Northside Urban Partnership

The Syracuse Track Club will be holding it’s 30th annual Resolution Run on January 1st at 10:07am. The run (not a race!) begins and ends at the Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 North Clinton Street.The 4 to 6 mile run winds through the scenic and historical neighborhoods of Syracuse’s Northside, with a champagne stop somewhere in the middle. No pre-registration required, but arrive early. A $13 fee covers the cost of the run, a one-year membership in the Syracuse Track Club and a post-race lunch buffet. And you just might win a prize.

For more information click here

Grant Middle School embarked on a holiday endeavor called ‘The Big Give’.  It was initiated and organized by Katrina Allen, a science teacher at Grant Middle School. Teachers throughout the school have designed projects that give back to the community. Ideas included:

Cards to the men and women serving over seas
Sandwiches for the Oxford House, an addiction recovery house
Hats for pre-mature babies at Crouse Hospital
Cards and decorations for Francis House
Raising money through an online game to purchase rice for countries with high poverty and hunger
Reading to the Pre-K students in our school  
Holiday and new year cards for the neighbors that surround Grant Middle School

The project sparked the true meaning of the season and reminded us all that the season goes far beyond getting or even giving material goods. It’s the spirit found within doing something for another person. Grant Middle School students may be a bit misunderstood at times, but they are truly amazing.  I was very proud of the students here and truly enjoyed their company throughout this project.

754 Barbershop was featured in a piece by local News 10. In line with the barbershop’s community-based message Suntrana Allen co-owner of the 754 Barbershop has been collecting toys in partnership with University Hospital to deliver children with chronic illnesses, namely HIV and AIDS. The gifts will be distributed today.

 Click to view 754 Barbershop’s business profile.

On December 10, 2008, the Spencer Street bridge spanning I-81 closed for a year-long reconstruction project. On January 14, 2009, the Court Street bridge over I-81 was also closed for dismantling and replacement. After the reopening of both bridges in late 2009, the Butternut Street bridge will be closed and reconstructed. Businesses will remain open during construction.

For the August 26, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the August 7, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the July 30, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the July 24, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the July 20, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the May 18, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the May 14, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the May 13, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the May 12, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the May 11, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the May 8, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the April 24, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the April 22, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the April 21, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the April 1, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the March 31, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the March 27, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the March 25, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the March 20, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the March 13, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the March 4, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 27, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 23, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 20, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 13, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 6, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 5, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 4, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 3, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the February 2, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the January 26, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the January 23, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the January 20, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the January 14, 2009 traveler advisory alert regarding the bridge closures, pleaseclick here.

For the January 7, 2009 press release on project schedule, please click here.

For the January 6, 2009 travel advisory alert regarding the bridges, please click here.

For the December 30, 2008 travel advisory alert regarding the bridges, pleaseclick here.

For the December 23, 2008 travel advisory alert on the scheduling of the Court Street and Spencer Street bridge closures, please click here.

For information on the schedule of the Court Street bridge closure and shuttle route, please click here.

For information on the schedule of the Spencer Street bridge closure, please click here.

The new bridges will be a benefit to the Northside neighborhood, containing decorative lighting, wider sidewalks, and a shoulder to provide a buffer between pedestrians and vehicles. They will continue the revitalization efforts underway on the Northside, complimenting the millions of public and private dollars already invested in the streetscape, buildings and businesses along North Salina Street.

During the construction project, detour signage will guide drivers through alternate routes to access the Northside neighborhood and the Little Italy business district. A shuttle will transport pedestrians around the two closed bridges, operating Monday to Friday, 6am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Representatives of New York State Department of Transportation, the City of Syracuse, and the Northside neighborhood are collaborating to provide information on the projects.

Sometimes it is all too easy to notice the differences between us, but if by being able to see the world from another person’s perspective it becomes apparent that although we may come from diverse backgrounds, having different languages, different cultures and different lifestyles; fundamentally we are all the same.

The Our Northside Community Gallery strives to demonstrate the diversity that has been part of the Northside for some time. The Gallery located on 745 North Salina Street displays photos from the Northside Mosaic project, a documentary art project in which Northside residents from varying backgrounds were charged with the task of chronicling their every day lives through photography.

The resulting work is a powerful display of the human spirit; although the majority of the photos were taken by amateurs, the beauty of their composition and subject matter are superb.

The Gallery hopes to not only display artwork, but also to host art workshops for the community. It is currently open to the public Tuesday to Friday 12-7pm and Saturday 12-5pm.

Just a ten-minute, leisurely walk from St. Joseph’s Health and Rehabilitation Center is an international school that celebrates diverse groups of people from 5 continents. 24 nations, 20 languages and four major religions are present in this unusual Pre-k through Sixth Grade learning environment, supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and Father Champlin’s Guardian Angel Society. Small class size, experienced New York State certified teachers, capable and caring administrative leadership and staff, and community mentors from local professional and educational organizations make this school an extraordinary institution.

Presently, the halls are alive with the sound of music as children prepare for the Christmas Concert scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, at 7pm. Kindergarten through Sixth Grade will display their musical talents through song and instruments. Traditional holiday favorites, African American spirituals, English carol medley, and the “Hallelujah Chorus,”from Handel’s Messiah are on the program. All are welcome to attend this opportunity to showcase our students. Jim Stanley, our brilliant musical director, teaches the children about the human spirits’ innate expressions of beauty.

All programs in art, music, physical education, language, library, and technology are integrated into serious academic programs at Cathedral Academy at Pompei. To give the reader a clear picture of the school’s special implementation of the New York State curriculum, the following examples provide a glimpse.

The Prekindergarten Program is lead by Mrs. Merrick who stresses that we are wonderful people. The diverse groups of children in this classroom are actually learning to speak different languages, as well as sign language. They are thriving as they study the 5 senses, the 4 seasons, geometric shapes, the days of the week and months of the year. And as they learn to recognize and write their numbers and letters, they recite verses such as, “number 7 is over and down from heaven.” Also, the children are learning to write their names, an essential piece of knowledge related to success in beginning reading. And already, the class possesses little readers who have cracked the code!

Mrs. Melchior and her assistants have established a structured kindergarten classroom that prepares students for creative endeavors. First and foremost, children are taught that they are God’s wonderful creations. To stress this point, each child’s photo hangs in the school hallway, with their names and sentences, such as, “God made Adjawe special.” Also, giant name plates surround the classroom. For the enhancement of imagination, children put on a puppet show for their parents, depicting important community sites and leaders. Finally, their math, reading, echo/listening, puzzles, writing, art, and science centers keep these little people busy with joyous learning experiences.

Miss Hallett’s, First Grade moves at an amazing pace. As a result, the children are reading, writing stories, and explaining mathematical concepts usually reserved for higher levels. Science and social studies are also daily academic literacy events. Miss Hallett is an expert early childhood teacher who guides parents as they collaborate in home and school connections for English language learning; brief nightly homework assignments are essential. Furthermore, Miss Hallett is presently involved in graduate studies of children’s literature, diverse cultural understanding and English language learning, making her classroom an ideal site for beginning, formal academic development.

Mrs.Henderson is a recognized artist in Central New York and brings her love of the creative to CAP students. She works closely with the elementary curriculum so that students will see connections between artistic endeavors and academic learning. For example, this fall, students produced portraits of presidential candidates and their mascots. The walls of the school reminded all of the election and caused lively discussions in the classrooms. As Halloween approached, the origin of masks and their creation were studied. Students manipulated astounding distortions of facial characteristics and produced real emotion in their designs. Finally, observational skills were practiced by learning the colors that emerge as summer turns to fall and winter. Student productions can be seen on the bulletin board display at St. Joseph’s Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Sr. Laurita Kelly, OSF, teaches second grade students about the world and their places in it. Her inspiring literacy teaching and learning is based on her Biblical knowledge and her obvious implementation of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Students study the countries of the world and the states in our nation through interesting books, puzzles, and visuals. Sister’s class is also learning Spanish from Le Moyne College Professor, Dr. Rachel Romeu. The second grade reading and writing activities revolve around superb children’s literature and writing/spelling/ drawing experiences. Additionally, her mathematics program, not only deals with basic skills, but also the study of international geometric designs, tangrams, and mathematical games. Last, but not least, Sister Laurita has a second educational certification as a specialist in reading difficulties. She knows how to implement different learning styles and help students who may show signs of reading and writing problems.

The library media center at Cathedral Academy at Pompei is run by two superb teachers, Mrs. Roseann Sunser and Mrs. Linda Marris. Their expertise in the latest technology and children’s literature allow them to enrich storytime with the Internet, teach research and literacy skills and promote a love for reading. All of the children are encouraged to consider their own and other’s ideas and older students at CAP have become voracious readers.

This fall, Miss Kathleen Wheeler’s first goals for physical education were to develop health and fitness through cooperative games and teamwork. Children discussed appropriate behaviors, and together, they developed rules that were posted on the walls for all to see. Miss Wheeler states, “Students must be accountable for their actions.” Because of her emphasis on human behaviors, students successfully worked on basic motor skills, soccer, fitness bingo, and the mile run fitness test. Additionally, with Miss Wheelers guidance, Pompei parents coach after school teams.

Mrs. Betz’s Third Grade students have become experts on mammals due to their implementation of research skills. They are also learning mental math while studying and developing the automaticity necessary for using multiplication facts, so they can better understand mathematical concepts. Finally, they are celebrating diverse communities of people in the United States and around the world. In January, they will begin their Chinese Mandarin lessons.

Mrs. Morgan’s Fourth Grade class writes daily. The students understand that the composing process is hard work, but realize that their practice is demonstrated in their excellent stories, persuasive arguments and analysis of similarities and differences. They are also learning that science is fun and interesting especially when they discover, through their research, that an octopus smells with its eyes. Mathematics begins to present real challenges in fourth grade with complex word problems and the proper reading of charts and graphs. This is the year for New York State tests in the language arts and mathematics, but Mrs. Morgan and her students appear confident and happy about these academic challenges.

Mrs. Kuno’s fifth graders are reading young adult novels and responding in writing, a traditional classroom assignment, and also, responding by illustrating key passages, a nontraditional assignment. Students explore their talents by participating in both assignments. Also, in the Fifth Grade, students are studying primary documents in preparation for the New York State Social Studies test. They are learning about American History in the same manner as historians. Additionally, the study of the Solar System and mathematical exponents are integrated and students grasp the power of these connections. Outside the classroom, is the “Hall of Hundreds,” the site where excellent work appears.

Mrs. Kelsey’s main goal for Sixth Grade is to prepare her students for successful middle and high school experiences. Their study of Ancient history has brought them to the analysis of Cuneiform; they have actually written notes in this system. Recently their study of mathematics involved conversion of fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. Mrs. Kelsey involves the families of her diverse groups of students, who claim Hispanic, African American, Vietnamese, and Italian American backgrounds. Their part in the curriculum involves sharing their languages and cultures both in and out of the classroom. Finally, the Sixth Grade is responsible for the CAP Yearbook, so they are busy with all of the details associated with gathering information, editing, and lay-out.

Cathedral Academy at Pompei is unique! And this uniqueness is exemplified in the spirit of love and participation given by numerous parent and community mentors and volunteers. Reverend Tucker of the Syracuse Catholic Diocese, Jesuit Novices, Officer Baretta, from DARE, Le Moyne College professors, preservice teachers, nurse practitioner students, Syracuse University Literacy Corps, and leaders of local industry, banking and medicine add to the outstanding teaching and learning at CAP. And the foundation of this success is Father Champlin’s Guardian Angel Society with its continuing tuition assistance program. It is clear that Cathedral Academy at Pompei is a wonderful place to be.

When Our Northside Community Gallery on Syracuse’s North Salina Street opens Thursday, visitors will get a picture of life today in the city neighborhood. But the bigger picture may not be as obvious. Gallery organizers hope the art in this once-vacant storefront will be a catalyst for social activism.

The opening exhibit, “Northside Mosaic,” features 100 photos of people and places in the surrounding streets and reflects the cross section of cultures living together. A computer also displays photos and delivers sound clips of students from Franklin Elementary School.

The art project can be used “as a way to really get a snapshot of what the North Side looks like and use that as a springboard to dialogue” on issues of poverty, redevelopment and racism, says Maarten Jacobs, who is curating the show. He is also program director of Northside Collaboratory, part of Franciscan Collaborative Ministries’ program of social services that includes a food pantry, medical clinic and community development.

“The goal of the show is to be used as a tool for activism and for awareness,” he says.

The temporary gallery at 745 N. Salina St. occupies 550 square feet of a storefront next to Biscotti’s bakery. The space is being provided rent-free through January. Depending on the success of Our Northside Community Gallery, Jacobs says a permanent gallery could follow.

Prints from “Northside Mosaic” will be sold, and proceeds will fund future exhibits. Also at the gallery opening, Northside Collaboratory will introduce a new Web site of North Side community and business events, activities and developments: www.ournorthside.org.

The Northside Collaboratory and the Prospect Hill Initiative are partners in the gallery.

-Melinda Johnson
The Post-Standard

December 2, Cooperative Federal celebrated the grand opening of their Northside branch at 800 North Salina Street. Members, staff, and well wishers gathered at the reception on the first floor of the Assisi Center.
The Northside branch has been open since August, but due to renovations of the sidewalk in front of the
building, the grand opening ceremony had to be delayed.

Cooperative Federal has been active in the Syracuse community for over 25 years. Starting from humble beginings behind a single counter in the back of the Syracuse Real Food Coop, Cooperative Federal has expanded to three locations across the city: 723 Westcott Street, The Southwest Community Center at 401 South Avenue, and now 800 North Salina Street.

A credit union focused on community development with a mission of rebuilding the local economy while serving the financial needs of those underserved by conventional financial institutions, Cooperative Federal is recognized throughout the region for their dedication to financial education. The organization teaches responsible money management in city schools as well as holds free classes open to the public.

Dave Michel, representing Mayor Driscoll, and Dominic Robinson, director of the Northside Collaboratory, congratulated Cooperative Federal on the opening of their third branch and their continued service to the Syracuse community. Cooperative Federal Co-founder and Treasurer Ron Eherenreich encouraged all attending who were not already members to join.

To learn more about Cooperative Federal, please read their profile.