FREE
SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT
november/december 2011
FREE
SHIFT+CONTROL
RUN FOR LIFE THE CAROL m. BALDWIN RACE
GUIDE
welch allyn’s woman at the top:
JULIE SHIMER syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
w w w. s y r ac u s e wo m a n m ag . c o m
1
HEART ATTACK? EVERY SECOND COUNTS. CALL 9-1-1. WHEN YOUR HEART IS ON THE LINE, GETTING HELP FAST CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Chest pain isn’t the only sign of a heart attack. Shortness of breath; back, arm or jaw discomfort; severe nausea; or heavy sweating also may indicate a problem. As the first Accredited Chest Pain Center in Syracuse, St. Joseph’s knows just how important it is to diagnose and treat these symptoms quickly and accurately. Seeking medical help right away can help protect you from serious heart damage and create a more positive outcome from a potentially dangerous situation. So, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. Your heart—and your life—may depend on it.
SYRACUSE’S FIRST ACCREDITED CHEST PAIN CENTER
A Higher Level of Care
St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center • 301 Prospect Ave. • Syracuse, NY • www.sjhsyr.org St. Joseph’s Resource Line (Physician & Program Information): 315-703-2138 2
St. Joseph’s is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis. Franciscan Companies is a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Network.
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
SHIFT+CONTROL
9
12
nov-dec
contents ETC
7
platter cHatter: the brewster inn
9
W.B.O.C. Leading Women
22
10
fasHion forward: timeless fashion
12
feature: junior league of syracuse
13
Fabulous finds: great gifts for him
14
Queen of ArTS: syracuse stage
16
18
feature: adopt a soldier
for a Good cause: rescue mission
27
20
Cover Story: welch allyn
22
holiday gift guide
27
special feature: A run for their life
46
world of women sports
47
49
fitness
53
A little swm humor
55
feature: circle of red
syracuse women inspire
xx 60
56
heart healthy
58
healthy woman: coolscultping
59
60
The Main Event
62
in her own words
65
Say What?
66
Local Business Matters: critz farms
62 4
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
SHIFT+CONTROL
SHIFT+CONTROL
OUR TEAM... Publishers
Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden
Editor-in-Chief
Barbara McSpadden
Editor
Farah F. Jadran
Creative DIRECTOR
Letter from the editor “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand You know that saying, “I feel like I just ran a marathon”? Well, I really do! On Oct. 9, 2011, I walked up Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago for the 34th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Having grown up in a nearby suburb of the Windy City, this event meant the world to me. Not only was I running my first-ever marathon, but also I was in my home state and both my siblings ran it as well. Although I endured an injury (not while running, mind you) that eventually caused a strain in my left hip flexor, I wasn’t going to throw away 16 weeks of training. As you can already tell, I ran it anyway. I ran every single step - there was no walking or stopping despite pain that became nearly unbearable by mile 12. After running by the Lady Gaga impersonators in Boystown (belting out “Bad Romance”) and an amazing Mariachi band in the Pilsen neighborhood, I was filled with so much elation that I didn’t care how much my leg hurt! And how many individuals can say all their siblings completed such a feat? Not many, I would think. Needless to say, I am very proud to be a Jadran and have such a unique family. While I prepared for the marathon, which I knew would be difficult, I ended up facing something I would have never imagined. On Aug. 11 (a few days before we went to press for the last edition) my dog, Rock, saved my life. He was 12 years old the day he went down fighting and I still cannot believe he is gone. Rock stepped in, without hesitation, and endured a brutal 20-minute (and horrifying) battle with a pit bull that was running loose in my neighborhood. I was in the middle of the fight, which was extremely frightening, but I would do it all over again. We should be appreciative of those who love us, even someone four-legged such as my Rock. My older brother told me this was Rock’s destiny. Rock is a rescue dog and in my brother’s opinion, adopting him, was also “saving” him. He told me, “You saved Rock’s life so he could save yours.” It breaks my heart to think of that fateful day, but I still have Rock in my heart and always will. Losing him was not easy (it still isn’t) and it has caused me to be even more grateful for what I have in my life, especially my family and my health. In the spirit of being grateful for our lives and all that we have - I want you to take a look at aspects of your life that can be improved upon. In this edition we introduce the Circle of Red, a part of the Syracuse Go Red For Women campaign. If you know you can prevent something like heart disease by starting to lead a more healthy lifestyle, then why not do it? It’s been said for so many years: Focus on the things you can change, rather than things you can’t control. I am working toward doing this myself. I couldn’t control what happened to Rock that day, although I tried. I also cannot bring him back. I can, however, control how I live my life every day for the rest of my life, and I can also choose to honor Rock’s memory in different ways. Think about it: You have the rest of your life ahead of you. That is an amazing gift in itself. What are you going to do with your gift?
Farah F. Jadran On Our Cover...
Cindy Bell, of Focus Studio, 920 N. Salina St. in Syracuse, photographed Julie Shimer, Welch Allyn president and CEO.
6
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
Kelly Breuer
graphic design Jessica Bates Melissa Meritt Emma Tang
Photography Cindy Bell Kelly Kane Janet Lee Raine Dufrane Jacqueline Vidler
Contributing Writers Yvonne Conte Farah F. Jadran Ellen Leahy Ami Olson Blessed Sikhosana Pierce Smith Caroline Tisdell Catherine Wilde
advertising manager Colleen Farley
advertising sales Linda Jabbour Renee Moonan
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 200 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the beginning of every month. The publication is available free of charge.
Contact our home office
315.434-8889 x315 2501 James St., Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com Download our media kit at
www.syracusewomanmag.com Syracuse Woman Magazine is printed locally in Upstate NY. The magazine is published 10 times a year by InnovateHER Media Group, llc and Eagle Publications 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Copyright © 2011 SyracuseWoman Magazine. 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 Syracuse Woman Magazine and will not be returned.
Etc... 11/18
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. The story revolves around The Muppets reuniting after a huge falling out to save The Muppet Studios in Hollywood. They have to put on a show in the Muppet Theater and get 10 million viewers to save the Studios from an evil Texas oil tycoon.
11/23
Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.
12/12 This is not just another mission. The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in a global terrorist bombing plot. Ghost Protocol is initiated and Ethan Hunt and his rogue new team must go undercover to clear their organization’s name. No help, no contact, off the grid.
12/21
DREAM BIG - ORANGE CENTRAL SHOWCASE
WBOC HOLIDAY PARTY & AUCTION
At orange can u Central yo st… revisit the pa
2011
NOV./DEC. movies...
r N o v em be ! 10-13, 2011
Spend time reminiscing at traditional events, then stay on the leading edge of some of today’s hot-button issues at these special Orange Central Showcase presentations at Syracuse University.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, an ’85 SU alumna, former supermodel and body image advocate Emme Aronson will present “Dream big: Let go of negative self-speak and live the life you desire.” Fitness guru and entrepreneur Nicole Glor, a ’99 alumna will also present alongside Aronson. This candid discussion will help you find ways to live a healthy, balanced life in today’s busy world.
Aronson is well known for her plus-size modeling career, support for fitness and health for women of all ages. While at SU, she made great contributions to the school’s athletic programs, especially rowing. Aronson is a member of the Orange Plus Hall of Fame. She is the first model invited to speak before a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C. Her message: Increase public awareness of eating and body image disorders—and raise funds for treatment. People Magazine selected Aronson twice as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1994 and 1999. Revlon added her to its lineup of celebrity spokeswomen. Glamour selected her as “Woman of the Year.” There’s no charge to attend any of these events, but space is limited. So get all the details online and guarantee your spot — register today at orangecentral.syr.edu. If you have further questions, call (800) 782-5867.
Eat, bid and be merry! Join the WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections) for its biggest fundraising effort of the year Wednesday, Dec. 7. This will be a festive evening filled with music, a photo booth courtesy of Caitlyn Bom Photography, dinner, dancing, connecting, and of course - the WBOC Holiday Auction! Raffle tickets are available online or at the auction. Attendees are welcome (and encouraged) to bring a business partner, client or significant other. The festivities will take place between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. at The Genesee Grande, 1060 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. The WBOC Holiday Auction raises funds to support the organization’s programs. The WBOC is a local non-profit organization that has been providing support to women and access to innovative events and workshops for 20 years. Its mission is simple: To support and advance the success of women entrepreneurs. Whether running our own businesses, working for an employer or launching a new endeavor, women are connected through their entrepreneurial mindset. For information on registering for the holiday auction or how to become a member, visit www.wboconnection.org..
Welch Allyn. Connecting patients and clinicians around the globe. At Welch Allyn, we’re proud of the fact that caring, respect, integrity and quality are just some of the raw materials that we put into every product we make. For almost 100 years, Welch Allyn medical devices have been at work around the globe helping doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals deliver a lifetime of care to their patients. We’re proud to offer innovative solutions for women’s health that help clinicians see more patients, detect more conditions and improve more lives.
www.welchallyn.com
© 2011 Welch Allyn MC8813
Barb Ianuzi the brewster inn’s:
team player, memory maker
by ELLEN LEAHY I photos by kelly kane What’s on the platter is the center of any event. But how does it all come about? That’s where The Brewster Inn’s Barbara (Canne) Ianuzi comes in - she is the wedding and special events coordinator. And to Barb, “Everything I do is personal!” Barb started out her career in hospitality at Phoebe’s Garden Cafe in Syracuse - the same café that will celebrate its 35th anniversary this December. She went to school to be a medical assistant and worked in the insurance industry, but once bitten by the restaurant bug, she never looked back. She worked in catering for Bill Eberhardt, Phoebe’s owner (who also owns the Sherwood Inn), as his personal assistant. She even got married at the Sherwood Inn to Stephen Ianuzi, and only left work to have their first child, Lauren. When she and Stephen bought property in New Woodstock, Barb gravitated toward Cazenovia to go back to work. She ran her own catering company (by accident) which she fell into because of demand. At one point, she partnered up with another great Cazenovia chef, Merilyn Hill Glass. Barb connected with Richard Hubbard, the Brewster Inn’s owner, whom she had met while he managed the Sherwood Inn before purchasing The Brewster, formerly the Lake Meadows Inn. He said, “why not come to work here, it’s all young moms,” and she has been there ever since. That was 24 years ago. Every Tuesday night for almost 20 years Barb has filled in as the manager on duty. “I know my people - where they like to sit and what they drink,” she said, “They aren’t just customers, they are family.” Going out to a fine dinner is how her hard-working customers treat themselves, she noted. Barb is part of a team that works hard to ensure that when they come to the Brewster they know they are going to have a great meal. Along with the events she plans and executes, the inn serves dinner seven nights a week and brunch on Sunday.
“I am a firm believer that teamwork and communication in a business is essential and the key to its success. I personally love being a part of a team. I couldn’t do it without collaboration and cooperation with all the departments such as with the chefs on the menus and with our sommelier on the wine choices, and the wait staff to coordinate the room and table set up along with the service strategy.” The Brewster is a historic mansion on the shore of Cazenovia Lake with two private dining rooms. The “Living Room” holds up to 50 people, while the “Buffet Room” can cater to 25. “For a wedding there are different rooms, not one big hall,” Barb said, “people come for the charm of the mansion situated on the lake.” The Inn is also quite spectacular during the holidays with a 15-foot tree that goes up in the lobby after Thanksgiving. All the Inn’s decorations are done in house by the capable staff. Barb said it is perhaps her favorite of all four seasons at the Inn. To book a holiday party or inquire about wedding plans at the Brewster, call (315) 655-9232 or email thebrewsterinn@aol.com, attention Barb. And also, if you are ever out and about in Caz on a Tuesday evening, why not stop in for a little dinner with Barb? syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011 9 syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011 9
::w.b.o.c.’s leading women
perspective Putting her life & career into
BY CAROLINE TISDELL I PHOTO BY JACQUELINE VIDLER
“It was getting through the breast cancer that makes you realize that life is short.” Deborah (Debbie) M. Rudy is a breast cancer survivor who established her own business in December of 2005. She has been a registered nurse for 30 years and a certified case manager for 14 years. “You hate saying it that way (life being short), but it puts things in a different perspective and I thought, ‘why not start my own business, what’s the worst thing that could happen?’ I’d go get a job.”
Rudy felt that since she had been in the industry for several years she had obtained a solid handle on how to help injured workers through workers’ compensation and disability insurance issues. She saw an opening where she could do things better. “I really thought that it was needing somebody with values to start something up that was new and fresh and you can carve that out in your own business rather than working for somebody else.” Her company, CORE Medical Resources, (which serves all of New York state and is now entering Pennsylvania) coordinates with customers who have become injured on the job and have claimed workers compensation. Rudy’s staff of 11, including her, work to assist in coordinating the medical care customers require from the time they are injured to the time they return to work. CORE currently has seven registered nurses, and five of them are also certified case managers, and two are also certified rehabilitation counselors. At any given time, Rudy’s company can be advising and consulting for 25 customers or more, depending on the caseload. “Our job is to keep everyone in the loop when a person becomes injured on the job,” Rudy said. “This includes the employer, the employee, the insurance company and the physician.” Just a year ago Rudy officially got involved with the WBOC (Women Business Opportunity Connections). She believes that achieving national, state, and local accreditation as a woman-owned business sets her business apart and that it will also open doors for CORE in the near future. “WBOC is an organization that is always willing to help. It seems to exist just to see womanowned businesses excel and exceed.” Rudy enjoys being a part of an organization that is so supportive of women. She is thankful to have other women to meet with every month to share ideas. She feels a sense of comfort and is able to reach out to the other women for help and they point her in the right direction. “The camaraderie makes you feel stronger even when you leave, that you can do anything. It’s empowering.” In the next year Rudy hopes to expand her staff. She wants her company to grow by securing what is already there as well as venturing out into a new territory and building relationships with new clients. Rudy says CORE will further expand on its no-fault and disability-advising services, as well as the vocational counseling it offers to workers who need guidance in obtaining a new job after becoming injured. In addition, she wants to see an injury-prevention program become a key component in CORE’s line of consulting services.
10 10
november/december november/december 2011 2011 :: :: syracuseWomanMag.com syracuseWomanMag.com
The WBOC is a local non-profit organization that has been providing support to women and access to innovative events and workshops for 20 years. Whether running our own business, working for an employer or launching a new endeavor, women are connected through their entrepreneurial mindset. For information on how to become a member, visit www.wboconnection.org.
Make your next getaway one with the girlfriends! La Tourelle Resort & Spa has everything you need when planning your Girlfriend Getaway. Our Yellow Barn Suite is perfect for a group escape and August Moon Spa will leave you feeling pampered and renewed. Don’t forget Simply Red Bistro for the finest in “farm to table” regional cuisine.
Call today to book your getaway!
1150 Danby Road (96B) ∙ Ithaca, NY 14850 ∙ (607) 273-2734 latourelle.com ∙ augustmoonspa.com ∙ simplyredbistro.com
Timeless For Fashion Everyone ::fashion forward
Photos by raine c. dufrane
Want a one-stop-shop for both modern and vintage fashion? Look no further, because the village of Liverpool has a recently placed gem in its community. Owner and founder of Coming Around Again Consignment Boutique, Maria Bishop, has put her passion into play by opening her own business. Bishop is proud to offer exquisite vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. Her shop, located at 330 First St. in Liverpool, offers period pieces featuring many decades of fashion and flare. In this edition of Syracuse Woman Magazine, Bishop helped create two looks for a local, professional woman. Lauren Crossett, a financial services professional for CNY Agency, said this was her first visit to the boutique, but won’t be her last. “Maria was so much fun to work with and it was interesting to hear all the stories about each piece I tried on,” Crossett said. “There’s something for everyone here.” Check out the pieces that created two dynamic “fashion forward” ensembles! For more information on this fashion hotspot, call (315) 383-1808.
Hat: 1960’s Newsboy Suede Patchwork Cap ($30) Purse: Vintage 1960’s Botto Hippie Suede Patchwork Stripe Shoulder Bag ($29) Shoes: Cream-Colored Contemporary Heels ($10) Dress: 1960’s Bleeker Street Brand (a rare designer), this piece is a salesman sample with a cut falling just above the natural waist with lace detail on the waist & cuffs ($72) Necklace: 1970’s Wood Beads ($4)
12
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
Top: Contemporary, Leopard Print from New York & Company ($10) Hat: Vintage 1950’s Madame Netter, a Syracuse-Native Hat Designer ($45) Purse: 1950’s Vintage Box Purse with Brass Hardware ($75) Skirt: 1980’s Black, Leather Skirt ($24) Necklace: 1950’s Black Beads ($10)
Syracuse
The Junior League of BY CATHERINE WILDE
A group that promotes local volunteer work, has given Sara Ames, a mother, wife and professional, a sense of community and a strong network of friends.
Ames joined the Junior League of Syracuse, Inc., in 2003 after moving to Syracuse with her husband. The organization involves women volunteers who respond to community needs by providing needed resources or skilled individuals. “I was traveling full time out of state and wanted a way to meet other women and to connect to the community,” Ames said. Ames, who is president of the organization for the 2011-12 league year, said she has reaped great rewards through the experience. Through the organization she has taken part in community projects such as initiatives to foster reading skills in children and events at the Southwest Community Center that educate children on healthy decision making. She also worked with the refugee populations in Syracuse through Catholic Charities. Ames recalls programs that the league organized in which nurses educated local refugees on basic first aid courses, fire safety and poison control.
Whether it was helping children on the South Side of Syracuse or refugees on the North side, Ames said the experiences have answered a need within her to be engaged in the community. Growing up, Ames recalls her grandparents were always involved in civic organizations and her family stressed the importance of volunteering for the community. When asked why she volunteers with a life that is already full, Ames simply replies, “Why wouldn’t I?”
The league’s major fundraiser is the Holiday Shoppes Events, a three-day boutique shopping experience during which merchants sell their wares to the community in what Ames describes as a “unique shopping experience.” Everything from chocolates, and clothing to housewares and jewelry, can be found during the expo, which will be held at the New York State Fairgrounds between Nov. 11 and 13. All proceeds from the event go directly to the league, providing training for volunteers or resources for educational programs. Last year the league donated money to local food banks, though Ames stresses the league strives to collaborate with the community as it is not a money-granting venture. Ames said the expo offers items that will not be found at the mall. “We try very hard to find something for every member of the community.” The group promotes itself through social media websites and billboard campaigns and currently stands at 317 members. In five years, Ames hopes the organization will be the “go to” organization for trained volunteers and leaders in Central New York. She finds she is a more effective volunteer as a result of the training she has gone through in the league and she urges other women to consider joining. “If you are looking for an opportunity to meet other women and make an impact in your community and to gain some experience you can take into your professional and personal life, then the junior league is a great place [for you],” Ames said.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
13
greatgiftsf ::fabulous finds SHIFT+CONTROL
him
1
ADIRONDACK FURNITURE
Make that “man chair” a classy, long-lasting signature piece in your living room. Choose from Adirondacks favorites such as the Arts and Crafts style Morris Chair and Ottoman. Handcrafted in the U.S. by skilled Amish Craftsman and constructed of solid quartersawn oak, upholstered in a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired fabric. The chair features an adjustable back with three positions. Another great option is the Classic Chippendale design that’s captured in this recliner by Flexsteel. Relax in comfort with the plush pub back. Quality construction of hardwood frame and steel support bands and upholstered in fine leather with nailhead trim. (315) 422-6400 I www.adirondackhomefurniture.com
14
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
for
him
3
CITIZEN WATCHES Is your man a “watch guy”? If the answer is “yes”, the solution is simple! Citizen has the watch for him. Choose styles that feature stainless steel Atomic Timekeeping with Radio Controlled Accuracy, complete with Atomic Time in 26 world time zones, perpetual calendar, 200-meter water resistant, non-reflective sapphire crystal, date, 43mm case and 180 day power reserve. Or go with a titanium men’s bracelet black dial watch with one-second chronograph measures up to 60 minutes, 12/24 hour time, screw back case, 100-meter water resistant, date, 33mm case and 150-day power reserve. Citizens watches are available at Welch & Co.
::fabulous finds SHIFT+CONTROL
STIHL CHAINSAW That woodsman on your list will love the power and performance of his brand new Stihl chainsaw. Stihl comes with 80 years of innovative technology, unique quality and comprehensive service. No log or tree will be safe with this in his hands! www.acevillagehardware.com I (315) 638-4026
4
(315) 452-0744 I www.welchjewelers.com
2
REMOTE CAR STARTER
That man on your list will be thinking of you every cold, snowy morning when he can simply press a button and start his vehicle from the warmth of his living room. Code Alarm and Prestige Remote starters work up to 1,000 feet away. Each comes with 2 remotes and a lifetime warranty. www.cnysolarprotection.com I (315) 422-0200
5
KOOLAKIAN & MANRO MENSWEAR
Make sure your man is dressed to the nines with this a 100 percent lamb’s wool paid sports coat by Sewell Clothing Co. Complete the outfit with a pair of all wool calvary twill slacks by Bill’s Khakis and a sweater vest made of 100 percent alpaca fiber. The hunter on your list will love the red silk bow tie with a golden retriever dog-hunting motif. Or choose a red silk tie and cotton pocket square with a pheasant motif. For a more casual look choose a 100 percent cashmere sleeveless sweater vest by Kinross Cashmere. www.koolakianmanromenswear.com I (315) 471-7410 syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
15
::Queen of arts
Syracuse Stage’s
DesigningWoman
BY AMI OLSON I PHOTO BY RAINE C. DUFRANE
She remembers the first garment she made herself that got people’s attention: a fulllength, wool overcoat that she still owns. Gretchen Darrow-Crotty was a senior in high school and someone asked where she’d bought it. “I said, ‘I made it,’ and they said, ‘no way,’” she remembers. “That was when the focus of why I was sewing changed.” Born and raised in Ithaca, Gretchen and her older sister learned early how to sew from their mother. “By age 10, I was definitely sewing.” By the time she graduated from high school she had made more than half of her wardrobe by hand. As an intern for Ithaca’s Hangar Theater, Gretchen got her first taste of working backstage at 14, when she volunteered as a dresser. “It is exactly what is sounds like: you get actors in and out of their costumes,” she said. “There’s nothing like the high of having a costume change go perfectly smoothly, and the audience has no idea what just happened.” Gretchen was hooked, but wouldn’t pursue theater as a career until she first earned a degree in music management. After a senior-year costume design class rekindled her love for sewing and theater, Gretchen went on to earn her master’s in costume design. Now, she’s in her sixteenth year as the costumer of Syracuse Stage, where she manages a staff of nine people and also creates costumes for both Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University Department of Drama productions. In theater she found the perfect team-driven environment she always sought. During her undergrad days, she said her favorite class was orchestra, where she worked with a group to create a sound, versus the five hours alone practicing solos. “The thing about theater is that it is so collaborative. You can do some of the parts without the other, but when it works and it’s magic, it’s because all of the parts come together and work together.” At Syracuse Stage, Gretchen has found that magic, with a production team that’s been together for a decade. “I’ve always enjoyed the people I work with, and I’ve always felt appreciated.” On the other hand, one of the things she loves about theater is the fluidity, she said, and being able to work on new shows every few weeks, and the different time periods and costumes that come along with them. Costumes for such productions as, “Turn of the Screw,” set in 1875 in England, required costumes to be built from scratch - an outcome that is inspired by the creativity in the costume shop. Come December, Gretchen will do what she has done every season, she will receive a pile of plays to read and she will begin determining how the costumes will be designed and created. She will then work closely with the staff to communicate the theater’s vision to her staff. “I remember at the time [I was hired] saying, ‘It’s 14 weeks, I can do anything for 14 weeks,’” said Gretchen about how the production schedule runs. Loving what she does and enjoying the work experience has kept Gretchen’s passion for the theater strong. “I’ve always felt appreciated here and I feel like we’re all trying to accomplish the same thing.” 16
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
SHIFT+CONTROL
::adopt a soldier
18
Soldier
Adopt A
AND P november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
BY CATHERINE WILDE
After meeting a 19-year-old double amputee war veteran through the non-profit organization Adopt A U.S. Soldier, Syracuse resident Mona Willson has a new appreciation for the sacrifices soldiers make every day on behalf of their country. “I just looked at him and how young he was, how beautiful he was, and I thought about everything that I have been able to do in this life, and all that I hope to do,” Willson reflected recently. “And it happens because of people like him, who are willing to give up their lives and limbs, so that my tomorrow will be a safe place to be.” Established in 2005, Adopt A U.S. Soldier connects civilians with deployed troops through a vast network of volunteers. Willson joined the newly formed volunteerdriven organization four years ago after reflecting on the sacrifices armed forces have made for America. She wondered if the troops overseas were aware of those supporting them back home. Willson has moved up the ranks and is now an ambassador, charged with spreading the word to others about the organization and aiding other ambassadors like her. She has gotten other people on board through public speaking engagements and informational sessions at public events. Chittenago resident Hayley Kairewich, who joined Adopt A U.S. Soldier in November 2010, has played a role in helping Willson get the word out. Reaching out to troops overseas and reminding them support has been a grand reward for the two women. Whether she sends a care package complete with baked goods and socks, or a weekly letter with one of her daughter’s pictures inside, Kairewich said the love and empathy behind the mail resonates with the soldiers who receive them. Kairewich has adopted groups of three soldiers at a time; currently all of her adopted soldiers are in Afghanistan. Recalling one soldier’s simple request, Kairewich said she vowed to support as many soldiers as she can as long as the country is at war. “He said, ‘anything you send will be wonderful but what I need is encouragement. Just knowing you’re there, that someone I don’t know cares about me and hasn’t forgotten about me,’” Kairewich said. Hearing this made Kairewich want to do her part to pave the way toward ensuring all soldiers currently fighting for America feel recognized and appreciated. She sends a letter weekly and a care package every month. To Willson, the most meaningful part of the program is the humanity of it. “We need one another, and it is OK to express that,” she states simply. This interconnectedness is central to Willson’s mission: to help people understand and communicate with one another. She wants people to recognize the challenges soldiers face in combat: missing their children’s milestones, working with no sick or vacation time, and doing all this while expecting nothing in return. “They will not ask you to say it, but I know that they appreciate when someone says, ‘thank you for all that you do,’” Willson says. According to Willson, since 2005 the organization has supported half a million soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen/women in Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers continue to rise. Willson and Kairewich urge others to support the armed forces by visiting www.adoptaussoldier.org.
PAY IT FORWARD syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
19
::FOR A GOOD CAUSE
BY CAROLINE TISDELL While most of us spend the holidays enjoying time with family and friends, the season can be particularly difficult for clients of the Rescue Mission. “We try to provide a loving and caring holiday season to the folks who probably wouldn’t have the chance to experience a holiday meal,” said Carolyn Hendrickson, the director of organizational advancement at the Rescue Mission. On any regular day, people who are in need of food come in and grab a meal. However, on Thanksgiving and Christmas volunteers seat the homeless and serve them, striving to ensure their clients have a memorable time on the holidays. “These people get an experience of eating out, they get waited on and the volunteers are at their beck and call during the entire meal.” On Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Rescue Mission also offers a service where they will deliver food to rural areas to make certain that people have a holiday meal. Since Oct. 1, participating grocery stores have been supporting Scan-Away Hunger and will continue to do so through Dec. 31. Big M in Seneca Knolls, Green Hills in Nedrow, Nichols in Liverpool, Nojaim’s in Marcellus, Struppler’s Shurfine in Fulton and 10 Wegmans in Central New York will scan coupons that add $2.13 to a shopper’s bill - enough money for the Rescue Mission to feed one person an entire meal. The Rescue Mission puts on a Christmas party for all the community and residents. Entergy Corporation gives money every year to put on this special gathering for more than 400 people. They turn the gym into a winter wonderland so people can get a taste of Christmas. There is a vendor that caters the food, Santa Claus makes an appearance, photographs are taken, and Christmas presents are distributed. Each person that attends leaves with some sort of gift. This year the Rescue Mission is giving out Snuggies in hopes that it will help keep the homeless warm when they are enduring the cold winter. “During dinner the people are so grateful to sit down in a warm, safe environment,” said Corey Kociela, director of programs at the Rescue Mission. “They enjoy sharing this special day with friends and family.” Just recently, the Rescue Mission touched the lives of a single mom and her four children. After being forced out of their apartment because of a sewer problem, this family found themselves living in their vehicle for two months. The mother would turn on the truck at night to heat her family. Then she heard about the Rescue Mission and they made arrangements to stay there. The Rescue Mission helped this family and now they are in their own apartment. The Rescue Mission also has many loyal volunteers that keep coming back year after year. People who would like to get involved can serve meals, work in the shelter, ride in the van and help distribute food, wrap gifts, or help in the mailroom. A person can contribute to ScanAway Hunger, send in personal items or baking goods for holiday meals. “There are some volunteers that keep coming back after 15 to 20 years,” Kociela said. “They said it wouldn’t be Christmas without giving back in some capacity.” The Rescue Mission is located at 155 Gifford St. in Syracuse. Call (315) 472-6251 for more information on volunteering or visit www.rmsyr.org.
::cover story
Welc
Women Lead The Way At BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BELL
From its headquarters nestled in the hills north of Skaneateles, Welch Allyn is helping shape the future of healthcare, both in the United States and around the world. Now 95 years old, the producer of medical technology and healthcare products named Julie Shimer its first female CEO five years ago. Her mission: to lead “the Welch Allyn family,” as it continues to innovate the technology of medicine, building on the strong foundation and reputation the company has established for nearly a century. Shimer, a Minnesota native, joined the Welch Allyn Board of Directors in 2002 while living and working in California. In 2007, she was chosen to take over as president and CEO of Welch Allyn’s 2,700-plus employees. “I was blessed to join a company that had been developing women leaders and was open to hiring a female CEO.” It should be noted that out of the 10 members of the company’s executive team, four are women. Shimer said it’s clear that Welch Allyn values every part of its growing family. “The leadership team of Welch Allyn, men and women alike, have as their primary concern, the continued success of the company,” Shimer said. “They are committed to providing solutions that help our customers improve patient care.” Counting her blessings over the past four-and-a-half years, Shimer says the company is simply looking to continue its success and continue its growth, especially internationally. Currently, Shimer says the company’s business is split at 65 percent in the U.S. and about 35 percent abroad. Most companies like Welch Allyn do the majority of their business outside the United States, she said, and she believes Welch Allyn can have a strong impact on the spread of medical technology around the world. “I would like to see us obviously continue to grow. We can help address the worldwide challenge of more efficient delivery of healthcare.” Providing an integrated, easy to manage, method of maintaining medical records, is one of the areas Shimer sees Welch Allyn having an impact on healthcare delivery. In a perfect world, a nurse would be able to take a patient’s vitals and immediately enter the information into a universal medical record. The ultimate goal: To make that information available anywhere at anytime to all healthcare providers. It’s a “two-way communication” that Welch Allyn is working on, a part of the collaborative efforts it sees as necessary to resolving these global healthcare issues. As the company moves forward, Shimer indicated it will migrate its focus from 100 percent hardware, with some disposables, to an increased emphasis on the software and services associated with medical record keeping. Shimer and the Welch Allyn team are attacking this issue with the same approach the company has employed for nearly 10 decades - that simple is better. In the past century, the healthcare industry has evolved as quickly or more quickly than any other, but that philosophy has held true. “We try to understand what their [healthcare providers and patients] problems are, and make their lives easier,” Shimer said. “Challenges may be different but we’re always looking for ways we can help.” From its humble beginnings in 1915 when Dr. Francis Welch and William Noah Allyn created the first-ever handheld direct illuminating opthalmoscope, a device that once took up the
22
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
space of a small room, Welch Allyn continues to work on simplifying the complex.
The Welch Allyn Family Who works at Welch Allyn? “Great people,” says Shimer. “[It’s] a workforce who is truly committed to the success of the company, owners who care about delivering value to our customers, an experienced board of directors who lend their expertise to help us make a great brand even greater.” Seeing the company deliver a valuable service to healthcare providers has ignited Shimer’s passion from the beginning and has charged her enthusiasm to wake up and go to work every day.
Shimer’s co-workers have the same view of the Welch Allyn family. LuAnn D. Morin, vice president of global customer care and commercial operations, has been with the company for 27 years. The people, she said, are her favorite thing. “This is a company full of spirited, conscientious, highly capable employees who care deeply about Welch Allyn and about each other and about the community.” As a female vice president, Morin sees Shimer’s leadership as one that embraces a clear vision and consistent approach. “Julie [Shimer] is a ‘no nonsense’ leader and she is decisive in her approach to getting there.” Morin says she wouldn’t trade her long-running career at Welch Allyn for anything. “The people of Welch Allyn (regardless of gender) work hard, support one another and are incredibly dedicated to Welch Allyn’s future.” The “family” is also known for giving back to the community. This is an aspect that Operations Manager Pam Driscoll has enjoyed most during her 12 years at Welch Allyn. She says there have been many memorable moments, but for her, one of the most memorable was also the most rewarding. “I was given the opportunity to volunteer for a day at Camp Columbus,” Driscoll said. “Welch Allyn encourages employees to give back to the community and afforded all of us an opportunity to volunteer at various location throughout Onondaga and Cayuga counties.” Driscoll said she gained much more from her experience at Camp Columbus than she could have possibly imagined. “It is a very family-oriented company, and family values have extended into the community,” Driscoll said. “Welch Allyn encourages all employees to give back to the community and fosters a culture of giving.” The people and the culture have become prime reasons why Angela B. Lee, human resources director for global business, has had such memorable experiences during her 13 years with Welch Allyn. “It is the camaraderie that I personally experience with co-workers and the collective sense of pride around the work that is done to deliver value to our customers,” Lee said. Shimer’s leadership has been key to this success as well. “Julie is superb in front of our employee population,” Lee said. “An effective leader can articulate a vision and rally enthusiasm around both the prospect and the journey. This is a transformative time for our business and an exciting period to be affiliated with this company.” There have been numerous events that have enriched both Lee’s career and personal experience. “I have been very fortunate throughout my tenure to have worked for a lot of good people first and managers second.” If she had to select one standout memory, it would
ch Allyn
::cover story
Inside the Welch Allyn headquarters in Skaneateles, from left, Pam Driscoll, operations manager; Julie Shimer, CEO; Angela B. Lee, human resources director for global business; and LuAnn D. Morin, vice president of global customer care and commercial operations.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
23
SHIFT+CONTROL ::cover story
24
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
::cover story
and managers second.” If she had to select one standout memory, it would be Welch Allyn’s “Show of Hands,” a tremendous, collective outpouring of service to our community. As director in the company’s global sphere, Lee sees Shimer’s position at the top as another example of how women shine at Welch Allyn. “Welch Allyn boast incredible women in leadership roles around the globe, all with varied perspective and experience and all contributing to the company’s success,” Lee said. “It is nice to have many female mentors from which to choose.” Shimer’s leadership has become a positive influence over the company’s culture. Alisa Salibra, senior global category manager for Welch Allyn for nine years, says there is a unique and valuable aspect of their corporate culture that Shimer has continued to promote and develop. “It is often the case that someone goes above and beyond to help a fellow employee or a customer,” Salibra said. “I feel very fortunate to work for a company where we can be proud of the products we make and how they benefit the clinicians who use them.” On top of the success achieved by the company, Salibra says, “It’s inspiring to see such dynamic women in leadership positions. Julie [Shimer] has been inspirational in leading our company through a dramatic evolution of our product line, positioning us for success well into the future.” Her passion Her enthusiasm has grown since joining the Welch Allyn team because of the company’s evolving ability to deliver healthcare technology to providers. Shimer says there are tools already available and new solutions every day. “I want to help patients manage chronic medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. [This would] give providers more time to spend with patients, and spend less time collecting and managing data. Designing equipment around the needs of clinical providers and patients so that they’re more efficient and costs are kept down makes Shimer’s passion stay afire. “We’re helping improve lives, helping them be more healthy.” If she isn’t working on the worldwide mission of expanding the company or developing new ways to improve, Shimer has found peace in the slow-paced Central New York region. Living on Skaneateles Lake has made Shimer grateful for fresh air, minimal traffic and a quiet neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle of a large city. Shimer loves the outdoors. She and her husband, Jary, have been hiking on the endless options of trails in the region since they moved here. When she can’t swim in a lake, Shimer takes full advantage of the lap pool at the local YMCA at least four times a week. As Welch Allyn moves - with great gusto - toward entering the “century club” in 2015, Shimer says it’s the culture and the family feeling of Welch Allyn that has made it what it was in the beginning and what it is today. “I love going to work,” says Shimer. “I enjoy the products, the Welch Allyn team, our customers and the opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare delivery around the world.” The Welch Allyn mission, “be always kind and true,” has been at the heart of Shimer’s leadership role. This mission, created by W.G. Allyn, has taught all employees, including Shimer, that they have a responsibility to treat one another with dignity and respect and act in an honest and ethical way in all our interactions. “Every day I thank God for the opportunity to lead such a great company.” She’s not only leading Welch Allyn, but she’s diversifying women’s leadership roles in big business across the globe - a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
Karen Roscher EVP and CFO - 2 yrs. of service “Julie [Shimer] is a visionary, driving the future of the company. The best part about working with Julie is her openness to considering alternate viewpoints while driving Welch Allyn to the future.”
Louise McDonald Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer - 31 yrs. of service “Welch Allyn is very active and reaches out to support the community through formal sponsorships of events and charities but also by supporting and providing opportunities for employees to contribute time and resources to charities and causes closer to them.”
Corinn Fahrenkrug Senior Director of Program Management - 22 yrs. of service “Welch Allyn supports the community in many ways - not the least of which is sustaining a healthy growing business. In addition, everyone in the company goes out and helps during the “Show of Hands” Beacon Day. These are on top of the significant giving programs that help in the local community.”
Karen Hendricks Chief Technology Officer and EVP - 9 yrs. of service “ I enjoy all of the people I work with and am grateful for the opportunities. The real goal is to celebrate all of the diversity presented. It brings a great balance of ideas and methods to the table.”
Breaking the glass ceiling Welch Allyn is among a small group of companies choosing women as leaders In 2009, women accounted for more than half the workforce, but only 12 Fortune 500 companies and 25 Fortune 1000 companies had women presidents or CEOs. Catalyst, the New York-based nonprofit women’s research organization recently calculated that although there have been gains in the number of female corporate officers over the past five years, it would take about 40 more years of similar gains for that total to match that of male officers. The Harvard Business Review similarly studied the leadership of the world’s 2,000 top performing companies. Data in the study showed that only 29 (1.5 percent) of those CEOs were women, an even smaller percentage than on the Fortune 500 Global list (2.6 percent). It did not come as a surprise that only one woman, Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay, made it to the top 100 in the HBR’s rankings. The HBR found that the one notable difference between the men and women CEOs on their list suggested that women still weren’t treated as equals to men when it came to high stakes positions. Welch Allyn, notably, has bucked that trend. syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011 25
Call me today to discuss your options. Some people think Allstate only protects your car. Truth is, Allstate can also protect your home or apartment, your boat, motorcycle - even your retirement and your life. And the more of your world you put in Good Hands®, the more you can save.
Dominic A Fiorello (315) 699-1600 6175 State Route 31 Cicero, NY 13039 dfiorello@allstate.com
Proud to help put your family in Good Hands®. Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company. Life insurance and annuities issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL, and American Heritage Life Insurance Company, Jacksonville, FL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Company.
Holiday Gift Guide
2011
Furs, Leathers, Shearlings, AND ACCESSORIES
!
SAVE 30%-50% NOW OPEN
Shoppingtown Mall
448-9430
What will your Red Box Diamond速 moment be?
513 S. Main Street (RT 11) North Syracuse, NY 452-0744 www.welchjewelers.com
Holiday Gift Certiiicates Available!
Tis’ The Season-Have A
Towne Center Holiday...
Liquor Town
10% Off
Any Regularly Priced Item Excludes Sales & Closeouts
Make Everyday A Holiday! Enjoy custom ordering Browse a unique, New York State Wine Selection Finish your holiday shopping with a variety of gift sets and gift certificates
5501 Bartell Rd. Brewerton, NY 315-669-6986
Generic gifts got you down? Well, wake up your inner gifting genius! I have gift ideas that are anything but blah. Gifts girls adore. Gifts guys gotta have. Any budget. Any occasion. Any time. I’m here to make your life easier! Just ask!
Teri Nichols
Independent Senior Sales Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics Ph 315 469.0898 Teri Nichols tnichols@marykay.com http://www.marykay. teri@marykay.com com/tnichols marykay.com/teri
Discover the Magic Tis the season...
SHIFT+CONTROL
Kenn Kushner Designs 183 Walton Street, Armory Square 475 7510
Photo: Cindy bell
of Armory Square...
celebrating the art of american craft since 1983
. pottery . jewelry . wood . metal . glass . fiber
in the heart of armory square
210 walton street syracuse 3 1 5 . 4 7 1 . 4 6 0 1 *mon 10-6 tue 10-6 wed 10-6 thu 10-8 fri 10-9 sat 10-9 sun 12-5
find us on facebook/ search eureka crafts . visit our blog/ www.eurekacrafts.wordpress.com * call for our extended holiday hours
Get a Dress! Charity Galas New Years Semi-Formals $10 off a dress with this ad
BOOM BABIES 489 Westcott St - 472-1949 - M-F 11-8, Sat 11-7, Sun 12-5
Holidays Happen in the Beauty Begins Inside the Pink House at
Fortunato’s Full
Salon
Hair | Massage | Tanning | Airbrush Tanning Waxing | Spa Manicures | Spa Pedicures Facials | Permanent Make-Up
Gift Certificates Available
Fortunato’s
European Hair Design & Day Spa 217 First St. | Liverpool | NY
315.451.7892
w w w. f o r t u n a t o h a i r. c o m
Village of Liverpool across from The Retreat
Relaxed Elegance...
Special Gifts for Special People
across from The Retreat
Bella Regalo 10% OFF
305 Vine St | Liverpool
when you mention this ad
(315) 453-4030
sls 16, HGG Syr, 11/27/11, #660074, 5th proof Colors shown may not match publication colors.
e Village of Liverpool... So, you’ve always wanted to try your hand at painting or drawing? This could be you !
315-457-6358
302 Vine Street • Liverpool, New York Banquet Facilities and Catering Available
Barking Gull
(The Retreat’s Private Banquet Facility)
Year-Round Art Classes & Events Learn How to Draw or Paint All Mediums Offered ~ Ongoing Adults or Teens or Family Classes Group or Private Instruction Studio, Gallery, Gifts & Custom Framing
Booking Holiday parties of 50-150 people Located on South Willow St. Overlooking Onondaga Lake in the village of Liverpool
Call the Retreat at 315-457-6358
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
16406
39
Shop and Dine in the Vi Open
Weekdays 8-8pm, Saturdays 8-7pm & Sundays 9-5pm
The Gift Shop at Village Hardware
We offer free in-store color consultations.
43 E. Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027 315-638-4026 www.acevillagehardware.com
Located just below Lock 24 on the Erie Canal in Historical Baldwinsville “Where friends meet for hearty conversation and great food” ~ Fresh Breakfasts & Lunches ~ Catering ~ Picinics To Go ~ Great Coffee & Pastries Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm Sat & Sun 7am-1pm (Breakfast Only) 315-635-3619 • www.canalwalkcafe.net
23 Syracuse Street, Southeast of Lock 24
illage of Baldwinsville... sammymalones.com
Create Your Own Salad 30 Toppings 25 Dressings Specialty Sandwiches Paninis Wraps Serving Lunch, Dinner & Late Night Open 7 Days at 11:30am Full Menu Served til 11pm Serving Sandwiches til Close sammy malones
For great dining, holiday catering, how to make sushi classes...
The Nantucket Cat
.......................................................... .......................................................... For the cat: Cat treats and toys to delight
For the cat lover: Jewelry, Handbags, Accessories, Wine Freeze Mixes & Plush Jellycat
.......................................................... 60 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville, NY (315)638-1981 www.thenantucketcat.com Open Tuesday - Saturday From 10-5 pm
315-857-0079
www.MoheganManor.com
Live Entertainment Thurs., Fri., and Sat.
Wine and Spirit Tastings Every Thurs.
"Au Chocolat"
Thursday Nov. 17th 5-9 pm Now Booking: • Holiday Parties • Weddings • Showers and Rehearsal Dinners • How To Make Sushi Classes • New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day • Business Meetings and Seminars
www.MoheganManor.com 315-857-0079 •
Serving Dinner 7 Days A Week Reservations Suggested
SHIFT+CONTROL
16424
Hand Crafted Jewelry 217 South Salina Street, Downtown Syracuse • Mon-Fri 10-5:30 & Sat 11-4 • 315.472.6172
D O YO U
NEED CA$H FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING?
BEHIND THE IRON GATES 1818 W. Genesee St • 315-484-3364
LOOKING FOR UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING!
ARE YOU DECORATING YOUR HOUSE AND WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
15006
(Corner of Avery and Genesee)
ANTIQUES•VINTAGE•PRIMITIVE•JEWELRY
TOYS•HUMMELS•STONEWARE•PAINTERS
15006
WE HAVE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR STORE!
Celebrate Hanover Square
NEW YORK
OPTOMETRIC (315) 478-3937
(315) 478-3937
116 E Washington St., Syracuse, NY 13202 – Parking Available –
SHIFT+CONTROL
Turn your stress around. Readers’ Choice Awards Winner –SpaFinder.com
|
|
|
STAY GOLF SPA DINE ENTERTAINMENT CASINO Find perfect balance with the latest spa amenities and luxurious treatments inspired by American Indian healing traditions. Take an easy drive to the surprising serenity of our AAA Four Diamond golf and spa resort.
Book Your Turnaround Spa Getaway Today turningstone.com/turnaround or 800.771.7711
Proudly owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation • Verona, New York • 30 miles east of Syracuse
success! ::special feature
A Run for Their Life,
a great
BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAINE DUFRANE
More than 1,600 runners and walkers gathered Sunday, Oct. 23, near Syracuse University’s South Campus to participate in A Run for Their Life, all in the name of community. With such a grand turnout, a seasoned road racer might assume this event was in its fifth, or even 10th year of existence. Far from it - this was the inaugural 5k and 15k event for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund.
Jacqueline Baldwin-Calveric, granddaughter of Carol M. Baldwin, headed the event with help from a volunteer race committee and also Gary Crisalli, vice president of the board, and Eliza Decker, the associate director of facilities at SU’s Department of Recreation Services. While Baldwin-Calveric had a large source of support, she admitted how nervous she was about the race since this was the first major event that she led for her grandmother’s organization. “I wanted to make my mother [Beth Baldwin] and grandmother proud,” Baldwin-Calveric said. “When I saw the lines of people that hadn’t registered yet - overflow …It was amazing.” For a first time run, the event touted an impressive turnout. There were 888 runners overall, with 209 participants in the 15k and 679 in the 5k race. The walking route welcomed 724 participants, which included survivors, others who are currently battling breast cancer and many family members and friends who walked in honor of loved ones that have passed away. Encouraged by a positive turnout this year, board vice president Gary Crisalli said he is looking forward to a 2012 event that will most likely draw more than 3,000 runners and walkers. “I thought it was a tremendous turnout,” Crisalli said. “Everyone seemed to have a good time and the runners enjoyed the course.” It’s a “family feel” that Baldwin-Calveric loves about all the CMB events. “We stay local so we can do these things,” she said. “My mom can sit with people at a treatment for 10 hours and send pink blankets to survivors.” Keeping funds local and contributing to the Upstate Cancer Research Center is “the biggest part of the mission and it’s what my grandmother wants,” Baldwin-Calveric said. The funds raised were not yet tallied at the time of press, but the race attracted almost 2,000 registered participants and also gathered funds from online donations and raffle baskets. The race committee and CMB Fund board members are looking forward to raising even more money next year. All funds stay local and contribute to the Upstate Cancer Research Center and the organization’s lecture series, which increases knowledge on breast cancer awareness.
46
“I wanted to make my mother [Beth Baldwin] and grandmother proud.” Jacqueline Baldwin-Calveric
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
::WORLD OF WOMEN SPORTS
Cazenovia’s Very Own
Iron(wo)man
BY PIERCE SMITH I PHOTO BY JACK ROMAGNOLI
When MaryBeth Romagnoli coordinated a recent family trip to Hawaii, she wasn’t planning on getting much rest or relaxation. Romagnoli, a Cazenovia resident and extreme athlete, was one of only 1,800 participants invited to race in the Oct. 8 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. In just over 11 hours, she swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and then ran a marathon, testing her limits both physically and mentally. “It was an incredible experience, and such an honor to be part of,” she said. “It was work, but it was a lot of fun, too. The Ironman World Championship is like Mecca for the triathlon world. It kind of feels like the Super Bowl, in regards to the production value and anticipation level.” Romagnoli set a personal record during the extreme competition, with an official total time of 11 hours, 21 minutes and 37 seconds. Gliding through the swimming and biking portions with times of 1:16.56 and 5:52.15 respectively, she said a previous hip injury slowed her pace during the final 26.2-mile run, resulting in a (still incredibly impressive) time of 4:02.27. Through the pain and 140.6 miles of terrain, Romagnoli finished 39th out of 91 women in the 40-44 age group. The Ironman Triathlon has been held in Hawaii for the past 33 years, growing from just 15 participants in 1978. Now, tens of thousands apply each year for the chance to participate. She credits much of her endurance, and ability to overcome harsh conditions during the Kona competition, to her Central New York training regimen. Romagnoli said running over ice and biking through snow toughened her mindset and increased her stamina. “Hawaii is absolutely beautiful, but it got very windy around the lava fields. We were all almost blown sideways
because of the headwinds and tailwinds,” Romagnoli said. “But it got easier as we kept going. I think Central New Yorkers adjust better to training because of the climate changes, wind and snow. You just get used to it.” The IronmanWorld Championship in Kona was Romagnoli’s third time competing on that level. In July, she had her second taste of the extreme activity while at a qualifying race in Lake Placid. She beat out 3,000 other triathletes and secured one of the 24 remaining spots for the world championship. While she has experienced much success with the sport, Romagnoli says she isn’t planning on entering any footraces in the immediate months. She does hope to participate in a few half-marathons this year, but for the most part, she tries to take every-other-year off from the rigors of training in order to spend time with her family. Sponsored by QT2 Systems in Boston and employed part-time at Fleet Feet Sports in Syracuse, Romagnoli balances her free time as a full-time extreme athlete and mother. Her husband Jack, sons J.P. and Andrew and her mother accompanied her on the trip. Following the race, and a period of rehabilitation, the family traveled to Maui for a proper Hawaiian vacation. “I don’t want to have to train so intensely every year. It’s important to me that competing doesn’t take away from family time,” Romagnoli said. “It’s family first for me. I’m not a professional; competing is part of my life, but it’s not my whole life. My husband and kids have been so supportive, I couldn’t have gotten this far without them.” For more information and the full results, visit ironmanworldchampionship.com online, or email Kona@ironman.com.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
47
At my best from the
inside out
SOS is Upstate New York’s Regional leader in providing orthopedic excellence, relieving pain, restoring function and returning our patients to regular activities. Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in: • Reconstructive Surgery of the Hip, Knee and Shoulder • Spine Surgery
• Hand + Wrist Surgery • Foot + Ankle Surgery • Sports Medicine
As a part of our ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality of orthopedic care available, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists is proud to announce the opening of a new after-hours service called SOS PLUS. HOURS FOR SOS PLUS: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 9 pm Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 12 pm
315-251-3100 310-032_M100_SyracuseWomensMag.indd 1
www.sosbones.com 10/26/11 2:02 PM
Inspire
syracuse women
SHIFT+CONTROL
JILL OUIKAHILO
Instructor, Wacheva Cultural Arts
BY CAROLINE TISDELL I PHOTO BY kelly kane
“African dance was a beautiful bridge for me into the world of dance because I, too, thought dance was [only] modern and ballet,” said Jill Ouikahilo. “However there is this whole other world of cultural dances.” Jill’s spirit led her to experiment with African drumming as well as African dance.
In order to beat the disease of an eating disorder, which she battled while at college in Ithaca, Jill needed to discover who she was. As she entered the world of African drumming and dance, she began to take charge of her recovery. She started traveling the world, allowing herself to have memorable experiences as well as seeing beauty in what was out there. This helped her overcome her disorder by discovering herself. It also helped heal her relationship with her body. “As a young woman now I don’t have these fears, pressures, expectations to look or be a certain way. I’ve done that work and healed that insecurity.” After returning from her travels, she began to seek more experiences that would bring her further connection with herself.
Nine years ago Jill took her first class and felt the expressiveness of African dance capture her spirit - and has held it captive ever since. “It was amazing. The energy … the movements are big and expressive. This dancing opens up your body and it just took me away.” African dance has helped Jill move in more flexible, expressive and feminine ways. “African dance brought a whole new part of myself to life. I became more confident in the curves of my body and began to embrace my feminine self. Jill participated in work-study at a studio in New York City for a year where she learned from talented African dance instructors. When Jill decided to move to Syracuse she wanted to continue taking African dance classes. She saw a familiar face when she went to her first class in Syracuse: Biboti Ouikahilo, an instructor she’d had in New York City, had also moved to Syracuse. Neither knew that the other was moving to Upstate New York. Finding each other this time around led to much more: Jill and Biboti are now husband and wife. “His dream was to open his own studio based on the model that we both experienced in New York,“ Jill said. “I wasn’t even going to stay in Syracuse we just fell in love and built our life here.” Jill says Biboti opened the center and the dream became a reality. Jill volunteers at Biboti’s studio, Wacheva Cultural Arts in the Westcott Village, where she teaches Kazoon and a woman’s drum class. Kazoon is an Afro-modern class rooted in African movement and dance. Jill is also Syracuse University’s communications director for the Division of Student Affairs. Wacheva Cultural Arts is located at One Village Dance Centre at 117 Harvard Place, off Westcott Street. Wacheva offers a variety of classes where everyone is welcome to participate: African dance, African drumming, cardio salsa, belly dance, flamenco dance, zumba, iyengar (a type of yoga using props), and berimbau, an African-Brazilian class. All different age groups gather to take these classes ranging from 16 to 70 year olds. Wacheva also offers an African dance and drum program for kids between the ages of 3 and 10. “The people that take classes are adults who just want to move their bodies in other ways,” Jill explained. “They want to have fun and build community.” The classes are designed to encourage people to have fun and experience a good workout.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
49
“If you’re adopting from a shelter, you’re freeing up space.” kimberly smith
Director of Public Education, CNYSPCA BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTO BY JANET LEE Every day the phone rings off the hook. Central New Yorkers are looking to surrender their dog or cat to their local SPCA. The city’s animal control is calling, too. There are more stray dogs on their way to the rescue on Molloy Road. At its peak, the CNYSPCA cares for about 80 dogs and up to 200 cats. For the past seven years Kimberly Smith has been putting her passion to work for a number of these animals. Smith started her journey at the rescue as a volunteer, walking the dogs and socializing the animals. Now a Camillus resident, Smith finished her master’s in childhood education at Le Moyne College a few years ago, when she also became the CNYSPCA’s director of public education. “I love coming to work every day and making a difference in animals’ lives,” Smith said. “Once I got involved here, and saw how rewarding it was to give back, I knew it was the right fit for me.” The animals have become a part of her everyday life, so much so that two strays brought to the rescue have become a part of her family. Mason, a 3-year-old blue nose pitt bull, touched her heart when he came in the front door of the CNYSPCA as a stray. “For some reason I just knew right away that I had to have him.” Her 2-year-old bull terrier mix, Bentley, caught Smith’s eye as well with his clown-like personality, a common breed characteristic, she said. Adopting these canines came naturally for her. “I’ve always had a huge passion for dogs. The unconditional love that they give you… They are so smart, kind.” Anytime she comes home from a tough day, they’ve always been there to turn it around. One of her two adopted pups is also on the job with Smith. As a part of her duties to the CNYSPCA, Smith and Bentley visit schools, nursing homes, day cares and other places that are looking to educate people on all things related to animal responsibility. Her programs include information and resources for pet ownership responsibility, how to properly treat and act around a dog, licensing and leash laws and also spay and neutering. “Our goal is to help decrease the amount of dog bites in Onondaga County,” Smith said. “We need to educate kids on this.” Smith said it’s a common misconception that there are only dogfights or prevalent animal neglect in the city of Syracuse. “It’s everywhere,” she said. The CNYSPCA also highly encourages people to spay and neuter their pets for many reasons, but especially because the country has become overrun by numerous stray cats and dogs. “There are thousands – millions - of animals that need homes, we don’t need anymore brought into the world right now until the situation is under control.”
50
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
Smith wants people to understand they’re not only saving one life, but two. “If you’re adopting from a shelter, you’re freeing up space [for another cat or dog].” She has many “favorites” at the shelter, but she would also like to see all of them go to new, loving homes - like the 7-year-old pit bull she invited to the photo-shoot for Syracuse Woman Magazine. The featured canine, Rachel, has been long awaiting a place to call home.
“When I started this business, we were hand-drafting.” maureen clegg Engineer, C&S Companies
BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTO BY JANET LEE
Mathematical equations, algorithms and puzzles - these were all stepping stones that Maureen Clegg saw forming a path for her future as a professional woman. Clegg, now the service group manager for C&S Companies’ education and healthcare facilities, found herself drawn to the diverse field of engineering from the time she was attending a downstate all-girls Catholic school. Because she wanted to explore this interest, she recalls having no hesitation in attending a Boy Scouts explorer event that focused on engineering. “I just thought engineering was so interesting, challenging and different,” Clegg said. She still remembers how uncommon it was for a young woman to express an interest in engineering. “When I went to tell the nuns what the path was, they said, ‘well let’s go with Villanova because if it doesn’t work out there’s nursing and they have a great nursing school.’” Conversations and assumptions like these are less common nowadays, but Clegg says she knows women are still a minority in her field. When she graduated from college, there were 100 civil engineering majors and only eight were female. “It was still a low percentage. Still is low, I think.” Clegg said she enjoys talking about engineering as a career to young women and all youth, in general. During her 29-year career (12 with C&S), she has ventured into the halls of Durgee Junior High School in Baldwinsville, Soule Road Middle School in Liverpool, and Corcoran High School in Syracuse. “We’re getting into the classrooms and grabbing some of those young girl students that maybe didn’t realize what engineering is.” Clegg uses school visits to explain what a person can do with an engineering degree and how diverse it is. “A lot of them don’t realize that they can go work for Disney and design rollercoasters - that’s a lot of fun - that’s engineering!” Clegg said other interests are included in engineering such as designing automobiles, working in the aerospace field, creating biomedical materials or consulting, building and renovating, which is where C&S keeps its primary focus. How does Clegg stay passionate about her career after almost 30 years? “When I started in this business, we were hand-drafting and that evolved into AutoCad 2D drafting and now we’re doing 3D Revit drafting,” she says. “You’re constantly being challenged on a daily basis and you’re learning on a daily basis.” While she’s passionate about her long-running career, Clegg has enjoyed raising three children with her husband David. “You know the commercial where the mom’s driving the little boys around to all their hockey games? Well that was me with the lacrosse sticks hanging out the window with multiple trips to Maryland and Long Island.” Now, their daughter, Megan, works in graphic design in Manhattan, and their two boys, Bryan (Syracuse University) and Devin (Rutgers), are both studying engineering and playing lacrosse in college. Just as Clegg has told her sons and interns at C&S for years: “Engineering is only teaching you how to think and that’s what the degree is. You’re going to learn everything on the job. It’s just a way to think and rationalize and come to conclusions.” And after being an engineer for almost 30 years, Clegg still says, “That’s really what engineering is all about.”
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
51
52
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
::fitness BY FARAH F. JADRAN Running isn’t for everybody and running a marathon isn’t for every runner. Choosing to run a marathon is a serious commitment. If you make a plan and attempt to properly train between 16 and 18 weeks, you are bound to run close to 300 miles in preparation and must devote countless hours. As a professional woman, adding this regimen to an already demanding schedule was not easy. Although I was a competitive long-distance runner between the ages of 9 and 19, there was a lull in my involvement after that. I was reevaluating my love for the sport and also recovering from a muchneeded surgery. It wasn’t until July of 2009 that I officially jumped back in- I haven’t looked back since, and I’ll never leave my sport again. So here I am less than three years after “coming back” and I can confidently say that I’ve come a along way. I have not only been racing some solid 5k races, but I also competed in the Athleta Iron Girl Syracuse in August (my first-ever triathlon) and most recently, the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 9. I spent months training for the big day, and I truly enjoyed every minute and every mile of the experience. I trekked through some hot Syracuse days, as well as some rainy ones. About 10 days before the marathon, my left hip flexor started to bother me. Even though I wanted to ignore it and pretend this wasn’t really happening, there was no way around it. The injury resulted from compensation pain that I acquired from my big toe being smashed 23 days earlier. Running on my injured toe caused my gait to change, which made a perfect domino effect: toe pain, lower shin pain, and ultimately hip flexor pain! I did what any focused (perhaps stubborn) runner would have done, I iced it, slathered Tiger Balm on it and carefully finished my training plan. I was not going to throw away 16 weeks of training. However, waking up at 4 a.m. the morning of Oct. 9 was most difficult - I knew I would be attempting my first marathon at about 70 percent of my physical ability. My hip flexor was sore and stiff and was already nagging me as we dropped off our belongings at gear check in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. No matter how much pain I was in, I walked up Columbus Drive alongside my big brother and I was going to give it a shot. After an 18-minute walk, we finally reached the starting line so our marathons could start. The Blues Brothers’ “Sweet Home Chicago,” was blasting as we started our watches. There was energy in the air and the sites were just as beautiful as the first time I saw them as a young child. I went after my planned pace after the 5k mark and I was successful in hitting it for 9 miles, but my hip knocked on the door, I answered, and it said, “No more!” I contemplated quitting because of the pain at mile 12, but I reached the 13.1 mark and I got stubborn again. I had to re-evaluate my pace plan and switch gears - I was now in survival mode. There was absolutely no walking and no stopping for me; I willed my body to run every inch of the course.
26.2 miles
of memories
Even with 800 meters to go, I was far from being home-free. Both my calves cramped up, something that’s never happened to me while running or exercising. It felt like someone yanked at both muscles and was using my legs like a marionette. Understatement: It hurt! As I turned the corner and saw the 200- and 100-meter markers, I started to feel that magnificent runner’s high. It was official - I completed my first marathon, banged-up hip, toe and shin pain, my beloved calf cramps and all. I came, I saw, I conquered Chicago. The end result: I ran a 3:51:40, placed 383 in my age group, 1,463 out of all women, and 6,683 out of the 35,628 official full-marathon finishers. Even though I didn’t get to attack this the way I had planned, I am absolutely content with my first-time performance, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Will I do another marathon? I already have the 2012 Chicago Marathon on my calendar. syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
53
Mr. Claus
::a little swm humor
Being Married to
BY YVONNE CONTE I PHOTOs BY KELLY KANE
I’m so mad at my husband Nick right now I could scream. He’s a slob. His clothes are always full of ashes and soot and yesterday he left chocolate in one of his stockings and it messed up the whole wash. I rant and rave but he won’t take me seriously. He’s always laughing and in such a good mood that, quite frankly, it’s annoying. He doesn’t realize how hard I work picking up after him. I just wish he’d clean up a bit. I’m sick of that ridiculously long hair. I’ve had to take the vacuum in twice for repairs. Cut it off already. You’re not a kid anymore and the beard isn’t hiding anything. My best friend Barbara thinks he’s going through a midlife crisis. She may be right. He takes off on that damn sleigh and half the time he’s out all night going who knows where. When I ask him where he’s been he says with a twinkle in his eye, “All over the world.” What kind of answer is that? I don’t ask for much but I’d like at least one night a week alone with my husband. Instead he’s got a bunch of little weird men with him all the time. He’s out there in the garage right now with them. All that hammering and sawing. I know they’re drinking out there, all that “ho, ho, ho,” and loud shouts “On Dancer, On Prancer!” Who is out there prancing and dancing? That’s what I want to know. When he does take me out, he always wants to hang out at the mall. I don’t mind going to the mall, but I want him to be with me, hold my purse and tell me I look nice. Instead he just sits there in the food court talking to kids all day. Of course they flock around him, because he’s handing out free candy canes to everyone. I bought those to make peppermint fudge. He doesn’t even ask me. He just takes them. Finally I got him to go get a check up and his doctor said he’s got to lose some weight. I’ve tried to keep him on a good diet but I find cookie crumbs and candy wrappers everywhere. It’s no wonder his little round belly shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly. I told him it’s all that eggnog giving him that flushed look. His cheek are like roses, his nose like a cherry. His cholesterol is off the charts. The guy is a heart attack waiting to happen. Barbara says if he keeps eating and running around all night like he does I won’t have to deal with him much longer. To tell you the truth, the thought of living without the wink of his eye and twist of his head is too much to bear. I do love him. Yesterday he asked me if I’d like to take a romantic vacation on a flying reindeer. Idiot! Yvonne Conte is a nationally known keynote speaker and author of six books. Visit her on the web at www.yvonneconte.com.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
55
::go red for women
BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BELL Syracuse has started to see an uprising of powerful women during the last decade. Their strengths are astounding individually, but when they come together - there’s no limit to their capabilities. Over the past few months, the Circle of Red (through the Syracuse Go Red for Women campaign) came together in the Central New York area. The group comprises more than a dozen women who have decided to contribute significant resources and influence to support the local American Heart Association chapter. Each woman has her own reason for joining the Circle, but each part is crucial in driving local support to fund life saving research and to educate women. The goal within the Circle is to have women advocate and educated other women about the No. 1 leading cause of death in women - heart disease. Heart disease has been labeled as a “silent killer” much like diseases such as ovarian cancer because they become most apparent in later, full-fledged stages. Symptoms of heart disease or any coronary complication can be easily overlooked since they can be thought of as “everyday issues” or an issue that we may categorize as fleeting, or unimportant. For example, if you didn’t get enough sleep, are stressed out or feel as if you haven’t exercised enough lately — symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations (skipped beats), weakness, dizziness, sweating or nausea, could be viewed as “nothing serious.” More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Avoid becoming a part of this statistic and learn how you can become a part of the solution. Visit www.
56
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
Central New Y heart.org/goredsyracuse to learn about how you can become more heart healthy and spread awareness so other women prevent heart disease in their lives, too.
The Circle of Red
We went inside the Circle to find out why each woman decided to make the “Going Red” a part of her life. Here’s what they had to say: “At Stickley we refer to our employees as our ‘Stickley family,’ so we take our commitment to wellness seriously. We’ve offered a smoking cessation program since 1985, providing free cessation aids to employees as well as information on how to live heart healthy lifestyles including walk-at-work programs, on-site Weight Watchers meetings and healthy meal options in our cafeteria. Go Red does a great job in educating women about risk factors and healthy alternatives and it’s important to me to support this mission.” — Aminy I. Audi, president & CEO, L. & J.G. Stickley “My beautiful, healthy, 45-year-old sister Terri Webber-Simmons died when her heart suddenly stopped beating on Dec. 3, 2003. One year later on her birthday, Nov. 16, 2004, I was grieving and in attendance at an event where I met Linda Hevner, the former AHA executive director. I participate in honor of my sister. However I am equally committed to this movement because women of color are disproportionately affected by heart disease and related illnesses. Given this it is my obligation to stand up and encourage women of color and all women to take heart disease seriously. I am an activist about this issue and will sustain a life-long
::go red for women
York’s Circle of
Red
commitment to the Go Red for Women movement.” — Gwen WebberMcLeod, president & CEO, Gwen Inc. “I joined the Circle of Red to put a face to heart disease and increase awareness so that women will make a difference and take steps towards living a more heart healthy life.” — Leisha Nicole Tedford, heart disease survivor
“I joined the Circle of Red to do what I could to help promote awareness and focus resources on heart health for women. Too much of the research addresses this issue for men which does not, in all cases, translate to women. I believe this is an important difference that the Circle of Red will help to address.” — Karen Roscher, EVP and CFO, Welch Allyn Inc.
“Heart disease is a major killer of women and yet so much more needs to be done to make women aware of their vulnerability and how to reduce it.” — Rita L. Reicher, president, KS&R Inc. “I joined the Circle of Red, because the heart of woman needs to beat strong because we are the soul of a nation... It is our collective responsibility as women to sustain life saving research and technology that will enable women to live long heart healthy lives.” — Melanie Littlejohn, regional executive director, National Grid “Women can improve the lives of other women. I joined the Circle of Red and donate to the American Heart Association to promote women’s heart health.” — Debbie L. Sydow, president, Onondaga Community College
“I joined the circle of red because it represents a group of strong women committed to creating a heart healthy community.” — Uzma Iqbal, MD, SJH Cardiology Associates “Heart disease is the number one killer of women, often striking suddenly after years of silent harm. As women, we need to commit to finding the cure for the sake of our families and future generations.” — Kimberly Townsend, associate general counsel, director of government affairs, Welch Allyn Inc. “I joined the Circle of Red to show my personal commitment to raising awareness of heart disease among women. After experiencing a feeling of anxiousness as the only sign that something was wrong, my mother had a triple bypass eight years ago that saved her life. Knowing the different signs in women is key to raising awareness.” — Susan Crossett, 2012 chair of the Go Red for Women Campaign “Heart disease, the number one cause of death among women, has affected members of my family and close friends. I joined the Circle of Red to support the American Heart Association’s very effective efforts in preventing and treating this disease.” — Darlene Kerr, retired president, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. and Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce “I value the opportunity to get the word out to women about the need for developing good health practices and taking the time to take care of themselves — as well as they take care of their families.” — Liz Liddy, dean of the iSchool at Syracuse University syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
57
holiday
::special feature
It is the
by Mazen Beshara, MD
It is the holiday season again! Let’s make it happy for everybody.
One way to achieve this goal is to pay special attention to one’s health. It is time to avoid stress, eat healthy, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, exercise, quit smoking and get your health checkup with your physician.
Mental stress is proven again and again to be a significant risk factor for heart disease in women. Strategies to reduce stress should be employed, to include, for example, early financial planning for gift holiday purchases, preparing food ahead of time, make travel plans before the rush, and trying to stay organized throughout the season. Alcohol consumption in moderation may be acceptable depending on a person’s health status. An equivalant of a small glass of wine, one ounce of liquor, or one can of beer is the maximum acceptable daily dosage for women according to the American Heart Association recommendations. Food choices for this joyous season should include healthy treats. Whenever possible, avoid excess sugar by using a sugar substitute, excess fat by using applesauce in sweets instead of oil or butter, and excess
58
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
season again
sodium by using spice substitutes. Remember to increase the daily number of green vegetables servings around the holidays, it reduces sugar absorption from the gut. The holidays are also a traditional time for health resolutions, none more important than quitting smoking. Tobacco products cessation is best done before Thanksgiving, a time when families meet to share stories and traditions. What better story to share than that of your new healthy life style. Indeed, resolutions to also start a regular exercise program is best done early in the holiday season because exercise is a superb reliever of stress. It allows you mental breaks and keeps you fit for the tasks ahead. Follow many of these tips and your holiday season will be more healthy, joyous, happy and blissful.
CoolSculpting
::healthy woman
freezes away fat
BY STAFF WRITER
Who doesn’t imagine simple way to reduce fat? CoolSculpting is an innovative technology that freezes away unwanted fat, and it’s now available in Central New York. It offers this breakthrough in non-invasive fat reduction.
Unlike other methods of fat reduction, the FDA-approved CoolSculpting procedure involves no needles, surgery or downtime. If you are one of the many people wishing they could sculpt their bodies without going under the knife, CoolSculpting may be the answer. “The ideal person for this procedure is someone who is at or near their ideal body weight but they cannot get rid of those bulges,” explained physician Dr. Susan Merola-McConn, of Living Proof Longevity Centre in Fayetteville. “The procedure is extremely effective, especially on resistant localized areas such as back fat, love handles and the isolated belly fat.” The patient consults with the physician to evaluate the area or areas of concern. The provider marks the area they would like treated and then applies a gel pad over the skin. After the gel pad is applied, the patient is hooked up to the CoolScuplting applicator. CoolSculpting uses a vacuum applicator which isolates the problem area into the cooling chambers, and the patient is free to sit back and relax for an hour or two. Joan Cincotta, a registered nurse and Living Proof Longevity Centre patient, read about CoolSculpting in O Magazine. Given her medical training and research, Cincotta was “not apprehensive at all,” to have four treatments in quick succession. Cincotta first did her “love handles” followed by her upper and lower abdomen at one-week intervals. “During the first five to seven minutes of the procedure, you feel a tingling, cold sensation, which I would describe as if you were putting an ice cube on your skin. But after those initial few minutes you become numb,” Merola-McConn described. On the one to ten pain scale, Cincotta says she experienced a zero to one for her sides, about a three for her upper abdomen, and a four for her lower abdomen. She was quick to point out that any uncomfortable feeling dissipated after five to 10 minutes. After the applicator is removed, the area is massaged out and the natural inflammatory and immune response begins. The patient’s immune system excretes the dead cells via the lymphatic system. According to Cincotta, she experienced results within four weeks of treatment. On average, each CoolSculpting procedure results in a 22 percent reduction of fat in the treated area, and patients can start to see results as soon as eight weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months in most patients. The cost of the CoolSculpting procedure ranges from $750 to $1,500 depending on the size of the area treated. Dr. Merola-McConn emphasizes that this procedure is not intended for weight-loss, “this is an aesthetic treatment, for sculpting the body.” CoolSculpting is available to both men and women. For more information or a consultation, visit www.livingproofmd.com or call (315) 329-4975.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
59
::local business matters
Critz Farms: BY CAROLINE TISDELL
When the ground is cluttered with the crisp red, yellow, and brown leaves you know that fall is here but we all know the falling leaves are soon followed by falling snow. If you are looking for something exciting to do and want to start a new tradition, it’s wise to journey to Critz Farms in Cazenovia. In the fall, Critz Farms offers apple and pumpkin picking, delicious apple cider and other goodies, corn mazes, and wagon rides. Critz Farms has recently opened a hard cider tasting bar with six different flavors. “The nice thing about starting the hard cider business is that we already have 40,000 people coming. It was an add-on for us, now we just have to get the people up here to have a taste,” Matthew Critz said. Critz and his wife Juanita established Critz Farms in 1985. He was involved in the Christmas tree business, but then decided to part ways with his business partners and start his family-owned business. “It’s a great experience. It’s too bad more people can’t do it or have this lifestyle. I love it and I wouldn’t ask for anything else.” The Critz Farms staff takes pride in customer service. “Whenever we do anything here at the farm we try to envision we are the customer and what the experience would be like for us. My wife and I put ourselves in the customer’s shoes so that we know the customer has a friendly experience.” Once the chilly winter hits, venture to Critz Farms and take a wagon ride out to the fields and pick out your perfect Christmas tree. Then warm up with some hot chocolate and treat yourself to some delicious apple fritters - they’re so good, many families make the trip just for the fritters. When you make the snowy drive and enter Critz Farms you reach the plowed driveway and receive a tag, then you’re given a saw and a wagon takes you to the fields where you pick from a number of trees. After you decide which one you want, you bring the tree back to the road and you ride back to the barn. Critz Farms also secures the tree on your car so you don’t have to worry about it falling off. They make your experience as easy as
60
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
possible. “The hard part is picking the tree. Some people walk up and get the first one and another family will be out there for like an hour trying to decide.” If the winter delivers heavier snow and frigid temperatures, Critz says more people buy their Christmas trees in the barn instead of trucking out to the fields. The ratio of people cutting their own tree versus buying them in the barn is 4-to-1, according to Critz. Critz Farms hosts around 50,000 visitors for the entire year. The farm draws in customers from a 60-mile radius. They have also noticed that the customers keep coming back. “Customers come back for years and years. We see young couples with kids then the kids grow up and then all of a sudden they are back here with their kids and grandchildren cutting down their tree.”
MAIN OFFICE
35 Oswego St., Baldwinsville • 638-0233
NORTH SYRACUSE
201 North Main St., North Syracuse • 458-6543
LIVERPOOL
105 Second St., Liverpool • 457-1280
SAFE, SECURE, SOLID Since 1928!
Meet Janice MacDonald, VP-Corporate Secretary at Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association, an 83 year-old banking Association. Janice began her 25year career as a Teller in the Baldwinsville office. Janice goes beyond being a dedicated employee. Aside from all the many typical Corporate Secretary duties, she maintains a substantial commercial loan portfolio for the Association. “Janice is a pleasure to work with and teaches us all something about dedication, perseverance and the importance of providing a personal and community-based banking experience. Janice is the depiction of what a community bank is all about at its core through her development of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships at the Association,” said Katrina Russo, President-CEO. Janice can be found in the Main Office in Baldwinsville.
www.senecafederal.com
Janice MacDonald, Vice President
Corporate Secretary of Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association Each depositor insured to at least $250,000
61
Temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 through 12/31/2013
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
SHIFT+CONTROL
Even
THE MA
1
SHOP, SPA & STYLE
In its debut, the Sept. 22 Shop Spa and Style, coordinated by Patti Muller, of California Closets, raised $1,000 for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund.. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza with free services provided by Spa services from Matthews Salon Spa, Innovations Salon & Spa, and Elizabeth Greene nails. Two licensed massage therapists, Cindy Hawks and Jan Kent, added to the pleasure and pampering by giving massages. The highlight of the event was the fashion show featuring Breast cancer survivors and their children or grandchildren as the models. “The funds raised for the fund provide grants for research at Upstate,” Muller said. “I will always be thankful for the time and consideration Beth and Carol Baldwin gave my family and I during my experience. I pray for a cure. Every day I hear another story about someone newly diagnosed or finding out about a recurrence. It’s very scary. ” Many area boutiques presented fall fashion: Apricot Lane, Cate & Sally, Heidi Boutique, Melissa James, Isabella, Lillie Bean, JES Apparel, Lilipad Creations, Oleander, and Sweet Lemonade.
2
HANDBAGS HELPING HEARTS, GO RED FOR WOMEN
The Syracuse Go Red For Women Campaign hosted Handbags Helping Hearts on Sept. 15 at the Stickley Audi & Co. Showroom in Fayetteville. More than 150 people attended and the evening’s efforts raised $10,000 for the campaign. Handbags Helping Hearts was a relaxing night out where attendees sampled wines and enjoyed desserts and hors d’oeuvres while supporting the local Syracuse Go Red for Women movement through the Syracuse Heart Association. Survivor Leisha Tedford shared her experience with the audience. Last year’s campaign chair, Julie Shimer, and Dr. Marybeth McCall, a member of the Circle of Red, also spoke to the crowd about the importance of heart disease awareness. The Syracuse Go Red For Women Campaign also hosted its (successful) eighth annual luncheon and expo on Oct. 13 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool. Be part of the movement, make choices, speak up and spread the word. By sharing this commitment with Go Red For Women, together we can help save lives!
nt
MAIN
WBOC CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS On Oct. 5, the WBOC celebrated 20 years of supporting and advancing the success of women entrepreneurs. This is a big milestone and they celebrated in style! Members of the WBOC hosted a celebration at the Palace Theater with “20th Anniversary Cocktail Party.� Members, new and returning, walked the red carpet as they entered the theater. Past events were featured in a bigscreen slideshow while attendees networked and also enjoyed a photo booth! Many participants said there was an empowering energy in the room as they celebrated 20 years of empowering and supporting women in business. The nonprofit organization also attracted many new members as a result of the celebration. Learn more about the WBOC at www.wboconnection.org.
3
SHIFT+CONTROL
THE 16th ANNUAL Great gifts
Great cause
NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse American Center of Progress Building November 11, 12 & 13 2011
For more information Call (315) 423-9773 or visit www.JLSyracuse.com
64
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
Hours
Friday: 10am-7pm Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Tickets
$6 Pre-Sale $8 At The Door
‘Njourney ewhouse…destiny My
::in her own words
My
educating tomorrow’s communication leaders’
BY LORRAINE BRANHAM I PHOTO BY ANTHONY GOLDEN
BY REV. BLESSED UNAMI SIKHOSANA I PHOTO BY KELLY KANE
My journey is still in the making. All I intend on doing is building a life that will matter long after I have left this Earth. I am not content with simply saying, “I came, I lived, I loved and I died.” I want to die with pictures of me deeply embedded onto the walls and in the hearts of people throughout the Motherland, which to me, are both Africa and America. I do not desire this because I am a woman of strength, but that I am humble at heart. I want to depart knowing that I was part of Africa and America’s solution, not the problem. My name is Blessed Unami Sikhosana, commonly known as “Rev. Blessed.” I am a proud mother of one child, Andy Sipho Chikwehwa. I am also a proud native of Zimbabwe and a privileged citizen of the USA. My leadership strength came from watching my tireless grandmother, Lizzie Sikhosana, who raised me, single-handedly. My journey’s humble beginnings embarked in a small township of Mzilikazi ko Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. I grew up in a notso-rich neighborhood with my grandmother and my siblings. uGogo (Zulu for grandma) sat outside our home, daily, selling tomatoes, onions and oranges to passers-by so she could send me to Mzilikazi Primary School. My childhood life was no bed of roses. I endured the pain of growing up with neither a father nor a mother. Needless to say, no one knew who my biological father was, including my mother. God gave me uGogo as my “rock of Gibraltar”, my pillar of strength and my prayer warrior. I am who I am today because of God’s grace and mercy and the influence of uGogo. Before uGogo died, I promised to carry her last name (Sikhosana) with dignity and compassion for others. I was 12 years old when she passed away. My life crumbled - I spiraled out of control. I became lonely and desperate. I was faced with a hard task of caring for my younger siblings. My childhood was totally robbed. Because of this experience, I’ve led an entire life of leadership. I’m not one to stand on the shores and watch things happen instead, I make things happen. My country attained its independence in 1980 from the British, and while this was a momentous era for Zimbabwe, it cut much of the funding to our family-run medical clinic. In 1998, with the help of my two aunts, Joyce Mabhena and Dr. Micere Mugo, I immigrated to the United States. Here, I began to raise money and secured medical equipment for the clinic that predominantly takes care of HIV patients, orphans and newly born babies left behind by HIV/AIDS-mothers who die during birth. However, after five years of focusing on fundraising for the clinic, I was offered an opportunity to attend college. I was called to preach in 2003 and ordained in 2004. Then, I went to Bryant & Stratton College where I furthered my education in information technology-programming, I graduated with honors. I am also an alumna of Syracuse University where I graduated as a legal studies major. I intend to transfer over to Maxwell School of Public Administration and Citizenship to pursue the Executive Masters Program in conflict resolution and international relations. My goal is to become a lawyer and also establish an IT-Homework Center for refugees on the North side of Syracuse. syracuseWomanMag.com :: july/august 2011
65
::say what?
Say WHAT?! Hmmmm. What were they thinking?
Events
We come across a lot of things in the course of our day that just make us stop and say ‘Huh?’ That’s what this section is for. It may be a silly road sign, maybe your pets or your kids did something funny, or yes, maybe you see someone who should have checked the mirror before leaving the house.
calendar
november
15
SWM Night
Time: 5 to 7 p.m. What: Mingle after hours with SWM readers and staff Where: Anthony’s Pasta Bar, 126 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
26
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus come to Critz Farms
Time: 1:00-4:00 What: Meeting Santa and “Mrs” Where: Critz Farms, Cazenovia Cost: Free admission. Free candy canes and cocoa or cider for kids Website: http://www.critzfarms.com/ calendar.html
66
29
Open house/night of pampering
Time: 5 to 8 p.m. What: Salon open house and free paraffin dips, mini facials, haircuts; donations accepted for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund Where: Debra’s Hair Design, 8167 Brewerton Road, Cicero, (315) 668-8215
december
2-4
Annual Syracuse Holiday Crafts Spectaculars
Time: Fri noon to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What: Arts exhibitors, specialty foods, and NY State wines Where: Empire Expo Center/NYS Fairgrounds Cost: Adults $5 Kids 12 and under Free Website: http://www.craftproducers.com
november/december 2011 :: syracuseWomanMag.com
14
SWM Night
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. What: Mingle after hours with SWM readers and staff Where: Prime Steak House, 101 E. Water St., Syracuse
28
How to reach your goals and dreams Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. What: A logical, step-by-step seminar designed for women. Where: Eve’s Galleria, 6456 Collamer Road, East Syracuse Cost: $25 registration includes breakfast, lunch, prizes and a workbook Contact: Michelle Shauger at michelleshauger@gmail.com or Allison Haslam at ali.haslam@gmail.com Do you have an event coming up? Submit your information to events@ syracusewomanmag.com
syracuseWomanMag.com :: november/december 2011
67