Author: Courtney Kless
Courtney Kless
Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. Courtney is originally from Maryland. She earned her Master’s degree in Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism from Syracuse University. Courtney began her career as a sports journalist, then spent several years working in higher education, before joining the company in August 2019. She enjoys traveling, reading and hiking, and recently adopted a Labrador Retriever, Bailey.
Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Family Times recently talked to Qasha Diaz, a lead dental assistant at Pediatric Dentistry & Family Orthodontics in Fayetteville, about some things you can do to keep your child’s teeth healthy – every month of the year. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. Can you tell me a little about your background? I was going to school for student teaching, and I’ve always had a passion for dentistry. When my daughter was born in 2008, they were laying off a bunch of student teachers, so I took…
Please note: The Syracuse Crunch updated its attendance policy earlier this month. Click here to learn more. Growing up with two brothers, watching (and playing) sports were a way of life – these days, in my free time, you can often find me sitting in the front of the television, enjoying a football game or a golf tournament. But there is nothing that compares to watching sports live. My husband and I recently headed to the Upstate Medical University Arena to watch the Syracuse Crunch take on the Utica Comets. The Crunch, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for the…
For three generations, Hercules Candies has been bringing hand crafted sweets to Central New York. Originally named Boston Candy Kitchen, the business was founded in East Syracuse in 1910 by Robert Andrianos and his two brothers (all three were from Greece). In the years that followed, it would change owners (and its location) several times – Robert’s grandson, Steven Andrianos, and his wife, Terry, currently run the business together. In January of 2017, the Andrianos’ oldest son, Craig, launched the Hercules Candies YouTube channel – and business took off. “After about a year, it just blew up. There was really…
February may be a short month, but there is still plenty to celebrate. One way families can do that is through books. Karen Notte, the early literacy coordinator at the Fairmount Community Library, shares her picks for some of this month’s holidays. For Chinese New Year (Feb. 1) Chinese New Year by Katie Marsico Children can learn about the history and traditions of Chinese New Year in this non-fiction book. Maisy’s Chinese New Year by Lucy Cousins Maisy and her friends celebrate Chinese New Year with fireworks, a dragon dance, and more. For Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) A Valentine for…
Now that winter is in full swing, are you suffering from cabin fever? I know I am. Get some fresh air – and learn about animals – at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Located in Burnet Park, the zoo was founded in 1914, and houses more than 200 different species, according to its website, ranging in size from poison dart frogs to Asian elephants. Tickets cost $9 for adults ($5 if you visit during Snow Leopard Day in January and February), and can be purchased online or at the door. This was my third time visiting the zoo. We started with…
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reduce clutter in your home. And the benefits of doing so are numerous. “The biggest one I would say is reduced stress,” said Liz Bremer, a certified professional organizer and the owner of Put it Simply Organizing in Manlius. “You are saving time by not spending time looking for things. You’re saving money by not buying things that you already have. It improves relationships. I’ve had clients say that getting organized has saved their marriage. Being more efficient. All of these things are great.” Read on for Bremer’s tips…
December has always been one of my favorite months of the year. I love grabbing a cup of hot chocolate and driving around to look at holiday lights – a tradition that dates back to the early days of my relationship with my husband. Our newest go-to spot is Lights on the Lake. Held annually at Onondaga Lake Park, the popular holiday show features 300 displays (including its newest additions, a holiday dragon, a winter skyline, and an 18-foot smart light tree) – all stretched across two miles. A total of 56,378 vehicles drove through Lights on the Lake during…
Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company Inspired by a field trip to a local producer, Michael Spicer began making his own maple syrup when he was just 11 years old. He would eventually take over Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company in 2019. Family Times recently talked to Spicer about the company’s roots, its products, and the process for producing maple syrup. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. Can you start by telling me a little about the history behind Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company? The company originated in 1977, and it was started by Karl Wiles. His family had some land,…
I have always loved visiting museums. Whether they focus on history or science or art (or some combination of all three), it’s always been one of my favorite ways to treat myself. My latest visit took me to the Everson Museum of Art in downtown Syracuse. The Everson’s space on Harrison Street first opened in 1968. It is “a museum of firsts,” said Kristin Sheehan, director of communications. “They were the first museum ever designed by [internationally-acclaimed architect] I.M. Pei. They were the first to create a docent program. The first to start collecting American art.” Today, the Everson houses…
Halloween can be one of most exciting nights of the year for children – but it can also be one of the most dangerous. Have a safer holiday with these tips from the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office: Before you leave the house Give your child a flashlight or glow stick to carry or add reflective tape to their costume. That way, they can be seen more easily by passing cars. Also make sure their costume doesn’t block their vision – and that they can walk in it without tripping. Face paint is a good alternative to a mask. Remind your…