OHA celebrates proud heritage of women in CNY
Onondaga Historical Association collects and preserves the history of Syracuse and Onondaga County. It is a humbling experience to lead an organization in existence since the Civil War. We are preparing for a major renovation of our historic downtown Syracuse home, a building built in 1906 that houses extensive collections – from documents, maps, correspondence and historic newspapers to hundreds of articles of clothing and military uniforms, artwork and photographs and locally manufactured items. The project marks a pivotal moment, enhancing our ability to preserve these collections while expanding our educational and public programming.
For the first time in Syracuse history, the majority of arts and cultural organizations have a woman at the helm. Fortunately, we share a solid foundation of female philanthropy and leadership.
Named for philanthropist Helen Everson, the Everson Museum is a trailblazing organization of American Art and Ceramics. The museum houses one of the largest holdings of American ceramics, particularly Adelaide Robineau’s work. Her Syracuse home was designed by Katherine Budd, one of the few women in the American Institute of Architects in the 1920s. A century later, Executive Director Elizabeth Dunbar executed a major renovation. Her vision included “Louise,” the café inspired by Louise Rosenfeld, a museum trustee whose collection of functional ceramics makes for an unparalleled dining experience.
Like Helen Everson, Rosamond Gifford’s philanthropy has a lasting local impact. In 1954, her estate established the Gifford Charitable Corporation and in 1999, the Gifford Foundation provided a $2 million endowment for educational programs at Syracuse’s zoo. Opened in 1914, the zoo is widely recognized for its focus on animal welfare, green infrastructure and wildlife conservation education. Friends of the Zoo Executive Director Carrie Large collaborated with author Barbara Sheklin Davis to release her latest historical publication, a history of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Rosamond Gifford’s love for animals was matched by her passion for music. Her funding supported the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra’s first conductor in 1956. Today, our community enjoys vibrant performances from the musician-led cooperative organization known as the Syracuse Orchestra – a transformation led by Executive Director Pamela Murchison.
Under Lauren Kochian’s leadership, our city’s science and technology museum is thriving. Few people are aware that women’s philanthropic investment launched the museum’s first iteration. In 1977, the Junior League and National Council of Jewish Women saw a need for a science education center, joining forces with the Technology Alliance of CNY to open the Discovery Center in a downtown storefront in 1981. In 1997, the museum moved to Syracuse’s Armory, thanks to the generosity of Elaine Rubenstein and her family in memory of her husband, Milt, one of United Radio’s founders.
The community’s world class professional theater, Syracuse Stage, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 under the leadership of its first female managing director, Jill Anderson. The organization recently announced her successor, Carly DiFulvio Allen.
Under the direction of Natalie Stetson, the Erie Canal Museum will mark the Bicentennial of this transformational infrastructure project’s completion. Museum programming also draws attention to social and religious movements that made way for the Women’s Suffrage movement in CNY.
These are just a few organizations making up our diverse landscape of women-led arts and cultural centers. Rose Viviano leverages social change and activism through the Norman Putter gallery space at ArtRage, a product of Ruth Putter’s philanthropy in honor of her husband. Tere Paniagua leads the Point of Contact Gallery and La Casita Cultural Center in the preservation of the Hispanic community’s culture and creativity. Dr. Tanisha Jackson, Director of the Community Folk Art Gallery, has focused her research career on Black women in contemporary art and popular culture.
The common thread throughout our organizations is our work to improve our community’s quality of life. Weekends, evenings and school holidays are our specialty and we relish opportunities to inspire the next generation of historians, scientists, builders and creative thinkers, activists and innovators.
This critical mass of women leading Syracuse’s arts, culture, science and historical organizations has gone virtually unnoticed. Some may consider this an oversight, but perhaps it is a sign we have achieved the sought after progress of women who paved our way. We have moved past being the firsts and are simply doing our jobs.
Lisa Romano Moore is the executive director of the Onondaga Historical Association.
Correction: We apologize for the omission of photography credit in our January 2025 issue. The photograph of Karisha Solomon in "Death Doula helps prepare for end of life" was taken by Katie Becker Photography.
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DESIGN
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PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Alyssa Dearborn
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Chef Eric Rose
CONTRIBUTORS
Janelle Davis
Alyssa Dearborn
Dr. Norma Cooney
Dr. Kristina Go Kate Hanzalik
Lisa Romano Moore
Lorna Oppedisano
Chef Eric Rose
David Tyler
Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson
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Chocolate discovery at the MOST
It was a sweet night at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) on Thursday, Feb. 6, for the museum’s annual Chocolate Discovery fundraiser. Sponsored by Byrne Dairy and cohosted by Armory Square’s Sweet on Chocolate, the night featured a decadent selection of hand-crafted chocolates, delicious food, and sparkling wine. The evening was capped off by a star-crossed lovers planetarium show in the MOST’s National Grid ExploraDome theatre.
Photos by Ana Gil Photography
Photo by Alyssa Dearborn
Pawsitivitea:
A CLASSIC CAFÉ WITH FELINE FRIENDSHIP
Alyssa Dearborn
Nearly five years ago, Pawsitivitea opened its doors with the mission to bring Central New Yorkers – both human and feline – happiness and companionship. When you enter Pawsitivitea, you are met with a full menu board of tea blends, classic cafe offerings, seasonal coffees, and fresh baked treats. The whole space is decorated with cat-themed nicknacks, art, and signage. It appears to be a small space until you see the window that overlooks the cat room. It is a cozy, welcoming space that begs you to sip a warm drink, have a sweet snack, and enjoy the company of lovable cats.
Alisha Reynolds, the owner of Pawsitivitea and a cat mom of four, wanted to create a safe place where humans and cats can feel at home. It is a small cafe with a big mission and an even bigger heart.
“I’ve always kind of been around animals since I was very little, so they’ve always been a part of my life.” Alisha said, “But definitely, the more I learned about cat cafes, before we opened up, the more of an interest I took in it.”
“The big thing is that it’s one big foster space.” Alisha added when asked about the benefits of cat cafes, “So, instead of these guys being in foster homes and maybe not getting the attention or socialization that they need, these guys get to hang out here. They get used to meeting other people. And, of course, there’s people who can’t necessarily have pets or aren’t allowed to have them at home because of allergies or rent and landlords and stuff. It gives them the opportunity to come in and get their fix.”
Alisha works with area animal shelters, including Oswego County SPCA, Wayward Paws, and The Inconvenient Kitten. If a visitor connects with a cat, they can ask to fill out an adoption application for the respective animal shelter. The shelters provide the cats, Alisha provides them with a temporary home.
“We opened September 2020. That was a fun time.” she laughed when thinking about Pawsitivitea’s first year, “But we made it work. That whole thing gave people the chance to shut the world off for a bit and just pet some cats and forget COVID exists for five minutes.”
After getting past the challenge of opening a business during a pandemic, Alisha helped the cafe grow into a place where people can gather and where small businesses and local makers can collaborate. In the cafe area, visitors can buy locally crafted clay cats, crocheted cat loaves, cat-shaped pride magnets, and other unique trinkets. The cafe has expanded to the stage where it can host monthly events. Visitors can check Pawsitivitea’s online calendar and plan to attend Dungeons and Dragons nights, paint and sips, “bean”go, live cat drawing, “mew”-vie nights, cat yoga, metaphysical night, and more.
“Obviously we’ve seen a lot more people,” when asked how Pawsitivity has changed over its first few years. “We don’t do advertising, it’s all word of mouth. There’s always people learning about us. I kind of had to expand and reorganize the cafe side, just for operating purposes. And I get a lot of small businesses that come in and we collaborate on something once in a while. I sell local art and all that kind of stuff. I’m always looking for something new. The big one who has been with me since the beginning is Fat Cat Baking. They bring me our vegan treats.”
Being a place where people can be calm and find happiness is part of Pawsitivitea’s mission. Cat cafes provide an environment where cats can be comfortable and where their personalities can be brought out. Cat cafés can have a similar effect on humans. Alisha wants everyone to feel welcome at the cafe and emphasizes that Pawsitivitea is a safe space.
“It’s obviously very important.” She said about Pawsitivitea’s mission of inclusivity, “Anytime I’ve looked at [the news], it gets kind of depressing. So I’m trying to listen, but also keep it at the back of my mind. We don’t need all that negativity. Obviously, with the whole name of our place: Pawsitivitea. There’s all those puns in there and all that good stuff. I just wanted it to be a positive place for people to come in and just know that they have that. There’s coffee, there’s cats, there’s tea. Usually, a lot of people like that kind of stuff. It’s something people can have in common and potentially even make a friend by accident. I’ve got some weird hair, I got piercings and holes all over my face. I don’t like being judged for how I look or how I want to act, why does anyone else deserve that? They don’t.”
SWM
To learn more about Pawsitivitea Cat Cafe’s visiting policies, events, and cat adoption process, visit www.pawsitiviteacny.com.
Photos by Alyssa Dearborn
Sweet Sounds at January JazzFest
January JazzFest 2025 was held at the Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville in late January. Patrons enjoyed a full day of music split up over four different venues within Mohegan Manor. Ryan Millard/Coldwell Banker was the stage sponsor for the event, which is an annual fundraiser for CNY Jazz Central.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dr. Kristina Go
Aside from skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The extra public awareness of colon cancer each March may help someone take needed next steps to evaluate their risk. As a specialist in colorectal cancer surgery, I’d like to remind to everyone that colon cancer has a better chance for successful treatment if it's caught early.
For an average person — someone without a family history of colon cancer — the age for the first screening is now 45 years old. If you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, particularly in first degree relatives, such as your parents, siblings or children, you should have your first screening at either age 40 or 10 years before your relative was diagnosed. So, for example, if you had a loved one who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 40, that means you should start screening at age 30.
About one-third of my own patients have had their colorectal cancers discovered before they have any symptoms at all. This early detection is thanks to screening where the cancer is caught in the most treatable stages. In terms of finding cancers, colonoscopy is the superior test for a couple of reasons. Number one, it can find colon or rectal cancers as well as polyps. Polyps are abnormal growths that may represent a pre-cancer. With a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed and tested, so not only is this a diagnostic test, but one that actually treats something.
• In the week leading to your colonoscopy, avoid foods that are high in fiber or residues, such as leafy green vegetables. You can return to those healthy foods after your colonoscopy, of course!
• The bowel prep used closer to the procedure is to completely clean out your colon. In blunt terms, this means having a lot of diarrhea. Skin irritation can be relieved with zinc oxide, the same ingredient found in diaper cream.
Another reason why I advocate so strongly for colonoscopy is because when a person is diagnosed with either colon or rectal cancer, there may be an increased chance that there is another polyp or cancer in the rest of the large intestine. Your colon is about five to six feet in length, but whenever you talk about the large intestine, that includes both the colon and the very last part called the rectum.
People who have avoided colonoscopies because of the “prep,” should know that having a colonoscopy has improved in comfort. However, for the test to be successful the patient really must follow all the steps. I like to share this advice with my patients because a good preparation will give everyone the best answers.
• The entire day before your colonoscopy, make sure to drink lots of clear liquids in addition to your bowel prep medications. Staying hydrated can also decrease any symptoms of nausea. Also, to decrease the flavor of the prep medication, keeping that liquid very cold or using a straw can help. People sometimes are embarrassed about the problems they have that may be warning signs for colon cancer. There may be vague or nonspecific symptoms like abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits. I’m here to reassure you that your doctor has heard it all and no change is too small to discuss. Whenever we're talking about a “change in bowel habits,” that could include new onset constipation, diarrhea, dark blood in the stool or a change the width of your stool, from say the width or a quarter to the width of a pencil. These signs can sometimes be concerning for a colon or rectal cancer and need to be noted. Please share any of these changes with your doctor, even if they also can be attributed to other conditions.
Screening has helped decrease the rates of colon cancer deaths in older adults, but one-third of adults over age 45 are not screened as recommended. Colorectal cancer is second-most common cause of cancer death when men and women are combined, and rates are rising among younger patients for reasons that are not completely clear. Early detection by screening is the way to lower this, as the fiveyear survival rate among cancer that has not traveled beyond the colon or rectum is over 90%. Use this month as a reminder to check on your own screening needs at your next healthcare appointment. SWM
While we can’t control our age or genetics, we can control our diet. While there is no specific diet that prevents colon cancer, studies suggest diet can be a risk factor. Diets that are high in animal fat and processed meats may be linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. A diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables may to be linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Dr. Kristina Go is an assistant clinical professor of general and colorectal surgery at Upstate Cancer Center.
The secret to lasting glow —
FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Dr. Norma Cooney
Let’s talk beauty -beyond the surface, beyond the quick fixes, and beyond the products that promise temporary results. It’s not just about the superficial glow you can get from a quick facial or even Botox and filler (although we love a good aesthetic treatment). The real magic happens when we nurture ourselves from within. In the 21st century, there’s a shift happening - a shift toward beauty that goes beyond the surface. We’re talking about making beauty a long-term, sustainable result, not a temporary fix.
Beauty from the cellular level:
The foundation of radiance
Let’s get down to the foundation of beauty: the cellular level. Our skin, hair, and body are made up of trillions of cells that need the right building blocks to function at their best. Our bodies need vitamins, minerals, hormones, and cofactors to function properly and maintain beauty at every level. When we nourish our cells with the right fuel, that beauty is reflected in our energy, vitality, and appearance. The beauty glow comes from better cellular health!
Elevating your health:
A beauty ritual like no other
True beauty starts with taking care of your inner health, and the best way to achieve this is by fueling your body with vitamins and nutrients that promote cellular health. A beautiful exterior is only a reflection of how we treat ourselves on the inside. So, how do we make sure we’re on the path to radiant, glowing beauty?
Vitamins and nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Key vitamins like A, B, C, D, and E are powerhouse nutrients that promote collagen production, fight inflammation, and keep skin texture smooth and youthful. Vitamin B12, for example, is vital for energy production, which directly impacts a glowing complexion. Energy supports the body's natural processes, and a rested body heals and regenerates. Sleep is when we recover, rejuvenate, and repair ourselves. CoQ10, along with antioxidants like resveratrol, play a critical role in fighting the visible signs of aging by protecting and repairing skin cells from oxidative stress, helping maintain a youthful appearance over time.
NAD+ levels, we give our cells the necessary tools to repair themselves, improving skin tone, reducing wrinkles, and restoring that coveted youthful glow.
Beauty
Hormones?: hormonal balance is key to health and beauty
Equally important is maintaining hormonal balance. Our hormones have a profound impact on every aspect of our health, including skin clarity, aging, and even mood. Estrogen plays a key role in promoting cardiac health and boosting collagen production, which helps maintain a smooth, youthful complexion. Progesterone is essential for ensuring restful sleep, which allows for proper recovery and rejuvenation. Testosterone, often overlooked in women, is vital for maintaining lean muscle mass, improving libido, alleviating brain fog, enhancing sleep quality, and strengthening bones. A healthy hormonal balance is essential to preserving a vibrant, youthful appearance, allowing you to age gracefully inside and out. Don’t Let Your Fountain of Youth Dry Up
When it comes to rejuvenating the body and skin, hydration and detoxification are key. While drinking water and taking vitamins orally are important, sometimes they aren't enough to deliver the optimal levels of hydration and nutrients needed for full-body revitalization. IV treatments deliver higher doses of vitamins, minerals, and hydration directly into the bloodstream, allowing for faster absorption and more noticeable results. High-dose Vitamin C and glutathione are particularly effective in promoting skin health and beauty. Vitamin C is known to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and protect against free radical damage, giving the skin a radiant, youthful glow. Glutathione, widely recognized for its detoxifying properties, helps brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and combat oxidative stress. These therapies not only enhance skin health but also rejuvenate from the inside out, helping to fight the effects of aging and improve overall wellness.
Embrace the Holistic Approach to Beauty
But there's another secret weapon in the fight against aging - NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). Often referred to as the “Fountain of Youth in a Bottle,” NAD+ is one of the most powerful anti-aging tools available. Optimizing NAD+ levels can help repair DNA, protect against oxidative stress, and activate the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Essentially, NAD+ helps reverse cellular aging, which in turn supports healthier, younger-looking skin. As we age, our DNA naturally accumulates damage and our cellular machinery cannot keep up unassisted, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and potentially even more severe health issues. By enhancing
By embracing a holistic approach to beauty, focusing on cellular health, hormone balance, hydration, and nutrient absorption, we can unlock long-lasting, natural beauty that goes far beyond facials or botox. Real beauty is about feeling vibrant, radiant, and healthyinside and out. With the right combination of vitamins, hydration and cutting-edge therapies, we have the tools to keep our bodies - and our beauty - strong, youthful, and thriving for years to come. SWM
Dr. Norma GL Cooney, FACEP, specializes in medical aesthetics, wellness and health optimization, and advanced infusion therapy at One Vida in DeWitt.
JULIA WALBERGER
Embracing joy every day
Kate Hanzalik
“Why do women feel we only can have one job, one career, one focus in our lifetime? That any more than that makes us frivolous, or indecisive?” Julia Walberger asks decades after a work life that’s been cast in the diverging light of thousands upon thousands of sunsets she’s seen all over the world. “I had worked as a server right out of high school, saving every penny to travel the world. I ended up in San Deigo, working on long-term, deep-sea sportfishing boats. As a galley assistant I would toss the chum, gaff 200 lb Big Eye tuna, and then turn the afternoon catch into sushi for sunset. All while traveling up and down the Mexican Riviera. It sounds, and it was amazing.”
Her compass is a mindset that serves as a mantra for women who might worry about where their lives are going: “Wherever your first career takes you, give it your all in that moment, learn everything you can, and be good at it. That will give you the resources and the power so that when you’re ready, you can move on to that other thing you’ve always wanted to do.”
As a galley assistant, Julia worked seven days a week and slept six hours a night, which she knew wasn’t sustainable. She describes the experience as: “Insanity you can only handle and enjoy, in your early 20s.” So, what’s a girl to do? “When the time came that I needed someone to tell me to get serious about life, it was the wisdom of my Grandmother, on the ready, to offer me room and board as I tried on my first real career.
Continued on page 20
I was on a long weekend visit with her and I told her how much I missed cooking.
That Sunday she found an ad in the paper and took me to an interview at one of the most spectacular Cape Cod resorts in the day. I couldn’t answer any formal culinary questions correctly, so I was surprised when [the] executive chef asked me if I would take an entry level position. I was gobsmacked.”
She spent years pouring her heart and soul into the job. She worked full time and as much overtime as she could get, developing her skills all the while.
“I went in on my days off to work positions I wasn’t ready for yet, or to experiment with food, (schedules a young zealot can’t do anymore). As much as I loved that restaurant, I realized, as a woman in a male dominated field, I needed a little extra to continue on in the culinary world. I had to go to culinary school. And so I did.” She enrolled in the Baltimore International Culinary Arts Institute and earned her associate’s degree. But the more we learn the more we realize we hardly know anything at all. By the time Julia graduated, she’d reached the limit of her student loans yet wanted to delve deeper into the fascinating science of gastronomy.
“When the opportunity came to study in Paris, I didn’t even dream.” Julia says. “A week before departure, I was notified my tuition was paid. My mother passed away last week. Just recently she told me she had taken out a loan so that I might attend.” A strong woman who symbolized adulthood to Julia, her mother gave her the chance of a lifetime. “It was the professional icing on the cake. The degree with the Paris diploma opened doors that never would have been opened, culminating in being the first female Executive Chef Marriott Hotels ever appointed in 1990.” Yet as much as she loved her job, she was still open to evolving when she met her husband, and life took her in yet another direction, to Central New York.
Equipped with over a decade of culinary talent, she became the executive chef at the Hotel Syracuse. “The legal and personality aspects of large staffs, and in the Hotel Syracuse’s case, a union, were fascinating. Marriott always had us training in a second discipline, and it was human resources that I found pulling me. When the position of HR director opened up, I pitched at my interview like it was the world series. GM Fred Grabowski, gave me the title, and the opportunity of a lifetime. I worked my hardest every day to be the very best human resource director that I could. Sadly, six years later, the Hotel Syracuse’s fluctuating occupancy, and crushing property taxes caused the doors to close. I still cannot say how happy I am that programs now exist to develop and sustain valuable town resources, and jobs.” She decided to leave the world of hospitality, applying her people skills to the most challenging endeavor of her life: motherhood.
“When my kids were very young, I tried being a stay-at-home mom. I gave it my best. I developed a profound appreciation for those who give up everything to take care of their children and their household. I lasted six months. I decided to take a few classes in Morrisville to learn a little about the field my husband was in, installing and maintaining landscapes. When people called to discuss their landscape, I couldn’t do much more than take a message. It was a foreign language. And thus (sigh) a challenge. Game on, and back to school.”
As she was earning another associate’s degree, she had no idea that she’d take a leadership role at Paradise Grounds, the company her husband founded in 1992, to tackle a problem seemingly beyond anyone’s control: TICKS. Lyme was on the rise in Central New York, and by the Spring of 2010, she couldn’t take it anymore.
“I was reading the usual emails about who found ticks on their kids at a soccer game in the FM fields. I was also, with one eye, watching the evening news, where ticks and preventive measures were also being discussed. Long sleeves, long socks, pants, and shoes, outdoors... for your kids... It was 90 degrees out!” She knew that was not the solution. “Why wasn’t anyone trying to protect children and pets from this insidious, blood sucking creature? It was an absolute epiphany! So, more classes, licensing, and there I was, offering something completely new, a service that treated your entire property for ticks and mosquitoes, featuring organic products!”
Julia is still in love with her newest career, and Paradise Grounds now has six licensed applicators. “Today most big box companies across the country now offer this service that little ol’ me zero’d in on 15 years ago. While the treatments are no longer called ‘organic’ due to the FDA wanting that word for consumable food, the primary ingredients remain the same.”
Her clientele is pleased with the eco-friendly treatment she has to offer. “I hear great things from my customers all the time. How their kids or their pets aren’t coming in with ticks since treatments began, or the fact they aren’t obsessing anymore, that the tick searches are always negative. A new customer told me recently, their outdoor time as a family had completely changed as a result of the sprayings. I am just very proud of this whole concept, because I think this is making a difference here, and now everywhere else.”
Unafraid to jump from one career to another, she says the moral of her story is that life can be fascinating. We should remember this when life gets tough, when everything seems to be going sideways, and we just want a new day, new job, new life; that’s when you have to look hard, and dig deep to find something in that day that makes it all worthwhile.
“Why do women feel we only can have one job, one career, one focus in our lifetime? That any more than that makes us frivolous, or indecisive?” JULIA WALBERGER
All of the opportunities that come our way can be intriguing if we just see them in a certain light.
Perhaps more important these days are the lessons Julia learned from her mother. “She is the one that gave me the gift of appreciation. She didn’t have much, and worked so very hard all her life. But she found the joy in every day, every job, every sunset. She taught me that trying to learn something every day, appreciating and enjoying what you have, no matter how little, allows you to embrace happiness and joy.”
The Sourdough revival
Chef Eric Rose
There’s something undeniably magical about sourdough bread. Maybe it’s the deep, tangy flavor that only time and patience can create. Or perhaps it’s the thrill of nurturing a bubbling starter—part science experiment, part labor of love. Whatever the reason, sourdough baking has taken social media by storm, with millions sharing their journeys toward the perfect loaf.
While the sourdough movement has been growing for years, it exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world slowed down, people had the time to experiment, to learn, and to connect with food in a way they hadn’t before. Making sourdough became more than just baking—it was therapy, a ritual, a way to create something nourishing from just flour, water, and salt. The beauty of sourdough is that it’s never perfect. There’s always a new technique to try, a way to improve hydration levels, fermentation times, or scoring patterns. That constant challenge keeps bakers coming back, loaf after loaf.
In Central New York, the movement is alive and well, thanks to passionate local bakers who are perfecting their craft and inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s a restaurant gearing up for a new bakery, a classically trained pastry chef experimenting with flavors, or a home baker with a viral following, the sourdough obsession is stronger than ever.
The health benefits of sourdough: More than just a trend. As a chef, health and wellness coach, and gut health specialist, I love seeing more people turn to sourdough—not just because of the artistry involved, but because it’s a healthier bread option. Unlike conventional breads made with commercial yeast, sourdough goes through a natural fermentation process that makes it easier to digest and more nutrient-dense.
Here’s why sourdough is a game-changer for gut health and overall wellness:
• Easier to digest – The fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier on the gut, especially for those with gluten sensitivity (though not for people with celiac disease).
• Better nutrient absorption – Because phytic
• Prebiotic & Probiotic Benefits –
The natural bacteria in sour-dough feed the good microbes in your gut, supporting digestion and immune health.
• Lower Glycemic Index – Sourdough doesn’t spike blood sugar as dramatically as conventional white or whole wheat bread, making it a better option for those managing blood sugar levels.
In a world filled with ultra-processed foods, sourdough represents a return to real food, to slow food. And people can taste the difference.
The science of sourdough at The Clerk’s House
Chris Greco, the head baker at The Cider Mill Restaurant, has been immersed in the culinary world since she was 18. With years of experience under Chef Jerry Bolton at the On-Center, she now leads the charge at The Clerk’s House, a soon-to-open bakery and deli behind the restaurant. The building, once home to the town clerk, is being transformed into a hub for artisanal bread and pastries.
Chris and the Cider Mill team, including owners Teresa and Dan Seeley, have spent two years meticulously fine-tuning their sourdough starter. Their approach is part art, part science, carefully documenting each step to ensure perfection.
“Sourdough is alive. It changes with the seasons, the humidity, and the flour. Understanding it takes time,” Chris explains. Her love for the craft is influenced by Anthony Bourdain’s fearless approach to food and storytelling. In addition to sourdough, she is particularly passionate about Japanese milk bread, known for its pillowy softness.
A rising star in the pastry world
Alyssa Goodwin, a recent Culinary Institute of America graduate from Marcellus, is bringing a fresh perspective to baking. As The Clerk House’s pastry chef, she specializes in decadent treats like Crème Brulé, drunken sticky buns, and carrot cake. Her passion for baking started young—so young, in fact, that in fifth grade, she dressed up as Julia Child for a school project.
Inspired by Christina Tosi, the creative mind behind Milk Bar, Alyssa believes in blending classic techniques with unexpected flavors. “Baking should be fun and a little bit nostalgic,” she says. She swears by The Flavor Bible as her go-to resource, ensuring each creation is both balanced and bold.
Liverpool’s underground sourdough star
While professional bakers are refining their craft in commercial kitchens, Joe Cavataio is proving that exceptional sourdough can come from an unexpected place—his basement. A Liverpool resident and sales industry professional, Joe has turned his 10-year hobby into a full-fledged passion, earning a cult following through his Instagram page, Liverpool Sourdough.
Born in October 1967, Joe is on a relentless quest to master sourdough, sharing every success (and failure) with his growing audience. What makes his story so inspiring is that he’s doing it all with basic home kitchen equipment. No industrial ovens, no professional mixers—just dedication, patience, and a love for the craft. “If I can do it, anyone can,” he says. His perfectly blistered crusts and airy crumbs offer hope to aspiring home bakers looking to create bakery-quality bread in their own kitchens. The future of bread in Central New York
Sourdough isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a movement rooted in tradition, patience, and creativity. Whether it’s The Clerk House bringing handcrafted loaves to the community, Alyssa reimagining classic desserts, or Joe inspiring home bakers one Instagram post at a time, the sourdough renaissance is alive and well in Central New York.
So, the next time you scroll through social media and see someone proudly slicing into a golden-crusted masterpiece, know that you’re witnessing more than just a food trend. It’s a testament to timehonored techniques, a shared love for good bread, and a reminder that the best things in life are worth the wait. SWM
Artisan Bread
Chris Greco ~ Cider Mill Restaurant
INGREDIENTS
650g (5¼ c) Bread Flour
9g (2½ tsp) Instant yeast
425g (1¾ c) Lukewarm warm water DIRECTIONS
1 Mix dry ingredients together.
50g (⅓ c) Semolina Flour
2 tsp Kosher salt
2. Add water and knead together for a few minutes. If adding any flavors or additions with moisture then add a few tablespoons of flour at the end.
3. Cover with wrap and let sit out at room temperature for 3 hours.
4. Heat dutch ovens in oven at 425°F for 30 min.
5. Turn dough onto table shape into a ball, dust with semolina flour on all sides, score bread, turn onto parchment paper.
6. Put in dutch oven covered for 20 minutes, then bake uncovered for 13 min or until internal temp is 210°F. Remove from dutch oven onto cooling rack. Let cool for 2 hours.
Sourdough Bread Recipe
Chris Greco ~ Cider Mill Restaurant
INGREDIENTS 1 Loaf 4 Loaves
Starter (active)
Water (at beginning)
150g (⅔ c)
600g (2½ c)
350g (1½ c) 1400g (5⅞ c)
Whole Wheat Flour 75g (⅔ c) 300g (2⅔ c)
Bread Flour
Water (when adding salt)
450g (3½ c) 1800g (13⅞ c)
25g (⅛ c) 100g (½ c)
Salt 10g (1¾ tsp) 40g (1⅓ Tbsp)
DIRECTIONS
1. Mixing: Combine the starter and water in a bowl, stirring to dissolve. Mix in the flour. Cover and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
2. Adding salt: Add salt and the second portion of water, then knead by pinching and squeezing until the salt dissolves and the water is absorbed. Cover and let sit for another 15 minutes.
3. Stretch and fold: Gently stretch the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat every 15 minutes until four stretch-
Chris Grecco and Alyssa Goodwin at The Clerk's House
sourdough revival FROM PAGE 26 and-fold cycles are completed. Cover and let bulk ferment for three hours.
4. Pre-Shaping: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pre-shape into a ball or oval, removing any larger air pockets and building surface tension for a good rise. Each unbaked loaf should weigh approximately 1000g (2¼ lb).
5. Proofing: Place the dough in a banneton basket and allow it to proof overnight in the refrigerator (or up to 72 hours).
6. Baking: Preheat a bread pan or Dutch oven to 425°F (convection oven). Remove the dough from the fridge and bake immediately. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 13-15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cooling: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least an hour before slicing.
Relax....Refresh.... Renew
KRISTIE GRANDE, KELLI WORDEN, JENNIFER HAMM & RACHAEL DEFILIPPIS
The women of McClurg
BREAKING GROUND: WOMEN LEADING THE WAY IN HIGH-END REMODELING
Janelle Davis
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, four remarkable women at McClurg Remodeling are reshaping stereotypes and setting new standards in design-build and home renovation. As project consultants and coordinators, they bring unique perspectives, deep expertise, and collaborative approaches to one of Central New York's premier remodeling firms.
For more than 45 years, McClurg has been synonymous with quality craftsmanship in the Syracuse area. Behind this legacy stands a dynamic team that includes Kristie Grande, Kelli Worden, and Jennifer Hamm as project consultants, alongside Rachael DeFilippis as Design-Build Sales Coordinator. Their journeys to McClurg are as diverse as their expertise, yet they share a common purpose: a passion for transforming spaces and enhancing lives.
The company, led by Founder & Co-Owner Scott McClurg alongside Co-Owners Brian Ciota and Jamie Sprague, has built its reputation on maintaining the highest standards of quality while fostering a uniquely supportive workplace culture.
"I was always interested in bits and pieces of it all my life," says Kristie Grande, who initially pursued teaching before following her true calling. "Since I was a little kid, I was interested in interior design and spatial awareness. I used to rearrange my room constantly, paint without my parents' permission – it was just something I've always loved." After studying civil engineering and working in tile design, Grande found her perfect fit at McClurg, where she helps clients bring their visions to life.
Kelli Worden's path to McClurg began in education and entrepreneurship. After 18 years of running her own business and flipping homes with her husband, she started at McClurg in accounts payable before transitioning to a full-
time project consultant role. "I love to come to work every day," Worden shares. "Everyone has a different skill set and knowledge, and they're so willing to share it to make sure the client and the product are truly done the correct way."
Jennifer Hamm brought her civil engineering background and extensive home improvement retail management experience to McClurg. What drew her to the company was its reputation for excellence and positive workplace culture. "I remember seeing the employees of McClurg, and everybody was so happy to be at work," Hamm recalls. "They carried themselves very differently than a lot of other people in the industry."
Rachael DeFilippis, who coordinates larger design-build projects, found her way to McClurg after experiencing less supportive environments in the industry, including a previous employer who laughed at the idea of a woman in a supervisor role. "The difference with McClurg is I see and feel like even our subs, our trades, everybody has the same mentality, the same vision, the same love for what they do," she explains. "When I was where I was, and now I'm with professional people in a professional company, I don't see that discrimination," DeFilippis adds, reflecting the broader changes happening in the remodeling and construction industries.
The team emphasizes that this cultural shift starts at the leadership level, with progressive companies like McClurg leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces. By setting high expectations for respect and valuing diverse perspectives, they've created an environment where women thrive in traditionally maledominated roles, with support extending beyond the immediate team to include subcontractors and trades partners who share the same values.
The women agreed that what sets McClurg apart is not just its commitment to quality craftsmanship, but its culture of collaboration and respect. The team emphasizes that this environment stems from leadership's dedication to maintaining high standards in both work quality and interpersonal relationships. The expectation of value and respect is set very high from the top down.
This collaborative spirit extends to their relationships with contractors and vendors. "I feel so comfortable being able to call our plumber, our electricians, any of our carpenters, with a question," Worden shares. "There is never an irritation, or we never feel that we're asking a stupid question. They are trying to come up with a resolution, and it's very welcoming."
The team's success at McClurg demonstrates the valuable perspectives women bring to the construction and remodeling industry. Their advice to other women considering similar careers? "Reach out to a woman that's doing it," Maggie Hartnett, McClurg’s Public Relations Coordinator, suggests. "Women can network with each other really well. Make those connections and keep reaching out."
Looking toward the future, McClurg is actively working to promote trade education and create pathways for the next generation. The company has partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension and local schools to introduce building and design concepts to children as early as kindergarten, ensuring that trade careers are presented as valuable options alongside traditional college paths.
For these women, the most rewarding aspect of their work is seeing their clients' joy when projects come to completion. "When we see their excitement and their vision, and then when it's all brought together and done, it really makes the world a great place," reflects Worden.
At McClurg, it's clear that success isn't just measured in finished projects but in the relationships built and lives enhanced along the way. SWM
Sneaking a peak at the newest rides
The Syracuse Auto Dealers Association (SADA) Charity Preview kicked the Syracuse Auto Expo on Feb. 12. All the funds raised at the preview go to the selected charities that sell tickets to the event. Attendees got first look at the vehicles inside the Oncenter and War Memorial while enjoying food and drinks with the rest of Syracuse's most generous.
LORI NEWCOMB
Craving the spice of life
David Tyler
The day after she graduated from Baldwinsville schools in 1976, Lori Newcomb started her new job at the Brown Newspapers in B’ville, one of the predecessors of Eagle News. While in school, she had been part of a fledgling job shadow program at which she got her first glimpse of the ins and outs of the printing business and then-publisher Dick Manville jumped at the chance to bring in the freshfaced young woman with a passion for printing.
Now, nearly 49 years later, after more changes in role and responsi-bility than one can count, Lori is still working
at the community newspaper company she started with as a teenager. Her official title is Circulation Director and Production Coordinator, but she could probably be better described as the glue that holds the company together – the person who knows each detail of what it takes to churn out a newspaper each week and put it in the hands of readers.
Many of her duties never came to her as a part of any job description - she simply saw a need and took the responsibility. When she saw that the photos in Eagle’s five weekly newspapers were running a little too dark, she jumped in and began color correcting each one before it went to press. When the editorial department was spread too thin to get to some community events, she grabbed her camera and started shooting. She is the last person to see the newspapers before they are sent to the printer, and the first one to see them when they return. In corporate terms, she is production, distribution and quality control, all wrapped up into one person.
A typical day is anything but typical. Almost every day, there’s a publication that needs to be sent to press. There are commercial printing customers that need their newsletters and publications designed. There are racks of Syracuse Woman Magazines in grocery stores all over Central New York that need to be stocked or restocked. There are readers who call to renew their subscription and get her familiar voice, a van that needs to be serviced, a community event that needs to be covered, etc., etc. etc.
Why is she still working in community news after all this time?
“I like the variety – that was the biggest thing. They always gave me variety back in the early years,” she said, recalling how she would fly the press, design the newspapers, and work with commercial printing customers. Despite having the opportunity to take on more singularly-focused roles, she’s always gravitated to jobs that break up the day. And in nearly
half a century in the industry, she has had a front row seat for the transformation of the industry from primarily a manual process to a digital one, requiring her to constantly evolve and learn new platforms and techniques.
And that need for variety is witnessed in her interests outside of newspapering as well. Through a previous relationship, she fell in love with auto racing and spent more than two decades deeply involved in the sport. She became the newsletter editor for the Central New York region of the Sports Car Club of America, twice winning first place in national competitions for her publication, and eventually became executive of the region. She worked the flagging and communications and the tower at Watkins Glen, both for regional races and when professional organizations like NASCAR and IMSA came to the Glen. And she spent a lot of time behind the wheel as well, competing –and often winning – races at regional tracks around Central New York.
As her time at the racetracks wound down, she began using her free time to get more involved in the local music scene. It started at Syracuse WinterFest, where she saw a band that she enjoyed and then quickly started going to live music events all over the area. Soon, several nights a week, she was shooting photographs and videos of local bands from a variety of music genres, posting them on social media to help with their publicity. Her efforts in this arena were recognized in 2024 by the Syracuse Area Music Awards, which awarded her the Jack O. Bocchino Spirit of SAMMYs award for her devotion to the local music scene.
Like with most things in her life, it’s the variety of the local music scene she enjoys.
“I want to go see new places and new bands more than anything else,” she said. “When I first submerged myself into it, it was nothing for me to go to three places in one night.”
It’s no particular genre of music that brings her to a show, but each show attracts a different
audience, many of whom she now calls friends. “If I go to blues, I know I’m going to see certain people, and if I go to country, I’m going to see a different group of people,” she said. “I have groups of people I know I’m going to see if I go out, which makes it more fun, because you may not see them again for a couple of years.”
As her reputation as a videographer grew, she was offered another new role as a videographer for PAC-B, the public access television station serving her hometown of Baldwinsville. So if she’s not heading out to see a local band play, she’ll often be behind a video camera at a local municipal government meeting, documenting the comings and goings of local government. She also is the official photographer for Syracuse WinterFest, something she started doing three years ago.
When you look at the calendar on the wall of Lori’s office, there is something highlighted most evenings and weekends: a village board meeting for PAC-B, a band that she wants
to see, a community event that needs to be covered. It’s the documentation of a mind that has an insatiable need to keep busy, keep moving, do different things.
“Oh yeah. This is my life,” she said when asked about the calendar. “I just want to do something different. I just like variety. I can’t just live for music. That’s not me. And I can’t just live for racing, or anything. I gotta have variety.”
Although she has thought about plans for retirement, there’s nothing set in stone right now.
“They sometimes say when you get to the point where you think you may want to retire, you know you want to retire,” she said, adding that she has projects she’d like to tackle at her home and looks forward to travelling to places she is unable to with her job and other commitments. Whenever that day comes, though, although she may slow down, Lori will never stop seeking out the new things, new places and new experiences that pique her interest. It’s the spice of life that she craves. SWM
Family Physician joins St. Joseph’s
St. Joseph’s Health has announced that Dr. Kiranpreet Dhother will continue her career at St. Joseph’s Health in a hybrid role where she will provide a full scope of family medicine services as an outpatient provider, while also working as a hospitalist on the inpatient team. Dr. Dhother is board-certified as a family medicine physician and will focus on pediatrics, adults, women's health, and obstetrics.
Dr. Dhother received her bachelor’s degree in human kinetics from the University of Windsor in Canada and her medical degree from Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla. She recently completed a three-year residency in Family Medicine at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital.
“I have always enjoyed practicing a wide scope of medicine, focusing on the health of families,” said Dr. Dhother. “My love for family medicine has only grown during my residency and I feel right at home here at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. I’m looking forward to meeting more patients from our community and helping them achieve their best health through managing and coordinating their care while they are here.”
Dr. Dhother is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the New York State Academy of Family Physicians. She speaks fluent English and Punjabi. Her work, “Tuberculosis: A Review of Current Trends” has been published in the Epidemiology International Journal.
Outside of work, Dr. Dhother enjoys traveling, playing tennis and soccer
Named AHA Women of Impact Nominee
As part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, local advocate, Regina Vaughn, has been nominated as a Women of Impact and is working to raise awareness and funds for the AHA’s critical mission.
The Go Red campaign is a nationwide effort to encourage women to prioritize their heart health, educate the public on the risks of cardiovascular disease, and support those affected by it. As a mother to a toddler recently diagnosed with heart disease, Regina has seen firsthand the emotional toll heart conditions can take on families, and she is determined to use her platform to inspire others.
“Being an advocate has felt like second nature to me,” said Regina. “If I can share my experiences and help others navigate their way through adversity and crisis, it may help them carry that emotional weight a little easier. I want to advocate for women’s heart health not just for myself and my kids, but for all my family and friends who are affected by heart disease.”
As a Women of Impact nominee, Regina is not only committed to raising awareness but also raising funds to support the vital research and educational programs provided by the American Heart Association. Her advocacy and dedication to women’s heart health have made her a valued member of a larger community of women working to create positive change.
Joins Crouse’s Brittonfield Primary Care
Dr. Nidhi Simlote Vilanueva received her medical degree from St. Georges University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira NY, and internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Dr. Simlote obtained concentrations in both women’s health and geriatrics. She has a passion for adolescent medicine and expertise in women’s health, including contraception.
Dr. Simlote specializes in the continuity of care for adolescent patients who are transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
“As many young patients experience challenges during this phase of life, I understand how important it is to have a healthcare provider who is equipped to handle the unique medical, psychological and developmental needs that arise during this transition. I am committed to ensuring a supportive and comfortable transition to adult healthcare,” says Dr. Simlote.
Dr. Simlote is a Syracuse native and is currently welcoming new patients.
CMP offers primary care and specialty care out of 19 locations throughout Central New York
Named Managing Director at Syracuse Stage
Syracuse Stage has announced that Carly DiFulvio Allen has been named the theatre’s new managing director. DiFulvio Allen currently serves as the associate general manager at Disney Theatrical Group for productions of Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast worldwide. Beginning March 1, she fills the position at Syracuse Stage previously held by Jill A. Anderson.
While at Disney Theatrical Group, DiFulvio Allen served on the advisory committee for Ensemble, an employee-led network with the goal of fostering and celebrating an inclusive culture, and was the founding member and co-chair for a parents and caregivers sub-committee.
Prior to Disney Theatrical Group, DiFulvio Allen was the company manager for Roundabout Theatre Company at the Todd Haimes Theatre (formerly the American Airlines Theatre) for twenty-five Broadway productions. Highlights from her tenure at Roundabout include the original Broadway production of “The 39 Steps,” the Broadway revival of “On the Twentieth Century” with Kristen Chenoweth and the original Broadway production of “Violet” starring Sutton Foster.
“We are thrilled to welcome Carly to Syracuse Stage,” said Bob Hupp, artistic director. “Her background in New York City nonprofit theatres, and her recent work with Disney Theatrical Group, are perfectly suited to the leadership role she’ll assume when she joins us in March. Carly’s experience, her Central New York roots, and her people-centered approach to our work make her a dynamic and exceptional addition to Stage leadership. We’re excited to introduce her to everyone this spring, and I very much look forward to partnering with her to help Syracuse Stage make the strongest possible contribution to the cultural life of Central New York.”
DiFulvio Allen’s arrival at Syracuse Stage is a homecoming of sorts: A Rochester native, she received theatre management and integrated marketing communications degrees from Ithaca College.
“I am thrilled to be joining the remarkable team at Syracuse Stage and returning to Central New York,” she said. “Syracuse Stage’s now 50-year legacy of quality and inspired storytelling is a testament to the support, enthusiasm and engagement of this vibrant community. I look forward to working together to explore new opportunities for expanding Stage’s Vision of reimagining what is possible for regional theatre.”
Syracuse Stage board of trustees chair Richard Driscoll said DiFulvio Allen is an ideal match for the company with its relationship to both Central New Yorkers and the professional theatre community: “The board of directors is excited to welcome Carly DiFulvio Allen as our new Managing Director at Syracuse Stage. Her deep experience in the theatre industry and ties to Central New York will make her a perfect partner with our Artistic Director Bob Hupp and the rest of Stage’s amazing staff.”
Board of trustees president Herm Frazier echoed Driscoll’s sentiment: “I am confident Carly’s enthusiasm, coupled with her experience in theater will make her a perfect fit for Syracuse Stage,” he said.
Colonial LAUNDROMAT
35 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER
Scouting America for all
Lorna Oppedisano
Scouting America – formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) – is open to all, now both in practice and in name. Chartered by Congress in 1910, the organization celebrated its 115th anniversary with the official launch of the rebranding on February 8, 2025, from the national level to the local Longhouse Council level, which spans Onondaga, Cayuga, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis Counties.
“I just think it’s so much more equitable,” said Suzanne Shad, a local Cub Scout leader. “It’s an inclusive name. The program serves youth all the way up to adults, too.”
The organization began to open to girls and young women when Exploring – the outdoor high adventure and hobby program now known as Venturing – became co-ed in the 1970s. This program is offered to people from the age of 13 who have graduated eighth grade to the age of 21.
The next step came in 2018, when girls in grades kindergarten through five (roughly ages 5 to 10) were welcomed into the Cub Scouts, which is “all about encouraging boys and girls to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome,” according to Scouting America’s website.
The following year, Scouts BSA – the program geared toward ages 11 to 17 – began offering troops for girls. Scouting America’s website
describes Scouts BSA as a “traditional Scouting experience where boys and girls can have their share of adventure in the great outdoors.”
“In May 2024, the national organization announced they would officially change their name on February 8, 2025, to reflect the fact that we are now allowing young ladies and women to be part of the program,” said Edwin Theetge, Scout Executive/CEO for Scouting America Longhouse Council. “It’s hard to let them have ownership when it’s ‘Boy Scouts.’”
The change has already begun making an impact.
“It shows that we’re included, too, and it’s not just the boys,” said Haley, a Scout in the program. “It gives us an opportunity to be heard and seen.”
Haley became a Scout when she was 7 years old. Now, eight years later, she credits quite a bit of knowledge to the program, from learning to sail to making a shelter to knowing how to survive in harsh conditions. Through being in Scouting America, she’s had the opportunity to make friends and have fun.
Haley’s sister, Nevaeh, is a Scout, as well. Last year, the 19-year-old earned her Eagle Scout Award, Scouting America’s highest rank. Not only has Nevaeh enjoyed earning different merit badges like astronomy and environmental science, but the program has helped influence her career path.
“Once I had some experiences through Scouting America, like welding and construction for example, it piqued my interest with some of that,” she said, sharing that she plans to pursue construction.
For some young women who grew up with male family members in the program before it was more widely opened to girls, sitting on the sidelines was limiting and alienating.
Lillian Lavalette, now 19 years old, officially joined Scouting America when she was 13.
“I was always sticking around my brother, going to the meetings since I was 5 years old. I was able to see what he was doing and the friends he was making,” she said. “I remember wishing I could be part of it.”
When the guidelines shifted, it meant everything to Lillian. “I was part of a program that shaped my childhood without actually being able to be in it,” she explained. “It was a massive change that I’m forever grateful for.”
The shift has impacted adults involved as leaders in the program, as well, introducing some women who might not otherwise have gotten involved.
Kimberly Cargill began to get involved in 2018, when young girls were invited to be Cub Scouts. Her husband, an Eagle Scout, grew up in the program and was excited for their three daughters to be able to take part in Scouting.
“As my daughters have become more involved, I've started to embrace the program more myself and see the benefit,” she said.
Not only has Kimberly seen her daughters grow through the program over these last seven years, but cites Scouting America as an important source of adult leadership training for herself, as well.
In response to the recent rebranding of Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America, she’s seen mostly positive feedback.
“I think parents within the program are very receptive to the name change,” she said, adding that the only pushback she’s seen has been from the general public. “Parents with girls are proud of it and embrace it.”
Edwin attributed the pushback to some people generally not liking change. He stressed that the program is the same as it’s always been, now just open to both boys and girls.
“It makes sense to broaden horizons,” Edwin said. “It’s more about giving everybody an opportunity. Sometimes, a name can be a limiting factor.” SWM
For more information about Scouting America Longhouse Council, visit cnyscouts.org Follow them for more information about their upcoming annual fundraising event, the 57th Annual ScoutPower Event, slated for May 7.
All Month
It Came from the 70s
What: The 1970s were a time of radical change in the field of ceramics. Artists began to grasp clay’s potential when it came to Conceptual Art, Minimalism, Land Art, Performance Art, and other movements of the era.
Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202
When: Normal museum hours
March 7
2025 CNY Women’s Summit
What: This annual event celebrates CNY women and their achievements. Foster meaningful relationships and professional growth with guest speakers, workshops, wellness sessions, and more!
Where: Oncenter Convention Center, 800 S State St, Syracuse, NY 13202
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Info: $137 for general admission. www.lu.ma/66xk101m?t=1739481365.
March 7, 14 &21
Intro to Clay
What: Shape, sculpt, and glaze with a three week course perfect for beginners. Learn wheel-throwing, hand-building, and how to finish pieces.
Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202
When: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Info: $180. www.everson.org/connect/intro-to-clay.
March 8 & 9
CNY Folksmarch
What: A recreational, non-competitive walking event conducted monthly for people of all ages and abilities in CNY. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free.
Where: Village of Liverpool.
When: Registration 9 a.m. to Noon on March 8 and 1 to 3 p.m. on March 9.
Info: $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. For more information visit https://folksmarch. wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/folksmarch
March 8
Sharing the Green St. Patrick’s Day Party
What: A traditional corned beef dinner, raffles, and more. Proceeds benefit St. Margaret’s Parish for Capital Improvements.
Where: St. Margaret’s Church, 200 Roxboro Rd, Syracuse, NY 13211
When: Following the 5:15 p.m. Mass.
March 15
St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party
What: The SKY Armory St. Patrick’s Parade Day Party is as much of a Syracuse tradition as the actual parade! Come in from the cold and enjoy the parade in comfort.
Where: SKY Armory, 351 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Info: $10 for general admission, $5 for kids ages 3-12. www.skyarmory.com/event-details/st-patricks-parade-day-parade-1.
March 28-April 6
What the Moon Saw, or I Only Appear to be Dead
What: Fairytales offer a way to understand the unthinkable. In this play, Hans Christian Andersen wades through the aftermath of 9/11 in search of meaning, all while being haunted by his own classic stories.
Where: Storch Theater, 820 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY, 13210
Info: www.syracusestage.org/drama.
April 2
WBOC Spring Social
What: Join the WBOC, Syracuse Woman Magazine, and other local women’s organization for an annual networking event.
Where: Bistro 1926, Drumlins Country Club 800 Nottingham Rd, Syracuse, NY 13224
When: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Info: www.wboconnection.org.
April 5
Skaneateles Wedding Expo
What: Meet with over 40 local wedding vendors to help create the wedding of your dreams.
Where: Sinclair of Skaneateles, 4357 Jordan Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152
When: 12 Noon to 3 p.m.
Info: Free. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/sinclair-of-skaneateles-7th-annual-weddingexpo-tickets-1200287876349.
April 6
Zoo Run Run
What: Run or walk on behalf of the animals at the zoo! Join in person or get a head start virtually. Participants receive a medal and complementary admission to the zoo.
Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204
Info: Register at www.p2p.onecause.com/zoorunrun2025.
