Winner 2017 Syracuse Press Club Professional Recognition Awards Online Journalism 1st and 2nd Place Breaking News 1st Place Online Journalism Blog 2nd Place Online Photo/Graphics
September 2018
Dana Balter Takes Her Congressional Campaign to Syracuse’s South Side Surprise Visit from Gubernatorial Candidate Stephanie A. Miner Balter Campaigns on the City’s Southside, receives Positive Reaction from Residents It was a crisp Saturday morning in September on South Salina Street at Sankofa Park where Dana Balter was preparing to canvass the heavily Democratic area of the city. It’s in the middle of the 4th Council District, which extends from the Westcott Street area through the Southside almost to, “the Valley”. The 4th also includes some new residents from fast growing residential properties in downtown Syracuse. This is just one of many areas within the City of Syracuse where turnout can determine the outcome of the 24th Congressional District race in November. Nodesia Hernandez, Balter’s Campaign Organizer soon arrived, as they prepared to embark on their morning of canvassing, two surprise guests appeared. Former Syracuse Mayor and SAM* Candidate for Governor, Stephanie A. Miner and husband, Jack Mannion stopped by to wish Balter well, as she began her busy morning of campaigning.
1998 Labor Day Storm Reflections: The Lightning Chronicles
City of Syracuse to Announce Funding for Body-Worn Camera Expansion
By Ken Jackson
She listened patiently to Andrew before walking to the next address on the list.
Next door, Elliot is leaving his home heading for the car. “Excuse me; let me introduce myself, I’m Dana Balter.” The next 10 minutes became The next address, no answer, the canan intense conversation about selfdidate writes a brief note and leaves employment. Elliot is a residential a handout detailing her positions in contractor, “Healthcare, even for contrast to her opponent, incumbent Hernandez and Balter, then reviewed basic coverage is expensive”, he statRepublican John Katko. detailed street lists of voters and ed. Explaining, while he doesn’t get crossed Salina St. to Wood Ave., sick or go to the doctor regularly, within minutes Dana was in cam“it’s just expensive” he repeated, in paign mode. After introducing heran exasperating tone. self, Balter asked “Andrew” about An African-American woman is his life, his job, what concerned him passing as the conversation ends, as a voter. Andrew talked about his Nodesia Hernandez, Balter’s Camjob, which he likes, the stagnation paign Organizer engages in a conof wages, his children and training versation. The woman is clearly to qualify for employment at a Nodesia Hernandez, Balter’s aware of the upcoming election, better wage. Campaign Organizer with Dana and may have even marked her calBalter. Rather than shake his hand and endar, “I know the election’s comwalk away, Balter wanted more. (Continued on page 2)
A Tribute to The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin “Her Music will live on”
Everson Museum Celebrates 50th Anniversary of I.M. Pei-Designed Building
ing and I’m ready” was her response talking as she continued her way, walking east on Wood Ave.
Syracuse will have to show up in numbers equal to a Presidential Election year in order for Democrat, Dana Balter to overcome Republican strength in the rural and suburban areas of the Congressional District.
From the first few encounters on Syracuse’s Southside, it’s clear that there’s an awareness of the upcoming election. However, in order to secure a victory in November, areas like the City of
The 24th Congressional District includes Cayuga, Onondaga, and Wayne counties, and the western part of Oswego County, Syracuse is its largest city.
(Continued from page 1)
Balter Campaign goes door-to-door in a Syracuse Southside Neighborhood
Dana Balter speaks with S. Salina St. & Wood Ave. resident “Andrew.”
Nodesia Hernandez, Balter’s Campaign Organizer campaigns door to door with candidate.
Former Syracuse Mayor, Stephanie A. Miner, Nodesia Hernandez, Dana Balter and Jack Mannion
Dana Balter wins “Elliot’s” support after discussing healthcare costs for small business
Published digitally monthly online by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022 Walt Shepperd Senior Editor For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at urbancny.com
1998 Labor Day Storm Reflections: The Lightning Chronicles The night air was unusually thick at the 1998 New York State Fair it was after 10:00 P.M. hot and humid late into the evening. Making it home by 11:00 I was alerted to a coming storm, looking at the radar on television it was just a huge thunderstorm. The warning suddenly became a bit more frightening as flashes of lightning filled the room. Still thinking of it as a storm, I prepared to retire for the night, tomorrow was Labor Day, the final day of my first year working at the New York State Fair. The lightening and wind intensified, triggering a response in me where suddenly I’m out of bed, all of my clothes are back on. There was something different about this storm, the rain was pouring horizontally, and the dining room windows were being pummeled as if car wash jets were aggressively scrubbing dirt.
I looked everywhere for a flashlight, you know, the one you always see when you don’t need it? At that point things escalated when the dining room window blew inward off its track. As I pushed the window back into position, rain water bounced off, spraying directly into my face, fighting my attempt at getting it sealed.
pulled from the house or worse yet, was it going to collapse on me?
At that point in my life I hadn’t been baptized, so I had no real connection with an established church or religion. But I always kept a bible in my book case. Sensing impending doom, and the possibility of getting trapped under the rubble of a house, I quickly grabbed a heavy quilt, (made by my sister) and headed for the strongest part of the house. Once there, I realized, I’d better get Having accomplished that feat, I suddenly realthe bible, if I’m trapped I’ll have something to ized that I didn’t need a flashlight, nature provid- read. Making my way to the book case I grabbed ed one that night. For moments, lightening was the bible and retreated to my safe hideaway. flashing at a rapid pace, producing colors I’ve What appeared to last for an hour was only 15 never seen in a lightening filled sky. The sky was minutes in real-time, things began to calm down, flashing, blue, green and white in succession, I figured, okay, everything’s going to be alright. suddenly my Westcott Street flat felt like a 1970’s disco complete with strobe lights. As I crawled out from my safe space, I looked at the book I had been holding onto for dear Then there was a loud cracking sound, like a tree life. To my surprise, in my haste, I grabbed a 3 snapping. Then the house shook and I began to inch thick tome called, “Cooking for Vegetarihear a creaking sound as if something were being ans”.
City of Syracuse to Announce Funding for Body-Worn Camera Expansion The City of Syracuse will be joined by New York State Senator David Valesky and representatives of local neighborhood and advocacy groups to announce state funding for the expansion of the City’s body-worn camera program, which is expected to begin in early October. Saturday, Sept. 8, 11:30 a.m. Onondaga Park Firebarn, 500 Summit Avenue, Syracuse
Expected to be in attendance are: -Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh -New York State Senator David Valesky, 53rd district -Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler -Syracuse Fire Deputy Police Chief Joe Cecile -Representatives of local neighborhood and advocacy groups
300+ Volunteers Coming to City’s Elmwood Park Neighborhood for Block Blitz The study combined market research and community input to issue recommendations for revitalization along the corridor Syracuse, NY – More than 300 students, corporate team members, contractors, neighborhood residents, city workers and other community stakeholders are scheduled to improve more than 40 city properties and a historic city park all in one day, rain or shine, as part of Home HeadQuarters’ 12th annual Block Blitz event on Friday, September 14. The event, which has volunteers planting, painting, cleaning up and more, kicks off at 9am at the Glenwood Avenue entrance of Elmwood Park with an appearance and comments by Mayor Ben Walsh, Onondaga County Legislative Chair Ryan McMahon and neighborhood resident and Syracuse Common Councilor at Large, Tim Rudd.
131 Glenwood Avenue – Volunteers from M&T Bank will replace and paint more than 100’ of fencing installed by ACE Fence at the entrance to Elmwood Park. Driveway Sealing & Replacement – 20 driveways on Hillview, Glenwood And Elmwood Avenues will be sealed by teams of students and CenterState CEO staff and a handful repaired and replaced by Lostumbo Paving.
Elmwood Park Mural – Back of 2000 South Avenue. Design donated by Environmental Design & Local MWBE Contractors are replacing and reResearch in Syracuse. Volunteer team from pairing porches, taking down dead and diseased Mower drawing the template and painting. trees, establishing boundaries on vacant properties, and more. 106 Elmwood – Greater Syracuse Land Bank property. Syracuse University students to paint boards for windows.
Elmwood Park – Almost 80 kids from CNS and ESM High Schools, led by CORE Federal Credit Union, will spread millings provided by Syracuse Neighborhood Projects and Volunteer Teams for DPW to improve a public parking area, remove overgrowth at a baseball field and sand and the day include: paint guardrails throughout the park.
A new Elmwood Park sign highlighting the park’s history will be installed and unveiled during the event. As part of the 12 years of Block Blitz events, Home HeadQuarters has helped direct resources and attention to almost 500 properties in the city’s Near Westside, Southside and Northside neighborhoods.
2018 Home Maintenance & Repair Workshops presented by Jubilee Homes of Syracuse Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. will kick off their Intermediate Level Workshops 2018 Home Maintenance & Repair Workshops on Tuesday, September 18th from 6-8 p.m. at the Tuesdays & Thursdays Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. office located at 9th—Building Steps 119 South Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204. 11th– Finish Carpentry (Moldings/Trim) This year’s workshop series will consist of 10 clas16th– Window and Door Replacement ses on the following topics*: Intro Level Workshops
18th– Ceramic Floor Tiling 23rd– Weatherization
Tuesdays & Thursdays 25th– Class Choice 18th– Into to Tools A $10.00 non-refundable registration fee is re20th– Basic Plumbing 25th– Flooring 27th– Basic Electrical
ceptable forms of payment are cash, money order, or credit card payments through www.eventbrite.com (input Jubilee Homes Home Maintenance & Repair Program in search box). For more information or to sign up contact Jubilee Homes of Syracuse at 315-428-0070 or via email at info@jubilee-homes.org. Refreshments and onsite childcare will be provided. Please indicate if you will need childcare upon registration. Class size is limited, call and reserve your spot today! Participants may attend as many sessions as space allows, however you may only receive gift if you take 4 or more classes.
quired at time of sign up to reserve your spot per The continuation of this program is possible due a class. Payment may be made in person at their to sponsorship by – M&T Bank. office located at 119 South Ave, Syracuse, NY from 9:00 pm-5:00 pm Monday thru Friday. Ac-
Key Bank Foundation Awards Jubilee Homes $100,000 for Build to Work Program Unique Award – Funds allocated to assist Veterans and those who have been incarcerated The Key Bank Foundation has awarded Jubilee Homes Build to Work program $100,000 towards their successful Build to Work Program. According to Matthew Pitts, Communication Director for Key Bank of Central and Western New York, “We are announcing that the Key Bank Foundation; we are giving $100,000 to Jubilee Homes for their Build to work program, which is a really, really great program that gives job training and life training to individuals who need it. They provide a vital service to this community. We are just thrilled to be part of this event to help Jubilee Homes with the good work that they do, especially with the Build to Work Program.
This $100,000 that we are donating, what it’s going to go to, with regard to the build to Work Program, it will specifically help individuals who are veterans and individuals who were formerly incarcerated. These are two segments of the population that may have some extra difficulty when it comes to finding work. This is a testament to the work that Jubilee Homes does through Build to work we think this is a great program, especially given their focus on Veterans and also on people who were at one time incarcerated. We really think that this is going to be a great thing for the community and that’s why we’re so proud to support it. That’s what makes this unique.” More information about the program will be posted as it becomes available.
The Syracuse Common Council and Syracuse City School District Announce Launch of New Support Services Program for Students The Syracuse Common Council, the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) have collaborated in creating the Supporting Our Students (SOS) program which aims to provide support services for students who are victim or witness to violence, crime or traumatizing experiences in the community. SOS will involve a change to police reports adding a “SCSD” tag allowing a query of SCSD students under 18 years old. These query reports will be sent to the SCSD Office of Student Support Services where the student’s school will be identified, then the principal and school support staff will be notified that this student may be in need of support services.
ed by Say Yes to Education and other community partnerships to serve the needs of our students,” said Education Committee Chairperson and 3rd District Councilor Susan C. Boyle. “This program will allow the SCSD Department of Student Support Services the information that they need to address student needs quickly and effectively.” School social workers and community partners in the school buildings will work together to support students recovery. The SCSD administration is confident they have the staff and community partnerships in place to provide these quality intervention services to all students reported.
“Unfortunately, in our community too many of our young people are affected adversely by trauma,” said Syracuse City School Superintendent Jaime Alicea. “SOS will allow us to quickly identify these students and get them the support they need. Through our partnerships with outside “The goal of the SOS program is to encourage a agencies and our SCSD student support services compassionate community. It will help us to best staff we have the supports in place at all of our direct our SCSD resources including those provid- schools and now we will have the ability to rec-
ognize who needs them without them coming to us,” added Alicea. Syracuse police officers are currently being trained in compassionate reporting which includes an increased awareness of children in traumatic environments. SPD will be working to communicate with parents about the services available to their children and the SCSD Office of Student Support Services’ contact information will be provided. “This program also works in tandem with the SCSD trauma response training that has been taking place all summer for teachers and school employees,” said Councilor Boyle. “The SOS partnership will help our children recover from trauma and encourage them to feel safe, and transition back into the classroom.” Additionally, the SOS program is encouraging parents to self-report their children’s difficulties in dealing with trauma by calling #411 or by using the “Let’s Talk” application and website link on the Syracuse City School District website. This link connects them to the SCSD office where they can request compassionate support services for their children if needed.
Syracuse Stage opens 2018/19 season with ‘Noises Off’ Syracuse Stage opens its 46th season with laughter as Michael Frayn’s hilarious farce “Noises Off” takes the stage September 12 – 30. Hailed as the “funniest farce ever written,” Frayn’s peddleto-the-metal backstage romp premiered in London’s West End in 1982 and became an instant comedy classic, playing for five years. A Broadway transfer, a feature film, and countless productions worldwide in theaters large and small demonstrate “Noises Off’s” comedic appeal and widespread popularity. Though deeply rooted in the 1980s and an inspired lampoon of nonsensical British sex farces, “Noises Off’s” sidesplitting laughter never goes out of style.
When describing the demands farce places on the cast, Hupp cited the writer John Mortimer (“Rumpole of the Bailey”), who likened it to “tragedy played at a thousand revolutions per minute.” Farce is notoriously difficult to perform. Fortunately, Hupp has assembled a veteran cast, some of whom have appeared before at Syracuse Stage.
Hupp believes the time is especially appropriate for farce. “It’s perfect for this moment when what we need and want is to be in room with other people and laugh, and for a little while get away from what’s going on outside of the theater,” he said. Details “Noises Off” at Syracuse Stage (Archbold Theatre), 820 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY
September 12 – 30. Previews September 12 – 13. Dori Legg plays the aptly named Dotty Otly. Legg Opening Night September 14. appeared in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Tickets at www.SyracuseStage.org Spike” and “Other Desert Cities.” Seth Andrew Box Office 315-443-3275 Bridges returns for his third consecutive season opener, having appeared in “Great Expectations” Season Sponsors: Destiny U.S.A.; Advance Media and “The Three Musketeers” as the swashbuckNew York ling Aramis. A professional stuntman on televiSet in three acts—the Syracuse Stage production sion and film, Bridges will put his physical skills to Presenting Sponsor: Dorothy and Marshall M. is played with a fifteen-minute intermission be- the test as Garry LeJeune. Andrew Ramcharan Reisman Foundation tween acts one and two and a five-minute pause Guilarte plays the acerbic director Lloyd Dallas. between acts two and three—“Noises Off” folSponsor: LeChase Construction Ramcharan last appeared at Stage in Disgraced. lows the riotously calamitous attempts of a thirdMedia Sponsor: Urban CNY rate acting company to rehearse and perform a Newcomers to Stage include Brad Bellamy, Eliza trifling sex farce called “Nothing On,” a clear par- Huberth, Michael Keyloun, Gina Daniels, Blake ody of the West End megahit “No Sex Please, Segal, and Kate Hamill, who figures promiWe’re British.” nently in the 18/19 Act one reveals the bumbling final rehearsal, a season. In addition to process continually derailed by a wayward plate playing the stage manof sardines. Act two is a view from backstage, a ager Poppy Nortonvirtuosic pantomime of precise pandemonium. Taylor in “Noises Off,” The last act moves on stage for a performance Hamill will be reprewhere the show goes deliriously and deliciously sented in the season as wrong. the playwright of “Pride and Preju“Frayn’s genius is to take a classical farce and dice” (March 20 – turn it on its ear,” said Syracuse Stage artistic director Robert Hupp, who directs “Noises Off,” April 7, 2019). Hamill and who confessed a deep affection for the play. has enjoyed great success off-Broadway as a “It’s so precise, and for a theater person, it’s a writer and performer real joy, filled with inside jokes upon inside with her adaptations jokes.” of “Pride and PrejuFrayn found inspiration for “Noises Off” in his dice,” “Sense and Senown theatrical experiences. As a young actor, he sibility,” and “Vanity got trapped on stage when a set door wouldn’t Fair.” open no matter how hard he pulled. He found As Stage’s artistic dithe solution when from offstage a voice counrector, Hupp acknowlseled, “push.” As a young writer, he watched from backstage as two actors struggled to make edges that he likes to multiple quick-changes while performing his one open the season with -act play “Chinamen.” He found their struggles shows that have high more entertaining that what he had written for theatrical appeal. As them perform on stage. Theater, he concluded, the recognized pinnais a perfect vehicle for farce because the need to cle of contemporary succeed and to have the “show go on,” make the farce, “Noises Off” certainly meets that stakes very high for the characters. standard. Moreover,
Everson Museum Celebrates 50th Anniversary of I.M. Pei-Designed Building Syracuse, N.Y. – September 18, 2018 – The Everson Museum of Art launched a year-long celebration of art, architecture and community to mark the 50th anniversary of its landmark building designed by internationallyacclaimed architect I.M. Pei.
by bringing them a year full of special encounters with art and architecture.”
Throughout its 50th anniversary year, the Everson will launch a wide array of new initiatives, exciting programs and engaging exhibitions that reflect its mission to provide individuals with meaningful encounters with modern and contemporary American art. Highlights throughout the year include the exhibitions Art Within Art: The Everson at 50, Time Capsule, and The Very Mirror of Life: Ceramics at the EverThe Everson’s 60,000 son 1968-2018; two new lecture series, square foot facility Women in Architecture and Histories of opened in 1968 and is the Everson; a series of First Friday events cocktails under the stars and two live perforI.M. Pei’s first museum design. The museum featuring Design Talks by the American Institute mances by Bay Area-based BANDALOOP, a vertihouses more than 10,000 artworks, hosts over of Architects; and a number of architecturecal performance and aerial dance company. 80, 000 visitors each year and stands as an archithemed classes and activities. tectural landmark and cultural hub within the “For 50 years, our one-of-a-kind arts venue has Anniversary festivities will also extend outside city of Syracuse. made our extensive collection of modern and contemporary art accessible through our numer- the museum and throughout Syracuse with pubThe museum’s year-long celebration kick-off be- ous educational public programs, artist lectures, lic events being held around the city, including gan with a sold-out 50th Anniversary Gala held special exhibitions, and docent-led tours,” said the City Sketch Crawl, architecture tours and a on the Community Plaza and in the Everson Gal- Elizabeth Dunbar, Director and CEO of the Ever- display at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. The leries. The performative and interactive event museum has also published a children’s activity son Museum of Art. “We are excited to celewas directly inspired by the museum’s architec- brate our facility’s milestone anniversary with book, The Architecture Explorer, that will be disture. The gala featured a chef-created fourour Syracuse and Central New York communities tributed to school groups and be for sale in the course dinner in the museum’s galleries, craft Everson Museum Shop.
ArtRage 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner to be Held October 4th ArtRage Has Reached A Milestone! Help Celebrate 10 Years of Bringing Social Justice Art to Syracuse.Join the community for this special event where we celebrate ArtRage founders, Dik Cool, Rose Viviano & Ruth Putter and 10 October 4, 2018 – 6:30 to 9pm years of exhibiting Activist Art! Pascale Italian Bistro at Drumlins Tickets are sliding scale $75-$125 per person 800 Nottingham Rd. Syracuse, NY 13224 Food stations, cash bar, short program and enCan’t attend? Consider sponsoring attendance tertainment for an artist or volunteer!
ArtRage 10th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Reserve your spot (or one for someone else) online or call to pay over the phone – 315-2185711
Watch Artist Mollie Kellogg’s 10 Year Birthday Video
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield makes $100,000 in Community Health Awards available to nonprofits in upstate New York 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 $100,000, which the company is offering to help fund health and wellness programs in upstate New York.
Earlier this year, seven Central New York organizations were selected as Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Award winners from among close to 60 applications submitted in the five-county Central New York region. The winning organizations included Auburn YMCAWEIU, Auburn; Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango; Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland; Foodnet Meals on Wheels, Ithaca; Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Ithaca; Prevention Network, Syracuse; and WCNY, Syracuse.
Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county upstate New York region are invited to apply for an award of up to $4,000 each. The award can be used for programs that have clear goals to improve the health or health care of a specific population. Programs that improve the health status of the community, reduce the incidence of specific diseases, promote health education and further overall wellness will be considered.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield divides its 31county upstate New York operating area into four regions: the Central New York region, which includes Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins counties; the Central New York The deadline to submit an application to be con- “The company’s Community Health Awards Southern Tier region, including Broome, demonstrate a corporate commitment to supsidered for an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Chemung, Chenango, Tioga, Schuyler and Community Health Award is Monday, October 8. port local organizations that share our mission as Steuben counties; the Rochester region, encomFor additional information and the online appli- a nonprofit health plan,” said Jim Reed, regional passing Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “These cation, go to https://www.excellusbcbs.com/ Wayne and Yates counties; and the Utica region, awards complement our existing grants and wps/portal/xl/news/company-information/ comprising Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, sponsorships with agencies that work to encorporate-giving. Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, hance quality of life, including health status, in Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and St. Award winners will be announced in November. upstate New York.” Lawrence counties.
Syracuse City School District to Recognize Blessings in a Backpack Week The Syracuse City School District will partner with To celebrate this important program, Mayor Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to recognize the Walsh and others will be declaring the week of Blessings in a Backpack program. September 23-29 Blessings in a Backpack Week. Blessings in a Backpack helps fill the hunger gap among children in Syracuse, providing food over weekends, holidays and school recesses for students who might otherwise go hungry.
Mayor Walsh presents an official proclamation recognizing Blessings in a Backpack Week. Superintendent Jaime Alicea, Mayor Walsh and others will be on hand for the reading of the proclamation.
Thanks to community organizations and sponsors, more than 900 students from five SCSD The event will take place on Monday, September schools currently receive these additional meals. 17 at 10:30 am outside City Hall (233 E. Washington Street).
Two Killed in Robbery at Erie Blvd Chili’s Grill & Bar Dewitt Police report that shortly after 1:00 a.m. September 15th, they responded to a call at Chili’s Restaurant located at 3691 Erie Blvd. East, near Shoppingtown Mall in Dewitt.
Chili’s closes at 12 midnight, the call came in an hour after. Multiple Police agencies are working this case including Syracuse Police K9, New York State Police and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department.
The victims were both shot, during what appears to be a robbery. Suspects were apprehended the following day. Allegedly, a former employee led the botched According to reports one person died at the sce- robbery attempt that ended with multiple murne, the second died at a local hospital. ders.
A Tribute to The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin “Her Music will live on” By Dr. Joan Hillsman, Music Educator
The streets of Detroit, Michigan were filled with jubilation as we came from all walks of life to celebrate the life of Aretha Franklin. I was so glad to have been able to attend some of the events. The atmosphere was surrounded by people expressing how Aretha and her music impacted lives.
Stamp out jealousy, hatred, conceit and immoral values by putting more love in our heart. Don’t let Aretha’s life just be another celebration, then forgotten.
While traveling, reminiscing on how she was laid out the first day in red, gold open casket, and other days, as choirs sang, people spoke, and many of us participating in random interviews on how Aretha’s music touched our lives, and much more. “ I could not help but shed a tear”, as C-T was the order of the day as we will continue The feeling of joy, praise and reflections perme- to sing and reminisce about her songs. Her songs many did. I wrote: ated the crowds as we seemed to be on one ac- touched everyone in different ways. A – Thanks for always being Available to help cord from the church events where she grew up, New Bethel, pastured by her renowned father, Cicely Tyson at speaks Aretha Franklin’s Funeral ordinary people The Rev. C. L. Franklin. I remember him introR– You taught us well, RESPECT, how to spell it, Returning to Syracuse, being glued to the teleducing her on one of her vised funeral services and cele- now we will live it albums, by just saying, brations, we should be motivat- by respecting all people. “Retha can sing”, this was ed to carry on the works of the E – We will Emulate your energy as a great hureferenced on an occaQueen, Aretha, by giving thanks manitarian in Civil Rights, sion when she visited for such a servant of music. She and giving-back, via financial support and love. their home in Detroit, and has gone on to rest with many of she and the late Rev. T – Thanks for reminding us what family is all our great leaders in all fields James Cleveland would sit about, instilling hopes, dreams who have made an indelible on the piano stool and and values in them. You were the example. mark in society. They should just sing and play”. never be forgotten and left out of the pages of H – Help! You helped so many get through the The Queen of Soul, often referred to those history. day by singing a song, giving expressions through around her as, “Re-Re”, was extraordinary, down What can we do then? Glad you asked! My sug- music across the world, showing that music is a to earth; humble, willing to give of herself, her universal language that can bring us together. talent and her soul. Her gift made room for her. gestions are that we tell the young people who our trailblazers were, and even who they are. A – Always in your heart and soul, you never forShe could sing all genres of music, and she We also must let their dreams live on to motigot your “roots”, Gospel Music. We could hear it did. She was true to her roots, “Gospel Muin the “Soul of all your music”. sic”. This was evidenced in her going-home cer- vate us in reaching higher heights, emulating love and respect, serving humanity, and most of emonies. She was able to teach the world lesRest in Peace, Queen of Soul! sons through her songs, her struggles. R-E-S-P-E- all helping to make this world a better place.
Syracuse Remembers Victims of September 11, 2001 “17 Minutes of Silence” The city of Syracuse will hold a ceremony 17 Minutes of Silence in Remembrance of the Victims of September 11, 2001. The solemn occasion will be marked by a candle lighting ceremony, and 17 minutes of silence marking when the first jet struck the south tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Forman Police Park 8:30 a.m. Police and Fire Honor Guard 8:46 a.m. to 9:03 a.m. Candle lighting ceremony and 17 minutes of silence.
OCC Offering Outstanding Training Opportunities for Rewarding Careers! Onondaga Community College’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development has two outstanding opportunities for people interested in rewarding careers.
makes stainless steel processing equipment for a wide range of businesses including those specializing in pharmaceuticals, biotech and cosmetics along with brewers, food, dairy, and beverage processing facilities.
Paid Apprenticeships in Manufacturing OCC is teaming up with Feldmeier Equipment, Inc. of Syracuse to offer an Apprenticeship Accelerator Career Training Program. Over the course of 10-weeks, program participants will be trained for positions including welder and metal refinisher. Students will be paid during the program. Those who successfully complete the coursework will enter into a 4-year apprenticeship. The starting pay post-training will be $13 an hour and includes built-in, merit based pay increases throughout the apprenticeship. Training begins in October and runs through January. A total of 15 students will be selected to do their apprenticeships at Feldmeier Equipment which
ship Initiative, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, the New York State Department of Labor and the Onondaga County Office of Economic Development. Full Scholarships Available for Medical Billing Candidates
OCC will be training up to 15 people for careers in Medical Coding and Billing. Students who successfully complete the course work will be certiAnyone interested in a fied in Medical Billing. Full scholarships are availcareer in manufacturing is encouraged to regis- able for interested candidates! Classes begin Octer for an information session tober 8 and will be held Monday through Friday at www.aactjobs.com. The info session will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a period of 28 weeks. held Wednesday, September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Anyone interested is encouraged to attend an Storer Auditorium on the OCC campus. Candiinformation session Wednesday, September 19 dates must be present to be considered. at 2 p.m. at OCC’s Mulroy Hall, 4926 Onondaga Apprenticeship Accelerator Career Training is the Road (Route 173), Syracuse 13215. More inforproduct of a unique collaboration coordinated mation is available by contacting OCC’s Student by OCC’s Office of Economic and Workforce De- Recruitment Office at (315) 498-2221 or velopment. Training is provided by OCC with ad- by visiting this website. ditional apprenticeship, project and employer support provided by the American Apprentice-
Engineers Recruit Apprentices Constantia, NY - The Upstate New York Engineers Training Fund, Local Union #545 (also doing business as Local Union #158, District #545), will conduct a recruitment from October 1, 2018 through October 12, 2018 for two operating engineer (heavy equipment operator) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced. Please note that the two openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for five recruitment regions – the Central, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier regions. Applications can be obtained in-person only, at the Upstate NY Engineers Training Constantia site located at 814 County Route 23, Constantia, NY from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 10 business days or until 35 applications have been submitted, whichever comes first. Applications must be completed on the premises. The Committee requires that applicants:
Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as GED or TASC). Proof will be required at time of acceptance. Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of an operating engineer, which includes: Lifting heavy objects. Working in confined spaces. Working with and/or operating hazardous machinery. Working in extremely dusty conditions. Working in extremely hot, cold, or damp weather. Working over water. Working from heights. Possible exposure to loud noises and respiratory irritants.
Must be able to read and understand English. Must be able to understand verbal instructions and warnings given in English. Must have at least one year of trade-related experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license in order to operate company vehicles. Proof will be required at time of acceptance. Must have reliable transportation to and from various work sites and related instruction classes. For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #545 at (315) 623-7176.
Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Must pass a drug/alcohol test, at the expense of the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture cannot discriminate against applicants because of (apprentices may be subject to random drug testing at race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, any time during the apprenticeship). or marital status. Women and minorities are encourMust reside within the jurisdiction of Local Union aged to submit applications for apprenticeship pro#545, which includes the counties of Cayuga, Cortland, grams. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt Must be at least 18 years old. Proof will be required at Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaaffirmative action plans for the recruitment of women time of acceptance. ga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Seneca, or Tompkins. and minorities.
City of Syracuse Launches Performance Management Program Online dashboard will report to the public on progress in city government
Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse today announced the launch of a new Performance Management Program designed to improve city services and accountability to the public, using a system of setting goals and reporting progress. The performance data will be published online at http:// dashboards.syrgov.net/index.htmlThe Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation (api) will manage the program and dashboard working with departments across city government. “In addition to establishing a system that helps our departments to identify potential areas of improvement, we are building collaboration, breaking down silos, and working together towards innovative and creative changes,” said Mayor Ben Walsh. “This program is a way for us to be transparent about the work that we are doing and to hold ourselves accountable. It also allows our constituents, the people we serve, to hold us accountable.” Objective-Key Result (OKR) Process
When a key result is achieved, more aggressive targets will be set or priorities shifted. Results will be updated weekly and reported on http:// dashboards.syrgov.net/index.html. The City will also host public meetings to provide additional updates and public engagement opportunities. The first meeting is planned for later this year.
The Mayor and City department heads established four objectives at the start of the year. Each City objective [listed on page 2] has two key results that align well with the City’s priorities City of Syracuse Priorities, Strategies, and Guidand impact overall operations. Each result has a ing Principles metric that measures its progress. The performance process will work as follows: Mayor Walsh publicly announced the City’s guiding principles during his FY 2019 budget presenEach week, api staff lead a performance meeting tation. These principles were developed through with department heads about one of the objec- a collaborative process with the City’s senior staff tives. and department heads. Staff review metrics related to their key results Vision and discuss next steps and possible ways to im- Syracuse will be a growing city that embraces prove. diversity and creates opportunity for all. After the performance meeting, departments make operational changes, develop new initiatives, or alter their work to improve their day-to-day operations. “We’ve set challenging key results and metrics, so we expect the reports to demonstrate the need for more progress,” Mayor Walsh said. “That’s the whole purpose of performance management. What I’ll be looking for is consistent improvement and for public engagement on the work we are doing.”
ing a growing city with opportunity for all. Achieve fiscal sustainability. Provide quality constituent engagement and response. Deliver City services effectively, efficiently, and equitably. Increase economic investment and neighborhood stability.
Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation (api) The Innovation Team (i-team) staffs the Office of Accountability, Performance, & Innovation (api). The Office contains three divisions: The Data Division works with departments to better understand and use data to drive decision-making.
Mission As a model of innovation and citizen engagement, the City of The Innovation Division partners with departments to develop new & creative solutions to Syracuse will consistently delivaddress challenges and improve operations. er high-quality customer experiences through proactive and The Accountability Division works with departefficient service. ments to ensure the ongoing advancement of programs and policies. Values Accountability, Collaboration, Constituent-Focused, Cultural Competency, Data-Driven Deci- “Our office is excited to work alongside City desions, Diversity, Empathy and partments, utilizing our experience and expertise Compassion, and Transparency. in collecting and interpreting data, to identify opportunities to improve processes, and develop Key City Objectives innovative responses,” said Adria Finch, director These four objectives focus the of api. “This program will allow the city to inCity’s collective work in a way crease the effectiveness and efficiency of our that fulfills the mission and operations and service delivery.” drives towards the vision of be-