AIDS Community Resources is hosting their annual Holiday Angel Gift Giving Program this winter season. So far, more than 200 people have become angels this holiday season.
Wil Murtaugh of AIDS Community Resources says many give because they've lost a loved one from AIDS. "So many people have been touched from losing someone that they don't want to have someone else go through that pain. At this time of the year people are extremely generous and want to do whatever they can to support people."
Shirley Bacon's sorority, Lambda Kappa Nu, is an annual angel. "Part of our main thrust is to create awareness and relief to those with AIDS, so this is really exciting."
AIDS Community Resources says people can choose to give to entire families or just to an individual. The organization will give angels a list of personal needs for a family; including simple supplies like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. "Personal care you cannot buy with foodstamps," Murtaugh says.
Gifts have been filling entire rooms at the Resource building, and according to those that work there, people can still become angels until all the gifts are delivered on December 23rd.
Through out Syracuse, signs that it is almost Christmas are visible. From holiday lights to inflatable snow men. With Christmas just a few weeks away, people are decorating their homes for the holiday season. But with the state of the economy, will people think twice before purchasing that hundred dollar snow globe to put outside their homes? "No extravagant type stuff for our house this year," says a resident of Syracuse. "The economy is certainly going to affect how much people are going to spend. By in large people would be affected so you will probably see less decorations than usual," says Apuru Khana. Syracuse resident, Janet Russo, are one of those people. "I think I probably would have bought a little bit more if I had more money, maybe some more lights. But I don't think I would go all out with the blow up things that are like a hundred dollars," she said. According to American Research Group, 2009 Christmas spending plans will be slightly lower than 2008 levels. With overall spending down a little over three percent from 2008. Cory Slater, Sales Manager at Lowes, says consumers are waiting out for sales before purchasing decorations. "A lot of people have held off a little bit with buying stuff waiting to see if they will go on clearance. Once we get close to Christmas, some of the decorations don't start until a little later this season and were going to see people coming in this time of year still trying to decorate for Christmas. A lot of people start in November. Now this year it's been more towards December with people starting to decorate," he says. Even though some associate decorations with the holiday believe it can still be Christmas with out them. "I think it;s still Christmas with out these, but to each his own. Some people like to have bigger decorations. I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but I don't think you need to have the big decorations to have Christmas," said Khana. "In my personal opinion Christmas is about being with your family. So I don't think it matters with the decorations and all that stuff. So it really depends on the person, but some people associate them with Christmas," said Russo.
The almost four inches of snow that fell around the region today broke a snowless streak of 288 days without a full inch. That means that in Central New York, both March and November didn't register even that small amount.
At Onondaga Lake Park where just a week ago joggers and bikers were out, only a few brave joggers were on the trails braving the freezing temperatures.
The first school delays of the winter season also came today. Major roads around the city were cleared by noon although side streets took a little longer to get to.
Snow is in the forecast for the next few days, but after going more than nine months without a full inch, Central New Yorkers should be fully prepared for a winter as usual.
When Greg Callen suffered a fall a little over four years ago, he told a family friend he would never advocate for people with paralysis.
"I was offended he would even suggest it," Callen said, but when a friend asked him to try Go-Kart racing, Callen realized he felt freer and more independent than he had since his accident.
This was the inspiration behind his organization, Move Along, Inc. The organization seeks to bring together people with physical disabilities through athletics.
Every Friday night, the Boys and Girls Club in Syracuse allows Move Along to use the space to hold youth basketball clinics.
GETTING EXERCISE
Elizabeth Wagner's son, Jaden, counts down the days after he leaves the gym each Friday night. Before he began to participate in activities through Move Along, his mother said he got "little to no exercise."
The group of children, both able-bodied and physically disabled, stretch before each clinic and do drills to build muscle strength.
"When [the children] first come, they could hardly put their hands up. Now you look at them--they're all over the place," said Jerry O'Connell, who has worked for the Boys and Girls Club for over 20 years.
BUILDING A BOND
Wagner said until Jaden met his friend, Caleb, at a Spina Bifida family support meeting over a year ago, he had never met anyone who is confined to a wheelchair and is around the same age. The two now guard each other on opposing teams during scrimmages.
"I got lucky with my son. He thinks not in terms of what he can't do, but what he can," said Wagner.
"The biggest reward for me is seeing the smiles on their faces," said O'Connell.
Family participation is a key factor for the youth clinic. Most of the players are able bodied, but choose to play in wheelchairs.
"I think it allows their siblings to see what it's like to be in a chair and some of the challenges," said Wagner.
FACING BIG CHALLENGES
Callen said the biggest obstacle he faces are finances. Move Along, Inc. relies heavily on the community. Callen has also been applying for different grants and has tried to work out deals with several wheelchair companies. He relies entirely on volunteers, including some from SU.
Specialized athletics come at a price. Callen's newest sports chair costs $2020, whichis a heavy price to pay, especially when growing children are involved.The cheapest activity is kayaking, which runs at about $80 per piece of equipment.
Some of the challenges are in learning about how to cater to people with all different types of disabilities. Callen pointed out that cerebral palsy and nervous system disorders sometimes make it difficult to maintain control over the upper body and sometimes communicate.
Callen is trying to extend his knowledge through going to seminars about different disorders. He admitted he's "still got a lot of learning to do."
Planning for the Future
Several fundraisers have already been put into place to help Move Along, Inc., including a portion of the proceeds from a Syracuse Crunch game.
One plan that has already been put into action has ties to SU. While volunteers come to help off campus, Callen wants to build an intramural wheelchair basketball league that includes both able-bodied and disabled individuals.
"I've always been tied to people's emotions, especially children, so I'd like to continue to try to give them the resources they need," he said.
Callen hopes to eventually build trails in the woods near Camp Hollis in Oswego that would accommodate wheelchairs. He explained that he wants the children to be able to feel the freedom of wandering in the woods. WATCH THE VIDEO:
The Erie Canal Museum is offering some sweet real estate. There are over 30 home made gingerbread houses on display at the Museum for the 24th Annual Gingerbread gallery. The museum transforms the gallery into an 1800's street scene with the gingerbread houses in storefront windows.
In order to participate, bakers must create the houses with edible food. The museum hosts two competitions, the People's Choice Award where visitors can vote on their favorite house and a confectionary competition. With a $25 entry fee, competitors can enter the confectionary contest and have the chance to win $150-500 prize money. Judges critique the houses on originality and creativity and vote by the first week of December.
Expect to see the winners announced on the Erie Canal Museum's website The gingerbread gallery ends January 3rd and houses will then be donated to local libraries or nursing homes.
The 24th Annual Gingerbread Exhibit at the Erie Canal Museum in Downtown Syracuse is now on display. The creations create a boom in business for the museum, who sees 5000 visitors including 20-25 school groups in the month of December.
There are multiple categories of gingerbread creations and designers don't have to stick to just house-like structures. Some of the pieces exhibited include Santa Claus, carousels, the Wizard of Oz, Rapunzel and Noah's Ark.
Yesterday a 24-year veteran of the exhibit named Margaret Solomon was at the museum. She votes for her favorite creation every year and told me that each season the exhibit gets more and more impressive. This year, as in some years past, she voted for a white church.
Anyone can enter a gingerbread creation in the contest. Solomon said she always thinks about it but becomes intimidated by what she calls the "fabulous" decorations. Voting takes place through this week and winners have ribbons placed in their cases for the remaining duration of the exhibit.
Former Syracuse University Head Coach Dick MacPherson is headed to the Hall of Fame. MacPherson will be inducted in New York this Tuesday, and he spoke in Syracuse today.
"There are less than 1,000 players in the college football Hall of Fame and less than 100 coaches," MacPherson said. "So to say that I'm overwhelmed...believe me, I'm overwhelmed."
MacPherson coached for both Syracuse and the University of Massachusetts, compiling a 111-73-5 record at the helms. 66 of those wins came in Orange, including 11 in the 1987 undefeated campaign.
""[I left] a better program here then when I came and I think that’s what people kinda like about me,"MacPherson notes.
Coach Mac left Syracuse after the 1990 season to coach the New England Patriots for two years. He returned to the hill ten years later to start working as an analyst on the Syracuse radio network.
"His influence and presence around is phenomenal. Its like having an emeritus professor," said Syracuse Athletic Director Daryl Gross. "To have Coach Mac there for the broadcasts, to have him around the team, around our coaches, to have him around our administration has been outstanding for us."
The former College Football Coach of the Year will become the 17th person with Syracuse ties to make the Hall. He follows one year after his former quarterback Don McPherson was enshrined last fall.
Syracuse has broken it's own record for snow--but not because of how much snow has fallen. The city has not received a full inch of snow in 281 days. That breaks the record set back in 1946 of 276 days. Snow is expected later this week around Central New York, but the warm weather today encouraged residents to get out and be active.
At Onondaga Lake Park, there were joggers, walkers, bikers, rollerbladers and even a few boaters out on the water. One couple came to walk because of, "The sunshine. Whenever it gets sunny out, I want to take the opportunity to go for a walk. It doesn't happen often."
Other walkers out on the Lakeside Trail said they just like to come out for exercise and to enjoy the scenery.
Although the warm weather may not last too much longer, some say they stay closer to their houses once the snow starts to fall, or head indoors to places like the Carousel Mall to be able to get in a walk during the day.
Even the Canadian Geese were still hanging around, just waiting for the time when they'll make their trip South. The snow is coming, it just seems to be a matter of when.
Many people begin to prepare for the Christmas season right after Thanksgiving, but for Critz Farm in Cazenovia, they prepare for the holiday all year round. The Christmas tree growing process is constant; Once a tree is cut, a seedling will be planted in the spring to make sure there will be just as many to sell next year. In order to do this, Critz Farms will harvest over 5,000 trees in one year.
Finding the perfect Christmas tree has become a holiday ritual and a tradition for many families.
"They always say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I truly believe it," says Patrick Allen, an employee. But the perfect tree, technically, he says, should have a full bottom, a cone shape, and a good top.
This year for Halloween, pumpkin sales were down from last year due to the economy. However, Critz Farms says they haven't experienced any lower sales as of yet, and they don't think they will. A Christmas tree is different than a pumpkin, according to Allen, "It really warms up the season, it is tradition."
Customers can cut down their own tree from one of the 45,000 they have to choose from in their fields. They can also choose to buy a pre-cut tree or a wreath. Critz Farms' business stretches much farther than Onondaga County. Not only do they sell their trees to other wholesalers locally, but also to cities as far away as New York and Boston.
On December 26th, when Christmas is over and no more trees are being sold, Critz will take the left over trees to local zoos in order to feed their animals.
Christmas trees are not the only thing Critz's grows. They have truly become an "agri-tourism business" says Allen. Their products include, fruit, vegetables, pumpkins, apples, cider. There is no time to wait after Christmas because every spring they make fresh maple syrup from their own sugarbush.
"We prepare for the best of days and hope for the best," says Allen. Critz Farm can have up to 8,000 visitors a weekend.
According to the club's Auction Chair, Kate Futrell, who is also on the club's Board of Directors, Sport Management Club members and volunteers have had four less months to get auction items.
Little logistic issues including not having enough lanyards for event-day credentials and not having more than two typewriters to type up individual bid sheets for the more than 300 auctions items have slowed preparations down.
With four days to go until the auction, the main problem Futrell says is that there are still many auction items that need to be inventoried, labeled and packaged.
Futrell went on to discuss a bright side about this year's auction, that it has some "unmatched" items up for auction, including a Hank Aaron rookie card.
For more on the auction and what the change to a December date has brought to the auction's volunteers, watch the full story that NCC New's Devon Heinen filed.
Syracuse University unveiled a new, state of the art, green data center today after only six months of construction. It's where the school houses all the servers that run its computer network. SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric Spina says the facility is "the most efficient data center in the world." The center is the collaboration of SU, IBM and New York State. The plan was to minimize the energy consumption of data centers - something vital in today's computing world.
"So the national problem that we chose was the rocketing amount of heat and energy associated with running data centers, something that's crippling businesses today," said Vijay Lund VP Operations and Systems at IBM. Server systems holding data for the entire SU campus not only use energy but give off heat. If that heat can be recycled the energy that creates it can be saved. The event Wednesday gave IBM a chance to show off it's new, energy efficient servers and computer-cooling technology and system management software. New York State poured $2 million into this green data center. One of the green features are these liquid cooled doors that basically act like a car radiator using water to take heat away from the servers inside. "Data centers right now use approximately 1.5% of all the electricity generated in the United States. And in the current trends of energy use it's expected to double in the next three to five years," said Frank Murray, President and CEO New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA). The center is set to be fully operational in January and IBM plans to use it as a model of the future data centers. Perhaps the most innovative design feature is how the facility uses excess heat to heat the building environment. The place generates its own power and can even send unused energy to the grid. The total price tag for the facility was over 12 million dollars. The center will use half the energy of a typical data center but SU officials have not said how long the center must be in operation for the cost to be worth it.
The Syracuse funeral industry has been decreasing for the past 15 years. It began with many northerners moving to warmer climates in their old age and the average person living longer. Today, the newest obstacle for the industry has been the economy.
The average funeral used to cost between $7,000 and $10,000. Today, many people in Syracuse are in search of a deal and finding ways to pay between $4,000 and $5,000. But the biggest effect of the economy is less people are paying for health insurance. Then when they pass away, little to no money is being left to the remaining family. It is this money that usually helps fund a funeral and burial.
So how are people cutting back? The number of cremations have risen this year and cheaper urns are being chosen for their loved ones. Ceremonies have also become less traditional, making them shorter in length and with fewer services.
But what if you don’t have the minimum $4,000 to spend? For those in desperate need, Onondaga County often assists in paying for a burial.
Everyday the Syracuse Meals on Wheels provides 800 meals a day to 400 people who would not otherwise get the food they need.
Mason Kaufman, the Executive Director, says although they will be delivering meals over the holiday season just as they do all year round, they plan on making the Thanksgiving meal a bit more special.
Turkey, stuffing, side dishes, and apple pie are part of the menu. Festive fall place mats and after dinner mints will also be added to the delivery.
Volunteer Coordinator, Jeff Banta says Meals on Wheels is always looking for volunteers, but especially over the holiday season because it is very busy.
Banta, after loosing his job, began volunteering in the kitchen at Meals on Wheels. Volunteering gives him "the warm fuzzies" and he says he is grateful to now be employed by Meals on Wheels, because it helps so many people.
Other volunteers say they feel the same way as Banta. Working at Meals on Wheels is very fulfilling says Kaufman because "we become their family, in a sense."
The Syracuse Rescue Mission hosted an open house this Wednesday in light of Hunger and Homelessness Week to educate the community on the problems of hunger and homelessness in Syracuse.
A simple lunch of soup, salad, bread sticks, and rolls were served to the nearly fifty people that arrived.Executive Director Chasz Parker spoke on the increasing meals the rescue mission has served in the past two years.Their numbers indicate that in the typical week lunches have risen from 600 meals served to 650, and they’ve served 8,000 more meals than they served last year.
Parker says the struggling economy is to blame.With more pressure to make ends meet, families will come down to the mission just to have a full dinner served to them.
The open house also featured a tour of the mission, where members of the community could tour the campus of the Rescue Mission.Little known to many, the Mission even has a thrift shop, where 99 percent of their clothes are given away for free.The most an item will cost is two dollars.
Parker says the mission has even seen an increase in stay overs at the shelter, with beds full nearly every night.
JoAnn Lloyd of Liverpool, a new volunteer at the organization, said she thought the open house was very informative.She said she joined the Mission when she lost her job. Since then, her perspective has changed about her own circumstance.
“I’m already feeling better about my own situation.Everyday… I thank God for hot water, I thank him for heat, I thank him for.. and to see that video.. they’re out there in the snow.. I don’t feel bad about me anymore at all.”
It’s the week before Thanksgiving and other than a dusting here or there, no snow lays on the ground. With temperatures in the 50’s at times this week, Syracuse residents seem to be enjoying the lack of snow. However, it brings up the question, how long has it been since the city had an inch of snow?
The last time Syracuse had an inch of snow was February 24, 2009. As of Thursday that’s 268 days ago.Eight more days without the fluffy white stuff falling to the ground, and Syracuse breaks a 63 year old record of most days without an inch of sno
w.However, according to SU Earth Science Professor Linda Ivany, it’s not something that is a trend.
“There’s some average value [of days] and there’s a mean and distribution around it, so sooner or later you’re going to go a little longer. So it’s not that significant,” Ivany said.
For the city this lack of snow is significant. The city is offering four free passes to the Clinton Square Ice Skating Rink to the person who guesses the date of the first inch of snow. The people who win those free passes may need to wait a little while though, with all this warm weather Syracuse Parks Commissioner Pat Driscoll said it could be a challenge getting the rink open on time.
The unmistakable sound of heels clomping on the sidewalk haunts the streets of Syracuse during the fall, but throughout the winter, four inches become a quarter inch rubber sole on the heels of winter boots.
Although Syracuse has gone 268 days without snow, winter boots are lining the shelves of shoe stores. In J. Michael Shoeson Marshall Street, Uggs are still a top seller.
Ugg boots are prone to salt stains and even with a moisture-guarding spray, can still be ruined by inclement weather. The new "Adirondack" model has shearling inside, but has waterproof leather on the outside.
"In the past, a lot of people have worn Uggs in the snow, but now they're realizing they can get the warmth and the style during the yucky weather," said Jim Hicks, the general manager.
Hunter boots are walking off the shelves, too. The popular rainboot brand has fleece socks that are sold separately, which keep feet warm and dry.
"For Syracuse, you want the practicality. You don't want no ice feet," said Kimberly Martinez, a freshman at SU, who's considering buying a pair of Hunter boots.
Hunter boots, however, run at about $115 and for heavier snow boots, they can cost about $240.
Hicks calls winter boots an "investment." Bruce Tidwell, an adjunct professor in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication's fashion communications program agreed.
"You can buy the same boots at Target for less and wear them for a few years, since the season is so limited," he explained.
Men's Uggs, nicknamed "muggs," aren't a top seller at J. Michael. Timberland boots and hiking boots tend to be a steady trend from year to year.
Two weeks after election day, signs of change are apparent at City Hall.
Syracuse Common Council President Bea Gonzalez was absent from Wednesday's study session. Incoming president Van Robinson presided over the council in Gonzalez's absence. Mayor-elect Stephanie Miner and 2nd District Councilor Pat Hogan were also missing from Wednesday's session.
Newcomers Jean Kessner (D-At-Large) and Matt Rayo (R-1st District) were in attendance to prepare for their upcoming positions on the council. Rayo and Kessner spoke with the incumbents after the meeting.
Wednesday's agenda included the sale of properties to the nonprofit Home Headquarters, nine of which the city plans to sell for just $151. Plans for the construction of Centro bus parking bays downtown and a new dormitory on the SUNY-ESF campus were also presented to the council.
It might not seem like a suitable place for a suit drive. But that's what California Closets of Syracuse had for the third straight year last week. The store showroom was packed with business casual or business clothing to support Jobs Plus, a Syracuse based company to help people find employment. Jobs Plus donates the clothes to people hoping to get back into the workforce.
Showroom coordinator Sophie Meskos said the drive was only one day this year as opposed to the first two years, when it took place over the course of a week. However, that was not a problem for the drive. "This was our best turnout of any year," Meskos said.
In case you missed this year's drive, don't worry, says Meskos. Donations are still accepted and appreciated at Huntington Family Center and Women's Opportunity Center Syracuse. Contact information for both companies can be found on the California Closets website - just follow the hyperlink above.
Onondaga County launched "Return the Favor", a program geared towards Veterans that offers discounts or free services. County Clerk, Ann Ciarpelli, got the idea from the Rockland County Clerk a year ago and decided that "Return the Favor" would be a great opportunity to show appreciation towards the veterans.
The program launched November first and includes local businesses such as The Medicine Place Pharmacy, A Touch Above Wellness Spa, and Lasik Provisions. Business owners advertise with a sign in their window to let veterans know they offer discounts or free services.
In order to register to participate Veterans need a proof or residence and their discharge papers. The County Clerks office will then issue and ID card that will be presented to the merchants. While some think "Return the Favor" is a great way to give back others say it should be extended to active-duty members as well.
Krista Varbel, an employee of A Touch Above Wellness Spa says "It stinks. I mean they do so much for us, they should be included too."
In response, Ciarpelli says "At this time we don't have the resources, it's too much to take on"
Whether or not your a Veteran or participating business, the community of Syracuse now has the opportunity through "Return the Favor" to show appreciation to Veterans all year long
All Saints Parish on Lancaster Ave in Syracuse celebrated Veterans Day yesterday with a special mass and flagpole dedication ceremony. Veterans brought the gifts to the altar and the homily was about giving thanks to the vets, both living and deceased. Rev. Frederick D. Daley asked us to especially remember those who lost their lives in the Fort Hood tragedy.
The flagpole dedication ceremony took place immediately following the service. It was a beautiful sunny day and there were many tears as names of those killed in action were read aloud. Attendees were able to mention those close to them as well.
World War II and Korean War veteran Fred Bishop raised a flag to the top of the new pole at the conclusion of the ceremony before saluting the stars and stripes. On a day surrounded by memories of our loved ones who have served and gone before us, this 91-and-a-half-year-old vet is still full of energy.
Bishop spends his Veterans Day every year thinking back on his time in the military. Initially stationed in California to protect the coast from possible Japanese attack during WWII, then he went to Hawaii and bombed the Pacific coast before ending in the Philippines.
Says Bishop, "We were up in the Philippines with nothing to do!" As a navigator, he waited for the opportunity to return home and then navigated his way back.
Like so many other living veterans, Bishop was very eager to share his story. There was excitement in his voice as he recalled the tales of his 13 years of military service and was so excited that I'd taken the time to listen that he gave me a big hug after our interview.
Drumlins Golf Course in Syracuse usually closes its East Course in early November. However, today it saw a boom in business, as the weather and the holiday brought people to the course.
Drumlins' head golf pro Sean Dadey said, "If there's 40 people out there now, they're here because of the weather, if it was 20 degrees colder you wouldnt see anyone."
Dadey was pleased with Wednesday's turnout which featured a lot of businessmen enjoying their day off for Veterans' Day.
"Its great that we have the freedom to play this game today." Said Joe Manley, who works at the VA Medical Center, "We are actually afforded the freedom to go on as if nothing matters, like there's not a war going on. Where every soldier is out there putting their life on the line every day.”
Manley was part of a foursome that started play around noon. The group said that they needed to capitalize on days like Wednesday when the weather is nice and they have time off
Manley's was one of many people who came to the course today. The crowd ranged from families to Jim Cody, who is the director of the VA Medical Center. Cody said he always tries to go golfing on Veterans' Day.
Drumlins is still scheduled to close its private course within the next few weeks (after the first big snowfall), but it until they do, it seems like Syracuse residents will keep playing.
The state of the economy has hurt numerous industries in various ways all over the country, including those that don't come immediately to mind.
One such industry is hair cutting.
Here at home, Hair Trends in Syracuse has seen a noticeable decline in customers; however, the holiday rush will soon help boost business.
According to Hair Trends' Angela Cooper, the holiday season brings in on average between 50 to 80 customers each day.
"They're all rushing in to look good," said Cooper.
Cooper went on to say that customers enjoy their stop in to the hair salon thanks to the stories customers and the hair stylists share with each other.
"You always have a fun time by the time you walk out of here."
Also seeing a slight increase in business at the hair salon due to the holiday rush is sales of hair styling products.
For more on the story, watch NCC News' video version of the story .
"They've already pressurized the hill," said Cyndy Sisto who directs Toggenburg marketing and sales. "That's when you send all your water up there and test your pressure hoses and everything make sure there arn't any leakes in any of the valves, you know. Things happen during the summer and what not."
Outside the main lodge improvements are being made. A new staircase is being built a new water pump is getting installed. Private Contractor Bruce Schaffner was working Wednesday.
"Yeah we still got some outdoor stuff. Especially the windows. We've got some stuff in the tunnel down there we got to seal up some walls that have been leaking for years," Schaffner said.
A new water pump will make blowing snow easier. That means more water will be pumped into the system at once enabling more snow machines to be used at the same time.
A warm and sunny day allows crews to get the work done they need to before winter. It's all in preparation for skiers and snowboarders to come hit the slopes. No one will be skiing if there's no snow and that is vital to business.
"The ticket sales are driven by snowfall, sunshine, things like that. So if you have a rainy weekend your ticket sales will be off," Sisto said.
Skiers are excited for the season.
"Yeah, we feel like climbing the hill right now. Looking around," said skier Rick Pettit.
"We're looking forward for when there's snow on the ground," said skier MC MacKenzie
In the mean time, all skiers and mountain staff can do is wait for snow. But current forecasts are warm and rainy.
Driving through the neighborhoods of Syracuse, you might not be able to tell that an election was over. Many campaign signs endorsing candidates for mayor, school board, and common council are still in place. But eventually the signs do have to come down.
City Clerk John Copanas said no specific, strictly enforced law exists concerning the taking down of campaign signs. But he said the general time frame to get rid of signs is a week or two. Signs in the public right of way (from the sidewalk to the street) will be disposed of by garbage men. Copanas said a family can keep a sign on their lawn if they want to: "it's private property, and we can't do anything about that."
When reached by phone, the Miner campaign said they plan to collect the signs, but they believe most people will want to keep these signs as a commemorative memento, due to the historic nature of the election.
In comparison, Steve Kimatian's campaign manager Fran Coudriet said campaign volunteers had began taking down signs during the day after the election. Coudriet said "we plan to have all signs down by the weekend." He also said the campaign volunteers planned to recycle the signs, which are made of recyclable materials. A final option for the signs, according to Coudriet, was to give them to some non-profit groups. These groups will put stickers over the signs in order to re-use them for other candidates.
In September 2006 Gina Embriadi's dog Mugsey passed away. Instead of putting him in a traditional urn, she came up with an alternative. "I didn't want to bury him cause of him being out in the cold out there. As foolish as that sounds. I was not ready not to hold him again, at all," said Embriadi. So she decided to put his ashes in a cuddly urn. "When my dog passed away I was totally devastated and I came across a photo with this dog laying on the back of my couch and that's when it hit me," she said. From then on she started her business 'Beloved Pets'. "You can have a replica that resembles them or any stuffed animal that's significant to you. It can be a personal one that you enjoy or if you have children, one that they're really close to. If they lost a beloved animal, their ashes are placed there." Gina says that each animal is special and she treats them as if they were her own. "Each one of these are passionate to me. When I do an animal, when I make a cuddly urn, I put my heart and soul into it," said Embriadi. Gina hopes, that by word of mouth, she will able to reach out to those grieving over a lost pet. http://www.belovedpetsbygina.com/http://www.otrib.com/community/
With the holiday season just around the corner, many Central New Yorkers are finding ways to make a little extra cash. One way some people are doing it is by pawning off their personal items.
At Big Mike’s Swap Shop in Mattydale, owner Mike Getek says it’s been a busy time for his store. Customers come in trying to sell everything from stereos to jewelry and everything in between. For a typical stereo, you can get between $20 to $30, but for jewelry you can make even more.
“Gold is up to its highest point right now,” said Getek. “It’s at $1,080 an ounce for gold. That’s for 24 karat.” All jewelry is measured by weight, whether gold, silver or diamonds.
So with all these items coming in, Getek’s store isn’t only busy with people wanting to sell. An equal number of people are also now using pawn shops as a way to find discounted gifts before the busy shopping season begins. Either way, pawn shops have become a new trend during the tough economy, and Getek expects to stay busy through Tax Day.
Syracuse Beer Week gives residents a chance to taste and experience local, regional and national beers once a year.Restaurants from all over the city participate, allowing beer-lovers to taste all sorts of varieties of their favorite beverage.
The idea for Syracuse Beer Week started last year, and according to Event Coordinator Brian Duprey, was based off of Philadelphia’s own form of beer week.
Many of the events are free to the public, which allows people to try a broad range of beers without hurting their wallet.However, according to Michael Yorton from the Blue Tusk and Adam Eagen from Empire Brewery, people still make room for plenty of beer in their budgets, even during tough economic times.
“I actually see it as a sign of people being more sensible,” Yorton said.“Maybe instead of buying a $100 bottle of wine, you can buy an amazing bottle of beer for $5.”
Beer Week allows restaurants and breweries around the city to promote their products and attract new customers.This is especially important for local breweries like Empire and Middle Ages.The week allows them to showcase their full range of home brews, and seasonal beers.However the events only run until Saturday, and then it’s back to a normal schedule for all the local breweries.
After a tumultuous year for the auto industry, October has been a good month for car and truck sales. According to Autodata Corporation, sales are up from September by 12 percent. Analysts say the willingness to spend is a sign of a bettering economy.
The most profitable company for the month was Hyundai, who saw a 49 percent boost in sales. Nissan came next with a 5.6 percent increase. General Motors saw a 4.7 increase.
Kevin Wiggins, Sales Manager of Fuccillo Hyundai, says sales of hard commodities like cars are a good indicator of the economy. He says his dealership has seen a lot more activity in the past month. "You can see it in the number of phone calls, the number of people coming into the dealership," said Wiggins.
Lucino Plaza, of Syracuse New York, just bought a car at Fucillo. He says in light of the recession, the combination of price and beauty of the Hyundai Sonata convinced him to buy. "We've been struggling, but I guess everything is going to get to normal very soon. My job is getting better, it's getting busy. That's why I'm able to afford this car that I got now, the Hyundai Sonata," he said.
While the auto industry is showing signs of growth, the future is still uncertain. Unemployment rates reached a 26 year high at 9.6 percent, and are expected to rise to 9.9 for the month of October.
Wiggins says he is optimistic though, and he believes the auto industry will rise at least 20 percent in the next few months. "As people in our neck of the woods get out of the winter months and the economy gets better, we'll see more people coming into the dealership."
At 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, a crowd of approximately 15 people gathered at the back entrance of the Baldwinsville Public Library. When the doors opened, some headed straight to the computers, but others were enticed by the posting on the door that reads: book sale.
While it may seem ironic that a library is selling books versus lending them, library director Marilyn Laubacher said this is a common fundraiser.
The books are donations from members of the community and books that have been taken out of circulation. The sale sells books for as little as $1.00 and for the last two days, they sell books by the bag.
Deborah Pinker bought books on Tuesday and returned to the sale on Wednesday for a second helping. "Yesterday probably [bought 12 books]. Today, I don't wanna count yet, probably at least 20," she said.
The price is a big attraction, especially in tough economic times.
"Usually, when the economy is bad, library use goes up because people don't go to buy books as much as they used to," Laubacher said.
The Baldwinsville Public Library circulation is up by as much as 10 percent from last year, but funding is down.
"The cuts that are being made at the state level will affect us because libraries all belong to library systems in New York state, " Laubacher explained.
Most of the library staff is volunteers and delivery services, as well as cataloging, will suffer. Some residents in Baldwinsville see the book sale as a way to preserve their library.
"This is a good fundraiser, having a sale like this, and as more people begin to learn about this, you can only expand and contribute constantly to the library, which is a good thing. Besides, it makes people more aware of a resource available in their community," John Pelligra, who bought various books on art and travel, said.
The library estimates this book sale will generate about $4,000 in funds that they will distribute among various resources.
Syracuse, N.Y.--It sounds like a pun. Inflation is bad for tires.
On average, the price of an individual tire is up $2 from last year. Chinese made tires have seen a more significant price increase because of a 35 percent tariff on foreign manufacturers passed by the federal government in September. Chinese tires make up 17 percent of all tires sold in the United States each year.
Some retailers also attributed the price increase to rising transportation costs and the fact that more expensive tires are being put on passenger cars by the original manufacturer. As a result, it is more expensive to replace those tires when they wear out.
With winter just around the corner, many Central New Yorkers have yet to buy snow tires. Local retailers say this year they see a noticeable increase in people "shopping around" for tires rather than buying.
One employee at Kost-Tire Muffler at Syracuse says the price of snow tires also might be increasing as a result of a higher demand for them among Canadians.
Watch this story:
Learn more about the tires shown in this story here. Watch KUSA's Kevin Torres' story on tires.
Vera House hosted community leaders in Onondaga County at Curtin Auditorium for their 21st Annual Report to the Community on domestic and sexual violence. In spite of the decreased funding from the city, Vera House verahouse.org established an International Victims Program to provide legal assistance to immigrants and refugees who are victims of domestic violence. Additionally, it also expanded its shelter to provide safe housing to men and transgender individuals.
Co-founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence, Lakisha Martin spoke today about violence within Syracuse and her experience overcoming it. "We had no idea we were going to open pandora's box. We had no idea we were going to trip over it. Violence is a complex thing," said Martin.
The report showed that law enforcement response answered less domestic calls in 2009 compared to 2008. The Police Department says it "looks like were on track," because the arrests they've made on domestic and sexual violence has increased.
Survivors of domestic violence spoke today on behalf of Vera House, "from my mistakes I've learned to never keep a secret. Someone is always watching. Vera House helped me help myself and they can do the same for you," said Ed. Victims withheld their last name in hopes to remain anonymous in order to protect their safety.
Vera House also displayed a clothesline exhibit of over 500 shirts created by survivors of sexual assault. The Clothesline Project can be seen at Great Northern Mall and Clinton Square.
Despite their efforts to rally support today and update the community on its services, there has actually been an increase in couple's homicide. In 2008 there was 1 couple's homicide in Onondaga County and so far in 2009 the number has risen to 6.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Jennifer Shaw, program coordinator of Vera House says "all we can do is let the community know and keep them informed."
If dealing with this year’s poor economy isn’t enough, local farmers and grocery stores are putting up with something else. Phytophthora infestans, better known as Late Blight, has ruined thousands of tomato crops up and down the east coast this year. Late Blight was the culprit of the infamous Irish Potato Famine.
Fewer tomatoes means prices are going up. But for one local organic grocery store, the Syracuse Real Food Co-Op, business is still rocking – even though tomatoes cost three dollars more today than they did a year ago. Business is surviving because customers come here for what they want.
“A lot of food is better,” said Brian Looper, who was stopping for coffee at the Co-Op Wednesday morning. “Definitely the coffee is better here than what you get somewhere else.”
Even though store management says, for the most, business is doing okay, customers have changed their shopping habits.
“We've seen frozen sales go down,” Syracuse Real Food Co-Op Information Manager Ryan Gorham said, “Some produce, in bulk especially, (has) gone up. It seems like a lot more people are staying home and cooking more meals at home.”
Sales have been driving customers to make purchases. Purchases that would be cheaper at a non-organic, conventional grocery store.
“Whatever's on sale kind of seems to be the most common for the month,” said cashier Matt Siebert.
Sales can only do so much and can do little to offset higher prices caused by Late Blighte. Gorham said tomatoes cost $1.99 per pound a year ago but are now 4.99 per pound.
“The Late Blight affected tomatoes and potatoes the most and many, many farmers lost their entire tomato crops this year which is thousands of dollars in loss,” Gorham said.
The higher price doesn’t seem to stop some shoppers from buying organic.
“I think That's worth it to me because I think you're getting higher quality produce,” said vegan Matt Gasda.
Other shoppers are not so sure.
“As the price increases we might not be able to get organic every single time but I don't think it will stop us from buying organic,” Kelly Hixon said.
Despite the high prices and the prospect of loosing customers, the management remains optimistic.
“They're gonna sell either way. They might not sell as fast,” Gorham said.
"I fell in love with a dead woman, what can I say?" commented Sally Roesch Wagner, Executive Director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation on why she is so passionate about Mrs. Gage. "This woman so intrigued me and what I realize now is that I'm not the only person this has happened to."
The Matilda Joslyn Gage House can be found in Fayetteville on the corner of Genesee Street and Walnut Street just past the town center. Gage was a nationally known abolition and women's rights advocate who lived in the Greek revival style home from 1854 until her death in 1898.
The home is now currently under construction to become a museum. Restoration began in September and is expected to be completed before the end of 2009. Once completed, the museum will include rooms dedicated to women's rights, the Underground Railroad, religious freedom, the Gage Family, local history, and the Haudenosaunee Native American Tri
be.
"This was a woman who was the head of the women who were ahead of the times," said Wagner who quoted Gloria Steinem, a current day feminist writer and activist. Gage worked along side Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton brainstorming women's rights initiatives in this house. During the years before the Civil War, the house functioned as a dry goods store to those walking by, but secretly served as an Underground Railroad station.
The foundation's goal is to bring Gage's ideas and the relevance of them today to the community. "We really stand to become the center of heritage tourism in this region," says Wagner.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Other than Christmas, Halloween is the most commercialized holiday in the US as Americans spend hundreds of dollars every year on costumes and decorations. Central New Yorkers are no different.
And like millions of other Americans, last year Halloween-related sales were down across the board in CNY due to the economy. But this year things are looking up.
Sara Murphy, a worker at Dougherty's Masquerade in Syracuse notes that, "Its been really busy in here, I think things are getting better." Murphy adds that it is much more crowded than last year.
Not only are people buying costumes once again, many aren't holding anything back. One cashier remembered a customer paying $230 dollars on his costume.
Bobbi Walker, the store's office manager, thinks that the holiday falling on a weekend helps a lot. She says that because there is no work the day after Halloween, more people will have costume parties on the 31st.
"I think Halloween is a holiday where people can forget about all of the things going on with the economy and just go out and have a good time with your friends," says Chelsea Colon, a student at LeMoyne and customer at Dougherty's Masquerade. Walker also says there is a big rush during the final week as people change their minds about what they can spend.
"A lot of people think they are not gonna do it." Walker says, "They are not gonna go out and get dressed up and then at the last minute they go, nah I think I better go get out something. "
The employees say that the store's top selling this year has been the Michael Jackson "thriller" set which comes complete with a jacket and glove.
While driving through downtown Syracuse it’s tough to miss the four-legged animals strolling across the crosswalks.That’s because horses have taken over the Oncenter and the War Memorial for the week.
Nearly 400 horses arrived to compete in the 7th Annual Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament this week.That is where the logistics get interesting.Where can you keep 400 horses in downtown Syracuse?
Well, organizers start by housing a majority of the horses not competing at the fair grounds.Horses then take turns cycling into the make-shift stable that was created in the parking garage across from the Oncenter.Storing horses on the streets is something riders and horses do not see in manyother competitions.
“It’s really different for the horses to be in this environment, walking on the street to the show ring and everything,” competitor Navajo Gallegos said.
However it presents a different atmosphere that has created an interesting challenge for competitors.
“I think it was a really great vision that John Madden had when he said let’s hold a horseshow in the middle of the city of Syracuse,” Horseshow Management Team member Heather Kallas said.People said how are you going to do that?And we’ve been doing it now for seven years and successfully, so it worked out.”
Despite all the craziness of moving horses through the streets of Downtown Syracuse, with the help of volunteers and police, traffic continues to move relatively smoothly throughout the city.
When Halloween rolls in, normally people think about candy and spending time at get togethers; however, residents of neighborhoods near the East Side of Syracuse University have more important things to consider.
"We've got right now four people in custody in the Onondaga County Justice Center that were involved in robberies that occurred on or near campus and those folks are sitting in jail on twenty thousand dollars bail each," said Syracuse University Chief of Public Safety Anthony Callisto, Jr.
Over the past two months there have been numerous robberies and a sexual assault case that have caused area law enforcement to be on hightened alert.
Among other things, the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety has increased its number of on-duty officers as well as extending the area that the Department covers.
City of Syracuse Police have also increased efforts by having plain-clothes officers patrol the area.
The joint work has paid off thus far, as several residents said that they feel safe with their Halloween plans.
For the whole story, check out Devon's story for NCC News.
SYRACUSE - The first round of scheduled flu shots given by Onondaga County were given out Wednesday afternoon at the Magnarelli Community Center. Three hundred people were expected to show up to the event which required an advance registration. Those looking for a flu shot had to go online, sign up for an appointment, and then either present proof of insurance or pay thirty dollars when showing up for the shot.
Vaccines were made available either as a traditional shot or through a nasal spray that was shot once in each nostril. Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney was on hand for the event and got her flu shot too. “Easy and painless” is how Mahoney described the shot. She also encouraged everyone to get their shot, but to be patient because not everyone could get one right away due to limited supplies.
Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow was originally expected to be in attendance, but was “laying low” according to Deputy Commissioner Linda Karmen. Morrow is expected to speak about the flu tomorrow.
The 126th Annual Syracuse Invitational began this morning at the Oncenter Complex in Downtown Syracuse. This year's competition brings riders from all over the country to take part in various events. Perhaps the least well known of these is the Hunters competition.
Unlike the jumping competition that has clear-cut and spelled out criteria for judging, Hunters is more subjective. Junior Trainer Frank Madden of Oyster Bay, Long Island describes it as, "a lot like either figure skating or gymnastics where there’s some compulsory things horses need to do and do well."
This morning, competitors rode green horses-- animals that have only been showing for a year or two. Since the judgments are based on the movement and finesse of the horse, there's not much the equestrians can do to help their horses succeed in this environment.
Alex Arute, an 18-year-old from Avon, CT, is here to compete in several events-- one of which is Hunters. She's been competing since she was six and says that while she has won many awards in the past, she's yet to take home a trophy from the Syracuse Invitational. It's Arute's third year taking part in the competition. Like many of her fellow riders, she travels to compete in Hunters almost every single weekend.
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the US as Americans spend hundreds of dollars every year on costumes and decorations. Central New Yorkers are no different.
