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.
A cord blood transplant saved Mildred Bethea’s life. She survived battles with breast cancer and a type of acute leukemia, the second of which Bethea says “catapulted me to death’s door,” before being diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. After Bethea went into remission for a third time, her doctor recommended a bone marrow transplant. Though she was unable to find an adult donor match, she did find one at a public cord blood bank. “At that point, it became an issue of what they would have to do to me in order to give me the transplant because I had been…
One afternoon in early December, students from East Syracuse Elementary School and a group of local senior citizens sipped on hot chocolate and created marshmallow snow people. They are all part of an intergenerational program at the school. “Mary and I thoughtfully put our heads together and realized the greatest resource we have is our senior citizens in the community. The cost is free but the experience is priceless.” – Denise McGinley, Third grade teacher at East Syracuse Elementary Joan Tolhurst, affectionately known as ‘Grandma T,’ has been part of that program since the beginning. “It’s just an amazing program because…
When I was younger, one of my favorite winter activities was ice skating. I would speed around the rink, imaging I was the next Michelle Kwan or Apolo Anton Ohno. So, what better way to treat myself than an evening ice skating in Clinton Square? The rink, which opened in 2001, is now one of Syracuse’s most popular winter attractions. Clinton Square Ice Rink attracts more than 20,000 guests each year, according to ILoveNY.com. I have skated at an outdoor rink once in the past – near The Strong Museum in downtown Rochester – but it had been awhile since…
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing Camillus Ski Hill – Described as a “diamond in the rough” by Camillus Ski Association President Andy Arbital, the volunteer-run facility offers low-cost skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Visitors can also take lessons, stop by the consignment shop or pick up snacks and a cup of hot chocolate at the snack bar. Keep in mind, hours depend on conditions. Where: 401 Blackmore Rd., Camillus. More information: camillusskihill.com. Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – Looking for a family-friendly option on the east side of town? Bill Hane, operations manager at Four Seasons, says about…
Two students developed their own Amazon Alexa. Another pair created a number converter. A third group is building and coding robots. All are members of the Girls Who Code Club at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. “I have a lot of driven young women who are learning a lot about technology and themselves, and are flourishing because of it,” says Matt Harbinger, the club’s advisor. “The pitch that I usually give is not, ‘You should take this because you’re going to be a computer scientist one day, therefore you should be in this club,’ because we would have two people. Instead,…
Play the Game Read the Story Photos by Karley Harmon Jason Engle has seen a resurgence in the popularity of board games. In addition to what Engle – the manager at Play the Game Read the Story – calls the largest board game selection in the area, the store offers comic books, graphic novels and collectibles. You can visit them at two locations: Destiny USA and North Clinton Street. Locations 9808 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse Hours Destiny USA Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. North…
It’s no secret the holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. While you’re checking gifts off your list, why not treat yourself to a spa visit? Located off Route 92 in Fayetteville, La Fleur de Beauté opened in October 1993. Sandra Rabe, part-owner and esthetician, says their most popular services are full body massages, manicures, pedicures, microdermabrasions, waxing and the European facial. I opted for the facial. The benefits are numerous. I was initially drawn to the relaxation aspect, but Rabe says getting a facial every four to six weeks can help clean, hydrate and…
For more photos from the event, visit www.flickr.com/photos/salarmyempire/sets/72157711877077373.
The winners have been announced for the 2019 Syracuse Area Live Theatre (SALT) Awards. The ceremony was held on Nov. 17 at the Redhouse Arts Center. PROFESSIONAL THEATER COMPANIES Play of the Year Pride and Prejudice (Syracuse Stage) Leading Actor in a Play Daniel Morgan Shelley, Possessing Harriet (Syracuse Stage) Leading Actress in a Play Nicole King, Possessing Harriet (Syracuse Stage) Director of a Play Jason O’Connell, Pride and Prejudice (Syracuse Stage) Supporting Actor in a Play Stephan Wolfert, Pride and Prejudice (Syracuse Stage) Supporting Actress in a Play Joey Parsons, Pride and Prejudice (Syracuse Stage) Costume Design of a…
The buzz is growing for welding at Corcoran High School. Instructor Jose Ocasio said during the last week of September alone, five students interviewed for the school’s welding program. A new state-of-the-art lab may be to blame. “It’s this incredible thing that all of a sudden it’s just boom, this excitement for welding,” says Nick Lisi, the Business and Higher Education Liaison for the Syracuse City School District’s 27 Career and Technical Education programs. “Who would have ever thought? But it’s happening. It gives you chills because you think, ‘ok, well before there was this program, these students never even…