Millennials. Defined as the generation born between 1981 and 1996, they are often described as lazy, entitled, impatient and lacking loyalty by specialists who simultaneously blame them for a slew of economic issues facing the United States. “Millennials are killing _____” is a funny but tired headline, filled in with everything from divorce to American cheese. But not all millennials sit around and watch the world burn. Some just want to paint avocados. Enter Maggie Morse, the 24-year-old artist behind Unremorseful Art, a multifaceted art brand that, like its young owner, is still growing and finding its way. New to…
Author: Kira Maddox
Kira Maddox
Kira Maddox is the digital content and community manager for both Family Times and the Syracuse New Times. She is a Central New York native, who was raised on tomato pie and halfmoons in Utica, got gorges in Ithaca when she attended Ithaca College and is now embracing her love of citrus and all things orange in Syracuse.
After being in the engineering world for 27 years, current Syracuse New Times publisher William Brod, of Cazenovia, needed a change. But how did a once self-described “tech geek, outdoorsman and sports guy” end up running the oldest alternative weekly in the United States? To celebrate the Syracuse New Times’ 50th anniversary, Brod spoke about how he stumbled upon the newspaper nine years ago, the changing publishing industry and how The New Times has changed him over the years. How did you find the Syracuse New Times? It found me. When I was leaving my job in the engineering world, I talked to people I knew in town who dealt with businesses. I was looking…
The Zentangle Method is an art form of relaxation, calling on artists to weave structured patterns as a form of meditation.
Syracuse Grows, a grassroots nonprofit founded in 2008, acts as a coalition connecting more than 20 urban community gardens in the city.
Syracuse residents now have a new space to host private events and gatherings in downtown Syracuse: Rail Line, 530 S. Clinton St., on the south end of Armory Square. And so far business has reportedly been going very well, according to owner Robert Podfigurny. Rail Line is in a building that sits along the elevated railroad tracks. Those who commonly visit the area may have noticed its red, boxy exterior. The modern, industrial- style building works as an indoor-outdoor events venue, with a full-service bar, both a ground-level and a private courtyard and rooftop access. The roof is also home to an urban garden and offers a sprawling view of downtown — whenever…
Syracuse’s snowy-weather staple Winterfest once again graced the streets of downtown Syracuse this month, promising foodie fare and musical nostalgia of all kinds. But things apparently needed shaking up for the 35th year, as several newcomers took home the gold in their annual mix-offs and cooking competitions. Held from Feb. 15 to Feb. 24, Winterfest saw swarms of city residents and suburbanites head downtown to make their way through the available menus, one participating restaurant or bar at a time. More than 20 businesses showcased their best in booze and food, with the festival wrapping on Sunday with the Hammond…
Winter Fair, a miniaturized version of the New York State Fair, hopes to bring some of the fun and nostalgia of the summer festival to the winter season.
Maria Vallese, the artist behind the brand Retro Sorrento, likes to paint a sense of place. Iconic buildings and iconography are her calling, and the most common focus of her watercolor works. A print of the Westcott Theater shows the building popping with vibrant splashes of cool turquoise and plum, its curvy-fonted marquee glowing a bright, warm yellow. The contrasting, blotted watercolors gives the piece a sense of movement and vigor, not unlike the alternative, edgier music concerts frequently booked at the music venue. Other prints show rounded, retro camper vans and converted station wagons, inked in fine lines over…
Crafted Handmade Market is scheduled to take place June 1 and June 2, opening Syracuse’s summer festival season.
Wintertime in Central New York commonly conjures up images of neon windbreaker jackets, reflective goggles, packed skis and tucked-in scarves as resident snow bunnies flock to the nearest athletic resort to make the most of the cold weather. But for those who find no love in the winter winds, whose faces and hands are flush red with pre-emptive pain instead of exhilaration at the thought of flying down a hillside on two planks of fiberglass and plastic, it can be hard to find entertainment during the long season. Cramped up indoors, the threat of stir craziness becomes a strong possibility…
Local venues offer several options for people who wish to get in some outdoor exercise, without having to travel far or leave the whole family behind. With snowshoe trails, simply strap the paddle-like shoes onto your normal winter boots, and trudge on top of the snowbanks. Rarely is there a need for things like membership fees or resort admission. Although it seems like an easy task, people who underestimate snowshoeing can quickly find themselves in a less than ideal situation. New York state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has five tips for anyone wishing to do some wintertime hiking: 1. Check…
After Syracuse native and former NFL athlete Tim Green announced in November that he had been living with ALS for about five years, on Facebook and during a recent appearance on 60 Minutes, three words lingered on: “Let’s beat this.” That is the slogan for Tackle ALS, the nonprofit fundraising campaign created in Green’s name to raise money for ALS research. With only about a month of activity, the campaign has raised $1.4 million — and counting — for the Healey Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital. Adam Weitsman, a longtime close friend of Green’s, is running a local…
Candles are a common motif around the holidays and are a regular staple as a Christmas table centerpiece or on a decorated mantle. But few may realize the potential dangers hidden behind the strong scents of peppermint and winter woods. But with Forge Co., a newly budding Syracuse business, you can give a gift you can feel good about this season: all-natural soy wax candles. “I think now people are more conscious of what they’re putting into their body and what they’re putting into their homes,” said owner Mariel Mirra. A study by South Carolina State University compared the quality…
The Syracuse New Times is participating in the Marine Toys for Tots program, spreading hope to economically disadvantaged children throughout the country by giving them toys to open on Christmas. Boxes are on the second floor of the office at 1415 W. Genesee St. for those wanting to donate new, unwrapped gifts. This publication has participated in the program for several years, and we hope to see another year of overstuffed results. Looking for other ways to give back this holiday season? Central New York has no shortage of organizations looking for help. Here are several examples: ACR Health. 627 W. Genesee St. acrhealth.org. (315) 475-2430 This community-based, not-for-profit has been around for 35 years, providing an array of support…
The CNY Veterans Parade and Expo will hit the fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 10, to honor veterans and celebrate the centennial of the American Legion.