e053 - The 315NY Weekly
Your weekly fix of news, events, and eats from around the 315.
Hi reader,
Year one in the 315.
Happy Friday, 315. One year ago today, the first edition of 315NY went out. I wasn't sure what it would become. All I knew was that nobody was covering the everyday life of this region for the people who actually live here. Local news covers politics and crime. Tourism sites cover tourists. Nobody was telling the stories in between.
Fifty-two Fridays later, here we are. Hundreds of events featured. A restaurant spotlighted from every corner of the 315. A community that shows up every Friday morning. And today, something bigger than an email.
A New Chapter: Building a Community
Today, 315NY becomes a community platform. The weekly is still the heartbeat, still free, still every Friday morning, still the events and eats and stories that make this region worth being part of. But it's one part of something bigger now.
Visit 315ny.com and you'll find the new home. Town profiles and county guides for people settling in or rediscovering the region. A full archive of every Foodie Corner we've ever published. Events. Practical tips for living and working in the 315. And more rolling out every month.
Micron's $100B investment in Clay is already bringing thousands of new residents and professionals into Central New York. They're arriving in a region they don't yet know. 315NY is building the resource they'll need and the one longtime residents have always deserved.
1.6M+ PEOPLE | 16 COUNTIES | 27K+ BUSINESSES | 1 FRONT PAGE |
MEET OUR FIRST FOUNDING PARTNER
JF Real Estate
Founding Partners are a small group of Central New York businesses helping shape what 315NY becomes. When we feature one, it's an editorial endorsement — real stories about real businesses, told in the voice you've come to trust. Today, I'm proud to introduce the first: JF Real Estate.
For nearly four decades, JF Real Estate has been one of the most recognized names in Central New York commercial real estate. Founded by John P. Funiciello and headquartered at 2 Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse, the firm represents over three million square feet of commercial space across the greater Syracuse area. They handle brokerage, development, tenant and owner representation, site selection, space planning, architecture, and construction, all under one roof. Through their affiliated company Partnership Properties, they also manage some of the most prestigious buildings in the city. If you've worked in downtown Syracuse, there's a good chance you've spent time in one of their spaces.
What stood out to me about JF isn't the portfolio. It's the team. My first conversations were with Payten Shirley, and the connection was immediate. Payten graduated from Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management in 2024 with a triple major in Marketing, Management, and Real Estate. She earned her NY Real Estate Salesperson license and joined JF full time. She's exactly the kind of young professional Central New York needs to keep — someone who chose to build her career here rather than somewhere else.
That's a region bet worth making. And JF Real Estate has been making it for 38+ years.
JF Real Estate
2 Clinton Square, Suite 120
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 472-2020 • jfrealestate.com
THIS WEEK IN THE 315
Local Events
Syracuse Area
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Fire and Ice: Encaustic Paintings by Linda Bigness 🖼️ 9am - 5pm
Delavan Studios presents their artist resident in a featured solo exhibit in their new hallway gallery. Linda Bigness has been at the Delavan Studios in Syracuse since 1989 and continues to work, exhibit, and contribute to the arts throughout the United States and beyond.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Eliot Fisk In Concert 🎸🎶 7 - 9pm
World renowned classical guitarist Eliot Fisk returns to Syracuse to perform a benefit concert for the Festival of Music.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Syracuse University Men's Lacrosse 🦅 4pm
Come out to JMA Wireless Dome for the lacrosse game between Syracuse University and the University of Virginia.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Pokefest 🎮 9:30am - 4pm
NYS Fairgrounds hosts Central New York's largest TCG Collectible Show. Up to 100 vendor tables including trading cards, singles and graded cards, packs, games, plush, toys, and more.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
The Syracuse Orchestra: Shostakovich, Still & Gershwin 🎻 4pm
Experience this performance at the Oncenter. The evening begins with Shostakovich's Symphony No. 1, celebrating the 100th anniversary of its premiere. In the second half, William Grant Still's Serenade reflects American folk music, followed by pianist Terrence Wilson performing Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F Major.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Pints, Pups & Ink 🐶🍺 12 - 5pm
Join the CNY SPCA at Willow Rock Brewing in Syracuse. Come have a drink, meet adoptable dogs, win raffle baskets, and get a tattoo.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Creative Writing Group ✍️ 1 - 2pm
Join us at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville for an hour of dedicated writing time. Bring your current writing project or start a new one.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Wizard of Oz Ballet 🩰 2pm & 5pm
The magic of Oz is coming to Syracuse. Dance Centre North brings the classic children's story to life with its production of The Wizard of Oz Ballet at the Oncenter.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
TNA Wrestling 🤼 7pm
Come check out this wrestling event at the Oncenter.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen 🎶🎸 8pm
Enjoy this live show at Syracuse's Landmark Theatre.
Oswego County
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Make Your Own Macrame Feathers 🎨 6 - 7:30pm
Join us at Central Square American Legion for this fun and easy creative project.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Plant Bingo 🌱🎲 6pm
Join us at Travis Floral Inc. in Hannibal for 10 rounds of bingo, a charcuterie cup, and a beverage. Everyone leaves with a special treat.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Rezenens at The Hole 🎶🎸 9pm
Enjoy some live music at The Hole in Oswego.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Birds of Prey with MorganEagle Falconry 🦅 1 - 2:30pm
Meet birds of prey and learn about their unique abilities at Oswego Public Library. Learn about falconry and environmental stewardship with hawks, falcons, and owls.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
2x2: The Honey Badgers & The Rough and Tumble 🎶🎸 7:30 - 9:30pm
The latest in the 2x2 Partner Series at Oswego Music Hall, a co-bill with two married musical duos. The Honey Badgers wowed audiences with their soaring harmonies at last spring's Season Finale, and they're back.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
CNY Neurodivergent Fair 👥 10am - 1pm
A welcoming, community-centered event designed to connect neurodivergent individuals, families, educators, and community members with local organizations and service providers. At Phoenix Public Library.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Lip Sync Battle: The Ultimate Playlist Tour 🎤🎶 7pm
A full-blown concert experience with epic performances, bold costumes, and all the swagger of your favorite music icons. From throwback jams to today's top hits at the Lake Ontario Conference Center in Oswego.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
Community Game Night 🎲 5 - 7pm
Game Night returns to the Friends of Recovery Community Outreach Center in Oswego. Ping pong, board games, karaoke, giant Yahtzee, ladder ball, crafts, and cornhole.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
Trivia Night 🤓 6 - 8pm
Test your knowledge at Old City Hall Brewery in Oswego.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
Free Community Dinner 🍝 4 - 5:30pm
Bring a friend to Minetto United Methodist Church to share a meal and enjoy the fellowship of others.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
All Shook Up 🎭 7:30 - 9:30pm
It's 1955 and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. Featuring mega hits from the Elvis catalogue at SUNY Oswego.
Mohawk Valley Region
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 - SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Spring Weekend: Art in Bloom 🌸🖼️ 10am - 5pm
Spring is in full bloom at Munson. Join us for Spring Weekend where flowers and art take center stage. Be inspired by the crowd-favorite Art in Bloom exhibition, creative workshops, an elegant afternoon tea, and a film that reveals the unexpected side of flowers.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Tea Time: Adirondack Railroad 🫔🚂 2 - 4pm
You're never too old for a tea party. Join us for a one-of-a-kind tea party and round-trip train ride with afternoon tea served as you journey through the Mohawk Valley countryside aboard a 1950s Dome Car.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
The 38th Fort to Fort 5K/10K Runs 🏃 9am
Join the Roman Runners at Central NY's premiere spring 5K/10K kick-off event. Copper City Brewing Company of Rome hosts this historical run.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Aquatic Sound Bath Float 🎶🧗 3pm
Experience a sound bath like no other at MVCC. Set sail on an aquatic voyage, embark on a meditative journey, and reconnect with your inner peace while enveloped in a magical soundscape.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Spring Fling Breakfast 🥞 8 - 11am
Come get your eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more at Oneida American Legion.
MONDAY, APRIL 13
April Jam featuring Pocket Change 🎶🎸 7pm
Join the Rome Art and Community Center for the Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Association April Jam featuring Pocket Change, a bluegrass, blues, folk, Americana, rock, and roots band from Central New York.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
Silent Book Club at The Mansion House 📚 2:30pm
Grab your current read and head to the Mansion House for some dedicated reading time. No assigned reading or discussion guides, that's the silent part, but we do like to share recommendations and meet like-minded readers.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Hiring Event 👥 11am - 1pm
Looking for a fresh start, your first job, or a new career? Don't miss one of the area's largest hiring events at Rome Alliance Church.
North Country
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Knights of Columbus Dinner 🥩 4:30 - 6:30pm
Come join us in Ogdensburg for a dinner featuring steak, fish, and sides.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Shawn Stoddard 🎶🎸 7pm
Come enjoy some live music at Cedar Lodge in Parishville.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Book Bedazzling 📚🎨 12 - 2pm
Transform a paperback book into a dazzling work of art using diamond gems, glitter, and glue at Canton Public Library. Open to adults and kids ages 8 and up.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Terrarium Workshop 🌱🎨 10am - 1pm
Come to Waddington Hepburn Library for this creative workshop. You'll get 3 plants, fresh soil, accent features, and even a dropper to keep your little landscape hydrated.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Pancake Breakfast 🥞 8am - 12pm
Hopkinton Town Hall holds a pancake breakfast, with proceeds benefiting the Hopkinton Food Pantry.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Spring Bazaar 🌸🛒 9am - 2pm
The Canton Senior Citizen Club hosts its Spring Bazaar, featuring a food sale, silent auction, crafts, knitted items, an "elegant junk" sale, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and a lottery tree raffle.
MONDAY, APRIL 13
Cinema 10: The Secret Agent 🎥 7:15pm
Cinema 10 in Potsdam screens The Secret Agent, a taut political thriller featuring an electrifying performance by Wagner Moura.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
Core Harmony Yoga 🧗 5:30pm
Engage your core, improve alignment, and build strength in this mindful yoga class at Northern Physical Therapy in Ogdensburg.
Finger Lakes Region
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
Upcycling Basket Weaving 🧺🎨 9am - 4pm
Come to Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn to explore the possibilities of basketry techniques for sculpture. Using variations on traditional wire basketry, twining, and coiling with soft materials, students learn multiple weaving techniques.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
The Electric Light Orchestra Experience 🎶🎻 8pm
The American ELO performs the eternally groovy music of Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra in a multimedia concert that transports you to the heady era of symphonic rock. Catch the show at The Smith Opera House in Geneva.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Sports Cards and Collectibles Show ⚾️🏀 9am - 3pm
Come to Del Lago Casino in Waterloo for sports cards, memorabilia, Pokemon, and much more.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
25th Anniversary Music Fest at Montezuma Winery 🎶🍷 9am - 7pm
A full day of live music featuring three acts, anniversary drink specials, delicious food from their kitchen, and Cousins Maine Lobster on site for the day. Come raise a glass and celebrate 25 years.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
The Formerlies 🎶🎸 8 - 11pm
The Formerlies finally bring their jukebox of hits to Auburn's best venue for live music, Moondog's Lounge.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
The Peking Acrobats 🦜 5pm
For 32 years, The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. Experience the show at The Smith Opera House in Geneva.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Antinori Dinner 🍷🍝 6pm
Join The Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles for an exceptional, interactive evening featuring a multi-course dining experience, with each dish expertly paired with Antinori Winery's award-winning wines.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
History Happy Hour: Cars in Geneva 🚕 4:30 - 6:30pm
Join Historic Geneva Curator John Marks for a short and informal history program at Lake Drum Brewing. This month he shares a captioned slide show about cars in Geneva.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
The Spring Visitor 🦋🎨 6:30pm
Welcome this season of renewal with a cheerful springtime painting at The Artist's Lounge in Seneca Falls. Capture a delicate butterfly as it rests among vibrant lilac blooms.
Foodie Corner
The Wedge
Eastwood • 2802 James Street
For our birthday edition, we're heading to Eastwood for a place that could only exist in Syracuse: a cheese-centric bar and restaurant opened by the woman who won the 2023 National Cheesemonger Invitational. The Wedge sits at 2802 James Street, right next door to The Curd Nerd, the award-winning cheese shop owner Sarah Simiele launched in 2021. When The Wedge opened in April 2025, it became the rare kind of restaurant that feels like it was built exactly for its neighborhood.
Sarah, a Brooklyn native and Binghamton University grad, brought the same sensibility to The Wedge that made The Curd Nerd famous: a deep love for cheese, community, and doing things her own way. The space is cozy and eclectic. Mismatched tables, chairs, dishes, and glassware fill the room, much of it crowdsourced from friends, family, and neighbors when she was building the place out. Cream-colored walls, a navy bar back, and warm lighting make it feel like a stylish version of your grandma's kitchen. There's a community table for larger parties. The bathrooms are quirky works of art in their own right.
The menu changes daily to honor seasonality, but a few things are constants. The pimento cheese served with chips and the burrata on toast are carryovers from The Curd Nerd next door. The housemade thin-cut fries come covered in a "snow" of parmigiano reggiano that melts into them on the way to the table. The goat cheese leek galette sits in a butter crust shell on a bed of greens, crispy outside and creamy inside. The baked brie, the pesto gnocchi, and the daily mac and cheese rotate through the menu. And the cocktail program is as cheese-obsessed as the food: the cacio e pepe martini is made with parmesan-infused vodka and peppercorn-infused vermouth. Yes, really.
The Wedge is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 4pm to 10pm, with an Aperitivo Hour from 4-5pm featuring drink specials and light snacks before dinner service starts at 5. Sunday brunch runs 11am to 4pm. They take reservations on OpenTable for parties of six or fewer. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar.
Address: 2802 James St, Syracuse, NY 13206 (Eastwood) |
Thank you for reading, sharing,
and being part of this.
Here's to year two.
Jono Chowdhury
Founder, 315NY