Meet Our Team

Kitchen Team

Natalie Clair Stetson, 2015 - present
Natalie moved to Syracuse in 2009 with plans of staying for just 2 years for grad school, but her plans were foiled when she fell in love with the city. Within 3.5 years of moving here, Natalie was working in her chosen career of museums & she and her partner were homeowners. In her spare time, Natalie likes to knit, cook, sew, and snuggle with her cats. 

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES? 
Since its inception, I have only missed one DISHES event. I really love the event, so helping out just makes me feel good! I know it takes many moving cogs to make an event like DISHES work, and I am honored to be one of those cogs! 

What's the best part of the event? 
DISHES showcases so many of the wonderful aspects of Syracuse, the city I have happily chosen to call home. I love that it brings together such a diverse group of people who in the end are all committed to making this wonderful city better. The camaraderie is the best. 

Co-Directors

Stasya Erickson, 2010 - present
Stasya Erickson moved to Syracuse, NY in 2005 to receive her BFA in painting from Syracuse University. After graduating, a partnership-based organization called Northside UP snatched her up to work for them. Since then, she's kept busy taking part in creative collaborations across the city. She is passionate about Syracuse and co-produces projects such as DISHES and the Salt and Pepper Markets.

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES? I decided to get involved in DISHES because I believed in the power of the idea and knew it would be successful in Syracuse.

What's the best part of the event? I love the atmosphere that DISHES creates. It makes me feel proud to live in Syracuse and excited about where this city is headed!




Jeremy DeChario, 2015 - present
Jeremy moved to Syracuse in 2010 to join his partner, after trying to get back to the north-east since he was 7 (the Florida sunshine isn't for everyone).  He got a job as a cashier at the Syracuse Real Food Co-op, and discovered a fantastic community in Syracuse in general.  He still lives with his partner in the Westcott nation and spends his time living the good life through food and drink. 

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES?  I was excited to get involved with DISHES because it fuses two of my favorite things (food and Syracuse) and puts them together in one event.

What's the best part of the event?  My favorite part of DISHES is seeing all of my favorite people together for one big dinner and learning about all the exciting projects happening in Syracuse.




Photo by Alice G. Patterson
Lorna Oppedisano, 2016 - present
Lorna is the managing editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine - a monthly magazine that highlights the achievements of women in the Syracuse area. In her day-to-day, she interviews and writes about these inspiring women while coordinating a slew of talented photographers and writers to produce additional content for the magazine. 

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES?  I’ve been a fan of DISHES since the early days! Back in college, I interned at the Syracuse New Times. One of my first assignments was to write about Salt City DISHES. I met the folks involved in founding the event, and have stayed interested ever since. I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to be a part of it.

What's the best part of the event?  That’s such a hard question! OK, if I just had to pick one thing, it’d be the fact that it’s a community event. I know that sounds simple, but there aren’t a ton of events that are by and for the community and open to anyone who wants to be involved.


Graphic Designer

Tommy Lincoln, 2015 - present
Tommy Lincoln is a Syracuse born and raised Designer / Illustrator. He has spent his design career at a few different Syracuse advertising agencies, as well as teaching different courses in design at Syracuse University and Cazenovia College.

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES?  I decided to get involved with dishes because I think it is a great way to spark new creative ideas that help make our community a better place. 

What's the best part of the event?  The best part of the event for me is seeing how many individuals want to help create a better community.

Music Coordinator

Andrew Greacen, 2013 - present
Andrew Greacen- creator, maker, and provider of musical vibrations. I am an artist, producer, and recording engineer who loves to make good music with good people! Co-founder of Psyched On Sound Music Licensing Co.

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES? I wanted to get involved with DISHES because I love the fact that the whole organization is homegrown. Also, there is a genuine desire from its members to create a better community and make Syracuse a better place to live. That's just flat out cool!

What's the best part of the event? Good people, having good times, making good things!

Runner/Messenger

Sarah McIIvain, 2013 - present
I believe in public art, good neighborhoods, and reproductive rights for all women. Salt City DISHES does at least two of my beliefs. And it is a fun night out that gets me home in time so I don't yawn while swimming the next morning.






Tech Coordinator

Jason Kohlbrenner, 2010 - present
Jason is simply an A/V nerd that loves to be involved in live events.  Born and raised in Syracuse, he teaches and trains folks in video production as well as doing work on his own.

Why did you decide to get involved with DISHES?  I became involved in DISHES at the very beginning through my wife Briana Kohlbrenner.  It's a wonderful opportunity do be involved in such a great community event.


What's the best part of the event?  The best part is watching so many people who are in support of creative and noble ideas have a wonderful time in support of these endeavors. It really is a bright sunny spot in the dead of winter.


+++++++

Meet some of our past committee members:






No comments:

Post a Comment