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.
With many students learning remotely, you may be looking for ways to keep your family active – something made more difficult by the cooling weather. We compiled a list of indoor activities that children of all ages can enjoy. Don’t forget to maintain a safe distance and bring a mask! OptionZero brings boxing, life skills to local youth The idea for the program began during Curtis Chaplin’s college football career. “A friend of mine and I were talking about things that we went through,” he said. “A lot of the coaches only coached you just for that, to get them…
Junior League of Syracuse celebrates 100 years Since it was founded in 1920, the Junior League of Syracuse has worked to improve the community and provide women with leadership skills. Family Times recently talked to Julie Palmer, the organization’s VP for Communications, about the milestone. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 1. The Junior League of Syracuse is celebrating 100 years in 2020. How has the organization changed and evolved over that time? One of the biggest ways we’ve evolved is that we used to be primarily an organization for women that were looking for an activity to…
With the holidays right around the corner, you may be feeling a little stressed. A visit to Bodymind Float Center will calm your body – and your mind. Two Rochester musicians – David Brickman and his wife, Pattie – opened Bodymind Float Center in 2013. Four years later, in 2017, the couple added a second location on Erie Boulevard in Syracuse, which features three tanks and a pool. I am not particularly fond of enclosed spaces, so I chose the latter option for my float. Each contains about 10 inches of water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt, allowing guests…
Are you looking for a socially-distanced way to celebrate the holidays? Lights on the Lake returns to Onondaga Lake Park this month. Debbie Dennis, senior recreation leader for the park, said attendees will notice a few changes to this year’s show. For one, there will not be a stroll or dog walk. Instead, Lights on the Lake will host a Charity Drive-Thru on Nov. 16 and a Doggy Drive-Thru on Nov. 17, with proceeds benefiting a charity to be named and Humane CNY – there will also be a discounted admission rate ($5). Families must also purchase tickets online before…
The start of the school year has looked a little different for schools around Central New York as they made the transition to hybrid learning. Family Times recently talked to three local districts about how they prepared for that switch, how the day-to-day has changed for teachers and staff, and the reaction by families. Syracuse City School District The Syracuse City School District was one of the last in the area to transition to a hybrid model, opening schools for in-person learning on October 5 (it started the year remotely). “It’s been a bit of a shift,” said Laura Kelley,…
Al Cutri, Syracuse 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how you became a primary caregiver? My grandmother and my great aunt, I was caring for them, not completely full time, but almost full time. Going there three times a day, feeding them, staying there for hours at a time, monitoring their eating to make sure they didn’t choke and things like that. So, it started with them. My great aunt, who was 99 at the time, passed away. In December of 2013, a few months later, my father was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor,…
Q&A with Jelani Memory, A Kids Book About A series of books is encouraging parents to talk to their children about challenging and important topics – Racism, belonging and voting, to name a few. Family Times recently talked to Jelani Memory, the co-founder and CEO, about the inspiration for A Kids Book About, why it’s so important for children to be exposed to these topics, and the response the books have received. 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how A Kids Book About got started? It all got started with one book, A Kids Book…
I love fall. For me, there is nothing better than changing leaves, pumpkins, and of course, apple cider. So, I thought what better way to embrace the season — and treat myself — than a visit to a local apple orchard. One September weekend, my husband and I headed to Critz Farms. Located off Rippleton Road in Cazenovia, Critz Farms was founded in 1985. Each year, it hosts a Fall Harvest Celebration, offering activities such as wagon rides, cider making demonstrations and a corn maze. That was our first stop. The theme of this year’s maze is “Animals of Africa,”…
Are you in need of a date night? Are you looking for something to do with your family? Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf is the perfect place for a night (or afternoon) out. Fairmount Glen first opened in 1947 on land that is now home to West Genesee High School, according to its website. The course later moved to its current location in Fairmount. A single game costs $9 per person, but you can also purchase two hours of all you can play for $13.50. We chose the first option. If you are planning to take your family, keep in mind…
Q&A with Jeff Behler, U.S. Census Bureau Has your family filled out the 2020 Census? Family Times recently talked to Jeff Behler, the director for the U.S. Census Bureau’s New York region, about how to fill out the Census, what information it asks for and why it is so important. This interview was edited for clarity. When is the deadline to respond to the Census? The deadline for self-response, as well as our Census takers knocking on doors, is September 30. Every household will have the ability to go online, to call it in over the phone, or if they still have…