Panel and Action Sessions
The 40 Below Impact Panel and Action Sessions were designed to engage 40 Belowers in a specific activity on June 1, 2007. Below is a list from that day and a brief description from each session.
Panel Session # 1
Collaborative Neighborhood Development: The Making of an Urban Renaissance
How are struggling urban areas transformed into thriving and diverse communities? Collaborative neighborhood development is the process in which citizens, organizations, businesses, institutions and government work together to stimulate new development in an area so that it is both prosperous and inclusive. In this Panel Session, you will hear from people who are working to turn this idea into a reality within the City of Syracuse. You will also learn about the connections between diversity and sustainability and will be engaged in a discussion as to why a good neighborhood is good business; why working towards the greater good is in your best interest; and why, sooner than you think, you might be moving to a neighborhood in which you never expected to live.
Action Sessions # 1
The Neighborhood Renaissance Experience
40 Belowers will briefly tour three different "neighborhoods of progress" in the City of Syracuse - the South-West Side, the Park Avenue neighborhood on the Near-West Side, and Little Italy on the North Side. Developers from each neighborhood will enlighten you about some of the progressive happenings in the areas. Following this quick tour, you will arrive at the impact sight of your choosing which you must identify ahead of time, as each of the three buses will tour the same areas, but will have different destinations where you can roll up your proverbial sleeves and get to work on a collaborative neighborhood project.
1a. Revitalize the South-West Side
Help with a play lot build! Near Jubilee Park on the south-west side of Syracuse is a playground that is in desperate need of refurbishing. This Action Session will allow 40 Belowers to work along side community residents and partners to rebuild the park. This space is used primarily for recreation in the summer by residents and for community sponsored events like jazz concerts.
Dress: Extremely Casual - you will probably get dirty!
Transportation will be provided.
1b. Discover the Park Avenue Five Sisters
Five Victorian houses in the Park Avenue neighborhood on the near-west side of Syracuse, known as the Five Sisters, have been restored to their original beauty and you have the rare opportunity to experience them first hand. You will also learn about the history surrounding the buildings and the project, as one example of restoration that is occurring around our city.
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will be provided.
1c. Make a Documentary in Little Italy
The North Side of Syracuse is home to a variety of ethnic groups including many immigrants and refugees. Help the neighborhood both explore and celebrate its cultural diversity by recording the stories of refugees, immigrant business owners and other interesting neighborhood figures. Your interview will then be used in making the North Side Mosaic an art installation and oral history documentary that will be unveiled in 2008.
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will be provided.
Panelists
Jonnell Allen, Community Geographer, Syracuse University
Lori Deptula, St. Joe's Hospital
Bea Gonzalez, Interim Dean of University College
Frank Ridzi, Professor of Urban and Regional Studies, Le Moyne College
Jeff Romano, President of the Park Avenue Neighborhood Association (PANA)
Amatullah Yamini, Small business owner/partner with SU entrepreneurship program
Panel Session #2
How to Initiate a Public Art Project in your Neighborhood: Ideas, Artists, Funding and Process
Initiating a public art project is not impossible! If you have a creative idea, come to this seminar to learn how to turn your ideas in to action. Get an inside look at the behind the scenes processes, form connections and get tips from those with expertise in creation, installation, government approval and funding for your public art project. Don't get caught in the red tape - get inspired!
Action Session # 2
2. Bring Life to Lipe Art Park
Right near the White Warehouse (200-06 S. Geddes) sits an untapped piece of land that is on the verge of becoming the Lipe Art Park. Participants in this Action Session will bring life to the park by creating four signs announcing the opening of the park. Use your creativity to highlight a new artistic outlet in our community. Those attending this Action Session will also have the opportunity to visit the White Warehouse for the "Art Extravaganza" or assist Adapt CNY's Green Space Committee beautify Lipe Art Park if they wish.
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will be provided.
Panelists
Kate Clark, City of Syracuse Department of Economic DevelopmentKhanh Le, Artist-in-Residence in the Syracuse Vietnamese community
David Serotkin, Public Sculptor and Muralist, Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Mark Wright, Southside Neighborhood Arts Council and the Cultural Resources Council
Panel Session #3
How to Sell Syracuse: Be an Ambassador Everyday
Syracuse gets a bad rap - and frankly, we are sick of it. This seminar will teach you how to represent and "sell" Syracuse in all that you do. Every time you talk to neighbors, coworkers and friends, learn how to reinforce why it's all here - why you love the area and how to rebut those negative Nancy's. Learn the talking points and debating skills you need to debunk the negative opinions you encounter every day and discover a plethora of hidden gems in your community. Even if you have lived here your whole life, we promise you will learn about something new and fun to do in the area.
Action Session # 3
3a. Poster Bonanza
Volunteers will scatter across downtown hanging up posters that promote 40 Below's Syracuse It's All Here brand in business' windows, as well as plastering previously identified empty store fronts downtown with numerous posters NYC style.
3b. Commercial Success
Be featured in a series of short videos to be posted on YouTube and Google Video, as well as itsallheresyracuse.com that highlight why it rocks to live in Syracuse! The general idea behind the videos will be scripted ahead of time, as to provide questions for volunteers to answer/ask. Syracuse residents and downtown business owners will also talk about what they love about Syracuse, why it's all here, and get photographed holding the It's All Here logo in front of their home or business. We will also strive to get a big group shot of all volunteers screaming "Syracuse - Live it. Love it. It's All Here."
Dress: Casual - wear comfortable shoes!
Transportation to these sessions is your feet, as we are walking to the Armory Square area.
Panelists
Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Owner, "Cooking with the Cuse"
Frank Caliva, Director of Talent Initiatives, Metropolitan Development Association
Pat Driscoll, Commissioner, Syracuse Parks & Recreation
David Holder, President, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau
Kalin Moon, Owner, nightlyfe.com
Eric Persons, Director, The Connective Corridor
Jeff Roney, President, Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors
Panel Session # 4
Mentoring - A Partnership with the Syracuse City School District
Do you really want to make a difference to the Syracuse community? Research has shown the adult, student mentoring relationship to be among the most powerful influences in a young person's life. This panel will discuss pertinent issues surrounding the effectiveness of mentoring as a successful strategy for student success in school and in future careers. The Syracuse City School district in partnership with Syracuse University and 40 Below are recruiting mentors to work with Middle School and High School students come to this panel to hear first hand experiences of current mentors and to learn how you can directly get involved. Join us in building a stronger Syracuse community.
Action Sessions #4
4a. Help Create a "Picture Perfect" Future
This action session will consist of two parts - discussion and a hands-on creative session. The discussion will be facilitated by Patrice Bey, chair of 40 Below's Mentoring Task Force, to hear from up to 35 students about their future goals, what they need to fulfill those goals and their ideas on how one reaches their potential. This brief discussion will then be followed with a hands-on creative art project where 40 Belowers will be paired with students individually or as teams, working with them to "create" their future plans in the form of art work, poetry, story, song, rhyme, etc. Creative work will then be displayed later that day at the 40 Below after party.
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will not be provided, as this action session takes places at the OnCenter.
4b. Be a Real Life Hero at the Boys & Girls Club
Make an immediate impact on the lives of the youths at the Shonnard Street Boys & Girls Club by participating in leadership and career development counseling. By conducting mock Interview sessions with youths (ages 12-13), you will prepare them not only for upcoming summer job opportunities, but can instill knowledge that will assist them in future career paths. Act as a role model - share your expertise - make a difference that could last a lifetime.
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will be provided.
Panelists
Hilda Martinez, Coordinator of Mentoring Project, Syracuse City School District
Akua Goodrich, Grant Procurement Specialist/Mentor
Panel Session # 5
Onondaga Creek - How Will it Flow?
This seminar introduces Onondaga Creek to residents who may live in the area and who are curious and/or concerned about the Creek, but know little about it. Panelists will present basic background about Onondaga Creek and its watershed, biology and hydrology necessary for understanding the current state of the Creek and making informed choices about its recovery. Neighborhood, community, economic considerations relating to Onondaga Creek revitalization will be addressed as well.
Action Sessions # 5
5a. Creek Walk With a Purpose
In this Action Session, you will explore the Creek first hand and discover all of the wonderful things it has to offer and it's potential. Learn the history, current concerns and plans for the future around our amazing natural resource. This Action Session will also combine a Creek walk the functional purpose of installing a few previously made housing sanctuaries for birds that call the Creek home, further enhancing the positive environmental impact 40 Belowers will have on the Creek.
Dress: Casual - you may get dirty.
Transportation will be provided.
5b. Give a Bird a Home!
If you would like to stay at the OnCenter, but still have a directly positive impact on the Creek - give a bird a home by building bird sanctuaries. These "homes" will then be installed to additional sites along the Creek at a later date.
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will not be provided, as this action session takes places at the OnCenter.
Panelists
Virginia Collins, Doctoral candidate, SUNY-ESF
Steve Kearney, Economic Development and Office of Onondaga Creek Development
Catherine Landis, Master's candidate, SUNY-ESF
Ed Michalenko, President, Onondaga Environmental Institute
Panel Session # 6
Revitalizing our Downtown Core - Past, Present and Future.
Downtown Syracuse should be a place where everyone wants to live, work and play. We're on our way; there is a lot happening to improve the heart of our city. There's also a lot on which we still need to work. This Panel Session will feature downtown development's past, present and future. You will learn what Adapt CNY is, what it's members are doing to reinvigorate the area and how you can get involved in the future of downtown Syracuse.
Action Sessions # 6
6a. Make YOUR Space Green
This Action Session relates directly to Adapt CNY's Green Space Committee's work. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose to clean up Lipe Art Park, a sculpture and garden park, on West Fayette Street (in conjunction with the Warehouse District and Public Arts Action Sessions). Participants will work in teams to beautify the area by planting seven to 10 gardens in the park. A green-thumb is not required!
Dress: Casual - you may get dirty.
Transportation will be provided.
6b. Wilson Building/300 Block Cleanup*
Join Adapt CNY and other volunteers to complete the cleanup of the historic Wilson Building, at the center of the 300 Block of South Salina St. in downtown Syracuse. Built in 1898, the Wilson Building is a historic landmark and is at the heart of a renewed effort to redevelop Syracuse's own "Main Street." By spending the afternoon removing trash, debris, old furniture and other treasures from the building, you will bring the building one step closer to construction and rehabilitation. Participants should be prepared for mild to moderate exertion including lifting objects and walking numerous flights of stairs.
Dress: Extremely Casual - you will get dirty!
Transportation to this session is your feet, as we are walking to Salina Street.
* All participants will be required to sign a waiver of liability on site before entering the property. Forms will be distributed at 40 Below Impact.
Panelists
George Curry, Distinguished Teaching Professor, State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Michael Falcone, The Pioneer Companies
Dan Queri, Principal, Queri Development Co.
Merike Treier, Board member, Adapt CNY, Inc.
Panel Session # 7
The Housing Crisis: How Affordable Housing Builds Communities
Learn the basics about the housing crisis and how you can be a part of the change. Everyone deserves simple, decent, affordable housing. The focus of this seminar will be on housing, with a sub-focus on advocacy. Primarily, the seminar will be on why housing is such a critical issue for Syracuse and why there's an affordable housing crisis on our hands. Further, attendees will learn about advocacy and how to make their voices heard by the right people regarding about the issue of substandard housing.
Action Sessions # 7
7a. Habitat Build*
Become a builder for a day! Join an existing Habitat build on the Near Westside, and learn hands-on what it means to build a house from the ground up. Limit 15 spots available for this Action Session.
Dress: Extremely casual - you will get dirty!
Transportation will be provided.
7b. Building on a Smaller Scale*
Build a playhouse! Help the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity raise money and create a child's dream house - by building a playhouse that will be auctioned off to fund further builds and raise awareness for the housing crisis in our region.
Dress: Casual - you may get dirty.
Transportation will be provided.
Panelists
Jack Maloney, Sr. Deputy Director, Fannie Mae - Upstate New York Community Business Center
Barbara Mattison, Senior CRA Specialist, M&T Bank
Suzanne Williams, Executive Director, Syracuse Habitat for Humanity
Panel Session # 8
The Warehouse District: Initiating a Cultural Economic Engine in Historic Mixed-Used Neighborhoods
This panel will explore the grass-roots approaches to creating economically viable communities within mixed-use neighborhoods. Through the introduction of arts and cultural activities into otherwise dilapidated industrial, commercial, and residential districts, citizens can re-discover the joys of living in an interactive, diverse and culturally rich community.
Action Session # 8
The Warehouse District Art Extravaganza
The Warehouse District Arts Extravaganza will take place in the White Warehouse - 200-06 S. Geddes Street - and will incorporate a variety of venues from the Warehouse District (West Fayette Street between Downtown and Tipp Hill). On display within the White Warehouse will be a variety of art projects, including a two floor showcase of more than 50+ local artists. Music will be provided by local musicians and refreshments will be available from The Kind Coffee Company. Participating venues will include The Delavan Art Gallery, The Warehouse Gallery, The Redhouse and 40 Below's Public Arts Task Force.
Besides viewing the work of local and regional artists, participants can choose from a variety of hands on activities:
• Become A Photographer For A Day
Participants will utilize provided disposable cameras to capture the various Action Sessions occurring around the Warehouse District on June 1st. These images will then be compiled and utilized by 40 Below and its various sub-committees to document the days activities. Some of these photos may be chosen for future publication.
• Blog on the Spot
Participants will write a short blog detailing their thoughts, feelings and new ideas about 40 Below Impact, The Warehouse District and public art in Syracuse. Not only will this opportunity allow you to express your opinions, but it will get you connected with future projects if you "opt in" to notifications.
• Community Painting
Participants will add their own stroke of genius to a large - scale painting. The goal is to create a colorful and meaningful art piece in real time, which will be on permanent display in the Warehouse District.
• Introduce Syracuse to the World!
Participants ideas, comments and feelings about life in the Syracuse will be captured on film through a live interactive video project. From public art to neighborhood revitalization, the city's self esteem to the day's events, participant's opinions will be captured in a documentary styled video in an attempt to acquire positive and enlightening ideas. These videos will then be edited and uploaded to various internet video sharing sites to spread the word good word about Syracuse and its creative community members!
Dress: Casual.
Transportation will be provided.
Panelists
Mark Barone, Senior Director, Engagement Initiatives, Syracuse University
Bill Delavan, Director, Delavan Art Gallery
Rick Destito, Ower/Operator, Vibrant Syracuse Spaces
Brett Kashmere, Filmmaker/Writer
Mick Mather, Manager of Special Project, Cultural Resources Council
