Governor Patterson's Historic Preservation Bill Will Help Syracuse

July 30, 2009--Governor Patterson's new historic preservation bill will benefits Syracuse by giving more tax credits for historic preservation projects. "We think that'll be another important tool in our efforts to encourage the rehabilitation of vacant or underutilized buildings in the city," Director of Economic Development for the city David Michael said.

The bill is supposed to help with the following:
- encourage developers to invest in urban neighborhoods
- create jobs
- increase property values
- revitalize historic areas

Michael said some projects with the Metropolitan Development Association have been put on hold because of financial problems, but the new tax credit will help complete those projects. He said that while he cannot offer specific numbers, the bill will help create temporary construction jobs for people in the Syracuse area.

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Author Nancy Pearl Speaks at Onondaga County Library

July 27, 2009

by Christie Witt

Award-winning Author, Nancy Pearl, spoke at Onondaga County Library tonight to a full house of 'CNY Readers', and other interested participants.

Pearl gave her summer book recomendations, and some insight from her recent worldwide literature search. She was in town this week because she has been a guest lecturer at Syracuse University.

CNY Reads is a local initiative to get readers to read the same book, and discuss it monthly. The Onondaga County Library chooses a new title every month.

"The goal is to read the same book, and have a common subject to talk about. To engage with eachother, reachout, and have a commonality", says Kathy Osmond, spokesperson from the library.

CNY Reads is open to everyone, and the August read is "March" by Geraldine Brooks.

GLBTQ Kids

The AIDS Community Resource Center in Syracuse reaches out to an underrepresented community***

Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning kids receive support

by Shardé Edwards (NCC News)

July 30, 2009, 3:00 p.m.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse offers the only program within sixty miles that supports and helps GLBTQ kids. The AIDS Community Resource project offers several programs for prevention and education for local kids.

The project is dedicated to creating a supporting environment for straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, with Q being for questioning. “The AIDS Community Resource project helps those in the community who are not served,” said Director of Public Relations Jean Kessner.

The AIDS Community Resource Center is focusing on:

• Prevention (AIDS and STDs)
• Education
• Community Awareness
• Adult and Youth Services

The Center wants to spread ideas

The program focuses on discussion groups and providing STD and AIDS prevention education. The resource center is also focused on spreading ideas.
According to the public relations director, “The idea (is) of spreading health…how do you make healthy sexual decisions and life decisions,” said Kessner.

The program helps adults and kids in Syracuse who need help with the issues they face being homosexual or straight such as: identity issues and teen pregnancy.

The Q Center is the program’s effort to focus on teen issues and provide support. According to the public relations director the center helps those kids who are more likely to be a risks to themselves. Many of the kids supported are homeless.

The Center has needs

The center is well-funded according to the Director of Public Relations but the center still has needs. “Obviously the real need we need is to expand this to Utica because we have fifty kids who show up on monthly basis and we don’t have a center for them,” said Kessner.

The Center wants to expand to satisfy more of the demands of the growing GLBTQ community.

The Center is located at 627 West Genesee St. in Syracuse. The center can be contacted by phone at (315) 475-2430 or by email at information@aidscommunityresources.com.

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Farmers say They More Than Loans

Borrowed Money Not the Answer
By Will Dugan
7/30/2009

On Tuesday Governor David Paterson asked the U.S. department of Agriculture to designate 17 counties as agricultural disaster areas. This summer's bad weather has taken its toll on farming. Crops have been pummeled by hail, washed away by excessive rain, and destroyed by funguses like Late Blight. If farmers are in the counties designated as disaster areas, they then have access to low interest loans. This attempts to help offset the cost of lost crops. However, some farmers feel that more could be done.

Farmers Need More Help

Although Oswego County was not suggested for an agricultural disaster area designation, Dick de Graff, the owner of Grindstone Farm, is no stranger to the woes of farming. He says that about 14 out of his 28 years in Oswego have had some type of agricultural disaster. But de Graff says the government could do more to help during these disasters.

“A low interest loan isn't really much of a help because it still needs to be paid back verses a grant or subsidy or something like that,” he said.

Loans borrow against a future, farming profits can change year to year which makes borrowing money risky said de Graff. He also said that these loans are problematic because although counties get designated as agricultural disaster areas, many of the farmers still have trouble qualifying for low interest loans. Even though the weather has been tough this summer, de Graff says they will make it out all right. Many farms have many different types of crops, stronger ones make up for weaker harvests of another. He says the last few years have been difficult, but he hopes the next few will be better.

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Military Appreciation Night, Hopefully

By John Garcia Jr.

July 30, 2009

CENTRAL SQUARE, NY- The rainy Central New York summer has cancelled and postponed many events. At the Brewerton Speedway, the rain has cancelled two race nights in a row, both (July 17, 24) were going to be Military Appreciation nights at the track.

The General Manager of the Brewerton Speedway, Bob Connelly, said that they will reschedule the event as many times as they have to.

"The weather is giving us a little detour right now, but hopefully we can get through it. Were doing it just as a small token to those people in the military," said Connelly.

The next attempt at putting on Military Appreciation will be tomorrow night (July 31). The event will be paired with Family Autograph night that was originally scheduled for that date.

Click here for an area Map

Hear the Soundbite:

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Hump Day Concerts Bring Free Music To Syracuse

7/30/2009


By Matt Granato


Every Wednesday this summer at the Inner Harbor the Hump Day Concert Series brings Syracuse a free show. The shows run all summer long up until Labor Day, and brings classic rock and local acts together for a night of entertainment.

The Bands

The concert series is only in its first year, but it is already the largest outdoor concert series in Central New York according to Pam Levine of Strategic Partnership Services. A lot of that popularity comes from the price of admission, and the acts that play the shows. Some of the bands that are scheduled to play this August are The Outlaws, Foghat, Little Feat, Skid Row, and Marshall Tucker Band. Levine says that each Wednesday between 8,000 and 10,000 people come out to enjoy the event.

The Harbor

The Inner Harbor hosts the concerts each Wednesday and Levine says its a great location to have the them because people seem to enjoy coming out, bringing blankets and chairs, and relaxing by the water. There is food and beverages available there, but unlike the price of admission, they will charge you for the refreshments.

Real Estate downturn affects New York Transit

By Sean O'Brien

Housing market affects Public Transportation

It may surprise a lot of people but the bad real estate market is affecting New York State Transit Authorities. When anyone makes a real estate transaction he or she pay a tax that helps fund public transportation throughout the state.

Mortgage Recording Tax

A part of the tax people pay on real estate is called the mortgage recording tax. A portion of this tax goes to fund different transit authorities. Steve Koegel a spokesperson for Centro in Syracuse says, "there are fewer homes being sold, fewer refinancings going on, the prices of the houses have dropped. All of that has contribtued to a decrease in the mortgage recording tax funding for our transit authorities." He says the lack of tax funding has is one reason why last May, Centro increased it's adult fare by 25 cents. According to Real Estate Weekly, an online publication, the mortgage recording tax as dropped 32 percent from 2008. Onondaga and Oneida county have a mortgage recording tax of one dollar for every $100 of mortgage.

Sean O'Brien

7/30/09

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SPORTSCASTER U

SPORTSCASTER U

JULY 30, 2009

Current NBA players are taking over Syracuse University's campus. The athletes are coming to learn the essential skills to start their second career as a sportscaster. This short four day crash course teaches the athletes to interview, do play-by-play, and how to be interviewed.

Donyell Marshall, participant in Sportscaster U and fifteen year NBA veteran, says they all mess up, but they can all laugh at each other- and that makes it easier!

Donyell says he is happy to be back at Syracuse for school. While he was in undergrad at UCONN, Donyell went 1 for 2 in the Dome. He jokes that it took him 20 years to get back to the 'Cuse!

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After 14 years, Onondaga County Parks Commish to Retire

By Tyler King, NCC News
July 29, 2009

SYRACUSE -- Bob Geraci has worked with Onondaga County parks for 31 years. For the past 14, he has held the position of Parks Commissioner. But this fall, that tenure will come to an end. Geraci announced his pending retirement today, but says he leaves the county parks system in an enviable condition:

"We get lots of peer reviews and questions from around the country," he proudly stated, "[asking] how do you do this? How'd you do that? [Saying] my goodness, that's fantastic. And we're well-known in the community of Parks and Recreation Departments."

He also had a simple answer when asked to name his biggest accomplishment as Commissioner.

"Every single park was renovated during these last 14 years," he said, adding "why I'm proud of that is because parks are timeless."

Geraci said that his eventual successor's greatest challenge will be the ever-shrinking budgets for parks; though the department's increasing success in drawing private financing has mitigated that handicap. The next Onondaga County Parks Commissioner has not yet been named; that will be up to County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

Syracuse Celebrates Art Week, Nancy Pearl Speaks at Library

July 29, 2009
By Kristen Tripodi

Syracuse, NY- This week the city of Syracuse celebrates Art Week, with different events around the community. At the Onondaga County Public Library last night, Nancy Pearl discussed her summer reading recommendations, to a packed auditorium. Pearl is an award winning author and former librarian, who started the "One Book, One Community" initiative. Pearl started the initiative in Seattle, Washington, but the idea has spread across the country and many groups like CNY Reads have started up.

Kathy Osmond a Public Relations Representative says the CNY Reads is a local program organized by the library, based on Pearl's initiative. The goal of CNY Reads is to encourage people to read the same book and discuss their views on different themes. The CNY Reads program started in 2001. This year they chose the book March, by Geraldine Brooks.

Previous Book Selections have been:
-Sixty Poems, by Charles Simic
-Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder
-The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
-The North Star Conspiracy, by Miriam Grace Monfredo
-The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
-The Works of Arthur Miller
-A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest Gaines
Pearl's talk was a free event sponsored by CNY Reads and the Onondaga County Public Library.

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Pancreatic Cancer and Overweight

New Study Shows Strong Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Being Overweight

Early Adulthood at higher risk

by Beth Jones
July 29, 2009

A study released by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Austin, Texas shows a strong link between early adulthood obesity and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Donghui Li authored the study, and says pancreatic cancer patients and cancer-free subjects were interviewed and asked to plot their weight at certain ages, beginning with ages 14-19, then through their 20's, 30's and so on. She said they found a strong connection between early adulthood overweight/obesity and getting pancreatic cancer.

How it worked
Two groups were interviewed(cancer-free and cancer patients) and then grouped according to age, sex, and race. All filled out a detailed questionnaires with questions relating to:

• smoking history
• family history of cancer
• general medical history
• HEIGHT AND BODY WEIGHT AT AGES 14-19, 20'S, 30'S, 40'S 50'S AND 60'S ETC AND THE YEAR PRIOR TO DIAGNOSIS OR ENROLLMENT IN THE STUDY

The subjects' BMI or body mass index was then calculated for each age bracket and classified as either normal, overweight or obese. Those with overweight or obese BMI's were compared between the cancer patient group and non-cancer group. In the cancer group, the average age of cancer diagnosis was looked at as well as overall survival rate/time among those who were of normal, overweight, or obese body mass index.

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What they Found

In addition to reconfirming an overall connection between obesity and pancreatic cancer, the findings showed that there was a stronger link between those that were overweight or obese in early adulthood, 20's and 30's, and diagnosis with pancreatic cancer than those who became overweight in later years:

• those who were overweight from age 14-19 showed a 60% higher risk
• those overweight in 20's and 30's showed two to three times higher risk of the disease
• those overweight from 40's on leveled off and after 50's risk was not significantly higher

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Early Onset and Survival

Dr. Li says something else the study found was a link between obesity and earlier onset of the disease. The study found that those who were of a normal weight had an average age of 64 when diagnosed. Those who were overweight had an average age of 61 and 59 for diagnosis. Moreover, patients who were of a normal weight survived an average of 18 months after diagnosis, compared to 13 months for those overweight or obese. Pancreatic Cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

SU Architecture students back at work on a House for Near Westside

Near Westside Initiative
July 29, 2009

Seven Syracuse University architect students are here in Syracuse this summer to add onto the house they built earlier this month. On July 9th, a prefabricated home built by the students was placed on Tully street in the Syracuse Community.

Hilary Munsar is a fourth year architect student who's been heavily involved in the housing project, and she expresses their efforts to work towards "going green" by creating sustainable options for the house.

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The Near Westside Initiative mission is to become a catalyst between Syracuse University and the community, and the School of Architecture has started doing their part with the building of this home. Munsar says the collaboration between the two has made it beneficial for both parties.

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The modular home is expected to be complete by the end of August.

International Report Says Tanning Beds Are Dangerous

Local owner agrees, and disagrees

by Collin Sullivan (NCC NEWS)
July 29,2009

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released a study today that compared the dangers of tanning beds to smoking and asbestos. Owner of the local Garbos Tanning Salon, Dominick Barbano, says that these studies are necessary to keep people safe, and is not debating the facts.

Barbano says, "It's all about moderation." For people that spend too much time out in the sun, have pre-existing conditions, or are repeatedly burned, then using a tanning bed is not a good idea.

The report

The IARC report reveals that a person under the age of 30 can increase the risk of getting melanoma by 75%. The organization has listed the risk of tanning beds as "Group 1", carcinogenic to humans. The findings of the study have prompted the group to reinforce the recommendation of the World Health Organization to stay away from tanning beds and overexposure to the sun.

Not that bad

Barbano revisited the theme of moderation on multiple occasions. He said that people just need to be smart and that going in everyday for 8 hours is not a smart option. He used the analogy of drinking alcohol. He said, "People say that if you drink a lot of alcohol, you will get cirrhosis, right? Do people still drink? Of course. But they are pretty smart about it."

He said that overexposure to the sun is just as dangerous as spending too much time in the tanning beds. When asked if there are new technologies to cut down on the risks, he replied, "There isn't anything that cuts down completely on the risks, but if you look back 10 or 15 years, we are a lot better off now."

Radio Track:

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Rain and Copycats Affecting "Heavy Hitters"

Jacob Donnelly (NCC News)

July 29, 2009.

Rain and Copycats Affecting "Heavy Hitters"***

Law Offices Focus Advertising on Specific Cases

The abundance of rain this summer has affected many things; from zoos and golfers, to car washes and bikers. For Alexander & Catalano, Attorneys at Law, a law firm that focuses their advertising on Motorcycle cases, the rain is just one thing that has affected the number of cases this year. Benjamin Rabin is the lawyer in charge of handling most of the motorcycle cases.

Not Just Another Lawyer

Rabin is an avid biker himself and chairman of Bikers for Babies, a charity event happening this Saturday. Rabin currently represents 80 different motorcycle cases. Because of his work with injured bikers he says he has second thoughts whenever he gets on his bike, “It's tough to get on a bike after you spend the entire summer taking care of other guys who have been wrecked...and girls."

He says the firm is getting less cases, but does not know if "it is from the weather" or from the increase in law firms producing similar commercials to theirs. He continued to say, "this last summer, currently, right now, there are other law firms that are claiming to jump on the bandwagon and advertise for bikers as well." A two hour block of local television produces several different motorcycle accident commercials.

Consequences for the Public

Rabin handles anywhere from 70-90 motorcycle cases a year and with more businesses looking to copy the success of Alexander and Catalano, it's only a matter of time until more of these commercials reach the airwaves.

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Commissioner of Onondaga Parks Department Will Retire This Fall

Successor Has Not Yet Been Named

July 29, 2009
By JEFF LANDSET

Syracuse, N.Y.-- The commissioner of the Onondaga County Parks Department, Bob Geraci, has announced his retirement, effective this upcoming fall. He has been commissioner since the mid-90's.

"Obviously very solid, operating one of the more dynamic metropolitan parks departments in the country," says Jon Cooley, Director of Recreation for the Onondaga Country Parks Department, when asked about the job Geraci did as commissioner.

A successor has not yet been named.

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Players get crash course in TV at Syracuse

July 29, 2009
By NICK CARBONI (NCC News)

SYRACUSE -- During a three-day crash course in sports broadcasting, six NBA players were surprised at just how hard it is to be on television.

"I’m raw right now," said 15-year NBA vet Donyell Marshall. "I struggle with everything. I’m struggling with looking at the camera at the right time and looking at the camera instead of looking at the monitor."

Marshall, along with Tony Battie, Mike James, Brevin Knight, Anthony Parker and Malik Rose, is taking part in Sportscaster U. It's a program put on by adjunct professors Matt Park and Dave Ryan of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

The players arrived Sunday, and had two days of practical courses from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday the players each sat beside either Park or Ryan, experienced broadcasters, to be the color analyst for a 2009 Syracuse-Villanova game.

"I haven’t really watched college basketball lately so I don’t really know those guys," Marshall told members of the media. "So I’m just hoping that I’m able to do even half the job some of you guys are able to do."

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Syracuse Housing Market Remains Steady

Julu 28, 2009--The U.S. Commerce Department reported housing sales went up 11 percent in June, but Mary Thompson of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Central New York says local home sales have remained steady.

Thompson is still optimistic of the housing market in Syracuse. She says the professionals in the field and low costs in the area make real estate in Syracuse a good investment.

"We have very great old housing stock." she said. "We have a lot of wonderful professionals for new home construction and I think that that mixture really offers a lot."

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Swine Flu Test

New Swine Flu Test Approved By FDA

Emergency Authorization Used

by Beth Jones
July 28, 2009

NATIONAL/ SYRACUSE, N.Y.- For the third time since the swine flu outbreak began, the FDA has used an emergency use authorization, or E-U-A to approve a new diagnostic test.

Onondaga County Medical Director Dr. Choc Nguyen explains that regular flu and swine flu are actually not that different genetically, something the new test addresses on a higher level. "Both the seasonal flu and the swine flu are H1N1. The subtle difference in them would be a very tiny fragment, and now we have to focus on that fragment and try to amplify it."

Test Likely Will Not Be Used in Doctors' Offices

The new swine flu diagnostic test is a more complicated test, as it pinpoints a specific part of the virus's genetic material. This type of testing requires equipment and lab technicians not typically found in a regular doctors' office.

There also can be ancillary testing that goes along with the diagnostic test. Dr. Nguyen explains. "It is cumbersome because you have to run positive control, negative control, and you have to have some machinery to be able to do that."

The FDA says this test will enhance the country's capacity to test accurately for swine flu.

Fire Investigators seeking answers to Clay Fire

A family of six were forced out of their trailer home in clay, New York last night because of fire. Joe Rinefierd, of the Onondaga County Emergency Management tells us what happened. It started somewhere on the porch area and worked it's way inside the trailer, we did find remnants of a smoke detector its undetermined on whether it worked. Rinefierd says the cause of the fire is unknown.

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Syracuse Symphony Orchestra Draws Large Crowd at Burnet Park

by Christie Witt, (NCC News at SU)

July 27, 2009

The SSO played its last concert in Syracuse last night, to an unexpectedly large audience at the Burnet Park Zoo. Audience members brought their lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the free show. 

"Great Turnout, 160 people. For a Monday night in Syracuse, that's not bad", says Robert Allen, SSO Manager. Allen adds the great weather may have had something to do with large turnout.

One glitch, the opening act didn't show. The All-Star high school band was scheduled to perform, but was unknowingly overbooked at the last minute. 

However, members of the audience, weren't phased. "We sat here and waited for an hour and waited because of the double-booking, but it was still worth it", says Sue Peckham, and enthused concert-goer. 

The concert was sponsored by the City of Syracuse, and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Councillor says much work to be done on Syracuse roads

By Tyler King, NCC News
July 28, 2009

SYRACUSE -- On Sunday, the New York Times reported that this state's roads ranked 43rd in the nation in quality. Common Councillor Van Robinson doesn't see Syracuse as an exception.

As the chair of the city's planning committee, Robinson deals with poor road conditions on a regular basis. He believes the weather provides a natural handicap for state roads:

"We use salt to clear the ice and snow away, which has a deteriorating effect upon concrete and asphalt," he explains. "We have frequent freezing and thawing periods which does damage to our roads. So, climate-wise, we're not in the best area for highways."

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For that reason, Robinson believes there's no time like the present to tear down I-81, a plan he has long been associated with. He continues to believe that there is reason to be optimistic about his proposal:

"I believe we are number six or seven, nationally, for highways that are to be seriously considered for demolition."

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The study ranking New York 43rd in road quality was carried out by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.

The Wizard of Oz Comes to Syracuse

7/28/2009

Syracuse--The International Wizard of Oz Club’s 40^th annual Munchkin convention will begin this Friday at the Hotel Syracuse. In the past the event has been for fan club members only, but this year it is open to the public. Now anybody can join in and enjoy all things Wizard of Oz.

“Anything and everything about Oz, just everything you could possibly imagine from movies, to books, to history, to entertainment...there’s just everything” said event organizer Kathy Di Scenna.

Changes for the Convention

Usually the convention is open to only members of the International Wizard of Oz Club. But because of tough economic times, many members are not traveling to the event, said Di Scenna. This year it was made open to the public in an attempt to offset costs. Non-members have the option to buy a ticket for the entire weekend or purchase tickets to any of the individual events. Di Scenna hopes this move will attract the most amounts of people possible.

This year marks the Convention’s first year in Syracuse; because The Wonderful World of Oz author L. Frank Baum spent his childhood years growing up in Chittenango and Syracuse said Di Scenna.

For a complete list of events visit http://www.ozclub.org/

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SSO's Opening Act Didn't Show Up

July 28, 2009



By: Kristen Tripodi







Syracuse, NY- The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra performed their last concert in the city last night. They played in the entrance way of the Burnett Park Zoo. But their opening act never showed up.

The Stan Colella All-Star Band was scheduled to open for the SSO last night, but they were double booked.

Sue Peckham and her husband attended the show and said the All-Star band was supposed to go on at six p.m. Peckham arrived at six and had to sit and wait an hour for the SSO to perform because of the double booking.

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But despite of this scheduling mistake, Peckham still enjoyed the show. The performance was free and sponsored by the City of Syracuse and the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Destiny USA Given Three Month Reprieve

Extension Contingent on Citigroup Payments Resuming

July 28th, 2009

By JEFF LANDSET

Syracuse, N.Y.-- DestinyUSA has been given a reprieve of nearly three months from losing its tax-exempt status. Saturday was the original deadline for Destiny to complete the first phase of construction: a finished extension to the Carousel Center mall.

But the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency voted to extend the deadline for at least 87 days. This, however, is under the assumption that Citigroup resumes its payments which they stopped after saying developer Robert Congel refused to put up his own money after the project went over budget.

Mayor Driscoll Agrees With SIDA's Ruling

Mayor Matt Driscoll had said he would be willing to extend the deadline previously. And with the latest ruling, he has voiced his approval.

"I concur with the actions taken by SIDA today regarding granting an extension for the Aug. 1 deadline," he said in a news release.

U.S. Postal Service added to "high-risk" list

By NICK CARBONI (NCC News)
July 28, 2009

The United States Postal Service was placed on a list of high-risk federal agencies in need of change on Tuesday by the Government Accountability Office.

Because of a decline in mail volume due to people and businesses switching to email, the agency could lose almost $7 billion this fiscal year. The problem is affecting post offices nationwide.

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"The postal service in general has seen a change in the way people are using their mailboxes," said Maureen Marion, the Postal Service's spokesperson for Upstate New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Marion, whose office is in Syracuse, said the Syracuse office has seen an 11 to 14 percent drop in mail this year compared to last.

"When you combine the diversion to electronic mail to other factors affecting the economy," she said, "you see a fall off in terms of the amount of mail we have to process."

Syracuse Police receive stimulus money

Syracuse Police receive stimulus money
7/28/2009


The Syracuse Police Department was granted over three million dollars today to save jobs.

The funding was provided through a federal program called Cops Hiring Recovery.

The grant came from the billion dollar stimulus the Obama administration released to save and create jobs in the police force.

Syracuse was able to save 14 positions.

The money will be used to pay the salaries of local police officers for three years.

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Eastwood Community Meets to Improve Image

By John Garcia Jr.

July 28, 2009

SYRACUSE, NY- The Eastwood residents met last night to discuss projects and propose ideas for the overall appeal of the neighborhood.

The community leaders aim to enhance the neighborhood with "Welcome to Eastwood" banners, new plants and new benches. Art projects are also being proposed to display around the neighborhood's parks among other public places.

Andy Maxwell, Senior Planner of Community Development, calls the public art a "Beautification project."

"Sometimes public art is way to kind of mix that up and provide a different, unique way to beautify some of our public areas," said Maxwell.

The Eastwood Neighborhood Association schedules the events for the neighborhood.

Additional projects and scheduled events for the area including free concerts this summer and a race through Sunnycrest Park. In August, a flea market will roll into town as well.

Over 30 community members attended the meeting put on by Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today. TNT is a program that divides Syracuse into eight regions and holds meetings for the improvement of each of them separately.

Radio Story:

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Local pawn shop is doing well in this economy

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Fit! Parks

Fit! Parks
July 28, 2009.

A new local work out program could have people saying good-bye to their gyms, and hello to the outdoors!

The new Fit! Parks program offered through the Syracuse parks department is FREE for anyone. The 45-minute workouts are lead by professionals who can tailor your workout depending on your level.

Chris Abbott, director of recreation for Syracuse, says people from the community are getting involved- just by word of mouth! Abbott says even people who don't know about the program have stumbled across the free workout.

"People might be walking by and see us exercising in the park and then the next time they'll join us. So that was the whole idea," says Abbott.

The work outs on Tuesday and Thursday start at 6 p.m. at Thornden Park. On Mondays and Wednesdays they are at Burnet Park at 6 p.m.

radio story

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Organizers from Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk hope for a big showing

7/28/2009

by Matt Granato

Organizers of this years Memory Walk already have volunteers looking to register participants around Syracuse. Volunteer Organizer, Grant Fletcher, says that by 2050 nearly 30 million Americans will be afflicted with Alzheimer's. Their hope is that educating the public on the diesease and getting people to act now they can help fund research and programs aimed at helping those already living with Alzheimer's.

Today volunteers wore purple and held signs in front of local restaurants to get people's attention. Volunteer, Kris Trillion, says they are hoping for more people to get involved as well as understand the disease better. She says she is compelled to volunteer becasue her mother was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Association will be holding a series of promotions between now and the walk September 26th at Syracuse's Inner Harbor.

Radio Story;

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Bikers for Babies Charity Ride on Saturday

Syracuse Home to Oldest Bikers for Babies Ride

Jacob Donnelly

July 28, 2009


SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Personal injury lawyers Alexander & Catalano are presenting the 17th Annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies ride this Saturday in Syracuse. The Syracuse event is the oldest Bikers for Babies event and is set to take off Saturday morning from ten different starting locations including Oneida and Cortland. The ride will finish at Jamesville Beach where lunch and entertainment will be provided.


Pat Campany is the Division Director for the March of Dimes Central New York Division and she says that the event should draw big numbers, "Typically, a thousand (riders) is probably the minimum...We should have about 1,500 cycles and closer to...3,000 people...with passengers." It costs $25 for both riders and passengers and that pays for the lunch and entertainment at Jamesville Beach.


She says that the donations do not stop there because "For every dollar we raise, March of Dimes invest two dollars back into our area." The money will go to several research projects in the Syracuse area including one research project that is looking into more humane treatments for childhood Luekemia.


The Onondaga Sheriff's Department will be excorting riders in the Syracuse area. Bikers can also expect anywhere from a 70-110 mile ride before finishing at the Jamesville Beach.


STARTING LOCATIONS:

• Auburn Ride
• Binghamton Ride
• Cortland Ride
• Oneida Ride
• Sherburne Ride
• Utica/Rome Ride
• Waterown Ride
• Watkins Glen Ride
• Painted Post (Corning)

*Photo courtesy of Mark Wyatt

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