Author: Courtney Kless

Baseball is returning to NBT Bank Stadium. The Syracuse Mets, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, will open the 2021 season on May 4. Family Times recently talked to Jason Smorol, the team’s general manager, about league changes, recent renovations to the stadium, and what fans can expect when attending a game this season. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 1. How does it feel to have baseball back after the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19? Getting baseball back is amazing. We have been on pause for over a year, and being able…

It’s April, which means golf season will soon be in full swing. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been playing for years, Par’s Indoor Golf is a great way to treat yourself – and improve your game. Located on Erie Boulevard in Syracuse, Par’s is home to six golf simulators. Rates are charged by the half hour ($25) or hour ($50) – It typically takes one person about an hour to play 18 holes, according to Par’s website. Tee times are required. Par’s also offers leagues, tournaments, and, for those 21 and older, a full bar. Guests can…

Arc of Onondaga has a motto: Turning Disability into Ability. Since 1951, the organization has grown to more than 40 sites throughout Onondaga County, providing a variety of services and programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Family Times recently talked to Joanna Jewett, director of marketing and development, about the milestone. 1. Arc of Onondaga is celebrating 70 years in 2021. How has the organization changed and evolved over that time? A lot has changed since 1951, when a group of concerned parents got together to ensure that their children received the best educational and social services possible,…

I am always looking for ways to stay active during Central New York’s colder months. Indoor rock climbing is one of those things I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t gotten around to — until recently. One February weekend, my husband and I decided to check out Central Rock Gym. Located in Franklin Square, the Syracuse location is home to 16,000 square feet of terrain, according to its website. Central Rock Gym’s main focus is rock climbing, and guests can choose from two types: bouldering, 10–15-foot walls that you can climb without ropes or a harness, and top rope climbing,…

Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like chocolate. Sweet on Chocolate has been bringing the sweet treat to Armory Square since 1993. Today, the shop offers a variety of handmade products: turtles, clusters, barks, creams, chocolate bars and hot chocolate. But owner Adam Mazzoni, who bought the business in 2018, says truffles are most popular – For Valentine’s Day, customers can choose from strawberry prosecco, raspberry rose and hot and bothered (or try all three). Chocolate covered strawberries will also be available. “I’ve always had a passion for cooking and food,” Mazzoni said. “My creativity is expressed through flavor, and I…

‘Our default answer is yes’: Operation Northern Comfort builds desks, more The goal of Operation Northern Comfort is simple: to help those in need, both in Central New York and beyond. Family Times recently talked to CEO Norm Andrzejewski, about the organization’s roots, its current projects, and what he sees in the future for Operation Northern Comfort. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. What was the inspiration behind Operation Northern Comfort, and how did it grow into what it is today? It started as Operation Southern Comfort, and the inspiration was, ‘Let’s go help New Orleans after…

I’ll be the first to admit, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Upstate New York winters – especially the snow. Until I discovered skiing. I am still somewhat new to the sport, but I enjoy the speed, views and fresh air. So, I thought what better way to treat myself than an afternoon skiing at Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center in Fayetteville. Four Seasons is home to mini golf, a driving range and batting cages during the summer months, and skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. Not a skier or a snowboarder? Snow tubing passes are…

I’ll admit, I’ve been struggling to find new ways to treat myself at home during the pandemic. I’ve always been a theater fan, so this month, I decided to check out a virtual performance by Syracuse Stage. In September, Syracuse Stage announced that it would be moving its 2020/21 season online. Tickets cost $30, and are available on its website, syracusestage.org. Joseph Whelan, the director of marketing and communications for Syracuse Stage, said you need only two things to enjoy a performance: a device to watch it on (I used my laptop) and a valid email address. Keep in mind,…

With the holidays right around the corner, are you struggling to come up with gift ideas? 2020 is the perfect time to shop local. These area businesses offer something for each member of the family. Chloe’s Closet When Kathy Ilacqua’s first granddaughter, Chloe, was born, she struggled to find unusual bedding and clothes. That inspired her to create Chloe’s Closet with her daughter. The pair rented some space in the corner of a gift shop, selling blankets, clothes and a few toys, before eventually moving to Brooklea Drive in Fayetteville. The boutique has remained at that location for the past…

Now, more than ever, it’s important for women to be able to defend themselves. With that in mind, I recently took a self-defense and situational awareness class at OptionZero. Curtis Chaplin, a coach and the program’s co-founder, said the classes teach physical and mental toughness. “My goal was to give women something to be able take with them,” he said. “You can have mace, anything, but you have to be able to create a space to get to it. These classes also give women confidence; ‘I’m capable of doing this.’ ‘If I got in a situation where I had to…