1,000 things...to do in Syracuse before you die.

2012-01-10T21:00:00.001-05:00

Ok, geek out but this is so commie-community-cool. Syracuse has a lot of literacy services...and a fantastic library system. Put 'em together and what have you got? A concept called "CNY Reads One Book".
And the 2012 Selection is...The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

CNY Reads One Book is excited to announce that The Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak, has been chosen as the 2012 book selection.
Everyone in the community is encouraged to read The Book Thief during the months of January, February and March.

Programs related to the book will be offered throughout the area.
Check the Events page often.
A kickoff event will be held at the DeWitt Barnes and Noble
on January 12 at 7:00 PM. Get Directions »
Book club kits are available at the Onondaga County Public Library.
Reserve online, or call 315-435-1900 for more information.

You may have noticed...absolutely nothing

2011-11-20T15:12:00.000-05:00

Two...no, three months ago now I had a pivotal conversation with a private citizen about this blog. Then I went to Europe for two weeks. After that, realizing that a linear sense of narrative is important to telling a story on a blog, I went to my local Onondaga County library and checked out "Blogging For Dummies" (no joke). But you know what Autumn in Syracuse is like by now right? There have been myriad art openings, live music jams, Broadways musicals to attend, seasonal foods to enjoy, the regional market to haunt, bulb planting and gardening MUST HAPPEN NOW, Syracuse Crunch hockey games to drink at (at their rain water/green infrastructure ice rink), Syracuse Silver Knights indoor soccer team members to drool over, Harry Potter #7B to watch at the IMAX, and the millions of house-y things to winterize before the flurries start to fly.

To add to the insanity, this has been a perfect Autumn. Which never ever happens. Syracusans talk about the weather incessantly but in the last week it has hit a high of 71F and it has also snowed. So at least when we talk weather, we're interesting. This perfection has moved the priority scale from reading about better blogging to just getting and staying outside.

Back to this conversation though- here's how it went down. We were talking about local online resources for living here in Upstate NY. I said, "well, I have this blog...it's not super great but..." and he said, "But you're going to share it anyway." This was not in an "but you're going to share it anyway (and I'm so excited)!" way but in an "oh you're still going to waste my time" kinda way. Which, to be fair, I then proceeded to do.

This conversation inspire me to think that I have some homework and some more effort to put into this little hobby. Confession time: Syracusa has no idea how to blog. No, really, none whatsoever. I'm neither a writer, nor a social critic, and despite rumors to the contrary, I'm not a mover/shaker around here. I'm not addicted to any one thing (except perhaps food) and therefore not compelled to talk about it to everyone. And I have absolutely no interest in letting perfect strangers into the inner workings of my every move/thought/feeling as I live my life. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Most blogs I read are written by people who fall into one of those categories. Experts. Aficionados. Writers. Live/ers. And it occurs to me that you all do not just want to read random updates on THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. This blog could be more. Should be more. And it will be more.

Just gimme a little more time on my hiatus. I need to renew that library book.

Westcott Nation

2011-08-11T13:16:00.000-04:00

20th Annual Westcott Street Cultural Fair
Sunday, September 18, 2011
12:00—6:30pm
www.westcottfair.org

The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is an annual, one-day celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of the Westcott neighborhood through its culture, visual and performing arts, food, service organizations, and activities geared to families and university students returning to the neighborhood. The fair attracts more than 8,000 people annually to the Westcott Business District in mid-September for a day filled with great sounds, sights, tastes and more.

The fair takes place on Westcott street, in between Concord Street and Dell Street, as well as some of the side streets off Westcott.

Click here to sign up to volunteer anytime between 8am-8pm.

It was a Dark & Stormy Pirate Party

2011-07-22T13:54:00.000-04:00

Aye, I was invited to a Pirate BBQ last weekend. Upon arrival, I was introduced to a Ginger Beer taste-test competition, with the winner destined to become an intrinsic part of a tall Dark & Stormy cocktail, which in turn became a key part of the Bocce ball game out on the lawn. The group favorite was Gosling Ginger Beer, triumphing over Saranac Ginger Beer, but not over my remembered taste of Ithaca Brewing Co's Ginger Beer. Truthfully, though, none of the three are truly ginger-y enough for this hot weather. And then I stumbled upon this recipe in an email from the amazing Journeyman Restaurant in Somerville, MA.

Heat Wave Recipe: Ginger Beer Syrup, re-posted in it's entirety

When the weather gets as hot as it has been lately, there's only one thing Meg, our manager, wants to drink: ginger beer, with or without the rum to make a Dark + Stormy. Meg likes her ginger beer to be not-too-sweet and very spicy, meaning she rarely likes commercial ginger beers. She's made her own ginger beer syrup at the restaurant that balances a bit of vinegar with brown sugar to keep it on the savory side, and that barely cooks the ginger, imparting its spiciest and brightest flavor to the syrup.

Ginger Beer Syrup
6 oz fresh ginger, skin on
zest and juice of 2 oranges (or substitute limes)
2 cups of light brown sugar (increase by 1-2 cups if you like your ginger beer sweet)
3 cloves
5 tellicherry black peppercorns
(½ tsp chipotle powder or 2 crushed cardamom pods, optional)
4 cups water
1 cup cider vinegar

Combine the ginger, zest, juice, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the ingredients are well-combined. Remove the ginger-sugar mixture to a large heatproof bowl or pitcher.

In a pot, heat the water with the spices and vinegar to a full rolling boil, and pour over the ginger-sugar mixture. Stir to dissolve the sugar, and when the mixture is completely cooled, it can be strained (if you like, otherwise, keep the spices in a sachet and just pull them out).

Fill glasses 1/3 with the ginger beer extract and top with soda water for a ginger beer, or come in to Journeyman when we reopen for Meg's take on the Dark + Stormy that combines this Ginger Beer Extract with Berkshire Distillery’s Ragged Mountain Rum, Amaro, and lime.

Ahoy, matey! Next time I join a bocce ball game in Strathmore, I will be prepared. Stay cool out there.

Funky Flea Market, take 2!

2011-07-20T12:43:00.000-04:00

The brave folk at the Public Arts Task Force have pulled up their hip knee socks and partnered with the Northside Urban Partnership (Northside UP) to organize another Funky Flea Market! The 2nd FUNKY FLEA in 2011 will happen Saturday, August 27 on a lot on Prospect Ave, off of N. Salina and Butternut Streets- on the Northside of Syracuse this time. International food from the cultural mixing bowl of the Northside will tantalize and I hear they'll be music to jam to ALL DAY.

They're looking for vendor submissions by August 5th, so break out the vintage and chic and get ready to sell, sell, sell. Funky Flea has this instruction for vendor-wannabes:
"If you were a vendor at our first Flea, you can email us to apply-be sure to use "return vendor" in the subject line. If your a new vendor, just fill out our simple application and you will hear from us shortly! C'mon, be a part of the flea!"
funkyfleasyracuse.blogspot.com for more info (click on the link in the title of this post).

Political (He)Art

2011-07-12T13:42:00.000-04:00

The 3rd Annual ARTRAGEOUS EXTRAVAGANZA!
This Saturday- July 16, 2011
7:00 pm to11:00 pm

What’s more fun than a Royal Wedding?”
“The Artrageous Extravaganza! Don’t miss it!”

Music outside under a tent. Food, Drink and a Silent Auction inside the gallery. Eat, drink and bid on great Silent Auction items all night (bidding ends at 10:30pm)
All to benefit ArtRage, Syracuse's singular Political Art Gallery.

Line Up:
Guest Emcee, Common Threads Host, Larry Hoyt
7-8:30pm Back by popular demand – Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble
8:30-9pm Acoustic Guitar (inside the gallery) with Anthony Bakowski
9-10:30pm Big Beat / Crunk / Folk Band Utility Life

We have over 100 Silent Auction items to bid on including Gift Certificates to:
Assault City Roller Derby, Sparky Town, Riley’s, Pastabilities, Funk ‘n’ Waffles, The Mission, Roji Tea Lounge, Ophelia’s Place, Delphi Healing Arts, Spa Zend, Heitzman Chiropractic, Terra Organic Spa, Dynamic Fitness for Women, The Blue Tusk, Wise Guys Comedy Club, Scarab Body Arts, Manlius Art Cinema, Dart Computer Solutions, Eureka Crafts, Bersani Gallery, Syracuse Cultural Workers, Eco Chic, The Gift Box, Schenfeld Studios, Mallard Tabbaconist, Organically Hip, The Kind Coffee Company, CNY Yoga Center, Seven Rays Bookstore, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Opera, LeMoyne College Theater & The Everson Museum. Crafts from local artisans like Steve Linkinhoker, Sharon Bottle-Souva, Kathy Barry, Lauren Ritchie, Fumiyo Hirano, Deborah Sorrentino, a “Growler/Beer for A Year” from Empire Brewing Company…and much more!

Suggested donation: $12 each or 2/$20
Tickets available online or at ArtRage (505 Hawley Ave, @ N. Crouse) during gallery HOURS: W, Th, F 2-7pm & Sat. 12-4pm

Oh! Oh! Fooooood

2011-06-28T17:00:00.008-04:00

If you've never heard of Slow Food, you're missing out. It's only the coolest group of locavore foodies in the land. Oh, and the logo "growing our food economy, one salt potato at a time"...bet'ur@$$, I helped coin that.

Slow Food CNY Food and Beer Pairing

Empire Brewing Company’s local farmers and food producing partners paired with a unique collection of Empire and Middle Ages ales & lagers. 100% of the proceeds will go to Slow Food CNY.

Empire Brewing Company
July 13th, 2011
6pm to 9pm

$45 for current Slow Food CNY Members and $50 for non-members

Limited number of tickets available in advance at Empire Brewing Company and Middle Ages Brewing Company.

View the menu online at empirebrew.com

Trashing this town

2011-06-17T16:08:00.000-04:00

I don't stand Syrabuse. And I'm a big fan of the 3R's. Put them together and what do you get, bibbity, bobbity...RECYCLING!

Flash back to the Magic Schoolbus, boys n gals. Where does it all go? The food down the garbage disposal? All the tvs and dressers put out to the curb at the end of the semester? The pile of cardboard boxes (preferably flattened and tied with cotton twine)? Batteries? Those plastic water bottles and soda cans*? www.ocrra.org is the best resource for how to dispose of it and where. Got questions? This excellent site has all your answers.

Here are the Onondaga County Basics About Garbage.

First, if you live in Syracuse, you're in Onondaga County.

Second, everything you flush or put down a street grate ends up at our state of the art Metro Waste Water Treatment Plant. Or at least, it should. We have a little infrastructure issue with Combined Sewer Overflows that allow storm water to flood our system and dump untreated waste water directly into Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake. Bad news bears. That's why we have Save the Rain and a government priority on green infrastructure.

Third, everything you throw in your trash can ends up in our Waste-to-Energy Facility incinerator plant on Rock Cut Road in Jamesville (you pass it near the intersection of Rts 81/481 near Brighton Road). The electricity generated from this plant powers 30,000 homes.

Fourth, everything you put in your Blue Bins to recycle contributes to the 65% recycling participation rate we have in our county. This makes us one of the best recyclers in the nation, and Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA)- the fine folks who provide those free Blue Bins- a national leader in solid waste management. So Go Green! Be a good neighbor, and fill those Blue Bins with the Recyclables glass, aluminum, paper/cardboard, and plastics #1,2,5. OCRRA hands out mad cool magnets and printable charts to help you remember all that.

We've got some private industry folk who help out too. Here's a relevant heads'up.
Cxtec’s Lifecyclexpress will be hosting the first of many Community Wide Collection events at its Recycling Center next Saturday June 25th from 8am-Noon.
http://www.lifecyclexpress.com

A list of items you can bring include: Cabling, Calculators, Cameras, , Computer Monitors (CRT), DVD & VHS Players, Flat Screens, Fax Machines, Hubs, Keyboards, Laptops, MP3 Players, Modems, Mouse Devices, Personal Computers (PC’s), Phones (Corded & Wireless), Printers, Routers, Servers, Stereos, Speakers, Switches, TVs, and Video Cameras. Feel free to share the information!

Directions :
From the South
Take Interstate 81 North and take Exit 16A (I-481 North) to Exit 1 (Rock Cut Rd). Take a right and travel a short distance to the light and turn Right onto Brighton Ave. Go to the next light and turn Right onto Ainsley Drive, we're on the Right.

From the North:
Take Interstate 81 South and take Exit 17 (Brighton Ave). Stay in the far left lane and at the light turn Left onto State St. Stay in the far left lane and at the next light turn Left onto Brighton Ave. At the second light turn Left on Ainsley Dr. The CXtec TCDC is on the Right.

From the East:
Take NYS Thruway West to Interstate 481 South and take Exit 1 (Brighton Avenue). Turn Right and travel a short distance to the light and turn Right onto Ainsley Drive, we're on the Right.

From the West:
Take NYS Thruway East to Interstate 81 South. Follow directions from the NORTH.

*sure, you can recycle all those bottles and cans (clap your hands!)...or you can return them to any area supermarket for a five cents a pop. That's all thanks to the anti-littering legislation known as the NYS "Better Bottle Bill". Sounds sexy, right? All I know is it sure adds up fast.

We're full of hot air...balloons...this weekend

2011-06-11T00:48:00.001-04:00

This is one of those mad weekends. You'll start to notice women in traditional Greek garb wandering to and from St. Sophia's Greek Festival (icon demonstration and gyro anyone?) at the corner of Waring Road and Tecumseh.

Colorful hot air balloons of every hue will decorate the horizon line out towards Jamesville for the Balloon Festival. There are actually people who follow the balloons in their cars, waiting for them to land in some poor schmoe's backyard. These watchers pick their moment, and when the balloon is down...they rush out of the car and across the field or patio to...help the travelers carefully deflate and fold away the balloon, and are then treated to champagne. An elegant custom dating back to the origination of hot air balloon flight among the French.

Not to be confused with the Inner Harbor on your way to Carousel Mall (Solar Street, off N. Franklin Street) where some hot local bands are putting on a free concert organized to oppose hydrofracking in New York State.

And if you're looking to get your community service in for the weekend, I've got a Saturday option for you- a Citywide meeting with both Mayor Miner and County Executive Mahoney. 10am – 12pm at City Hall Commons, 201 E Washington St., Syracuse, NY (warning to the uninitiated, City Hall Commons is a different place than City Hall. Check the address!)
and
on Sunday, June 12th - 12pn- 4 p.m. A partnership between Home HeadQuarters, NEHDA, Northside TNT and the Social Action Committee from Temple Adath, Temple Concord, and Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will tackle a small Butternut Street neighborhood clean up. Volunteers as well as donations are needed. Like planting trees and tracking down litter? WE NEED YOU!

You've got your itinerary. Enjoy!

Summer time and the livin's easy

2011-05-20T15:41:00.000-04:00

Climatically speaking, this post is ear-l-y. The daffodils and tulips are currently blooming (at the same time), the forsythia is just popping out it's yellow, and we've had at smattering of barely 70F degree days. Nonetheless, it's time to start visualizing hot, sunny days filled with berry-picking, knights on horseback, wineries in full swing, mountain hikes, drama, and sport.

If you've been to the visitsyracuse.org website and seen the calendar, you will begin to understand the depth and breadth of our festival season which occupies almost every weekend from May to October in downtown Syracuse.

You also happen to be fortunately located a mere 2-6 hours away (depending on where you're going) from the ancient, mountainous Adirondack National Park. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and pine scented crafts could be yours for the asking. Just pull up a lake or stream, pitch a tent, and leave nothing but footprints. In particular, the Adirondack Museum and Blue Mountain Arts & Crafts store in Blue Mountain Lake are not to be missed. We have some of the best outdoor rock-climbing cliffs in the northeast up near Plattsburgh (according to rumor). And if you've never gone white water rafting on the Black River and Moose River, well...it's the best kind of fun one can have in a wet suit with six other people.

As for the towns, the views from Lake Placid are stunning. Old Forge boasts a cute main street, a Water Safari amusement park, mini-golf (duh), and a freakin' huge old-style independent hardware/variety store that I happily lose myself in for hours. Oil lamps and copper baking molds, huzzah! Lake George shouldn't be discounted either with its mix of urban chic and timeless lakefront charm.

For closer to home attractions...or if you're hungry...head over to the Finger Lakes for a taste of the good life. Deep, cool lakes. Beautiful vineyards. Fresh, delicious food prepared by talented chefs. And ice cream, oh the ice cream. There are hundreds of ways to tour this delightful region. I recommend stocking up on a Finger Lakes tour book, a wine tour pamphlet, and a couple editions of Edible Finger Lakes. Then all you need is a DD or a bio-diesel limousine.

In the mood for a more ancient form of entertainment? The Sterling Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 35th year of good old fashioned fun. July 9-August 21st, every Saturday and Sunday, dress to impress in your leathers, grab your fair maiden, and beware the pillories (and the saucy laundry wenches). Seriously good fun, good food, great musicians, and talented crafters and entertainers. Yes, this is the knight life, baby.

Summer is also berry-picking season. Click on the title of this post for a syracuse.com article from 2010 about u-pick strawberry locations. Or find a farmer at the Regional Market who will walk a bushel out to your car for ya.

The pool. Swimming, swimming...Syracusans love to swim. Pools open just after Memorial Day. Check out the City Dept. of Parks & Rec website for more info. You may need a little cash on you for both the pool and the beach!

And the beach. What summer would be complete without a trip to one of the area beaches? Green Lakes, Jamesville Reservoir, Pratt's Falls to see the waterfalls, or Oneida Shores. Here for more beach info.

Then there is Sylvan Beach Amusement Park and the Great New York State Fair. Sylvan Beach sits on the shore of Oneida Lake. It's a kitch, old fashioned carnival with seriously good fried dough, a small yet feisty wooden roller coaster, and every ride on the Midway you've wanted to go on since you were a foot under the height limit. And skee ball. Oh yeah.

The Great New York State Fair is a show and no mistake. Two words: wine slushies. Top 10 musical acts, a Midway, livestock, and a Weaving demonstration, and glad-handing with every politician statewide worth their salt outside the Dinosaur BBQ tent. There are prize competitions for everything from pies to table settings. I actually know a NYS Fair blue-ribbon challah bread baker. You also must not miss the Dairy shed...and the butter sculpture which will be the talk of the town for many weeks come August. It gets converted to biodiesel at the end of its sculpture lifespan. Whoot.

Hope this helps. Post below if you have more suggestions for summer fun.

Got a Phat Ride?

2011-05-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

Did I just date myself with that title? Car politics talk like this all the time: if you've got a car in da Cuse, you can get out to the fly Wegman's in DeWitt like butta'. But if you ain't, you a scrub. Then you got the infamous example of Margaret Thatcher denouncing men over 30 who took the bus. She obviously knew no hipsters. Happily, over the past two years new options have opened in Syracuse. A third-way between owning your own and sharing with your mom. Or taking the bus. Or biking. Or walking. To the point- we have car share companies.

Zipcar, well established as a car share company in large-scale metropolitan areas, has two Prius cars for rent to members and SU students on campus (parked in the paved zone between the gym and the quad). They're awkward to find but once you have, easy to use. http://www.zipcar.com/su/

CuseCar is a local start-up car share company. CuseCar now has Prius cars to rent to members downtown, in Hawley-Green, and at the Westcott Community Center on the East side (see below).For more information about CuseCar, please visit us at www.cusecar.org or call CUSECAR (287-3227)

CuseCar Makes a Home at the Westcott Community Center and Opens up Membership in the Westcott Neighborhood. A CuseCar can now be found parked at the Westcott Community Center, on the corner of Euclid & Westcott Streets.

Are you in need of a ride? Tired of lugging groceries on the bus? Spouse has the car and you want to take the kids for a ride? GRAB a CuseCar, membership is only a key stroke a way. You can join CuseCar online choosing from a number of different membership plans; including the Out and About Plan, Student Plan, or Commuter Plan. Usage rates as low as $5.95 an hour, when using a CuseCar there is no additional charge for insurance or gas, it’s all included in the membership.

The Westcott Community Center is thrilled to be providing a CuseCar to the neighborhood. We are committed to improving the environment we live in and the CuseCar will be a step in this direction. It helps bring our mission alive-- Building Community One Brick [or car] at a Time.

CuseCar is a not-for-profit community car sharing organization, with the mission to provide a sustainable transportation program in Onondaga County that will reduce vehicle miles traveled, lower the carbon footprint, improve air quality, and assist in developing the new green energy fuel distribution in the community.

CuseCar is offered to drivers 18 and up, who qualify for membership. CuseCar has designated convenient parking throughout the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

Models and booze; Drinking and Drawing

2011-05-01T16:16:00.001-04:00

You know how I said we Syracusans don't *just* drink? I kinda lied. Here I go, posting about yet another alcohol related event...but it's *just* so cool!

Drink and Draw! Syracuse
Drink 'n Draw is a social event for artists (professionals and amateurs alike) to relax, have a drink, sketch, chat and otherwise enjoy the company of fellow creative minds.

Neither drinking nor drawing is required, but both can be pretty fun!

There will be a live clothed model for those who wish to draw from life, and tables to sit and sketch whatever else you feel like drawing.

BYOP (Bring your own pencil) but there will be drawing materials and paper donated by The Art Store for those who forget. Feel free to draw in the communal sketchbooks. Optional $1 raffle ticket enters you to win a $25 gift certificate to The Art Store! (proceeds to offset the cost of the model)

Saturday April 30, 2011*
Holmes (Formerly Half Penny Pub)
321 W. Fayette Street Syracuse, NY 13202

21 and up only.

See their Facebook page for the next one.

*I know, bad monkey. I'm a day late posting.

Awesome Time...Syracuse Rap

2011-04-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

Syracuse Rap....awesome or embarrassing?

Who's got more artists to put up here? Post some links for me in the comments, please!

You make me laugh

2011-04-08T13:44:00.000-04:00

Or you would if you were going to some kinda wonderful Improv Festival tonight or tomorrow night at the St. Clare Theater (1119 N. Townsend St.) around the corner from the Church of the Assumption on N. Salina Street.

The Thumbs UPstate Improv festival runs from 5:30 p.m. Friday April 8 to midnight Saturday April 9 at the St. Clare Theater in Syracuse. Doors open to the public for shows at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The idea for this festival came out of the Salt City DISHES event where innovative projects from the under 40 set were presented and voted on at a community dinner, and the winner received a $1,000 prize to implement their idea. The winner will present on their project's progress at the next Salt City DISHES event on May 1. Tickets on sale soon at Craft Chemistry on N. Salina Street.

Read more: http://www.eaglenewsonline.com/Articles-c-2011-04-06-103113.114134-sub-Side-Dishes-Projects-that-didnt-win-Salt-City-DISHES-funding-are-still-being-realized-in-Syracuse-with-two-launching-this-weekend.html#ixzz1IxEQvttJ

Social Hour

2011-03-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

We don't all drink you know, some of us just socialize. In the spirit of full disclosure...some of us do both. I've posted about Green Drinks Syracuse and some of the other regular events around town. Here are the new faces at the roadhouse.

Drinking Liberally just started up in Syracuse. For those of you from other parts of the States, Drinking Liberally is an informal, inclusive, progressive social group where you can raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics.
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month starting at 5:30pm until...whenever.
Where: J Ryan's Pub 253 E Water St Syracuse, NY 13202
More Info: check out the facebook group or email: syracuse@drinkingliberally.org

Keep an eye out for Syracuse Thirst, a variable time schedule event that happens around Syracuse at Syracuse First businesses. Generally, there is good food and good people to meet and mingle with. http://www.syracusefirst.org

CNY Food Revolution Networking Event
Hosted by Slow Food CNY, Monday March 28th from 5-7pm
Location: Eve Galleria, 6456 Collamer Road, East Syracuse
Rumor is there will be more food revolution-themed social hours coming soon. Keep on checking Slow Food CNY for details.

When you march to the beat of your own drum

2011-03-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

sometimes you end up walking kinda funny. But who's watching?

what have you held on to?
A mysterious artist in Syracuse is looking for "submissions for a community exhibit displaying artifacts from past relationships and love affairs, objects/letters/photos/etc. that have a place in your personal history. we hope to assemble what will be an in teresting peek into human nature, break-ups and romance.
items will not be tampered with or damaged. all items will be returned. we will not accept anything hateful, retaliatory, or pornographic."
The deadline for submitting is March 31st. For more info or to submit things, email: paperdollaac@gmail.com

And in the face of the coming age of food scarcity, there is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair at Erwin United Methodist Church (900 Euclid Ave)this Saturday, March 19th from 1:00pm-4:00pm. The way this works is you buy a share of the harvest and then every week for the entire season, you get a box of fresh produce delivered to a convenient location near you. You can also get egg shares and flower shares...and meed the farmers who grow it all.
Check out the link: http://slowfoodcny.org/

OMG I MISSED IT

2011-03-02T20:03:00.002-05:00

flash. bang. wow. That's just the way it is. Things will never be the same. You live here, start going out every weekday, every weekend...catch as much of the magic as you can, but still it's gonna happen.

Recap on February; some very cool things went down. The Syracuse Opera had an opera karaoke night at Opus Restaurant in Armory. They brought the pianist and the public brought Attitude with a high A. The Syracuse Crunch Hockey team was doing their thing on ice with a game nearly every day. I watched a near-win by the Crunch vs. the Binghamton Senators. Our boys were up, and then they were down. It was a rough game, made a little rougher by my startled realization that I'm scared to death of "Al" the snow gorilla mascot. Snow gorilla, my tush. He's a yeti. And he has orange eyes. Creepy...I haven't felt this kind of fear since watching Arachnophobia at far too impressionable an age.

Syracuse's Drama Department performed a short run of a highly erotic play based on Lysistrata with as much subtlety to the theme of sexual warfare as only the under 22-year-old set can muster. Considering the cast size, I estimate I paid $1.25 per actor to see two hours of mostly-nude 18 year-old's masturbate on stage. Perhaps that shouldn't go in the 'very cool' category.

Rabbi Brad Hirschfeld spoke at Hendricks Chapel and Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. The title of his discussion was, “How Big Is Your God? Religious Pluralism in an Age of Increasing Extremism”. He's a BFD, folks. President of Clal—The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, which is a think tank and resource center committed to religious pluralism. Newsweek magazine lists him as one of America’s “50 Most Influential Rabbis” and Beliefnet.com has him on the shortlist of the nation’s leading “Preachers and Teachers”. Not that I trust those online crazies, but still, he's something.

Major things not to miss in March, in date order:
0) Women Rockin' the World Benefit Concert, March 12, 2011 7-10:00 pm
FEATURING: emma’s revolution & Colleen Kattau, at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society (3800 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse). ArtRage is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day & our exhibition of women’s art with this ROCKIN’ CONCERT to benefit the gallery. Tix $15.
1) Permeable Pavement in Cold Climates, with expert presentations on green infrastructure, green jobs, and green funding in Onondaga County. This day-long event will not keep you from your St. Patty's Day drinks and is being held at our sustainably-minded zoo (mere steps away from Tipperary Hill and Armory Square for post-green green drinking)
2) The Regional Chamber Business Show on March 24th, at the Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. This promises to be the most interactive event yet to feature businesses from across Central Upstate NY. And Dinosaur BBQ will be there!
3) The We Live NY Summit March 25th in Ithaca, NY. If you do nothing else this year (and you're under 40) git yourself to Ithaca for this one day.
4) Career Connections at Carousel Mall's Sky Deck on March 30th. For the unemployed or underemployed, this free full day of resume workshops, panels, speakers, and employers can provide a world of information toward effective job searching. Help yourself.

Oh, and the "Ah-hah! So that's what they're up to" moment for those of you wondering what was happening on the E. Genesee Street portion of the Connective Corridor near Phoebe's and Syracuse Stage: here.

Even Odds

2011-02-01T20:25:00.002-05:00

You may have noticed that no one in this city can drive. I say that with equal parts understanding and burning rage. Its really not all our fault. We don't drive on the right side because a) there are very few streets that actually have a line down the center (so how can you tell if you're not on the right side?), b) there are parked cars on the right side and the left side of the street (which is really just the right side for someone else) so you bob and weave around them, and c) snow banks, snow banks everywhere... sometimes parked cars in disguise and sometimes they're actually moving cars driven by very lazy, dumb people who didn't brush off their cars or turn on their lights.

Turn on your lights.

Now a) is generally a budget thing out of our control but b) and c) are linked, rational phenomena. Let me tell you about a little thing we like to call odd-even parking. This is a scientific method by which one parks one's car on the odd numbered side of the street from 6pm on odd numbered days, and switches one's car to the even side of the street after 6pm on even numbered days.

Why all the hustle and bustle? 4 little letters: snow. In order to ensure that all our streets are thoroughly plowed post-snowfall, our snowfighters in the City Department of Public Works run the plows down one side of the street one day and the other side the next day. So when you don't follow odd-even parking and your cars aren't all parked on the same side of the street :ahem, students: then the street can't be cleared. And they ticket you. If you're ever woken from a sound sleep to a really loud continuous horn outside, that's your friendly neighborhood plow asking you to get outside and move yo' damn car. The plow is stuck and can't get down the street b/c the cars parked on both sides are blocking the way.

Let's also take a minute and consider- if the streets aren't plowed, I can't get out and get ice cream, I get grumpy, I shovel out the car, the sidewalk, and start on the driveway, I get bored, I mambo around the house, I clean everything in sight, I make a stew, I check my email obsessively, I get cabin fever, life becomes dangerous, and the ambulance can't get down your street to save you. So please, check the signs and park accordingly. Let's all enjoy the snow safely.

One last quaint detail: beware Fools Night. That's what the locals call it when Jan 31st turns into Feb 1st or an odd numbered month ends and a new month begins. Notice something? Oh yeah, two odd numbered days in a row! What is one to do? Follow the odd-even parking rules and don't move your car. In the immortal words of Jay & Silent Bob...:snoochyboochies:

:insert sad violin music here:

2011-01-31T18:30:00.005-05:00

40 Below's "It's All Here" committee is hosting a happy hour to benefit the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. It will take place Thursday, February 3 at 5:30. The happy hour will take place at Al's Wine and Whiskey Lounge in Armory Square (321 S Clinton St). A portion of the bar will be donated to the SSO. If you are unable to attend, you can still visit www.syracusesymphony.org to donate or call 315-424-8222 ext. 243. Syracuse prides itself on its fine music offerings. Culture, drama, foreign films...it's all here. The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of that cultural tradition. Right now it's a shaky foundation. In order to save the symphony, new blood must step up and put their money where their piano-tapping, cello-lovin', woodwind-playin' hearts lead them. To the best liquor-servin' spot in the 'Cuse this Thursday night.

Sound of Music, the

2011-01-25T00:02:00.001-05:00

Ah, that used to be my favorite movie. My grandmother earned sainthood watching it with me what must have been hundreds of times. I've never been to Austria, but I live in a pretty hilly place and we've got lots o' music.

I don't care how tone def you are, you'll find your way down to The Sound Garden (310 W Jefferson St next to the MOST in Armory Square). Old style record shop with thousands of new and used cds/dvds, bobble head dolls, hipster caps, and some snacks for those who wander in with the (inevitable) munchies. Check out the "local" section. When it's stocked, you're looking for Sophistafunk, Joe Driscoll, Larry Hoyt, Mandate of Heaven...gosh golly, the list goes on. Go on and experiment. Don't pay any attention to this poor slob.

Where else for tunes? If you're into political rock/folk check out Syracuse Cultural Workers (400 Lodi St, look for the renewable energy murals). They've got a smashing selection of local artists like Colleen Katau, Jolie Rickman, and emma's revolution.

Books & Memories LLC ( 2600 James Street, Syracuse) has vinyl, cds, and tapes. They're open 7 days a week and I'm not allowed to go with you. I have some self-control problems around great used book stores that sell excellently roasted local coffee. :shrugs: The first step is admitting the problem.

We've also got some recording labels in town and some live music venues that make My heart want to beat/Like the wings of the birds/That rise from the lake to the trees. I'm just going to run down some names and you can investigate at your leisure:
The Folkus Project: Folk and Acoustic Music in Syracuse and Central NY; Westcott Community Center (I hear they do a lot of Punk shows); Westcott Theater & Performing Arts Center; Empire Brewing Company; Dinosaur BBQ; Society for New Music; Funk & Waffles (great open mic nights); Al's Wine & Whiskey Bar; Bull & Bear Pub...and the list goes on. As Julie Andrews taught us, sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone, expand your horizons, meet a hunky captain and make clothes out of curtains.

Sunday Dinner in the Salt City....:drum rollllll:

2011-01-21T18:00:00.004-05:00

I found something fab-u-lous....This Sunday, Salt City DISHES be there or be square.

And I quote:
"Once a season, we get together on the Northside to share a delicious meal, listen to one another's suggestions for a community-based arts project, and vote on the project that has the most potential. The winner takes home a grant to realize their project - and returns to the following DISHES dinner to tell us about how it went. 100% of the donation goes to support the public art project."

Salt City DISHES debut: January 23, 5:30-8 pm, St. Clare Theater (840 N. Salina Street).
$10-15 sliding scale.
BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE at:
Craft Chemistry (N. Salina Street next to Biscotti's. Handcrafts galore.)
2nd Story Cafe & Bookstore (Westcott Street, look up! next to Las Delicias Dominican restaurant)
and Sound Garden (just the best lil' record/dvd store ever in Armory Square)
Contact: saltcitydishes@gmail.com

The Sweet Life of the Middle Ages

2011-01-12T20:00:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, it seems like I'm always talking about drinking. Perceptions vs. Reality, folks. Two very different things. And yet, here we go again as one of the yummiest looking, meat filled 5-course menus popped across my inbox.

Dolce Vita & Middle Ages Brewery Got it Goin' On...

On Monday January 17, 2011 at 6:00pm, Dolce Vita has created a 5 course dinner paired with some of Middle Ages Brewery's finest beers. Middle Ages is one of our fine local microbreweries and this should be a scrumptious event.
Reservations are being taken and the cost per person is $60 including tax and gratuity and they've only got 40 seats, folks.

The Menu
Amuse Bouche
Yellow Fin Tuna, feta cheese, cucumber and soy sauce
Pair with Swallow Wit

Course I
Quail consommé
Pair with Beast Bitter

Course II
Rabbit salad, arugula, roasted beets, prosciutto, pomegranate vinaigrette
Pair with Triple Crown

Course III
Beef Rib eye, porcini risotto, celeriac puree, black currant sauce
Pair with Wizard Winter

Course IV
Braised Pork Tenderloin, polenta, apple chutney, blood orange tarragon sauce
Pair with Duke of Winship

Course V
Vanilla bean and caramel panna cotta, poached pear
Pair with Dragon Slayer

Dolce Vita
907 E. Genesee St
Syracuse, New York 13210
315-475-4700
dvcuse.com

Hey Pulled, you wanna cover this fine event? And in other Foodie Blogger News: CONGRATS to Cookin' in da Cuse who is a new momma.

New Year, new Things to Do

2011-01-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

One of the last December posts was all about housing, now its time to pay for RENT. 40 Below just sent out this email with some sweet Things to Do in Syracuse in January.

It's All Here Task Force's next two events include a Happy Hour/Task Force Meeting on January 20 at Empire Brewing Company at 5:30pm. 40 Below will provide snacks and 1 free drink ticket for each attendee.

Syracuse Stage is also hosting a 40 Below Happy Hour on Thursday, January 27 before the showing of RENT. More information and where to buy tickets can be found here: http://itsallheresyracuse.com/new-partnership-syracuse-stage

I mean, RENT and Happy Hour? What could go wrong?

Also, the Green Campus Initiative (GCI) which is a student organization that is dedicated to creating a more sustainable campus (on-campus and community initiatives include energy conservation, recycling, composting, and zero-waste events) is hosting a public forum regarding sustainability in Syracuse:
January 26th, 2011, 5pm-7pm
Reception featuring local food vendors and organizations, 7-8pm
Location: TBD

The forum will involve a panel discussion with public officials and community activists with the goal of generating an informative and compelling dialogue regarding the current, and future, trends in sustainability for the city of Syracuse. Current panelists include:

Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein; Executive Director of F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse
Andrew Maxwell; Director of Planning and Sustainability for the city of Syracuse
Matthew Millea; Deputy County Executive for Physical Services for Onondaga County
Person X; a spokesperson for Energy Management Program at CNY Regional Planning and Development Board

So are we going, or what?

a novel way to spend New Years Eve

2010-12-30T16:16:00.000-05:00

Join the Syracuse Peace Council for the New Year's Eve Vigil for Peace in our Community and Around the Globe

Friday, December 31, 5-6 pm, Clinton Square, S. Salina St., downtown Syracuse
Come raise your voice in the call to start the New Year with peace here in Syracuse and in our nation's relations with the rest of the world. Contact Ann, 478-4571, if you wish to RSVP or have someone greet you at the protest.

After the Vigil, all are invited for some hot soup and bread at the home of SPC activists, 340 Midland Ave.

Sign making party for the New Year's Eve Vigil, tonight. Thursday, December 30th, 5:30-7:30, Syracuse Peace Council, 2013 E. Genesee St.
Come by our office to get creative and help craft messages to show our commitment to working for peace in the world and in our community.
We'll have hot coffee and tea to warm you up. Feel free to bring left-over Christmass cookies! RSVP Ursula, 472-5478 ursula@peacecouncil.net

Syracuse Peace Council
2013 East Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 472-5478

www.peacecouncil.net
Join SPC on Facebook!

Educating, agitating and organizing for 75 years!

This Economy Sucks....$ from the Green Apple (tree)

2010-12-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

Ever think to yourself, man, all I need is some cold, hard cash to start my own bidness! No more punching a clock. No more daily grind. All I want is to be my own boss.

New Year's arrived right on time. Do it.

Yeah, yeah, money doesn't grow on trees. But if you've got the best business/ business plan in upstate NY, up to $250,000 could be yours.

This link is for you.* The NY Creative Core is looking for the most innovative and growth-oriented entrepreneur or emerging business.

The competition will run in three categories: Emerging Business, 15K innovations in agri-business, and the $6,000 Business Idea. The 1st place winner in the Emerging Business category will win $200,000, the 2nd place winner will win $50,000 making this event one of the largest business plan competitions in the country. The Business Idea competition will award one talented high school or college student a $5,000 cash prize for a great business idea essay. An additional $1,000 will be awarded to a professor, school, or business club associated with the student winner.

Deadlines:
250K Applications are due by:
Friday, January 21, 2011 at 5:00 pm EST.

Business Idea Applications are due by:
Friday, February 11, 2011

Participation in the competition is limited to individuals or entry teams from the Central Upstate New York region (defined as: Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence, and Tompkins Counties). Judging will be based on three categories as selected by the individual or entry team:

$250,000 Emerging Business Competition Company currently in existence – formally incorporated by January 22nd, 2010. Revenue stream between $0 and $5 million
$150 application fee (1st place winner $200,000 prize, 2nd place winner $50,000)

$15,000 Innovations in Agri-Business Competition Recognizes a company that has developed and implemented an innovative product, process, or technology that has significantly impacted their competitiveness and the competitiveness of the region’s agricultural community. No Application Fee ($15,000 prize)

$6,000 Business Idea Competition Open to High School and College Students only. $5000 is awarded to the student and $1000 is awarded to the institution the student attends.
No Application Fee ($6,000 prize)

* what link? The link in the title, fool. Click on the title! And don't even tell me you've missed all my other hidden links.

What's #1 on my 1,000 Things To Do in Syracuse list? Live here.

2010-12-28T12:51:00.000-05:00

Really live here. Stop the syrabuse, embrace the brilliance of a snowy morning, pick up a Genny Cream Ale ($2), and take a look around. Walk. Explore your neighborhood. Find the hidden websites of the 12million non-profits and community based organizations that call this place home.

Pick up the local hotsheet- the newsletter of your neighborhood (City Eagle, CNY Vision, Our Northside, listen to the spanish-language SABOR LATINO radio show Saturday nights 5-7pm on 1069FM (power1069.com)

Start with a place to live in Syracuse.
On the web, check out:
http://orangehousing.com/
http://syracuse.craigslist.org/

Physical locations to find good apartments or roommates include the community corkboard outside the Syracuse Real Food Co-op on Kensington and just inside the entrance to 2nd Story Bookstore on Westcott Street. Sometimes even asking local business owners while you're picking up a cuppa at Kind Coffee on E. Fayette Street or handcrafted earrings at Craft Chemistry on the Northside will turn up a spectacular apartment.

Buying a house in Syracuse is a damn fine investment. Our housing market didn't bubble...and consequently, it didn't bust. The house Otto-the-Orange-Fan-Gal bought in 2002 for $180,000 has most likely appreciated, and the house Yo'-Mama-Oh-No-She-Didn't bought in 2009 for $30,000 then flipped for $85,000 was a hot property. No, I'm not making it up. You can get a beautiful brand new home in mint condition in Syracuse for well under $200,000. You can get a beautiful, 100 year old house in fine condition for well under $200,000 in Syracuse. You can also find smokin' hot condos in downtown Syracuse, buy a house for $1 on the Near Westside and fix 'er up, or purchase a state-of-the-art super energy efficient custom built home on the Near West side for $80,000.
Yes, these are real numbers. No, I wouldn't play with your emotions like that.

Holla back with questions.

The sky is falling.

2010-12-15T16:53:00.001-05:00

If anyone ever tells you that the sky isn't falling, you tell that punk-@%* pollyanna that you've lived in Syracuse, NY and it durn well is. Snow, baby, snow. I couldn't be happier. No, serious, I love blizzards and think we don't get enough of them. Last week, us northerners got 52" of snow, followed by a thaw over the weekend that sent icicles the size of icebergs plummeting off my roof, and now a continuous flurry of perfect snowflakes that is making me yearn for snow days. Kids don't know how lucky they have it.

And what do I want to do on perfect snowy days like this one? After I've built a fire and put on fuzzy socks, I wander in to the kitchen to make some (kosher) Guinness beef stew and (vegan) baking powder drop biscuits from scratch.

In the spirit of hearty winter cooking, I'm providing you with a resource guide to buying locally raised meats. If you've every had a burger at Empire Brewing Co, you can absolutely taste the difference. If you're kosher, this likely won't help you at all. Go to Wegmans in Dewitt or Price Chopper on Erie Blvd for meat. If you're halal, there are small groceries/butchers that sell meat along the Little Italy stretch of N. Salina Street, at the intersection of Erie Blvd and Westcott Street, and in the Shop City plaza. For the rest of you, order up!

Barb Fuller
Dancing Goat Farm
1667 Co Rt 2
Richland NY 13144
315-298-5032
rabfuller@frontiernet.net

David & Erin Hull
Lucky 13 All Natural Red Angus
6638 Rt 80
Tully, NY 13159
315-696-6856
Lucky13beef@yahoo.com

Will & Allison Schonfeld
Will-Sho Farm (Beef)
1916 Dixon Rd
King Ferry NY 13081
315-246-9782

Dean Richardson
Richardson Farm (Beef)
200 S. Daysville Rd
Pulaski NY 13142
315-298-6579

Kirk & Vanessa Phillips
Circle P Farm (goat)
Parish NY 13131
315-391-1656

Mark & Angela Mattison
Mattland Farm, Family Farming Meats (Beef & Pork)
583 CO Rt 52
Richland NY 13144
315-298-8249

Jim Manning
Ferris Farm (lamb)
Prospect NY
Jim@ferris-farm.com

Sjana McClure-Berry
Berry Farms (beef)
10382 St Rt 90
Genoa NY 13071
315-497-1476

Tom Quinn
Quinn’s Irish Hill Farm (poultry & lamb)
Freeville NY
607-844-8645
tom@quinnsirishhillfarm.com

Do you know the ice skating rink?

2010-12-13T12:53:00.001-05:00

Living on Drury Lane? Winter can be tough, and in Syracuse only the strong survive. One of the best pick-me-ups come winter time is a rush of raw endorphins. Run, do not walk, over to your local ice skating rink or Onondaga County Park for some cross country skiing. I happily recommend the roomy and magical Clinton Square rink downtown. It's $3 to skate, $3 additional to rent, and $.50 to get a locker for your boots. After you've toured around one of the best designed rinks I've seen in a while, turn those puppies back in and head over to Roji Tea Lounge (108 E Washington St.), BitterSweet(121 W. Fayette St.), Wise Guys Comedy Club & Bar (201 S Salina St.), or Empire Brewing Company (120 Walton St.) for a hot beverage. Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps is traditional...and the bartender at Empire does not fool around...she handed me the spiciest, warmest cup o'chocolate mint gorgeousness that I've :hiccup: every had.

For Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing and Sledding at a variety of levels, check out Highland Forest for:
- Highland offers a wide variety of mostly groomed ski, and separate snowshoe, trails for all abilities.

In the mood for something slightly more Currier & Ives? Highland Park also offers Sleighrides - 20-30 minute horsedrawn rides are available weekends and holidays (except Christmas Day) on a walk-in basis from 11am - 4pm, December 18 - March 13, 2011. $5 per person, under 5 free. Or take a drive to Skaneateles for their Dicken's Christmas. Live carrollers (don't know how to spell that, I'm Jewish), character actors such as Father Christmas and the Ghost of Christmas Past in costume, sketches/skits, and roasted chestnuts for sale to passers-by. There is also delicious local candy specialties at the area chocolate stores.

Enjoy the snow!

Can't buy me love...but please, buy local

2010-11-23T10:28:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year when we all meet up with our high school friends home for Turkey Day and hit Armory Square like a bulldozer through the wall of the NYC branch of the Federal Reserve in Die Hard (with a Vengeance). Complicated metaphor, yes. But what is less complicated than buying from local crafters and artisans, or at the least, locally-owned stores for all your holiday shopping needs, I ask you? So this year, take a locavore vow and get all the good stuff right here. Syracuse, Live it! Love it! It's all here.

Plowshares Craftsfair & Peace Festival
December 4-5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, December 5, 11 am - 5 pm
@ Nottingham High School
3100 E. Genesee St.

Don't miss Central New York's premiere multicultural craftsfair. Over 120 local craftspeople and community organizations. Great entertainment, food from The Mission and the friendliest crowd in town.

The Syracuse Peace Council is still accepting donations for the silent auction, see auction for last year's items, contact Andy. Plowshares is completely full for 2010 (including a stocked waiting list).

"Buy Local Bash" DECEMBER 15 @ Orange Line Gallery
Orange Line Gallery doors open at 6pm
106 Montgomery St.
Syracuse, NY 13203

Help SyracuseFirst celebrate our first full year at the Buy Local Bash. We have the opportunity to transform this community but it is going to take all of us to do that. I call it the ABC's of community development: Awareness = Behavior Change!

We need your help and attending the "Buy Local Bash" is a great way to do that and have a lot of fun at the same time. There will be local food, fashion, drinks, great live music, and a DJ.
Local Food... Local Fashion... ALL Fun!
Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members and will be available at SyracuseFirst businesses across the community as well as on the SyracuseFirst website.
Its time to celebrate what makes Central New York great.

Maxwell Alumni, won't you please stand up?

2010-11-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

Some of you peeps came to Syracuse for a purpose. Well, I got somethin' for ya...a chance to meet and mingle with other graduates of the esteemed Maxwell School. And potentially a chance to witness a good bar fight. All in one!

Post Election Discussion & Happy Hour
Thursday, November 11th, Awful Al's in Armory Square

Maxwell Central New York Alumni (MAXCNY) invites all CNY Alumni and Maxwell School Graduate Students for a discussion on the outcome of the November 2010 elections
Join us to hear Robert McClure Chapple Family Professor of Citizenship and Democracy

Who will offer an opening commentary on the election results.
Professor McClure's remarks will be followed by Q&A and spirited discussion among those present.
The setting will be Awful Al’s located at 321 S. Clinton St (Armory Sq, between W. Fayette St. & Walton St.) (Phone: 315 472 4427)
Free Food with a Cash Bar
5:30 to 8 PM with the opening commentary at 6 PM.
This is an inaugural "Happy Hour" style event for MAXCNY and we look forward to seeing you there.
Please RSVP no later than Friday, November 5th as we need to provide the restaurant with an estimate for the food order. (I think it's safe to ignore this detail)
For more info:
Norma Ann Shannon
Director of Alumni Relations
202 Maxwell Hall
The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244
Phone: 315-443-5504
Email: nshannon@maxwell.syr.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/normashannon

Let me give you a hint, Syracuse is clean and green, and on the map...

2010-11-07T12:00:00.004-05:00

in the Global Cleantech political economy. As evidence, I submit exhibit B:

"10 ways Global Cleantech Clusters are accelerating the Cleantech Revolution" and under #8...
Clusters can support all types of cleantech stakeholders – For example The CleanTech Center in Syracuse, New York offers support to entrepreneurs and early stage companies through incubation, acceleration and retention. Collaborators include angel and venture investors, financial institutions and other lenders, colleges and universities, service providers, utilities, industry associations and government agencies. Together, they all provide technical and financial assistance to foster clean technology business development.

Lifted directly from Cookin' in da Cuse

2010-11-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

Cookin' and I are already linked. You'll find her delicious blog on the right side of this very page. I know how it is, however. Sometimes something may get in the way of exploring all the wild and varied blogs about town that are attached to my svelte little internet resource. Since I'm here to help you out...I've decided that you need this info directly from the source:

Cookin' in da Cuse writes...

"This weekend is the Pride of New York Harvest Fest Nov. 6-7 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. There will be about 100 growers and producers there plus wine and beer tastings and local food products galore. It could be a great way to check out local foods that don't always get to store shelves--and purchase things for the holidays: a local foods basket is a great gift, don't you think? Tickets are $25.

For the meat lovers out there, I've just received word about a Meat Fair--that's right, a LOCAL meat fair sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County. It will take place on Saturday, November 20th, 2010, at the Central Square Middle School cafeteria, on U.S. Rte. 11 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Many different meat vendors from the area will be on hand to speak with consumers and answer their questions. Janet Wells, of the Farm House Kitchen Catering Company will prepare the different meat dishes for sampling; including goat, beef, pork and poultry. Cost to attend the event is $5.00.

Shhh! And you thought the secret to the wardrobe was Narnia.

2010-10-29T12:56:00.003-04:00

Ok, I'm a girl. I admit it. What I shouldn't admit is where I get my clothes. You might be as much a clothes horse as I am. You might take this information and steal off to usurp all the good stuff while I'm writing this. But I am willing to risk it in the hope that smart fashion takes off in Syracuse. Oh, by smart fashion, we're also talking completely green.

Marshall's in Fairmount Fair
3501 West Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13031
No joke, this Marshall's has an amazing buyer. Forget the one on Erie Blvd, it sucks. This one rocks. Calvin Klein suits, super cute undies, swim suits in all styles, Michael Kors sunglasses, Sofft shoes...you brand name it and this place has it.

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Rummage Sale
10am-4pm October 31st, 2010 (and there is a spring rummage sale too every year)
18 Patsy Ln, Jamesville, NY 13078-3706
Who knows clothes better than a Jewish mother? This sale is consistently stocked with quality clothes, kitchen items, coats/suits, children's toys, books. This is my super secret go-to for clothing, especially vintage suits and jewelry. A Do Not Miss on my Things To Do list.

Boom Babies
489 Westcott Street, Syracuse, NY
Designer dresses, formal wear, men's hats, vintage hankies, cool jewelery, and Halloween costumes out the wazooh. Buyer beware- this shop is wicked but during the peak prom season (March-June, and sometimes August-October for Homecoming) this place is filled with glamor-seeking 16 year olds, harried mothers, and impatient (read: rude) staff. It's a little slice of St Mark's Square chic.

Encore Thrift Shop
119 Brooklea Dr, Fayetteville, NY 13066-1303
And I quote, "located in the Limestone Plaza area of Fayetteville this charming thrift store is staffed by volunteers" and all profits benefit the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. This place is on the pricey side for a thrift store, not like ye old Salvo, but has top quality brand name goods thanks to it's focus on arts philanthropy and location in richville.

Salvation Army Thift Store
2433 Erie Blvd E Syracuse, NY 13224-1186
The to-go thrift location for Syracuse city residents. This store in particular has all your non-disposable party needs- dishes, silverware, glassware, kitchen appliances, chairs and other household furniture. It also has a warehouse-sized store filled with rows of clothes organized by color. Random, right? There must be a method to that madness because everytime I go I come back with good loot. You need a $16 Tahari pant suit? or 70 little ceramic cups for an amuse bouche? This is THE place.

Newtonian Physics...or The Apple Picking Post

2010-10-27T14:14:00.000-04:00

This is disgraceful. Here it is, mere days before Halloween and far too close for comfort for the November 2nd election and there has not been one single post on apple picking in Central New York. Apple picking up here is a lifestyle. It means days of apple cider donuts, spiced cider in a steaming paper cups, and baked apples with cinnamon perfuming the kitchen. If you're a canning freak like myself, it also means churning out quarts of the best complement to Hanukah latkes- pure handpicked and home made apple sauce goodness.

Now, there are exactly twelve million places to go apple picking around Syracuse. My favorite is Abbott Farms. Abbott Farms has something for everyone. Fresh, hot apple cider donuts (for me), spiced hot apple cider, local meats and cheeses, regional food specialty items and gifts (kid's tea sets, cook books, popcorn, New Hope Mills pancake mixes, etc), pies, ice cream, locally made fudge, and burgers made with their own farm-raised beef (beware, the fries are terrible). They have a pumpkin patch, petting goats, kids amusements and haybales to tumble on, a cider press for voyeurs like myself...oh and loads of apple trees.

Of the regional cider producers, you will hear two names consistently: Beak & Skiff and Red Orchard. Beak & Skiff cider is available at all local grocery stores, and they have recently pioneered a vodka made from apples, but you have to go out to the orchard store to get that. You can also pick there BUT Beak & Skiff is like the Disneyland of apple picking: clean, sanitized, and overrun by screaming children and tourists. Red Orchard cider is available from multiple vendors at our Regional Farmers Market. Rumor is they're organic.

Let the good times roll...Assault City Roller Derby

2010-10-18T15:33:00.001-04:00

It's true, I've been keeping things from you. Like the time I got all dolled up on a hot Saturday night in August and pre-gamed in a parking lot in Baldwinsville before the Assault City vs. TriCity Roller Derby game. Sadly, our Assaulters got their asses handed to them by the Tri'd n True but no matter. Roller derby is an exciting sport to watch. The referee jeering in particular is highly enjoyable. Mostly because there are about 3 refs to every woman on the rink- and if that wasn't laughable enough- the refs actually think there are rules to be observed. :snarf:

Salt City Strikes Back...in vogue

2010-10-18T15:26:00.000-04:00

The 2nd annual market will be on Saturday, October 23rd, 10am – 6pm, at the Case Supply Warehouse at 112 Wyoming St in Syracuse, NY.

The Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market is a unique event for the Syracuse area. Crafters of the new generation are emerging to provide funky, alternative and contemporary handmade artworks and our mission is to create an annual marketplace where a diverse group of local artists and designers have the opportunity to showcase and sell their work.

The Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market is the place to buy, experience, share, and re-imagine all things locally handmade while enjoying local music performances and yummy food provided by a local venues!

Green Drinks has hatched in Auburn

2010-10-14T13:53:00.001-04:00

I posted about Green Drinks in Syracuse. Well, I'm sorry if I shock you but...we've already had a spin-off! Auburn is just west of Syracuse and it's a town with a burning secret. Auburn has one of the most progressive renewable energy strategies in the nation. :shocked gasp:
Now, this is just my opinion but listen up...3 hydroelectric sites in town, waste-gas methane digestion with the projected addition of a solar farm, a geothermal HVAC system for its 100 year old City Hall and several geothermal public schools, and continued movement toward Blue City (off the grid completely) energy policy. Now you agree with me, right?

Auburn Green Drinks Oct 19th reminder and listserv
WHAT: Green Drinks event in Auburn NY
WHEN: 7pm 'til 9pm, Tuesday 19th October 2010
RULE: Third Tuesday of every month
WHERE: Swabby's Tavern, 6 South Street in Auburn New York.
WHO: Anyone working on environmental issues or studying them
WHY: Fun, contacts, alcohol (or not), info, gossip, inspiration, business and pleasure
NEW: Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.
STATUS: Informal, self-organizing network.
URL: http://AuburnSIG.blogspot.com
HOW TO FIND: Look for the all electric three wheel "BugE" vehicle that will be parked near the entrance!
Contact: to sign up for the Auburn Green Drinks notify list, just write a blank email To the automated list: 'greendrinks-on@wells.edu'
For more info, write to William McCracken at william.mccracken@rocketmail.com

Autumn. Prime apple picking time. In the spirit of the green apple, a local symbol of innovation, I invite you to tour through the Creative Core, Central Upstate New York’s regional marketing campaign and website. www.creativecoreny.com Lots to see and do, regional photo competitions, the largest privately funded business competition in the USA, and vital stats and stories from creative (and sustainable) initiatives throughout the 12 counties!

October 14th at 6pm is the next Syracuse Green Drinks, followed closely by November 11th.
We’ll be in the back room of the Lounge unless otherwise noted on the sign in the Lobby of the Genesee Grande Hotel: 1060 East Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210. The Genesee Grande has created an easy method of spotting treehuggers- a table-top sign stating “Green Drinks”.

City-wide meeting on Saturday

2010-06-08T14:40:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT) was a broken process intended to create community-led leadership on city matters in the neighborhoods. Mayor Miner is revamping the process and this meeting will be key...

Tomorrow Neighborhoods Today
Annual Meeting
Saturday, June 12th 2010
9:00am*~12:00pm
City Hall Atrium
201 E. Washington St
Agenda:
Housing Blitz
Presentation by Neighborhood and
Business Development Staff
For More information and to RSVP (suggested!)
email Babette at bbaker@ci.syracuse.ny.us
Or call at 448-8173 or 448-8100
* 8:30-9:00am Networking and Refreshments

Babette Baker
Coordinator-Tomorrow Neighborhoods Today
City of Syracuse
Department of Neighborhood and Business Development
(v) 315.448-8173
(c) 315.935-3773
(f) 315.448.8036
bbaker@ci.syracuse.ny.us
www.syracuse.ny.us

Green Drinks, 2nd Thursday of every month (erm, this week)

2010-06-08T14:20:00.001-04:00

NEXT Syracuse Green Drinks June 10, 6pm

Oh June, Oh World Cup, Oh bloomin’ oil spill. Holy teeth clench, batman. With so much to anticipate this month, Green Drinks is your spot of sanity in a crazy Technicolor world.

Some updates- Syracuse Green Drinks has now taken its rightful place on the international list of Green Drink locations. Find out more here: http://www.greendrinks.org/NY/Syracuse AND we’re working with the Genesee Grande to create an easy method of spotting treehuggers- a table-top sign stating “Green Drinks”. Be on the lookout at our next gathering.

Speaking of which, JUNE 10th at 6pm is the next Green Drinks, followed closely by July 8th. We’re out on the patio unless it’s raining. The Genesee Grande Hotel: 1060 East Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210

Tweetup, verbatim

2010-05-13T17:25:00.000-04:00

K, I admit it. I copied this verbatim from the email invite I received. Gotta problem wit' that, son? I'm a newbie so I'm checking this out.

Social Media Tweetup: For Rookies to Rock Stars
Wednesday, May 26
5 to 7:30 p.m.
Syracuse Technology Garden,
235 Harrison Street, Syracuse, N.Y.
Light refreshments will be provided.

Join us for a tweetup for registrants of the Syracuse BizBuzz event and members of the Syracuse twitterati. Network with members of Syracuse’s social media community and exchange tips-and-techniques. If you’re new to social media, there will be people available to help you get started with tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs.
Program of events
5 p.m. Arrival and Networking Over Refreshments

5:30 p.m. Social Media 101 Presentation and Welcome
Presenters:
Anthony Rotolo, iSchool Social Media Strategist and Professor of Practice (http://twitter.com/rotolo)
Jill Hurst-Wahl, iSchool Professor of Practice, Information Consultant
(http://twitter.com/jill_hw)
5:45-7:30 p.m.
Syracuse Tweetup
At the core of social media is the need to be social. Join your Twitter-buddies and other colleagues to share tips-and-techniques, questions, ideas, etc. Remember to bring your mobile device, so you can tweet, browse, or download new apps as we talk.

How-to Training
If you don’t have accounts on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn or need other help on getting started, members of the local social media community will be available to help you. Come with questions and leave with answers. If you would like to setup your account on your own laptop or smartphone, please bring it with you (and bring the power cord too!)

Refreshments will be served and mingling between social media “rookies” and “rock stars” will be encouraged.

RSVPs are not required, but are requested to ischool@syr.edu or 315-443-2911.

The Syracuse Technology Garden is located at 235 Harrison St. (at the corner of S. Warren St.). Street and lot parking is available.

Or seriously, learn to be urban and grab a bus or find a meter. People who can't find parking piss me off.

The Social Media Tweetup: For Rookies to Rock Stars is a pre-conference of the BizBuzz Social Media Conference on Thursday, May 27 at the OnCenter in Syracuse. Register for the conference at http://www.syracusebizbuzz.com.

Cookin' in da Cuse...

2010-04-19T17:16:00.000-04:00

or at least, cookin' in da Syracuse Test Kitchen. And yes, I went there.* Literally, I Pulled into Syracuse** to the Syracuse Test Kitchen and took a cooking class. Not just any cooking class but a class from Julie Tabouli (aka Julie Ann Sageer) who makes incredible Lebanese cuisine. Her mother, Hind, showed me some exciting knife skills while we make fresh, delicious tabouli, kibbeh, hummus, babaganoush, toum (garlic emulsion), and fresh falafel. It was exquisite. I'm also happy to report that the Syracuse Test Kitchen is hot. Not temperature-wise either. Hot like an amazing place to cook with all sorts of neato equipment (like the oven that heats in seconds). Hot like your mom, even. Hot. I will be going back and for $15/students, $20/mere mortals...it was equivalent in price to eating out and and twice as fulfilling a culinary experience.

*If you haven't checked out the actual blog Cookin' in da Cuse, what on this green, tender, and chewy earth are you waiting for?

**Ditto for Pulled into Syracuse, for the less hands-on, more eat-out crowd.

See how the other half live...the Syracuse Downtown Living Tour

2010-04-14T17:54:00.000-04:00

Presented by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, the 2010 Downtown Living Tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd noon-6 pm.

Come see downtown’s finest examples of urban living. The tour features ten tour stops, showcasing a wide variety of living environments found right in your downtown! The 2010 Tour will be headquartered at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s new function room and will be showing off residences throughout downtown, including Clinton, Hanover and Armory Squares! The 2009 People’s Choice award winner, the Jefferson Clinton Commons, will also be featured –come back and see how much it has changed since just last year! This year’s tour features five new tour stops. Come see a variety of upscale condo’s, new apartments, historic renovations and enjoy specials from downtown restaurants and see what downtown living is all about!

If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please contact Michelle Erno at merno@downtownsyracuse.com or 422-8284. A volunteer orientation will be scheduled closer to the event. Each volunteer is asked to volunteer for a two hour shift and will receive a free t-shirt and ticket to enjoy the tour.

Healthcare Teach-In

2010-04-12T13:49:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't been following the FUBAR nature of our healthcare debate, this Friday at Syracuse University's Schine Student Center there will be a Healthcare Teach-In with info in abundance.

April 16th, 11-5 in Schine 304 A, B, C
Goal: To clarify some of the complexities of a healthcare system and dispel misconceptions with straight forward, factual information that students may interpret and subsequently formulate their own informed opinions.

1st Panel – Healthcare 101
• Single payer v. public option (THE BASICS…)
• Medicare, Medicaid
• Costs to be insured, employee benefits

2nd Panel- Healthcare Systems: Domestic v. International
• Shortcomings of our system, and what other countries (of comparable development..i.e other countries in the OECD[organization for economic cooperation and development] mostly European anyway)
- What within their models is able to address such short-comings?
• Reasons behind the hesitation to adopt things from other models.

3rd Panel- Life without Healthcare (Students from Dr. Lane’s Class [prof of epidemiology/public health ethics)
• Graduating students getting kicked off of parents insurance plans
• What demographics trends are normally uninsured

4th Panel- The Economic Implications of Healthcare Reform
Which system provides reduced cost?
• Current challenges for small businesses, will they be reduced?
-small businesses like start-ups are a major source of innovation and job growth, and protecting them could greatly help to improve our economy.
-sometimes can’t provide health insurance for employees, and therefore reduces the likelihood that people will opt for such a job (especially if they have dependents).

The 700 Space pARTy

2010-04-12T12:56:00.000-04:00

The 700 Space pARTy is the coolest thing happening in April or your money back. This free event will feature a whole night of "out of this world" entertainment sure to knock your space boots off, including guest appearances by your favorite aliens, bands, and artists. Come one, come all and by all means come in costume.

Launch Date:
16 April 2010
18:00 - 23:00 hours
(that's 6 PM - 11 PM for you civilians)

Why Space, you ask? And why pARTy?
This event is all about transforming vacant and traditional commercial spaces into art galleries and music venues for one evening. It’s also about bringing greater attention and new visitors to spaces that already exist as music and arts venues in our community (cough cough, Craft Chemistry). Because this event so heavily focuses on the theme of “spaces”, we thought it only right to introduce a space theme to the evening. We figured it couldn't hurt.

The Flight Plan
Bands:
Joe Driscoll: http://www.myspace.com/joedriscoll
Cheap 'N Easy
David Wax Museum: http://www.myspace.com/davidwaxmusic
Summer People: http://www.myspace.com/summerpeople
Brownskin Band: http://www.myspace.com/brownskinband

Visual Artists:
Isaac Bidwell - illustrations: http://isaacbidwell.com/
Tara Hogan of Ink+Wit - papergoods: http://www.inkandwit.com/iw/
Sara Mills - mixed media installation
Vanessa Miguel - jewelry
Christine Clifton - photographs
Danielle Sakowski - paintings: http://www.infiniteintuitions.com/

Things you'd have to see to believe:
Open Hand Theater puppetry: http://www.openhandtheater.org/
Moon Bounce
Motivational/Prompted Photography
NASA footage, hosted by UVP: http://www.urbanvideoproject.com/
Juggling Lessons

Green of the Crop

2010-04-12T12:45:00.001-04:00

Belated post...but at least you can see that green is growing in Central New York. Implementing the competition is and has been a wonderful team effort with the Creative Core, Syracuse Center of Excellence, AMOS Project, CNY Works, and the Metropolitan Development Association...the $150 cash prizes come from a Who's Who of green development organizations and agencies in Central New York and the prize sponsors are green businesses from all over Upstate NY. Look for more info next week at the awards ceremony and keep Green of the Crop in mind for next year.

2009-11-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

Just a couple reasons I :heart: Roji Tea Lounge (108 E Washington St., 315-428-0844 ). Let me start with my favorite...

1) Pumpkin Pie Bubble Tea, available until the end of November 2009.

2) Third Thursday or Th3 as it is affectionately referred to is the third thursday of every month art trail where various galleries and art spaces are open late and host receptions/music/parties. The Th3 After Party on Thursday Nov 19th, 8-10pm at Roji will feature artist Courtney Rile. $1 teas available for attendees. Open to public. You can RSVP to the Roji facebook page if you like.

3) Roji is part of the Shop Syracuse Week organized by Syracuse First. Buy local, live local, love local! Nov 27th – Dec 6th.
Take an advantage of special promotions by shopping local! www.syracusefirst.org
Article: http://ournorthside.org/

4) Pineapple Sencha Green loose Tea- and doesn't that sound divine? Free sample with any purchase of loose teas. 1 sample / purchase. Until supplies last.

Vote(d)

2009-11-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

We had a little excitement here in Syracuse on Tuesday with a 3-way Mayoral election, an uncontested new Common Council President (Van Robinson), and a Green Party candidate (Howie Hawkins) obtaining 41% of the vote for the 4th District Common Council (so close!).

Stephanie Miner (D) is the new mayor of Syracuse. She is not only the first woman to hold the position of mayor in any major upstate city but is also a level-headed and aggressive Progressive. We need more of 'em and a large dollop of innovation to boot here in Syracuse. Mayor Miner, best wishes and keep fighting the good fight!

Arts and Crafts Fair excitement in the SALT District

2009-10-23T10:36:00.003-04:00

Yup, the SALT District has it goin' on this Sat with an independent arts & crafts market. Crafty...and whoot, local!

2009 New Ideas Workforce Education Conference

2009-10-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

2009 New Ideas Workforce Education Conference

Arts n Cultura

2009-10-20T14:26:00.002-04:00

Yes, that's right. Cultura. As in the innately feminine need to go out and experience the bliss of an artistic nightlife. While wearing pearls and gloves. Happily, I own both and intend to use them to absorb "Dracula-the-ballet" put on this Sat Oct 24th at 8pm at the Landmark Theater by the Upstate Ballet Company and at the showing next Wednesday of Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" at Syracuse Stage. The 52nd Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is also very much of interest but I have lost the number for tickets. If you've got it, post it here!

Ahh, theater!

Sustainable Syracuse?

2009-10-20T14:20:00.003-04:00

Sat down with JRealtor (names changed to preserve confidentiality) and she seemed actively engaged to create a website for Syracuse that highlights sustainability info. Kind of a mishmash of "what can you do" coupled with "what's actually happening"...like Syracuse Grows and the largest raingarden in the Northeast USA located in the Near West Side neighborhood right next to Skiddy Park.

A hub is essential right now because we (Syracuse) don't have an externally focused space to discuss & display grassroots sustainability. Or a space to disseminate knowledge a la Sustainable Tompkins. We have a ton of groups working on that stuff (Alchemical Nursery, Creative Core NY, SUNY ESF, Syracuse Real Food Coop, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Partnership for Onondaga Creek, and so on) but we don't have a centralized resource. A Sustainable Syracuse would be ideal. Now we just have to build it. JRealtor is working on the website, who wants to write some content?

Shop Syracuse Week

2009-10-15T16:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, this Holiday season 'Stop, Look, and Listen'...and leave the Made in China socks for someone else. By buying local for the holidays you'll make Christmas that much merrier for the Central New York economy and our homegrown, plucky entrepreneurs.

My personal pick...check out the myriad shops, artists, and artisans in the Delavan Center, Eureka Crafts in Armory Square, or the Syracuse Cultural Workers (for Art with Heart that won't break the credit union). My fav holiday gift is a Spa at 500 gift certificate (3 words: lemon sugar scrub).
----------------------------------
Dear friends...

Syracuse First is putting together a BUY LOCAL week together for the week of Nov. 30 - Dec. 7 called "SHOP SYRACUSE"

The holidays are the busiest time of year for consumers and we have a chance to start shifting the paradigm from "spending to investing." A vibrant locally owned independent business community means a healthier, self-sustainable, community oriented local economy. The only way this happens is through education, awareness and behavior change. (ABC's- awareness = behavior change)

You are receiving this email as a result of your continued commitment to Central NY and the knowledge and skill set that you have. If you would be willing to participate in some capacity in the development, marketing or business recruitment for the event please respond to this email as soon as you can.

There is great energy right now for supporting responsible locally owned independent businesses who are invested in the community that we live in: we need to capitalize on this.

As always...Thank you so much.

LOVE LOCAL,
-Chris Fowler

www.syracusefirst.org

"Going Local Does Not Mean Walling Off The Outside World. It Means Nurturing Locally Owned Businesses Which Use Local Resources Sustainably, Employ Local Workers At Decent Wages And Serve Primarily Local Consumers" ~ Michael H. Shuman, Author of “Going Local”

Sharing is Caring

2009-10-13T14:52:00.003-04:00

Syracuse is full of heart these days and the easiest place to find the love is in our sharing sites.

We've got the usual suspects, craigslist.org/syracuse and www.freecycle.org/group/US/New%20York/Syracuse but the latest and greatest barter & swap hot spots are a little more specialized. www.NYfoodtrader.org is the place to be for all things green and growing (or otherwise food & agriculture related) and the Giffordslist.org is the non-profit's best friend.

For your bikes, computers, and police-confiscated goods (ahem) at a good price, the online auction is the place to be: http://www.auctionsinternational.com

Job Seeking?

2009-02-19T14:17:00.002-05:00

And who isn't? Here is a list of great resources for those of you checking out the career/job scene:

Essential NY Jobs www.essentialnyjobs.com

Come Home to Syracuse www.comehometosyracuse.com

Idealist.org www.idealist.org

CNY Works www.cnyworks.com

Got that upstate entrepreneurial spirit? Interested in starting your own business?
First check out the clinics & info sessions held at Cooperative Federal Credit Union (www.cooperativefederal.org) then go to the Southside Innovation Center (http://whitman.syr.edu/eee/ssic) or their website for a list of all the entrepreneurship resources in the the area.
More technologically/scientifically inclined? Check out the Syracuse Technology Garden for information on how they help connect business & scientists to launch new innovative companies.

Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities like the Metropolitan Development Association's Emerging Business Competition ($100k)...

Looking to base your business in Syracuse? Resources galore...from community development corporations willing to guide you, to the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce to represent you, to www.essentialconnections.org an online collaboration site interested in giving you the information you need. That and the City of Syracuse ((315) 448-8100) and Onondaga County's Economic Development folks ((315) 435-3770) who love to hear from you.

Foodies Heaven

2008-09-14T20:34:00.000-04:00

Sorry, folks. I was distracted by the luscious tomatoes...admiring them, frying them, and then feeding them to my friends. Fried Red Tomatoes. That's where it's at. We're heading into the late harvest season (pumpkin! my fav) and I've been busy attempting use all the wonderful goodies from my CSA share every week, as well as learning how to make blueberry jam and freeze fresh strawberries. It doesn't take a genius, but there is definitely a learning curve to wasting as little as possible during the bountiful summer months.

And food is important. Luckily for us all, Central New York is a magnificent region for fresh and delicious foods. Let's start with where to get fresh veggies, organic/free range meat & eggs, handmade cheeses, flowers, and ripe, seasonal fruit everyweek. The source for the best info on this kinda thing is Cookin' in Da Cuse. I'll see if she wants to link with this blog. Here is another great reference: The NY Farmer's Market Federation.

One great resource for fresh, seasonal food news is the Edible Finger Lakes Guide. Check it out here. And pick up your free copy at almost any independent coffee shop in town.

the CNY Regional Market, near the Train/Bus Station and Carousel Mall

2100 Park St # 3
Syracuse, NY 13208

315-422-8647‎

open Saturdays only. Make sure to ask the people you're buying from where their produce is from to make sure you're buying fresh picked and supporting our region's farmers.
Hint- they'll likely say some town you've never heard of with NY just after the town name. They might however say they're from Mexico. Unless the person you're speaking with swears in Spanish every 3rd word, they're refering to Mexico, NY. And you're golden.

The Downtown Farmer's Market is open on Tuesdays 7am-4pm in downtown Syracuse, in a parking lot at the corner of S. Salina and E. Washington Streets. It operates from mid-June until mid-October. And it's a great lunchtime destination; like a weekly carnival actually. It's wonderful.

The Loguen Park Farmer's Market on the green at the intersection of E. Genesee Street and Lexington Ave. Open on Thursdays from 2pm-7pm, mid-June through October. A small but determined bunch of farmers. The produce is fresh and delicious. Come on down and support this growing effort!

Apparently, there are several other markets that I never even knew about in Manlius, Camillus, and Skaneateles. See the NY Farmer's Market Federation link above for more details. The most surprising was the one mentioned in Cookin' in da Cuse about a Farmer's Market happening on the Syracuse University Hill in the parking lot at the corner of Waverly and Crouse Streets. Highly intriguing.

There is much more to say on this topic, and there will be many more posts- have no fear.

Movie Night

2008-08-21T16:58:00.000-04:00

Conveniently, the cheapest movie theater around also has the best popcorn. Why, yes, I'm speaking about the Hollywood Theater in Mattydale. The Hollywood has 2nd run movies right after the blood-for-entertainment cinemas knock them off the marquee. And the best part (aside from tasty popcorn and their eco-concious TP) the movie shows for the modest price of $1.75 per person ($1.25 on Tuesday nights). To get there: Mattydale is just 10 min up Rt 81 N from Syracuse. Get off at the Mattydale exit and keep going right onto the main drag. The cinema is up a couple stop lights on the right after the ice cream place with the lit up cone on top of it.

Looking for dinner & a movie? China Road, right across the street, has the BEST CHINESE food in the area. And OIP (Original Italian Pizza), home of arguably the best chargrilled chicken wings (order 'em mild & chargrilled and get happy) in the area also has a place just a couple blocks closer to the highway than China Road.

Tied for 2nd (in my book) are the Palace Theatre in Eastwood which shows a random assortment of off-the-beaten track movies and the Manlius Arts Cinema in, well, Manlius. The Palace is recently refurbished, with a yummy-food cafe inside and a bea-u-tiful party space upstairs. Get on their listserve for insider info on what they're showing and when.

The Manlius has oft been described as an airplane hangar and it can feel a tad claustrophobic. On the other hand, it is independently owned and managed by the same people who were managing the now transitioning Westcott Cinema- and the lineup of films is regularly scheduled and interesting. Check the paper for times- and here's a tip- never park out on the wild streets of downtown Manlius. Park behind the theater if you like to keep your car (and your life) intact.

Syracuse Film Festival! Check out the newest info at http://www.syrfilm.com/
It happens every year in the spring (April/May) and is an ode to our love of the movies. All for you, film buffs.

and....

The Fingerlakes Drive-in is the last remaining drive-in in the region. I've never been but always wanted to check it out. What can I say? ...it's neat. So do me a favor, go for a drive and let me know how it went.

Finger Lakes Drive-In
Route 5Auburn, NY 13021
Phone: (315) 252-3969
Showtimes
Location notes: located 2 miles west of the Finger Mall in Aurelius at Route 20.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for....

2008-08-20T16:55:00.000-04:00

Ice Cream.

Ohhhh, did you guess from the rhyme? Or were you just craving a bit of normal summer fun in this very atypically rainy weather? (August is usually full of gorgeous blue skies, hot night-time breezes, and sun sun sun.)

Put these places on the top of your ice cream wish list:
Gannon's Isle
best hard ice cream in town
hand-made and sourced from local, hormone-free Byrne Dairy
corner of Valley Drive and East Seneca Turnpike
open until 10pm during the summer months
closed during the winter

Arctic Isle
best soft ice cream in town
210 W. Seneca Turnpike
open all year round, until 10pm

Heading south? check out Purity ice cream in Ithaca for their fresh, creamy flavors. They source all natural ingredients and get their stuff only from local dairies.
700 Cascadilla St. Ithaca NY, 14850 USA
Sunday – Thursday open 11am to 9pm
Friday – Saturday open 11am to 11pm

Word.

2008-08-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Syracuse.

I just don't know about you. No really, I don't. I don't know where you've come from, or where you're going...or even how long you're going to stay. And I'm guessing you don't know about Syracuse. Maybe you just got here. Maybe you just got back. I'm in the latter camp- a Syracuse native who returned a year ago.

Well, anyway, I wanted to say "hello and welcome!" This blog is an entry point into the hidden Syracuse- the places to go, to eat, to see, to experience. Live it, love it. Enjoy!