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AUGUST 2026

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SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

august GUEST COMMENTARY Education: A lifelong journey................................................... 6 PAST EVENTS Zonta Groove for Good................................................................8 Marquis Tournament....................................................................10

HER OWN WORDS 32 IN Seeing the world together...................................................... 12

FOR A GOOD CAUSE Vera House: The power of paying it foward..........................................14 Changing lives through kindness....................................... 18 ON THE COVER Babs Rubenstein Stage Coach: Veteran theater talent mentors rising stars........23 HEALTHY EATING Chef Eric Rose The baked goods that built a community................... 28

12 INSPIRE

Emily Stewart.................................................................................. 32 Grace Glennon................................................................................34 Alea Smith......................................................................................... 38

SPECIAL FEATURE Operation Backpack gets 850 kids ready for school....................................................................................... 40 Mary Rice and the outdoor mission of Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways...........................42 UPCOMING EVENTS...........................................................................44

MOVERS & SHAKERS........................................................................ 46

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SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM

GUEST COMMENTARY

Education

A LIFELONG JOURNEY

ducation has played an important role throughout my life. From the time I was 6 years old, I dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher. I would often “play school” on the front porch of my childhood home, imagining myself standing in front of a classroom. That childhood dream became a reality. I taught for 33 years in the North Syracuse Central School District and, after retiring, spent another seven years as a substitute teacher in the Camden and Chittenango school districts. My studies at SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University gave me a strong foundation, but the greatest lessons came during my first few years in the classroom. Being mentored by experienced teachers helped shape the educator I became. My parents modeled what it meant to be lifelong learners, and I hope I inspired my own students to embrace that same love of learning. Education comes in many forms. While college is an excellent path for many, travel, internships, apprenticeships, military service, and trade schools all provide valuable opportunities to grow, learn, and discover one’s purpose. Teaching today is very different from when I began my career in 1970. There were no computers in our classrooms, and teachers had much greater freedom to create their own lessons. I can still remember reading Instructor Magazine before going to bed and waking up at 5 a.m. with an exciting new lesson idea for my third graders. That kind of spontaneity is much more difficult today, as many districts rely on scripted curricula and standardized instruction. The amount of knowledge available today is staggering. Because information is literally at our fingertips, learning how to locate reliable answers has become just as important — perhaps even more important — than memorizing facts. When I was a student in the 1950s and 1960s, memorization was emphasized much more than it is today. Every child also learns differently. Some are visual learners, others learn best by listening, and still others learn through hands-on experiences. Recognizing those differences and teaching children in ways that help them succeed remains one of education’s greatest challenges — and greatest rewards. Education enriched not only my career but also my personal life. My late husband and I shared countless conversations during long car rides about subjects that fascinated us, from antique collecting to classic cars. He was an engineer who sold process instrumentation, while I taught science. I was endlessly curious about the equipment he worked with and loved asking questions about how it all functioned. Learning together became one of the joys of our marriage. At times, I worry that today’s children spend so many hours immersed in online games and social media that they miss the simple pleasure of reading. Books have the remarkable ability to spark imagination, expand vocabulary, and open doors to new worlds. One of my greatest joys is following my former students on Facebook and seeing where life has taken them. Every now and then, I am pleasantly surprised by a student who may not have excelled in school but later found a passion that led to a successful and fulfilling career. Those stories remind me that education is not always measured by report cards. Sometimes all it takes is discovering what inspires you. Teaching writing was one of my highest priorities. I served as editor of both the school newspaper and our literary magazine, and I encouraged my students to write every single day. Over the years, former students have written to thank me for helping them become confident writers. Today, tools such as ChatGPT can assist with writing, but it can never replace the ability to think critically, organize ideas, and communicate clearly — skills that remain essential for success in every profession. As you read this month’s Syracuse Woman Magazine, you’ll meet individuals who have inspired both children and adults through their own unique approaches to education. Their stories remind us that learning is not confined to a classroom. It is a lifelong journey that enriches our minds, broadens our perspectives, and helps us become the very best versions of ourselves. AUGUST 2026

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PUBLISHER

David Tyler dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jennifer Wing jwing@eaglenewsonline.com

DESIGN

Andrea Reeves

PHOTOGRAPHERS Alice G. Patterson Jean Edminster

CONTRIBUTORS

Janelle Davis Elena Ehrhart Jean Edminster

Allyson Farnand Mia Adams McSherry Eric Rose

Cover photo by Alice G. Patterson

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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.

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The magazine is published 12 times a year by Eagle News 2501 James St., Suite 108 Syracuse, NY 13206 Copyright © 2026 SMG Batavia 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 SMG Batavia LLC and will not be returned.

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PAST EVENTS

Syracuse Zonta's Groove for Good Music, community, and philanthropy came together on July 13 as the Syracuse Zonta Foundation hosted its third annual Groove for Good fundraiser at Harvey’s Garden. Supporters gathered for an evening of live music by the talented Letizia, an impressive array of raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, and delicious food from Jillie Dogs, Hawaiian Shave Ice, and Toss & Fire. Beyond the fun, the event served a meaningful purpose - raising funds for the foundation’s scholarship programs that provides financial assistance to women and girls pursuing their educational goals. Proceeds from this Groove for Good raffle support Zonta’s mission to Build a Better World for Women and Girls through advocacy, education, and empowerment. The Syracuse Zonta Foundation and Event Chair, Jeannine Noll, extended her sincere thanks to all attendees, volunteers, performers and Harvey’s Garden. To learn more about the Syracuse Zonta Foundation and the Zonta Club of Syracuse, visit: Zonta Club of Syracuse or contact us at: zontasyracuse@gmail.com

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PAST EVENTS

Marquis Tournament a scorching success The third year of the Marquis Invitational was held July 13-14 at the Cavalry Club with scorching temperatures over 90 plus degrees each day. The tournament promotes women's golf to all ages and abilities and the perfect example of this was one of our corporate sponsors fielding a team with a seasoned golfer and a brand new golfer who not only competed but won money in their division. A special thank you to the Romano Auto Dealers who provided a Toyota Tacoma for a hole in one. With the support of sponsors the tournament raised enough funds to donate $12,000 to The Graham Fund at the John E Upledger Foundation to assist clients to receive dolphin assisted therapy. The next event for women of all ages and abilities will be held Monday, Aug. 24: A friendly 9-hole event starting at 3 p.m. followed by dinner. Photos courtesy of Jean Edminster

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IN HER OWN WORDS

Seeing the world together MY GRANDSON’S FIRST PAIR OF GLASSES Mia Adams Mcsherry

August is officially designed as children’s eye health and safety month

s a youth ambassador for Lens Crafters eye care, my grandson, Monarch Parkkinen, has had the opportunity to learn how important healthy vision is for children and teenagers. Our eyes impact sports, reading and other everyday activities yet many young people do not receive regular eye screenings. Our eyes are important. They allow us to see everything around us colors, shapes, depth, distance, motion as well as the people we love and beautiful sunsets. Healthy vision means keeping our eyes strong and protecting them from injury and disease. Monarch just recently started wearing glasses for the first time. I asked him to tell me how it felt in his own words. “Things that were blurry became clear,” he said. “I realized how much better I can see. I can see far away much better now. I’m going to look different from most of my friends. My glasses helps my eyes do their job.”

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I thought that was such a simple but smart way to explain it. I never had any vision problems when I was younger, but after I turned 50 my eye exam showed that I needed glasses too. It reminded me that our eyes can change as we get older, even if we’ve always had good vision. Wearing eyeglasses simply is a tool that helps our eyes focus the way they’re supposed to. Hearing my grandson, explain it so innocently made me smile and gave me a new appreciation for something I once took for granted. One of the best ways to have healthy vision is to get regular eye exams, Eye exams can determine if a person needs glasses or if there are other eye conditions that should be treated. Children should have their eyes checked because good vision helps them learn better in school. At Monarch’s eye exam the ophthalmologist joked that now that he’s wearing glasses if he had been a C student he’d become a B student because he’d been able to see better. My grandson quickly replied, “I’m already a straight A student.” It was a funny moment that showed both his confidence and the hard work he has put into school. After getting his new glasses, Monarch Facetimed a few of his friends who approved of his “cool” new look, which made him feel happy. My 10-year-old grandson is an intelligent, energetic and curious young man with a wide range of interests. Monarch is an avid tennis player, playing tennis at Drumlins Country Club. He enjoys the strategic challenge of chess at the Jewish Community Center. He’s learning to sail through lessons at Skaneateles Country Club sailing program. He’s a ferocious reader and is rarely without a book. He’s a boy who enjoys hiking, video games and riding his bike. This year, he will participate for a week at School of Rock Band Club in Fayetteville where he continues to develop his musical talents, and is spending part of his summer making new friends and enjoying exciting activities at Manlius Pebble Hill Summer camp. Exercise is good for our eyes, too. Being active helps improve blood circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to every part of our body, including our eyes. Understanding how vision works is key to protecting eye health and improving performance in academics and athletics.

Why August matters

The American Academy of Ophthalmology champions this monthlong campaign, which deliberately coincides with the back-to-school season. Undiagnosed vision issues, heavily impact a child’s learning and up to one in four children has an undetected vision problem. School vision screenings are helpful, but they may miss many common conditions. A comprehensive exam looks for things like lazy eye, crossed eyes, dry eyes, and astigmatism. Students also tend to blink less often when using digital devices, which contributes to eye dryness and irritation. Excessive screen use, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep, which can further affect learning and overall health. Healthy habits include maintaining good posture, keeping screen brightness to match the room lighting, limiting recreational screen time and spending time outdoors each day.

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Monarch’s ophthalmologist suggests that children with low vitamin D levels may have a higher risk of certain eye conditions, which may also help reduce the risk of developing or worsening nearsightedness in children. The best ways for children to maintain healthy vitamin D levels include eating foods rich in Vitamin D, including nuts, seeds, eggs and fatty fish like salmon. Here is one of my kid -friendly recipes I like to make for Monarch that include nutrients important for healthy eyes with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The elite smoothie

I cup of spinach 1 banana 1 ½ cup frozen mango Half cup of frozen berries 1 cup almond milk or yogurt 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed

Spinach provides lutein and zeaxanthin while the berries supply vitamin C and milk adds vitamin D. I also encourage Monarch to drink plenty of water.

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As parents and grandparents, we need to greatly reduce the role, technology tablets, and laptops. In our home, we use the 30-30-30 rule - take a 30 second break every 30 minutes to look 30 feet away. Following this rule allows for the relaxation of the focusing muscles inside the eyes that are still developing in children and teens. Pediatric ophthalmologist eye care guidance is especially important for this age group. Rubbing their eyes frequently, complaining of headaches or eye fatigue after school, and holding books or tablets unusually close to their face is a clear sign of the need to schedule an eye exam. A person might not realize their eyesight is getting worse because the changes happen slowly and some vision problems do not have obvious symptoms. Glasses help millions of people see clearly and today’s glasses – which come in abundant styles and colors – can even become a fashionable statement. The most important thing is that they help people see the world better. Eye Health and Safety Month reminds us that taking care of ourselves is important every day and although August is officially recognized as eye health and safety month It’s lessons should guide us throughout the entire year. SWM

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The power of paying it forward

ommunities are not measured solely by their economic growth, new developments, or expanding skylines. Their true strength is revealed in how they care for one another, how they lift up those facing hardship, and how they ensure that no one must face life's most difficult moments alone. As Central New York prepares for unprecedented growth and transformation, the opportunity before us is tremendous. New businesses, new jobs, and new families will strengthen our region and create exciting possibilities for the future. Yet growth also brings responsibility. It calls on all of us to ensure that the services and support systems that protect our neighbors grow alongside our community. For nearly 50 years, Vera House has been one of those essential support systems. As the only domestic violence agency in Central New York and certified rape crisis center, Vera House provides critical services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, and other forms of abuse. Through emergency shelter, advocacy, prevention education, counseling, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services, and accountability programs for those who have caused harm, Vera House reaches nearly 10,000 individuals each year. But Vera House is about far more than programs and statistics. It is about people helping people. It is about extending a hand to someone when they need it most. And it is about paying forward the

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kindness, compassion and support that can change a life forever. One such story belongs to Eliesha, a survivor who came to Vera House after enduring years of domestic violence while raising five children. She arrived feeling, in her words, "exhausted emotionally, physically, and mentally," uncertain of what the future held. Instead of judgment, she found compassion. Instead of fear, she found safety. Instead of isolation, she found support. "The advocates at Vera House didn't just provide safety," she shared. "They gave me something I hadn't felt in a long time: support without judgment." That support became the foundation for a new beginning. Today, Eliesha works in case management, helping individuals experiencing homelessness and trauma rebuild their own lives. The compassion she received through Vera House is now being passed on to others facing their own challenges. Every day, stories like Eliesha's unfold throughout our community. A survivor finds safety in the

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shelter. A sexual assault survivor receives compassionate care from a SANE nurse during a medical examination. An older adult experiencing abuse finds advocacy and protection. A family facing crisis discovers hope where they once saw only uncertainty. The impact extends far beyond the individual receiving services. A recent letter from the family of a shelter resident beautifully captured this ripple effect. They expressed their "deep gratitude" to the Vera House team for welcoming their loved one into a "safe, peaceful, and compassionate environment." According to this family, "Your actions not only offered her refuge and comfort but also brought reassurance and hope to our entire family." Those words serve as a powerful reminder that when we support one person in crisis, we often strengthen an entire family. When we help a family heal, we strengthen a community. As Central New York continues to grow, so too will the demand for these vital services. History has shown that rapid population growth and economic expansion can place additional strain on housing, healthcare systems, mental health resources, and social service organizations. Increased population often brings increased demand for crisis intervention, family support services, violence prevention programs, and survivor advocacy. Vera House is preparing now for that future. But no nonprofit can do this work alone. The responsibility belongs to all of us.

Businesses, healthcare systems, schools, community leaders, elected officials, foundations, and individual residents each have a role to play in ensuring that every survivor who reaches out for help continues to find the support they deserve. One of the most meaningful opportunities to make that impact is through Vera House's signature fundraising event, the New Beginnings Gala, taking place on Oct. 23 at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. Each year, the gala brings together hundreds of community leaders, corporate partners, advocates, survivors, and supporters for an evening dedicated to hope, healing, resilience, and transformation. The New Beginnings Gala is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of what happens when a community chooses to stand together. It is a reminder that every sponsorship, every ticket purchased, every donation, and every act of generosity helps create safety, healing, and hope for someone who may have nowhere else to turn. Funds raised through the gala directly support Vera House programs, including emergency shelter, advocacy services, counseling, prevention education, crisis response, and survivor support services that thousands rely on each year. Most importantly, the gala provides an opportunity for community members and businesses to demonstrate their commitment to their neighbors facing uncertainty.

The support they provide today may become the lifeline someone needs tomorrow. At Vera House, that belief is woven into everything we do. Through prevention education programs reaching thousands of students and community members annually, we are helping build healthier relationships and safer communities for future generations. Through advocacy and counseling services, we help survivors reclaim their lives and discover their own strength. Through accountability programs, we work to break cycles of violence before they continue. And through every service we provide, we strive to create opportunities for healing, growth and hope. Eliesha's words perhaps say it best: "Survival can turn into strength, and strength can turn into purpose." For nearly five decades, Vera House has helped survivors find that strength and purpose. As Central New York enters a new era of growth and opportunity, our community has an opportunity as well, to ensure that no one facing violence, abuse, or crisis is left behind.SWM For more information about Vera House, sponsorship opportunities for the New Beginnings Gala, or to purchase tickets, please contact Rebecca Shiroff at rshiroff@verahouse. org or visit www.verahouse.org. Vera House’s 24-hr crisis line is (315)4683260.

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WE SUPPORT HEART HEALTH AWARNESS MONTH - GO RED FOR WOMEN!

Michelle J. Auerbach, DO Catherine W. Bailey, MD, MPH

Birx Nolan, MD

Kathleen Spillett, CNM

Sarah Schoch, MD

Suchitra Kavety, MD Kathleen Chanatry Rogers, DO Marly Francois, MD

Christopher LaRussa, MD

John Rosser, MD

Kaitlin Corona, FNP-C Cassandra Hunsberger, FNP-C Cheryl A Luttinger RN, MSN, FNP-C Kandice Kowalewski, RPAC

Mary Kate Hauck, PA-C

Taylor Reardon, MSPAS, PA-C

AWM provides a full range of gynecologic services in a quiet and comfortable private practice setting. Our services are devoted to addressing the individual needs and concerns of our patients. We provide routine and preventive care services, as well as a full range of minimally invasive surgical procedures performed in our fully accredited Surgical Center. For those requiring a hospital setting, AWM physicians can also provide surgical procedures at St. Joseph’s Hospital and several local surgical centers. Our comprehensive Obstetric services include low & high risk pregnancy; infertility; recurrent pregnancy loss; along with contraception and family planning.

Now Featuring 2 Mammography Centers at our locations for performing 3D Mammography Screenings & Breast Ultrasounds! For more information, visit afwomensmed.com or call 315-422-2222 to make an appointment!

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Changing lives through kindness

YOUNG VOLUNTEERS FIND PURPOSE WHILE BRINGING COMFORT TO THOSE IN END-OF-LIFE CARE Allyson Farnand

hile it may seem elementary, the importance of having compassion for all can be a hard-learned lesson for some. That’s why the young volunteers who work with residents during their end-of-life care at the Francis House are embracing that lesson early. Composed of eager students in middle and high schools across Central New York, the Youth Auxiliary at Francis House plays a critical role in carrying out the community care home’s mission. For 35 years since its founding, Francis House has ensured that all people with terminal illnesses, regardless of their background, faith, or ability to pay, can die with dignity in a community-like setting. The Youth Auxiliary provides a unique opportunity for intergenerational connection between young people and those at the end of their lives. Kyle Evans, a rising senior at Christian Brothers Academy, has been volunteering in the Youth Auxiliary for three years. Every Tuesday, Kyle works in the kitchen to provide breakfast and prepare baked goods for the residents and their families. “My favorite part about volunteering at Francis House is when we get to deliver the crafts and cards we make to the residents,” said Kyle. “Just to sing them songs, hear their stories, and see their faces just light up is so worth it.” Now in its 21st year of operation, the Youth Auxiliary participates in a variety of activities and events across Francis House. From September

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to May, students have monthly meetings and hear from engaging speakers on the values of Francis House and how they apply in everyday life. Volunteers create gifts and cards, prepare freshly baked goods, and spend time with the residents and their families to help brighten their day. They can also be seen tending to the gardens onsite or decorating residents’ rooms during the holiday seasons. Additionally, the Youth Auxiliary works on some of the signature Francis House events throughout the year, such as their annual fundraising event There’s No Place Like Home in October and the Francis House Spring Luncheon in May. The efforts of the Youth Auxiliary extend beyond the Francis House and into the community. Students have the opportunity to aid in philanthropic efforts, like paper towel drives that they can run at their school or selling bracelets to benefit operations at Francis House. Other projects involve organizing pantry drives at area schools and businesses. Last November, volunteers worked to make mini apple pies that were given to residents and donated to local shelters. “Kids are learning not only how to be compassionate leaders, but they’re also gaining key business and marketing skills that set them up for a good career down the road,” said Fran Albala, President of the Board of Directors for the Francis House Auxiliary. EDUC ATION EDITION

19 The program began in 2005 with the efforts of Sister Kathleen Osbelt, who was one of the founders of Francis House with the Sisters of St. Francis. Thirty five years ago, Francis House opened its doors to provide compassionate, home-like care for those with terminal illnesses in 1991. The idea for a Youth Auxiliary came to Sister Kathleen as an offshoot of the Francis House Auxiliary, creating a network of adult volunteers to raise funds and help carry out the home’s mission. Sister Kathleen paved the way for young people to give hands-on support to the residents they meet and make genuine connections with those at the end of their lives. At first, the program was just open to high schoolers but later expanded to include students in seventh grade and up. Under the supervision of Francis House staff and Auxiliary volunteers, students from schools across the Central New York region volunteer their time to serve the residents and their families at Francis House. Approximately 25 students participate in the Youth Auxiliary each year. Fran describes the Youth Auxiliary as transformative for its participants. “When you think of the world today, some kids really don’t see what’s beyond their inner world,” said Fran. “We have so many amazing young men and women that volunteer with us who give so much to the residents and their families. This program lets them hear what our residents are going through and experience what having lived an entire life feels like.” After more than two decades since it started, the Youth Auxiliary continues to grow.

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Along with other students at Christian Brothers Academy, Kyle travels to other schools in the Central New York Area and gives presentations on volunteering at Francis House. “It’s exciting to see that other kids want to get involved with what we’re doing,” said Kyle. “I definitely think our numbers will keep growing.” The Francis House Auxiliary is now working to start an alumni group for all members of the Youth Auxiliary. Fran recalls how her son used to volunteer for Francis House with many students from other schools, and how they aim to keep that network alive for past, present, and future volunteers. Many students who previously volunteered still return for some of the signature Francis House events and continue to volunteer for the home. “Once you’re part of Francis House, you’re a part of it for good,” said Fran. “This group would be an incredible homage to Sister Kathleen, whose original vision for Francis House began it all.” As new student volunteers join the Youth Auxiliary, the older students eventually graduate and begin to venture forward on the next phase of their life. But the joy felt and connections made at Francis House are not left behind. “The biggest thing I’ll take away from the Francis House are its values, and how everyone who comes through here is the same in our eyes,” said Kyle. “Every person deserves the same dignity and respect, no matter where you come from or where you are now.” SWM To learn more or to get involved with the Youth Auxiliary at Francis House, please visit https:// francishouseny.org/youth-auxiliary/.

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COVER STORY

BABS RUBENSTEIN Stage Coach

VETERAN THEATER TALENT MENTORS RISING STARS Janelle Davis

abs Rubenstein was in fourth or fifth grade the first time she stood in a spotlight and sang a solo. The show was Annie. The stage was Syracuse Children's Theatre. The moment she opened her mouth, something clicked. “I knew then and there that's what I always wanted to do," she said. "I was one of the lucky ones.” More than two decades later, Babs is back at SCT, but not as a wide-eyed camper. She’s now the Education Director, shaping the same kind of magic for a new generation of kids who are just beginning to discover what the stage can do for them.

The beginning

Babs grew up in a household where music was always present. Her father introduced her to movie musicals every weekend, renting them from Blockbuster and watching together as a family. She was already in dance classes when her natural flair for performance became impossible to ignore. During one class, running and doing leaps across the floor, she heard the sound of laughter from the room around her and felt something shift. “I just remember hearing that sound,” she said, “and I was like, this is what I want to do.” Her mother, Mary, found Syracuse Children’s Theatre not long after and enrolled her in the program. It quickly became the center of Babs' world. Mary eventually became the costumer for the theater, working alongside SCT Executive Director Todd Ellis for years. Theater became something they did together, and that time with her mom is something Babs still holds close. “It was a special bonding thing for me and my mom,” she said. SCT was also where Babs learned that theater wasn't just performance. It was a place to feel safe, to escape into other characters, and to express emotions that were hard to express anywhere else. Those lessons never left her.

Training and life on stage

Babs went on to pursue a BFA in musical theater at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, though her path there wasn't entirely straightforward. She initially enrolled as a vocal performance major, spending a year studying opera before realizing her heart simply wasn't in it. Continued on page 24

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COVER STORY

Stage Coach FROM PAGE 23 “When I was looking out into the audience, all I saw was people reading the translations," she said. "I want people to look at me.” She switched to musical theater and never looked back, spending five total years at the Conservatory and calling them some of the best of her life. Her senior year, she showcased in New York and landed not one but two professional gigs almost immediately, earning her actors' union card in the process. Her first role was in a lab production of Fat Camp, based on the film Heavyweights, which took her to Cleveland for its out-of-town tryout. Her second was playing Mama Morton in Chicago at the New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire. But perhaps one of her most formative experiences came earlier, during her freshman year, when she auditioned as a cover soloist with the New England Philharmonic. She didn't win the solo initially — it went to a graduate student — but when that student struggled in rehearsals, Babs was called up. She delivered. The conductor never said much, but after she finished working through the piece, he turned to her and said simply: isn't this such a beautiful piece? “That just really showed me that hard work doesn't go unnoticed,” she said. “Even if you're an understudy, you have to have a work ethic. You have to always be ready to go on at any moment.” That lesson became a cornerstone of how she eventually approached teaching. She went on to perform as a guest soloist with the Boston Gay Men's Chorus during her senior year at the invitation of her

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professor, Bill Casey. After graduation she continued working, eventually booking the first national tour of Broadway's Priscilla Queen of the Desert, traveling coast to coast for nearly a year from Seattle to Florida and everywhere in between.

The turn toward teaching

Babs loved performing, but the reality of making a living at it was something else entirely. For years she cobbled together income through nannying, concierge work, and whatever else kept the lights on, all while chasing the next audition and learning to shake off the rejection that came with it. In the summer of 2021,

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she came back to SCT to guest direct, something she had been doing periodically since 2019, and Todd Ellis pulled her aside with an offer she hadn't expected. He told her he was looking for a new Education Director, and that he thought she was the right person for the job. “I thought, maybe this is something new,” she said. “I needed something different. I wanted a steady paycheck, and I could still be teaching what I love, just in a different form.” What surprised her most was how much she loved it. Teaching did not come naturally at first. Her training had been rigorous and demanding, and she brought that same intensity into the classroom initially, to mixed results. Todd had to have a conversation with her about softening her approach, and she listened. “I had to learn how to still expect great things from them, but do it in a more caring way,” she said. “Kids now are emotionally more vulnerable. The climate is just different than when I was growing up.”

What theater gives children

Under Babs' leadership, SCT has seen some of its strongest enrollment numbers ever. Last summer, 575 kids moved through the program. This summer, 550 students are participating across five sessions.

Babs is currently directing Les Misérables with 63 older students while the team simultaneously runs multiple other productions, including Descendants and a production of Bruce Coville's Dragon Slayers for younger campers. Fall programming opens to children as young as four, with Tuesday and Thursday classes that introduce the youngest students to acting, singing, and movement in a format that culminates in a full production. This fall, students will work toward a production of Moana over 10 weeks of classes. Babs is proud of how intentional the program is about inclusion. Students with ADHD, anxiety, and special needs are welcomed and supported. Ensemble members are given meaningful stage time, not just a walk-on moment. The goal, she says, is for every child to feel like they are part of something. She quotes Josh Groban, who has said publicly that if you want to hire someone who works hard, cares about the people around them, and can make something meaningful on a small budget, hire a theater kid. “Theater kids are just built differently," Babs said. "It's about feelings, it's about expressing your emotions, and I think that's what grows character.” For families wondering whether theater is right for their child, her message is simple. If your child is timid, theater is exactly the right place for them. If they are already a natural performer, it will push them further. Either way, they will come away with something they can carry for the rest of their lives. “This shouldn't be scary,” she said. “Or if it is, it should be something you can conquer and have fun with.” Continued on page 26

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COVER STORY

Stage Coach FROM PAGE 25 Beyond SCT

Outside of her role at SCT, Babs has built a thriving private voice and acting studio that operates entirely independently from the theater. It is where she works with serious students and adults who are deeply passionate about musical theater, coaching for professional auditions, helping performers work on specific roles, and preparing students for college audition programs. The art of selling a song, she says, is where her passion as a performer and teacher truly intersects. “Being able to teach that brings me great joy,” she said. Several of her private students have gone on to perform at Syracuse Stage and the Rev Theatre Company, two of the region's most prominent professional companies. Babs also serves as acting coach at Phoenix High School, where she has worked alongside music teacher Liana Knapp since 2022, helping shape the school's fall plays and spring musicals into increasingly polished productions. At the center of everything she does, in every classroom and every private lesson and every rehearsal, is the same principle she came back to again and again throughout her own career: tell the story. “It's always about being a storyteller first,” she said. “That's what changes a performance. That's what makes it memorable.” Syracuse Children's Theatre offers semesterlong classes and week-long camps for students in Pre-K through Grade 12. All productions are held at the Carrier Theatre at the Civic Center. SWM For more information, visit Syracuse Children's Theatre online or contact the organization directly.

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Fall Classes Classes - September 22 — December 3 Performances at the Civic Center - Carrier Theatre December 11 - 20

February Break Camp Classes Grades 1 - 9 February 15 - 19, 2027

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Grades 2-12 Saturdays 9 a.m. - 12 noon Saturdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sundays 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Pre-K - Grade 1 Tuesday or Thursday 4 - 5:15 p.m. or 5:45 - 7 p.m.

April Break Camp Classes Grades 1 - 9 April 12 - 16, 2027

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HEALTHY EATING

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EDUC ATION EDITION

t's just before 8:30 on a Sunday morning at 219 Hunt Drive in Fayetteville. The Bread Box hasn't officially opened, yet a small line has already formed at the end of the driveway. Some customers are sipping coffee while others are chatting with neighbors they may not have known a year ago. Children peek through the display, hoping the cinnamon rolls haven't sold out yet. Within a few hours, most of the shelves will be empty, but the baked goods aren't the only reason people keep coming back. They come for the conversation, the hospitality and, for a few hours every weekend, a simple bakery stand that has become the heart of a neighborhood. That is exactly what Jessica Tumino hoped food could do. Long before The Bread Box became one of Central New York's favorite neighborhood bakery stands, Jessica was learning lessons in her family's kitchen. Her family owned Asti's Café, the beloved Italian restaurant at Syracuse's Gateway to Italy, where generations celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and Sunday dinners. At the center of it all were Mama Christina Tumino and Papa Sal Tumino, the matriarch and patriarch of the family. Their Italian and Argentinian heritage shaped not only the restaurant's menu but also the traditions they passed from one generation to the next. Recipes weren't simply written down. They were taught. Jessica remembers standing beside Mama Christina, learning to make homemade Tuscan bread that would be shared around the family table every Sunday. As she grew older, she became the dessert maker at Asti's Café, creating many of the sweets that customers came to love. Those lessons became more than recipes. They became expressions of generosity, hospitality and love. “Food is love,” Jessica says. It's a simple phrase, but one that perfectly captures how she approaches everything she creates today. Jessica has never really left the food world. She built a successful career as a wine specialist before moving into food distribution sales, where she now serves as a district sales manager. Yet even with a full-time career, food continues to call her back. Every week, she prepares traditional Shabbat meals for a prominent local family, honoring another rich culinary tradition while continuing to do what she enjoys most, bringing people together around a table. The Bread Box is another extension of that passion. It's not her full-time job, nor is it about building a large business. It's simply something she loves. The idea was wonderfully simple. Pull a bakery cart to the end of the driveway on weekends, SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

offer artisan breads, pastries, fresh eggs and a handful of specialty items, and see what happened. Still, fear crept in. “I was scared to fail,” Jessica said. "So I coached myself by saying, ‘But darling... what if you succeed and sell out?’” That question changed everything. On opening weekend, her very first customer arrived forty-five minutes before opening. “I stood there with tears in my eyes,” she remembered. “I realized I had created a new trend... a new neighborhood vibe.” She had no idea just how true those words would become. Today, customers line up before The Bread Box even rolls out of the garage. Her famous cinnamon rolls are usually the first to disappear, while her Tuscan bread continues to bring customers back week after week. As demand has grown, so has the amount of baking required. What started with only a handful of loaves has grown into dozens of breads and pastries every weekend, all prepared in small batches with the same attention to quality that Jessica learned growing up. The recipes remain rooted in family tradition, and the care behind them has never changed. Perhaps the biggest surprise wasn't how quickly the baked goods sold. It was what happened after people bought them. One customer invited a neighbor over for coffee. Another family stayed to talk. Soon strangers were introducing themselves, children were playing together and people who had lived only a few houses apart for years were finally getting to know one another. My wife, Kim, and I have visited The Bread Box several times ourselves. What struck us wasn't just how incredible the food was. It was watching complete strangers leave as friends. In a world where so much interaction happens through phones and social media, Jessica unknowingly created something many neighborhoods have lost: a place where people slow down, conversations happen naturally and community is built one cup of coffee at a time. One of the most meaningful items sold at The Bread Box isn't something Jessica bakes. I t's the jars of In My Father's Kitchen pasta sauce displayed alongside the breads and pastries. The sauce is made from the Tumino family recipe passed down from Mama Christina and Papa Sal and is now produced through the charitable organization

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HEALTHY EATING

The baked goods that built a community FROM PAGE 29 led by Jessica's brother in law, John Tumino, and his wife, Leigh Ann. Every jar purchased helps support In My Father's Kitchen's mission of helping people rebuild their lives through prayer, kindness, stewardship and practical assistance for those experiencing homelessness and hardship. For Jessica, offering the sauce isn't simply another product. It's another way of sharing her family's story while supporting a mission that changes lives throughout Central New York. Ask Jessica where she hopes The Bread Box will be five years from now, and her answer may surprise you. She doesn't dream about opening multiple locations or a commercial bakery. Instead, she wants to remain exactly what she is today: small, personal and welcoming. She wants every customer to feel like they're visiting a friend's home rather than simply making a purchase. She wants children to someday say, “Mom and Dad used to walk me over here every Sunday to get a treat.” That's the legacy she's hoping to leave. Not just a successful business, but a tradition. The Bread Box proves that some of the biggest ideas don't begin with investors, storefronts or elaborate business plans. Sometimes they begin with a family recipe, a dream and a willingness to take a chance. Every weekend, Jessica Tumino answers the question she once asked herself: “What if you succeed?” The answer isn't measured by how quickly she sells out. It's measured by neighbors laughing together,

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children smiling over fresh pastries and friendships formed over a complimentary cup of coffee. Because while The Bread Box is known for artisan breads, unforgettable cinnamon rolls and warm hospitality, what Jessica is really serving is something far more meaningful. She's preserving family traditions, sharing a lifetime of love through food and reminding all of us that community doesn't have to be complicated. Maybe that's why The Bread Box has become so much more than a place to buy fresh bread and pastries. In a world where so many of us rush from one place to the next, Jessica Tumino has quietly recreated something many neighborhoods have lost: a modern day front porch. A place where conversations begin, strangers become neighbors, children create memories and friendships grow as naturally as the dough rising in her kitchen. That may be the sweetest thing she serves every weekend. SWM

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INSPIRE

EMILY STEWART

Inspiring wonder, one exhibit at a time Elena Ehrhart

mily Stewart grew up teaching in imaginary classrooms full of stuffed animals, knowing one day she would be an educator. Today, the way Emily teaches looks a little different than a traditional classroom setting, but as the Senior Director of Education at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (the MOST) she still has a huge impact on broadening the horizons of young people. In her position, Emily helps educate the nearly 150,000 visitors the museum gets yearly. On any given day, she could be helping redesign an exhibit, planning a summer camp, coordinating with local schools or meeting with community organizations to help develop educational programs. Her work with local schools helps make fields trips for students applicable to their curriculum, as well as provide them with a chance to learn about the area they live in. “We work a lot with local businesses and farms to create programs to teach people about the area itself, but also what jobs are out there for them to be interested in,” she said. For Emily, who describes herself as an avid learner, work at the museum is extremely rewarding. Each day brings something new that provides her with what she loves the most – to learn and provide education to others on a broader level. “For me, sometimes it can be hard to see the impact something will make until the project is done. Then I get to see videos or posts made by visitors or actually watch a family or a child interact with something that began as just a napkin sketch; that’s when it really hits me,” she said. It is this connection with the public that propels Emily forward. But community engagement was not something

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she initially pictured when beginning her studies. “I knew I wanted to be in education,” she said. “Eventually in grad. school I got into the public engagement aspect and that is sort of the core of it for me.” Emily’s sense of curiosity and desire to learn was nurtured by her family, who all were passionate about education. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pa., she often joined her grandparents (a nuclear physicist and a biologist) on hikes or walks in nature. Later on, she would keep this desire to learn prominent when she went into college. “I had a bunch of minors,” Emily said. “There was communications, philosophy and religion…I like to understand where people are coming from and share with them what I know.” However, Emily found herself looking to make more connections. She attended various conferences and participated in panels, hoping to share her thoughts with other specialists. “Because academia is full of many specific areas, your area of study becomes a very insular conversation,” Emily said. “You can have a good experience with academia for sure, but I wanted the work I do to have a broader impact.”

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Her curiosities and desire for a larger impact followed her to the University of Pittsburgh, where Emily completed her graduate studies. While finishing her dissertation, she began to apply for internships at various museums. The first one she landed at brought her to the Oneida Community Mansion House while she completed her dissertation on the history of technology. After finishing her time with the mansion, Emily was still looking for more opportunities with public engagement. “The MOST had a volunteer position open. I would recommend to anybody to reach out to local museums, most of them are happy to have the help, plus I was able to spend my free time in a positive way.” As time went on, Emily took on a part-time role that eventually evolved into full-time as she gained more responsibilities until she reached the senior position she now holds.

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Recently, Emily has been working with who she describes as “a group of many talents across many mediums” to create new exhibits and help improve what the museum already has. “We just reopened the dino exhibit, it was one of the most popular, but it was aging. We have made it more interactive while keeping what people love about it.” Looking forward, Emily wants to continue investing in the museum’s exhibits to make them more interactive and engaging, educating visitors of all ages. In her nine years with the MOST, she has encouraged thousands of children to ask questions, explore the world around them and discover something new. There is no doubt she will continue to inspire more. SWM

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INSPIRE

GRACE GLENNON

“I hope families feel that their children learned, grew, and thrived in a faith-filled, family-based environment. I hope they all felt loved and respected by everyone they came into contact with.”—Grace Glennon

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All Saints Elementary and the woman who never left Janelle Davis

race Glennon grew up on Tipp Hill. She attended Sacred Heart and Bishop Ludden, went on to Le Moyne College, and graduated in 2006 knowing exactly what she wanted to do with her life. She always wanted to be a teacher. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I had a cousin who was a teacher that I really looked up to, and I also had some amazing teachers who inspired me.” What Grace couldn't have known was that her first teaching job would become the defining chapter of her life, and that 20 years later, she would still be there.

Built in less than 100 days

All Saints Elementary School on Tipperary Hill was born out of urgency and faith in the summer of 2006. When the Diocese of Syracuse announced it was closing several Catholic schools due to low enrollment, a group of parents and teachers refused to accept the loss of Catholic education in their neighborhood. Their efforts to save the existing school were repeatedly turned down. So they decided to build their own. The timeline was nearly impossible. It was already June when they committed to the idea, giving them fewer than 100 days to create an entirely new school before September. They needed a location, supplies, staff, and students…fast. Students from four area schools were being displaced, and the founders knew that once those children settled into new schools, they wouldn't uproot them again. What followed was equal parts grassroots determination and what the founders describe simply as the hand of God. A suitable location was found close to one of the closing schools, rallying the neighborhood behind them. When the diocese denied their request for supplies and those same supplies were later seen being thrown into dumpsters, area public schools stepped in with donations of desks, books, computers, and more. Encouraging phone calls and emails arrived from strangers at exactly the moments when spirits needed lifting. All Saints Elementary opened its doors that fall.

Even though the pay would be better at a public school, I honestly couldn't see myself teaching anywhere else.” Over two decades, she grew alongside the school, eventually becoming its principal. She earned her master's degree from Le Moyne in 2009, all while pouring herself into a community that had become her own. When people ask how many kids she has, she answers with a smile: two, her son and stepdaughter, plus however many students are currently enrolled at All Saints, because they all hold a special place in her heart. “I'm honored to be the principal of a school that has been part of my family for the past 20 years," she said. “It feels great to meet so many new families and make a difference in the lives of so many students.”

What makes All Saints different

All Saints currently has 88 students registered for the coming fall, a number Grace is proud of. The school operates independently of the Diocese of Syracuse, a distinction that has allowed it to remain open while many other Catholic schools in the area have been forced to close, but its commitment to Catholic values and curriculum has never wavered. Its charter is accepted by the New York State Board of Education. Each school day begins not in a classroom but in the gym, where the entire student body gathers together for prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a patriotic song. It is a moment Grace believes sets All Saints apart before the first lessons of the day even begin.

Small class sizes are another hallmark of the school, with some classes combining two grade levels under one teacher. What might seem unconventional to some families, Grace sees as an opportunity. Children learn from one another, socialize across grade levels, and are known personally by every teacher in the building. The faith component extends well beyond morning prayer. Students participate in a May Crowning, a welcome-back Mass at St. Lucy's Parish to start the school year, and community service projects, including food drives and Earth Day cleanups. A monthly virtue program focuses on nurturing students into not just good learners but good people. Several students who were not Catholic when they enrolled have been so moved by what they experienced that they sought baptism and began attending church regularly. “I hope families feel that their children learned, grew, and thrived in a faith-filled, family-based environment,” Grace said. “I hope they all felt loved and respected by everyone they came into contact with.” After 20 years All Saints is still standing, still growing, and still refusing to price families out of a faith-based education. Grace Glennon, the girl from Tipp Hill who never left, wouldn't have it any other way. SWM For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www. allsaintselementary.net.

A teacher who became family

Grace walked in as a brand-new college graduate and never walked out. While many young teachers gained experience at All Saints and moved on to larger districts with bigger paychecks, Grace stayed. The reason, she said, is simple: “Our school is like a family. SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

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INSPIRE

ALEA SMITH

Bringing enthusiasm and joy to the classroom Elena Ehrhart

eachers play a formative role in the life of a child. Oftentimes, they spend more hours a day with the children in their classes than the students’ parents. Some are fun, some are strict and some are somewhere in between. Alea Smith is the type of teacher who leaves a lasting impact on the lives of many students at Chestnut Hill Elementary in Liverpool – so much so that it was one of her former students who recommended her for a feature in this issue. It’s easy to see why Alea comes so highly recommended. At heart, she is not much different than her students as a self-proclaimed “immature child.” She stands on her head, speaks gibberish, dresses up in costumes and occasionally raffles away her crochet projects. She brings enthusiasm and fun into the classroom and in return she gains the attention of her students and a positive environment for learning. “Joy is so important,” Alea said. “I laugh and I joke with them. I get to be my youthful and funny self on the regular.” Alea’s fourth-grade classroom is very hands-on. Her students make volcanoes, salt dough castles and find ways to act out or discover their

curriculum in a tangible way. On top of that, Alea adds a unique twist to typical classroom jobs. Each month, a different student is named an “errand-runner,” “barista” (pushing the button on Alea’s classroom coffee maker in the morning), a “botanist,” a “phone-answerer,” or a “reminderer” (someone who reminds her of important things throughout the day). “Kids love having things to do,” Alea said. “They might not like doing them at home, but they are usually pretty excited to have a special job from me. It makes them feel needed, which is really important for young kids.” Riley and Jake Cogan, former students of Alea’s remembered some of their favorite things about her: “[Alea] had a comfy bin of blankets and pillows that you could take out and use when Miss Smith was reading stories to the class… she [also] had flashlight Friday where she would turn off all the lights and everybody would get a flashlight and a blanket and you could read under the blanket with your flashlight.” What resonated with the Cogans was the connection Alea had made with them and maintained, even after they had moved on from the fourth grade. “She keeps in touch with students even after they have left her grade level. Either through email or she would allow them to come in in the morning just to say good morning and get a hug and start their day on a positive note,” they remembered.

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Beyond the fun, Alea makes her passion for teaching clear. “We always need people to value education,” she said. “I grew up in a family that deeply valued education and school and to me, it’s a privilege.” As a native to Central New York and graduate of Syracuse University, she is grateful to keep her roots in the area. In her school district, Alea has met children and families from different backgrounds and walks of life. She approaches each individual with care, compassion and an open ear, always asking how they are, about their day and what she can do to make their lives a little brighter. Many people do this, but Alea makes it clear that she truly cares and wants to listen. “I love those ‘lightbulb moments,’ the ones where a student finally understands something. It feels really good to see them grasp it for themselves. I also love fostering relationships. I always tell my students that I love them and I really mean it.” Alea works hard to make her classroom a safe and fun place for her students, but also all of the students at her elementary school. Much of her after-school time includes planning carnivals and fun days so students can be rewarded for their hard work. She has even started planning similar reward days for the school staff. “It is important now more than ever for teachers to take care of their mental health. If our activities can provide some relief or escape, then I would be so happy.” Even during the summer, SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAGA ZI N E

Alea continues to foster the connections she made with students. Some come to her for tutoring, send letters or stop by local craft fairs to check out her crochet stand. “If I am passionate about something, I will share it with you,” she said. That is exactly what she has done – share her passion for education (and even crochet) with her students. For Alea, being a teacher has never been just about math lessons or grading assignments. It is about making children feel seen, heard and excited to learn. Whether it is reading stories by flashlight under blankets, greeting a former student with a hug or celebrating a “lightbulb moment,” she hopes every child who comes into her classroom leaves knowing she is in their corner. SWM SYR ACUSE WOMAN MAG.COM

Operation Backpack gets 850 kids ready for school

or the 21st year, the St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary is once again helping Central New York students prepare for the upcoming school year through its longstanding Operation Backpack program, an annual initiative that provides children with backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Auxiliary members, hospital staff, and community volunteers gathered in mid July to organize donations of notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, crayons, rulers, folders, glue, and other classroom necessities. The supplies were packed into 850 backpacks which will be distributed to children receiving care through St. Joseph’s Health primary care offices. “Operation Backpack is a meaningful way for us to support the health and well-being of children in our community,” said Rebecca Lerman, Auxiliary member and Chairperson of Operation Backpack. “Many of our families are working with very tight budgets. By providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, we can help ease some of the financial pressures families face during the back-to-school season, allowing them to use their limited resources for essentials like putting healthy food on the table. The Auxiliary is blessed to be in a position to help.”

The program has become a signature community outreach effort for the St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary and reflects their mission of serving the community and addressing needs beyond traditional healthcare. Through the generosity of donors and volunteers, the program continues to ensure that hundreds of children begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. The St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary traces its roots to 1870 when Hannah Pease and 45 local women formed the Ladies’ Aid Society to support Syracuse’s first hospital. Today, the Auxiliary is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to advancing the mission of St. Joseph’s Health through fundraising, community outreach and patient support programs. The Auxiliary has more than 30 committees and service projects including initiatives like Operation Backpack, the Colleague Food Pantry, Lighting the Way, emergency department clothing assistance, dementia patient support, refugee patient support, and nursing scholarships. Since the 1990s, the Auxiliary has contributed more than $10 million to support St. Joseph’s Health Hospital and its patients. SWM

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SPECIAL FEATURE

“Leaders inspire others to make real, meaningful change in the world, and it all starts with showing people that they have a place here, and that they can do it.”—Mary Rice

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Where leaders are made

MARY RICE AND THE OUTDOOR MISSION OF GIRL SCOUTS OF NYPENN PATHWAYS Janelle Davis

t was a cold, rainy day at the archery range. One of the younger scouts was struggling to get her arrows to hit the target, and the frustration had brought tears to her eyes, but she didn't give up. She carefully picked up each arrow, carried them back to her spot in line, and tried again. When her arrow finally found the target, the smile that spread across her face said everything. For Mary Rice, Outdoor Program Manager for Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, that moment is exactly why she does what she does. “We provide a place for kids to learn to work through hardship,” she said, “and they can do incredible things.” Mary came to the role after hearing about the opening through a former colleague. The position caught her attention immediately, and so did the organization behind it. Designing and facilitating outdoor programming for Girl Scouts, she says, is more than a job, it is an opportunity. Her days are anything but predictable. Some are spent planning programming and coordinating with participants. Others are dedicated to brainstorming and launching new initiatives to reach broader audiences. And some days she is simply out at camp, where the work comes to life. “No two days are the same,” she said. "There is always something new on the horizon, which is what makes this such an exciting position.” One of the most meaningful expansions in her role is opening Girl Scout camp facilities and outdoor programs to schools and community organizations beyond the Girl Scouts themselves. Through the development of a new field trip program, students from across the council can now come to camp for hands-on outdoor learning tied directly to classroom curriculum. Team building, boating, hiking, archery, all of it available to educators looking for a new kind of learning environment. The programs Mary oversees span a wide range, but a few stand out as favorites. The high-ropes course at Camp Trefoil is one she returns to often when describing what makes outdoor programming so powerful. With obstacles at varying levels of difficulty, the course allows girls to safely push their own limits and return year after year ready for a new challenge. Archery, offered at all of the council's camps, is another favorite. It is accessible across a wide range of ages and skill levels, and deeply satisfying as girls watch themselves improve with every session. What happens in those moments, Mary says, is leadership in its most authentic form. When a girl who has just mastered a skill turns around

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to coach the scout beside her, something shifts. She is no longer just a participant. She is a leader. “These feelings of self-confidence and pride in their accomplishments help them step into the role of leading others to do the same,” Mary said. It is a philosophy that runs through everything Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways does outdoors. Archery and high-ropes are not just activities. They are vehicles for building the kind of confidence and resilience that follows girls into classrooms, workplaces, and communities for the rest of their lives. The outdoor setting itself matters too, Mary believes, in ways that are impossible to replicate inside four walls. When girls are outside, they are learning with their whole bodies, engaging in multi-sensory experiences that challenge them in real time. Whether they are identifying a tree on a hike or pulling back a bowstring for the first time, the learning is immediate, personal, and lasting. “These experiences cannot be replicated anywhere else,” she said. For families who may have an outdated picture of what Girl Scout camp looks like, Mary is happy to offer a new one. Today's camp experience is about creating space for every kind of learner and every kind of girl. There are outdoor sports, drama, arts, and more. There are friendships that last decades and skills that carry into adulthood. And above all, there is a safe, joyful environment where girls are encouraged to see themselves as capable of making a real difference in the world. “Camp is a place for kids to have so much fun and see themselves as a positive force in the world,” she said. When Mary talks about leadership personally, she keeps it simple. A leader, she says, is someone who helps others find power and capability within themselves. She thinks about the women in the Girl Scouts of NYPENN council who have inspired her, and about how that inspiration travels forward through every girl who steps onto a high-ropes course or pulls back a bowstring for the first time. “Leaders inspire others to make real, meaningful change in the world,” she said. “And it all starts with showing people that they have a place here, and that they can do it. SWM For more information on Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways outdoor programs or to register, visit gsnypenn.org.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bousquet Holstein PLLC welcomes Bridget E. Tonn

Bousquet Holstein PLLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Bridget E. Tonn as an associate attorney. Tonn will focus her practice on estate planning, estate and trust litigation, probate, and family-related matters. She has experience drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and premarital and postnuptial agreements. Tonn also advises clients on individualized estate planning strategies tailored to their unique personal and family needs. Prior to joining the firm, Tonn handled matters involving premarital agreements, probate, estate planning, and employment matters. Tonn is dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community and designs estate plans that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ families. Beyond her experience in estate planning, she has represented clients in employment discrimination matters across New England and New York. “The addition of Bridget to our team reflects our continued focus on meeting the evolving needs of today's families,” said Karin DeLaney, co-chair of the trusts and estates department. “Her expertise and passion will further enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, forward-thinking counsel to our clients.” Tonn earned her Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Seton Hall University. During her time in law school, Tonn served as a board member of the Alliance club and member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Vermont Law School's competitive trial practice team. She grew up in New York City and interned for Judge ShawnDya L. Simpson of the Supreme Court Second Judicial District in New York prior to attending law school. She is admitted to practice in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. About Bousquet Holstein PLLC Bousquet Holstein PLLC is a full-service law firm with offices in Syracuse and Ithaca. Their diverse, experienced team provides sophisticated representation in over 40 practice areas, helping both individuals and businesses navigate legal challenges as dedicated, trusted advisors who approach situations from all points of view.

Dr. Sandra Hansen joins Anesthesiology and Critical Care Team

Sandra E. Hansen, MD, has joined St. Joseph’s Health’s team of anesthesiologists and intensivists. Hansen specializes in anesthesiology and critical care medicine, providing comprehensive perioperative care as well as advanced treatment for critically ill patients. “I am thrilled to join such a talented team of anesthesiologists and intensivists,” said Hansen. “I look forward to serving the wonderful people of Central New York and the surrounding area and am honored to have this opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others.” Prior to joining St. Joseph’s Health, Hansen served as an anesthesi-ologist, intensivist and Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where she also held a leadership role as Director of Anesthesia Trauma Services. Earlier in her career, she served in the United States Air Force, where she began as a medical technician and later returned to active duty as a Special Operations Forces Medical Element Flight Surgeon, achieving the rank of Captain. During her military service, she held several leadership roles, including Medical Director for the 353rd Special Operations Group and Medical Director for the Joint Special Operations Component in Singapore and supported multilateral international exercises across Eastern Asia and the Pacific as a Lead Medical Officer. Hansen is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where she was awarded the Military Health Professions Scholarship, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas, graduating magna cum laude. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, followed by a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Hansen has contributed to numerous research publications and national presentations in areas including trauma resuscitation, perioperative transfusion practices and critical care outcomes. Outside of her clinical work, Hansen enjoys traveling with her husband and experiencing new people and cultures. She has visited more than 25 countries and counting. When at home, she enjoys exploring Central New York with their three dogs.

AUGUST 2026

AmeriCU appoints Carruthers small business relationship manager

AmeriCU Credit Union recently appointed Christiana Carruthers as small business relationship manager, where she will focus on supporting local businesses in Cortland, Auburn, Fulton, Liverpool, Camillus and Onondaga Hill with personalized financial solutions and hands-on guidance. Since joining AmeriCU in 2020 as a senior member relationship advisor, Carruthers has enjoyed helping members achieve their financial goals and building relationships throughout the community. She was promoted to financial center manager in 2022, where she spent nearly four years helping grow the Cortland Financial Center. Growing up with a parent who owned a small business gave her an appreciation for the hard work and commitment it takes to run a business, and that experience inspires her passion for supporting small business owners. “What excites me most about working with business owners is getting to know them personally and learning the passion behind how they started their businesses,” said Carruthers. “Every business has a story, and I’m passionate about helping owners connect with the right support to move forward and continue building something meaningful.” With more than a decade of experience in the financial industry, Carruthers brings a relationship-focused approach to serving business owners. She is committed to understanding each business’s unique goals and connecting owners with the products, services, and support they need to succeed. In addition to her professional experience, Carruthers is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of the Cortland Salvation Army and participating in local initiatives. AmeriCU business members and local entrepreneurs are encouraged to connect with Carruthers to learn how personalized support and financial solutions can help their businesses grow.

Coyle receives 2026 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship

Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways recently announced that Cicero resident and council alum Aubrey Coyle is its 2026 Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Gold Award Scholarship recipient. GSUSA selects one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout annually from each of its 111 chartered councils nationwide and USA Girl Scouts Overseas to receive $5,000 scholarships in recognition of Gold Award Take Action projects that demonstrate exceptional leadership and lasting community impact. Coyle’s project, “Inspiration Is All Around Us,” was inspired by a close friend’s cancer journey. She says it allowed her to turn her passion for helping others into a thought and reflection journal to support the mental health of cancer patients, their caregivers and loved ones. Aubrey led journaling workshops, interviewed community members affected by cancer and published her journal. She has distributed it widely in both print and digital formats through cancer support organizations and online to reach a broader audience. “Girl Scouts has given me opportunities and experiences that have shaped who I am and taught me lessons I will carry with me throughout my life,” Coyle said. “My hope is that this journal will continue to remind others that even during life’s most difficult moments, inspiration can be found all around us, every single day.” A 2025 graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Coyle attends Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, and is a member of the Red Devils women’s softball team. “We are incredibly proud of Aubrey and applaud her for her extraordinary leadership,” said Julie Dale, GSNYPENN CEO. “She addressed a global issue with empathy and dedication, and through this scholarship joins an incredible group of Girl Scouts and alums who continue to dream big and change the world.” The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, earned by fewer than six percent of Seniors (grades 9-10) and Ambassadors (grades 11-12) each year. Gold Award Girl Scouts collectively contribute more than 250,000 hours and invest more than $2 million annually toward lasting community solutions. Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways alum Aubrey Coyle of Cicero has been awarded a 2026 national Gold Award Scholarship by the council’s charter organization, Girl Scouts of the USA.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, Aug. 7

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 14-16, 21-23

What: Presented by Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, it’s the 30th anniversary of this event. Kick back and relax with friends as you sip from a variety of craft beers, wines, and canned specialty cocktails. Many animals will be on exhibit, giving you a chance to see them enjoy their evenings as you enjoy yours. Local food truck vendors, live music, bid on artwork painted by the animals and enter the zoo’s 50/50 raffle for a chance to win more. Designated drivers enjoy a discounted ticket rate and NA beverages. All proceeds support the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s mission. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse. When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Info: For 21 and up only. Ticket prices vary. For more information visit rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

What: All the ladies who are "anybody" in Chinquapin, Louisiana, come to Truvy's beauty salon to have their hair done, even while tragedy lurks and hope thrives. Written by Robert Harling and directed by Kevin Colvin. Where: Frances Marion Brown Theatre, East Fourth Street, Oswego. When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14-15, 21-22; 2 p.m. Aug. 16, 23. Info: Tickets: $20, seniors and students $15. For more information visit oswegoplayers.org.

Brew at the Zoo

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 7-16, 14-16

The Taming of the Shrew

What: Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park presents six performances of "The Taming of the Shrew" in the Thornden Park Amphitheater. Where: Thornden Park, 201 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse. When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 9 & 16. Info: Free to the public, but premium seating is available at onthestage.tickets.

Steel Magnolias

Saturday, Aug. 15

Willow Bay 5K Run & Fitness Walk for Women

What: This fun, women's only event includes a flat, fast, certified, scenic out-and-back paved course that is closed to traffic. Prizes include overall top three, five-year age groups, family teams, the Double Your Fun challenge and door prizes. Where: Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park, 3832 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. When: 7:30 a.m. Info: syracusechargers.org. Friday-Sunday, Aug. 21-23

2026 Blackbird Film Festival

What: This 83rd running of the family-friendly games offers a day full of competitions for Solo Piping, drumming and pipe bands, Highland dancing and heavy athletics. The event also features children’s games, entertainment, Celtic themed vendors and food, clans and societies, harpers, Syracuse Irish Session and Massed Bands. Where: Long Branch Park at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Info: cnyscottishgames.org.

What: A weekend celebrating independent film, creativity, and community. Experience more than 70 short films from emerging and established filmmakers around the world, showcasing compelling stories, innovative voices and diverse perspectives across a wide range of genres. In addition to screenings, attendees can participate in a variety of engaging events including filmmaker Q&A sessions, director talks, hands-on filmmaking workshops and a Movie Paint & Sip experience designed for film lovers and creatives alike. Where: Manlius Cinema, 135 E. Seneca St. When: Showtimes vary. Info: Admission is free and the festival is open to the public. For more visit blackbirdfilmfest.com/?t=1784133311.

Sunset Canoe Tour

Sunday, Aug. 23

Saturday, Aug. 8

Scottish Games

What: Take a naturalist-guided tour after hours. Sunset on Beaver Lake is a special time as many animals such as herons, ospreys, and even beavers are active. Where: Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Info: Canoes are limited to 560 pounds maximum of four people per canoe. Registration: $20/Canoe-attendee; canoe rental included. For more information, visit beaverlakenature.org. Thursday, Aug. 13

American Revolutions

What: Upon the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Skaneateles Festival considers how the founders’ revolutionary spirit has persisted in American arts and culture as the search for “a more perfect union” continues. Soprano and former Robinson Award Winner Elizabeth Sutphen performs beloved American songs as well as a new festival commission about women’s suffrage and the Seneca Falls Convention. Flutist Violinist David McCarroll performs American classics by Copland and Ives. Where: First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. When: 7:30 p.m. Info: Ticket prices vary. For more information visit skanfest.org. Friday, Aug. 14

Sips & Swings: A Female Professional Social

What: A networking-focused event designed for female professionals, combining a relaxed golf experience with meaningful connection opportunities. The event features a nine-hole round of golf, for participants of all skill levels to interact and build relationships. Following the round, attendees are invited to continue networking during a casual social reception with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Overall, Sips & Swings blends recreation and networking to foster community, collaboration and relationship-building among women in business. Where: Camillus Golf Club. When: 4 to 8 p.m. Info: To register, email grivers01@ ft.newyorklife.com; include name, email, phone and profession.

AUGUST 2026

Barn Quilt Painting Workshop

What: Inspired by the rich tradition of American quilt patterns and rural barn quilt trails, this workshop invites participants to paint their own bold, geometric quilt square on wood. Pre-drawn designs allow participants to focus on color, technique, and clean execution while learning the foundational process behind barn quilt construction. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse When: 1 p.m. Info: Cost: $60. Visit everson.org.

Silverwood Summer Serenade

What: The choir launches its 20th anniversary season with this free outdoor concert with performances by two clarinet quintets, followed by the full choir performing a variety of music written for or arranged for clarinets. Selections include Youthful Adventure, Spinning Wheel, Sounds of the Sea, and Rimsky-Korsakov's majestic Procession of the Nobles, along with other musical favorites. Audience members will experience the full range of the clarinet family, from the bright E-flat clarinet to the rich contrabass clarinet. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, your picnic or snacks, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music. Where: 4111 Pompey Center Road, Manlius (a residential property.) When: 6 p.m. Info: The venue is marked with a balloon on the mailbox. For more information, visit silverwoodclarinet.com. Wednesday-Monday, Aug. 26-Sept. 7

2026 Great New York State Fair

What: In the heart of New York, the 13-day Fair is a celebration of delicious food, captivating exhibits, exciting entertainment and unforgettable fun. As the oldest and most affordable state fair in the United States, it features a diverse array of animals, hundreds of attractions, thrilling midway rides and performances by top entertainers. And don't forget Women's Day at the Fair is Sept. 2, with the annual Women's Day Brunch and a health & wellness mini-fair. Where: New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse. When: For hours visit nysfair.ny.gov. Info: For tickets and more information: nysfair.ny.gov.

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