Meet the Neighbors

In the coming months we will be writing about the neighbors we meet and greet while strolling around Court-Woodlawn.  Whether you're established here or new to our area, we'd like to hear your story about coming to live in our neighborhood. Please get in touch via court.woodlawn@gmail.com .  We'd love to put you in our blog and on our Facebook page.
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Ron and Danielle are pretty much everything you’d want in a neighbor.  No, I take that back.  Ron and Danielle are everything you’d want in a neighbor, and then some.

Ron, a teacher and Danielle, a metrics & reporting analyst, along with their two canine companions Daisy and Teddy, made their home in Court-Woodlawn 11 years ago, taking up residence in the house her great grandfather built in 1927.  They chose Court-Woodlawn for its family ties; its proximity to everything (Ron and Danielle love all the fabulous ethnic restaurants to choose from- but, of course, that’s always been one of the huge draws of our Syracuse).  Court-Woodlawn’s character, its generations of people, and the friendliness they find completes the home package, something that they felt the secluded suburbs could not provide.

 And the craftsmanship impresses throughout every aspect of their 1800+ square foot house.  The natural woodwork gracing the doorways, windows and floors shines, the chandeliers gleam.  The three bedrooms are inviting.  You want to hang out and have a cup of coffee in the kitchen.  And the air conditioning was a welcome treat.  Though I don’t know that you’d care about that once you traveled down to their fabulous wine cellar, and then out through the doors to a backyard that can truly be described as an urban oasis, with a fire pit, a fountain, an inviting hammock, lots of dining space, a lovely peaceful garden and a pool. 

Ron and Danielle are that special couple you feel proud to meet, both very accomplished and very active in community and Neighborhood Watch (they started a Watch on their block).

 And this Fall baby will make three to enjoy their special neighborhood.

Thank you, Ron and Danielle, for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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Some of the neighbors on Memorial Day.  Love this community.

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One of the coolest things about getting involved with your community is the people you meet.  You know, the people you see at meetings, restaurants, shops in your area.  The people that pop up and jump into projects.

 Meet Kit, who jumped in and did the Grant School oval garden nip/tuck and our graffiti cleanup.

 Kit is very involved in her neighborhood, being its Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, winning three awards.  You go, girl!

Kit was born and raised on the NorthSide.  She chose to live in Court-Woodlawn because the house she decided upon had everything she wanted, and it was close to family. Kit’s house is beautiful.  Built in 1930 with 1700 square feet, it boasts hard wood floors, fireplace, sun porch, and original ceramic tiling in the foyer, all nestled in a quiet neighborhood.

Kit and her husband Lee have three sons, active in sports (karate, soccer and baseball), and very into music.  Alex plays violin, guitar, sax, drums and is self taught at piano. Joe plays trumpet, electric base and stand-up base, Tommy plays the trumpet. 

Visiting with Kit was a feel-good experience.  And one that lets you know there are a lot of good guys out there.

Thank you Kit and family for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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And it just keeps getting better –Meet Magic and Diane.  Magic is from Quebec, Canada.  Diane is from Long Island and lived in Syracuse as a young adult.  She moved around the country a bit seeing what’s out there, including Florida where she got her initial start in  home rehabbing.  When they first landed in Syracuse they lived in the ‘burbs, but settled on the NorthSide in Court-Woodlawn, because – yes, you guessed it – the charm of the houses,  the friendliness of the neighbors, the walkability of the community.

The house they are in now was built in 1925, has approximately 1780 square feet, hardwood floors, built-in corner cabinets in the dining room and French doors.  I mean, people you cannot beat Court-Woodlawn for finding houses like this with charm and the best bang for your buck

So, when I say these people are dynamic, I mean THESE PEOPLE ARE DYNAMIC.  Magic has vast knowledge of interior house renos.  Diane is a writer (published a book of poetry) and performer (does a one-woman show on historical re-enactments for schools and festivals).

Besides that, she and Magic have started up a rehab business Handi Home Crew Training School.  They are bringing together teachers with the idea of working with students in a twelve-week program with hands-on-training; all culminating in selling the rehabbed homes to owner occupants.

It was an extreme pleasure to meet Diane and Magic and visit in their comfy home, speaking of all the good there is in the NorthSide and Syracuse.

Thank you Diane and Magic for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

bedroom before

bedroom after

bath before

bath after

kitchen before

kitchen after

Diane and Magic have started Handi Home Crew Training School.  Please contact her for more information: 315.406.0484
A sampling of teacher bios:

Magic spent his formative schooling years in Quebec, Canada where he was trained as a millwright and machinist.  In 1985 he moved to South Florida  with just a few sentences of English and started his apprenticeship in all phases of interior building repair.  Within a few years he was managing small crews on sites as diverse as apartment buildings, private homes and commercial properties.  In 1992 he created his own company M&S Renovations which operated until 2006 and handled property maintenance and repairs for absentee owners, and for apartment complexes of up to 125 units from South Beach to Fort Lauderdale. After meeting and marrying his wife, Diane, the company added a full rental services division.  Family and the real estate climate urged the move here to New York, where the company continues to offer repair service for residential markets and the couple pursue their dream to establish a home repair school.

Diane was born in Glen Cove, Long Island and spent most of her early adult life in Syracuse, NY where her father had been relocated as an engineer for GE.  Early talents showed her an able writer, but later years fused writing and performing to add 'singer' and 'actress' to the resume.  She is the author of a poetry book, Naked Feathers and the creator of a music CD, Carnival Rain and other Slices of Life.  Her move to South Florida brought her in touch with real estate and marriage.  In teaching she has added "Easy Home Maintenance for Women' to her work at BOCES in Cortland, and countless work shops and presentations resulting from her original work and life experience.  Experienced in painting, tiling and countless interior repairs, she see the next transition in leadership resulting in benefit to the community: Handi Home Crew Training School (HHC).

Betsy comes to the HHC school with background as an Adjunct Biology Lab instructor at Morrisville State, and General Science teacher for the City of Syracuse.  Her BS from the School of Forestry and involvement with water conservation and agriculture projects makes for an effective and exciting Cleaning Strategy System teacher.  From green cleaning materials, to body protection and waste materials management, these classes will arm students with the necessary skills to practice conservation and efficiency with the first step of any property.

With a major in industrial arts, Candace completed trade school modules including maintenance and drafting.  She adds years of construction experience from sheetrock hanging and finishing to many different forms of carpentry and interior home repair.  In her leisure time she creates unique woodwork designs.  It is her down-to-earth style and confidence that's making her a natural choice as our Painting and Tile Instructor. 

Mark brings 25 years experience as an electrical wireman, many of them employed through the local IBEW 43.  Through his years within the industry, he as become experienced in residential,  commercial and institutional construction and repairs   His interest in coaching, restorations and urban renewal has led him to his next transition: teaching.  At the HHC training school, he'll share his many years of knowledge with students of the electrical classes.
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Met some more great people who recently moved to Court-Woodlawn - Jeff and Kayla.

Jeff is from Wisconsin, has traveled the country – a lot – making his home in many states including Alaska, and when a friend said ‘why not try New York’ he said ‘why not’.

 Jeff works in sales and is a stage manager for a rock band here in Syracuse.  He hunts and fishes, and works towards having his black lab Max join him when Max is a bit more seasoned in the great outdoors.  He also plays guitar (Jeff that is, not Max).

Kayla comes from Massachusetts is a hair stylist and sews beautiful quilts.

Jeff and Kayla met in Syracuse, and started looking around for a house to call their own.  After checking out all four corners of the city, they settled on Court-Woodlawn, as they felt it was a better, safer neighborhood, quiet and a great value property-wise.  They are re-habbing a fixer-upper, and have made great strides, with a keen feel for what looks good.

And, yes, they are – that cool!

It was a wonderful pleasure to meet them both.

It is great the number of young people who have discovered Syracuse and the NorthSide.

Thank you Jeff and Kayla for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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One of the best things about living in Court-Woodlawn is the diversity of the people living here.  And every once in a while you meet someone who wows you with the strength of her convictions (more on this later).

Meet Sandy.

Sandy hails from Texas, and met her husband Richard here while visiting her mom, who worked with Richard.  Nice when things work that way.  Sandy and Richard settled into their fabulous 1930’s 2600 sq. foot home in 2006, choosing it for its proximity to Richard’s work place, and Sandy’s love of the architecture – something that would cost a fortune(if you could even find it) in the ‘burbs.  The home boasts hardwood floors, an in-law suite and main house with up to 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, fireplace and boatloads of charm.  There was a wonderful feeling of welcome permeating the home as I came through the front door.

Now a bit more about Sandy herself – who, quite frankly, impresses the hell out of me.

Okay, (deep breath) – here’s a partial list of what makes Sandy tick – she runs a day care; is treasurer of a Northside kid’s center; goes to school for her BA in Science and Religion, with an aim towards a Masters in Global Studies; coordinates the neighborhood watch in her area; works with refugees; is involved with World Vision; does house staging; and ran a restaurant for 17 years. Whew!

Sandy has a son who is in the army serving a tour in Afghanistan. She also has 2 daughters and 8 grand kids (why is it that she looks barely old enough to even have kids?) 

Getting back to the admiration for Sandy’s strength of convictions.  When first moving to the Court-Woodlawn area in 2006 she was concerned with drug dealers plying their trade near a school.  Sandy stepped up to the plate starting up a neighborhood watch in her area, contacting the police, working with them to shut down the druggies.  Worked with landlords regarding questionable tenants, and worked with the school, as she is concerned about violence with school-aged kids; firmly requesting more police patrols of her area.  Sandy does all this because she believes in the sanctity of safety in a person’s home and neighborhood.  She has never backed down from adversity.

We are very blessed to be able to call Sandy neighbor. 

Hers is the strength of character of many in our community.

She is what makes living in Court-Woodlawn a good place to be. 

Thank you, Sandy for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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One of the continuing nice things about roaming around Court-Woodlawn is meeting all the people who live, play and work here.  Meet Lisa, husband Wil and Wil’s brother John, new homeowners calling the NorthSide their home. I gotta say ordinarily we don’t take pics of the inside of people’s homes – and I gotta say – that stops here and now. Cause when I got inside, People – when’s it’s this good you just gotta run with it.

 Lisa, Wil and John’s house is gorgeous – hardwood floors throughout, fabulous French doors bracketing a fabulous fireplace, which by the way extends into the sunroom off the living room - A sunroom with leaded glass windows gracing it. Arched entryways opened into a kitchen with cabinets of quality and a butler’s pantry.  Beautiful chandeliers. The closets are cedar-lined.  It even boasts an original wall nook for housing a telephone, now home to a funky piece of sculpture.

 The thing is that Lisa (keeper of the flame at home), Wil (an engineer)  and John(mental health counselor), who had lived in Fayetteville before moving into the city, all agreed that this house in the burbs would be ridiculous in price.  And they found a good – no, not good – great value in this NorthSide gem.  Once again, we see the smarts in making one’s home in Syracuse NorthSide.

In ending I have to comment that there is one continuing theme that flows through all these meets and greets I’ve had the pleasure to do, and that is how friendly these people are – well maybe friendly isn’t the complete way to phrase it – really more of a comfort in their own skins, and so it comes out with a comfort with others, and an understanding of the importance of good community.  Makes you feel pretty darn good.  Thanks Lisa, Wil and John for making the NorthSide your home.

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More good people: Meet Gerry and Katie. After graduating from SU, Gerry liked Syracuse (what's not to like: big city-manageable package) and decided to stay in-town, working as an accountant.  Gerry is also an amateur photographer whose photos are extraordinary.  Katie, a graduate of CCBI and OCC, has worked as a claim’s tech for an insurance company and is a lifetime NorthSider. 

Twenty three years ago Gerry brought his bride Katie home to a beautiful house in Court-Woodlawn.  It’s a 1930’s style with hardwood floors, fireplace, and fabulous staircase – lots of good stuff.  The 1% loan was used to spruce up the façade.   Making lots more good stuff.

Katie and Gerry pitch in at Butternut Community Center and Schiller Park (to name just a few); and are active members of the Court-Woodlawn Task Force, making our community an even better place to live.

 If they could bottle that energy…

Gerry and Katie along with their pets, including Casey a Springer spaniel, are neighbors everyone wants to have.

Thanks Gerry and Katie for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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Looking for a good place to live – Look in Court-Woodlawn.  Meet Mike, the landlord of a beautiful duplex @ 1400 Court Street.  Mike bought the place in 2007 and has worked his magic in rehabbing this old house by replacing the roof, plumbing, windows, electrical and sidewalk, not to mention the fabulous job he did restoring the inside of each unit which boast three bedrooms, natural wood trim, carpeting in one, hardwood floors in the other, and very cool – original bathroom tiling. Mike will be adding landscaping come next Spring, tapping into the free landscape design service offered by Court-Woodlawn.  Both units will be ready to lease December 1^st.   Interested – phone 254.1910

Thanks, Mike, for restoring one of our treasures to its original glory.

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Gethsemane Church’s Harvest Block Party - While wandering around Court-Woodlawn a couple of Saturdays ago, I visited Gethsemane @ 1700 Butternut Street.

 Neighbors visiting with neighbors while kids enjoyed the Bounce House, Face Painting, Games, and Food all combined to bring smiles to the faces of all who were there.

 I mean - how could it not?

You know, one of the best things about having a place of worship in our community is the community provided by that place of worship.  Pastor Becky in joint ministry with Pastor Roger brings out what makes the good in people tick.   

Gethsemane serves the community with their Personal Closet, Maria’s Coat Closet and Food Sense. 

Thank you, Gethsemane Church, for making Court-Woodlawn a good place to live.

Pastor Becky

Pastor Roger and Friends.

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People we are happy to know: Meet Steve and Carol.  Steve and Carol made Court-Woodlawn their home five years ago.  Before buying, they walked the block of the townhouse they liked, meeting their potential neighbors while getting a feel of the place.  And they liked what they saw.  Neighbors were friendly, street felt like home.  The well-kempt houses of their neighbors cinched the deal.  Especially lovely was the beautiful fountain and garden created by a neighbor, welcoming all to their street.  Upon moving in they planted an anniversary tree, which has flourished as they have.  Steve is a printer; Carol in customer service. They are active in the NorthSide TNT and Court-Woodlawn Task Force; among other endeavours.  Steve and Carol were hands-on in creating Court-Woodlawn’s Gateway Garden.

Thanks, Steve and Carol for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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Nice to know people as neighbors: Meet Chris and April.  About six and a half years ago, looking for a quieter, safer, friendlier neighborhood, Chris first rented in Court-Woodlawn.  As he settled here and got to know the area, he liked it so well, he bought the house he was in, which happens to be one of the first ones ever built here when it was still farmland – with original fieldstone basement walls.

Chris is a sales rep. April is a stay at home mom, who also coaches girls’ cheerleading. They have a son Tayveon and a daughter Tiyonah, whose smile brightens everyone’s day. Tiyonah enjoys her school and her neighborhood friends, which are plenty; because, after-all, Court-Woodlawn is very kid-friendly.

Thanks, Chris, April, Tayveon and Tiyonah for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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One of the greatest things about living in Syracuse, especially the Court-Woodlawn section, is the people one gets to know.  Meet Sarah.  Sarah's an RN who came to purchase her first home in Court-Woodlawn about two years ago.  She looked through Eastwood and the Westcott area and when her realtor suggested taking a look at the NorthSide, in particular Court-Woodlawn, a new neighbor was made.
Sarah was impressed with the nice housing, all in an affordable package; and realized it really is 'The best kept secret in Syracuse' in terms of a good place to live.  And she did her homework - checking out our crime stats, and was very pleased to find how low they were.  She took advantage of the 1% loan offered by Home Headquarters to do some reno work on her house; and she's also tapped into the free landscaping design service offered by Court-Woodlawn.  All good stuff.
Thanks, Sarah, for making Court-Woodlawn your home.

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