It is difficult for many people to make it to day time or evening meetings, no matter how much they like to be informed. For that reason, administrators and Board of Education members have taken extra steps this season to put information at the fingertips of residents in the Skaneateles Central School District.

By visiting www.skanschools.org, residents can read news articles, view budget documents, review budget summaries and/or watch informative short videos about this year’s budget process. The district offers this material as a way of augmenting what it has offered in many information sessions. It is important for residents and taxpayers to be informed.

Go to www.skanschools.org to hear the board president and vice president tell about the challenges faced and the solutions offered. Questions? Feel free to contact the district office.

Vote from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, in the Waterman School auditorium.

“HWS Printmaking Workshop,” an exhibition of prints by students and faculty at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, opens 6 to 9 p.m. May 3 at Imagine, the fine arts and fine craft gallery at 38 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles.

Refreshments will be provided, along with entertainment by the Usual Suspects.

The opening is part of Skaneateles’ First Friday art walk, which returns for the season in May after a winter hiatus.

Students and faculty represented in the show are part of the HWS Studio Art Program. One of the students featured is Michael Foster of Marcellus, whose mother, Lynda Foster, works at the shop.

“We believe it’s important to support tomorrow’s arts community, as well as today’s,” says gallery director Sarah Panzarella. “These students are enormously talented.”

The exhibition runs through May; Imagine plans to feature additional student works during the month of June.

Imagine is located in the lakeside village of Skaneateles, nestled in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. It represents artists from across the country and Canada, along with many Central New York artists, to create one of the most diverse contemporary art collections in the area.

The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 315-685-6263 or go to www.imagineskaneateles.com or www.facebook.com/imagineskaneateles.

From May 4th through June 30th, oil paintings and sketches by Skaneateles Artist Hetty Easter and her Sketch Club Students will be on display in the Art Gallery at Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. An artist reception for the show, “Spring Discoveries en Plein Air,” will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 2-4pm. The exhibit and reception are open to the public with no admission or parking fee.

Hetty and her students created all the artwork while outside. “Working en plein air is, for me, a means to connect with nature and keep my soul in balance,” says Easter. Easter paints on local hillsides and in forests and swamps, and the show’s images depict many familiar scenes and landscapes.

Easter’s Sketch Club gives children the opportunity to enjoy being creative in a relaxed setting. “Sometimes in a traditional art class, children and adults feel pressure to make something finished, to frame. I take a different approach. I want the children to experiment with ideas without this pressure. Sketch Club creates a frame for art, not art to frame,” explains Easter.

The process helps children appreciate nature through art, and art through nature. “What happens when a person notices their surroundings, I mean really notices? So many things… among them an awareness of a connection between the self and nature, observing the relationships of nature to the earth and sky, and a feeling of being in the present,” says Easter.

She started the club last September. It meets approximately once a week after school, with a break during the coldest winter months. The exhibit will include work from the more than twenty children, in grades 1-6, who have participated in the group since its inception.

Easter is a working artist living in Skaneateles. She holds a B.F.A. from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, a B.S. from the College of Human Development, and studied figure drawing, painting and portraiture at New York City’s Art Students League. After several years as a New York City designer, she began her career as a fine artist, returned to her native Skaneateles and opened her studio.

More information about Baltimore Woods Nature Center can be found on their website: www.baltimorewoods.org. Please visit Hetty Easter’s Facebook pages for more details about her club (www.facebook.com/HettySketchClub) and her paintings (www.facebook.com/PortraitADay).

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays. The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Baltimore Woods Nature in the City brings authentic natural science learning to K-6 grade urban school children. Supported by the Syracuse City School District, Onondaga County’s Save the Rain Program and corporate sponsors, tied to the Syracuse City School District curriculum and New York State Science Standards, lesson content supports teachers while directly impacting students. Holding programs in parks and neighborhood green spaces as well as the classroom, students’ earliest learning experiences in the sciences are relevant, meaningful and fun.

Images provided courtesy of Hetty Easter

As we turn to Spring, please join Skaneateles Artisans Gallery Under the Stone in celebrating First Friday Art Night, on Friday May 3rd from 6-9 p.m. with our consignment artist and wood turner, Dan Tracy.

“The unexpected beauty that is uncovered from within the pieces of wood brings me a great sense of wonder and satisfaction. As the process of turning the wood brings forth the unknown shape and beauty to be found. It is as if the form was always there within the wood, and I just needed to release it.

I strive to take pieces of wood from nature and unveil the beauty that lies within. These creations take the form of sculptures, goblets, bowls, plates, boxes and vases. I work with local woodsmen to find wood that is both unique and renewable.

Currently I am creating a series using Black Locust Burl. This is both rewarding and difficult because of the nature of the medium. I create one of a kind pieces of art. I have shown in many festivals and have had the joy of being commissioned to create special pieces for customers.” -Dan Tracy

Dan Tracy was born and raised in Central New York. The son of a carpenter, he was raised to appreciate the beauty of wood. Upon the death of his father, Dan brought home his father’s lathe and an unexpected passion for wood turning was ignited. As an avid canoeist, who has made his own cedar strip canoes, Dan often brings home wood from the local streams and lakes. Dan uses mostly local wood that he brings to his wood shop. The unexpected beauty that is uncovered from the pieces continues to bring a great sense of wonder and satisfaction for him.

“From the forest to your home.”

We will also be hosting a wine tasting by Beak and Skiff. Beak & Skiff is proud to be one of Central New York’s oldest, largest and most well known apple orchards. Founded in 1911 by Andrew Beak and George Skiff, Beak & Skiff now in it’s 5th generation and proudly produces hand crafted, apple distilled spirits. Including 1911 Vodka, Hard Cider and Wine.

The story of 1911 Spirits connects the heritage of New York apple farmers with the history of New York’s once thriving pre-prohibition craft distillery movement. In addition to our Distillery and Cidery, our products can be found at The Skaneateles Bottle Shop, The Sherwood Inn, Mirbeau Inn & Spa, The Lake House Pub, Bucket BBQ, Cedar House, and 200 additional locations around Central New York.

The Skaneateles Artisans Gallery Under the Stone is located in The Old Stone Mill at 3 Fennell Street (lower level), offers off-street parking as well as municipal parking, and accepts major credit cards. Visit our website at www.skaneatelesartisans.com. For more information, call (315) 685-8580.

On May 9, 2013 approximately 250 women of diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds, ages, and professions will gather at the Holiday Inn Auburn to celebrate the spirit of sisterhood. Each pre-registered guest (www.roomfullofsisters.com) will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a $600-luxury package provided by RFOS’ Major Sponsor, Mirbeau Inn & Spa of Skaneateles (www.mirbeau.com).

“Room Full of Sisters is a proven inspirational gathering for women from all over the region. Mirbeau is constantly reaching into the community to support events for and about women that promote wellness and are uplifting,” stated Philip Snyder, General Manager of Mirbeau Inn & Spa. JoAnn Blake and Melina Carnicelli, co-producers of Room Full of Sisters, acknowledge Mirbeau’s generous support for the third consecutive event. “By being the major sponsor of Room Full for three gatherings in a row, Mirbeau continuously demonstrates support of women and their well-being. We are very grateful to the Mirbeau staff for their participation in this annual event that not only focuses on women, but also honors all of who we are! JoAnn and I look forward to a continued partnership with Mirbeau in celebrating women,” said Melina Carnicelli.

Doors open at 9:30am at the Auburn Holiday Inn on May 9. Event highlights include a creative luncheon offering; a unique vendor marketplace of products & services by & for women; performances by humorist, Yvonne Conte (smile@yvonneconte.com) and Native American Grammy Award winner, Joanne Shenandoah (www.joanneshenandoah.com) and words of wisdom on A Woman’s Treasure by girls and women representing every decade of life from childhood to 103 years. Musical interludes to be performed by singer, Sue Alexander (singingsue@roadrunner.com).

To complete the day of celebration, Mirbeau is offering Room Full of Sisters’ guests a complimentary fruit & cheese reception in their Wine Bar & Lounge from 4:30-6pm on May 9. Mirbeau general manager, Philip Snyder said, “Mirbeau is pleased with the opportunity to offer this after-event reception to Room Full guests because women’s groups and gatherings are important to Mirbeau. One of our owners is a successful woman and we recognize that women understand the importance and necessity of a place like Mirbeau to recharge, rejuvenate and reconnect.”

Guest and vendor registration for 17th Annual Room Full of Sisters is available by visiting www.roomfullofsisters.com or calling Melina Carnicelli at 315-277- 0271.

Additional event support by Holiday Inn, Auburn; The Flower Shop, Auburn; KeyBank, Skaneateles.

May 1st Birding Series: Kick It Up a Notch: Behavior and Calls,
7 – 8:30pm
This program in our birding series will introduce you to more advanced topics, including identifying birds by sound and using behavior as an ID tool. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.

May 4th Birding Field Trip: Local Hot Spots, 8am-noon
CNY is blessed with excellent birding opportunities. Join Baltimore Woods and Onondaga Audubon on this day trip to explore some great local hot spots. This trip will reinforce bird calls and behavior. Meet at Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.

May 4th Monarch Butterflies and You, 10-11am
Because of its beauty and fascinating life story, the monarch is people’s favorite butterfly, but it’s now facing great challenges to its survival. Join Janet Allen to learn the simple steps you can take to create a Monarch Waystation and how to provide for the needs of other butterflies, too. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

May 4 Art Reception: Hetty Easter & her Sketch Club Students: Spring Discoveries en Plein Air, 2-4pm
Join us in welcoming Hetty Easter and her Sketch Club Students to the Baltimore Woods art gallery with oil paintings and sketches on display from May 4th- June 30th. This event is open to the public.

May 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th Weekend Wildflower Walks, 2-3pm
The Woods’ premier woodland wildflower garden is a local treasure. Join caretaker Audrey Loewer for a pleasant walk through one of the wonders of spring. Each week new species will bloom, and Audrey will reveal their past and present medicinal and culinary uses. The garden is handicap accessible; please call ahead if you need assistance. Donation.

www.baltimorewoods.org

May 4th Star Party: Spring Meteor Shower, 8:30-10:30pm
Back-up date: May 5
Hello, spring skies! Catch the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, and Saturn and Jupiter, too! Bring a blanket and watch the meteors. $5 for members; $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

May 8th Birding Series: Birds of Prey, 7-8:30pm
This last lecture of the birding series will teach you the essentials of raptor identification, including birds on the wing. Join us for the Derby Hill Bird Festival on the 11th to put your new skills into practice as hundreds of raptors fly overhead on their way north. $10 members; $15 nonmembers.

May 11th Members Only Art Reception at Sycamore Hill Gardens, 4-6pm
Members of Baltimore Woods who also hold a ticket to Sunday’s garden tour are invited to this private reception on the terrace of Sycamore Hill Gardens. Enjoy art, refreshments and a spring evening in this beautiful setting. Become a member by calling (315)673-1350.

May 12th Mother’s Day Garden Tour at Sycamore Hill Gardens, 11am-4pm
Prepare to be AMAZED! Invest in some family time in nature. Bring Mom out to enjoy over 25 acres of landscaped gardens and ponds with over 500,000 flowering bulbs, and 700 flowering trees and shrubs. Proceeds benefit Baltimore Woods. Tickets are $5 through May 4th; $10 after. Visit baltimorewoods.org for a list of ticket locations.

May 17th & 18th Plantasia 2013: Native Plant Sale at Baltimore Woods – Members Only: Friday, May 17th, 4-7pm; Public: Saturday, May 18th, 9am-2pm

Our annual plant sale has grown this year, becoming a spring festival celebrating gardening, along with the quality plants and expert advice you expect from The Woods. Shrubs, perennials, annuals and herbs will be available for purchase, including many native plants. Regional vendors will be selling garden and nature related items. The volunteers who tend our gardens as well as master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Onondaga County will be on-hand to offer quality gardening advice. Plantasia will take place rain or shine. Admission and parking are free.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays. The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Baltimore Woods Nature in the City brings authentic natural science learning to K-6 grade urban school children. Supported by the Syracuse City School District and corporate sponsors, tied to the Syracuse City School District curriculum and New York State Science Standards, lesson content supports teachers while directly impacting students. Holding programs in parks and neighborhood green spaces as well as the classroom, students’ earliest learning experiences in the sciences are relevant, meaningful and fun.

Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

Johnny & the Deans on Friday, April 5th
The Hysterical Fits on Saturday, April 6th
Genesee Ted on Friday, April 12th
The Sarah Horner Band on Saturday, April 13th
Mark Zane & Friends on Friday, April 19th
Dick Ward & Carol on Saturday, April 20th
Edgy Folk on Friday, April 26th
Sloppy Joes on Saturday, April 27th

All performances begin promptly at 7:30 PM and end at 9:30 PM.

April 1st-5th Adventure Day Camp: Mud Week 2013, 9am-4pm
Bring on the mud! It’s time for spring break and that can only mean Mud Week at Baltimore Woods! Join us for a week of exploration and adventure in the spring mud. Every day is a different theme – sign up for a day at a time or all five! Before and after care is available. $40/child/day, or $150 for the whole week.

April 5th Star Party: Comet Panstarrs, 7:30-9:30pm Back-up date April 6th
Comet Panstarrs will be visible in the northwest after sunset, right next to the Andromeda galaxy! While we can’t be certain of its brightness, it may be a stunning sight. Jupiter will be visible all evening, and Saturn will be rising in the east. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.

April 13th ESF Students Step Out: Spectacular Spring Saturday, 11am-12 noon for adults; 1-2pm for families; 2:30-3:30 pm for children
The Natural History and Interpretive Program at SUNY ESF will sponsor programs for children, families and adults lead by the newest generation of naturalists. Visit baltimorewoods.org in April for more details. Call to register. Donations appreciated.

April 20th “Eat Your Enemy” Earth Day Event, 10am-1pm
Once again, The Woods needs you to be part of our special task force against the highly invasive garlic mustard. This edible plant was brought to America as part of pioneer gardens; however, it is invasive and now endangers native woodland wildflowers. Whether you volunteer pulling garlic mustard or sprucing up the grounds, gardens, or trails, you will be treated to a unique and delicious lunch featuring garlic mustard as the special ingredient. Bring your friends and eat your enemy! Please register by calling (315) 673-1350.

April 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th Weekend Wildflower Walks, 2-3pm
The premier woodland wildflower garden at Baltimore Woods is a local treasure. Join caretaker Audrey Loewer for a pleasant walk through one of the wonders of spring. Each week new species will bloom, and Audrey will reveal their past and present medicinal and culinary uses. The garden is handicap accessible; please call ahead if you need assistance. Donations appreciated.

April 22nd Not So Silent Spring, 10:30-noon
Join Naturalist Tom Meier this Earth Day for an inspiring bird walk, accompanied by the words of Rachel Carson. Her writings helped launch an environmental movement which kept the spring birds singing. Bring binoculars. $5 members; $8 nonmembers.

April 24th Birding Series: Getting Started, 7-8:30pm
Baltimore Woods and the Onondaga Audubon Society team up to help get you started with a hobby that promises a lifetime of joy. This first program focuses on species ID tips and tricks, binocular selection, and bird feeding essentials. There will be a corresponding field trip on Saturday the 27th. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.

April 27th Birding Field Trip: Getting Started, 8-11am
Here’s a chance to put into practice the basic birding skills learned from the workshop on the 24th. We will visit some key birding hotspots within Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.

April 27th ESF Students Step Out: Spectacular Spring Saturday, 11am-12 noon for adults; 1-2pm for families; 2:30-3:30 pm for children
The Natural History and Interpretive Program at SUNY ESF will sponsor programs for children, families and adults lead by the newest generation of naturalists. Visit baltimorewoods.org in April for more details. Call to register. Donations appreciated.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays. The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk.

Baltimore Woods Nature in the City brings authentic natural science learning to K-6 grade urban school children. Supported by the Syracuse City School District and corporate sponsors, tied to the Syracuse City School District curriculum and New York State Science Standards, lesson content supports teachers while directly impacting students. Holding programs in parks and neighborhood green spaces as well as the classroom, students’ earliest learning experiences in the sciences are relevant, meaningful and fun. Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

Article by Lori Ruhlman. Photo by Kim Driscoll, more can be seen here http://kimdriscoll.zenfolio.com/p744901585

While working to create a magical world “Under the Sea,” for the upcoming weekend performance of Little Mermaid Jr., more than 50 Skaneateles Middle School students are also making strides to improve their own world, according to director Colleen Anna.

“We’ve focused our ‘journey’ on various character education type issues,” said the busy middle school music teacher.  Important issues like “friendship, being thankful, taking care of each other and team effort,” Anna explained.

For weeks, dozens of young drama students have worked during non-school hours on the music, script and choreography involved in pulling off a big production.  Two different casts are rehearsing and will perform during separate performances.  There will be a senior citizen performance at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21.  Other shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23.  A Saturday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Little Mermaid, Jr., is the story of the beautiful young mermaid Ariel, who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But she has to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice.

Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.  features the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love,” and the Oscar-winning “Under the Sea.”

Creekside Books & Coffee located at 35 Fennel Street in the village of Skaneateles is hosting an array of musical talent during the month of March.

On Friday, March 8th Two Feet Short will be playing in the Cafe. On Saturday, March 9th the Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers Trio will perform. Hear the tunes of Sloppy Joes on Saturday, March 15th. The amazing musical band, Mere Mortals will perform on Saturday, March 16th at 7:30 PM. Get there early as the place will be packed!! Syracuse band, The Milkweeds take the stage on Friday, March 22nd. On Saturday, March 23rd Creekside’s house band Edgy Folk will perform in the Cafe. Hear local musician, Ron Kadey on Friday, March 29th and Donna Colton sings her favorite tunes on Saturday, March 30th.

ALL musical performances begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Relax with us each weekend as we present some of the best music in town!

Bubble Mania, performed by Doug Rougeux, presents an exciting, humorous show with music, bubble manipulations and ends with a person inside of a bubble.

The cost to attend is $2.00. Mr. Bubbles will be appearing at Skaneateles Nursery School on March 11th at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm and on March 12th at 10:00 am.

For more information on Bubble Mania visit www.SkaneatelesNurserySchool.com.

During this open house both adults and children will get the chance to meet the teachers, visit the classrooms and register for the fall. A $50 non-refundable fee is due at the time of registration.

Skaneateles Nursery School is located in St. James Episcopal Church at 96 East Genesee St.

For more information on the Skaneateles Nursery School Open House visit www.SkaneatelesNurserySchool.com.

IS MY CHILD READY FOR PRESCHOOL?

You think your child is ready to start preschool – he/she is 3 after all – but you aren’t quite sure. Whether you enroll your child in preschool is a big decision but there are some key factors that can help you make the decision on whether your child is ready to take their first step into a classroom. More importantly, if you decide your child is not ready, that’s fine too! It’s OK to start the following semester or even the following year.

• How old is your child? For the most part, educators define preschool as the two years before a child begins kindergarten. Some preschools set a minimum age, usually they have to be 3 or close to turning 3. Parents who have children that have “late” birthdays, after September 1, sometimes delay children for a year or enroll them in a preschool program for an extra year.

• Is he/she ready to participate in group activities? Many preschool activities, like circle time, require that all children in the class participate at the same time. These interactions give children a chance to play and learn as a group, but also require them to sit still, listen to stories and sing songs. If your child isn’t use to group activities you can start introducing them yourself. Take him/her to story time at the library, for example, to help them get use to playing with other children.

• Is he/she potty trained? Most preschools require that their students be potty trained, or at least well on their way, before entering the classroom. This would be something you could speak with the teacher or school director about if you have concerns.

• Does he/she follow directions? There usually aren’t strict rules in preschool, but it is expected that your child can follow simple instructions including cleaning up after a project, following snack time guidelines, walking in line to the bathroom, etc. If you feel this might be a problem, you can start giving your preschooler easy tasks at home that he can do on his own (setting the plates at the dinner table or cleaning up his toys).

“One of the biggest tips I can give is to do your research before selecting a preschool and visit the preschool open houses to learn about the curriculum, teachers and classroom atmosphere,” said Danielle Cheney, Director of Skaneateles Nursery School.

Skaneateles Nursery School will be hosting its open house on Wednesday, March 20 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the teachers, visit the classrooms and ask any questions you may have on whether your child is ready for preschool.

For more information contact Danielle Cheney at SkaneatelesNurserySchool@yahoo.com or www.SkaneatelesNurserySchool.com.

Artist and entrepreneur Patience Brewster will be the first guest in a new series of Creative Conversations presented by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS).

The program, moderated by actress and Central New York arts leader Laura Austin, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 5 at The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles.

The two will discuss Brewster’s art and her business, and then take questions from the audience.

“SKARTS is launching this new series to feature local artists and thought leaders in our community,” says Joe Strodel Jr., the organization’s president. “Each Creative Conversation will feature a thought-leader moderator conversing with an artist, musician, performer or writer. The audience will explore how artists create, live and draw inspiration.”

Since signing her first book contract at the age of 25, Brewster has illustrated more than 34 books. Working in pencil, watercolor and gouache, she has developed a style that is immediately recognizable and highly prized. Her drawings have been featured on greeting cards, holiday ornaments and other home products.

She launched Patience Brewster Cards in 2002, and the company’s Ornaments and Gifts division in 2008. The company, of which she is the sole creative force, has sales around the world.

“Sometimes, a passion or a person has a strong hold on my consciousness and that transforms into a drawing,” Brewster says.

Austin is a founder and associate artistic director of Redhouse Arts Center. In 2003, she developed and implemented the Redhouse Capital Campaign, which raised $1.4 million. She also managed the renovations of a three-story historic building in downtown Armory Square.

At Redhouse, she has been responsible for selecting, casting, directing, acting in, promoting and commissioning works, along with fund-raising. She has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations and has a wide range of acting credits, both nationally and internationally. She is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity.

The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles, is owned by Dr. Robert Kiltz and has recently been renovated to include five levels of meeting and living space. The space features architectural lighting, original brick walls and a glass elevator. The event will use two levels of the structure. Hors d’oeuvres will be served on the street level and the presentation will be held on the lake level, one floor down.

Sponsors include Dr. Robert Kiltz, Group M Communications, Skaneateles Talk and Vincent McCabe Inc. Brewster and Austin have also graciously contributed their time to the event.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 at http://skarts.org/tickets/. Attendance is limited and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are requested by March 1.

SKARTS, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming, offers free concerts at the gazebo in Clift Park, and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.

For more information, contact Jean Vincent at info@vincentmccabe.com.

In the next installment of the Skaneateles Speaker Series, Skaneateles resident Cathy Dove will present “An Insider’s Guide to Cornell NYC Tech.”

The program, organized by the Professional Services Committee of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 at The Lodge at Welch Allyn, 4355 State Street Road, Skaneateles Falls. Dove’s talk starts at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

As vice president for Cornell NYC Tech—a graduate institution devoted to tech education and entrepreneurialism—Dove is responsible for all administrative and operational aspects, as well as planning for, and construction of, the new campus on Roosevelt Island.

Following a yearlong competition, Cornell University was selected by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in December 2011 to create a New York City tech campus that would “serve as a global magnet for tech talent and entrepreneurship.” Together with its academic partner, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Cornell will create a distinctive model of tech education.

“The campus aims to attract the best and brightest in technology, immerse them in an entrepreneurial culture with deep ties to the local business community, and spur the creation of new companies and new industries in New York City,” says Dove. “Ripples from this activity will be felt in Central New York, throughout New York state and, indeed, around the world.”

The sustainable campus, built for innovation and extending over 2 million square feet, will open in 2017. Until then, Cornell Tech is operating out of temporary headquarters in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, in space donated by Google.

The first “beta” class of eight students began classes Jan. 21 in a one-year master of engineering degree program in computer science.

Future programs will include additional graduate degrees from Cornell, as well as a dual-degree offered by Cornell and Technion as part of the unprecedented international partnership between the two schools – the Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute.

When fully complete in 2037, the campus will be home to more than 2,000 graduate students and hundreds of faculty and staff.

Welch Allyn is presenting sponsor of the Speaker Series event. Promotional support has come from Vincent McCabe Inc. and Group M Communications.

The evening will include opportunities for networking, a free drink coupon for wine or beer, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and door prizes.

Along with the local business community, the program should be of special interest to Cornell alumni, family and friends.

Tickets are $20 for members of the Skaneateles Chamber and $25 for non-members, with payment requested at time of registration. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 315-685-0552, by email to csearing@skaneateles.com or by paying online at https://www.skaneateles.com/gift-shop/category/22-chamber-events.

Skaneateles Suites has received a 2013 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor in the category Top 25 Bargain Hotels in the United States.

The property—which includes a main house and 12 bungalow suites on Rt. 20 and the Skaneateles Boutique Hotel on Fennell Street—is ranked #7 and is cited for being “friendly and charming.”

Travelers’ Choice awards are based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers.

“This kind of service award is only possible because of all the ‘personality’ that our Suite Dreams Team puts into its job,” says general manager Curtis Feldmann.

Shift supervisor Keia Endres says the hotels’ personality stems from that of its employees, who are welcoming and “go out of their way to make sure guests will want to return.”

“We treat people like family—as we ourselves would want to be treated,” says Terri Chapman, manager of guest services. She cites repeat-guest discounts, online specials, and complimentary snacks in the rooms as factors that might have contributed to the designation.

“We have a great, friendly crew that cares about its customers,” says Julie Hunt, office and reservations manager. “From offering ‘secret places’ tours to brushing the snow off cars in the parking lot, we care about the personal touches.”

John Walker, McKibbon Professor and Fulbright Senior Specialist at the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership at the University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee, where Feldmann has been taking classes, says, “This could not have happened to a nicer person—Curt is a dedicated professional, always taking exceptional care of his guests.”

“It is a great accomplishment for Skaneateles Suites to receive a Travelers’ Choice Award,” says Cihan Cobanoglu, professor and dean of the college. “These are the principles and skills we integrate into our teaching so that each and every USF Sarasota-Manatee hospitality school graduate can receive equivalent honors.”

“Curt provided invaluable experience and insight as an audit student in my law class,” says visiting instructor Keith Barron. “I have no doubt he will continue to merge what he has learned here with his many years of hospitality experience and continue to wow the guest.”

In 2009, Skaneateles Suites <http://www.skaneatelessuites.com> was ranked a Top 10 hotel in New York state by TripAdvisor.