Periodically we present updates on events, programs, and ongoing opportunities in Central New York related to organizations with which we have some connection, role, and/or love. See our community involvement page for a full list of ways that we contribute to the greater Syracuse community.
Onondaga Historical Association
A museum, a research center, and a partner with many other community organizations, the OHA works “to encourage a diverse audience from the neighborhoods of Syracuse and the communities of Onondaga County to explore, appreciate and utilize their past.”
The museum (at 321 Montgomery Street, in downtown Syracuse) currently features permanent exhibits “Onondaga County: The Heart of New York,” “Freedom Bound: Syracuse & the Underground Railroad,” and “Syracuse China: Fired Forms of the American Experience,” among others. Upcoming temporary exhibits include a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the New York/Pennsylvania Girl Scouts and a showcase of local and national political cartoons. And be sure to follow @OnondagaHisAssn to read tweets from local soldiers, 150 years after their experience in the Civil War.
Thursday Morning Roundtable
Sponsored by Syracuse University’s University College, Thursday Morning Roundtable is a “weekly civic forum bringing together a mix of citizens to learn about and discuss community issues and problems.” Upcoming speakers include:
- Hancock Airport and the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority
Christina Reale, Commissioner of Aviation, City of Syracuse
February 23rd - Dissent: Speaking Out For Peace
Colonel (Ret.) Ann Wright, Anti-War Activist
March 1st - The Supreme Court of the United States and the 2012 Election
Thomas M. Keck, Michael O. Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics; Chair, Department of Political Science, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
March 8th
View the current month’s schedule page for updated listings of upcoming speakers and topics. Visitors are welcome to attend meetings – Thursdays at 8:15 am at Drumlins in Syracuse. Interested folks can submit the application for membership.
F.O.C.U.S Greater Syracuse
A “citizen-driven organization that taps citizen creativity and citizen engagement to impact change in Central New York by enabling citizens, organizations, and government to work together to enhance the quality of our lives and our economic future,” F.O.C.U.S Greater Syracuse presents regular, open-to-the-public events and speakers on variety of topics.
On the third Friday of each month from 7:30 to 8:45 am F.O.C.U.S. presents an open forum in the first floor atrium at the City Hall Commons (201 East Washington Street) on different topic; recent forums included “Civil Discourse” and “Onondaga County’s Emergency Communications, Emergency Services, and Homeland Security.” On April 4th, F.O.C.U.S. will honor Judith Mower with the 2012 Wisdom Keeper Award for her years of services to the Central New York community.
Future Fund of Central New York
The Future Fund, “a giving circle established to involve and empower emerging philanthropists to make the Central New York community a better place to live and work,” is accepting applications for its 2012 grant. This year’s $5000 grant will go to a nonprofit providing education, awareness, and promotion of the arts, especially those promoting the arts to underserved local populations or providing art enrichment programs for local youth.
It’s not too late to participate. Members, those who contribute $100 per year, can engage in discussions with other members to help decide the smaller group of finalist agencies, can participate in site visits to learn more about the finalist organizations, and can vote for the winner. The Future Fund is a great way to learn more about the community, to work with others who share a commitment to helping those in need, and to leverage your charitable giving to make a larger difference than you might on your own.
Provisions Bakery
Provisions Bakery, at 216 Walton Street in Armory Square, offers oversized cookies, bar cookies, breads, muffins, scones, and other baked goods. Established in 1988 by Transitional Living Services, Provisions provides individuals diagnosed with mental health issues an opportunity to develop employment-related skills which will transfer to a variety of competitive employment fields, learn about appropriate workplace attire and behavior and develop the social skills necessary to work with coworkers, and establish a successful work history that will improve access to employment opportunities in the community.
