Sunday, December 1, 2019

Online Magazine Is Back!

I Spy CNY's online magazine is back! Starting in January 2020, we are returning with purpose and a new vision. The new vision is to spotlight unique CNY experiences in both online and print resources. Our paperbacks will be sold through local artists and businesses. The goal is to increase traffic to local small businesses while also serving as an incubator for local tourism.

This new model is collaborative. We want to increase our reach in order for it to benefit everyone. We will always stay unique in that this is the only free online social networking tool in the CNY built to help small businesses and emerging artists. This is the next stage of development for our marketing efforts. Would you like to learn more? Feel free to reach out to us on our Facebook page, or call 315-225-2654


Saturday, August 5, 2017

Unlimited Universe - Comic/Card Shop That Is Fun For All Ages

When I was a child (many years ago), I loved going to the local comic book store to buy and collect
comics. Browsing the store was as much fun as collecting comics. Comic book stores were the kind of shops that allowed kids to use their imagination, along with providing hours of entertainment as we waited for future comics to come out. The owners and the customers would talk about rumors of impending doom for characters or exciting new releases. I always wanted this kind of experience for my children and up until now, the only shop around was in New Hartford that offered an experience similar to my youth. That is until now.

This weekend was the grand opening of Unlimited Universe on Main Street in Camden. I had the pleasure of knowing the owners when I was a teacher in Camden. The young men were incredibly imaginative back then, which led them to following their dreams today of opening their shop.

Unlimited Universe is a store where adults and kids can explore comic books past and present. They also carry gaming cards and collectible figurines. If that was not enough, they plan on hosting gaming tournaments of the likes of Pokemon and Magic cards. The store is literally "Unlimited" regarding the possibilities for collectors and card enthusiasts. 

You walk in the door and immediately the owners greet you with a friendly welcome. This is similar to the comic book stores of yesteryear. They let you browse and discuss any universe including Marvel DC Image Pokemon, Magic etc etc. The owners are knowledgeable and what they can not answer, they are quick to find an answer online. 

Kids are excited to enter the store. With such a warm greeting, they immediately immerse themselves in multiple universes of imagination. A world unbeknownst to some. Prior to this store, for many kids the only option for cards and comics was Walmart. Walmart was a distinct disadvantage as most cards come in sets. Kids will not know in a wrapped set what cards you are going to get. At Ultimate Universe, they have the cards on display in protective sheets. You can pick the cards you want for your collection or gaming experience. Your kids will love the fact you can see the cards before a purchase. Cards can range from a nickel to many dollars based on the collector's price guide. The owners are honest and always check to make sure your purchase is a wise investment. 

Additional features include discounts for subscriptions. You can have your future issues delivered to the shop, which for a child is fun due to the anticipation of next week's comic building on what they read the week before. The owners are also going to allow trades in the future. Currently, you can trade from your collection and barter for items at the store. 

Unlimited Universe is unlimited fun for your family. A fun way to encourage reading and also helps with keeping your children unplugged from technology. If you get a chance, check out the store and tell Tim and Chuck I SPY CNY sent you to the store.....

Saturday, May 27, 2017

I SPY CNY ONLINE MAGAZINE REACHES 3000 PEOPLE IN ITS FIRST WEEK - FB PAGE 6000 PEOPLE

Our first few articles have reached 3000 people in Central New York. That means 3000 people have come in contact with local businesses for the first time. Over 6000 people have read and shared out posts on Facebook. This is why we focus on analytics. We want to drive traffic to local small businesses and artistic venues. We have so much to offer in our area and we have to strengthen small businesses. Think about the power of expanding your outreach to multiple counties within an hour of your business. The power of social media is very real and empowering. Thank you for your support of I SPY CNY.

Friday, May 26, 2017

Memorial Day Service - Rome NY

Memorial Day is a purposeful day that honors our fallen heroes that served our country. The motivation behind the holiday is to help reconnect our community to the losses suffered by families that sent men and women off to war. Over the past 3 years, I had the privilege of attending Rome NY's Memorial Day Service at Veteran's Park.  Rome's event adheres to the spirit of Memorial Day as a day of remembrance. They have a traditional service at 10:00am and it is  recommended to arrive early. If you bring children, remind them this is quiet service and to respect what Memorial Day means to our community. It is a great opportunity for our community to remember the spirit of the holiday.



Thursday, May 25, 2017

I SPY MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day 2017 is packed with events in CNY. Here is a sampling of what is going on this weekend.

Friday May 26th

Concert: Melissa Grace Clark



7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Remsen Performing & Visual Arts Center

Singer/songwriter and guitarist Melissa Grace Clark will perform her original songs and stories plus brings an assortment of Americana music through her covers of classic country, acoustic blues, folk, and early rock and roll music.

Rome Art And Community Center Jazz Series Continues.....

RACC Jazz Series – Melissa Gardiner & MG3 Jazz Organ Trio
May 26 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm



Saturday May 27th

Plant Sale to Benefit CNY Land Trust





315-575-8839Fundraisers / Other http://cnylandtrust.org/may-27-plant-sale-to-benefit-cny-land-trust/

Location: 5573 Sunview Drive, Elbridge, NY.  Come out and find many varied plants native to Central New York, talk with experts about best planting methods, and add some beauty to your land! This is a great opportunity to add to your landscaping, get some interesting new plants, AND help CNY Land Trust. All proceeds of the plant sale benefit CNY Land Trust’s work to protect natural areas in Onondaga and Oswego Counties.

This plant sale is free and open to the public. Plenty of parking is available along Sunview Drive. Sunview Drive is a turn north off of NY State Route 5, 1.5 miles east of the center of Elbridge.

A partial list of plants for sale: Solomon’s seal( normal and variegated), false Solomon’s seal, foam flower, wild ginger, European ginger, may apple, cup plant, pagoda dogwood, hemlock,tuliptree, ostrich, sensitive and bulbet fern, white woodland ...     
    







Batu’s Birthday Bash



Rosamond Gifford Zoo315-435-8511Learning / Outings http://www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org/upcoming-events

Come celebrate Batu's 2nd birthday with a day-long party at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! Join us for elephant keeper chats and demonstrations, elephant-themed biofacts, craft, games and face painting. Sign Batu's birthday card and see him enjoy his special birthday treat!


Free for members or with zoo admission.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, One Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204



Sunday May 28th


Hotel Solsville - Madison NY

10 Months to St. Patty's Day
Steppin Out - Live Music

3pm to 6pm No Cover







Monday May 29th

Memorial Day Acknowledgment:

Whitesboro NY Parade - 9:30AM

Rome NY - Rome Polish Home - 1PM

New Hartford - 7PM
Parade - New Hartford Shopping Center
Former Congressman Sherwood Boehlert - Grand Marshall

















Wednesday, May 24, 2017

I SPY PHO MEKONG - Utica NY

A long time tradition for inexpensive, high quality Pho Soup and Southeast Asian cusine, check out Pho Mekong in Utica NY. A wonderful busy restaurant of customers from all walks of life. The food is outstanding with a fun fast paced atmosphere only found in a city as eclectic as Utica NY.  Located conveniently downtown, check them out.
Address601 John St, Utica, NY 13501
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Thursday, May 18, 2017

Another Amazing Weekend In CNY

This week, we found events that are unique and fun, while helping others in our area. Feel free to share and Like our page on Facebook.

FRIDAY MAY 19TH


MAY19
1st Annual Bocce Tournament - Willard's Fight against ALS


May 19May 20
May 19 at 6 PM to May 20 at 6:00PM
1412 E Dominick St, Rome, New York 13440

  • Games will be played on Friday, May 19th and Saturday, May 20th at the toccolana club on the outdoor courts.

    Sign ups are at the toocolana club, Galliano Club, and the Palisades.

    Doubles Coed/ Women tournament, double elimantion with prizes for the top four teams.

    50/50 drawing will be held on saturday.

    This is an all day event with no set time limit or scheduled times after the first games begin. A cash bar will be open. Come support a great cause.

    Everyone is welcome and we need all the support we can get to make Willard Campbell's fight easier. Please share!

    Beer and Wine Train Utica NY

    Hop on board the next Beer & Wine Train May 19th featuring live music by Gary Johnson. Travel from Utica’s Union Station north to Remsen Station, sampling a selection of wines or beers along the way.
    Ticket Prices:
    $45/first class ticket (21+)
    $25/coach class ticket (21+)
    *Beer & Wine not included
    with purchase of ticket*
    Departure Date:
    Friday
    May 19th
    Departure Times:
    6:00pm – Boarding Begins
    6:30pm – Train Departs

    Saturday May 20th

    Jazz Series Rome NY

    Jazz Series - Joe Magnarelli & Akiko Tsuruga
    Saturday at 7:30 PM - 10 PM
    Rome Art And Community Center
    308 W Bloomfield St, Rome, New York 13440








    CD RELEASE SHOW - Syracuse NY


    Blood Sun Circle

    Multicult, Difficult, Worst Gift, Radiation Risks

    Sat, May 20, 2017

    Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm 

    The Lost Horizon

    Syracuse, NY

    $10.00


    Sunday May 21st

    42nd Annual Antique Car Show - Sylvan Beach Village Lakefront

    Main St
    Sylvan Beach, NY 13157
    Cars, Prizes & Fun!

    Registration Starts Promptly @ 8:00am.

    Little Falls Cheese Festival Fundraiser - Downtown Little Falls




    Fundraiser for the Little Falls Cheese Festival
    Little Falls, NY
    Join us from 1 to 5 pm on Sunday, May 21 for a fundraiser and preview for the Little Falls Cheese Festival, featuring local cheese, wine, beer, and music!
    ...
    Tickets are $20.00 in advance, $25.00 at the door.
    Enjoy music by the Eric Slifka Blues Trio while sampling local cheeses and wines. Prospect Falls Winery will be presenting a selection of their wines for tasting, as well as bottle sales. Woodland Farm Brewery will join us this year with tastings of their beer selection, with sales by the glass.
    The silent auction will offer the opportunity to bid on quality items donated by local businesses and individuals.
    Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Little Falls Cheese Festival. The Little Falls Cheese Festival was created to showcase New Yorks artisan cheesemakers and gourmet food producers and to celebrate the historical roots of Little Falls. This year the festival takes place on Saturday, July 8, 2017.
    About the Little Falls Cheese Festival:
    https://littlefallscheesefestival.com
    About Prospect Falls Winery:
    http://www.prospectfallswinery.com
    About Woodland Farm Brewery:
    http://www.woodlandbeer.com