Syracuse Community Remembers and Celebrates, the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service is planned for Monday, January 16th at Southern Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Walker serves as their President. The IMA will also welcome aboard their newest Rev. DeCarto member, and Guest Speaker, Rev. DeCarto Draper of Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. Southern Missionary Baptist church is located at 3143 Midland Avenue. Service begins at 6:00 pm.
Join The Community Folk Art Center Monday January 16th for the Community Conversation on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Do You Hear What I Hear? Local Republicans are Silent After Carl Paladino’s Racist Rant Against the Obamas
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Celebration, Community Folk Art Center discussion session, Syracuse University’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Carrier Dome Event on January 29th, the Syracuse Community honors Dr. King.
ary, 2017, I, too, am America: A Song of Race and Language.
The Community Conversation on Martin Luther King Day begins at 3pm; it’s free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Martin Luther King Jr. day is seen by most as a day off to remember and honor a man who made a tremendous positive impact for this country. Opening January 24th CFAC preThe Community Folk Art Center’s holding a community conversation that will reinforce the idea that MLK day is not a day off but a day on in terms of service. It is a way to reflect on the great work of MLK and discuss ideas that we can work together as a community in 2017 and moving forward to continue to serve others. In addition to hosting the King forum the CFAC has an exhibition opening in Janu-
sents: I, too, am America: A Song of Race and Language In Ralph Ellison’s speech “What Children are Like” he discusses subcultures in African American Communities and how they are reflected through language. In conjunction with the powerful words of Langston Hughes, we are inspired to explore the extent of freedom of speech and the American dream. We are remind-
ing the community of the dangers exacerbated by language in the past and the hope that language can inspire for the future. This exhibition will allow for direct communication through interactive sculpture; to catch a glimpse into other’s experiences with candid photography and subject statements; and it will invite the viewer to observe social benchmarks of our past with poignant collages and prints.
Making College Tuition-Free For New York’s Middle-Class Families
Syracuse University’s 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration
Featuring works from: Jamaal Barber Ann “Sole Sister” Johnson Kleaver Crus/Black Joy Project Tuesday, January 24, 2017 - Saturday, March 25, 2017 12:00 am Community Folk Art Center 805 E. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210 (Continued on page 2)
Onondaga County Outreach Events Designed to Help with Home Heating Costs for Seniors
CFAC planted its roots in a small storefront on the corner of South Salina Street and Wood Avenue, then relocated to a converted auditorium on the East side, finally settling into their current space at 805 East Genesee Street, allowing CFAC to function as a multidisciplinary community art center. Located in the heart of the Connective Corridor, CFAC’s proud of their position as a venue for a cross section of our community to gather in the spirit of creative expression.
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Opening Reception: Friday, February 3, 2017 6:00pm – 8:00pm Panel Discussion/Artist Talk: Saturday, February 4, 2017 1:00pm This exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm For those who are not familiar with their history. Community Folk Art Center, Incorporated (CFAC) was founded in 1972 by the late Herbert T. Williams, a professor in the African American Studies Department, in collaboration with other Syracuse University faculty and students, as well as local artists and Syracuse city residents. The primary motivation and objective for the establishment of CFAC was to
provide a high quality showcase for African Diasporan artists, creating a setting for dialogue and interaction among emerging, mid-career and professional artists, in Central New York. In addition to Williams, CFAC founders include Shirley Harrison, Jack White, George Campbell, Mary Schmidt Campbell Jr., David MacDonald, and Basheer Alim.
CFAC is a vibrant cultural and artistic hub committed to the promotion and development of artists of the African Diaspora. CFAC’s mission is to exalt cultural and artistic pluralism by collecting, exhibiting, teaching and interpreting the visual and expressive arts. Public programming includes exhibitions, film screenings, gallery talks, workshops and courses in studio and performing arts. A proud unit of the African American Studies Department at Syracuse University, CFAC is a beacon of artistry, creativity and cultural expression engaging the Syracuse community, the region and the world.
Recognizing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr A Salute to Music Educator and Artist Dr. Joan Rucker Hillsman “It’s a Day On – Not a Day Off”! said Dr. Joan Rucker Hillsman to one of her music classes in the 70’s. Even before the bill was ever passed that the great Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s day would become a national holiday, Joan, as many called her was “working on his dream”, said Danny Queen, renowned poet. Doc, as she is affectionately known, has inspired generations, helping them to live out and pursue their talents and dreams. Her passion for helping others with her sometimes “laid back” persona, has the tendency of making others feeling comfortable around her.
This year, 2017, marks the 36th year for Dr. Joan Hillsman, along with others at New Southern Rock Baptist Church, Washington, D. C., (Rev. Rudolph White, Senior Pastor) who has spearheaded the activity, “A Day On”.
there, she goes to Atlanta, Georgia (Late Husband’s Home town) to pick up materials and mementos from the renowned Ebernezer Church, to be distributed to schools and community organizations. This is to motivate them to “Work on their Dreams”.
It started when she was Minister of Music in D.C., under her leadership, with approximately eight people who decided that on Dr. King’s holiday, with essential workers (nurses, firemen, and policemen, etc.) that they would have a lunch hour showing clips of Dr. King’s life on the screen as they stopped by around 12 Noon for the opportunity to celebrate the dreamer.
Dr. Hillsman volunteers for many organizations and partnerships in the Syracuse area, including the Annual Syracuse University’s Dr. King Celebration, Harriet Tubman, Community Folk Art Center, and The Gospel Music Workshop of America. Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, Syracuse, NY has now embraced-The Day On-Not a Day Off Ceremony.
The community suddenly embraced the idea and wanted to come as well. The rest is history! Ever since that time the celebration, has expanded to become an Annual Dr. King Day event on his Birthday. The event has now grown from an audience of 8 toapproximately 200 strong, which includes music, poetry, tributes, dance and a wide variety of community participants.
The “Day on-Not a Day Off concept” was embraced, as she walked into her classroom, and the students were literally jubilant, rejoicing and in high spirits. When she inquired as to what was going on, one stuAll proceeds from the program were sent to The MLK dent said, “Dr. King’s day will be a holiday and we will Center for Social Change Atlanta, Georgia. Since the have the DAY OFF”. establishment of the King Memorial at the MonuThat became a teaching point for her, as she is known ment, the proceeds from this program supports those for doing. Her reply was, “It’s not a Day off-but efforts. should be a Day On”- a day to “Work on His” dream Dr. Hillsman relocated to Syracuse, NY. She is the by embracing his principles and all that he stood for. proud mother of the Head Women’s Basketball, “Well, today, my lesson plan has changed. Take out Coach Quentin Hillsman. “She has not skipped a your journals and write why you think Dr. King should beat”, as far as supporting the community projects be honored for his works.” This project became a and the arts in Syracuse, as one of her supporters school project expanded curricula and disciplines. stated. She flies in to Washington, D. C. on a 6 AM Essay contests, songs, paintings and signs going up in flight, enroute to the King Monument on the Mall, the building slogans saying, “We are Working on the and then to the Annual Ceremony. Dream..Are you”? But wait, prior to the time of the King Celebration
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Do You Hear What I Hear? Local Republicans are Silent After Carl Paladino’s Racist Rant Against the Obamas The Onondaga County Republican Party Chairman, Tom Dadey has been silent until almost 2 weeks had passed. On December 29th Dadey broke his silence, calling Carl Paladino’s remarks “reprehensible”. Mr. Bob Antonacci, Onondaga County’s Comptroller and frequent Mahoney critic is on mute. These political leaders don’t want to upset the Trump voter, which is their voter. Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney is the only elected local republican to call out Carl Paladino for his clearly hateful and racist comments. He responded to a survey sent by a Buffalo area alternative newspaper. “Obama catches mad cow disease after being caught having relations with a Herford,” Joanie Mahoney he wrote. And Paladino’s responses simply go downhill from there.
Carl Paladino This is the time for our community to gather and send a message to these officials, that behavior displayed by Carl Paladino is not acceptable. For those who are constantly calling for protest and direct action. It’s right here in front of us, March on the Onondaga County Legislature, March to the Onondaga County Republican Headquarters. But I seriously doubt if anyone will follow my clarion call for action. Tom Dadey
nothing, but Paladino and people like him have to be fought, tooth and nail.
children. Not one more day or week. He’s an immediate hazard.
Otherwise, we are the beasts, he seeks to describe. Get up off your asses Syracuse. We’ve had enough directionless walks in circles. We know what Carl Paladino thinks of African Americans, now it’s our responsibility to show him and the general community how we feel.
Another mindset is “let the voters decide” at election time. It’s up to them whether to keep the racist flame thrower Carl Paladino in office. Let’s go back in American history, they would have voted to keep slavery. They would have voted to keep Jim Crow Laws, they would have voted against Interracial marriage. They would have voted to keep Rosa Parks on the back of the bus, they would have voted to keep a segregated military, schools, and accommodations. The list could go on and on. If we went with what was “popular” at the moment this country would have never moved forward.
There are those who claim that Mr. Paladino has a First Amendment right to speak his mind. However, People in Syracuse only march when you’re a City of for show. When a clear and present hazard exists, we Buffalo, Board of Education sit down and do nothing. Therefore, we have the gov- member you are an elected ernment we deserve. I dare anyone to join in this dis- representative therefore, play of direct action. I refuse to walk in a circle for when you speak and tweet and text it’s no longer proDonald Trump and Carl Paladino tected speech. Now you represent a diverse population. Given his nuclear rhetoric, can Carl Paladino participate in setting and maintaining policy for an urban Ethics and standards of public office were broken by Paladino. I question anyone, who has a defense for his school district with a large African American populacontinued service on the Board of Education. As an tion? No. unelected private citizen, Carl Paladino can say what Paladino should not serve another day on the Board he wants, as long as it’s not having a say in the educaof Education, in position to influence the lives of Black tion of African American children.
Governor Cuomo Presents 1st Proposal of 2017 State of The State: Making College Tuition-Free For New York’s Middle-Class Families U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Joins Governor for the Announcement at LaGuardia Community College First-in-the-Nation Program Provides Free Tuition to New Yorkers Making Up to $125,000 Per Year at all SUNY and CUNY Two- and Four-Year Colleges
young students to realize their dream of higher education.
Under this groundbreaking proposal, more than 940,000 middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 Groundbreaking Initiative Makes New York State Pub- per year would qualify to lic Universities Tuition-Free, Alleviating Crushing Bur- attend college tuition-free at den of Student Loans and Placing More New Yorkers all public universities in New on Path to Financial Security York State. The Excelsior Scholarship program will ensure that students statewide, regardless of their New Excelsior Scholarships socio-economic status, have the Program Encourages More opportunity to receive a quality Students to Graduate On Time, education and gain the skills Helping to Improve Graduation they need to succeed in our Rates at New York Public Colglobal economy. leges. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, with U.S. Senator Ber"A college education is not a nie Sanders of Vermont, today luxury – it is an absolute necessiunveiled the 1st signature proty for any chance at economic posal of his 2017 agenda: makmobility, and with these first-ining college tuition-free for New the-nation Excelsior ScholarYork’s middle-class families at ships, we’re providing the opall SUNY and CUNY two- and portunity for New Yorkers to four-year colleges. New York’s succeed, no matter what zip tuition-free college degree code they come from and withprogram, the Excelsior Scholarout the anchor of student debt ship, is the first of its kind in weighing them down," Governor the nation and will help alleviate the crushing burden Cuomo said. "New York is making a major investment of student debt while enabling thousands of bright in our greatest asset – our people – and supporting
the dreams and ambitions of those who want a better life and are willing to work hard for it. I am honored to have the support of Senator Sanders, who led the way on making college affordability a right, and I know that together we can make this a reality with New York leading the way once again." U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders said, “If the United States is to succeed in a highly competitive global economy, we need the best educated workforce in the world. With exploding technology, and with most of the good paying jobs requiring more and more education, we need to make certain that every New Yorker, every Vermonter and every American gets all the education they need regardless of family income. In other words, we must make public colleges and universities tuition free for the middle-class and working families of our country. That is what Governor Cuomo is fighting for here in New York and it's something I strongly support. I urge New York legislators to pass this enormously important proposal, and become a model for the rest of the nation.” (Continued on page 10)
Martin Luther King 2017 Annual Community Celebration to be Held at William Nottingham High School Information Tables
A Community wide celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., in his commitment to American Civil Rights and Social Justice.
As part of the Community Celebration, organizations will have informational tables. All organization are will host a table and provide information about their organization which we know will be of interests to the 300-500 parents and children in attendance. There are also a scheduled a series of workshops, performances, and plan to have several organizations attend this event. Workshops and Information tables will be present from 12:20-2:30pm.
The Information Tables will be open between 12:00Through this event we have the opportunity to enrich 2:30 p.m. this allows for community organizations, Syracuse University students’ understanding and apand colleges/university’s to inform and educate stupreciation for civic engagement as both an education- dents and families about services that are offered al experience on diversity and civic good. We also within their very own neighborhoods. The workshops have helped foster relationships between the Univer- that are held provide artistic, cultural and different sity and community by providing a fun-filled, educaeducational teachings. tional experience for children and their families. BeThe event will take place on Saturday, January 31st at low are the three points that Syracuse University StuWilliam Nottingham High School, and begins at 12 dents will get out of this celebration: noon with registration. Workshops are scheduled as · Civic Engagement follows: · Student ambassadors 12:20-1:20 p.m. - Workshop Session I · Fostering Relationships
1:30-2:30 p.m. - Workshop Session II 2:35 p.m. Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy – Led by the Syracuse Elks Pride Drumline 3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks Saturday, January 28, 2017 William Nottingham High School 3100 E. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13224
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Disgraced to play at Syracuse Stage Explosive and powerful drama tackles topics at the forefront of today’s social and political landscapes SYRACUSE, NY – After the phenomenal success of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Syracuse Stage switches gears and turns on a powerful and explosive drama as the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Disgraced opens on Jan. 27 in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St. Preview performances are Jan. 25 and 26.
that kind of theatre.” Disgraced is set in 2011, ten years after the 9/11 attacks. At the center is Amir Kapoor, a successful young attorney with a seemingly perfect life. He and his artist wife, Emily, who is about to have a major exhibition of her work, have a coveted New York apartment and he is on track for partnership in his high-powered firm. Their lives, however, are sent careening off the rails by a series of events, some of which relate to Amir’s identity as a Muslim and a Pakistani-American.
Written by Ayad Akhtar, Disgraced is one of the most discussed American dramas in recent years. Confronting head on the personal and social fracturing of the post-9/11 landscape, the play creates urgent connections between the world depicted on stage and the world outside our doors. In the tradition of the greatest dramas, it is a play that raises hard questions Adrales sees Disgraced as a play very much of the and presents points of view that demand further dis- current political moment. The divisions that opened in cussion. the aftermath of 9/11 have worsened, she believes, which gives the play a great sense of urgency. “We May Adrales directs Disgraced at Syracuse Stage. She have to be able to reach across the aisle and reach has helmed two previous productions at the theatre, across the table and talk to people who have opposChinglish (2014) and In the Next Room, or the vibrator ing views, and the play crystallizes how difficult that play (2015), and recently scored a success in New is,” she said. York with Qui Nguyen’s Vietgone at Manhattan Theatre Club. Encountering such difficulties on the stage, though, is what makes theatre powerful and worthwhile for her. “Disgraced is a citizen’s piece,” Adrales said. “It makes “I enjoy theatre that challenges me and challenges me you want to do or say something to express your to think in a different way,” she said. “I think the thepoint of view. It’s enlivening. I think we need more of atricality of Disgraced is how it makes me question
why I think the way I do. What are the influences that are affecting me and how do I project myself in the world because of the values I have. And so it is deeply meaningful to me to see the show. And that's the experience I want the audience to have.” Wherever Disgraced has been produced, it has inspired discussion. Syracuse Stage will be offering talkbacks with the audience following most performances. Discussion participants will include members of the Central New York community, Syracuse Stage staff and members of the cast. Disgraced is also part the Syracuse Symposium 20162017: Place, sponsored by the Syracuse University Humanities Center. Following the 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Jan. 29, the theatre will host a panel discussion Place and Displacement: Staging Diverse Cultural Geographies in American Theater. The panel features Christian DuComb, assistant professor of English and Theatre at Colgate University; Gail Hamner, professor of Religion, Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences; Clea E. Hupp, associate professor and chair of the History Department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; and Dr. Emad Rahim, endowed entrepreneur-in-residence at Oklahoma State University and visiting scholar at Rutgers University. Disgraced runs through Feb. 12. Tickets are available in-person at the Box Office, by phone, 315-443-3275, or online at www.syracusestage.org
Rut Resolution: 8 Great Ways to Foil Small Business Stagnation to Accelerate Growth by Merilee Kern, MBA A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report revealed nearly half of all small businesses fail within the first four years of their existence. While there are many proven causes, including owner incompetence, inexperience, fraud and neglect, one killer culprit often flies under the radar: stagnation. Indeed, losing momentum— with respect to revenues, market share and other mission critical indicators—is one sure fire sign that an entrepreneurial endeavor is in grave trouble. The good news is that a stagnated organization can take a number of proactive tactical measures—many fairly easily instituted—to turn the tide, spur change and, in doing so, kick the growth engine back into gear. Knowing she would have some insights, I connected with self-professed “Bosspreneur” Becky A. Davis of MVPwork LLC. Not surprisingly, she offered a great number of strategies that entrepreneurs can employ right now to spark short-term progress.
lenge your team and hold them accountable for activities resulting in measurable growth. Once you have set clear expectations and provided training and coaching, step back and give staffers the autonomy needed to perform the clearly articulated duties expected of them. Don’t micromanage but do require regular progress reports so you can recalibrate as needed and remain proactive rather than reactive. If performance does not improve, it's time for an accountability conversation. Have this conversation sooner rather than later, as the longer you take to expect improvement, the worse the situation will become for you and your team.
The following are eight of her concepts that really resonated with me, also because they’re each highly effective within the framework of a long-term strategy for sustained growth.
Be a better “Bosspreneur.” An entrepreneur is defined as a person who takes a risk, start a business or enterprise to make money. Bosspreneurs do the same, but also have written and quantifiable targets, goals and actions. Not just focusing on staff and other external variables, they focus on self-improvement and believe they themselves can and should learn from anybody. Bosspreneurs accept responsibility. They are open to change and they want others to succeed. They consistently break down barriers. A Bosspreneur does not just own a business, they own their behavior. Promote ingenuity with immediate impacts. Ask employees, customers, partners and vendors this question: “What three things would you change right now that would impact the company this month or quarter?” No group is too “unimportant” or insignificant to offer valuable advice, opinions and perspective. Hold internal weekly brainstorming sessions with staffers for creating and collaborating on innovative ideas such as streamlining processes for speed and efficiency. Create a task force to document, analyze, prioritize and take tactical action on those ideas you feel will have an immediate impact on the business and then segue to those where the benefit will be realized longer term. When things stabilize, continue to do this once a month or quarter at the very least. Be a stickler for staff accountability. As a business owner, it’s important to continually chal-
Identify and resolve conflicts and unsavory politics. Conflicts, whether they are between personnel, staff and vendors, or even within the supply chain, can directly affect your company’s bottom line. Work to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts so the company can come out even stronger on the other side. Do not forget, everyone is watching what you, as a leader, will do or, as importantly, not do. Taking a “wait and see” approach or hoping a situation will just pass is not a solution, but rather is more likely to foster a toxic work environment, often perpetuated by low performers, which can cause high performers to seek employment elsewhere. Play all positions. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra gave LeBron James the nickname of “1through-5” for his ability to play and defend all five positions on the floor—an ability that earned James three NBA titles and four MVP awards. It is just as important for small business owners to be able to adjust and flex to their employee’s thinking styles to inspire an all-star performance from the team. Small business owners should be able to be similarly named “1 through-4” based on the four critical thinking styles: 1) the Analyzer only seeks the facts without the emotion 2) the Organizer – detail oriented, structured and procedures-oriented; 3) the Synthesizer – big picture people that are imaginative and excel at holistic in their thinking; and 4) the Harmonizer – The always empathetic, emotional and expressive person always seeking ways for people to get along. As the leader, to get the best productivity and create a high performance teams and third party relationships, you need to be able to play all four of these communicating positions based on how others naturally think rather than how you naturally think.
key players and the team at large, fostering a renewed fighting spirit. Rewards don't have to cost money. It could be an extended lunch hour, thank you email or word of encouragement. Employees get nervous when things are tough but if you increase your communication during those tough times, it will ease some of the tension. Always give credit where it’s due: create a formal monthly honors or rewards program that recognizes employees company-wide, at any level, for developing ideas and solutions that have a tangible beneficial impact on the bottom line. Invest in top talent. According to research compiled from 3,800 small business leaders and conducted by Salesforce.com, growing small businesses prioritize talent retention at a much higher rate than large enterprise. As a business owner, surround yourself with the smartest and best talent possible to propel your company to the next level. Invest the time to find those superstars—even in a part time consultative or contract capacity if you can’t afford to hire them on full time. The ideation, energy and optimism that comes from high-caliber staffers can be contagious and give the entire company a boost. Pay it forward. As the business owner, take an active role in the community through pro bono work on boards and committees. Such activities often proffer new networking opportunities, enhance the image of the company and its figurehead, and drive good publicity—all of which can reinvigorate revenues. Sometimes when you pull yourself away from the business and serve someone else, it helps to clear your mind. Giving always has a way of coming back to you.
If your company is stuck in a rut, don't wait another day to change course with the hope that somehow things will turn around without serious intervention. Taking immediate action and implementing growth acceleration strategies like those above will reinvigorate your business, strengthen your team and help ensure your business maintains forward momentum. Branding, business and entrepreneurship success pundit, Merilee Kern, MBA, is an influential media voice and lauded Communications Strategist. She also serves as the Executive Editor of "The Luxe List” through which she spotlights noteworthy brand endeavors.
Merilee may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter Even during hard times, give praise and rewards. here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/ When things are not going as well as expected, TheLuxeList going out of your way to recognize and reward even small successes right now can re-invigorate
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Simplify Tax Time by Gathering Financial Documents Ahead of Filing Season and organizing their 2016 financial records in preparation of tax season. Receiving any tax credit or deduction hinges on the ability of taxpayers to prove their earned income and expenses claimed on their income tax return. “With less than one week left in 2016, taxpayers can simplify the filing season by compiling their financial documents now,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion. “With the proper documentation taxpayers are more likely to be able to successfully claim potentially valuable credits and deductions.”
Records to collect Good recordkeeping reduces errors and supports eligibility for tax credits and deductions The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged taxpayers to begin gathering
Gather documents, including bank statements, deposit slips, canceled checks, and invoices.
Business owners—including the self-employed— must compile records of each sale, including the
sales price, the sales tax collected, cash register receipts, and credit card sales slips.
Records for the self-employed should contain enough information to accurately show the tax year’s gross receipts, business expenses, and the purchase price of assets and inventory.
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For more information Recordkeeping requirements for sales tax vendors EITC recordkeeping tips for the self-employed
ing a two-year public college in New York completed their degrees on time. Moreover, in 2015, the average student loan debt in New York was $29,320.
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New York’s tuition-free degree program, the Excelsior Scholarship, requires participating students to be enrolled at a SUNY or CUNY two- or fouryear college full-time. The initiative will cover middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 through a supplemental aid program. Currently 80 percent of NY households statewide make $125,000 or less with an estimated 940,000 households having collegeaged children that would be eligible for the program. Based on enrollment projections, the plan will cost approximately $163 million per year once fully phased in. The new initiative will be phased in over three years, beginning for New Yorkers making up to $100,000 annually in the fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 in 2018, and reaching $125,000 in 2019. As student debt continues to soar – reaching $1.2 trillion nationwide and surpassing credit card debt, car debt and home equity lines of credit as the second largest source of consumer debt, this program will work to make college affordable for students and families.
With an average annual tuition ranging from $6,470-$6,330 at SUNY and CUNY for a bachelor’s degree and $4,350-$4,800 for an associate’s degree, the more time a student spends in college, the higher the level of debt. By mandating that students be enrolled full-time, New York’s free tuition program will work to improve graduation rates and alleviate the heavy burden of student debt by encouraging more students to graduate on time in two to four years.
grants to college students statewide and New York is one of only two states in the nation that offers this type of entitlement. Under the program, eligible students would still receive TAP and any applicable federal grants. Additional state funds would cover the remaining tuition costs for incoming or existing eligible students.
New York is also the only state in the nation to offer a need-based loan forgiveness entitlement program that provides awards to New York State college graduates regardless of their degree or profession. The Governor’s “Get on Your Feet Loan Forgiveness” program provides up to 2 years of student loan forgiveness to recent New York State college graduates. This program, coupled with New York’s new Excelsior Scholarships Program, will ensure New York continues to lead the way forward on college affordability.
New York’s Tuition Free Degree Program also incenThe initiative will work by leveraging New York State’s tivizes students to graduate from college on time. In generous aid programs. Currently, the Tuition Assis2013, only 38.7 percent of students attending a four- A college degree is necessary for increased earning tance Program or TAP provides nearly $1 billion in year public university and roughly 8.5 percent attend- power. Studies show a person with a bachelor’s degree, on average, will earn about 66 percent more over his or her lifetime than a person without a college degree. Those with an associate’s degree can expect to earn 24 percent more than a person with a high school diploma. Moreover, a college education is increasingly becoming a necessity, not a luxury. According to projections by the New York State Department of Labor, approximately 3.5 million jobs statewide will require an associate’s degree or higher by 2024. As the landscape of the global economy continues to shift, investing in a highly-qualified, highlyeducated workforce has never been more important.
Farm Fresh Mobile Markets January 2017 Schedule The Farm Fresh Mobile Market brings fresh produce to locations where people live, work, and play! The goal of the FFMM is to increase access to healthy foods in high need area. The Farm Fresh Mobile Market offers healthy vegetables and fruits as well as education, samples, and food demonstrations at select sites.
Small Business Development Center Marketing Series U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York and Onondaga Community College, the host campus.
has a website! Learn how to build a better website for your small business.
Small Business Development Center 7 Steps to Content MarketMarketing Series ing Strategy that Converts January -March 1, 2017 Grow Your Business with Email & Social Media Start your New Year by taking advantage of the many free and fee based services offered by Onondaga Community College’s Small Business Development Center. The Small Business Development Center Marketing Series begins in January. Courses offered are: Marketing Plans that Work, Grow Your Business with Email & Social Media, Building a Website for Your Small Business, culminating on March 1st with 7 Steps to Content Marketing Strategy that Converts. See schedule below, for class times and registration information. The Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College (SBDC) is part of a nationwide network (ASBDC) and is one of 24 regional centers in New York State. The SBDC program is funded by the
January 25, 2017 Wednesday 9:30am - 11:30am Many small businesses find themselves seeking the right ways to make the most of email marketing and social media--- and there’s a lot to keep up with. Make sense of the noise and learn how to grow your business with this class.
Building a Website for Your Small Business February 7, 2017 Tuesday 9am - 11am For any small business, a website is a crucial tool to drive customers to you. After all, your competition
March 1, 2017 Wednesday 9am - 11am Creating consistent marketing helps to promote engagement, establish relation-ships, and results in more referrals, collaborations, and sales. Learn how to develop your own content marketing strategy. Find us online for tips and updates: To Register Online (or for more info) go to: www.onondagasbdc.org click on the training tab Marketing Series
Onondaga County Outreach Events Designed to Help with Home Heating Costs for Seniors
Pete Headd, Executive Director, Onondaga County Office for Aging, has announced a series of outreach events designed to assist seniors in Onondaga County with applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP.) HEAP provides limited subsidies for heating and utility costs. According to Pete Headd, “Central New York winters are always cold, no matter how much snow we end up getting. The Onondaga County Office for Aging will be visiting community centers, libraries and various other sites to reach seniors who need help paying their energy bills. HEAP assistance is available on a first come, first served, basis so applications should be filed soon.” The Office for Aging will be holding these community outreach sessions to help Onondaga County seniors age 60 or older and income eligible, apply for HEAP benefits. Appointments are not needed. Seniors who are unable to attend can call (315) 4352362 and request that an application be mailed. Assistance will be offered at the following locations, dates and times. The following sessions are planned for 2017.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Solvay Public Library, 615 Woods Rd., Solvay
9:00-Noon
Friday, January 13, 2017 Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., Dewitt
10:00-1:00
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius
10:00-1:00
Cicero Public Library, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero
10:00-1:00
Westvale Thrifty Shopper/Rescue Mission, 2214 W. Genesee Street, Syr.
11:00-2:00
Jordan Bramley Library, 15 Mechanic Street Jordan
Noon-2:00
North Syracuse Library, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse
2:30-4:30
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 The Meadows at Radisson, 3490 Meadowbriar Lane, B’ville
10:00-Noon
St. Lucy’s Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse
11:00-1:00
McCarthy Manor, 501 S. Crouse, Syracuse
Noon-2:00
Mundy Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse
1:30-4:30
Thursday, January 19, 2017 Town of Clay Town Hall, 4401 Route 31, Clay
9:00-Noon
Beauchamp Library, 2111 South Salina St., Syracuse
10:00-1:00
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Community Room, 2840 Cold Springs Rd., B’ville
4:00-6:30
Friday, January 20, 2017 East Syracuse Thrifty Shopper/Rescue Mission, 112 East Manlius St., E. Syr.
11:00-2:00
Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Rd., Syracuse
1:00-3:30
Monday, January 23, 2017 Baldwinsville Library, 33 East Genesee St., B’ville
10:00-Noon
Betts Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse
1:00-3:00
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Wedgewood Apts., Community Room 7851 Route 298, Kirkville
10:00-Noon
Skaneateles Library, 49 East Genesee St., Skaneateles
10:30-12:30
Nojaim’s Supermarket, 307 Gifford St., Syracuse
1:00-3:00
Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Lafayette Library, 2577 County Rt. 11, Lafayette
10:00-1:00
Christ the King Church, 21 Cherry Tree Circle, Liverpool
10:00-Noon
O’Brien Rd. Apartments, 7170 O’Brien Rd., Syracuse
12:30-2:30
Thursday, January 26, 2017 Cicero Public Library, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero
10:00-Noon