A Love of Clocks in Central New York

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

4/21/2010

Syracuse, NY – Finding a clock maker or a clock repair shop can be pretty tough these days. As people have moved towards digital timekeeping, horologists, experts who build or repair clocks, have slowly begun to vanish. But Central New York is home to two men who still pursue a craft that’s steeped in tradition.

In Madison, New York, Chris Harter makes 18th century-style clocks and furniture, while in Syracuse, Karl Kascha fixes and sells clocks at his shop. In this digital era, their passion for hand-made clocks is something of a rarity among a generation which relies almost solely on digital time-keeping devices.

A Hidden Gem in Syracuse

From the outside, Karl’s Klocks doesn’t look any different from all the other homes and buildings lining the street. There’s no big sign, no big parking lot, and no big fancy storefront. But despite all that, a steady stream of customers manage to find Karl’s shop in hopes that he will work some magic on their beloved, but broken clocks.

“I’m a sentimental fool as well as a lot of my customers,” said Karl as he repaired an old cuckoo clock. “It’s a good thing there’s a few of us out there or I would be out of business.”

Shared Sentiment

One of Karl’s customers, Teri Brush also values the sentimental aspect of clocks. To her, clocks play a more important role than keeping time.

“[That] clock is over 150 years old,” began Brush as she motioned towards the clock Karl was inspecting. “It was in my family, it was my grandfathers. It’s been handed down; it’s tradition,” she said.

And tradition is what Chris Harter loves about making clocks in his Madison workshop.

“250 years from now these pieces should still be around,” said Chris. “Children are going to take [the clocks] with them and that’s where you see generation after generation have these pieces,” he finished.

Quality, Not Quantity

According to Chris, it’s the quality of a hand-made clock that sets it apart from others.

“Every aspect is being done by one person [and] there is a high degree of quality,” said Chris. “My greatest motivation is just that passion of what I love to do and doing it with excellence...I’m glad I’m not making furniture item 4412 with finish a, b, or c.”

And excellence is exactly what both Chris and Karl strive for as they make and repair clocks that could potentially keep ticking for hundreds of years to come.

Adaptive Sports Growing in New York

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

2/17/2010

Syracuse, NY - Each year as more people become disabled, adaptive sports programs across the country grow as well. New York ranks high on the list of states with the most adaptive sports programs which give people with disabilities an opportunity to stay active.

Adaptive Sports in the State

In New York, almost 1.5 million people have either a physical or intellectual disability, according to a 2006 Census survey. Laurie Kennedy, New York’s Special OlympicsRegional Director, is seeing more competitors in the Winter Games this year, and in general, more adaptive sports.

“ New York is pretty ahead of the curve in adaptive sports. Because there’s a lot of organizations that are […] having lots of opportunities like more than one season, more than one sport,” said Kennedy.

Going for the Gold

Kayla McKeon plays more than eight sports. But McKeon isn’t just any athlete, she’s a Special Olympian.

“The more excited you are, the more pumped you are to get out there and work hard and for the gold,” said McKeon.

And to get the gold, she focused on being a good goalie for her floor hockey team, which included practicing her smack talking skills.

“[I usually say] hey buddy boy want a piece of me? Come over here and let me have it,” said McKeon.

At last week’s New York Special Olympics held in Syracuse, 400 athletes with intellectual disabilities came together to compete in the Winter Games.

“When I was in high school I really couldn’t keep up physically, but in Special Olympics, I know I can,” said McKeon.

Special Olympics isn’t the only organization that’s seen an increase in athletes. Other adaptive sports programs in the area have seen growth as well.

A Chance to Ski Again

At Toggenburg Mountain, the Arise and Ski program teaches 80 people how to ski, has doubled the number of sessions and is inclusive of all disabilities. Gregg Kuersteiner was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in his mid-30’s and through the program, has learned to use a bi-ski on the mountain.

“If it wasn’t for the program I wouldn’t be skiing at all,” said Kuersteiner.

Eric Kuersteiner, Gregg’s brother and volunteer instructor with the Arise and Ski program, skis with his brother and sees the benefits of the program.

“Gregg’s normal way of being is struggling hard to do basic things,” said Kuersteiner. “This allows him so much freedom that he almost has no place else in his life.”

Win or Lose, There’s Still Pride

For those who participate in adaptive sports, freedom, fun, and support is what it’s all about. And back at the Special Olympics, winning or losing doesn’t really matter so much to McKeon.

“No matter what we do, we always make our family and friends proud of who we really are,” she said.

And pride was in the air when, for the first time, McKeon and her floor hockey team claimed the gold medal for their division.

Chestnuts Aren't the Only Things that Could 'Roast' This Season

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

12/8/2009

Syracuse, NY – It’s that time of year again and people are starting to gear up for the holiday season. For many people this means buying a Christmas tree…but not just any tree, a fresh-cut tree.

A Trip to the Farm

At Critz Farms in Cazenovia, families trudged through a Christmas tree field, hoping to find and cut down their own perfect Christmas tree. For people like Denis Branson, a resident of Fayetteville, this year isn’t any different than years past.

“Oh, it’s an annual tradition,” said Branson. “We like doing fresh trees, because that way they stay fresh for a long time,” he said.

Dry Christmas Trees Can Kill

Though cutting down his own Christmas tree is all part of the holiday spirit, Branson acknowledges the risks involved with having a real tree.

“When I was a kid, […] one year two people that my father knew were killed in a Christmas tree fire,” Branson said. After that, his father bought fake trees.

And killer Christmas tree fires are exactly what Captain Tom Erwin of the Syracuse Fire Department hopes to keep at bay. Though Syracuse hasn’t seen a devastating Christmas tree fire in the last two years, Erwin said, it’s important not to get complacent.

“[People] don’t understand the power of a fire as a whole and they certainly don’t understand the power of a fire this time of year in a dried Christmas tree,” said Erwin. “I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays,” he concluded.

Being Safe This Season

Erwin suggests keeping the tree watered, because if it gets dry, a festive holiday could quickly take a turn for the worst.

“When they’re fresh cut, they tend to […] withstand a little bit of spark before it turns into an inferno,” said Erwin. “It literally takes only 30 seconds or less,” he added.

Erwin also says that using thicker wired Christmas lights and plugging them into a heavy duty surge protector will lessen the risk of a fire.

Fire Risk Shouldn’t Dampen Holiday Cheer

Back at Critz Farms, Branson isn't letting the potential danger ruin his holiday fun. He now keeps an extinguisher nearby and takes steps to make sure his Christmas stays safe.

If you ask Branson, it’s all about good judgment: “ It just takes common sense. Life is not without risk; and as long as you manage risk, the smell and the season, and the enjoyment of hunting for the tree is worth it.”

A Christmas tree fire Public Service Announcement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology:

The First Ever Annual Shop Syracuse Week Hopes to Encourage Buying Local

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

12/1/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - The first annual Shop Syracuse Week is underway and many local business owners are excited. Shop Syracuse started on Friday last week and ends on Sunday. Syracuse First, a non-profit organization which started this past summer, is behind the effort to encourage holiday shoppers to buy local so money can stay in Syracuse.

Good for the Community

Shop Syracuse Week’s Organizer, Chris Fowler, said money is better spent locally where it can be re-invested into the community.

“When you spend money at a locally owned business, almost twice as much money is re-circulated in the community,” said Fowler.

To better illustrate it, Fowler said that for every $100 spent at a local business, more than $70 stays in the community. This is in contrast to $40 when spending the same amount of money at a national chain.

“You don’t have to completely change the way you do things,” Fowler insisted. “But instead of going to Starbucks ten times, try Sparky Town, [or] try another local coffee shop,” concluded Fowler.

Shop Syracuse Week Good for Small Business Owners

Sparky Town, a coffee shop and restaurant on Burnet Avenue in Syracuse, is dedicated to supporting local businesses. In addition to serving food and coffee, they sell locally made crafts, decorations and paintings. Owner of Sparky Town, Linda “Sparky” Mortimer, says she’s seen a boost in sales since Shop Syracuse Week began.

“More people are coming in [and] more people are finding out about us. I think there’s a genuine interest here for people to shop locally,” Mortimer said.

A short distance away in Armory Square, Owner of Eva’s Boutique, Eva Higgins, is excited and feels that the community should know that money spent in the city, stays in the city.

“I think it’s good that they know the money will stay in our economy, you know, make Syracuse a stronger place. Economically we need this boost,” said Higgins.

And according to Higgins, the possible rise in sales is much needed.

“We really do need help here in the retail world. The small boutiques, we’re not like the big department stores,” Higgins said. She continued, “We don’t make a ton of money. We’re locally owned and we just make enough to make a living,” she finished.

Shop Local? Or Not to Shop Local? That is the Question

Some, like Danny McNally, say they already shop at local businesses.

“I love the personal touch,” said McNally. “[And] I want to make sure to maintain the vitality of our city center.”

While others, like Christina Stasko, thinks shopping locally is more expensive.

"If they had better deals I would definitely think about shopping at one of the local shops," said Stasko.

But Shop Syracuse business owners say it's not all about the cost.

"You have nothing to lose and everything to gain and you get that personalized intimate service that you may not get in a bigger store," Mortimer said.

Free Fitness for Kids in Need

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

11/17/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - With the New York State child obesity rates higher than 30%, it’s no wonder why Syracuse has started “Fit Club,” a free-of-charge after school fitness program where kids will do aerobic activity, strength-building exercises, and learn about nutrition.

The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department and Strength In Motion, a sports training center, teamed up to offer kids a place to be active. Funding for the program came from government grant money that is geared towards promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Giving Back

The pilot program started just last Friday at McChesney Park and will continue twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) for the next six weeks.

Corey Parker, the owner of Strength In Motion as well as the Program Director, said his company doesn’t receive any money for coaching the kids, but that’s okay.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do,” said Parker. “Working with the inner city kids…I feel like it’s giving something back,” he said.

According to Parker, the kids are getting much needed exercise, but it’s still not enough.

“We need to make sure we’re doing something that’s making them active on the days they’re not doing that 60-minute program. Two days out of seven is not going to have the results that you want,” said Parker.

The kids are fortunate to get personal training for free. Parker said normally, it would cost $15 per hour at the Strength In Motion Training Center for the same services.

A Safe Place is the Key

SU Diet and Nutrition Professor, Lynn Brann, thinks that anything that can get kids active in a safe environment is a benefit. She said many times, it’s the child’s environment that makes it hard to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Do they have a park? Do they have sidewalks? [It’s] their physical environment that’s either lending or not lending to their being physically active,” said Brann. “There are a lot of barriers that kids could encounter, if for example their parents are working, and they go home after school and their safe place is to be at home in front of the TV or playing a video game, then they’re not getting that opportunity [to be active],” she continued.

And according to neighborhoodscout.com, in Syracuse where the crime rate is about 50% higher than the state average, the opportunities for kids to be play in safe places can be hard to find.

Church in Syracuse Uses New Technology to Spread its Message

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

11/10/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - The Vineyard Church in Syracuse is keeping up with technology and taking advantage of what the web has to offer.

The non-denominational church uploads sermons to their website, hosts a blog, has a Facebook page and sends out weekly video e-mails to congregation members. Many church goers know the sermons are available to them online, but some, like Taylor Sauginas don’t.

“I didn’t know about it,” said Sauginas, “[but] I would like to use it.”

Making it Easy for People

Church member, Aaron Stukey, said it was great so see the church keeping up with technology.

“If you’re not able to go [to church] you could go and see what you missed, compared to years back, before they had that,” said Stukey. “It makes it a lot more convenient,” he added.

The video e-mails or “v-mails” are sent to church members every week. The topics range from parking to prayer. Lead Pastor, John Elmer, said they have been getting a great response from people who get the v-mail.

“A lot of people like the personal touch through the week, of a video,” Elmer said.

Church Online Isn't the Same

In addition to the sermons, blog, and “v-mails,” Elmer said he is trying to develop an online church service for people who can’t make it every week. But, he said, it should not replace physically going to church.

“Church by definition, in my mind, is a community of people and online is somewhat isolating. I think face to face[…]is very important because it’s when we’re face to face, we really get to deal with each other’s issues,” said Elmer.

Using the Internet to Grow

According to Elmer, the internet has really helped the congregation grow. The church started over 17 years ago with five people in a living room. The Vineyard has now grown to about 950 people per weekend. Elmer attributes a lot of this growth to the internet.

“Most people, if they weren’t invited by a friend or family member, the way they heard about us was on the internet,” Elmer said. “That’s the number one way,” he concluded.

For now, the Vineyard will focus on building up their Facebook presence and increasing their overall online capabilities. The church is also looking to possibly expand their church to a location near Syracuse University next fall.

New Faces Become SU's Intramural Flag Football Champions (11/3/2009)

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

11/3/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - Intramural football at SU saw a whole new group of champions this fall.

On Sunday, the BJ (or Broadcast Journalism) flag football team won their very first, and last, A-division championship flag football title. This was their first year as a team, but because they are attending the S.I. Newhouse School for one year as graduate students, they won’t be able to play together next fall.

The divisions are broken up into different categories: A, B, and C, with Division-A being the most competitive.

“This Might Be Our Last Chance”

Quarterback for the BJ team, Collin Sullivan, made it a point to let his teammates know it was all or nothing on game day.

“For most of us this is our last shot at glory,” started Sullivan. “I wrote an e-mail to everybody today saying listen, I don’t have many words, but this might be our last chance for a championship title at a somewhat significant sport,” he said.

Brotherhood at the Heart of the Team

Nick Carboni was a starting cornerback and offensive lineman in the game, and he wanted to win just as much as Sullivan. But to him, the friendships he made were just as important.

“When we first met we talked about getting a team together to see where we could go in the tournament,” said Carboni. “I love those guys like brothers. We definitely bonded during this season and I was happy that everyone got a chance to win,” he finished.

According to Carboni, the A-Division was dominated by fraternities in past years. But despite that track record, Carboni said the BJ team came in with their sights set on winning.

“Our quarterback Collin Sullivan is a great leader. I think we came in expecting to win,” said Carboni.

Re-Living the Glory Days

For others, like wide receiver Josh Sims who participated in sports during his undergraduate years, it was an opportunity to experience the excitement of playing the game all over again.

“[During] undergrad my last two years, we won the championship [at Villanova University]. So it was really cool to be a three time champ now, at two different schools. It was exciting,” Sims said.

After the game, the teammates, happy from the thrill of winning, walked off Skytop Field with once-in-a-lifetime memories as flag football champions.

Note: All video was shot in HD with a Kodak Z18 Pocket Camera and was meant to be a feature story oriented for the web.