Church in Syracuse Uses New Technology to Spread its Message

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

11/10/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - The Vineyard Church in Syracuse is keeping up with technology and taking advantage of what the web has to offer.

The non-denominational church uploads sermons to their website, hosts a blog, has a Facebook page and sends out weekly video e-mails to congregation members. Many church goers know the sermons are available to them online, but some, like Taylor Sauginas don’t.

“I didn’t know about it,” said Sauginas, “[but] I would like to use it.”

Making it Easy for People

Church member, Aaron Stukey, said it was great so see the church keeping up with technology.

“If you’re not able to go [to church] you could go and see what you missed, compared to years back, before they had that,” said Stukey. “It makes it a lot more convenient,” he added.

The video e-mails or “v-mails” are sent to church members every week. The topics range from parking to prayer. Lead Pastor, John Elmer, said they have been getting a great response from people who get the v-mail.

“A lot of people like the personal touch through the week, of a video,” Elmer said.

Church Online Isn't the Same

In addition to the sermons, blog, and “v-mails,” Elmer said he is trying to develop an online church service for people who can’t make it every week. But, he said, it should not replace physically going to church.

“Church by definition, in my mind, is a community of people and online is somewhat isolating. I think face to face[…]is very important because it’s when we’re face to face, we really get to deal with each other’s issues,” said Elmer.

Using the Internet to Grow

According to Elmer, the internet has really helped the congregation grow. The church started over 17 years ago with five people in a living room. The Vineyard has now grown to about 950 people per weekend. Elmer attributes a lot of this growth to the internet.

“Most people, if they weren’t invited by a friend or family member, the way they heard about us was on the internet,” Elmer said. “That’s the number one way,” he concluded.

For now, the Vineyard will focus on building up their Facebook presence and increasing their overall online capabilities. The church is also looking to possibly expand their church to a location near Syracuse University next fall.

New Faces Become SU's Intramural Flag Football Champions (11/3/2009)

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

11/3/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - Intramural football at SU saw a whole new group of champions this fall.

On Sunday, the BJ (or Broadcast Journalism) flag football team won their very first, and last, A-division championship flag football title. This was their first year as a team, but because they are attending the S.I. Newhouse School for one year as graduate students, they won’t be able to play together next fall.

The divisions are broken up into different categories: A, B, and C, with Division-A being the most competitive.

“This Might Be Our Last Chance”

Quarterback for the BJ team, Collin Sullivan, made it a point to let his teammates know it was all or nothing on game day.

“For most of us this is our last shot at glory,” started Sullivan. “I wrote an e-mail to everybody today saying listen, I don’t have many words, but this might be our last chance for a championship title at a somewhat significant sport,” he said.

Brotherhood at the Heart of the Team

Nick Carboni was a starting cornerback and offensive lineman in the game, and he wanted to win just as much as Sullivan. But to him, the friendships he made were just as important.

“When we first met we talked about getting a team together to see where we could go in the tournament,” said Carboni. “I love those guys like brothers. We definitely bonded during this season and I was happy that everyone got a chance to win,” he finished.

According to Carboni, the A-Division was dominated by fraternities in past years. But despite that track record, Carboni said the BJ team came in with their sights set on winning.

“Our quarterback Collin Sullivan is a great leader. I think we came in expecting to win,” said Carboni.

Re-Living the Glory Days

For others, like wide receiver Josh Sims who participated in sports during his undergraduate years, it was an opportunity to experience the excitement of playing the game all over again.

“[During] undergrad my last two years, we won the championship [at Villanova University]. So it was really cool to be a three time champ now, at two different schools. It was exciting,” Sims said.

After the game, the teammates, happy from the thrill of winning, walked off Skytop Field with once-in-a-lifetime memories as flag football champions.

Note: All video was shot in HD with a Kodak Z18 Pocket Camera and was meant to be a feature story oriented for the web.

Increased Tariff on Chinese-made Tires Won't Hit Pockets Too Hard (10/26/2009)

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

10/26/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - A recent import tax on Chinese-made tires could have some people noticing higher tire prices this winter. It’s all part of the government’s plan to encourage people to “buy American.”

Winter Tire Prices = Huge Impact on Consumers

Although the tariff is expected to raise the cost of Chinese tires, Store Manager of Monro Muffler and Brake in Syracuse, Henry Tefft , said people might see more of a price increase when it comes to winter tires in general. According to Tefft, ever since Canada required its vehicles to have snow tires, it’s been hard to get them; and since they are in higher demand, the cost has gone up.

“[We’re] seeing the tires go up $20-$30 per tire, per year,” said Tefft. “10-15 years ago [prices] didn’t go up a lot; In the last two to three years they’ve gone up 20% per year.”

Not the End of the World

Tire prices keep going up, but with 88-million tires sold in the U.S. last year, Tefft isn’t too worried about his sales figures.

“People are going to need tires. They’re going to keep buying them,” said Tefft. “Tires are like gas, it’s a gotta-have,” he continued.

According to Tefft, his most popular tires are the ones that are made in China; they're the most affordable.

Tariffs Could Mean Trouble

Syracuse University Economics Professor, Donald Dutkowsky, said many tariffs are well-intentioned but counterproductive.

“[It] protects our own internal industry. During this time of recession that’s a nice thing to have. But it’s counterproductive [because it] limits trade [which could dangerously affect the economy],” said Dutkowsky.

But in the end, tariff or no tariff, Chinese-made tires are still among the least expensive in the market.

Co-Ed Dorms to Co-Ed Rooms: Syracuse University's New Housing Option (10/21/2009)

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

10/21/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - Co-ed dorms are nothing new to Syracuse University, but co-ed rooms? Starting just next fall, students will have the option to live with a roommate of the opposite sex. But SU students have mixed feelings about the new housing option.

“I thought it was a joke. Like it’s crazy,” said sophomore Nicole Addonizio. “I can’t believe they would do that,” she continued.

Freshman Janelle Bridson felt differently and said she was all for the new housing option.

“I think it’s a great idea. It’s good to let people choose,” she said.

What About Short-Lived Romances?

Some students, like freshman Carley Getz, said they could see the new housing option becoming a problem.

“I think it will mostly attract new couples that just met freshman year that want to live together. I think half way through the year they’re probably going to break up and it’s just going to be a mess,” Getz said.

Many other students also mentioned the potential problem of new college couples choosing to live together, and breaking up soon after. SU student Andrew Legere agreed, but said he didn’t think it was that big of a deal.

“I know a lot of off-campus people share houses with women and that’s not too much of an issue so dorms are a step down, but the same principle,” said Legere.

An Advancement for the LGBT Community

But the new housing option means more to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender (LGBT) community than just the ability to pick a roommate of the opposite sex.

Executive Board member of the Pride Union at SU’s LGBT Resource Center, Rae Rozman, explained that transgendered people should not be forced to live with someone of the same biological sex if they have chosen to be the opposite gender. She said the new housing option is a step forward for the LGBT community.

“I feel like it’s a very big advancement in rights. It’s something that needs to happen,” said Rozman. “A lot of the people in the [LGBT] community are way excited about this,” she continued.

Amit Taneja is the Associate Director of the LGBT Resource Center. He said that in addition to the positive effect it will have on those who are transgendered, it’s also about having choices.

“It’s about giving more options to the students so that they’re able to have a better residential and college experience,” Taneja said.

Meeting the Diverse Needs of the SU Student Body

Director of Housing Services, Eileen Simmons, agreed with Taneja and said the new housing opportunity was a response to the needs of the LGBT community as well as requests from parents and students for more housing options.

“There is a need as students do come to college and go through the transgender process. We want to be meeting their needs and the [needs of] students who happen to want to live with their best friend who is the opposite gender,” said Simmons.

What About Those New College Romances that Don’t Last?

Simmons said if one roommate leaves, the room would no longer be co-ed. Instead, the person remaining in the room would have to find a roommate of the same sex. So, she said, students won’t be able to go to Armory Square or Marshall Street to pickup a new “roommate.” She added that freshmen and transfer students won’t be allowed to have opposite-sex roommates.

Those who choose to live with someone of the opposite-sex will be able to pick from two-bedroom suites on north and south campus. Booth Hall, Watson and Haven are just a few of the dorms to be affected next fall.

Syracuse Planned Parenthood Sees "Unusual" Increase in Contraceptive Visits (10/7/2009)

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

10/7/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - The recession has made some people re-think family planning. In a recent study, Planned Parenthood found that visits for contraception shot up 11-12% in 2008. The spokeswoman for the Rochester/Syracuse Planned Parenthood, Betty DeFazio, said such an increase is unusual for them.

“There was an increase in the number of family planning visits and that increase was substantially higher than we’ve seen in previous years,” said DeFazio.

The Recession’s Role

She said the new findings could be related to the bad economy. It’s the recession, she said, that is making some people think more about the financial consequences of unplanned pregnancies.

“While their families are going through difficult economic times, they are very concerned about not having an unintended pregnancy while financially strapped,” DeFazio said.

She added that the results of the Planned Parenthood study documented a big jump in emergency contraception sales as well.

DeFazio said she expects to see the upward trend of contraception visits continue in 2009. She added that about 95% of Planned Parenthood’s services are preventative.

Children = Money

Having a child is a big commitment, and experts say that raising one can cost anywhere from $250,000-$500,000. But with the economy the way it is, some people just can’t afford it.

Amanda lives on the Southside of Syracuse and receives Public Assistance. She said she can barely afford to take care of both her and her six week old infant. Amanda plans to use contraception to avoid another unintended pregnancy.

Leonard Lopoo, a professor of family and economics at Syracuse University, said he wasn’t surprised the economy is having an effect on family planning.

“What we do know seems to suggest that people do respond to the economy,” Lopoo said. “They pay a lot of attention to – will I be able to support my child, will I be able to do the things I want for my child,” continued Lopoo.

A Look Ahead

Even though tough economic times have caused many people to use contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies, Lopoo thinks this trend won’t hold up for long. He said the recession isn’t going to last forever, and when it ends, some people will have nothing to hold them back from fulfilling their dream of a bigger family.

CNY Entrepreneurs Aren't Waiting for Their Dreams to Come True (10/14/2009)

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

10/14/2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - El-Java Abdul-Qadir decided he wasn’t going to wait. So just 3 weeks ago, he opened up his very own karate studio…even though he already has a full time office job.

“This is real, it’s happening, it’s tremendously exciting,” said Abdul-Qadir. “[But] it’s a big risk and [it’s] nerve-wracking.”

He said that opening the karate studio allowed him to mix his passions: martial arts, business, and helping people realize their spiritual, physical and mental potential.

Still a Long Road Ahead

There’s still a lot of work to be done. Abdul-Qadir needs to find more karate students, and still isn’t done turning the space, which used to be a dry cleaner, into the karate studio of his dreams. But he said he has come a long way from when he first started.

“It was dusty, [with] cinder blocks on the walls. It was just horrible,” Abdul-Qadir said.

Preparation is Key

But after months of work, his leap of faith is starting to pay off. Though the bad economy makes it hard for any entrepreneur to open their own business right now, Abdul-Qadir said preparation is key.

“I think it provided me with some confidence to take this risk…and now I’m out here doing it,” said Abdul-Qadir. “It’s a risk, it’s a huge risk because I don’t know whether I’ll have this [office] job tomorrow,” added Abdul-Qadir.

Starting a Business 101

Before Abdul-Qadir started his karate studio, he attended the 6-week longEntrepreneur Bootcamp hosted by the Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship at the SU Whitman School. Every Saturday for 6 weeks, students learn the keys to starting a business. A new session began this past Saturday, and it saw record attendance.

Tom Kruczek is the Executive Director of the Falcone Center. He said, despite the recession, people are taking the initiative to start their own businesses.

“We sold out. We’ve had to stop letting people into the class, so this has been our best year ever,” said Kruczek.

He also said there was a diverse grouping of people registered for the bootcamp.

“We’re seeing people at various stages of their careers who are saying, ‘yeah, I’ve got this idea, I’m going to do it, I’m doing to do it now,” Kruczek said.

Self Reliance in an Uncertain Economy

Some people drove quite a ways to attend the bootcamp. Elizabeth Glynn lives in Fairport, NY and drove about 80 miles to Syracuse. She said the uncertain economy played a big role in her decision to venture out on her own.

“I work for a pretty big global company. I’m not going to be ignorant and think I’m not just a number, I am. And if I were to get laid off, I’d like to know I have the tools and resources to make my dream come true,” said Glynn.

And for El-Java Abdul-Qadir, starting a karate studio is precisely that…a dream come true.

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Tom Kruczek has some tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Four Tips for Starting a Business from WD_News on Vimeo.

Community Rallies to Save Post Office

Christine Pitawanich, NCC News

September 30, 2009

Syracuse, N.Y. - The North Syracuse community could soon lose a local landmark that is more than 100 years old. On South Main Street, Monday afternoon, more than 50 people rallied to save their post office. Many of them were frustrated because they don’t want their neighborhood post office to close.

“A lot of us don’t drive.”

A number of senior citizens lined the sidewalk in front of the post office. They argued that if the post office on South Main Street closes, they will have a hard time trying to the get to the next closest post office on Taft Road…about 1.5 miles away.

Many of the seniors at the rally expressed concern at the idea of travelling farther to get to a post office.

“Terrible, a lot of us don’t drive,” said Tony Piccioto, a North Syracuse resident. “[Many have] wheelchairs, walkers…so I think it’s very important they stay open.”

Lee Cook, a 95 year old woman living in North Syracuse agreed. Cook said she wasn’t sure how she would get to the Taft Road post office.

“I have used this post office for over 80 years,” said Cook. “I don’t know how you get over to the post office other than drive, a lot of people don’t drive and we can’t walk that far.”

It Boils Down to Money

Congressman Dan Maffei also showed his support and attended the rally. Maffei said closing the post office would be bad for the neighborhood.

“This post office is part of the fabric of this community. It’s where a lot of the seniors go, it’s where kids go when they first learn to mail a letter,” said the congressman. “Take it away and you think you can try to save money, but the truth is you’re going to end up having far less business. That’s not going to be good for the post office and it’s going to be devastating for this community.”

The post office is in danger of closing because of the recent effort to scale down operations in order to cut costs. Across the nation, there are hundreds of locationsthat face possible closure.

Too Early to Rally?

Spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Service, Maureen Marion, said it was too early to hold public demonstrations. She added that they get people worked up for nothing.

“At this juncture, it’s premature for those exercises because we have a component for public input,” Marion said. “We may be on the same page and just not know it,” she continued.

According to Marion, no decisions have been made about the North Syracuse post office. The final word is not expected for at least another 2-3 months. The only other Syracuse post office that is under review for closure is the Elmwood branch.

Otis Jennings Announces He's Still in the Race for Mayor (9/23/09)

Syracuse, N.Y. - Otis Jennings confirmed rumors that he is still actively pursuing the Syracuse Mayoral seat. On Monday, Jennings told reporters that he will be running on the Conservative Party line. He made his announcement at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Construction Training Center on Genant Street in Syracuse.

“I’m still on the ballot. I will be there until November.” Said Jennings who was surrounded by a crowd of training construction students.

When asked about losing the Republican nomination to Steve Kimatian, Jennings cited low voter turnouts and said he didn’t want to dwell on it.

“We could analyze this race to death, but we’re going to move on.” Jennings said.

“I’m reaching people with the message of what we need to do for this city. I love this city.”

Kimatian Expresses Doubt

Even though Jennings publicly said he was staying in the race, Steve Kimatian, the GOP Primary Winner last week, thinks Jennings left himself some wiggle room.

“I don’t know whether he’ll stay in the race even though he says he’s in the race right now. So I don’t know if the final word has ultimately been said on that because at different times he has said that he would like to see the final count of all the absentee ballots and things like that.” Said Kimatian at his campaign office on Tuesday.

At Monday's news conference, Jennings said that he was waiting to see the absentee ballot count this Friday. But he didn’t comment on whether he would drop out after seeing the results.

Would Jennings Really Drop Out?

Syracuse University Professor of Political Science, Jeffrey Stonecash, said it’s unlikely that Jennings will drop out of the race because of absentee ballot counts.

“That ballot counting doesn’t mean anything.” Stonecash said. “He’s decided he’s gonna run, unless he embarrasses himself.”

Stonecash was also puzzled about Jennings’ decision to keep running.

“I would assume that it would be anger, ego; he may be thinking this will be a stepping stone to something else.” Said Stonecash.

Looking Ahead

If Jennings does stay in the race, Stonecash said his chances of winning are slim.

“Close to zero…maybe one percent. He hasn’t got a chance.” Stonecash said.

In Stonecash’s opinion, Jennings will take votes from Kimatian, making it harder for Republicans to win in a largely Democratic city. But for now, Jennings said he is focused on his campaign and message.