Urban CNY May 2012

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Policing

the police Q&A

New CRB Chair Crystal Collette By Walt brings ‘unique perspective’ to Shepperd issue of accountability in the city PD

Urban CNY earns press club honors p. 4 The Hall Monitor

Homes everywhere, Ebony Hillbillies but not a perform place to p. 7 rent... p. 3

Dr. Boyce Watkins

Poll: African Americans disappointed in black leadership p. 3

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2 May 2012

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City Scuffle Hopes for the Citizens Review Board

By Walt Shepperd

Q&A with new CRB Chair Crystal Collette

By Walt Shepperd

Crystal Collette has a full time job as Education and Outreach Manager at Planned Parenthood. But she knows now that incredible amounts of time will be needed for her new role as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Citizens Review Board (CRB).

“Common Councilor Jean Kessner and I had done a lot of work together in the community in the past,” she reflects. “Jean knew through my previous work at Vera House, that this was an issue that was very important to me, so she nominated me for the Board.”

The issue, accountability of the Police Department to the community has been one of controversy for the past two decades.

Collette thinks she has a unique perspective

Published monthly by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher Jennifer Wing Designer Walt Shepperd Senior Editor Send mail c/o Eagle Media 2501 James St., Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 For advertising and editorial: (315) 422-7778 (315) 434-8883 -- Fax kjackson@urbancny.com Printed by: Community Media Group LLC 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206 No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily the opinions of Community Media Group LLC or Eagle Newspapers.

for her role, based on experience in community organizing and in “working with folks who have different perspectives.” She is pleased with the new CRB legislation recently passed by the Common Council, and is looking forward to the board’s first major task, hiring an administrator for the oversight body.

Way, way back in the day then Common Councilor Charles Anderson proposed the original CRB concept which faced heavy opposition.

Other councilors advised him to water down the proposal to get it established, indicating it could be strengthened later on, which it never was. How strong is the new legislation?

The new legislation has some real additions to it that provide for much more oversight of the CRB, to make sure that we have a functioning, healthy CRB that has some ability to make things happen. It’s very rare in a city of our size that the Citizen Review Board—in many other cities it’s called the Civilian Review Board, an important distinction—to

have actual supervisory power over their police department. In Chicago, for example, their similar body can actually suspend or terminate police officers. We don’t have that power. Our reach is that we can make recommendations to the police department around individual discipline, training for the force, and restitution for the complainant.

What’s the difference between then and now?

The difference between then and now would be that there’s a lot of differences around how the CRB runs: the job description for the administrator, reporting requirements—we now have quarterly and annual reporting requirements. There is serious different language, much more specific, in the new legislation around the documents that the police are required to share with us and the time line of investigations.

Who reports to who?

The CRB reports to the community, to the city, the Mayor and the City Council.

It’s on our website.

The semantics seems important.

Does a review board for civilians imply a head-butting with the police?

I would say. It also really perpetuates that the police hold a military power over the community. I’ve been told that it was a conscious choice during the drafting of the first legislation that we are citizens, members of the community, who care about police accountability and care about the integrity of our police department and the community’s trust in the police.

One thing that seems exactly the same as back in the day is public opposition from the Police Benevolent Association. Do you think they take it seriously?

No. I think it’s really disappointing that the PBA, from the minute out of the gate, has expressed unwillingness to explore abilities for partnership between officers and the CRB. As CRB chair, I have nothing to do with union negotiations, with contracts between the city and the union.

Our main relationship building is with the chief, and the chief is very supportive of

See Collette, p. 10

Citizen Review Board announces administrator Lipari to begin on May 15, 2012

The newly-revamped Citizen Review Board has announced the appointment of the administrator that will lead the group forward. Joseph L. Lipari will be assuming the position of administrator on May 15, 2012; he accepted the position on Thursday, April 5, 2012 after the CRB board unanimously appointed him.

Crystal Collette, Chair of the Citizen Review Board, stated this morning, “We could not be more excited about bringing Mr. Lipari to Syracuse to guide the board as we work to establish best practices around community relations, the investigation of complaints against the Syracuse Police Department, and our own interactions with the Syracuse Police Department.”

An Expert in the Field

Lipari will be relocating to Syracuse with his family from Chicago, IL. While in Chicago, Lipari has served as Director of Citizens Alert, a non-profit organization in Chicago that provides information and assistance to the public on issues of police accountability. He has also served as the spokesperson and Chair of

Community Outreach for The Chicago Coalition for Police Accountability (CCPA). The CCPA is a partnership of civic groups (including the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and the Illinois ACLU) that works with the mayor’s office, the city council, and police officials to strengthen and reform the city’s police oversight mechanisms. He also currently works as a lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago teaching courses in African American and Urban History. Lipari brings a unique blend of expertise in police accountability and reform, community organizing, and the investigation of police misconduct.

“The new CRB is off to a great start. The current board and the common councilors who drafted the revised legislation have laid an excellent foundation. I’m really looking forward to joining the residents of Syracuse in their ongoing effort to revitalize the CRB which is one of the most important institutions in city government.” Lipari on his appointment as Administrator of the CRB. For more information on the Citizen Review Board: http:// www.syracuse.ny.us/crb.aspx

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Opinion

Houses, houses everywhere but not a place to rent…

Ken Jackson

Affordable housing has always been a problem in Syracuse as the bottom continued to fall out of manufacturing and the number of affordable housing units continued to shrink. Resources are now targeting home ownership as many of those not in positions to purchase are forced to move into substandard housing. Kennedy Square….gone; Cherry Hill….gone (rebuilt with lower density); Townsend and Harrison Towers…gone and others were built and renovated for a population that never came. Kennedy Square was allowed to operate for years with multiple pealing roofs and deteriorating structure just waiting for the wrecking ball and investment for transformation.

We have new houses being built all over the place, filling in our neighborhoods where empty lots preceded by old homes long since demolished. Home Ownership strengthens the fabric of a community and if fully occupied increased income from new homeowners provides a future revenue stream for neighborhood centered businesses to provide goods and services to those new residents.

But what do we do about those who are not in a position to own?

Why are we depleting our stock of affordable housing at a time when subsidies are required enabling the working poor to find housing?

People would recoil in shock if they knew what some shacks are going for in some neighborhoods.

I’m not bashing landlords, without their investments the city would be in worse shape these investors have to cope with an evolving economy where the stability of your properties may depend on how many subsidies you can collect. How strong is the economy for those unskilled and under employed workers who depend on affordable housing for their survival? These factors cloud any investors’ dream of buying a few houses and living off profits as part of their retirement.

There have been significant investments through agencies like Housing Visions and others who maintain hundreds of affordable units but that’s not filling the void that exists in our housing inventory.

As the new flood maps and their insurance requirements are in full force expect an exodus of many homeowners from the newly designated flood areas. Once the economically forced sell-off is underway we’ll conveniently turn the Onondaga Creek area into waterfront property.

Gee… how much can you get for waterfront property along a Creek Walk that extends through parks and neighborhoods, downtown’s Armory Square and onward to destiNY? As cities continue their resurgence Syracuse will grow and attract investments in housing, business and industry. We’re investing a billion dollars in cleaning Onondaga Lake and its tributaries, controlling sewage that once flowed like spring water.

There are parts of this community that you will not recognize in five years as change sweeps through our celebrated underutilized Urban Forrest. In the future come to Syracuse, but make sure you have an affordable place to stay otherwise you’ll just be visiting.

The Hall Monitor

May 2012

Editorial

Don’t turn off the lights: What do we do about property tax exemptions?

There’s a current movement by some politicians to assess a fee or derive an assessment from not-for-profit organizations to offset the large percentage of properties that are tax exempt. This is a point worth arguing, however, as in any fees the largest users of services go un-assessed while the little group that’s just struggling to survive winds up paying the additional costs.

Most not-for-profits are small and continue to be the little pieces of glue holding up our fragile safety net. Taxing them or assessing a fee would reduce work that’s performed in neighborhoods and diminish their impact in our community.

Many of these groups operate with a legion of volunteers housed in a little building from which they run programs or services. Some are auxiliaries of churches that operate tutoring programs or other enrichment programs like Say Yes to Education.

We have several large un-taxable elephants in our collective living room. If you attended catholic high school along the city bus route other kids are dropped off at the many catholic schools that were operating in the city of Syracuse. These schools are no longer open and yet they hold on to their exempt status. Thousands of square footage of space has been officially exempt and no longer serve the purpose for which they were granted their tax exempt status.

How many former operating churches, rectories and abandoned school buildings can we count in our city that retained their “exempt” status long after their use had been changed to “empty.” A building complete with pews, a challis and a non-used alter does not qualify as a church any longer — a church has people. A church school has students.

Perhaps taxing those properties at full value would push the Catholic diocese to divest themselves from some of this real estate that could be used by other churches, other schools or even converted into tax paying apartment complexes among other creative initiatives. The same entities that own these former churches and schools also hold a commercial portfolio of properties for which they do pay taxes.

Don’t tax the little not-for-profit when we have churches that hold onto their tax exemptions decades after the last participant turned off the lights.

Poll: African-Americans disappointed in black leadership

By Dr. Boyce Watkins

The other day, a non-black person asked me what I thought about the state of black leadership in America. He then mentioned that he is confused about exactly who speaks for Black people, since he sees a new black face on TV every other week. I think he wanted me to tell him who the key players are, and who he should look to in order to obtain “the black perspective.”

I looked at the man, thought for a second, and then asked, “What is the state of white leadership in America? Who speaks for your people?”

The man was puzzled by my response, and looked like he wanted to slap me. But I certainly hope he got the point. The point is that there is no single individual or group of individuals who represent “the black perspective” or anyone who has primary control over “the black agenda.” We are as diverse as anyone, and nearly every black American citizen is fully capable of thinking for themselves and leading their own families.

See Boyce Watkins, p. 10

Dr. Boyce Watkins Your Black World

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4 May 2012

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What’s up

African-Americans in the news

Syracuse Juneteenth 2012 events planned Friday, May 18

Saturday June 16

6:30 – 11:00 pm City Hall Commons Tickets: $35 Sponsor Table: $250 Celebrate, dance, and get down to Jazz, R&B, and Funk by About Time Join the 2012 Juneteenth Committee for an exciting kickoff event to include soul food dinner, live entertainment, and presentation of the NIA Awards for outstanding civic leadership

Visions of Victory Parade The Parade kicks off the Juneteenth Festival. Starting at Dr. King School (stepping off at noon), and arriving in Clinton Square at 1:00 pm the parade is enjoyed by all.

Ancestral Recognition Celebration

Friday June 15 Flag Raising Ceremony

Scheduled 10 a.m. at Syracuse City Hall. The public is welcome to come and celebrate the traditional start of the festival. Along with other dignitaries, Mayor Stephanie Miner will read a proclamation.

Juneteenth Fun, Food, and Family Day

Fun, Food, and Family Day Jubilee Park, 2 p.m.

CFAC Events

Winston Gaskin Community Walk for Wellness, TBD

Dr. Henry A Washington Health Pavilion

The Juneteenth Festival Health Pavilion is organized by the Syracuse Black Nurses Association. The Health Pavilion consists of valuable health-related information provided by the areas medical community. A few of the topics that will be addressed are blood pressure, blood chemistries, children’s health, obesity, nutrition, exercise, posture screenings, cancer awareness, healthy heart, and fitness.

The public is invited to participate in the annual Health Pavilion. The Dr. Henry A. Washington Health Pavilion is sponsored by Upstate Medical University and Crouse Hospital.

Your support would enable the festival to continue its mission. If you have any questions, you may contact Juneteenth at the following: Festival@syracusejuneteenth.org or 4759693. For additional information log onto syracusejuneteenth.org.

Registration now open for spring classes for adults and youth Adult Classes Actor’s Studio

Instructor: Tamar Smithers Day: Thursday Dates: May 10 - June 7 (5 weeks) Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Cost: $100 Develop your performance skills and technique during an interactive acting class with Tamar Smithers.

Introduction to Spanish

Instructor: Yudaisy Fernandez Day: Wednesday Dates: May 9 June 6 (4 weeks) Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $60 Brush up on your Spanish and learn use-

ful palabras and frases during our four-week Spanish course.

Youth classes (Under 15) Adventures in Two Dimensions

Instructor: Krithika Sathyamuthy Day: Saturday Dates: April 7 - May 19 (5 weeks)*no classes on April 28 and May 12 Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $60 Come join the fun with drawing, painting, collage and everything 2-D! To register, please contact us at 315-4422230.

Celebrating young talent

In collaboration with the Syracuse chapter of The Links, Inc. CFAC will be opening

their 40th Annual Teenage Competitive Arts Exhibition in the Herbert T. Williams Gallery on Saturday, May 5 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The exhibition will run until May 19 and will feature artwork from local high school students.

The ongoing purpose of this exhibition is to provide students from diverse and underrepresented groups the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Students’ artwork will be judged by local community members.

Prizes will be given in four main and three special categories, including: Most Eclectic, Director’s Choice, and Best in Show.

Students interested in entering their work should speak to their art teachers or contact CFAC directly for more information.

Self-submissions are accepted.

“Lobo” by Eddy Aguilar

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May 2012

5

Community News Kicking off the growing season South Side Grows Healthy Festival set

On June 23, in cooperation with leaders from within the South Side community, Syracuse Grows/Newell Street Community Garden, Dunk and Bright, Nojaims, Syracuse First, FarmshedCNY, Baltimore Woods, Syracuse Teen Challenge, WSEN radio group & CNY Latino will be celebrating the first annual, “South Side Grows Healthy Festival,” bringing together local foods, farms, health, wellness,education, sustainability, music and fun from 10am-3pm.

The South Side Grows Healthy Festival is a great way to kick off the growing season, bring numerous similarly minded groups/people together for positive, social change AND generate more good news about the South Side community working together.

The Festival, located in the Dunk and Bright Green Space/Parking Lot and South Side Innovation Center on South Salina Street, is in an ideal location to draw a large destination population, as well as folks from the neighborhood.

There is great optimism within the community to grow healthier and the sponsors and organizers intention to support this initiative, encouraging community spirit, pride and dedication; empowering area residents to grow sustainably healthier!

Urban CNY awarded 2012 Syracuse Press Club Professional Journalism Award

Syracuse Press Club Professional Recognition Awards

2011 Second Place Front Page Design Urban CNY

2010 First Place Non-Daily Column, Urban CNY 2010 Second Place Internet News Blog, urbancny.com 2009 First Place Internet News Blog, urbancny.com, “Ken’s Blog” 2009 Second Place Non- Daily Column, City Eagle.

2008 First Place Non-Daily Column, Urban CNY 2008 Second Place Internet Public Service.

2007 Second Place Internet Public Service, urbancny.com

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On May 5 Urban CNY, along with representatives from print, radio and new media, participated in the Syracuse press Club Awards.

Urban CNY Newspaper Ken Jackson and his Urban CNY column in Eagle have been awarded multiple times for professional journalism awards. This year Urban CNY was honored by the Syracuse Press Club for front Page Design, second to the Syracuse New Times. Other awards won over the years included:

2007 Second Place Internet Blog urbancny.com 2006 Second Place Web Site urbancny. com 2006 Second Place Non-Daily Column,

Urban CNY News 2005 Best Non-Daily Column, City Eagle 2004 Best Column, New York Press Association

Roberts announces repeal of the state sales tax on clothing, footwear Assemblymember Sam Roberts (D,WF-Syracuse) announced that New York State will repeal the 4 percent state sales tax on clothing, footwear and similar items sold for less than $110 each, beginning April 1.

“By eliminating the 4 percent state sales tax we’re helping families save money and giving a boost to local businesses,” Roberts said. “As the economy begins to move forward again, it’s important that small businesses are given every opportunity to grow, while making sure we relieve tax burdens on our hardworking families.”

Assemblymember The program, which is in its second year, applies to items Sam Roberts purchased in person, over the Internet, by phone or by mail, and will save taxpayers an estimated $210 million. This year, the amount for the sales tax exemption has doubled from clothing and footwear sold at $55 or less, to items sold at $110 or less.

“Making sure our middle class thrives is critical, especially for our local economy,” Assemblymember Roberts said. “Providing tax breaks for the middle class and passing the lowest income tax rates in 58 years, along with the recent sales tax repeal, are steps in the right direction.”

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May 2012

Arts & Entertainment

Ebony Hillbillies to perform EXPLORE CNY

On Newstands Now The Ebony Hillbillies to appear at Southwest Center and May Memorial

Your insight and input is needed and appreciated for a tremendously moving cultural event.

Organizers are very excited that the Ebony Hillbillies, one of the premier black string bands in the United States, will be doing a special program at at 2 p.m. on Saturday. May 19, at the Southwest Community Center in addition to their appearance at the Folkus Project concert on Friday, May 18, at May Memorial.

A 45-minute presentation was held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, at the Southwest Community Center.

Your thoughts to help to make this event as far reaching as possible are sought, and if your organization wishes to help in the many opportunities including refreshments and finance, organizers would welcome your assistance.

Join them as they entertain and educate our communities on the many types of music that are part of our rich tradition.

This is a special treat!

Anyone interested in attending may RSVP Melody Holmes at 428.1626 or Bernard Alex at 671-5832.

Central New York’s newest resource dedicated to bringing you the best the region has to offer. Explore CNY will give you an inside look at family & community, dining, outdoors, arts & culture, travel, shopping, golf, history, music & entertainment and much more!

Look for the Summer Edition this June

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Arts & Entertainment

Syracuse Stage announces 40th Season Classic and contemporary works offer a celebration of theatre arts

Syracuse Stage’s upcoming 40th Anniversary Season will be offering a riveting adaptation of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick complete with 16 authentic sea shanties, the heartwarming holiday favorite White Christmas with familiar tunes by Irving Berlin, glorious storytelling and political humor in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, enchanted woods and romance in Shakespeare’s best-known comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, sharp humor from South Boston in the critically acclaimed Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire, and an edgy adaptation of Homer’s epic An Iliad told by a single poet.

In addition, Stage will present the world premiere of Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo, by Ping Chong and Kyle Bass, for a limited engagement prior to a New York run.

“The artistry and work of many have built this theatre over the years and have made it a vital cultural center for Central New York and a nationally recognized professional theatre that attracts the country’s leading actors, directors and designers. We salute them and we are proud to continue the good work they started and maintained,” said Producing Artistic Director Timothy Bond. “The plays in the 2012-2013 Season are prime examples of the kind of theatre we want to share with you. They are plays that speak to us about our lives this very moment.”

All of the plays in the 2012-2013 Season will be presented in the 500-seat Archbold Theatre, with the exception of An Iliad which will be performed in the Storch Theatre with avenue seating (similar in setup to Stage’s 2010 production of Lookingglass Alice).

Six-play subscribers may renew their seats by calling the Syracuse Stage Box Office at 443-3275. Benefits to subscribing include a discounted ticket for each play and one free ticket, best seats (available before the general public), best discounts on additional single tickets, discounts to area restaurants, unlimited ticket exchanges, a ticket replacement guarantee, and Syracuse Stage’s insider newsletter StageView mailed to subscribers’ homes.

By subscribing to special subscription series, patrons may take advantage of a number of programs at no additional charge. Special series include the Wednesday @ 1 Lecture Series, Actor Talkback Series, Sign Interpreted Series, Audio Described Series, Open Captioned Series, and Live in the Sutton Series featuring live music after opening night performances.

Prices for 6-Play Subscriptions range $135-$279 for adults, with variations depending on the day of the week and seating section. Discounts are available for seniors, age 40 & Under, and age 18 & Under.

Six-play Subscription Series

Moby Dick A Riveting, Physical Adaptation with 16 Authentic Sea Shanties Adapted for the stage by Julian Rad; adapted from the book

by Herman Melville; directed by Peter Amster Oct. 10 – Nov. 4

Quote: “Riveting. A brilliant new adaptation… interspersed with a score of haunting traditional sea shanties.”

– Nassau Herald Description: Alive with a soundscape of 16 authentic sea shanties and performed by an ensemble of nine, this highly physical adaption cuts to the core of Melville’s searing narrative and plays with the fury of a Nantucket sleigh ride. A young man seeks adventure on a whaling vessel and finds himself a pawn in an obsessive pursuit of vengeance that threatens death and destruction for all. Director Peter Amster (The 39 Steps and The Fantasticks) returns to guide the ensemble in this thrilling and critically acclaimed telling of a classic American tale.

Iriving Berlin’s White Christmas The Beloved and Heartwarming Musical with a Score of American Standards Based on the Paramount Pictures film; music and lyrics by Irving Berlin; book by David Ives and Paul Blake.

Directed by Paul Barnes; musical direction by Christopher Drobny; choreography by David Wanstreet; co-produced with SU Drama.

Nov. 23 – Dec. 30 Quote: “Great family fun… a holiday hit!” – St. Louis Post Dispatch Description: The title song alone is a holiday celebration and a reminder of a time when the simplest pleasures mattered most and having a big heart was genuinely considered a virtue. Two successful showmen join forces to help out their old army commander. Along the way they find, lose, and find romance, have plenty of laughs, and demonstrate what it means to be loyal. The score is filled with favorites—“Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”—and the choreography calls for plenty of tap. Winter may not deliver a White Christmas, but director Paul Barnes (The Miracle Worker) and a talented cast sure will.

August Wilson’s August Wilson’s Two Trains Running Directed by Timothy Bond Jan. 30 – Feb. 17, 2013 Quote: “Glorious storytelling… a penetrating revelation of a world hidden from view to those outside it.” – The New York Times Description: Timothy Bond’s previous Syracuse productions from August Wilson’s 20th Century Cycle (Radio Golf, Fences, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) prove that this twotime Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright is indeed the voice of a century. His dialogue soars with the music and power of operatic arias and his characters inspire great performances.

In Two Trains Running, an optimistic ex-con enters the insular confines of Memphis Lee’s diner and awakens a cast of older and skeptical characters to the possibilities of a new era.

Set in the turbulence of 1969, a time much like today, Two Trains Running is one of the most humorous and politically potent of Wilson’s plays.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Enchanted Woods, Romance, and Rollicking, Frolicking Comedy

By William Shakespeare Directed by William Fennelly Co-produced with SU Drama March 6 – 31, 2013 Quote: “A celebration of life and fancy, of man and his imagination, his fate, and the brevity of his brief candle in the light of the world.” – The New York Times Description: In Shakespeare’s hands, magic and romance and the very midsummer madness make for intoxication, enchantment, and rollicking, frolicking comedy. Get on your mud boots and your donkey ears (is there any character more wonderfully over-the-top than Bottom?) ‘cause it’s off to the woods with four eager young lovers, a band of hapless rustics, and rival camps of puckish sprites. “All will be well!” Oberon bellows, but it will be a myriad of magical moments and a few hours of laughter before that happens. Background: William Shakespeare (1564—1616), or the “Bard of Avon,” wrote about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. Midsummer is one of his most performed plays and his best-known comedy.

Good People Sharp Humor from South Boston—A Clash of Race and Class

By David Lindsay-Abaire Directed by Laura Kepley April 24 – May 12, 2013 Quote: “Grandly entertaining… David Lindsay-Abaire’s best work to date.” – Slant Magazine Description: Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) returns to his hometown of South Boston and captures the tangy rhythms and sharp humor of the old neighborhood for an edgy take on the state of current affairs in this 2011 Tony-nominated play. Margie (with hard g) is a single mom who just lost her job, is behind in her rent, and like many today, has zero prospects. With nowhere to turn, she seeks out an old friend Mike, the one who got away—from Southie and from her. What can she expect from Mike after 30 years? The journey from the old neighborhood to Chestnut Hill is fraught with twists and surprises and measured in much more than miles.

An Iliad An Edgy Adaptation of Homer’s Epic Story Told by a Single Poet, adapted from Homer by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, translation by Robert Fagles, Directed by Penny Metropulos Performed in The Storch Theatre May 15 – June 9, 2013 Quote: “A sweeping, visceral theatrical event that commands attention from start to finish.” – TheatreMania.com Description: This remarkable interpretation of Homer’s account of The Trojan War vivifies the tale’s epic power while

See Syracuse Stage, p. 10

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Church News

May 2012

9

Ten things church visitors are looking for There is a danger in being overly sensitive to what people think of your church. The church is to follow the Bible’s teaching, regardless of what people think. At the same time, it is important to understand how people are feeling, thinking, and seeking as they attend a new church.

It can help to get inside the head of a visitor and realize what they’re looking for.

1. Warmth. This has nothing to do with your thermostat setting. Church attitude can be felt, and if a newcomer experiences a detached or clique-like atmosphere, they are not likely to stay long.

2. Welcome. Closely related is the idea of receptivity. A person wants to feel welcome. The church ought to be a place where people will be welcomed, regardless of they way they look, smell, or act.

This can be difficult for some churches to achieve, especially if that church is characterized by uniformity of race or socioeconomic level. Being welcome to all people may be hard, but it is extremely important.

3. Real people. Some churches can foster a spirit of artificiality. Somehow, people act differently at church, putting on a veneer of spirituality. People can see right through this, and visitors can sense the inauthenticity. Being artificial implicitly encourages others around you to be artificial in turn, creating an entire atmosphere of plastic people and shallow relationships.

4. Substantial teaching. Most likely, the bulk of a visitor’s time will be spent listening to the preacher. Is the preaching clear? Does it connect with people where they are? Does it faithfully reflect what Scripture teaches? The last thing you want to hear a visitor mutter on the way out is, “I had no idea what that guy was talking about.”

5. Whole-person care. Churches are rightly concerned with people’s spiritual lives, but this should not mean the neglect of other facets of care and responsi-

bility. Scripture is replete with references to the church caring for the physical needs of others. It is important that visitors are aware that the church is not simply a weekly spiritual recharge, but is a caring community of people eager to help in whatever ways are possible.

6. Ministry and outreach. The introchurch is a problem. People often leave churches if they sense that the church is not actively seeking to make a difference in the community. It is easy to allow the church to become focused on its own needs, concerns, and preoccupations, but this is something that is neither Scriptural nor inviting to “outsiders.”

7. Involvement. Does your church afford an opportunity for people to be involved? Many people visit churches, not because they are looking for a place to melt into anonymity, but because they are looking for a place to connect, to use their gifts, and to develop a ministry.

8. Growth and vibrancy. A church doesn’t have to be big to be appealing to a visitor. What is important is a sense of purpose, action, and life. Few people, if anyone, are looking for a church characterized by sleepy inactivity. A truly welcoming church is a church that puts off an atmosphere of life and energy.

9. Leadership integrity. Like it or not, churches can be places of abuse—spiritual abuse, which leaves long-term scars and lasting damage. Perhaps one of the most important factors for newcomers is the sense of integrity that they sense from the leadership. They may wonder, “Is this person honest? Will they be willing to

meet with me for counseling? Will they be cruel or heartless in the way that they respond to my sin problem?” The integrity of a church leadership is felt, not expressed, and usually, it’s hard to fake it.

10. Adjustment period.

Generally speaking, visitors don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Take a hint. Don’t draw attention to them, either. I’ve been to churches where the visitor stands while everyone else sings a song (bad idea).

Another church I visited, all visitors were given a rose sticker and asked to wear it after the service (also a bad idea). Some visitors may love these gimmicks, but for the most part, visitors

would prefer to watch, to observe, to sit back and take it in, at least at first. Let them do so. A visitor packet or a word of welcome or something may be appropriate, but try not to be too obvious about out who the first-timers are. Give them some space.

Having a church that is open to visitors isn’t simply a matter of having nice-looking facilities and greeters with smiles. It’s about so much more. A truly welcoming church is a church that is characterized by genuine, growing, Christians seeking to minister to others. This kind of attitude should pervade every aspect of ministry, including the testimony and life of the leadership. Rather than becoming obsessed with the color of the bricks or the quality of the church signage, pay attention to your own heart. People come to churches because of people—people who are growing and loving.

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By admin in Christian Ministry Articles

10 May 2012

urbanCNY

EAGLE

NEWSPAPERS

Arts & Entertainment

The Commodores among acts scheduled to perform in the 2012 Chevy Court concert series The New York State Fair has announced the first three acts that will perform on Chevy Court during the 2012 Fair. Two different acts will perform each day at 2 and 8 p.m. All shows at Chevy Court are free with Fair admission.

Alternative rock band Neon Trees, renowned jazz and swing band the Buddy Rich Big Band

and American funk/soul band The Commodores will perform in the 2012 Chevy Court concert series.

“These performers will bring a broad range of music lovers to the Fair,” said State Fair Director, Dan O’Hara. “We want the music on Chevy Court to appeal to everyone who walks through

the gates by offering a great deal of variety in music and performers.”

The Commodores, an immensely successful American R&B band, will perform Friday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. The group has sold more than 60 million records worldwide and has had at least 10 Top 10 songs since they signed with Motown in

1972. The 1970’s and 80’s brought several classic hits for the group including “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” “Brick House,” and “Nightshift.”

All shows on Chevy Court are free with Fair admission. More New York State Fair concerts will be announced soon. The 2012 Fair will run from Aug. 23 to Sept. 3.

Summer Music Enrichment presented by network, CFAC The Community Folk Art Center (CFAC) will be partnering with Joan Hillsman’s Music Network (JHMN) in order to bring music classes, lessons in gospel music techniques, vocal coaching, church music ministries/workshops, liturgical dance, theory/music reading

and more specialty classes for the community.

Youth and adult ages are welcome by calling CFAC at 442-2230 or J. Hillsman at jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Private Lessons and master classes are available. Register now, as space is limited. Classes begin,

Tuesday,June 14.

To celebrate the partnership, there will be a Reception at CFAC, 805 E. Genesee St., Saturday, June 11 th, 1PM-3PM. Free to the public, Entertainment by the Syracuse Gospel Music Workshop Choir, Prizes, tour and refreshments.

Boyce Watkins A recent survey confirms that others African-Americans feel the same way. In a recent Your Black World/Kulture Kritic survey, the majority of African-American respondents (72.3 percent) feel that most Americans falsely believe that black leadership is defined primarily by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Also, nearly two-thirds of African-American respondents (63.8 percent) believe that black leaders are typically chosen by white media.

Also, most of the black respondents (85 percent) said they were either unhappy or extremely unhappy with the state of Black leadership in America. The fact is that the problems in our community are too numerous to mention. Mass incarceration has taken away millions of black fathers,

...from p. 3 our schools are not educating our kids, our economic opportunities are getting worse, and violence has put many cities in a state of emergency. All the while, Washington politicians care nothing about the holocaust occurring in urban centers across the country and many black figureheads are more concerned with maintaining their status as Washington insiders than they are about finding real solutions.

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton should not be blamed for the sad state of black leadership in America. When I hear others complain about what Al and Jesse are not doing, I simply ask if they feel they can effectively compare their own contributions to those of Sharpton and Jackson. For all of their imperfections, it’s sad that we some-

how feel the need to throw the baby out with the bath water.

What remains clear, however, is that the concept of black leadership absolutely must change right now. It must be decentralized, so that all of us are carrying the weight, instead of waiting for a small group of people to get everything done. We must also consider what experts in multiple fields have to offer, instead of sending our favorite preacher to the White House to discuss economic and educational policy. All of us are Black leaders, whether it be in our families, in our social circles or in our communities.

Power must be restored to the people.

When a tornado devastates a small town, the mess can be overwhelming. It is not going to clean itself up, and it’s certainly

Collette our process. I believe we will only continue to relationship and trust and mutual respect. It’s a very hierarchical system. He’s in charge. If he commands one of his officers to speak with us, that’s a command.

What would it take to bring the PBA into the discussion?

not going to be cleaned up if the majority of the town’s residents watch while two or three people do the work. The only way the mess is cleaned up is if everyone does their part to help manage the devastation.

The same is true for the destruction that has occurred in black America over the last 50 years. All of us must do our part on some small level and proclaim ourselves to be black leaders. By working together and making our own contributions, we can find a way out of this mess. But if we continue using the same methodology, we are going to get the same old tired results.

It’s time to try something different.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition

...from p. 2 I think what the union needs to see is that the CRB is an ethical, fair-minded body of people. We need to show them how we judge cases, how we do our job.

Over time there is the opportunity of earning trust in the relationship. The mayor could support us in that, but nothing’s going to

change right away. It’s going to take time.

In general, are the people in Syracuse scared of the police?

It depends on who you are. I think that our interactions with police in this community is a race and class issue. If you live in Strathmore, and you’re white, upper middle class or wealthy,

Syracuse Stage capturing the immediacy of a story told around an open fire. A lone poet, an ancient story-teller, weaves contemporary speech with evocative poetry to create an electrifying encounter with this profoundly resonant chronicle of a distant conflict. Director Penny Metropulos (Up, Picasso at the Lapine Agile, and Red) and actor Joseph Graves (Red) return for this taut and critically-heralded

Joan Hillsman

you’re not afraid of the police—you probably know people who are police officers. But if you’re African-American, and you grew up on the Southside, growing up watching violence and police activity in your neighborhood, you probably don’t trust the police, you probably are to some degree afraid of the police.

...from p. 8 adaptation.

World Premiere

Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo Written by Ping Chong and Kyle Bass with Sara Zatz Cyprien Mihigo, Dramaturg/Cultural Consultant, in collaboration with the performers and the Congolese community of Syracuse Sept. 14 – 23

Quote: “Let those speak who have seen with their own eyes.” - Congolese proverb Description: Based on in-depth interviews, Cry From Peace: Voices from the Congo brings to the stage five real people, including survivors and refugees from the recent Congolese civil war, members of once opposing tribes—the abductor and the violated—struggling to leave the past behind

and form a peaceful community in Central New York. A composition of interwoven personal narratives, powerful images and beautiful songs, Cry for Peace is a rich theatrical experience—a searing, moving and hopeful hymn to the power of the human spirit. From the creators of the acclaimed Tales from the Salt City.

Be sure to pick up the Wine & Dine edition of Syracuse Woman Magazine.

Available at over 200 locations throughout CNY, plus most Tops, Wegmans and Price Chopper locations.

Interactive, online version available at: syracusewoman mag.com/swm To advertise in our June issue, call:

315-434-8889 Ext. 315.

Deadline Fri., May 11th.