Monthly Archives: April, 2026

Check It Out: Nicole LaFiandra, More Than Just Books

Published - April 25, 2026

Check It Out is back and turning the tables on this week’s guest. Tom and Yona (subbing in for Maggie) get a chance to ask questions to the weekend anchor at CNY Central, Nicole LaFiandra. We get a look at her library past, what brought her to Syracuse and some of her favorite stories that she has covered during her time hosting the More Than Just Books segment. It’s a lot of fun asking questions to the person who is always asking others about the important issues of the day. All this on this week’s edition of Check It Out.

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S10 Ep34: Patchwork Quilt, Part XLXIII

Published - April 25, 2026

“The stories of these women inspired me to create; they showed me the importance of leaving your mark for future generations to discover.”  – Esther Abrami   Time for another Patchwork Quilt episode.  This week, we have the opportunity to preview some as-yet-unreleased music as well.   Patchwork Quilt, Part XLXIII Ney Rosauro:  Reunion Dance Duo AYA “Cycles” Neuma 218 Johan Helmich Roman:  Assagio in G minor Alison Luthmers, Baroque violin “Assaggi for Solo Violin” Rubicon 1140 Astor Piazzolla:  Regreso al amor Ophélie, Gaillard, cello “Cello Tango” Aparté 368 Olivia Belli:  Limina Luminis Anna Lapwood, organ “Firedove” Sony Classical Véronique

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Plant People: Pitcher Plants with Dr. Rob Naczi

Published - April 24, 2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Rob Naczi, Arthur J. Cronquist Curator of North American Botany at the New York Botanical Garden. Listen in as he and host Jennifer Bernstein, NYBG President and CEO, discuss pitcher plants—carnivorous plants with unique leaves that function as traps for insects. They might look exotic, but there’s even a species native to New York. In summer, you can find them growing alongside the boardwalk here in the Native Plant Garden! Come explore why these important plants still have much to teach us, and the environmental threats they currently face. Plant People from the

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Funky Foodies Episode 410: Growing a Garden Alongside Friendships

Published - April 23, 2026

The community garden grows and so does an unexpected friendship between the Ditzy Daisies and the Funkies. Everyone learns that working together to plant good will, always grows something special. Funky Foodies is a podcast for kids, and it’s produced right here in Central New York. Tween foodies Frankie, Fern, and Zara share a passion for food and its impacts on the environment. Adventures follow after they form an alliance called Funky Foodies, Inc., pledging to, “Save the Planet, One Veggie Burger at a Time.” Kid-friendly recipes reflecting the theme of each episode are included.

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April 23, 2026: Peter Wiley, cello – CMSU

Published - April 23, 2026

  The Polonsky-Shifrin-Wiley Trio is coming to Utica for the next concert with the Chamber Music Society of Utica this weekend.  Mid-day host Diane Jones had the chance to catch up with cellist Peter Wiley to talk about the concert, the joys of chamber music, and just what it takes to teach in two different states!     Information about the Chamber Music Society of Utica is available here. And about the Polonsky-Shifrin-Wiley Trio here.

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There’s More to That from Smithsonian magazine: The Real Story Behind Abigail Adams’ ‘Remember the Ladies’ Letter

Published - April 23, 2026

In March of 1776, Abigail Adams — who would go on to become the nation’s second first lady — wrote a letter to her husband, John Adams, as he and the other founders were debating independence. She wrote, “I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands.” A common contemporary interpretation is that Abigail Adams was advocating for women’s suffrage and rights more broadly. But most historians offer an alternative understanding. They believe that she was condemning husbands who

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April 22, 2026: Victor Vallo – Auburn and Syracuse Chamber Orchestras

Published - April 22, 2026

  There are two season finales coming up, for the Syracuse Chamber Orchestra and the Auburn Chamber Orchestra.  Victor Vallo joined host Diane Jones in the studios to talk about these two concerts, how they came together – and a change for the 40th season of the ACO!   More about the Syracuse Chamber Orchestra is available here. And the Auburn Chamber Orchestra here.

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Talk CNY – Micron’s CNY Expansion: Site Preparation and Expanding Partnerships

Published - April 22, 2026

  CenterState CEO is hosting Micron’s Executive Vice President of Global Operations Manish Bhatia for its 2026 Annual Meeting. Bhatia’s visit to Syracuse comes as Micron preps its site for its first fab in Clay, NY, and the company continues to lay its roots in Central New York. There are many moving parts, and it’s not always easy to stay on top of all of Micron’s activity in the region. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, Joe Nehme, Senior Manager for External Affairs at Micron Technology, joins us to discuss the latest on the Micron project.

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“The D.O.T. P.O.D.”: Remembering Pat Mapleson During Work Zone Awareness Week

Published - April 21, 2026

This episode is launching during National Work Zone Awareness Week. A time to highlight the importance of work zone safety and to remember the men and women who have lost their lives while working to keep our roads maintained and safe. On March 17, 2006, Patrick Mapleson was filling potholes along Sunrise Highway on Long Island when a driver lost control of his cement truck and crashed into Pat’s work zone, taking his life. This episode was recorded on March 17, 2026 on the same day a tree planting ceremony was held at DOT’s Medford Yard on Long Island, marking

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April 20, 2026: Society for New Music Prize Winners

Published - April 20, 2026

  Every year the Society for New Music and the NY Federation of Music Clubs name two emerging New York composers as their Israel Pellman prize winners.  This weekend, winners Ignacio Rosado and Edward Lu present their music in concert.  Host Diane Jones had a chance to catch up with both of these talented composers to talk about their music and influences.     Information about the concert is available at the Society for New Music website.  

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Zestful Aging – Are You Ready to Age “Unapologetically”?

Published - April 19, 2026

You may have noticed that getting older isn’t exactly celebrated in our culture, especially if you are a woman. Because our worth is still determined by our physical appearance, aging often leads to feelings of invisibility or even worthlessness.  It can be a very difficult transition, especially for those who have received attention for their looks. We all are aware that these fears of being discarded are exploited by companies selling us everything from wrinkle cream to ridding ourselves of our menopause middle. We’re so used to being told that aging is problematic that we don’t even notice anymore. Deb

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S06 Ep38: Four and More, Part 2

Published - April 18, 2026

“If we were all determined to play first violin we would never have an ensemble.  Therefore, respect every musician in [their] place.” – Robert Schumann   For a dedicated chamber group, their enjoyment of their music is inherent in every note.  This week, brass music, vocal music, even an electric string quartet, from all-female chamber ensembles.   Four and More Coldplay:  Atlas Atlys “Atlys” Independent Jetse Bremer:  Shall I compare the to a summer’s day? & Sigh No More, Ladies Wishful Singing “Time Travels” Wishful Singing Productions Camille Saint-Saens:  Africa, Op. 89 Salut Salon “Carnival Fantasy” Warner Music Group John Williams, Klaus

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April 16, 2026: SO – Meet Jose-Luis Novo

Published - April 16, 2026

    Let’s meet our final Music Director candidate for the Syracuse Orchestra, José-Luis Novo.  Host Diane Jones spoke to José-Luis about the concert, his introduction to the world of conducting, and how he approaches familiar and unfamiliar music.   More about the Syracuse Orchestra is available here.  

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CNY Latino Podcast, Episode 95 – Latino Festival & No King Movement

Published - April 14, 2026

(#95, 4/14/26) In this April 2026 Episode of CNY Latino: cnylatinonewspaper.com/Podcast, we will be talking about the 2025 Utica Latino Festival; and a brief description of the “No King Movement” that happened last year in Syracuse. En este episodio correspondiente a marzo de 2026, hablaremos sobre el Festival Latino de Utica de 2025; y, a continuación, una breve descripción del «No King Movement» que tuvo lugar el año pasado en Syracuse.

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Check It Out: Pauline Shostack, Producer for Maker Space Syracuse

Published - April 11, 2026

On this week’s Check It Out, we have Tom and Maggie making things. Really? No, not really. But they are talking to Pauline Shostack, who is a producer for the popular and growing Maker Space Syracuse, coming to the area on Saturday, May 2nd. We learn about all the fun things like cosplay events and get to learn about the smart people who will be showing off their creations from all over Central New York. All the details on this week’s edition of Check It Out.

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