How Do These Central New Yorkers Enjoy Winter?

Tracy Higginbotham

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Enjoying winter in Upstate New York comes in many forms, from cozy to cutting edge. With so many ways to enjoy the weather, we received a variety of responses as to how these central New Yorkers spend the winter months.

“I love cross-country skiing. I live about 10 miles from Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville. They have a 3-mile route. I like to take a break in my workday and workout for an hour, instead of just eating lunch. With exercise, you lose the problems of the day and get re-energized. I love getting out in the sunshine and taking in the fresh air. I take an extended lunch break by skiing and come back so refreshed. The other thing I’m looking forward to this year is courtside seats to the Syracuse University women’s basketball games. I want more people to support women athletes.”
Tracy Higginbotham, founder of Women TIES in Syracuse

“I like to stay in and bake or make a pot of soup. I’m a cook and like to bake bread. But I do love walking my dogs when it’s the first snow, as it’s a beautiful time to be outside. You feel like you’re in a snow globe, but it can’t be too cold or it gets in their pads. I like to sit in front of a nice warm fire, cozy blanket and a good book.”
Marci Erlebacher, executive director of JCC Syracuse

“I’m an avid snowmobiler and cross country skier and I snowshoe. It gets me out into the woods. I enjoy meeting new people and I do that through these activities.”
Grey Rolland, scout executive with the Boy Scouts of America’s Longhouse Council in Syracuse

“I like baking and watching movies. I like playing games with the kids and that’s pretty much me during the winter. I’m not so much of a winter person.”
Laurie Farrell, development manager with March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, NY Division in Syracuse

“I liked to cross-country ski in Fair Haven or Battle Island. I haven’t skied for a long time.”
Linda Pelton, Upstate Business Professionals, Hannibal

“I read a lot. I like to go out for walks. I have a route I walk in good weather down around the lake and on West First Street that takes in the whole city. I like the fresh air. I’ve worked out at a gym during the winter, but I sleep better after walking outside. They’re a lot better than they used to be about keeping walks clear. If it’s icy, I’ll stay inside.”
Barbara Sugar, principal of Trinity Catholic School, Oswego

“I like watching basketball and walking my dog, a springer spaniel, around my neighborhood or into Minetto and Oswego because the sidewalks are better. I like to get away sometimes to get out of the snow. We to go Florida or the Caribbean to get a break.”
Diane Cooper-Currier, executive director at Oswego County Opportunities, Fulton