The Connector

Enitiative Wants You to Meet HopePrint

2012-02-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

Sean Haley, a student in the MD/MPH duel degree program at SUNY Upstate Medical University and the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, is the founder of HopePrint , a nonprofit organization that invests in underrepresented populations to create sustainable communities. HopePrint primarily serves the refugee population in Syracuse. In its first year and a half, HopePrint has purchased a house on the North Side of Syracuse, where employees teach four levels of English courses, GED courses, take numerous field trips, run children's programs, and organize a network of volunteers who provide life coaching, mentorship, and support.

Learn more about HopePrint at http://blog.hopeprint.org/

(Text from Enitiative E-newsletter)

Can It! Together we CAN beat hunger at the Georgetown Game

2012-02-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Click on image to enlarge text.

Growing Family Alert

2012-01-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

As many of you are already aware, I am expecting a new addition to the Hammer family in the next few weeks. Beginning shortly, I will be out on leave until later on this spring.

Please feel free to continue to rely on our office while I am away. There are four other staff members at Government and Community Relations, all at the same phone number 315-443-3919. Our Administrative Assistant, Lori Levengood, should be able to answer most of your questions or connect you to the right person. In addition, you may reach out to Diana Napolitano, Eric Persons, and Mike McLean. Please use the email- gcr@syr.edu for all inquires.

See you soon!

Kate Hammer

World Interfaith Harmony Assembly- 1.29.12

2012-01-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Presented by InterFaith Works of CNY and Women Transcending Boundaries, in conjunction with United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week.

www.worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com

Expressing and honoring faith traditions of our community with song, dance, traditional dress, prayer, and poetry.

Sunday, January 29

3-5pm

Followed by social hour

Temple Concord

910 Madison Street, Syracuse, NY 13210

Parking is available in Temple Concord lot, streets, Grace Episcopal Church lot, and United Methodist Church lot.

Syracuse Area Alcohol Coalition- 2.1.12

2012-01-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Launch Meeting

February 1, 2012, 2-3:30pm

It is a new year and we believe we should start it out right by reconvening the Syracuse Area Alcohol Coalition that has been inactive for over 5 years! We hope that you will join us in this collaborative effort to review the effects of alcohol on our community and work together to build a healthier future for our young people. We know that many of you may already be working on strategies to address alcohol use and environmental strategies to reduce harm, however, aren’t our resources stronger and more valuable if they are combined?

You are invited on February 1, 2012 at 2pm at LeMoyne College to learn about the issues our community faces, share your experiences and discuss a united direction to create a healthier Syracuse. Please forward this invitation to anyone you think may be interested in attending. Please post if you are able. Thank you for your time, we are looking forward to meeting you. Please RSVP to Darya Rotblat via email, drotblat@copperbeechcommons.com, by Friday, January 27, 2012.

Thank you,

Darya Rotblat

Local Student Housing Property Manager &Network

Health Advocate

Alis Sefick

Director, Prevention

Cooperative Federal Annual Meeting & Dinner- 3.11.12

2012-01-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

Join Cooperative Federal's board, staff, and your fellow members for the 2012 Annual Meeting & Dinner!

Submit nominations for the Board, Credit Committee or Supervisory Committee(auditing), or contact us with questions: nominations@coopfed.org or call Ron at 473-0201.

Sunday, March 11th, 2012 at 3 pm
Southwest Community Center
(401 South Avenue)

Meeting 3 pm to 5 pm: Listen to brief reports, discuss the future of your Credit Union, and elect the Credit Committee and Board of Directors. Childcare and simultaneous translation in Spanish will be provided during the meeting.

Sneak Peek at the Southwest Office Expansion Check out our progress on the Southwest Office expansion, with a larger lobby allowing for more privacy along with space for a loan officer and private credit, homeownership, and small business counseling.

Dinner 5 pm to 7 pm: Stay for dinner and conversation at the close of the meeting. Dinner menu coming soon! . Vegan/vegetarian friendly.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

2012 STATE OF THE CITY

2012-01-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

Presented by the Honorable Mayor Stephanie A. Miner

Thursday, January 26, 2012

5:30 p.m. Light Refreshments

6:30 p.m. Program

Landmark Theatre - 362 South Salina Street

Please RSVP to rsvp@ci.syracuse.ny.us

Sign language interpreting for the hearing impaired provided by Aurora of CNY.

On-street parking is available.
Paid parking is available in the Atrium Garage and Clinton Street Garage
and at open air lots on Clinton Street.

Parking spots for people with disabilities are available on
Salina and Jefferson Streets adjacent to the Landmark Theatre.

Click here for a map and directions to the Landmark.

Visit the City's website at www.syracuse.ny.us

PACNY Annual Meeting

2012-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

Presented by the Preservation Association of Central New York

Sunday, February 19, 2012, 2-4pm.

Barnes Mansion

930 James Street

Syracuse, NY

Featured Speaker: Mayor Stephanie Miner

Join us for a review of preservation related events over the past year presented by PACNY. We are pleased to welcome Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner as our featured speaker.

You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy the Barnes Mansion. Built in 1853 as the first home on the hill on James Street, this Italianate residence was largely remodeled in 1878 and 1882 by Joseph Lyman Silsbee. In 1893-94, George and Rebecca Barnes' daughter, Mary Elizabeth Barnes, hired Henry Wilkinson to add a third story and a Colonial Revival façade. Purchased by the Corinthian Foundation in1947 and occupied by LeMoyne College for one year, the house narrowly escaped demolition in 1948. It is now the home of the George and Rebecca Barnes foundation.

Please support PACNY by becoming a member to create a larger voice for preservation in Central New York. Membership forms will be available. Donations accepted.

The member-based Preservation Association of Central New York has been the area’s citizen voice for historic preservation for over 35 years. Founded as a reaction to the widespread neglect and demolition of historic buildings and neighborhoods in the 1960’s, PACNY has led the successful effort to transform our community’s perception and care of its historic resources so that now the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County now have more than a dozen historic districts which contribute to the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

For further information about PACNY, contact Jeff Romano (President of PACNY) at 315-559-3590 or j_romano21@yahoo.com. See the PACNY website at http://pacny.net/.

University Neighbors Lecture Series 1.29.12

2012-01-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

Westcott Community Center and University Neighbors Lecture Series present

Carole Brzozowski

Sunday, January 29, 3:00 p.m.

PERFORMING ARTS: A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE AND OPPORTUNITY

Carole Brzozowski is Syracuse University’s Performing Arts Presenter. She works closely with Chancellor Nancy Cantor to connect Syracuse University's nationally recognized performing art programs and venues to the world. She previously served for eight years as Dean of Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).She is also the immediate past president of the Cultural Resources Council. She now serves on the boards of the Syracuse International Film Festival and Point of Contact Gallery (president).

Brzozowski was raised in Syracuse. She received a bachelor of music degree in voice performance from the Syracuse University Setnor School of Music in 1981. She did her graduate work in higher education administration at SU's School of Education. Brzozowski continues to perform regionally and internationally, specializing in the sacred literature of the early Baroque and French Romantic and Modern periods.

This series is a fund raiser for the Westcott Community Center.

Individual lecture price: $10 per person; Student tickets (with ID) $5

Special price for the final 3 lectures: $25

Call 478-8634 or go to our web site at www.westcottcc.org for more information.

Grand Sponsors for this series are Mayor Stephanie Miner and Jack Mannion

Thornden Park Chili Bowl Festival

2012-01-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's BACK!

Saturday February 18th, 2012

12-4pm

Thornden Park Field House

4 Great Chilies as diverse as the neighborhood!

All proceeds help the Thornden Park Association improve park facilities and encourage increased use of the park.

Sponsored by the Thornden Park Association, the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programs, Gianelli Sausage, Byrne Dairy, New York Bold Onions and Middle Ages Brewing Company.

Holiday Craft Fair Sponsored by the Ed Smith School PTO- 12/10

2011-12-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

This Saturday the 10th I would encourage you to attend the Holiday Craft Fair Sponsored by the Ed Smith School PTO

10:00AM to 5:00 PM

Ed Smith School Cafetorium Lancaster Ave. & Broad St., Syracuse 13210

Free Admission, Free Parking

Forget the hustle and bustle - relax while you shop! Have a cup of hot cider while you listen to live music! Find that one of kind gift created by local artisans and craftspeople - all while supporting education!

Featuring a collection of fine handicrafts at all price-points including:

Jewelry Cards

Felt and Knitwear Soaps and Lotions

Pottery Quilted Handbags and Totes

Blown Glass Vintage Fabric Crafts

Chocolates/Cookies Candles

Holiday Ornaments and Decor Baskets

All proceeds from table rentals and the craft raffle benefit pro-grams sponsored by the Ed Smith School PTO.

40 Below Update

2011-11-22T13:21:00.002-08:00

Be part of the transformation. Invest today!

40 Below is currently fundraising for a variety of projects that will beautify downtown Syracuse, promote arts and culture in our community, and provide opportunities for young people to develop their professional skills. Your investment will also go toward developing a new website, establishing a co-working space for 40 Below, and maintaining our monthly event series. For more information about fundraising opportunities, please visit: http://www.40belowsummit.com/sponsorships or contact Ben Sio at bsio@centerstateceo.com or 315.470.1838.

Signature Music Open House

Wednesday, November 30th at 9:00am

Signature Music at 509 W. Fayette Street

Signature Music has made quality music instruction accessible to low-income urban youth by providing free music education opportunities for over 150 under-served youth since 2000. The organization has created a model urban music program through free private lessons, loan of instruments, community performance opportunities and college guidance. Join us on Wednesday to hear a brief overview of the organization by our Director, Dick Ford, and a short video presentation by the Community Foundation. Coffee will be served.

Task Force Meetings

Public Arts Task Force (PATF)

First Thursday of every month at 5:30pm, Everson Museum.

Next Meeting: Thursday, 12/1 at 5:30pm

"It's All Here!" Marketing and Communications Task Force

Third Thursday of every month at 5:30pm, various locations

Civic Engagement Task Force

First Monday of every month at 5:30pm, various locations

If you'd like to learn more about any of our task forces, please e-mail Andrea Bianchi at abianchi@centerstateceo.com

First Westcott Winter Weekend

2011-11-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

First Westcott Winter Weekend

November 25-26, 2011

The Westcott Area Cultural Coalition presents the first Westcott Winter Weekend Thanksgiving weekend November 25^th & 26^th in the Westcott Street Business District. The weekend will feature art displays and special holiday sales. On Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 2 pm to 9 pm there will be a variety of performances in multiple venues throughout the business district.

The Westcott Winter Weekend is a follow-up to the Westcott Street Cultural Fair which is also presented by the Cultural Coalition. The mission of both events is to promote a strong sense of community among the diverse people who live and work in the Westcott neighborhood and to increase awareness of the attractiveness and viability of Westcott as a great place to work, shop, socialize and play.

Scheduled performances include:

2:15 pm- Marcia Hagan -children’s storytelling, Petit Branch Library (105 Victoria)

3:15 pm- Magical John - children's Magician, Petit Branch Library (105 Victoria)

6 pm- Josh Dekaney - solo voice & percussion, Las Delicias Restaurant (552 Westcott)

7 pm- John Cadley & Cathy Wenthen -acoustic, The Framing Studio (558 Westcott)

8 pm- Hanna Richardson & Phil Flanigan – jazz, MeloVelo Cafe (556 Westcott)

8 pm- Greg Pier (Mandate Of Heaven)- solo, Recess Cafe (110 Harvard)

A full schedule and a map of events with coupon specials will be available at all venues. For more information, visit the Westcott Winter Weekend on Facebook or click here.

If walls could talk, oh, the stories your house would tell…

2011-11-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Researching the History of Your Home Part 2

Presented by the Preservation Association of Central New York

In Partnership with

The Onondaga Historical Association

Saturday, November 20, 2011, 2 - 4 pm.

Onondaga Historical Association

321 Montgomery Street

Syracuse, NY

If you own an older home, you’ve probably at some point wondered who slept in your bedroom long before you, when your plumbing was last updated, or, maybe, why that ghost keeps hiding your car keys. Want to get a glimpse into the secret past of your abode?

Join us for a presentation on tips and techniques for home history research presented by PACNY and hosted by OHA It will be followed by a tour of the OHA Research center with discussion and examples of all the really neat stuff contained therein!

We’ll share with you the secrets of where to search for your home’s history, what rocks to look under, how to be a genuine house detective! The OHA Research center will share with you the unbelievable wealth of resources they have at your disposal. They will show you how to use historical files, Obits, maps, and directories.

So, mark the date and don’t miss it!

Cost: PACNY or OHA members - $10; Non members - $15

Please support PACNY or OHA by becoming a member to create a larger voice of Preservation in Central New York. Membership forms will be available. Donations accepted.

FREE Opera Tonight at 7pm

2011-11-17T11:22:00.002-08:00

Goldenberg Cultural Series: Syracuse Opera Resident Artists

Thursday, November 17, 7pm

Temple Concord, 910 Madison St, Syracuse – part of the Cultural Corridor

FREE (donations accepted)

Each year some of America’s most talented young singers come to Central New York as resident artists and we get to enjoy listening as they hone their performance skills. Check it out!

Snow Removal Update/Info

2011-11-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

The Westcott Community Center in collaboration with the University Neighborhood Partnership received funding for the Westcott Area Thoroughfare Snow Removal Program from the University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee (UNSAAC). The selected vendor for the program is Yardsmith.

The designated area includes: Westcott & S. Beech - Westcott & Broad, Euclid & Comstock - Euclid & Roosevelt, Lancaster & Euclid – Lancaster & Broad, Broad & Lancaster – Broad & Westcott. This service is free to all properties along the route. Sidewalk snow removal will run November 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012. Snow will be cleared on both sidewalks on either side of each street outlined in the area limits. Snow will be cleared when snow accumulation reaches 3” or more prior to 5:00 AM.

Please direct comments and questions of any kind to Renee Murphy at the Westcott Community Center, 315-478-8634.

If you would like to contact Yardsmith about driveway snow clearing, call 315-424-7121.

Connective Corridor Update

2011-11-17T11:14:00.001-08:00

From the desk of:

Francesca Merwin
Communications Coordinator
Connective Corridor

Office of Community Engagement and Economic Development
315-443-5173, ceedfm@syr.edu

Construction Highlights: Weeks of November 17 - November 30

University Ave.

University Ave. is currently open to local and emergency traffic only. Thru traffic will be redirected via detour signs. This closure is in place from 7am - 5pm Monday through Friday. University Ave. (from Adams to Waverly) reopens at 5pm to all traffic.

When construction is finished (after Wednesday, November 30), the road will be open with two lanes of one-way traffic. University Ave. will remain a one-way street until next spring when the street opens up as two-way.

There will be block-by-block closures on University Ave. between Harrison and Madison Streets this week as construction crews finish the installation of pavers and shrubbery. Construction crews will be available to direct traffic as closures occur.

Curbing installation on University Ave. between Harrison and East Adams Streets may cause road closures this week. Also, curbing work at the corner of Waverly and University Ave. may cause a detour (on University Ave. only). Again, construction crews will direct traffic during these temporary closures.

Preliminary paving of the bike path will finish in the next week. Pedestrians are asked to continue to use the temporary sidewalk (from Adams to E Genesee) and NOT walk in the bike path area. This will continue during the winter months.

As construction crews finish work on planted areas, we ask that pedestrians avoid walking through these areas throughout the winter. We want to give these plants a chance to survive and thrive to make in through the harsh winter season. Let's help give them a chance.

National Grid installed and energized street throughout the project. The street lights are now permanently lit.

We ask you to please keep safety in mind while around the construction area. Signs, caution tape and other safety equipment are placed with your best interests at heart. To avoid incident and injury, abide by the safety equipment and be aware.

Forman Park

Construction Zone signs are posted, and a construction fence is installed in the Forman Park area. The sidelines of the project are open for pedestrian use, but the park area will remain closed throughout the winter season. Pedestrians are asked to continue avoiding the construction area, and walk on the E Genesee sidewalk at all times.

Construction vehicles are parked on the south side of the park. This may cause an increased traffic flow on E. Genesee St. Also, if there are any large vehicles or traffic obstructions, flaggers will be present to direct traffic. Please be aware of any temporary lane closures and drive with caution.

The team has installed all sidewalks, portions of the center fountain and landscaping effects. This week, they will continue work on the concrete for the fountain as well as take care of plumbing and electrical wiring. Power for the area will be installed within the next two weeks. We would like to remind you that this will not disturb plumbing or electrical in the surrounding areas.

Used Winter Sports Equipment Sale at Ed Smith- TOMORROW

2011-10-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ed Smith Hosts Sale of Used Winter Sports Equipment

The Ed Smith PTO announces its 2^nd annual sale of used sports equipment. Now is a great time to clean out your garage or basement; donations accepted on Friday, October 14.

Saturday, October 15 from 11 am to 5 pm

Cafetorium at the Edward Smith K-8 School

1106 Lancaster Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210

Items to be sold include:

Downhill Skis, Boots & Poles
Snowboards & Snowboard Boots
Figure Skates & Ice Hockey Skates
Snowshoes
Cross Country Skis, Boots & Poles

Donations and items to sell will be accepted Friday, October 14th from 3:00p.m.-6:45p.m. at Edward Smith School in the cafetorium. While we are very grateful for all donations, please limit items to the above winter sports categories. Thank you!

For more information about this event, please contact organizer Rex Giardine at giardines@twcny.rr.com.

"Bye-to-Litter Day"- This Saturday

2011-10-13T08:18:00.001-07:00

Don't forget the 3rd Annual Syracuse "Bye-to-Litter Day"

Saturday, October 15th

"Everyone is asked to collect litter for 44 minutes in their neighborhood - or wherever they may happen to be. This is the "bye" date of the S/U football schedule." - Matthew Richard

Westcott Walking Tour- This Sunday

2011-10-13T08:15:00.001-07:00

You are invited to join architectural historian Sam Gruber on a tour of

The Westcott Neighborhood:

An introduction to the History and Building Types

Sunday, October 16^th at 2p Petit Library

Join this 2-hour tour that includes parts of Westcott, Allen, Harvard, Victoria, Concord, and Clarke. Start at Petit Library. Wear comfortable shoes. A version of this tour will also be offered in the spring together with three other history and architecture walking tours of the Greater Westcott Neighborhood

Sponsored by WENA with support from UNSAAC.

Westcott Walking Tour- This Sunday

2011-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join architectural historian Sam Gruber on a tour of

The Westcott Neighborhood:

An introduction to the History and Building Types

Sunday, October 16^th at 2p Petit Library

Sponsored by WENA with support from UNSAAC.

Westcott Fair- THIS WEEKEND!

2011-09-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

20th Annual Westcott Street Cultural Fair

Sunday, September 18, 2011
12:00—6:30pm
www.westcottfair.org

The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is an annual, one-day celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of the Westcott neighborhood through its culture, visual and performing arts, food, service organizations, and activities geared to families and university students returning to the neighborhood. The fair attracts more than 8,000 people annually to the Westcott Business District in mid-September for a day filled with great sounds, sights, tastes and more.

The fair takes place on Westcott street, in between Concord Street and Dell Street, as well as some of the side streets off Westcott.

Click here to sign up to volunteer. Still looking for 5 more people to help with clean up 6-8pm.

Annual Bulb-Give Away

2011-09-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

Westcott Neighborhood 9^th Annual Bulb-Give Away/Garden Extravaganza

Saturday, October 1^st, 2011

10am- 2pm

Westcott Community Center

In 2010 the project went city wide. Working with 35 neighborhood organizations and individuals throughout Syracuse another 17,700 spring blooming, perennial bulbs will be distributed in 2011 bringing the total to 90,000 bulbs planted since the project started in 2003.

Westcott neighbors only can pick up 18 free perennial daffodil bulbs. 5,400 will be set aside for the first 300 people who show up from the Westcott neighborhood.

Any resident of the Westcott neighborhood can pick up a free packet of 18 mixed daffodil bulbs as long as you are willing to plant them where they can be seen from the street for all to enjoy. Compost donated by Toad Hollow Farms (please bring your own container). Planting instructions will be available.

The rest of the Bulb Give Away activities are open to all from Syracuse.

Schedule:
10am- Bulb Give Away, food, music, farmers market, vendors, perennial plant sale
11am - Film showing - First Earth followed by panel discussion
2pm- Bulb Give Away ends

This year we are excited to offer a free showing open to all of the documentary film "First Earth: Uncompromising Ecological Architecture"" (90 minutes) co-sponsored by The Alchemical Nursery, www.alchemicalnursery.org "First Earth" by filmmaker David Sheen, is a documentary about the movement towards a massive paradigm shift for shelter -- building healthy houses in the old ways, out of the very earth itself. "An audiovisual manifesto filmed over the course of 4 years and 4 continents, FIRST EARTH makes the case that earthen homes are the healthiest housing in the world."

A panel discussion will be held at the conclusion of the screening to discuss reaction to the film as well as natural building initiatives in the CNY region.

Panelists:

Erich Kruger, Deconstruction Program Coordinator, Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc.
Kirk Glundal, Owner Operator, EarthEmbers Natural Building
Frank Cetera, President and Co-Founder, The Alchemical Nursery
Josh Morrow, Community Planning Student at SUNY-ESF.

Friend us on Facebook or check out our new web site www.bulbproject.org

If you have extra perennial plants ("What gardener doesn't?") drop them off, labeled, at the Westcott Community Center, corner of Euclid and Westcott street Saturday, Oct 1 from 8:00 am - 10:00 am or the day before. If you donate plants you get a plant for free.

WCC- 6th Annual Fundraising Dinner

2011-09-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for Westcott Community Center's 6th Annual Fundraising Dinner

Drumlins Country Club
Friday, October 21st 6pm

Menu includes entrees from Ethiopia, India, Puerto Rico, the Congo, Austria, and Egypt.

Entertainment will be provided by Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble.

Obtain your reservations by October 14th here. $75 per person or $550 for a table of 8.