Clean heating and cooling systems are becoming more accessible to members of the Syracuse community with the launch of HeatSmart CNY’s campaign to install geothermal and air source heat pumps for area residents. The pilot campaign, launched in November, was organized by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board and Alliance for a Green Economy with a donation …

Local griot composes one-act show on Sarah Loguen Fraser The story of historical figure Sarah Loguen Fraser, the fourth African-American woman to become a physician in the United States, was brought to life Dec. 6, as local storyteller Vanessa Johnson performed her life story in Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. The event was organized by WiSE Women of Color in …

Talent Agency Committed to Giving City Students Creative Opportunities The small pink sticker, roughly the size of a sticky note, displayed a black and white puppy with one eye and an injured ear. The design has a “deeper meaning,” according to Brianna, a student at Syracuse Academy of Science. Without Talent Agency, Brianna, 16, wouldn’t have the resources or guidance …

Corcoran grad helps others understand mental health issues He achieved valedictorian at Corcoran High School and graduated from Brown and Syracuse universities. So perhaps the fact that Seamus Kirst went on to publish a book isn’t a surprise. But the title might be: “Shitfaced: Musings of a Former Drunk.” It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Kirst, who graduated from Corcoran …

Nonprofit Unchained coordinates justice system accountability project A new Syracuse-based nonprofit is working to reform the prison system and fight injustice. Unchained was founded in March and aims to use research-based campaigns and input from prisoners and their families to make the bail process more fair, and to make prison programs more focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, among other …

Center will continue to help individuals returning from prison, their families Co-run by two ex-offenders, a state-funded pilot program worked last year to help recent parolees re-enter society by supporting their transition back to their families. On hold for nearly seven months after funding ran dry, the program has been renewed by the state with a two-year $95,000 grant. The …

Nominated by his wife, Lauren Malloy Q: How did it feel when you became a father? A: It was a year after we got married we found out we were pregnant. It was definitely a joyous occasion. It was obviously new and something to look forward to as far as a legacy standpoint for me. It was a great feeling. …

Dunbar Association Inc. is dedicated to bringing the community together Syracuse’s Dunbar Association Inc., an organization dedicated to the promotion of racial equality in a city nationally known for extremely high concentrations of black and Hispanic poverty, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Dunbar Association, commonly known as the “Dunbar Center,” was officially incorporated in the 1930s, but …

Celebrated abolitionist commemorated by local artist, national newspaper columnist Frederick Douglass, who has been called the greatest American of the 19th century, grew up as a slave named Frederick Bailey. He became a prominent American abolitionist, author and orator. He made several appearances in Syracuse during his lifetime (1818-95). On Nov. 14, 1861, he gave a speech, “The Rebellion: Its …

In this issue, we wrap up The Stand’s series “Prison to Family” with a profile on PEACE Inc.’s South Side center coordinator Charles Rivers, who uses his past experiences in and out of prison to help others returning to free society. PEACE also announces the center’s re-entry work will continue for another two years because the Family Reunification Pilot Grant …