syracuseWomanmag.com ::august 2013 1

august 2013

w w w . s y r a c u s e w o m a n m a g . c o m

SW inspireLIZ LIDDy

sue cumoLettILIsa tamILIa

raising the standard in syracuse schools… Sharon Contreras

caLy gIVens: an on PoInt success

Education

sWm totaL Woman

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PLatter cHatter: crePe & geLato 8

FasHIon ForWarD: BusIness aPPareL 10

WIse Women: cHarLese mccLaIn 12

sPecIaL Feature: caLy gIVens 14

FaBuLous FInDs 18

WBoc LeaDIng Woman 20

For a gooD cause 22

sWm Feature: KrIsten ForD 24

coVer story: sHaron contreras 26

In Her oWn WorDs 31

HeaLtHy Woman: Future oF nursIng 32

FItness: Water WorKouts 34

sPecIaL Feature: ny BeeF InDustry councIL 36

Heart HeaLtHy 38

syracuse Women InsPIre 41

sPecIaL Feature: occ’s Dr. craBILL 45

sWm eVents 48

caLenDar 49

eXcLusIVe: sWm eXPo 50

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http://www.drderoberts.com

Letter From tHe eDItor

This month, we take a close look at the field of education in Central New York. At first glance, it’s apparent that we have numerous women in educational leadership positions. And then there are even more women making moves to not only improve the sector but they’re inspiring other women to reach for their academic goals. “Going back to school” is becoming quite the norm for women, and we love that.

Our August cover woman is Syracuse City School District Superintendent Sharon Contreras, a woman who came to serve the area in July of 2011 and she was undoubtedly given a tall order to fill. When you turn to page [26], bear in mind that Sharon is heading up the largest (and most struggling) district in all of Onondaga County, and she’s doing it with an incredible focus on her students’ success.

Also, in this edition, we take a closer look at the way people view one another. On page [14] you will meet Caly Givens, a Syracuse native and a prime example of what it means to overcome the impossible. Caly’s troubled past and successful outcome will inspire you and help almost anyone realize that “finding yourself” is about sacrifice. While reading about Caly’s passion for the theater, you also will learn about a local educational support program in Syracuse — On Point For College, which we have featured in a past edition.

Because this area has a plethora of higher education institutions, you will read about many women who are helping lead the way in this field. Turn to page [24], and read about Kristen Ford, of Cornell University, and her involvement with the New York State ACE Women’s Network. Also, you can get to know Onondaga Community College’s recently appointed president, Dr. Casey Crabill, when you turn to page [45].

And because school will be back in session soon, we know that means it’s almost time for the NYS Fair! Be sure to visit us on Women’s Day at the Fair. Learn more about this event on page 7.

Also, you’ve probably already heard about our big news, but if not, turn to page [50] to learn more about the Syracuse Woman Magazine TOTAL WOMAN EXPO happening Saturday, Sept. 28, at the NYS Fairgrounds. We have partnered with Expo Vision LLC for this venture and we can’t wait to see you there!

With our focus on education this month, I began to reflect on how so many teachers have inspired me in my life. During my experience at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, I not only learned about journalism but I was better prepared for the “real world” because of real conversations I had with some professors. After earning my master’s degree in 2009, I knew that having any level of education is one thing, but putting it to work is another. I guess it’s safe to say that SWM has become a beautiful part of this journey thus far. Keep reaching for your goals and you might just surpass them.

As always, we’re here to celebrate your ideas and your achievements, but most of all we’re here to talk about what matters most to you. Keep in touch with us online at facebook.com/SyracuseWomanMagazine and on Twitter at @SyrWomanMag. Also, we’re on Pinterest too — sharing all our favorite things with you! You also can follow me on Twitter for behind-the-scenes coverage of SWM (and lots of tweets about running, food and fashion!) at @FarahJadran.

Farah F. JadranON OUR COVER…Sharon Contreras, Syracuse City School District Superintendent, was photographed by Cindy Bell, of Focus Studio, located at 900 N. Salina St. in Syracuse; www.cindybellphotography.com. Makeup and styling provided by Tonya’s Brush; facebook.com/tonyasbrush.

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” — Margaret Thatcher

aDVertIse WItH us...unlike any other publication in the syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local syracuse women.

ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. the print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. the publication is available free of charge.

ContaCt our home offiCe 315.434.88892501 James Street, Suite 100Syracuse, nY 13206info@syracusewomanmag.com

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the magazine is published 12 times a year by InnovateHer media group, llc. and eagle Publications, 2501 James street, suite 100, syracuse, ny 13206.

copyright © 2013 InnovateHer media group, llc. no part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. syracuse Woman magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. all such submissions become the property of InnovateHer media group, llc. and will not be returned.

unlike any other publication in the syracuse area, our

PublishersKelly BreuerBarbara mcspadden

editor-in-ChiefBarbara mcspadden

editorFarah F. Jadran

Creative direCtorKelly Breuer

graPhiC designcasey Jabbourmelissa meritt

PhotograPhycindy Bellrick needleJason KoskiJussara Pottersteve sartorichuck Wainwright

Contributing Writers renee BendaJasmon Brownalicia HallJulie HasenwinkelFarah F. JadranKailyn Jenningsalyssa LaFaroJames mannLynne Werbeck

advertising salesrenee moonanLinda Jabbour

for advertising information:Please contact renee moonan (315) 657-7690

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2nD neDa WaLK to BeneFIt oPHeLIa’s PLace

Women’s Day at tHe nys FaIr

The Great New York State Fair will once again host Women’s Day. This year’s event will be held on Aug. 28 and will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The theme of the day is “Take Back Your Voice,” and a luncheon, mini-fair and numerous special events will be provided. Noted events include the Fine Arts and Photo Exhibition, along with the judging in the Culinary Arts area.

The Mini-Fair is meant to educate women and allow them to branch out and become informed on the services provided in their community. Throughout the entire day, women’s advocacy organizations will be in the Chevy Court Pavilion ready to pass on their knowledge.

The event has attracted many in the past, and as new groups have already committed to participate, the event staff is hoping even more women will stop by to learn of all they have to offer.

The Mini-Fair is completely free, along with parking in the orange lot. So, bring all your friends and experience a wonderful day filled with fun, knowledge and empowerment.

For more information, please call 487-7711, ext. 1264 or email Cheryl.lavin@agriculture.ny.gov.

Ophelia’s Place is hosting its second annual NEDA Walk (National Eating Disorders Association) on Saturday, Aug. 24. The one-mile walk will take place at Longbranch Park in Liverpool from 9 a.m. until noon.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ophelia’s Place — a local non-profit organization committed to empowering people to redefine beauty and health. They work to increase self-esteem, improve body image and provide alternatives to dangerous desires for perfection through the numerous services they provide to those affected by eating disorders and body dissatisfaction.

Jenni Schaefer, a nationally known author, will kick off the walk. Shewill also be at Café at 407 in Liverpool at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, to share her music along with her story.

Schaefer says, “I want people who struggle with eating disorders…to get into life and follow their dreams, not be stuck in or defined by an eating disorder.”

Registration can either be completed online at www.opheliasplace.org or on race day at 9 a.m.

For more information on how you can support or participate in the NEDA Walk, please contact Jodie Wilson-Dougherty at 451-5544, ext. 10, or email director@opheliasplace.org.

sWm Partners WItH maKIng strIDes agaInst Breast

cancer

Syracuse Woman Magazine is proud to announce its exclusive partnership with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer effort. SWM has been named the official women’s magazine sponsor for the organization and looks forward to helping further the mission with the American Cancer Society to finish the fight against breast cancer. This year, the American Cancer Society is celebrating its 100th birthday.

Funds raised help the Society provide free resources and support to the one in two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer who turn the Society for help and support. Dollars raised also fund groundbreaking research as well as to help the Society ensure access to mammograms for women who need them.

This year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Syracuse is sponsored by: Syracuse Woman Magazine, Newschannel 9, 93Q, Emblem Health, Excellus, NYSUT, Price Chopper, Hematology Oncology and Upstate Cancer Center.

The walk will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, in Clinton Square. Registration opens at 8 a.m. The 3-mile course is flat, leads you through Downtown Syracuse and is not a timed or competitive event. In 2012, more than 7,000 Central New Yorkers participated in this event.

To join us at the walk, or learn more, visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/syracuse or call Making Strides Walk Manager Betsy Guilfoil at 433-5632.

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By FaraH F. JaDran I PHotos By rIcK neeDLe I Walk down Clinton Street and you will no doubt stop in your tracks when you see the fresh and funky entrance to Crepe & Gelato Boulevard.

When you enter the downtown spot, a painted roadway and graffiti-tagged walls greet you, to make you feel as if you really didn’t leave the street. “She’s dressed in yellow, she says ‘Hello, come sit next to me you fine fellow,’” comes blaring over the café’s sound system. The retro tunes and the cool atmosphere indicate this place is different — a little hipper — than Syracuse’s typical fare.

The owner, Meshi Cohen, much like the tagged walls and vibrant colors of the space, sports multi-colored locks and a genuine smile that reflects her love for cooking.

Meshi, a native of Israel, opened her first café when she was 14. “It was early but I didn’t care,” she said. The first shop was in a small shopping center near her home. She named the shop and the company BALI Crepe Ltd. (“I crave for a crepe” in Hebrew).

She sampled her share of crepes when she lived in Israel, but also spent time in Paris where she learned more about this tasty treat. “There are some I liked and I tried to make them better.”

At age 16, Meshi had two successful shops with 20 employees, but she decided to take her business abroad, so she travelled to Buenos Aires, Argentina and even China and Hong Kong in search of the “right place” for her next venture. When Meshi was 18, she was participating in a TV show when she met her husband Noam, a photographer.

One year ago, they arrived to Syracuse and decided that this was the right location. They saw “big potential” as they noticed there was not another crepe shop in the area. Here, she opened the daughter company BALI Crepe USA Ltd. Now, at her Syracuse location, Meshi says she has every type of crepe you could want. From breakfast to dinner crepes and from sweet to savory — Meshi is sure to have it.

Before opening this past May, there were many long hours of preparation. “I have been here day and night finding new recipes and combinations,” Meshi said. “I give my husband a little bit of the crepes to try.” Who said a spouse doesn’t make a good taste-tester in a restaurant partnership? “Sometimes I have to be very honest,” Noam said. “But it’s really great. I wasn’t really a crepe fan until I met her. She taught me everything that she knows.”

Crepe & Gelato Boulevard features French Crepes, Belgian Waffles, Italian Artisan Gelato and Italian Lavazza coffee. There are spunky espresso options, freshly made fruit smoothies and a wide variety of gelato, which is a healthier option than most ice creams because of its different consistency. Gelato has less air, less cholesterol and less sugar, but tastes sweeter, Noam said. “We’re using real fruit and natural sugar,” he added.

To Meshi, these are known as “street foods” and the shop is designed as a street with all the authentic elements she incorporated in her very first location.

“Syracuse just feels like the right place for me to start,” Meshi said. When you’re walking down the “indoor boulevard,” you will pass by street signs that read “Yogurt,” “Gelato,” and “Café,” but it is of course your choice where to stop. The colorful tagging on the walls doesn’t stop in the café, but rather the vibe stays true in the restrooms too. (I only checked the “girls” room, but it does indeed have colorful graffiti (artist Doug Aldrich) above the mirror and splashed across the walls!) “No shop of mine will open without graffiti on the walls,” Meshi said.

The Cohens will open a second location in the Syracuse area within another year. Where will it be? “I love surprises,” Meshi said. “So I want to keep it a secret for now.”

Stop by Crepe & Gelato Boulevard at 315 S. Clinton St. in Syracuse to try a crepe or two. Visit www.crepegelatoblvd.com for more information.

crePe & geLato BouLeVarD

Strolling Down

By Jasmon BroWnYou can wipe the sweat off your forehead now because you’ve made it. You graduated and now it’s time to transition from the classroom to the board room. But don’t fret! This does not require a shopping spree; it’s time for your career closet checkup! After spending many nights up studying and juggling your daily responsibilities, buying the right clothes for your new dream job can be a dreadful task. It also can become costly, and in our current economic times, buying new clothes and accessories is something you may have to put on the back burner. But don’t worry, as a student you have all of the items to build a fabulous career closet without breaking the bank. These are items that are very versatile and will complement any work environment. Now, get your pen and paper ready…

Let’s start with diamonds, gold, and silver… Oh my! That’s right — diamonds are not the only best friend you should have. Jewelry is an essential piece to any outfit you wear. Having a variety of diamonds, gold, silver and even costume jewelry can take you a long way. It can transform any article of clothing and make something old look brand new. Inexpensive jewelry can be found at local boutiques, shopping malls and thrift stores. And don’t be fooled by thinking because it is inexpensive, it will not last long. As long as you take care of it, it will survive for a great period of time.

Love shoes? Focus more on buying flats. Flats are convenient, comfortable and convertible. There is a great variety of flats like cap toe, round toe and also loafers. Don’t forget about the different colors, prints and styles too. These convertible shoes can be worn with dresses, skirts, dress slacks and even jeans. Having a variety of styles and colors will also allow you to revamp your look from student to executive.

Since you’re focusing on your education. let’s get those pencils ready — pencil skirts that is! Pencil skirts are a must-have for your closet. They can be dressed up with a button up and blazer or they can be dressed down with a simple blouse or sweater. You will look like you mean business without lacking in the personal style department. You should definitely have a black one, but don’t be afraid to get other colors and prints as well. Pencil skirts are made in plus sizes too so there are no excuses to not have one!

You also can’t forget about black dress pants. Just about every job will call for a pair of dress slacks and you can’t go wrong with black. Black is slimming and forgiving on all body types. Even if you have to dress in uniform, more often than not your bottoms are black. Black pants go with everything and can be revamped over and over again. Buy a few pairs, but mix it up with boot cut, skinny leg, wide leg and regular straight leg. When in doubt, “Bet on Black!” as they say.

All of these items should be staples in your closet. You will never go wrong mixing and matching these fabulous pieces to fit into your dress code even if you have to change careers. Being a student is hard enough without having to worry about what to wear when it’s finally time to begin your journey. Start off slow with the necessities and work your way up. Before you know it, you will go from the classroom to the head of the board room!

Jasmon hosts body image coaching, image consulting and various workshops. For more information on Jasmon or Size Fabulous, visit www.sizefabulous.com or follow her on Twitter at @SizeFabulous. We already do!

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10 a.m. Sunday, October 20, 2013 in Clinton Square

Sign up at MakingStridesWalk.org/syracuse

By FaraH F. JaDran I PHotograPHy By Jussara Potter

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14 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

She carried herself with poise and confidence while walking to her next class on the campus of Howard University. A young man approached her and complimented her Arden B cardigan. “You always look so nice,” he told her. “You’re always so fashionable.” The young woman, Calmesha “Caly” Givens, smiled and thanked him for his kind words.

Caly was taken by the young man’s observation and how her pleasant appearance masked what was truly happening in her life.

Unbeknownst to the young man or any of her classmates or professors at Howard, Caly was on her third day without food. “We look at people and we think we know, but we have no idea what’s going on in their lives,” Caly said. And for that matter, nobody knew what was going on with Caly during those days of hunger. She didn’t share her struggles with money with her mentors and support system back at On Point For College in Syracuse, nor did she share this with her partner, Joseph.

“I didn’t reach out to On Point…I didn’t reach out to anyone,” Caly said. “[On Point] had already done everything they could.” On Point had helped Caly with transportation to Washington D.C., books, application fees and most importantly, guidance.

On the same day she received the unexpected compliment, Caly received a call from Joseph, who asked her if she had checked her bank account. Without knowing that she needed the money or that she had been going hungry, Joseph decided to deposit some extra money he had into her account — $100 to be exact.

Although Caly worked full time in Silver Spring, Md., the cost of attending Howard University was overwhelming and she went without food because of a delay in receiving her financial aid. “I struggled at Howard. I was living in Silver Spring and it was a 40-minute drive in rush-hour traffic and I was taking six to eight classes [each semester] in hopes of graduating sooner.”

Growing up on the South Side of Syracuse, Caly had seen both a care-free life and that of struggle. Unlike some of her fellow college classmates, Caly didn’t follow a line of Howard grads. In her life, it was rather uncommon for anyone to even aspire past a high school diploma.

Growing up: the cosby show & on PointThe only times college was referenced in Caly’s childhood home was when the TV was tuned in to “The Cosby Show.” Going to college was heavily talked about in the Huxtable Household, but also going to a reputable college was stressed even more on the show. “I learned about places like Howard (a historically black university) from Bill Cosby.”

Up until Caly was five years old, she said her father was that of a “king pin in Syracuse” because of activities he was involved in. “We had material things…there was a time when we did not go without’” Caly said. But then, there was much more to her family life. She remembers illegal activity happening in her home, and the drug busts — they happened there too.

Around this same time, both of Caly’s parents began prison sentences that stretched well into her adolescent years. She and her older brother and sister moved in with their grandmother to her home on Hudson Street on the South Side. The rules tightened up a bit and the “material things” were no more. “While we didn’t have much, my grandmother always made sure there was food on the table.”

Caly’s passion for performing also began to grow. She was “signed up” for everything: singing, acting, cheer, drill team, dance and anything else that allowed her to be in the spotlight. If the Southwest Community Center had an opportunity for performing arts, Caly was there. “I always knew I would be an entertainer.”

However, when Caly was 11 years old, her life changed — again. Her mother was released from prison right before her fifth grade graduation. “That’s when it all started for me.” Caly helped start a gang with girls her

age and she began fighting with other kids. In the care of her less restrictive mother, Caly’s wild side came out.

“My mom had such a good heart. She’s such a genuine, loyal and sincere woman…and I took advantage of that,” Caly said. “My grandma was the only one that ever disciplined me.” By the time Caly was 14, she had been kicked out of every middle school in Syracuse. Caly was put on the homebound program before she was able to return to the ninth grade.

After a while, being in a gang was becoming a burden. “I was tired,” Caly said. “To me, it felt like there was no way out. People are so quick to say they can help you…” Caly’s 16th birthday was fast-approaching and this milestone had quite the significance in her life, but it was so different than many typical 16-year-olds. “My dad came home before my 16th birthday,” Caly said. “I’ll never forget that.”

Although she looked forward to this day, Caly said she didn’t know what would happen when he did come home. “I don’t think either of us did.” Before he was released from prison, Caly said there was a time she even stopped visiting him. There were many times he would say he “would be coming home,” but he never did. And Caly grew tired of it.

At first, Caly wanted to continue her path of destruction, which would include disobeying her father. “I didn’t want to listen to him,” Caly said. “What would he be able to tell me?”

But before her bad behavior spun too far out of control, Caly’s father did step in to provide some discipline. First things first, he told her she needed to get a job, which would provide her with some experience and discipline too. From the ages of 16 to 18, Caly worked in the dietary department of Van Duyn preparing meals for patients.

With high school winding down (at Corcoran), Caly began meeting with people like Ginny Donahue and Sam Rowser from On Point For College.

While her classes at Howard were challenging, thinking about where she came from always kept her motivated. Plus, she soon learned that education would truly lead her back to her passion for performing. Although Caly was unaware that she could major in acting or theater, she learned soon enough to at least acquire it as a minor. Her major was in administration of justice.

Instead of applying to law school, Caly set her sights on grad school for a master’s in theater.

However, Caly believes that in order “to be the best at what you do, you must learn the craft.” With that said, Caly wants to put this to work at the Yale School of Drama. This coming winter will be the third time she applies. Her second attempt at admission took her to the second round that involved the audition. She knows that this is where she’s meant to perfect her skills.

Caly has already been casted and has even passed up the opportunity to have an agent while she was in L.A. pursuing acting after graduating from Howard. No matter, Caly says grad school is the plan.

In September she will be completely moved in to her New York City apartment where she is working on the production of her Web series that will ultimately debut as a film. “Idol Mind” is Caly’s original work where she will play a district attorney while a reporter investigates actual murders that occurred in the city of Syracuse. The big lights of Hollywood or even the rather big shoes to fill at Howard could have remained a fantasy for many that endured a past like Caly’s. But for her, it was all about choosing what was best. “It’s about sacrifice,” Caly said. “It’s about willing to give up, to get what you want.”

If you would like to contribute to the production of “Idol Mind,” visit www.kickstarter.com and search for “Idol Mind,” To learn more about Caly, visit www.calygivens.com.

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18 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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ColGate uniVerSitYorganize your notes and business necessities with a colgate u spiral binding portfolio. Inside you will find a tablet and pockets to hold letter size documents and business cards. the portfolio sports a stylish synthetic leather-look material. Find this item at colgatebookstore.com.

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20 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

By aLyssa LaFaro I PHoto By cInDy BeLL

“Business — and life — is all about choices, and the power that those choices hold,” says Nicole Davidheiser, who has had to make plenty of choices in her lifetime.

One of the most positive decisions Nicole has made so far is her membership with WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections). An insurance agent with The Insurance Group, she joined the organization in 2010 with the support of board president Allison Haslam. “I’ve known Ali for years — as far back as high school — and at some point we were talking about our major career changes. I asked her what she did, and what I could do to grow my business. She said WBOC really helped her, and I should come to a meeting and check it out. Ali has this wonderful, admirable confidence about her, so I took her suggestion to heart and went to my first meeting. I knew almost immediately I wanted to join.”

Fast-forward to today, and Nicole is not only a three-year member of WBOC, but the executive vice president on the board of directors. It was a choice she made in hopes to “support and advance the success of women entrepreneurs, and to help move the organization forward.”

Before joining the ranks at WBOC, however, Nicole was in need of some support herself. With a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, she found herself in a career that just didn’t feel right. “I constantly struggled with fitting my life into my job,” she admits. “I realized that’s not what I wanted. I wanted to fit my job into my life.” Fate came into play, she says, and she was let go from her position. She had a choice to make: Keep going down the same career path, or make a change.

“I chose change,” she says. Since her father was a partner at a small insurance agency, she decided to get her New York state insurance license — and a job that fit into her life. “Getting laid off from my job was my opportunity. I took it, and have never looked back. Every day I feel a

simple satisfaction in helping people, whether it’s saving them money on their home, auto, or business insurance, or educating them on coverage.”

Today, Nicole faces other choices as a mother of two. “I made the choice to be a working mom,” she explains, “but letting go of the guilt that comes with that title can be hard.” WBOC, however, gladly embraces Nicole’s situation. “Our new meeting times were created because of our members’ family obligations. When I had my second baby, I brought her to our morning board meetings while I was on maternity leave. It worked out great for everyone.”

No matter what else life throws at Nicole, she knows she has both WBOC and the power of choice to back her up. “When I was

in college, I took a class called environmental psychology. The one theory that sticks with me to this day is ‘the power of choice.’ The choices we do or don’t make on a daily basis constantly change our future. You want a different future? You want to grow your business, start a business, change your business? Start making choices that will take you down that path. I did.  Those choices are going to be the most unpleasant ones, the ones that fill you with fear and anxiety, but in the end they’ll be the most gratifying.”

The WBOC is a non-profit organization that has been empowering professional women in the Central New York area for more than 20 years. Its

members are women business owners, women in business and women business start-ups. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC.

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By aLIcIa HaLL

If you asked me a year ago what my life would be like, I wouldn’t have dreamt of being able to empower Syracuse University’s student-athletes on a daily basis. But if you ask them, they’ll tell you that’s what I do. It is an absolute honor and privilege for me to work in the Stevenson Educational Center for Student-Athlete Development.

As a learning advocate and life coach, I spent this past year teaching students how to hold themselves accountable for their learning. From teaching study skills during weekly meetings, to monitoring study hall on and off the road, to attending more than 100 games, it is and always has been my number one priority to support our student-athletes. Helping them navigate both the academic and athletic worlds leads to daily conversations about not only school and sports, but life and learning. It is my hope that I can influence them to commit to being life-long learners and productive citizens in this community while preparing them to serve their future communities

There is no question that the CuseCare Shooting for A’s program I coordinated was the highlight of my year. Shooting for A’s is an annual mentorship program for girls attending Syracuse City Parks and Recreation Program. One night a week for four weeks, young ladies in fourth through eighth grade come to the Carmelo Anthony Center to develop both leadership and basketball skills. This year, members of the women’s soccer, volleyball, and lacrosse teams provided interactive lessons and activities on communication, teamwork, priorities, and leadership. Members of the women’s basketball team became coaches by preparing conditioning drills, running practices and then scrimmaging with the girls.

The minute the young girls stepped foot inside the Melo Center each week, they would ask, “Can Britt teach me today? Is Coach Corn

here?” Brittney Sykes and Cornelia Fondren were two freshmen who stepped into leadership roles without hesitation. To watch the women I work with daily mentor these young girls truly created a sense of generational legacy. I witnessed them actually living out what I spent the year teaching them, only to inspire the lives of others. Seeing my ability to empower these women to influence the younger generation changed my life. It was that moment when I realized that student-athlete development needed to be where I placed my best efforts.

SULeads was created to continue providing opportunities for student-athletes to become true leaders. Serving as the coordinator for this initiative, as well as for the CuseCare Community Service program, I will remain committed to developing leadership in student-athletes. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be revamped to foster growth and development as well as commitment to action.

As student-athletes are working to excel in their sport during their time at Syracuse University, committing to personal development is necessary to create space for their influence beyond the game. Many coaches and student-athletes have shown interest in creating programs such as Shooting for A’s, which will allow the community we live and learn in to remain a priority.

To the student-athletes who both amaze and motivate me, it has been an incredible joy to learn with and from you. I am proud of you because of your commitment to learning to be the best you can be. That is the only win I’m ever after. Go Cuse!

Alicia Hall is the SULeads Student-Athlete Development Coordinator at Syracuse University. Follow her at @leashatcuse; CuseCares at @_CuseCares, or email her at sucares@syr.edu.

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Have you ever wondered how you could help women around your community? That is the question that comes to Kristen Ford every day. In 2006, Kristen began her career at Cornell University as a senior campaign officer. Her main focuses were social sciences and professional education.

In 2009, she became assistant vice president, joining the Offices of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Her work has helped to improve university strategy and cultivate long-term university relationships with industry and foundation partners.

A large part of Kristen’s work also comes from the NYS American Council on Education Women’s Network (ACE). The ACE Women’s Network provides national leadership in the advancement of women in higher education into executive leadership and campus presidents. ACE is also in place to help establish links between women and trustees, legislators, policy makers and other organizations. The ACE network started in 1977, and since has grown significantly over the years.

“We’re broken down into six regions over New York State. Each year regions tend to offer more local networking opportunities. Out of those local programs, there are skilled network and meet and greet opportunities to develop relationships and mentors,” Kristen explained. “I chair the central region, so this year the central region had been elected to host the conference.” Each year the full state of New York hosts an annual conference which brings these regional committees together to further the overall mission.

The goals are to foster conversation and to get women connected with one another across the state. This provides the opportunity to expand and meet women leaders around the state.

“We hosted it this year at Cornell, under the umbrella of the central region. We had a planning committee that included representatives of this state because we wanted to make sure that different institutions were represented,” Kristen said. “State institutions had different challenges and opportunities than private institutions. The theme this year was focused on globalization.”

Networking is the biggest part of the American Council on Education because it gives the organization’s members the chance to discuss innovative concepts and collaborate.

“I now have a pool of women who have certain skill sets that I now have in my rolodex. As job opportunities open up at Cornell, I may reach out to them and say, ‘hey, is this something you might be interested in, or do you know someone who currently has this skill set who might be interested in this job,’” Kristen said. “From a recruitment standpoint for positions and hiring, this kind of conference provides a recruitment opportunity that is more valuable than just advertising and putting it out on a list. That is one way we can promote women in higher education.”

Many of the women from the ACE Women’s Network conferences have called Kristen back to follow up, learn a different skill set and get involved in the organization so they can learn about things like finances.

“We need to understand the position of finances in order to be positioned for a promotion in our institution. There are awareness opportunities at these conferences that help us develop our own skill sets, but also help us empower other women in their organizations.”

Throughout the years, job opportunities for women have been tougher for most than that of men, according to Kristen. “The more that we can get women at the leadership level, we will be able to make that pact easier.”

For more information about the NYS American Council on Education Women’s Network, visit www.nyacenet.org/.

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By FaraH F. JaDran I PHotograPHy By cInDy BeLLThe lives and futures of 21,000 children are in her hands.

And they’re enrolled in the 32 schools that comprise the largest, and most challenged, school district in Onondaga County.

Expectations were, and continue to be, high, and the list of goals is still long for the woman who is entrusted with this huge responsibility. Sharon Contreras took over as superintendent for the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) in July of 2011. Just as soon as she started, Sharon said she wanted to get to know the district and to truly determine the best way to solve problems. Most importantly, she wanted to prepare for the future of the district, and the future of its students.

Neither her immediate nor her long-term tasks were taken lightly. And it should be noted that a school does not acquire the label of “struggling” overnight, thus making a new superintendent’s responsibility even greater. Now, it’s up to Sharon to move the district forward.

“It does not suddenly happen; it takes more than a decade to become an under-performing district,” Sharon said.

Over the last 20 years, the city district has become home to many cultures, which has translated into having more than 70 different languages spoken among its students. In addition, the percentage of students of color has increased from 47 percent to 72 percent and the percentage of low-income children increased from 50 to 84 percent. And in the last 10 years, more than 6,000 immigrants and refugees have relocated to Syracuse from all over the world, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East and various countries in Africa.

With an evolving population, the need for added student support has increased over the past two decades in the SCSD.

“Many of the students are behind their more affluent peers,” Sharon said. “We know for many poor children, research indicates that there’s a word gap by the time they’re three years old. They come to school with academic deficits and they widen over time.”

According to an article by the ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) regarding the effects poverty has on behavior and academic performance, children’s vocabulary competence is influenced by the mother’s socio-demographic characteristics, personal characteristics, vocabulary, and knowledge of child development.

By the time most children start school, they will have been exposed to five million words and should know about 13,000 of them. By high school, they should know about 60,000 to 100,000 words. But that doesn’t often happen in low-income homes.

A six-year study (performed by Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley) that followed the outcomes of children selected from different socioeconomic backgrounds found that by age 3, the children of professional parents were adding words to their vocabularies at about twice the rate of children in low-income families. They found that a pattern of slow vocabulary growth helped put in place a slower cognitive pattern by the time children turned 3. In fact, IQ tests performed later in childhood showed the low-income students’ scores trailing behind those of the more affluent children by up to

29 percent. Parents of low socioeconomic status are also less likely to tailor their conversations to evoke thoughtful and reasoned responses from their children.

“It becomes more and more difficult to catch up,” said Sharon about the SCSD students that come from low-economic backgrounds. She added that students will not “accelerate and catch up” if the proper interventions are in fact not put in place. “Schools will continue to spiral.” This is how schools end up in the bottom 5 percent in the state, according to Sharon.

Schooling Starts At HomeBecause research so heavily reflects the building blocks for any child’s entry into education, Sharon, along with her staff and faculty, knows that an emphasis on at-home learning is 100 percent essential.

This fall, the parents in the SCSD will have the opportunity once again to enroll in Parent University in order to better support their children’s learning experiences. The program took place at Onondaga Community College in October of 2012.

Parent University is a unique opportunity for parents, family members and caregivers of SCSD students. It offers families a variety of free classes and workshops designed to add to existing skills and provide additional growth and development opportunities, while contributing to the academic and social-emotional success of children in the district. Sharon witnessed the success of this program’s kind in the Philadelphia school system about four years ago.

“[Parent University] is incredibly important for many reasons,” Sharon said. “There are programs on supporting your kids in their math homework, making their paycheck stretch, how to go grocery shopping and eating healthy…” This list of Parent University offerings goes on.

Programs like this one are, without a doubt, crucial to providing city district parents with tools that will ensure kids are starting school on a solid structure. The Parent University curriculum is designed specifically to tackle the challenges the SCSD faces — challenges that other districts may not necessarily endure on a regular basis. For example, there’s information on finding your voice as a parent, the dangers of synthetic drugs, how parents can prevent bullying and raising a son in the absence of his father.

Sharon said about 1,000 parents enrolled in the program last year and the district reached out to these parents for input. The feedback was welcomed so that any critiques on offerings could be considered as well as new courses that parents may have shown a need or interest in for a future Parent University enrollment year.

While Sharon says she wishes all SCSD parents would attend or consider attending the program, she says the district will continue to look for ways to engage parents otherwise.

“School is more than academics,” Sharon said. “Many students drop out of school over social factors not because of academic factors. We try to address the ‘whole student’ with sports and extracurricular activities and that’s why we have so many programs to try to address the social-emotional needs of our students.”

syracuseWomanmag.com ::august 2013 27

“I ” Is For iZONEThis past March, the SCSD was awarded seven competitive grants, one for each application submitted. The total of the grants is a combined $31.5 million through the New York State Education Department’s Office of School Turnaround. Each of the seven Title I: 1003(g) School Improvement Grants, valued at $4.5 million apiece, will support whole-school redesign efforts in the SCSD’s seven Innovation Zone (iZone) Schools: Bellevue Elementary, Danforth Middle, Frazer K-8, Porter Elementary, Seymour Dual Language Academy, Van Duyn Elementary and Westside Academy at Blodgett.

The iZone, which is co-sponsored by the Syracuse Teachers Association, will target seven of the lowest-performing schools in the Syracuse City School District.

“I am pleased that the NYSED recognizes our commitment to whole school reform and has awarded the district SIG funds for all seven applications submitted,” Sharon said. “These grants put us firmly on the road to offering a high-quality education for all students.”

Looking AheadOne of the aspects Sharon is most excited about for the future of district is the work surrounding career technical education. It is in Sharon’s main focus, and the district’s, to better provide opportunities where students can begin learning in the careers they aspire to obtain after completing secondary education. These refreshed offerings are provided at both ITC and Fowler High School.

Sharon says the risk of losing students is greater in the absence of motivation. If schools are looking like they did 20 or 30 years ago, the quality of course offerings simply won’t match the needs of a modern day student.

“It’s exciting to see schools renovated and to align programs with students’ interests.” There are fields such as graphics, bio technology, cosmetology and culinary arts that can be explored before graduation thanks to the latest revisions within the district. With the second phase of the renovations, Sharon says even more technical programs will be offered in the district.

“Some students choose to go into work [immediately after graduating], some participate in a two-year school and others, a four-year [institution],” Sharon said. “They’ll have choices — more choices and that’s what’s really important to us.”

Last year every classroom in seven of the 32 buildings received a Smart Board, and this summer five more buildings will undergo the same upgrade. While it may not seem like a huge dent in the total number of the schools, and those most in need, Sharon believes the SCSD is on the right track thus far. “For a district that’s struggling financially, it’s good,” she said. Meeting the needs in a district is one thing, but keeping up with them is another. “We’re moving quickly [on technology additions] but as soon as you add the technology, it’s outdated.”

In addition to staying on top of technology deficiencies, the district must work to keep its students on track while NYS standards evolve.

The latest NYS standards, according to Sharon, that were adopted by 47 states, are the most rigorous standards that have ever been implemented in the country. “This poses a challenge to many of our students that are already behind,” Sharon explained.

Furthermore, if students need to be caught up to the original standards only to reach a stage where yet another level of standards is expected, how does a student ever fully catch up? “With plain hard work,” Sharon says. “We have incredible teachers in the district. I am grateful every day to call these people my colleagues.” And again, it’s up to the district to provide as much support as possible to its students to help them rise to the standard.

With the state increasing standards, Sharon says the district’s high school graduation rate has remained stable from 2011 to 2012 at about 48 percent. Although the SCSD is losing 1 out of 2 students, there was an increase of 8 percent of students receiving their regent diplomas in the 2011-12 school year. “I am very pleased with that increase, but we have so much more work to do to increase the graduation rate overall.”

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28 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

Also, there was an increase in students going to college in 2011-12, with the number rising to 579 from 437 in previous years. The SCSD was notified in June of this year that 90 percent of the students in the Say Yes to Education program matriculated to their sophomore year, which is higher than the national average. “Those are great results,” Sharon says.

Looking even further ahead, to the 2014-15 school year, the SCSD will introduce its new Latin classical school. “We are addressing the struggling students but not the highest performing students.” The new school is being modeled after the Boston Latin School, which was the first public school and oldest existing school in the United States, founded in 1635. Also, it continues to be in the top 10 for Latin classical schools in the nation.

Sharon says this will be an elementary school, of which there are very few elementary Latin schools in the country. The school will take the place of the current Percy Hughes building on Syracuse’s South Side.

Say Yes To Education“I will never forget the first few days on the job,” Sharon said. A classroom full of second graders told her: “We’re going to college because of Say Yes [to Education].”

“I can assure you that this never happened in my career,” Sharon said. “And they knew this because of Say Yes. And then I knew I was in the right place.”

Say Yes provides comprehensive supports, including the promise of free college tuition to one of nearly 100 colleges and universities for those who meet residency, graduation and admission requirements. These supports are aligned with what research indicates is needed to enable every child in the program to achieve his or her potential.

This past June, Harvard University, the University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University, Duke University and Georgetown University joined the Say Yes mission.

Additionally, the more than three dozen private colleges and universities in the Say Yes Higher Education Compact — including Syracuse University, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and Tufts University — promise full tuition to accepted Say Yes scholars whose family income is at or below $75,000 annually. (Students attending Say Yes compact institutions whose family income is above $75,000 receive annual $5,000 scholarships from Say Yes, in addition to financial aid based on need from those colleges and universities.)

Outside The School YardWithout a lot of downtime, Sharon admits she “doesn’t get out much.” However, when she does manage some “Sharon time” it tends to include her nephew, Jonathan Nelson, whom she cares for. Jonathan, 5, is named after her deceased brother and also Sharon’s hero, Nelson Mandela. Jonathan begins kindergarten in the fall and loves to participate in sports like soccer, basketball and swimming. “Jonathan is the joy of my life.”

On her own, Sharon tries to enjoy the city, again, when she has the time. On occasion Sharon will walk to Gentile’s on the Near Westside to enjoy a meal or she’ll venture to the YMCA for some exercise. Her implementation of walking actually brought her to realize that she has lost 50 pounds since we last featured her in Syracuse Woman Magazine when she first assumed her post in the city. (Congratulations, Sharon!)

Although Sharon had already held many leadership roles in other places like Rhode Island and Georgia before coming to Syracuse, she knew there was more to be done, especially as a woman leader in education. Sharon described a successful woman as “supportive of other women and that she is competent.”

Her ultimate goal, in alignment with the SCSD, is to have Syracuse become an educational community that graduates every student as a responsible, active citizen prepared for success in college, careers and the global economy. And one day, the goal is for the SCSD to be the most improved urban school district in the country.

It is no small feat, but when a group of second-graders know they’re going to college several years before entering high school — you must be on the right track.

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Professor Julie Hasenwinkel has been at Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science for 14 years. A professor in the department of biomedical and chemical engineering and a member of the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, she is currently the Associate Dean for Student Affairs focusing on providing student support to improve academic and professional outcomes for engineering and computer science students. In May, Julie was invited Washington D.C. to accept an $829,223 grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a proposal she and her team of faculty submitted entitled, “Meeting the 10K+ Challenge: Enhancing the Climate for Persistence and Success in Engineering (ECliPSE).”

We sat down with Julie to learn more about her passion for engineering and student success…

As a kid, the human body and the field of medicine always fascinated me. I was drawn to orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, but my high school chemistry and calculus teachers encouraged me to consider engineering. When I found out that bioengineering combined my interest in medicine with my love for the analytical and my desire to solve problems, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.

My lab works in the area of biomaterials, and we strive to develop materials that are compatible with the human body and can be implanted to treat injured or diseased tissues. We focus on two main application areas — orthopedics and nerve regeneration. In the area of orthopedics, we develop new bone cements to treat vertebral compression fractures in the spine. These cements can also be used to implant total joint replacements like hips and knees. We also

study spinal cord injury and work on developing biomaterials-based solutions such as implantable drug delivery systems and materials that could support nerve regeneration at the injury site.

My passion stems from my excitement about the field of engineering and all of the innovative and exciting things you can do in your career with an engineering or computer science degree. I love to ask first-year students where they want to be in five years. By encouraging them to articulate their vision and career aspirations, our faculty and staff can help them create a path forward that combines the educational components along with the extracurricular and pre-professional experience that will help them achieve their goals.

Engineering and computer science touches every aspect of our lives. We can hardly imagine going a day without using our cell phones, riding in a motor vehicle, being connected to electric power, or working on a computer — yet these technologies wouldn’t even exist without engineering and computer science. And imagine the future of technological developments, from new ways to communicate and connect to the world around you, to sustainable energy solutions, to life-saving medical devices and drugs. Engineers and computer scientists make major contributions to society by solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, which is incredibly rewarding work.

I love to highlight my students’ exciting achievements to help my kids envision their future in college and beyond. My sons (Matthew, Luke and Josh) have taught international graduate students how to play baseball and in return they’ve been exposed to a vibrant community of enthusiastic learners from many different cultures.

By JuLIe HasenWInKeL

syracuseWomanmag.com ::august 2013 31

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As the largest healthcare profession, nursing needs to play a pivotal role in transforming and sustaining a viable healthcare system. In an effort to assess and transform the nursing profession in 2008, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) produced a report that would make recommendations for an action-oriented blueprint for the future of nursing. Established in 1970, the IOM is the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences and serves as advisor to the nation to improve health.

Cathryne Welch, EdD, registered nurse and co-lead for the Future of Nursing New York State Action Coalition,  discusses the report as it relates to the nursing profession. “The recommendations of the IOM report are either identical to or wholly consistent with goals the nursing profession has pursued over time, some for nearly a century, [The] embrace of these goals by the Institute for Medicine, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the AARP constitutes, in my view, a societal cry for the nursing profession to become a primary, pivotal partner in transforming health care. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for the nursing profession.  We must seize it quickly because, asothers have said, the opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.”

The IOM report established the following eight recommendations to help guide the transformation of health care: • Remove scope of practice barriers• Expand opportunities for nurses to lead and diffuse collaborative improvement efforts • Implement nurse residency programs• Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020• Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning• Prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health• Build an infrastructure for the collection and analysis of inter-professional health care workforce date

The future of Nursing New York State Action Coalition, a nonpartisan entity, is part of a broad national effort to implement the recommendations of the IOM report. To facilitate efforts statewide, the Action Coalition divided NYS into seven regions. The responsibilities of the Action Coalition are to engage a diverse group of stakeholders from a variety of sectors; fashion a state-prioritized list of recommendations; gain media exposure and build visibility/awareness; inform policymakers and decision-makers on key issues; outreach to philanthropies, businesses, and other entities for ongoing support.

While all eight recommendations are critical, locally, a group of undergraduate RN completion students from Keuka College is focusing on specifically increasing the proportion of nurses with baccalaureate degrees to 80 percent by 2020. The group is working with regional and statewide leaders to provide information to nurses, other healthcare professionals and the community to help facilitate this initiative. The opportunity has been afforded to the group as part of Keuka College’s Field Period leadership program (similar to an internship). Carolyn Christie-McAuliffe PhD, RN, professor at Keuka College and one of the local leaders for the Future of Nursing Initiative, has been instrumental in allowing the group to be the driving force behind local efforts.

The decision to go back to school can be difficult and stressful. The group members have their own barriers to overcome in continuing their education. “A barrier for me is balancing work, school, my house, my son’s schedule,, and social life,” said Debra Cirillo, a full-time registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. “Being a single mom can be a huge barrier, but I make it work. It’s worth it. I’m proud to be part of the Future of Nursing.” Stories like Debra’s are validation that the work the group is doing has been, and will continue to be, successful.

For more information regarding the Future of Nursing, stop at the booth at the 2013 Great New York State Fair. There will be volunteers from across the state staffing the booth and answering your questions. You can also visit www.futureofnursing-nys.org.

By Lynne WerBecK

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With summer winding down and back-to-school routines just around the corner, squeezing in workouts can be difficult. Luckily for most of us, summer plans tend to include water. Fish travel in schools but women can learn a lot of fun fitness tricks while hanging out in the pool. From ponds, to lakes, to pools aqua aerobics can provide a quick option for fitness.

What Is Aqua Aerobics? Water aerobics is a low impact activity that will get your heart pumping! All you need is a suit and a towel to start. The weight of the water adds resistance that helps to strengthen your muscles. And the buoyancy of the water keeps these workouts from stressing bones and joints. Remember, you don’t need to be able to swim to enjoy aqua aerobics! Classes are completed in water that is no deeper than chest level, making it a perfect option for women looking for a new challenge. Here are some quick ideas for a refreshing water workout…

First, remember to drink lots of water before and after these workouts. You won’t notice the sweat in the water, but your body will.

Warm Up: Begin by engaging your core. Start in water no deeper than your chest but no lower than your hips. Walk forward and backward for a few minutes to get your heart rate up.

Moves for Beginners:• Jogging in place, the resistance of the water and your body weight can give you a great workout. Water shoes for this type of activity work well, especially in lakes and ponds. Want to shake it up? Try high knees, toe touches or a jumping squat.

• Jumping jacks are a great way to work out your arms and legs at the same time. Rather than just jumping facing the same direction, jump to your right and complete a square shape.

• Use the sides of the pool to work on your arms. Push-ups from the side, or even practice pulling yourself up out of the water. In a pond or lake, pull and then push the water back and forth while you jump from one leg to another. Golf swings work as well. Plant your feet on the floor and move your arms as though you are swinging a driver.

• You also can maintain a standard flutter kick while holding on to the side of the pool or a dock. Core work, check.

• Pike leg lifts are another easy activity. Place your back against the pool wall with your arms stretched out to each side. Keeping your legs straight and together pull one up at a time into a 90-degree angle. Feeling stronger? Try to bring them up together.

• Winning the lottery! Pull your arms in like you’re giving yourself a bear hug at the same time do a crunch motion with your legs, Pretending as if you are hauling in your huge lottery winnings. Then you give it away… so push it out. Moves like this should be done with the added help of a flotation belt or dumbbells.

These examples are just a few ideas for how you can incorporate aqua aerobics into your fitness plans. These moves can be done in a class setting or in any body of water you choose.

The popularity of Zumba has also made its way to the water with many local gyms and fitness clubs offering Aqua Zumba classes. It is exactly like it sounds — you will enjoy dancing and Zumba moves in the water.

This fall, learn from the fish and add some aqua aerobics to your end-of-summer workout plans.

“If you’re bored, then you’re boring,” has long been Renee Benda’s favorite quote and her blog Bendifulblog.com proves there is a lot you can enjoy in one life. With spirit, spunk and spurts of seriousness, this busy mom of two boys gives her readers tips and tricks for healthy living and fitting in fitness. Follow her on Twitter at @cusecomm. We already do!

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syracuseWomanmag.com :: JuLy 2013 37

The dreaded question — “What’s for dinner?” — is no match for four Central New York women. Their answer is simple: beef.

Cindy Chan Phillips R.D., Jean O’Toole, Denise McCanney Jones and Carol Gillis run the New York Beef Industry Council located in Westmoreland. The non-profit organization, established as a part of the 1985 Farm Bill, works to promote beef and educate the public on beef nutrition.

The industry is funded through the Beef Checkoff Program. All producers and importers pay $1 per head for every beef animal they sell. The state beef councils take the dollar and split it in half. Fifty cents goes to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, where it is invested into the national Checkoff Program. The other 50 cents goes to the individual state beef councils where they choose how to invest it. For the New York State Beef Council, the money is put toward dieticians, beef producers, educational programs, administration and more.

New York is ranked 39th nationally in the beef industry. With only 14 people per cow, it is a state of beef consumption, and thus gets funding from other states. The councils look to put their money where the consumers are in order to educate them on beef and its benefits. The beef council in South Dakota funds the New York Beef Council when it travels to the New York State Fair.

If you are heading to the state fair this year, you may cross paths with Cindy, Jean, Denise and Carol. During the fair’s 12-day run time, the four women will be in the dairy products building in the quality meats section. They have pamphlets to hand out, iPads with links to websites regarding the nutritional benefits of beef, dinner recipes and general facts about the meat. There are also videos, various farmers and ranchers and even a spice bar where you can mix your own spices. This year’s featured spice is the Mama Mia Rub, which has an Italian taste to it. The women are also putting on five cooking demonstrations a day, each one with a different theme such as stir frying, grilling, pot-roasting and ground beef skillet meals. While these in and of themselves sound enticing, Beef Day adds even more of an appeal.

This year, Beef Day will be held at the state fair on Aug. 27. A media contest will take place, where all print, radio and television stations are invited to participate in the grill off. The theme of the day is Branding Iron Chef. The chefs will only receive one pound of ground beef and four buns. There will be a table filled with ingredients on it, but it is survival of the fittest, seeing as how it is on a first-come-first-served basis.

One contest is not enough for beef lovers. At one o’clock, there is the Create the Perfect Burger Contest. This will be the seventh year the council has asked consumers to send in their recipes. Five finalists will be picked, and they will go on to compete against five prior grand prize winners.

The schedule the women follow at the state fair is indeed daunting, with days lasting more than 12 hours. However, the energy they put

forth, along with that of volunteers and consumers, makes the long hours completely worth it.

The busy days have clearly not stopped Carol, who has been with the industry for 14 years. She oversees the entire program and works closely with beef production. She deals with the New York Beef Quality Assurance Program as well as the National Cattlemen Beef Board to extend the arrangements statewide. This helps the producers develop safe, wholesome products.

Jean has been involved with the beef industry for eight years. She handles the fields of public relations and promotions. She also is involved with retail, food service, event planning and consumer education. If you listen to AM Buffalo or tune in to “Bridge Street” — you have probably noticed Jean spreading the word about the beef council and all of the benefits that arise through it.

Four years ago, Denise jumped aboard the beef wagon as well. She has undertaken so much lately. During the day she attends nursing school, and then she works nights with the beef council. When events come around, she works full time, and she even provides extra help to the other women whenever they need her. She does a little bit of everything, but her main focus is with the bookkeeping. She keeps track of the Checkoff dollars and the cows sold. She also monitors who

needs to be trained and recertified.

For six months, Cindy also has played a very important role. She is a registered dietician and the director of nutrition education of the council. She educates the public on how to have a healthy diet, which includes lean beef. She works hand-in-hand with other health professionals to communicate to the public through scientific evidence the nutritional benefits of beef and how it plays a role in a healthy lifestyle. Cindy not only does this through

meetings and conventions, but through social media too. Currently there are active Facebook and Twitter accounts, and a Pinterest site is seen in the future plans.

The four women are extremely dedicated to their jobs. They have found the passion and dedication of the beef farmers for their land, cattle and consumers as extremely contagious. Consumers feel the same way, thanking the members of the beef council for the education they received, which truly allows them to better their lives. Each day the women are reminded they love what they have committed their lives too, and in the end, that makes everything worthwhile.

Be sure to checkout the New York Beef Council online as well as at the State Fair and their many other numerous events. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a rundown on beef at the meat case at your local grocery store. And now that you’re hungry and thinking of something to cook, remember beef — it’s what’s for dinner.

For more information, visit www.nybeef.org. Also, find more on the New York Beef Council at www.facebook.com/NewYorkBeefIndustryCouncil and on Twitter at @nybeefnutrition and @NYBeefCoach.

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather, but be sure to protect your heart in the heat. With temperatures in the 90s, it’s important to know that extreme heat can be hard on the heart.

As the temperature rises, so can your risk for suffering health issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors recommend using good judgment when it comes to activities outside in the heat, and that you stay hydrated.

During the hot summer months, it’s important that you take the right precautions:

follow the Doctor’s orders. If you are a heart patient, over the age of 50, overweight or just starting an exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor for your best exercise routine.

try to watch the Clock.It’s best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon (about noon to 3 p.m.) because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

Get off on the right foot. You probably sweat the most in your shoes, so choose well-ventilated shoes and look for socks that repel perspiration. Foot powders and antiperspirants can also help with sweat.

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat. Add a hat and/or sunglasses. Before you get started, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply it every two hours.

Drink up. Stay hydrated by drinking a few cups of water before, during and after your exercise. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

take regular Breaks. Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again

Staying physically active all year long is imperative to good heart health. The American Heart Association reports that physically active people can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease by nearly 30 percent.

If you do want to be active during hot weather, doctors say it is alright if the activity is something you are used to, but it is not the time to push yourself.

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms when you may be experiencing too much heat. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion are headaches, heavy sweating, cold or moist skin, chills, dizziness or fainting (syncope), a weak and rapid pulse, muscle cramps, fast, shallow breathing and nausea and/or vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place, stop exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water and rehydrating. You may need to seek medical attention.

Some symptoms of heat stroke are similar to those of heat exhaustion. However, it is important to be aware of both risks. Symptoms of heat stroke include warm or dry skin with no sweating, strong and rapid pulse, confusion and/or unconsciousness, high fever, throbbing headaches, nausea and vomiting or both. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.For more information, tips and advice on how to take care of your heart, visit www.heart.org or call (800) AHA-USA-1.

courtesy oF tHe amerIcan Heart assocIatIon

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38 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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7.14.12Central New York Central New York Central New York Jazz Orchestra

8.11.12Mario DeSantis

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performers from the DeSantis School of Music

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of summer.Saturday nights in Armory Square

Opening Act: Opening Act: The Stan Colella All-Star

Youth Band

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7.20.13International Guitar Duo Loren Barrigar

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Enjoy the sounds of summer.Saturday nights in Armory Square

Concert series made possible with funding from New York State Council on the Arts, administered by CNY Arts and the generous support of Governor Andrew Cuomo.

syracuse Women

LIsa tamILIaFounder, suny oswego alumni scholarship

InspireBy KaILyn JennIngs I PHoto By Jussara Potter“When you love people and have the desire to make a profound, positive impact upon the world, then will you have accomplished the meaning to live.” — Sasha Azevedo

Many people can think of the one person who influenced them right from the start ” — the one person who helped shape them into the individuals they are today. For Lisa Tamilia, that person was her mother.

Josephine Tamilia, Lisa’s mother, had a household full of Italian food and undeniable love. She encouraged and supported her daughter through every endeavor she faced, and she gave her nothing less than the world. Since Lisa was three years old, she has been traveling across the globe, experiencing every nook and cranny and making memories, which she will cherish for the entirety of her life. Lisa sees her mother as the greatest role model ” — one who gave her the foundation for her own success and happiness. Her mother’s spirit lives on through her, but for Lisa, that was not enough. She wanted to spread her mother’s legacy a little further, reach even more people and inspire them in the same ways her mother did for her.

As Lisa looked out at the SUNY Oswego honor students during her keynote speech at their convocation in 2012, she saw the impact a scholarship can have on an individual, and she was inspired to create a scholarship in her mother’s name. The very next year, the Lisa Tamilia ’89 Alumni Scholarship in Memory of Josephine Tamilia was created from an endowment. So far, two deserving students have become recipients of the award so near to Lisa’s heart.

Lisa set up the scholarship to be awarded to business students who have overcome great obstacles in their lives and gotten involved in their community. It is not solely based on students’ grade point averages, but instead on their dedication, perseverance and desire to never give up. She hopes the scholarship offers support and help to students who in turn, will give back to someone down the road.

Lisa does not just sign a check for the winners. She personally meets them and gives them intimate recognition. She wants them to understand the award is not just about the money, but support as well. Lisa even brings the recipients to events, introduces them to professionals in the business field and helps them network to aid in their future success.

The first recipient of the award was business administration major, Trevor Bacon, class of 2015. He is very active in the school and community, and a well-deserving young man, according to Lisa. When he was presented with the award, he was president of the Seneca Hall Council, a member of the SUNY Oswego Investment Club, vice president of the Residence Hall Advisory Board and an official for campus sporting events. His involvement can only lead to more success in the future. Lisa says she can’t help but believe his hope to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a banker will indeed become a reality.

(continued on page 44)

42 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

By James mann I PHoto By cInDy BeLL

Being alert to opportunities, working hard, risk taking and working well with others are some of the key factors in becoming a successful entrepreneur. At the School of Information Studies(iSchool), these aspects are something every student is attentive to.

The success of the iSchool is nothing shy of amazing because of the hard work and time the faculty, staff and students put in.

Five years ago the iSchool was faced with a tough decision, as it had to find a new dean. After a national search left the school wondering who would fill this important role, the school turned to alumna Elizabeth Liddy to become interim dean. At first, Liz was not sure about the task, as she already had enough on her plate. As the director of the Center for Natural Language Processing(CNLP), an adjunct professor for the Department of Pediatrics at Upstate Medical University and a trustee professor at the iSchool already, becoming the dean was another substantial task to add to the list. However, with a little push from her son, John Liddy, she made the decision to become interim dean in 2007.

“I happened to mention it to my son that night, he had been with me, and when I told him Eric Spina asked me about being interested in becoming dean and I said, ‘no,’ he said, ‘Mom that’s the first time I haven’t seen you step up,’” Liz said.

After another national search, Liz put her name in to become the full-time dean at the iSchool.

“I like it, I find running my own company, running my own research center or running the school very, very similar. You have to think about it, you have customers, a budget and a company.”

Since Liz has been the dean at the iSchool, the institution has flourished. With more than 1,400 students, and the number expected to rise, the smallest school at Syracuse University stands out among others. Other than the iSchool at SU, there are 51 iSchools around the world in 14 different countries spread out over four different continents. Liz plans to make Africa the fifth continent with her work in Rwanda. With the help of Cornell University and the Kigali Institute of Education, there is a plan to educate 33 students, all of whom would earn at least a master’s degree. That group would form the faculty needed to reopen the library science program in Kigali.

“Right now we’re bringing in four Rwandans in July and I am actually going to have them live at my house, because it is the cheapest lodging for them,” Liz said.

Not only has Liz brought the opportunity to Rwanda, but she also has issued eight patents over the last 20 years. These accomplishments have given her a plethora of awards such as the National Tibbetts Award from SBIR Program of U.S Small Business Administration, Innovation for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Award for Technology from Upstate New York Technology and many more.

Liz has also been a big part of helping increase the number of women in information technology. “We’re a pace setter and a wonderful

(continued on page 44)

“We’re a pace setter and a wonderful organization…”

LIZ LIDDyDean, ischool at syracuse university

42 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

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syracuseWomanmag.com ::august 2013 43syracuseWomanmag.com :: august 2013 43

By KaILyn JennIngs I PHoto By rIcK neeDLe

“An education is an investment. Not only is it beneficial financially, but it enhances your professional and personal wellbeing as well.”

Going to school wasn’t Sue Cumoletti’s favorite activity, but she always knew of the value that lies in education. She ended up becoming very passionate about getting educated and helping those around her do the same. Through her endeavors, she has made a career not only for herself, but for many others as well.

Right out of high school, Sue enrolled at Bryant and Stratton College (previously known as a business institute). After earning her two-year degree, she slipped easily into an entry-level position. Sue’s eyes were then opened to how much she could help other people, and she pursued a career as an admissions representative, which became her favorite job. Later on though, after becoming director of admissions, Sue realized her colleagues had bachelor’s degrees, something she lacked. Despite having two small children and a full-time career, she went back to school and took her education to the next level. When the campus director position became available at the North campus, Sue jumped at it. She then followed up her new position with a master’s degree she earned online. Sue experienced the benefits of education firsthand, and her positions have given students the opportunity to reap the same benefits and enhance their lives.

There are many aspects to Sue’s current job as the North campus director. She is responsible for understanding the employment needs existing within Syracuse and then reflecting her findings back into the school’s programs. For example, with the health services field expanding, Bryant and Stratton College developed a bachelor’s degree program in health services administration.

Despite seeing many changes, there is one thing Bryant and Stratton College has always remained focused on: careers. The school is driven to get its students into the job market, and the programs it has put into place are constant reminders of its dedication.

Bryant and Stratton College has a unique career services model, which is focused on each student’s individual program from the start. Students meet career services directors in their first term, sometimes even during orientation. The classroom settings deliver active learning formats, modeling the workforce environment. The education students receive through the program provides them with a definite confidence boost regarding their skills and abilities ” — ― a vital aspect to success.

The portfolio program also aids in better preparing students for the job market. Students can add to their portfolios through every class they take, starting right from the beginning of their first year. There is even a day completely dedicated to portfolio enhancement. This enables students to take time early on to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, where they’ve been, where they are and where they’re going. Everything they have learned and experienced culminates, and the portfolio program allows them to share their knowledge with prospective employers.

(continued on page 44)

“She has made a career not only for herself, but

for many others as well.”

sue cumoLettInorth campus Director, Bryant and stratton college

::sW inspire

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ireJosephine was a positive, sociable woman who truly enjoyed the company of others and welcomed everyone in with her warm smile and contagious energy. The scholarship allows her heartwarming personality and helping hands to live on not only through her daughter, but through every scholarship recipient for years to come.Lisa takes after her mother by passing on her good deeds and valuable lessons. She takes them farther than just the scholarship, for she is also a SUNY Oswego Business School Advisory Board Member and an alumni mentor for the Sharing Knowledge Program. Her community involvement also includes her involvement as a judge for the “40 Under 40” Award, which recognizes hard-working and community minded individuals under the age of 40. Also, Lisa is a member of Women TIES — Together Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success. Each day she passes on her mother’s legacy, which so clearly lights the path she chooses to walk. Josephine gave more than just memories to her daughter. She instilled valuable lessons in her, which have only become contagious. Although Josephine has passed away, her impact on the world has not ceased to exist. She lives on in the hearts of all whom she has touched. Her legacy is eternal. To contribute to the endowment, visit www.oswego.edu/givenow and click the “Donate Now” button on the bottom of the first page. Then on the gift page, simply select “Other” as the designation and type “Tamilia” in the description box.

LIsa tamILIa(cont)

organization for National Center for Women in Information Technology(NCWIT). It’s a national organization of academics and corporations and not-for-profits all committed to increasing the number of females.”

The School of Information Technology started a non-profit program to help women called the IT Girls. The goal is to bring in bus loads of high school female seniors from areas such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New York City. Many come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are brought to the university to stay overnight and get a grasp on what the iSchool is all about.

The IT Girls overnight retreat started two years ago and runs in the middle of November. It has improved significantly between 2011 and 2012 with participation growing from 32 to 43 high schools. In 2012, 54 percent of the program participants applied to the iSchool. With the iSchool graduating nearly 94 percent of its students, it gives these girls something big to look forward to.

“They may not have ever known they were interested in IT. We’ve got good numbers of them who apply. It’s an amazing diversity initiative, both in terms of ethnicity and gender, but it’s wonderful to see the number of women.”

(

LIZ LIDDy(cont)

In every term, there are workshops dedicated to interview techniques along with career fairs where students can speak one-on-one with the representatives. One of the many aspects Sue reveres for its importance.

The career-based aid does not end there. In a student’s last term, he or she is required to complete an internship, giving each student real world experience. Fifteen percent of Bryant and Stratton students land their full-time job through their internship, proving the importance of firsthand experience and networking.

The services still do not cease — not even after graduation. The career services team vows to assist alumni for life. They can come back as much as they like for resume consultation, help with job applications, online networking and more. The combination of the career services model, personalized education and small environment is what Sue believes allows students who would not excel elsewhere to thrive at Bryant and Stratton College.

When surveyed, the students who attend the regionally accredited school say the focus on employability, adaptability and affordability is why they chose to attend, remain at, and return to the college. With an overall job placement rate of 84 percent in 2012, around 30 percent higher than the national average, it’s no wonder why students choose to attend Bryant and Stratton College — the dedicated faculty prepares its students for real world experiences and helps land nearly three quarters of its graduates in jobs within 90 days.

Sue knows all too well from her time as a student and employee at Bryant and Stratton College that the school’s “Better Starts Here” motto continues to prove itself as one which will ring true for many years to come.

sue cumoLettI(cont)

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syracuseWomanmag.com ::august 2013 45

“I feel like Upstate New York is home.”

Having grown up in Albany, coming back to Syracuse is much like a homecoming for Dr. Casey Crabill, who was named Onondaga Community College’s eighth president and began her term on July 1.

In coming home to Central New York, Dr. Crabill says she is glad to be in a strong education-oriented community. Plus, she says the area is “vibrant” in women’s leadership. “This region has so much potential for community college education,” she said. “There are lots of ways we can fulfill that mission to grow K through 12 and higher education and [our] workforce.”

Dr. Crabill’s aforementioned mission is a part of obvious demographics in the region that need, want and require continued education. The workforce, not only in CNY, but across the country, is changing at a rapid rate. In order to stay ahead of the field or to catch up in a new career, acquiring more education is a necessity.

This “fertile ground” for education in the region, according to Dr. Crabill, is in evident on the OCC campus. “We have the opportunity to have a more intimate experience with education,” she said. “Faculty knows their names right from the beginning.” With this setting, Dr. Crabill says OCC faculty is able to bring a special quality and immediacy to the education experience.

Dr. Crabill says that community college students graduate at the same rate as students already at four-year colleges and universities. The students’ grade-point averages are just as high as they were prior to transferring to a senior institution. This steady matriculation rate and GPA achievement comes from a “solid faculty,” Dr. Crabill says. OCC faculty keeps a close watch on the curriculum and the opportunity for a smooth transfer.

Looking outside of the opportunity to earn an ample education, Dr. Crabill says the chance to graduate from OCC without a lot of debt allows students to save their financial resources for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Because families are taking notice of the evolving cost structure at the higher education level, community college has become an ideal choice for many. Therefore, a bachelor’s, master’s or even a doctoral degree is within a more realistic reach when money is saved in the first two years of college. “People are turning to us out of necessity, but afterward, it’s with the sense they made a great decision.”

Since she has been on campus, Dr. Crabill already has an idea of the sensibility that comes with choosing to enroll at OCC. “[Students] knew it would be a smart decision to come here but they didn’t know it would be a good one.” They come for one reason, but they stay and succeed for many other reasons.

Dr. Crabill has seen firsthand how going back to school at a non-traditional age can be beneficial for someone and for those around them. When Dr. Crabill was in high school, her mother went back to school for her nursing degree and it all started at Hudson Valley Community College. “I remember watching her and thinking, ‘that’s kind of cool.’”

Looking back, Dr. Crabill views her mother’s experience as something that was not just gratifying for her mother but it shifted the entire family and how they viewed higher education. “I’ll never forget that. It keeps me driven on what this institution does for people,” she said, “It changes the dynamics of a family and the future is more prosperous.”

With experiences like her mother’s and hearing about current OCC students’ triumphs, Dr. Crabill knows she’s in the right place at the right time. “I have several things that drive me,” she said. “You’ll see evidence of that in my time here.”

By FaraH F. JaDran PHoto By cHucK WaInWrIgHt

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46 may 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

By aLIson grImes I PHoto By cny LatInoWith every day that passes, Milagros Escalera, proves with her eloquent speech and miraculous smile, to be a driving force in the Syracuse City School District. Her passion is demonstrated through the more than 20 years she has invested in the Syracuse City’s youth and future.

After managing the men’s suit and women’s hosiery departments at Sears Department Stores, upon graduating from Syracuse University’s Early Childhood Development Education Program with a minor in Spanish, she began her career in education at Fort Green Elementary in Brooklyn, not far from her childhood neighborhood in Red Hook. There, Milagros (“miracles” in English) describes being challenged when she entered her classroom for her first day, following Columbus Day. Milagros walked into her classroom alongside the school principal, vice principal, deputy superintendent and head of the language department, to an unruly classroom that not even they could calm down. What Milagros would discover was that she was the fifth teacher hired to attempt to “rule” this class. Although difficult, Milagros did what any other good teacher would do. She scheduled one parent conference after another, attended community events and even coached a cheerleading team to build strong relationships with her students and their families, making all the difference toward managing the classroom.

Milagros moved on to teach fifth and sixth grade Spanish, reading and social studies, before returning to Syracuse as a kindergarten teacher at Hughes Elementary and finishing her MBA at SUNY Oswego. Before long, Milagros took an administrative intern position at Lemoyne Elementary, leading her to become vice principal at Salem Hyde Elementary and thenprincipal at Delaware Elementary School in 1993.

After spending four years at Delaware, she moved on to Fowler High School for two years, followed by two years at Porter Elementary. After being approached by the superintendent at the time, she was asked to return to Delaware, where she has remained since 2001 and maintains a great sense of community connection.

Upon returning to Delaware, Milagros was prepared, as always, to face the challenges ahead of her. She was faced with a period of advanced cases of crime and gang violence in the areas directly surrounding her elementary school. With help from the Syracuse Police Department, Delaware’s devoted staff and a united network of students and families, Milagros was able to raise the bar on academic prosperity, despite the hardships faced for several years.

As a strong supporter of positive reinforcement and “mastermind” style leadership, Milagros is proud of her team of social workers, psychologists, teachers, parents, staff and of course students. They have worked collectively amidst changes in curriculum, additional school hours and programs such as Say Yes to Education and instructional learning practices.

Today, Milagros looks forward to the monthly meetings with her team and community to discuss and address questions, concerns and suggestions while sharing coffee and doughnuts. These meetings have become a safe space for parents with a “quiet voice” to be heard, and at some point they would like the mayor to attend.

Milagros admits that although she is always smiling, she is often faced with the stressful circumstance of our economy as well as the generational concerns of education within the district.

Despite these stresses, Milagros makes sure the children receive the best education possible, regardless of cutbacks. “You have to stay positive in order to be open to new ideas or there is absolutely no way that your mind will retain new ideas,” she said. Such a positive environment is precisely why she looks forward to beginning the third year of the Expeditionary Learning Design Principals this fall, further creating self-discovery in a caring, responsible, environment for Delaware’s students.

The Latina feature was brought to you by the CNY Latino newspaper, where you can find this article in Spanish, in this month’s edition. CNY Latino is the only Hispanic-oriented newspaper in Central New York and the most direct and effective way to reach the Hispanic population locally. For more information go to www.cnylatino.com or call (315) 415-8593.

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Thursday 08/08 thru Saturday 08/31Skaneateles Chamber Music Festival

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Carrier Theater at The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters

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Call for references, rates, and availability.

48 august 2013 :: syracuseWomanmag.com

Swm wine taStinG at lakelanD winerYWe had a night out with great company and great wine with Lakeland Winery while raising funds for aIDs community resources! thank you to Lakeland Winery for hosting the event and to It’s a Pink thing and anthony’s Pasta Bar for providing yummy desserts and food. Attendees won many prizes including a bottle of wine and a gift certificate from Lakeland Winery!

syracuse Woman magazine

laDieS niGht in ChiefSVilletake us out to the ballgame! We had a wonderful time at the 2013 syracuse chiefs Ladies night and enjoyed sup-porting Hope For Heather ovarian cancer awareness of cny. (Be sure to stop by one of two booths being hosted by Hope For Heather at this year’s nys Fair because you’ll see us there too.) We hope everyone had a fabulous night cheering on our very own syracuse chiefs, even scooch enjoyed seeing us at the ballpark!

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syracuseWomanmag.com ::august 2013 49

mIssIon aLFresco WHen: 6 to 9 Pm; Location revealed at 4 Pm! WHat: a pop-up dining event where hundreds of attendees, dressed in red, will bring their own tables, chairs, place settings and food for a unique community dining experience to support the causes of ending homelessness and hunger. All proceeds benefit the Rescue Mission.WHere: to be revealed. tIcKets: $20; pre-order Wegmans dinner at missionalfresco2013.eventbrite.com or bring your own!

oVarIan cancer aWareness nIgHtWHen: 6:30 Pm WHat: ovarian cancer awareness night at the speedway with JP Jewelers in oswego donating beautiful earrings and a gift certificate. Raffles & awareness info.WHere: oswego speedway, 300 e. albany st.tIcKets: $15; hopeforheather.org

WIne & cHocoLate WItH a HoLLyWooD HottIeWHen: 6 PmWHat: Ladies night with movies, wine and chocolate provided by Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer. Benefits Cancer Connects and Bravery Bags. facebook.com/stupiddumbbreastcancerWHere: Fayetteville town center.tIcKets: $15 at door.

neDa WaLKWHen: 10amWHat: ophelia’s Place is hosting its second annual neDa Walk (national eating Disorders association).WHere: Longbranch Park, Liverpool InFo: register at opheliasplace.org or on race day at 9 a.m.

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CarinG kiDS for StuPiD DumB BreaSt CanCerseveral blankets were assembled for cancer patients at local radiology and oncology centers at the last caring Kids event hosted by stupid Dumb Breast cancer. the next one will take place on Friday, aug. 16, at 2 p.m. at the Fayette-ville Free Library. the blankets will be placed in bags with other items to raise the spirits of people battling cancer. the bags are called “Bravery Bags” and stupid Dumb Breast cancer would love to have enough blankets to distribute to all the centers. This event is for children in first grade and up. Parents must stay in the program with their children. Lemonade and cookies will be provided. this event is free, but a suggested $5 donation per child is requested to cover the cost of supplies. For more information about stupid Dumb Breast cancer, please stupiddumbbreastcancer.com. register at 637-6374

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