It’s the FRIDAY FIVE! This week, we’re featuring former Onondaga County Executive and current SUNY ESF President Joanie Mahoney. Special thanks to our friends at @CrouseHealth for helping bring important stories like Joanie’s to life each and every week through the FRIDAY FIVE!

Joanie has spent her career helping shape the future of Central New York. As Onondaga County Executive and now President of SUNY ESF, her leadership has always been rooted in public service, environmental stewardship, and investing in future generations. She also played a pivotal role in bringing the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview to life, helping transform a once-contaminated section of the Onondaga Lake shoreline into one of the region’s most treasured community gathering places.

What I admire most about Joanie is her ability to see the long game. Whether helping transform Onondaga Lake, supporting projects like the Empower Parkinson’s Wellness Center in Liverpool where people come together to support those living with Parkinson’s disease, or leading one of the nation’s premier environmental colleges, she has consistently challenged our community to think bigger and build a better future. These are the FIVE THINGS that inspire her.

Special thanks to Joanie for participating in this week’s FRIDAY FIVE, and thank you again to our friends at @CrouseHealth for making this series possible.

P.S. Tag someone you’d like to see in a future FRIDAY FIVE.

#syracuseny #cny #sunyesf #communityleaders #leadership

No place like home 🍊 #upstateny #syracuseny #syracuse #centralnewyork #upstatenewyork

LOVE Seeing events like these bringing the community together in the heart of downtown Syracuse.

That’s right…FREE community yoga returns to Clinton Square every Wednesday in July from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or trying it for the very first time, all levels are welcome. Bring a mat if you have one, and a few extras will be available.

Let’s go!!!

#syracuse #downtownsyracuse #clintonsquare #communityyoga #cnyevents

The signs would be easy to spot #upstateny #wegmans #westernnewyork #upstatenewyorklife #wegmanslife

Father’s Day without your dad never gets easier. Here’s to all of us missing our dads on this special day 😭#griefjourney #fathersday #griefandloss #dad #missingdad

Saxophones were getting louder with EVERY pass at Fairmount Glen Miniature Golf #upstateny #syracuseny #syracuse #saxophones #fairmountglen

It’s the FRIDAY FIVE! This week, we’re featuring none other than Otto the Orange! Special thanks to @syracuseu and our friends at @CrouseHealth for helping bring important stories like Otto’s to life each and every week in the FRIDAY FIVE!

Whether you’re from Syracuse, love college sports, attended Syracuse University, or simply know someone who bleeds Orange, you know @theottoorange is more than just a mascot. Otto is arguably Syracuse University’s most recognizable ambassador and one of the most beloved mascots in all of college athletics. From getting the crowd fired up inside the JMA Wireless Dome to making surprise appearances around town to photobombing unsuspecting fans, Otto has a knack for bringing smiles wherever the mascot goes.

A few fun facts: Otto was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2023, cementing its place among the most iconic mascots in the country. Over the years, Otto has become a symbol of Orange pride recognized far beyond Central New York and a familiar face at everything from championship games to community events.

What I love most about Otto is that Otto represents something bigger than sports. Otto represents school spirit, community, tradition, and the connection generations of Syracuse fans feel when they see that giant orange smile.

Special thanks to Otto for participating in this week’s FRIDAY FIVE, and to Syracuse University and @CrouseHealth for helping bring important stories like Otto’s to life each and every week in the FRIDAY FIVE!

P.S. Tag someone you’d like to see in a future FRIDAY FIVE.

#syracuse #syracuseny #otto #cuse #orangenation

NEVER forget the miracle of being HERE 📍#upstateny #syracuse #syracuseny #upstatenewyork #upstateofmind

And I’m not talking about I-81. This is 3PM on a WEDNESDAY. not going to lie, this has me a little worried for what is going to be like after Micron arrives. Is this the end of Syracuse being a 20 minute city?! #upstateny #syracuseny #syracuse #centralnewyork #trafficjam jam

When I was a kid, I was told a little old woman lived on the roof of a warehouse in Syracuse, NY. After all these years, I was told, she refused to move and leave her house. So developers simply built beneath her. What story were YOU told?! And is she still there?! 😂💯#upstateny #syracuseny #syracuse #centralnewyork #upstatenewyork

Half-moons and Byrne Dairy chocolate milk! What else did I MISS?! Part II! #upstateny #upstatenewyork #syracuse #foodie #centralnewyork

What did I MISS?! #upstateny #upstatenewyork #iloveny #syracuse #centralnewyork

Summer vibe check in Upstate New York 🫡 #upstateny #syracuse #sunrise #upstatenewyork summervibes☀️

Is there a more amazing summer activity in Syracuse than taking the family to see the Syracuse Mets play at historic NBT Bank Stadium? Love what Jason and team have been able to create! #syracuse #syracusemets #syracuseny #mets #upstateny

They’re getting louder every time I drive through downtown Syracuse. Are we ready for what’s next? Are YOU ready for the next phase of I-81 construction coming to downtown?! #saxophones #syracuse #i81 #upstateny #construction