April-May 2013 Issue #9 - City of Syracuse

PARKS PERSPECTIVES
“SPRING” in to Syracuse
City of Syracuse
Department of Parks,
Recreation & Youth Programs
412 Spencer Street,
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 473-4330
STEPHANIE A. MINER, MAYOR
BAYE MUHAMMAD, COMMISSIONER
JOHN D. WALSH, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR
APRIL & MAY:
April 13—Clean up ‘Cuse, city
wide cleanup effort
448-8005 info.
April 21—Clean up Hiawatha
Lake at Upper
Onondaga Park
May 4— Crawfish Festival at
May 5—
Clinton Square
Mountain Goat Run
starting at Clinton
Square
May 18— Big Rig Day at
Burnet Park

PARKS CELEBRATES
SENIORS EVERY DAY
The nation celebrates May as Older
Americans Month, but the City’s
Parks Department celebrates seniors
every day.
Through its Senior Centers, the
Department offers a host of recreational
fitness and advocacy programs
and a wide variety of activities
for the community's senior population,
including speakers, day trips,
Bingo, exercise programs, various
health screening programs, holiday parties,
and daily lunches.
And while not completely dedicated to seniors,
many older citizens enjoy the lap swimming
and exercise programs at Southwest, Valley and
Huntington Pools, and the arts and crafts at Burnet
Park. And of course, there are plenty of special events
throughout the year for seniors, their friends and families.
For more information on any of these, call the Parks Department
at 473-4330 or visit
www.syracuse.ny.us/parks.
Bob Cecile Community Center
174 W. Seneca Turnpike
Operates: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Nikki Cawley, 473-2678
Magnarelli Community Center at McChesney Park
2308 Grant Blvd. & Pond Street
Operates: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -
4:00 p.m.
Contact: Tom White, 473-2673
Westside Senior Center
135 State Fair Blvd.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 a.m. -
2:30 p.m.
Contact: Christina Tenasco, 466-5711
In May, 1963, following a meeting with the National Council of Senior
Citizens, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May as Senior
Citizens Month, a name which was changed in 1980 to Older Americans
Month by a proclamation from President Jimmy Carter.
This year's theme - Unleash the Power of Age - underscores the
nation's appreciation and celebration of older adults and recognizes
the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to our
communities. This particular theme takes on added significance
when one looks at a recent U.S. Census stat that says that the
number of people who were 65 and older in the United States
on April 1, 2010, was 40.3 million, up from 31.2 million
in 1990 and 35.0 million in 2000.

GET READY, SET, GO!
FOR ANOTHER SYRATHON SEASON!
TIPP HILL SHAMROCK RUN...
What do you get when you mix a few tutus, some Cat-in-the-Hat-like hats, lots of
shamrock-decorated garb, a few bands, scores of volunteers, and more than 3,000
runners and walkers? The 8th annual Tipp Hill Shamrock Run – held on Sat., March 2,
by the Tipperary Hill Neighborhood Association.
The Shamrock Run, which begins and ends in Burnet Park and takes thousands of runners
through the streets of Tipperary Hill, is the unofficial start to the racing season in
Syracuse and is the first run in the Syrathon series, presented by the City of Syracuse
Parks Dept., Fleet Feet, Syracuse New Times and Saucony.
Syrathon brings together several local races for a total of 42.5 miles in an effort to encourage
healthful physical activity while promoting local neighborhoods and parks.
Each run is a separate event with its flavor, registration process, organizing committee,
and volunteers. For a complete list of runs and information on registering, visit
www.syracuse.ny.us/parks, and click on the Syrathon logo on the bottom right-handside
of the page.

Dunn Tire Mountain Goat Run Date: May 5,
2013 Time: 3K Run/walk – 9:40 a.m. / 10 mi.
run - 10:20 a.m. Contact:goatrun@twcny.rr.com
Paige's Butterfly Run Date: June 8, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. Distance: 5K (3.1mi)
Contact: paigesrun@twcny.rr.com
Valley Nature In The City Run/Walk Date: August
10, 2013 Time: TBA Distance: 4 miles
(also, a 2-mile family walk) Contact:
www.facebook.com/TheValleyNatureInTheCityRunWalk
Inner Harbor 5k Date: August 25, 2013 Time:
9:00 a.m. Distance: 5K (3.1mi)
Contact: docgilbert@hotmail.com
Strathmore Parks Run Date: September 15,
2013 Time: 2:00 p.m. Distance:4 miles
Contact: Strathmore.neighborhood@yahoo.com
A Run For Their Life Date: October 13, 2013
Time: TBA Distance: 5K and 15K
Contact: www.cmbarunfortheirlife.com
Eastwood Park-to-Park Autumn Run Date: October
27, 2013 Time: 10:00 a.m. Distance: 5
miles Contact: eastwoodrun@gmail.com
SYRATHON CONTINUED...
Those wishing to take the Syrathon challenge need to select enough races to accumulate
26.2 miles, then claim the race shirt and a well-earned medal. If that’s not
enough, there’s the ULTRASyrathoner, who opts for the “long course” on all races,
logging 42.5 miles. The ULTRASyrathoner will earn special recognition and a
chance at winning a great prize pack, furnished by Fleet Feet, Syracuse New Times
and Syracuse Parks & Rec.
New this year is the Business Syrathoner. Runners are invited to get co-workers
into the running habit and start building your team! When signing up for Syrathon,
check "Business Syrathoner" and list the name of your workplace. Syrathon
officials will track mileage of all who sign up from your workplace, add up total
team miles and then divide that by the number of runners on each team. The
workplace that has the best average miles per runner will be crowned Business
Syrathon Champion and will win a training event with Fleet Feet Sports Coach
Fred Joslyn, along with lunch at the workplace, courtesy of Fleet Feet!

HERE’S A LOOK AT THE GREAT EVENTS
HEADED YOUR WAY THIS SUMMER...
The calendar can change frequently, as more and more events are developed for your entertainment,
so be sure to visit www.syracuse.ny.us/parks and click on the Special Events box for updated
information, or call the Syracuse Parks Dept. at (315) 473-4330, ext. 3007.
BIG RIG DAY
Saturday, May 18 – 11 a.m. to 3 pm. – Burnet Park
Kids – rev up your engines and join in the fun at Big Rig Day. Check out some of the City’s big
trucks as well as fleets from other Central New York companies. Climb in and around City fire
trucks, honk the horns of the big tractor-trailers, stand inside a city snowplow, crawl inside a
SWAT truck. And much more. Free admission. Refreshments available for sale. Co-sponsored
by Price Chopper and C&S Companies.
MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT
Sunday, May 26 -- 2:30 pm -- Palace Theater, 2384 James St.
This special concert, by the Stan Colella Orchestra, is a moving tribute to our fallen heroes and a poignant
expression of gratitude to our troops and veterans for their service to our country, and a moving
tribute to our fallen heroes. Presented, in part, by Tops Markets and B104.7.
TASTE OF SYRACUSE
Friday & Saturday, June 7 and 8 - 11 am to 11 pm – in and around Clinton Square
Bring your friends and your appetites to the AmeriCU Credit Union Taste of Syracuse, presented by
Tops, returns to downtown, featuring live music, fabulous food, and of course $1 samples. For more
information, visit www.tasteofsyracuse.com .
DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET
Tuesdays, June 11 to October 8 – Clinton Square
Open-air market with fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruit, nuts, eggs, cheese, baked goods, flowers,
plants, handcrafted items for sale. Visit www.downtownsyracuse.com for more information
or call 422-8284.
ROSE DAY AT THORNDEN PARK
Wednesday, mid-June (exact date to be determined) – 12 noon
E.M. Mills Memorial Rose Garden, Thornden Park
The Syracuse Rose Society invites the community to take guided tours of this nationallyrecognized
Rose Garden and enjoy musical entertainment and light refreshments. Call the
Parks’ Special Events Office at 315-473-4330, ext. 3006, after May 1 to get the specific date.
Free.

SYRACUSE POLISH FESTIVAL
Friday through Sunday, June 21 -23 --- Clinton Square
Enjoy Polish culture, the music, dance and food during the 59 th annual festival. For more information
visit, www.polishscholarshipfund.com.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
12 noon to 4 p.m., Sat., June 22 -- Hanover Square
This commemorative and festive day remembers the struggles and successes that refugees
have endured as they have resettled here in Syracuse. The event shares culture from around
the world with food, singing, dancing and sharing ethnic traditions.
SHAKESPEARE-ON-THE-GRASS 2013
All shows are in the Thornden Park Amphitheatre
Fridays and Saturdays, June 21-22 and June 28-29 – 5:30 p.m. Sundays, June 23 and June 30 --
2 p.m. Matinées. Experience Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, presented by the Syracuse
Shakespeare Festival, a pre-cursor to the horror genre, in the grassy area of the amphitheater.
This is a pay-as-you-can performance. Visit www.syrsf.org for more information.
FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
Friday, June 28 -- Inner Harbor, Kirkpatrick and Solar Streets
Start your Independence Day festivities with a bang at the city’s annual Fireworks Celebration at the
Inner Harbor. The show will begin at approximately 5 p.m., with music, family activities, food vendors,
and more. A dazzling fireworks show will go off at 9:30pm. Admission and parking are free.
POPS IN THE PARK
Free—Tuesdays, July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30 - 7 pm -- Upper Onondaga Park, Roberts Avenue
The Onondaga Park Gazebo, next to Hiawatha Lake, is the perfect setting for your family and friends to
enjoy a variety of musical styles from blues to Motown to pops. July 9 – Super Delinquents; July 16 –
Soft Spoken; July 23 – FabCats; July 30 – The Stan Colella Orchestra. Co-sponsored by Price Chopper.
DANCING UNDER THE STARS
Free—Fridays, July 5, July 12, July 19 and July 26 -- 7 to 10 pm -- Sunnycrest Rink
If you like jazz, swing and big band music and if you like to dance, you’ll love Dancing Under the Stars, a
time-honored summertime tradition in Syracuse, featuring the music of the Stan Colella Orchestra, under
the direction of Len Colella. Bring your friends, your families, your lawn chairs, a picnic dinner, and
of course, your dancing shoes. Co-sponsored by Price Chopper.
JAZZ UP YOUR LUNCH
Monday through Friday, July 22 through July 26 – 12:30 to 1:30 pm
The City of Syracuse Stan Colella All-Star Band, a youth jazz ensemble, will perform during the
lunch hours at various park spaces in downtown Syracuse. July 22 – “Pebble Park,” across
from Columbus Circle / July 23 – Hanover Square / July 24 – Armory Square, corner of
Franklin & Walton / July 25 -- Clinton Square / July 26 – Franklin Square Park, Solar and Plum
Streets

NORTHEAST JAZZ AND WINE FESTIVAL
Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27 -- Clinton Square
A weekend of great music, food and fine wines! Visit www.nejazzwinefest.org for details. A
part of Syracuse Artsweek!
STAGE OF NATIONS BLUE RAIN ECOFEST
Friday and Saturday, July 26 - 27 -- Hanover Square & City Hall Commons
A unique festival, merging Haudenosaunee values and environmental stewardship with ecofriendly
vendors and educational opportunities complimented with native American crafts,
food, and entertainment (including Smoke Dance competitions). Presented in part by the Syracuse
New Times. Part of Artsweek!
AMERICU ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Friday-Sunday, July 26-28 -- Columbus Circle
This three-day showcase featuring 150 of the country’s most talented artists, craftspeople, and entertainers
is centered on historic Columbus Circle in downtown Syracuse. The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival
is presented by the Downtown Committee. Part of Artsweek! For more information, visit
www.syracuseartsandcraftsfestival.com or call (315) 422-8284.
JAZZ IN THE CITY CONCERT SERIES
Thursdays in August from 7 to 9 pm
Hot fun in the neighborhoods with the best in national and regional talent, food, drink and
merchandise! Visit www.cnyjazz.org/jazz-in-the-city for details.
SHAKESPEARE-IN-THE-PARK
All performances in the Thornden Park Amphitheatre
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Aug 8-10 and Aug. 15-17-- 5:30 pm / Sundays, Aug. 11 & 18--
2:00 pm
The Syracuse Shakespeare Festival presents A Winter’s Tale in free performances. Bring a picnic; food
and craft vendors also available. For more information, check out www.syrsf.org.
SYRACUSE IRISH FESTIVAL
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6 and 7 – Clinton Square
The Syracuse Irish Festival truly is a taste of Ireland featuring music, dance, song, genealogy,
culture and children's activities. Visit www.syracuseirishfestival.com for more information.
WESTCOTT STREET FAIR
Sunday, Sept., 15 – 12 noon to 6:30 p.m. – Business District of Westcott Street
Famous for its community spirit and energy, the Fair creates one of Westcott Street’s busiest days of
the year, drawing thousands of attendees to this event each year. Festivities begin at 11:45 am at the
junction of Westcott and Euclid with a funky parade down Westcott Street. For more information
check out www.westcottfair.org

Monthly Recipe, contributed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga
County. CCE brings award winning nutrition education programs to city youth and
families throughout the school year! City Parks is a proud partner!
Thai Cabbage Noodles
Makes 7 cups; seven 1 cup servings
8 ounces spaghetti noodles
1 pound cabbage (~ 4 cups)
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup water
¼ cup vinegar
3 tbsp sugar
¼ cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon hot pepper flakes
To Prepare:
Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain. Wash and thinly slice cabbage. In
large pot, on medium high, combine all ingredients except spaghetti and cabbage. Stir until
mixture boils. Reduce heat to medium and add cabbage. Cook and stir about 5 minutes, or until
cabbage softens. To serve, stir spaghetti into cabbage mixture.
Nutritional Information, per serving: 220 calories; 5g total fat (1g sat, 0 trans!); 36g Carb (9g sugar); 3g fiber; 8g
protein; 400mg salt; Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 35%, Calcium 4%, Iron 10%)

Free Outdoor Exercise: walk right up to these free, neighborhood fitness
classes, held in the beautiful setting of our city parks:
Spring Session: April 30 – May 20 / Summer Session: July 9 – August 29
Thornden Park: Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30am (meets at the
Carriage House)
Onondaga Park (Roberts Ave): Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00pm (meets
near the Fire Barn)
Enjoy Yoga in the serene setting of Onondaga Park (Roberts Ave).
All levels are welcome!
Spring Session is held in the historic Fire Barn
Mondays; April 15th – May 20th , 6:00pm
$35 covers all classes! Register today!
Try it for FREE on April 8th… Class begins at 6:00pm. RSVP 473
-4330.
Pitch, Hit and Run
PHR is the official Major League Baseball skills competition, with 3 local
events hosted by the Syracuse Parks and Recreation.
Pitch, Hit and Run gives boys and girls ages 14 & under the chance to
showcase their baseball/softball abilities, and to possibly
advance to regional and even national competitions.
The finals will be held at the MLB All Star
Game! Registration with parent signature required.
See website for details. Youth may participate
in only one local competition:
April 5, 2013 Schiller Park; 11:00am
April 25, 2013 Barry Park; 3:30pm
May 6, 2013 Kirk Park; 5:00pm

FOR NINE HOLES:
Juniors (ages 8-17) $3.00
Adults (ages 18-54) $6.00
Seniors (ages 55-plus) $3.00
Two City Parks - Burnet and Sunnycrest -
have nine-hole par 3 courses, open May
1st to October 1st, 7a.m. to dusk, weather
permitting. These courses are the only
two golf courses located within the City
of Syracuse and are each located within 5
minutes of downtown Syracuse. The
courses easily see 20,000 rounds of play
each season, and offer not only open play
but leagues as well. In addition, our
courses attract many local schools and
youth organizations whose
children receive golf instruction.
Several city-wide Junior, Senior and Adult
tournaments -with trophies, awards,
great cookouts and raffles are also offered.
Adult
Twilight leagues are
available for groups
of 25 people or
more. Friends, coworkers
and business
associates can
reserve a weeknight at one
of the golf courses. A great
opportunity for beginners to
get involved in the sport of
golf.
Senior
Mixed Senior leagues at
both courses begin in the
early part of May. They will
run every Tuesday, starting
at 8 a.m. The
Mary Anne Kotas
Women’s League,
also beginning in
May, meets on
Thursdays at
Sunnycrest Golf
Course.
J u n i o r
J u n i o r
Leagues at
both courses
begin in early
July. League
play takes place Mondays at
Sunnycrest and/or Wednesdays
at Burnet, between 11
a.m. and 2 p.m. Juniors 8 to
17 years old compete each
week against for the league
championship.

What better way to show off some of those
new techniques you learned this year, then to
have a chance to win one of these citywide
tournaments? Call the clubhouse for more information
on these great tournaments.
Junior (Ages 8 to 17)
Each year 150 youngsters from Burnet and
Sunnycrest Parks compete in one of five
age groups attempting to qualify for a
chance to win the coveted Mayor’s Cup. All
the children are treated to a great barbecue,
prizes and a wonderful time. Preliminary
rounds: Monday Aug 5th at Sunnycrest
and Wed Aug 7th at Burnet. Championships
on August 13th
Senior (Ages 55 plus)
Each year, up to 75 Seniors from all over
the area engage in a one-day tournament
competing against each other in one of five
categories for the Mayor’s Senior Cup. The
tournament alternates annually between
Burnet and Sunnycrest. All of the Seniors
are treated to a wonderful luncheon with
awards and raffles. This years tournament
will be Thursday, September 5.
Adults (Ages 18-54)
The Mayor’s Par 3 Challenge is a 2 day tournament
that features adults from all over
the area attempting to qualify for a chance
to win this prestigious award. The top three
qualifiers in each age bracket will be invited
back to compete for the Mayor’s Cup. The
Mayor’s Challenge will be held in October.
Junior
The City of Syracuse
will present its Annual
Golf Academy, part
of the USGA’s “For
the Good of the
Game” initiative, at
Burnet and Sunnycrest
Parks.
Seventy-five youth
will participate in golf clinics run by the
Central New York P.G.A. each Friday for
6 weeks in July and August. They will
learn different aspects of the game, including
etiquette, grip and swing techniques.
The program is free and includes
breakfast, lunch and
transportation. Registration is limited to
a first come, first serve basis. All participants
MUST reside in the City of Syracuse
and be 8 to 16 years of age to participate.
Senior
The first
Wednesday of
each month
P.G.A. professionals
from the
area provide free lessons to seniors interested
in enhancing their game. All
participants receive basic instructions in
putting, chipping and the swing. The
clinics are free and open to anyone 55
and over.

Kathy Spoto started with Syracuse Parks & Rec as
a Rec Aide, making $1.90 an hour, she said with a
chuckle. She has been the director of the Northeast
Community Center, based out of Dr. Weeks
School. For many years the Arts & Crafts program
was housed at the Parks’ main office on
Spencer Street, and she did outreach programs, taking
projects to senior centers throughout the city.
Thirty-three years later, she is now the Supervisor of that Arts and Crafts program.
She has greatly enhanced the program. Current sessions include beading, ceramics,
watercolors, sewing, knitting and crocheting, and quilting, which is Kathy’s
specialty. Staff member Eva Zook helps with the pottery classes. Kathy watches
trends, and will try different projects and see which
ones are popular, she said.
She was also a key player in the renovation of a fieldhouse
at Burnet Park into the Arts & Crafts Center,
which opened in 2001, under then-Commissioner Pat
Kathy Spoto poses next to a quilt she made,
which will soon be displayed at the Parks
Department's main office on Spencer
Street.
Kathy Spoto looks at a ceramics piece being
crafted by Bobbi Uhlig on the potter's
wheel at the Arts and Crafts Center.
Driscoll. This new site has allowed Kathy even more
room to expand, and she credits much of the continued
growth of her division to the support of former
Commissioner Driscoll and current Commissioner
Baye Muhammad.
Those interested in learning more about what classes
are offered, can call the Center at 473-4789.

HIAWATHA LAKE CLEAN
UP IN UPPER ONONDAGA
PARK
May 11 at 9:00 AM
Volunteers are needed to help support
the Parks Department in
cleaning up Hiawatha Lake.
Please call Joe Kelly at 473-4330
x3043 for more information.
Folks gathered at Thornden Park for the annual Chili
Bowl Festival, hosted each year by the Thornden
Park Association. Members use many products made
here in the Central New York area for their tasty recipes,
and monies raised from the event go toward the
TPA’s ongoing efforts for park improvements.

Saturday, May 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Children and their families will have
the opportunity to get a close-up view
of some of the city’s big trucks, along with
some big rigs from area companies.

http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/summerCamps.html
Forms will be made available online on
Saturday, March 30, 2013.
Registrations for City Residents will be
accepted beginning Monday, April 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.
Registration forms will be processed on a first come, space
available basis for City Residents, beginning April 1.
Non-City Resident forms will be processed on a first come,
space available basis on Monday, May 22.
2013 Summer Camp Offerings
Full Day Camps:
$40 City Residents/$90 Non-City Residents
1/2 Day Camps:
$25 City Residents/$50 Non-City Residents
June 24—June 28
Parks Animal Camp/10AM—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Summer Stage Camp/10Am—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Arts & Crafts Camp/9AM-12Noon/Ages 10 to 13
July 8—July 12
Soccer Camp/10AM—3PM/Ages 8 to 13
Fire & Police Camp/10AM—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Tennis Camp-Sunnycrest/ 9AM—12Noon/Ages 8to 13
July 15—July 19
Basketball Camp/10AM—3PM/Ages 8 to 13
ESF Camp-Session I/10Am to 3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Tennis Camp-Sunnycrest/ 9AM—12Noon/Ages 8to 13
July 22—July 26
M.O.S.T. Camp-Session I/10AM—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Track Camp/ 10Am—3PM/Ages 8 to 13
Tennis Camp-Meachem/ 9AM—12Noon/Ages 8 to 13
July 29—August 2
ESF Camp-Session II/10AM—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Multi-Sport Camp/10AM—3PM/Ages 8 to 13
Tennis Camp at Barry/9AM-12Noon/Ages 8 to 13
August 5—August 9
M.O.S.T. Camp-Session II/10AM—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Robotics Camp/10AM—3PM/Ages 10 to 13
Tennis Camp-Sunnycrest/ 9AM-12Noon/Ages 8 to 13