LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
What do the holidays mean to you?
For me, the holidays are about family. I have fond memories of Christmas Eve, watching “Muppet Christmas Carol” with my family while we gorged ourselves on snacks and opened Christmas jammies and presents from the siblings and grandparents. I’m the oldest of four, so I got to stay up late and be an “elf” for Santa after the other kids went to bed and watch their surprise and delight on Christmas morning. Now I’m married with two kids of my own, and we’re continuing some of the same traditions — it’s just not Christmas Eve if Michael Caine and Kermit aren’t on TV.
While holidays are about memories, they can also about new beginnings. Last month, Lorna Oppedisano announced her departure from the magazine. I’m taking over as her replacement. I’m no stranger to Eagle Newspapers, the parent company of Syracuse Woman Magazine — I’ve been an editor at our community weeklies since 2006. I look forward to this new journey upon which we’re embarking together, and I can’t think of a more exciting time of year to do it
Here at Syracuse Woman Magazine, our holiday edition is about giving back. That spirit is personified in our cover woman, Bryony Grealish, who operates The Fingerless Kitchen. Bryony left a career in social work to pursue her dream of working with food for a living, but retained her charitable essence: born with one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot, Bryony is working to help others with disabilities learn to cook.
Nor is Bryony the only woman in these pages focused on philanthropy. From nurse-turned-life-coach Dianne Rizzo to Reinvest CNY!’s Katelyn Kriesel to Loretto President and CEO Kimberly Townsend, the December edition of Syracuse Woman Magazineis full of women who care.
And don’t forget to give a little back to yourself—contributor Susie Ippolito reminds us it’s important to practice a little self-care during this hectic time of year.
But the holidays are about fun and food, as well. That’s why instead of our regular Inspire features, this month you’ll find several holiday recipes from local chefs and restaurants—we have entrées, desserts and a couple of drinks for you to try for your end-of-year gatherings. Thanks to our friends at The Chef and the Cook, Dani’s Wine Bar, the Fingerless Kitchen, Pastabilities, Soleil Café and Tailwater Lodge for sharing these delectable treats with us. And when you’re tired of cooking? Check out Pizza Man, this month’s Syracuse Eats feature.
Speaking of food and fun: I’d love to meet you! From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, join us for the launch of the January edition at SKY Armory. We’ll have bar snacks, passed hors d’oeuvres, wine tastings, a cash bar and music. I can’t wait to see you there!
Happy holidays!
