
Bringing the practice to CNY
Today, Meggan balances her role as community integration director at Dick's House of Sport, where she helped open the Rochester location featuring a turf field, rock climbing walls, and golf simulators - with her growing breathwork practice. She facilitates one-on-one sessions via Zoom, offers private in-person sessions from her home, and leads group sessions at studios and even on the turf field at House of Sport.
She's conducted breathwork for staff members and is contemplating booking a company-wide session as the retail industry heads into its most intense season. Her message for managing holiday stress: breathwork.
The practice is already creating ripple effects. Recently, one of Meggan's longtime clients was so transformed by breathwork that she gifted a session to her wife. “That's the goal,” Meggan says, when people find breathwork so powerful they want to share it with the people they love.
Holding space for healing
What drives Meggan is simple: holding safe space for people to have full emotional expression without judgment.
“When you can hold space for someone to have a full emotional release in a very safe space, that is what is supremely rewarding,” she says. “I always leave sessions feeling so grateful.”
Her invitation to the community is straightforward: you don't have to be at the mercy of your emotions. You don't have to carry unprocessed pain. There's another way, and it's as accessible as your own breath. SWM
To book a breathwork session with Meggan Camp, find her on Instagram at @meggzeggy or visit the links in her bio to access her booking platform.
Through Jan. 12
Lights on the Lake
What: This two-mile-long drive-thru show features hundreds of holiday displays with over 600,000 lights. Sections include a larger-than life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, holiday traditions, a fairy tale magic grand finale and more. Tickets must be purchased online.
When: 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool Info: Tickets: galaxyeventscompany.ticketspice.com/lights-on-the-lake-20252026/?t=1763218228.
Through Dec. 31
Art In Windows Tour
What: Experience Downtown Syracuse with the Interactive Art in Windows Street Gallery by MIDOMA. Visit 4 l ocations (231 E. Washington St / 210 Walton St., 400 S Salina St., 111 W. Onondaga St.) 24/7 to view rotating art and fashion by NY Creatives. Complete the tour with a visit at our partner gallery art haus SYR (120 Walton St. / Tue-Sat noon to 6 p.m.) to find out more about the local art scene of Syracuse. This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program. Where: Multiple locations, downtown Syracuse Info: arthaus-syr.com
Through Dec. 24
Art Mart
What: Sponsored by Syracuse Allied Arts, Inc, Art Mart is a holiday store featuring unique and original gifts created by local artists and crafters.
Where: 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday Info: (315) 720-6305
Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 21, Dec. 24
Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles
Friday, Dec. 5
SU Brass Ensemble Concert
What: Join director Dr. James T. Spencer and associate director Craig Elwood as they present a diverse repertoire including classical favorites, hymns and holiday tunes to kick start the spirit of the season. Free and open to the public.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Destiny USA Canyon area
Saturday, Dec. 6
Festival of Trees and LightIndian Rhythms Performance
What: Be mesmerized by energetic and rhythmic fusion of Indian classical folk dances as well as music. This Indian dance ensemble works cultural exchange through dance and movements. Free with museum admission. When: 3:30 p.m.
Where: Everson Museum of Art Info: everson.org
Saturday, Dec. 6
Holiday Makers Market
What: Kick off the holiday season with local cheer, craft beer and one-of-a-kind finds at the market. Shop handmade goods and gifts from talented local artisans, including Michelle Darin Jewelry, while enjoying fresh pours from the farm brewery. Then stick around for the MCB-Unplugged After-Party in The Cellar featuring Seattle Sons Live from 6 to 8 p.m. - a night of great music, cozy vibes, and winter brews. When: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What: Join Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria and their entourage for the 32nd edition of Dickens Christmas, with trunk shows, sing-alongs, musical and other entertainment, hot roasted chestnuts and appearances by such beloved characters as Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Washington Irving and Father Christmas.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. and noon-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 24
Where: Village of Skaneateles Info: skaneateles.com.
Monday, Dec. 1
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
What: A brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family, this original cirque holiday theatrical event wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus acts. Guests of all ages will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Meier’s Creek Brewing Company, 33 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia Info: meierscreekbrewing.com
Saturday, Dec. 13
Winter Farmers Market
What: At the winter indoor farmers market, shoppers will find a wide variety of high quality, locally grown and produced items like meats, fresh vegetables, maple products, prepared foods, baked goods, coffee, and specialty hand-crafted items.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus Info: baltimorewoods.org/winter-farmers-market-at-baltimore-woods/
Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13-21
Crafted Underground
Where: OnCenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse
Tickets: ticketmaster.com
What: A celebration of, and evolving showcase for the many talented creatives of Syracuse returns for a handmade vendor pop-up series at The McCarthy Mercantile! The mercantile will be transformed into a series of pop-ups featuring local small businesses and some surprises of course.
When: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 217 S. Salina St., Syracuse
King joins Oswego Health Therapy Services team
Michele R. King, MS, OTR/L, has officially joined the Oswego Health Therapy Services team. Michele joins the team along with Jason A. Myers, PT, with whom she formerly co-owned Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers Inc.
She brings over 21 years of experience in outpatient occupational therapy, demonstrating a passion for treating physical dysfunction across the lifespan. Specializing in orthopedic and neurological hand therapy and upper-quarter rehabilitation, Michele uses evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques to support patients in regaining function and independence with the use of their upper extremity.
She holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Russell Sage College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and served as president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association. Michele has extensive experience managing outpatient clinics, providing post-surgical care for patients with hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions, including custom splinting. She has developed both vestibular and pelvic health programs in her previous role, and has coordinated pediatric services. Michele will treat patients at the Oswego clinic located at 300 Route 104.
“Having Michele and Jason join our team is a tremendous addition to Oswego Health Therapy Services,” said Jason Pratt, PT, Director of Therapy Services. “Their combined experience, clinical expertise, and leadership will allow us to expand our capabilities and continue delivering outstanding care to our community.”
“I’m thrilled to continue serving my patients within the Oswego Health system,” said Michele. “The resources, support, and collaborative environment here allow me to provide the highest level of care to every individual.”
Oswego Health Therapy Services offers physical, occupational and speech therapy at five convenient locations.
Patients looking to schedule an appointment with Michele King at the Oswego clinic should call 315-207-2822.
Cheung comes to St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care
Cassandra Cheung, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician, will continue her professional career at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care in Cazenovia.
A familiar face at St. Joseph’s Health, Dr. Cheung was chief resident in the family medicine residency program, focusing on inpatient, OB care and sports medicine, in addition to acute and preventative care.
Dr. Cheung is no stranger to leadership roles.
Prior to her post-graduate training, Dr. Cheung received her Bachelor of Science in honors biology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her Diploma of Higher Education Medical Sciences from St. George’s University in Newcastle, and her Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University in Grenada, earning scholarships in both endeavors.
Dr. Cheung is a compassionate and dedicated physician, experienced in inpatient and outpatient care in underserved communities.
“I love family medicine and being able to work with patients of all ages in all stations of life to support their health and well-being,” said Dr. Cheung. “I’m honored to be staying at St. Joseph’s Health where I started as a young physician and found so much support from my mentors and fellow colleagues. I value those relationships and look forward to creating lasting connections with patients in this wonderful community.”
In her spare time, Dr. Cheung enjoys listening to classical music, playing tennis, hiking and doing yoga.
Dr. Cheung speaks English and Cantonese and is seeing patients at St. Joseph’s Primary Care – Cazenovia at 132 ½ Albany St. #1. Call 315-655-8171 to schedule an appointment.
Meals on Wheels Syracuse selects Hurny-Fricano as executive director
The Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels of Syracuse has selected Beth Hurny-Fricano as executive director. Beth is replacing Mason Kaufman who is retiring in April.
Hurny-Fricano has over 20 years of experience managing nonprofit organizations in the Syracuse area, most recently at ARISE Child and Family Services Inc., where she served on the senior leadership team as director of clinical services. Prior to joining ARISE, Beth served as executive director for Prevention Network. With her extensive experience in the human services field, she is now looking forward to completing the circle of support of food insecurity and socialization through the “Power of a Knock” with the Meals on Wheels mission.
Fox appointed branch manager of new Solvay Bank E. Syracuse office
Solvay Bank is months away from the opening of its 10th branch office in East Syracuse. To lead this new location, the bank has appointed Briana Fox as AVP, branch manager.
Briana brings extensive experience, having joined Solvay Bank in 2016 as a banking solutions representative at the Fairmount Office. Her professional journey included promotions to assistant branch manager at Solvay Bank’s DeWitt location and, most recently, branch manager for the North Syracuse office. Briana is focused on assembling a strong team to expand Solvay Bank's customer base and meet the financial needs of the East Syracuse community.
The office will be located in Wegmans Plaza on James Street.
Hamrah joins St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary CareLiverpool
St. Joseph’s Health recently announced that Maryam Hamrah, MD, has started her new position at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care in Liverpool, after recently completing her residency in family medicine at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital.
Dr. Hamrah, originally from Canada, first attended Azad University of Tehran Medical Branch in Iran and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in biology from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, graduating with honors. She earned her doctorate from Saba University School of Medicine in The Bottom, Caribbean Netherlands, before making the long journey to Syracuse, where she recently completed her residency in family medicine.
“I immediately felt a sense of belonging at St. Joseph’s. It felt a bit like a fairytale and was clear that this is where I wanted to build my career,” said Dr. Hamrah. “What drives me most is building long-term relationships with my patients— sharing the joy of a delivery, holding a hand during difficult times, and being trusted as a steady presence through all of life’s moments.”
As a family physician, Dr. Hamrah is deeply committed to caring for the whole patient. She is especially passionate about women’s health, patient education, caring for underserved populations and emphasizing preventive care.
She has held roles as a research assistant and has published a study on the use of complementary and alternative medicine for children with sickle cell disease. She is multilingual, speaking English, Persian and basic Arabic.
Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, permaculture gardening (a way of creating sustainable, self-sufficient gardens), and outdoor activities.
Dr. Hamrah is seeing patients at St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care at 5100 W. Taft Road, Suite 1D, Liverpool. Call 315-452-2828 to schedule an appointment.
