About Erika Gruszewski
Posts by Erika Gruszewski
Hidden Gems: Letchworth’s 1,000 Steps
Letchworth State Park lends its beauty to the Rochester area, and if you’ve ever been there you know just how breathtaking the “Grand Canyon of the East” can be. The Story: My aunt, who lives about 10 minutes from Letchworth, almost always took me to the state park when I visited. When we did go,…Read More »
How I Learned to Ballroom Dance (Etiquette Tips Included!)
A “Learn to Dance Ballroom, No Partner Required” headline caught my eye in a catalog I was flipping through 18 years ago. Vaguely intrigued because I had always wanted to learn how to dance, I set the catalog from OCM BOCES aside for a couple of days. Pretty soon, however, the plusses of signing up…Read More »
It’s Never Too Late to Become a Runner
George Jones sang about not needing a rocking chair when he grew old and that was the tune Laura Vallone hummed when she signed up to train for her first 5K run/walk this past summer. Laura read about the training program for seniors over age 55 in the Broome County Office for Aging Senior News…Read More »
Personal Spotlight on Randy Sabourin of Metro Fitness
Randy Sabourin is the man behind the free Wellness Wednesdays in downtown Syracuse, N.Y. As founder/owner of the Metro Fitness Clubs in Syracuse and Fayetteville, he worked with the City of Syracuse and American Heart Association to bring these weekly fitness classes to the community. What helps him lead his healthiest life? He gives a…Read More »
Cookie Dough Hummus
Healthy Quinoa Summer Salad
There are a lot of great things about the return of warm weather: more sunshine, more time outside, and of course, more fresh veggies. This quinoa salad makes the perfect addition to any backyard barbeque or porch picnic. Filled with a bright colorful mix of spring and summer veggies, you’ll enjoy how easy this healthy…Read More »
Quinoa Summer Salad
Hidden Gems: Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary
Have you ever wondered whether the owls in Harry Potter could actually carry a Nimbus 2000? Or maybe you just want to see some birds of prey up close? Why You Should Go Wild Wings is a charming non-profit raptor rehabilitation center located about 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY. Nestled in Mendon Ponds Park,…Read More »
Power Poses: My Good Luck Charm
Stand tall with your hands on your hips! Or, flex your muscles! Do whatever pose makes you feel powerful for a few minutes. Two upstate New Yorkers share how these “power poses” might have boosted their confidence. You can also visit ExcellusBCBS.com/LiveFearlessNation for more on how to make small changes for a healthier life – one…Read More »
It’s Never Too Late For a New Beginning in Your Life
It was the end of August, late in the evening and raining cats and dogs when my bus pulled into the station in Oswego, New York, 23 years ago. I had just quit my job to become a full-time college student at the age of 39. There’s an old Chinese proverb, “A journey of a…Read More »