Inside: Black History Month and more!
Governor Cuomo, Governor Rosselló and More Than One Thousand New Yorkers across the State Rally In Support of Puerto Rico
Having A Ball: Walsh Supporters and Friends Had a Funky Good Time at The Inaugural Ball
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh issue statements of support More Than One Thousand New Yorkers – From Albany to Buffalo – Demand Immediate Action from the Federal Government to Assist Puerto Rico
What We Must Not Forget About Black History Month
Make Your Voice Heard: Call Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to Provide Immediate Relief for Puerto Rico Speaker Paul Ryan, (202) 225-0600; Senate Majority Leader McConnell, (202) 224-2541
On Saturday, February 3rd, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Governor Ricardo A. Rosselló joined more than one thousand New Yorkers across the state to rally in support of Puerto Rico and call on the federal government to fully fund the island’s $94.4 billion disaster relief aid package. At a rally in New York City, Governors Cuomo and Rosselló urged Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to provide immediate relief to New York’s brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, with this unprecedented call to action
vere damage from Hurricane Maria in September 2017. “Puerto Rico is not a foreign country. These are American citizens, our brothers and sisters, and as New Yorkers it is our responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” Governor Cuomo said. “While the federal replicated at events in Albany, Buf- administration flounders and our falo, Cornell, Rochester and Syra- neighbors remain living in unaccuse. This wave of support builds ceptable conditions, New York’s on Governor Cuomo’s continued commitment to Puerto Rico will not commitment to help the people of rest. We are calling on President Puerto Rico build back and restore Trump and his administration to its power grid, which suffered se(Continued on page 2)
Next to Normal: A Riveting Rock Musical with a Psychological Message for the Soul at Syracuse Stage
Congressional Candidate Dana Balter Ends Quarter with Momentum
(Continued from page 1)
fully fund the aid package Puerto Rico so desperately needs, and to finally deliver fairness for our fellow Americans citizens.” “From day one, Governor Cuomo has stepped up to help Puerto Rico recover, and he continues to step up every day with supplies, resources and support,” Governor Ricardo Rosselló said. “Thanks to his support and our New York brothers and sisters, we have made great strides in our recovery, but there is still much work to be done. We stand united as we call on Congress to give us the help we so desperately need to fully rebuild back stronger than before.” Building on Governor Cuomo’s efforts to deliver resources to the island through the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort and the Mutual Aid process, rally events attended by hundreds of New Yorkers took place across the state on Saturday, February 3. Events took place in:
Albany at the Albany Labor Temple
Buffalo at The Belle Center
Ithaca at Cornell University’s Biotechnology Building
Rochester at Our Lady of the Americas Church
Syracuse at The Warehouse Building
Since Puerto Rico’s recovery process began more than 130 days ago, progress has been made in restoring power to some communities, but critical improvements remain gridlocked by the lack of attention and funding from the federal government, including the restoration of power to nearly one-third of the island. To urge the federal government to immediately and fully fund the $94.4 billion Build Back Better Plan, call your Speaker Paul
Ryan at (202) 225-0600 and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at (202) 224 -2541 and make your voice heard. Restoring Power to Puerto Rico At the Governor’s direction and led by the New York Power Authority, the New York utility contingent working on power restoration in the San Juan metro area have restored power to nearly 280,000 customers, roughly 91 percent of the customers in the area. With 297 distribution circuits restored, the New York contingent is entering the last mile of its power restoration efforts, and it is anticipated that electricity services will be substantially restored to the San Juan region by mid-March. Since November, under the Governor’s direction, New York State has maintained a contingent of more than 450 utility workers, led by NYPA, including workers from Con Edison, National Grid, PSEG, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp, and AVANGRID. The teams have been coordinating directly with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The crews have been undertaking repairs to transmission lines and supporting other electric infrastructure work. These dedicated utility workers arrived with hundreds of bucket trucks, diggers, excavators and other specialized equipment for undertaking the necessary repairs to damaged transmission and distribution lines. Building Puerto Rico Back Better In December, Governors Cuomo and Rosselló and members of the New York Congressional Delegation released a Build Back Better Assessment Report that called for a $94.4 billion federal aid package to rebuild a stronger, more resilient Puerto Rico. The plan identified specific sectors needing investments, including
housing, power grid and resiliency, agriculture and others. Together with $487 million for public safety and first response and $9 billion for long-term recovery management, the total funding need is $94.4 billion. Governor Cuomo also established the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Working Group and released the “Build Back Better” report, a comprehensive plan with recommendations on how to rebuild and transform Puerto Rico’s power system into one that it is more resilient, efficient, advanced and less dependent on fossil fuel imports that cost Puerto Ricans more than $2 billion annually. The report, created by the Energy Resiliency Working Group, identifies and recommends a total of $17 billion in power system repair, resiliency and modernization investments in Puerto Rico.
Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort New York has deployed more than 1,000 personnel and distributed 4,400 pallets of supplies collected from 13 donations sites across the state: Personnel deployed include:
More than 450 New York utility personnel, more than 50 Tactical Power Restoration experts, and 15 damage assessment experts
132 National Guard Military Police
125 National Guard Engineers
60 National Guard soldiers
Four Black Hawk helicopters
14 Airmen
156 Volunteer Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners
More than 70 Port Authority personnel
More than 130 State Troopers
Five-member logistical support team from the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
Two Department of Environmental Conservation drone pilots
Supplies distributed include:
2 million bottles of water
1 million individual baby wipes (Continued on page 5)
Having A Ball: Walsh Supporters and Friends Had a Funky Good Time at The Inaugural Ball Those attending the People donned their Walsh Inaugural Ball were finest attire which treated to some of the meant plenty of best food and entertaingowns, tuxedos, and ment Syracuse has to ofwell quaffed hair. As fer. Within the walls of a one longtime particinow vacant Postpant in the Syracuse Standard Building on the political scene noted, second floor, there’s a “These are all new party going on. The live faces, this is the new band played James Syracuse.” Brown among other crowd Organizers had favorites, and the DJ had the requisite the dance floor full all evening. Surveying photo station, where attendees posed the room and listening to comments by some for pictures with the evening’s motif in attendance it was clear, this was not your prominently displayed on all backaverage Syracuse Mayoral Inaugural Ball. grounds. Just as with Mayor Walsh’s swearing- in cerThe hallmark of this event was the incluemony at the Landmark Theater, starting sion of a plethora of Syracuse area food with the familiar sounds of a precision drill vendors. Vendors included but not limteam followed by Bagpipes. The Inaugural Ball was an eclectic gathering of people who ited to; Funk ‘n Waffles, Otro Cinco, Pastabilities, The Stoop, Soup R Salwere in some way connected with the camads, Hofmann Hot Dogs, With Love respaign. In addition, the event attracted those taurant, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Kevi’s who just wanted to be there to congratulate the new Mayor, and partake in the festivities. Treats, Crave, Freedom of Espresso and Glazed & Confused Donuts. From
Brisket to Collard Greens, companies serving at various food stations are all recognizable, adding a Taste of Syracuse touch to the wellattended event. Saying a good time was had by all, is an understatement. As the Mayor took to the dancefloor to a popular rap/hip hop song he was surrounded by partying supporters shouting, “Go Ben…. Go Ben… Go Ben”.
Published monthly online by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022 Walt Shepperd Senior Editor Urban CNY 105 Rann Ave. Syracuse, NY 13204 For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at urbancny.com
What We Must Not Forget About Black History Month By Ken Jackson
There’s a muttering sound about the continued usefulness of Black History Month. As we’ve moved further away from segregation, Jim Crow and state sponsored terror some are forgetting the history of Black History Month. And why the ongoing celebration remains an important part of our struggle for the recognition of African Americans achievement. Inventions whose creators’ identity has been erased and their contributions to America have been buried, lost or stolen.
serve, and publish documents on Black life and Black people.
the development of crop rotation, the traffic light, the mail box, gas mask, fountain pen, typewriter, telegraph, golf tee, automatic In 1926, Negro History gear shift, commode toilet--- to the method of Week was established; the dry cleaning clothes, the electric lamp, and week was a time in which the automatic car coupler and air brake for contributions by blacks the railroad. Just to name a few. were emphasized. The month of February was What began as Negro History Week was onselected to honor Freder- ly expanded to include the entire month by ick Douglass and Abraham Presidential Proclamation, extending the Lincoln who were both time Americans would focus on the achieveborn in that month. Acments of African-Americans. In 1976 during cording to the Association the nations Bicentennial, President Gerald R. for the Study of African Ford urged Americans to “seize the opporAmerican Life and History, “The response to tunity to honor the too-often neglected acCarter G. Woodson was the son of former Negro History Week was overwhelming: complishments of black Americans in every slaves. He recognized that of all the hunBlack history clubs sprang up; teachers de- area of endeavor throughout our history.” dreds of Black men and women who promanded materials to instruct their pupils; and Woodson did not view “Negro History Week” duced substantial inventions, only four Black progressive whites, not simply white scholars as something that would continue indefiniteinventors have been inducted into the Naand philanthropists, stepped forward to enly. In fact, according to historical accounts tional Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio. dorse the effort.” compiled by Dorothy E. Lyles, “Dr. Woodson In 1916, Woodson co-founded the Associa- Dr. Woodson's concept of recognizing this often said that he hoped the time would come when Negro History Week would be tion for the Study of Negro Life and History, omission and his method of addressing the in 1976 the organization was renamed the issue has given a profound sense of dignity unnecessary; when all Americans would willingly recognize the contributions of Black Association for the Study of Afro-American to all Black Americans. Americans as a legitimate and integral part Life and History. The purpose of the organiBlack Inventors' contributions were instruof the history of this country.” That time zation was to publish and fund research and mental in the growth of America from an ag“when all Americans would willingly recogwriting projects about black history. And to ricultural society to an industrial powerhouse. nize” is yet to come. train Black historians and to collect, preAfrican-Americans are responsible for product innovation we now take for granted; from
Crouse Health Names Clinical Quality Medical Director Crouse Health has appointed Allison Duggan, MD, FACS, Clinical Quality Medical Director for the health system. Dr. Duggan is an accomplished healthcare leader dedicated to clinical and operational excellence. Most recently she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Oswego Health, where she helped lead a number of quality initiatives leading to enhanced patient, physician and employee satisfaction. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Medical Affairs for the hospital. In her new role at Crouse, Dr. Duggan will
(Continued from page 2)
9 million diapers
321,830 feminine products
101,520 containers of baby food
91,164 canned goods
64,400 bottles/pouches of juice/sport drinks
13,275 flashlights
8,600 solar lamps
5,440 first aid kits
1,181 water filtration systems
155,000 miles of utility cable, 7,600 splice kits 1,485 cross arms and 50 transformers for power restoration efforts
More than $1 million in critical medication and supplies for San Juan, Vieques, Culebra and other locations, in partnership with GNYHA and the Afya Foundation
In a statement, Senator José M. Serrano Jr. said, “I stand in solidarity with Governor Cuomo as we call on the federal administration to fund the $95 billion dollar disaster relief package that will rebuild communities and restore power to Puerto Rico. It’s been more than five months since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island of Puerto Rico, and with
much of the island still without power, it is time for our federal government to step up and take action that was needed on day one to help our fellow Americans.”
work collaboratively across departments in the development and oversight of medical care quality improvement initiatives, including new projects in support of our culture and mission of providing the best in patient care. She will work closely with Tom Hartzheim, MD, surgical quality medical director, as well as other providers, nursing and quality team members. A Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Duggan completed her medical training at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. She previously worked as a general and breast surgeon in Oswego.
resources to those in Puerto Rico. These are dire circumstances, and I urge our federal government to provide full aid and funding to those in need in Puerto Rico.”
While dozens of downstate State Senators and Assembly members stood behind Gov. Cuomo’s efforts to assist in the rebuilding of Puerto Rico, the following is what our local Syracuse Syracuse area representatives had so say in University Vice President of support of this state-wide effort. Community Engagement Bea Gonzalez who was part of the Local reaction to the Crisis on the Island demonstrations at Syracuse of Puerto Rico University said, “It has been more than 120 days since HurOnondaga County ricane Maria devastated parts Executive Joanie of the United States, including Puerto Rico. Mahoney said, However the island of Puerto Rico is still no“When Hurricane Maria devastated the where near what it was before the storm. Island of Puerto Ri- Thanks to Governor Cuomo, New York State co, Governor Cuomo has been a key supporter as the island has led immediate relief navigated its long and road to recovery. It is efforts to help those critical that the federal government deliver in need. People from across State, including much-needed assistance as quickly as posmany from Central New York, stepped up to sible to the people of Puerto Rico.” volunteer, donate or provide aid to those in For more information about the recovery and need and we are grateful for their effort.” relief efforts underway in Puerto Rico, and to Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh added, “It is no learn how you can assist, please visit the Governor’s Empire State Relief and Resurprise that Governor Cuomo guided New covery Effort for Puerto Rico and the U.S. York to the aid of Puerto Rico, because Virgin Islands webpage. when someone is in need, New Yorkers always step up. New York has provided critical
City’s Innovation Team begins second phase of process to determine their area of focus in 2018 Syracuse residents can now vote for which challenge the i-team should take on this year ·
Sidewalk Maintenance and Snow Removal
·
Alternative Transportation
·
Neighborhood Business Districts
·
Housing Stability
·
Sustainability & Renewable Energy
Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Teams Program Now working in more than 20 cities across four countries, the Innovation Teams Program helps cities solve problems in new ways to deliver better results for residents. Syracuse, NY – The City of Syracuse’s Of-
term, Mayor Walsh and the i-team are asking
fice of Innovation, or “i-team,” is taking the
for public input to select the priority area.
next step to determine their focus area for 2018. After an initial round of online voting, six issues emerged as the most popular choices, from which the City is now asking residents to vote on their top picks using a new online platform that builds community engagement. “We’re constantly looking at how we can more easily and more effectively engage the community in our work,” said Adria Finch, Director of the Office of Innovation. “My team is excited to test out a new platform, which fosters public participation and improves the decisionmaking process.” The i-team was formed in 2015 with a $1.35 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The team works closely with residents and city staff to design solutions with clear goals and rigorously measure progress. In the past, the team has focused on infrastructure, opportunity and housing. Kicking off his new
Bloomberg Philanthropies awards cities multi -year grants to create in-house innovation teams, or “i-teams,” which offer cities a dif-
Voting began last night at Mayor Walsh’s
ferent set of tools and techniques to innovate
State of the City address and will continue
more effectively and tackle critical challeng-
until Feb. 14. Individuals can cast two votes
es—from reducing violent crime to revitaliz-
in favor of potential priority areas and one
ing neighborhoods to strengthening the
vote against a potential priority area at http:// growth of small businesses. www.innovatesyracuse.com/vote. City of Syracuse Office of Innovation Paper ballots will also be available at liSince its launch in 2015, the Syracuse ibraries and community centers throughout team helped make substantial progress on the City, including Syracuse Northeast previous focus areas like improving the city’s Community Center, Westcott Community water and road infrastructure—filling over Center, the Central Library, White Branch 15,000 potholes, more than doubling its Library, Mundy Branch Library, Beauchamp speed in resolving requests for repairs from Branch Library, Hazard Branch Library, residents, saving over $1.2 million on infraPaine Branch Library and Petit Branch Listructure costs, and winning over $750,000 brary. This list is still growing. more in state infrastructure grants. AdditionThe top topics that receive the most votes ally, the team’s most recent work with the will go to the Mayor for final review. The
Division of Code Enforcement has yielded an
community can expect a decision by the end 18.2 percentage point increase in code comof February. pliance. Nearly 60% of violations, including The 6 idea categories that voters can choose health and safety violations such as heat and water shutoffs, infestations, and chipping from are: lead paint, were successfully resolved by ·
Neighborhood Beautification
property owners on time.
Urban CNY Review Syracuse Stage Next to Normal: A Riveting Rock Musical with a Psychological Message for the Soul This is a story about an entire family coping with mental illness. The character Diane is at the center of the play, a wife and mother whose struggles with bipolar disorder impact her family. Before your eyes unfolds a rock/ pop musical, but at its center is a poignant family drama.
multi-talented nerd, to a young woman coming of age with the prospect of finding love, only to have the specter of mental illness Next to Normal joins a distinguished list of dangling over only 9 musicals awarded the Pulitzer Prize her, perhaps a for Drama. Being number eight, was recently harbinger of joined by the Broadway Hit, Hamilton. things to come. According to the National Institute of Health, Natalie’s boyBipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 friend (Henry) is played by Taylor Fauntlemillion adult Americans or about 2.6% of the roy. Henry is crucial to the play because, it U.S. population age 18 and older every year. was he who had self-imposed limitaAnd for this condition many people are on tions. Next to Normal, unveiled more quessome type of medication. Which ones work? tions than answers about prescription mediThe music score crackles with references to cations and marijuana; the writers put everythese medications and the ease at which thing on the table. they’re dispensed. Paxil, Xanax, and others… perhaps this time they’ll work? This play is not predictable, just as psychotic As Syracuse Stage breakdowns aren’t scheduled events. Artistic Director Robert What do Doctors prescribe for the brain, cor- Hupp explained “‘Next rect the dread that follows a sufferer of these to Normal’ is a story of psychological maladies? how a smart and insightful wife and mothBroadway veteran Judy McLane leads the er wrestles with inescast as Diane, a mother whose struggles becapable mental illness come clear as the play focuses on her sympand how that illness toms. McLane’s transformation into this multi affects her caregiving -dimensional character is mesmerizing as husband and her teenshe has the task of portraying episodic aged daughter” symptoms of her condition. When it’s not her soaring vocals carrying the story, it’s Next to Normal invites McLane’s gestures, ever so slight that conthe theatergoer on a vey the pain trapped inside her. rock infused musical journey to the center of New York actor Glenn Seven Allen portrays a dysfunctional famiDiane’s husband Dan, the loving caregiving ly’s mind. As the audihusband and father. Provided the narrative ence left the theater, of a frustrated husband who only wants the lobby conversations woman he fell in love with years ago to reensued, as people turn to her brain. were anxious to share what they’d just seen. The couple’s daughter (Natalie) played by Sara Masterson, a high school senior trying The Syracuse Stage production of Next to to navigate her way through her mother’s Normal, provocative illness and her own seemingly chaotic life. theater at its best. DiMasterson guides her character from the
rector Robert Hupp takes you on a journey so visual, you can interpret the play by just watching the actors move. Don’t miss this important play at Syracuse Stage, Next to Normal, runs through February 11th.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield makes $95,000 in Community Health Awards available to nonprofits in upstate New York Nonprofit organizations in the Central New York region are invited to apply for grants Syracuse, N.Y. — Nonprofit organizations in upstate New York can apply for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Award grants that add up to a total of $95,000, which the company is offering to help fund health and wellness programs in upstate New York.
HeadQuarters, Liberty Resources, REACH CNY and Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility. Calvary Food Pantry in Auburn and McGraw Lions Club, McGraw, were also 2017 Community Health Award winners.
plication, go to www.excellusbcbs.com/ community. Awards will be announced in March. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield divides its 31county upstate New York operating area into “The company’s Community Health Awards four regions: the Central New York region, which Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus demonstrate a corporate commitment to supincludes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county upstate New port local organizations that share our mission as and Tompkins counties; the Central New York York region are invited to apply for an award of a nonprofit health plan,” said Jim Reed, regional Southern Tier region, including Broome, up to $4,000 each. The award can be used for president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “These Chemung, Chenango, Tioga, Schuyler and programs that have clear goals to improve the awards complement our existing grants and Steuben counties; the Rochester region, encomhealth or health care of a specific population. sponsorships with agencies that work to enhance passing Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Programs that improve the health status of the quality of life, including health status, in upstate Wayne and Yates counties; and the Utica region, community, reduce the incidence of specific dis- New York.” comprising Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, eases, promote health education and further Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Last year, eight Central New York organizations overall wellness will be considered. Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and St. were selected as Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Lawrence counties. The deadline to submit an application to be con- Community Health Award winners from among sidered for an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield 200 submitted applications in the 31-county up- The company’s corporate giving follows all appliCommunity Health Award is Monday, Feb. 19. To state New York region. The winning Syracusecable laws and regulations and does not support access additional information and the online ap- based organizations included Brady Faith Center, funding organizations that conflict with its corpoCatholic Charities of Onondaga County, Home rate mission, goals, policies or products.
Congressional Candidate Dana Balter Ends Quarter with Momentum (SYRACUSE, NY) - Since announcing her candidacy in September, Dana Balter’s campaign is picking up steam and to date has raised over $115,000, outraising all of her other Democratic opponents in the 4th quarter of 2017. Balter is running in the 24th Congressional
District, which is currently occupied by the vulnerable Republican incumbent John Katko. "With over 100 volunteers and over 900 donors, we are building a grassroots campaign, focused on issues that matter to the people of the 24th — better wages, better schools, and a chance to get ahead,” said Balter
en in the wake of the November election, Dana felt the need to get involved and take action, which is why she’s running for Congress.
“It’s inspiring to see people getting involved in this campaign who have never previously been involved in politics. People from across the district are raising their voices to demand change. I believe channeling this grassroots energy into A former special education teacher and a current electoral change is key to winning this seat in professor at Syracuse University, Dana Balter is November,” said Balter. running for Congress to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Dana will fight The 24th District includes all of Cayuga, Onondafor access to quality affordable healthcare, pro- ga, and Wayne counties and the western part of tect our natural resources, and work to build an Oswego County. New York’s 24th Congressional economy that works for everyone – not just bil- District is one of 23 Republican House districts lionaires and corporations. Like thousands wom- that Hillary Clinton won in 2016.
Crouse Hospital Celebrates Black History Month with a Schedule of Events Crouse Hospital has invited staff and the Syracuse community to commemorate Black History Month with special events planned. The kick-off begins with, “Celebrating Our Own” a networking event. On Saturday February 3rd a community event “Why Do People Fear Haiti?” is being held at the Dewitt Library. A discussion will be hosted by Jerome Walker. Events are scheduled throughout Black History Month. The schedule is listed below. Music provided by Sydni Eure & Deion Patterson
Friday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
Featuring:
“Celebrating Our Own” Networking Event in the small cafeteria Hosted by the Crouse D&I Committee, with a presentation by Jerome Walker
Kimberly Boynton, Crouse President & CEO;
Sean Herring, Black Expo Founder
Tyrone Bibby, YouTube Owner & Crouse Employee
Joseph Bryant, Bleu Chick
Tykemia Carman, Crave Dessert Studio
Saturday, Feb. 3, noon - 3:30 p.m. Black History Month Community Event Why Do People Fear Haiti? Jerome Walker will speak at the Dewitt Library, 5110 Jamesville Road (Free & Open to Public)
Wednesday, Feb. 7, noon – 12:30 p.m. Join us for Congregational Hymn-Singing in Chapel
Saturday, Feb. 17, noon – 5:00 p.m. Syracuse Black Expo’s Unity Day at the Syracuse Community Connections, 401 South Ave, Syracuse (Free & Open to Public)
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m. Black History Month Event at Commonwealth
Friday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Poetry Day in the small cafeteria Featuring: Marissa Saunders, Jackie Grace (she will have autographed books available for purchase), and Marie Techniq
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6 – 8 p.m. Black History Month Event: “Is Black History Month Relevant?”
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Jerome Walker will speak at the Fayetteville Library, 300 OrFeaturing Our Own! Spotlight on Tyrone chard St, Fayetteville (Free & Bibby, Cook, Tyrone will be cooking for employees in Open to Public) the cafeteria
Friday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Diverse Community Entrepreneurs Meet & Greet (Small Café)
Crouse BHM Celebration Schedule
Celebrates Black History Month
Fowler High School Graduate and OCC Alumnus Named National Alumni Award Winner Onondaga Community College alumnus Dr. Daryll Dykes, ‘83 has been named a 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award winner by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). He will receive the award Tuesday, May 1 at the AACC’s annual convention in Dallas, Texas. Dykes love of medicine started early. When he was a young boy growing up on Syracuse’s west side, he enjoyed visiting his mother while she worked as a nurse. After graduating from Fowler High School in 1980, Dykes joined the United States Marine Corps as a way of paying for college. When he completed his military obligation Dykes came to OCC and majored in Mathematics
& Science. “The classes and professors really ignited my passion for learning. The professors saw my talent, invested in it and pushed me to do great things,” Dykes said.
willing to return to campus and speak with students who today sit where he once sat. His message of hard work, perseverance and determination have had a positive impact on those he has spent time with.”
Dykes turned his passion for medicine into his career. Today he is one of the nation’s premier spine surgeons and owns his own practice, Medical and Surgical Spine Consultants of Minnesota.
Dykes is one of only three national Outstanding Alumni Award honorees in 2018. He is also the fourth OCC honoree in the last five years joining Dr. Emad Rahim in 2017, Laurie Halse Anderson in 2015 and John Dau in 2014. There are 1,462 community colleges in United “We are so proud of Dr. Dykes and his accomStates serving approximately 12 million students plishments,” said OCC President Dr. Casey Crabill. annually. According to the AACC, Onondaga Com“He is richly deserving of this recognition, and we munity College is the first institution to have four congratulate him. We’re grateful too that in the Outstanding Alumni Award honorees in five years. years since he earned his degree he has been
Finishing Trades Recruit Apprentices The Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York (Syracuse) will conduct a recruitment from January 24, 2018 through March 12, 2018 for five Drywall Taper (Finisher) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Please note that the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions, the Finger Lakes, Central, and Mohawk Valley regions. This program's jurisdiction includes the counties of Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Tioga, and Tomkins. Applications can also be obtained in person from the locations noted below. Completed applications can be returned to the locations noted below or mailed to: FTI of W & CNY, 585 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. 585 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY - Applicants who live in the counties of Allegany, Chautau-
qua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Steuben, and Wyoming: Applications can be obtained from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. 244 Paul Rd., Rochester, NY - Applicants who live in the counties of Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Yates: Applications can be obtained from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. 615 West Genesee St., Syracuse, NY - Applicants who live in the counties of Cayuga, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca: Applications can be obtained from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 17 years old. Must attest in writing that they are physically capable of performing the work of the trade, which may include: o Climbing and working from ladders, scaffolds, poles, and towers. o Crawling and working in confined spaces. o Lifting and carrying 50 to 100 pounds. o Walking fast on level surfaces. Must pass a drug screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture.
Must be legally able to work in the United States. Must possess a valid NYS driver's license. Apprentices may be required to operate company vehicles. Must have access to reliable transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction. Job sites are throughout western New York. Related instruction will be in Buffalo, NY, at one-week intervals, four times each year. Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture. For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or the Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York at (716) 565-0112. Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.