Author: Courtney Kless

1. Tell us a little about Syracuse’s new STEAM high school. The City of Syracuse, the Syracuse City School District (SCSD), and Onondaga County are teaming up for the area’s first-ever STEAM high school. It will feature a STEAM-focused curriculum open to students from the SCSD and any Central New York School district. 2. The curriculum will have eight concentrations. What else will it emphasize? A key element to the success of the high school will be the business partnerships. Central New York has a unique opportunity for collaboration among all stakeholders interested in a thriving urban core. Working in…

1. What is the story behind the founding of the Montessori School of Syracuse? We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th anniversary at Montessori School of Syracuse (MSS) this year. It seems like only yesterday we founded our school—Mary O’Connor, Susan French-Lawyer, and Patricia Choice Getz—for our own children and for the wider community of Central New York. In 1995, we had just seven students and one teacher. Today we have 150 students and a staff of 30! Our first location was the former Temple Beth El on Genesee Street, and after only five years, in the fall of…

This holiday season, you can treat yourself to a Broadway show—without leaving Syracuse.Disney’s The Lion King will stop at the Landmark Theatre from Dec. 4-15. “[It] is probably the biggest show we have this season, but they’re all unique in their own way,” said Tina Niles, NAC Entertainment/Famous Artists Broadway in Syracuse. “The Lion King is for all ages, and everyone from kids to grandparents is going to enjoy it.”Set in the Serengeti, the stage adaptation of Disney’s iconic animated tale follows Simba’s journey to becoming king, with puppetry, “unique” costumes, and songs from Elton John and Tim Rice.“If you’ve never…

With the holidays right around the corner, are you still searching for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? You’ll find something for all ages—and interests—in our annual guide.Metro Home StyleNestled in Syracuse’s Franklin Square, you’ll find a store that makes “gift-giving effortless.” But Metro Home Style didn’t start out that way; it initially offered a mix of vintage and antique pieces at the Regional Market Commons.“I did a lot of painted furniture, refinishing furniture,” said owner Linda O’Boyle. “It was getting kind of difficult to find the older vintage things and find time to finish them and…

From the Erie Canal Museum’s Gingerbread Gallery (Nov. 22-Jan. 12) to the Everson Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees & Light (Dec. 5-15) to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Holiday Nights (Fridays and Saturdays in December), Syracuse has so much to offer during the holiday season. Here are a few other places you should visit while you’re in town: Sports and Recreation Central Rock Gym Do you need a place where your kids can release some of their pent-up energy? Look no further than Central Rock Gym! As you may have already guessed, the gym specializes in rock climbing—or you can…

1. Can you tell us a little about your dance background—and what inspired you to take on the role of director of Light of the World Ballet? I began ballet at the age of 6 at Syracuse School of Dance, and later, when I was 14, I studied under Deborah Boughton at Center of Ballet and Dance Arts. At 18, I was accepted as a trainee with a professional international touring company, Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi, and the following year I was accepted into the company as a professional ballerina. After dancing professionally for seven years in Jackson, I…

Can you tell us a little about the history of Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance? How did you transition into your role as director? In 1972, my mom, Joan, put out feelers in Liverpool for dance by renting a VFW on Old Liverpool Road, next to what used to be a McDonald’s. After one year, we had outgrown that space and moved to the top floor of the Antique Mart on 1st Street. In 1985, we entered and started the after-school programs in the districts of Syracuse, Jamesville-Dewitt, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, and North Syracuse. At the age of 17, after graduation,…

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy planning a day trip or weekend getaway each fall. Have you considered Inlet as your next destination? “We are a tiny town surrounded by lakes and forests with so much to explore: hiking, biking, paddling, boating, fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, and so much more!” said Tourism Director Adele Burnett. “There are just over 300 people who live in Inlet year-round, and probably four times that many seasonal residents.” Known as “the little town that could,” Inlet is nestled along the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondacks.…

1. Can you tell us a little about the Creative Environment Day School and the programs that you offer?The Creative Environment Day School was started in 1966 by my grandmother, Sheila C. Brittain. She saw a need in the community for a safe, welcoming place for families. At that time, mothers were going back to work, and she saw that there was no full-day school in the area. So, she created it. It started out in a church for a few years, and then she bought the building that we are currently in, and we have been here ever since.…

The Everson Museum of Art has a fresh new dining option for Central New Yorkers.“Louise is more than just a café—it’s a space where community, art, and cuisine come together,” said Dominic Tricase, director of marketing and development at the Everson. “We’ve been thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received since opening, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food lover, or just looking for a unique dining experience, Louise has something special to offer.”Named after Louise Rosenfield, a museum trustee and a Dallas potter with a lifelong passion for functional ceramics,…