Syracuse Community Comes Together for Peace (8/7/09)

Christine Pitawanich
NCC News

Marking the 64^th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

A collaboration occurred this week between the Syracuse Peace Council, Peace Action and Pax Christi to put on a two-day long commemoration of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. An inter-religious remembrance service at the Everson Museum Plaza, took place on Wednesday and attracted about 75 people.

Advocating Religious Tolerance

Beth Dubois, a Southside pastor, was happy that her kids could mingle with others of different faiths. “My kids get to meet folks from different faith traditions and you can see, it doesn’t matter who the kids are, or where they’re from, kids are going to cross the lines faster than all the adults,” said Dubois. “If we give our kids any gift, that’s the gift we need to give them, to respect and honor other people’s traditions and learn about them,” she added.

High Hopes For A Peaceful Generation

15 year old Kenari Clark has high hopes, “to spread the peace and start peace in our generation,” he said. While making numerous origami paper cranes and a paper lantern for the event, Clark said he learned quite a bit, “I got to learn about atomic bombs and I never knew about the bombing in Japan, that it was a nuclear bomb.”

As the songs and prayers in the service came to an end candle-lit paper lanterns were released into the plaza’s fountain to float in remembrance of those who died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “History repeats itself,” said Carol Halter, a resident of the Westcott neighborhood. “There are a lot of lessons to learn from it and we can teach our children, because they are the future.”

*The radio story below was created the morning of Thursday, August 6th.

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Local Peace Group Active More Than 70 Years With No Signs of Stopping (8/6/09)

Christine Pitawanich

NCC News

The Syracuse Peace Council is a local grassroots organization located in Syracuse. It’s been here since its founding in 1936. In fact, they claim that they are the oldest continuous grassroots peace group in the nation.

Against All Odds
Staff member Carol Baum, acknowledged that it wasn’t the easiest thing for peace organizations to stay afloat. “Sometimes peace groups survive and sometimes they don’t. And why this one was lucky enough to survive all this time, I don’t know,” said Baum. However, she admitted that the area is no stranger to activism, “Central New York is a hot bed for activism for many many years,” said Baum.

They’ve Still Got It
Though the Council has been around for more than 70 years, they haven’t become lethargic. Just today they helped organize a downtown procession in remembrance of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; it was the second event of a two-day-long commemoration. Last night, the Council was busy managing an inter-faith service held at the Everson Museum Plaza which attracted around 75 people.

A Call to Make a Difference
In organizing community activities, Baum hopes to influence people to take a stand. “Part of what we’re about is to say that individuals can do things, but just imagine if you magnify your individual efforts by many other people working together. Then you can really start doing something,” she said. “Social change is about people getting together and making decisions and changing things. And it can be done, I truly believe it.”

After 9/11, the Peace Council shifted their focus towards getting American troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan. They are also major supporters of the Onondaga Nation People. In addition, they partner with various non-profit organizations in the Syracuse area. For more information visit http://www.peacecouncil.net/.

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New Legislation Could Mean Tense Relations with Albany (8/5/09)

Draft of the Legislation presented to the Public Safety Committee before it went

to the full Legislature on Tuesday

Christine Pitawanich

NCC News

The Onondaga County Legislature took a stand against Albany. Tuesday afternoon, a unanimous vote approved County Executive, Joanne Mahoney, to press the state for money to house parole violators. The legislation also permits Mahoney to take legal action against Albany if they don’t pay up.

A Cut in State Spending

It all started on April 1, 2009 when state-wide budget cuts were issued because of the economic downturn. State funding to house parole violators disappeared, leaving local taxpayers with the full cost of housing inmates. According to the new legislation, if the state does not reimburse the county, it’s likely the average property owner will see higher taxes in 2010.

Unfunded Requirements

Currently, the state requires parole violators be held in county jails and up until now, Albany has partially reimbursed the county for the cost. 14^th District County Legislator, Casey Jordan, expressed his frustration, “They’re telling us that we have to house these parole violators but now they don’t want to give us any money at all,” he said.

A Burden for Local Taxpayers

And money is at the heart of the issue. According to legislation, it costs the county more than $100 per day to house parole violators. “Previously they were only paying roughly 40% of the cost and local tax payers were having to pay 60%. Now they want us to pay 100% of that cost,” said Jordan. “We should be reimbursed. It shouldn’t be something that is being imposed upon us without any choice in the matter.”

“Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick”

If the county can’t persuade Albany to partially reimburse the cost to house parolees, the new legislation will give Onondaga County the option to sue the state. Jordan disclosed that he wasn’t too eager for a lawsuit because it would cost taxpayers more money. But he admitted that the option of litigation might make Albany take the county more seriously, “I don’t think this is something we can really continue to take lying down,” said Jordan. “We need to make it clear that we will have every willingness to pursue legal action if that’s necessary.”

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Weekend Family Event Won't Stretch Wallets Thin (7/30/09)

Special Events Coordinator for the City of Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department, Jeff Satalin, at Clinton Square.

Christine Pitawanich
NCC News

The Start of Something Big?

This Saturday, the City of Syracuse’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting their first ever Family Friendzy. The event will last from 10AM to 6PM at Clinton Square. The goal, is to bring families together for a day of free fun.

Affordable Fun

Family Friendzy will be a welcome option for families on a budget. “We do the events free of charge. It helps a bunch of families and anyone else who may not be able to go to these other festivals that charge for things,” said Special Events Coordinator, Jeff Satalin.

For the Kids

There will be entertainment lined up as well. Justin Bieber, a young singer who was recently signed onto Usher’s recording label, is scheduled to do a free concert. In addition, kids can learn about other cultures while Vietnamese, Irish, and Ukrainian dance groups perform. “We try to open it up to as many cultures as possible,” emphasized Satalin.

For the Grown-Ups

However, parents won’t be left out of the fun. While the kids learn about different cultures, play games, or entertain themselves with something else, parents have the option of getting a manicure, pedicure or a massage for a nominal fee.

An Option for Families this Weekend

Quanasha Freeman, a little girl living in Syracuse said she is excited for Family Friendzy, “It sounds very fun. I would like to play a lot of games.” Her step-mother, Niccole Mattice is also looking forward to the event, “It’s good to have the kids out having fun for the summertime doing fun things, playing fun games and enjoying the summer itself; it’s a beautiful thing.”

Niccole Mattice with her family and friends.

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The American Red Cross Teaches On-The-Go People How to Save a Life (7/28/09)

Christine Pitawanich
NCC News

Learn to Save a Life While Sitting at Your Computer

The Onondaga-Oswego chapter of the American Red Cross offers online CPR and Automated External Defibrillator training for people who are too busy for a traditional class. It’s a relatively new program that, for the local chapter, began in February.

Numbers Slowly Climb

Though the program is new, enrollment is up. So far, an estimated 100 people have successfully finished it. “We’ve had a steady increase every month” said Keith Bertrand, a local Red Cross trainer.

Traditional vs. Online Classes?

By far, the biggest reason people choose online training is the convenience factor. As opposed to the traditional CPR/AED class which takes about five hours from start to finish, internet users have the option to use up to 14 days to finish the online portion of the test. “It’s more convenient because you could do it anytime,” said Harry Fowler, a resident of Syracuse who has been through the program.

Busy Lives

Plus, many of the traditional CPR and AED classes are held when people might not have spare time. “Most of our classes that we hold here at the chapter are in the evenings and some people aren’t free in the evenings,” said Bertrand. “I think people like having options,” he later added.

The Physical Skills

Though the reading and testing is online, the skills portion of the test must be done in person at the chapter. Scheduling is flexible because the skills test usually only takes two hours.

A Little More Expensive, A Lot More Convenient

According to Bertrand, taking the Adult CPR and AED class online is $10 more than the traditional course offering, but it’s much more convenient. For a list of other courses the local Red Cross offers online, visit www.syrarc.org.

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A Joint Venture Brings Fresh Vegetables to Hungry Families (7/27/09)

Christine Pitawanich
NCC News

Something to Look Forward to for Needy Families

For the first time ever the Interreligious Food Consortium is teaming up with the Matthew 25 Farm in Tully to bring hungry families fresh vegetables. Tuesday, the IFC will be harvesting lettuce and green beans from the farm and distributing it to local, emergency food pantries in Onondaga County. The goal is to give needy families an opportunity to supplement canned goods with fresh produce.

Off to a Good Start

The program started at the beginning of this year when the owner of the farm, Jeff Rarick, felt that there was a need for fresh vegetables in food pantries. So far, he has grown lettuce, peas and green beans with plans to grow and harvest carrots, beets, tomatoes, corn, and cabbage throughout the summer season.

Though it’s a new program, it already seems promising. According to Michele Jordan, Executive Director of the IFC, the yield should be good on Tuesday. “It’s been raining this season, so the lettuce is coming in,” she said.

Working to Resolve Difficulties

But all the kinks haven’t been worked out yet. It may be difficult for some people to locate the pantries receiving fresh vegetables on a regular basis. “We’re not quite sure how much we have and we’re not quite sure how many of the pantries will be able to come pick up the produce at that time and how much they can handle” said Jordan.

Opportunities to Help

The IFC works with about 70 food pantries in Onondaga County and operates solely on donations. If you’re interested in volunteering contact the IFC at 315-474-8855. Or if you want to volunteer your time on the farm, visit www.matthew25farm.org for more information.

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Nicoletti Announces Plan to Improve Downtown Transportation (7/22/09)

Christine Pitawanich

NCC News

Unveiling of a Plan

Syracuse mayoral candidate, Joe Nicoletti held a press conference on Wednesday morning, July 22nd at Syracuse University. Nicoletti announced his government restructuring and modernization plan. One part of the plan was to improve transportation in the center of the downtown area of Syracuse.

Where will all the buses go?

If Nicoletti is elected mayor this upcoming November, some people in the downtown area could be left wondering where all the buses went. “We are going to move the main bus lines off the main streets in the center of the city and move them to ancillary drop off points adjacent to the city,” said the mayoral candidate.

According to Nicoletti, moving the bus lines would hopefully mean cleaner air around main streets, more successful stores and more money invested in the local economy. His overarching goal is to revitalize the city of Syracuse.

Listen up bikers!

It doesn’t stop with buses. If he is elected, Nicoletti would encourage bike travel between Syracuse University and the central part of downtown. “We’re hoping that would discourage the use of vehicular traffic to downtown and back to the university and increase the use of it for students,” said Nicoletti.

In addition, Nicoletti would push through a city ordinance that requires motorists to turn off any idle engine running for more than five minutes.

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New Job Training Effort in Syracuse's North Side (7/21/09)

Christine Pitawanich
NCC News


Despite the bad economy and high unemployment rate, things could be looking up for some Syracuse north side residents.

Community Revitalization

The Green Train program is part of the Northside Collaboratory, a non-profit organization working to improve Syracuse’s north side neighborhood. They provide training for jobless or underemployed residents and focuses on making homes more energy efficient; it’s one important part of the Northside Collaboratory’s greater plan to revitalize the entire north side of Syracuse.

Opportunities for North Side Residents

This summer, around a dozen Green Train workers were selected from a pool of about 60 applicants. “A lot of people are interested,” said Oliver Luisi, Program Director of the Green Train, “we have to be selective…there is a lot of competition.”

Though the application process is competitive, it’s not impossible to get into the program. “If you’re a good candidate, if you’re willing to work hard and willing to put in the hours and the 12 weeks to get through the program, there’s really no reason why you can’t make it into the program and succeed.” said Luisi.

Green Train Perks

Residents who make it in, are given tool belts they can keep and get hands-on experience renovating an old house on Catawba Street. Luisi added that in addition to vocational skills, Green Train also provides help with resumes, interviewing, computer skills, GED preparation, and connecting program graduates with employers.

The Beginning of a Good Track Record?

The first group ever to complete the program, graduated in May 2009 and 75% of them have full time jobs; one is working to start his own business. The second training session started in June 2009 and will end in September the same year.

Collaboration Underway

Other organizations, such as The Partnership for Onondaga Creek, plan to bring the Green Train model to Syracuse’s south side neighborhood. “It looks like a solid program,” said Aggie Lane, community activist in the Partnership for Onondaga Creek, “I think that the key is this collaboration piece.”

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Salvation Army Christmas in July (7/14)

Christine

Pitawanich

NCC News

Christmas in July at Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market

This entire month, The Salvation Army is putting on Christmas in July at the Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market. They will collect donations every Tuesday, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The Salvation Army has done Christmas in July for the past five years with the goal to increase community awareness about people in need.

Where the Money Goes

The money raised during Christmas in July will go towards the Salvation Army’s emergency services department which runs and maintains the organization’s South Salina St. family shelter as well as their local pantry. The family shelter has 44 beds and operates at 100%-110% capacity every night, while the pantry is one of the few in the area that stay open five days a week.

Summer Donations on an Upward Trend

The number of donations “during Christmas in July tend to go up every year” said Lynn Hy, Events Manager for the Salvation Army in the Syracuse area. For some people, summer is a good time to donate since “during the summer, people tend to have more money because you’re not paying high utility bills, you’re not buying all those presents for Christmas” added Lynn Hy.

Volunteer Opportunities

Those who are interested in volunteer opportunities for either Christmas in July or other Salvation Army events, can visit their website for more information: http://www.sasyr.org/


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