Hometown News

Local church collects walking equipment for distribution in Nigeria A small South Side congregation is helping West Africans with walking disabilities to become mobile again. The congregation planned to ship an estimated 1,000 used and donated items — crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and canes — at the end of October to Nigeria for distribution there, following an initial shipment last spring.“ …

Teams who participated in Team ANGEL tell how it bettered their lives Kamiya Huggins sits at a long wooden table as she finishes a plate of food provided for her by the Southwest Community Center. She is 18 years old and a senior at George Fowler High School. She has a hearty laugh and an infectious smile and has only …

Proponents of a “pocket park” on the South Side continue to hear concerns that it could generate more worry than benefit, especially if trouble-makers congregate at the site next to a library that draws children and teens. “Our children 99 percent of the time walk to the library alone. They are not supervised,” said resident Geneva Hayden, speaking at the …

Syracuse will hold its first-ever “Get Your Kids Rally” at the Kirk Park Pavilion this Sunday, Oct. 13.  The rally will run from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The goal: to bring the community together in a stand against street violence in Syracuse. Organizer Mary Nelson, of the Mary Nelson Youth Center, created the event  in response to the slaying …

Brighton Bakery maintains and improves family tradition for 85 years The air smells of freshly baked bread, chocolate chip cookies and buttered Italian rolls. There are startling sounds of metal clanging as Rob, one of the bakers, transfers 250 bread loaves out of the oven and into metal racks where they will cool before being packaged. It is the oven …

Food co-op encourages community collaboration, healthy living South Side resident Howie Hawkins has long considered his neighborhood a “food desert” — largely lacking grocery stores that carry fresh produce and other healthy food. But that’s about to change. After years of planning, the Eat To Live Food Cooperative is scheduled to open Oct. 15.

Next public meeting set for Nov. 13 at OnCenter The future of Interstate 81 is uncertain, and according to the project director, Deb Nelson, no decisions have been made. Nelson made it clear that this is just the beginning of a long process to come during a community meeting on the future of the I-81 Viaduct held Wednesday, Sept. 25, …

In a matter of minutes, the 7-Eleven at the corner of South Avenue and Valley Drive transformed from business as usual to a standing ground on an issue timeworn to the community and its residents — safety. More than 100 community leaders and residents, seemingly spent by exclusion and violence, gathered to say they won’t stand for the assault that …

Farm Fresh Moble Market works to bring healthy food and education to communities When you walk through the doors of a small side room of the Villa Scalabrini Apartment complex, you’re welcomed with a double surprise: a table filled with colorful fruits and vegetables and a warm and welcoming smile. Virginia Diane Turner holds her arms open wide to greet …

The Stand currently has two openings for community members to join our Board of Directors. Board members meet every other month for two hours on a Saturday morning. Members discuss story suggestions, events, advertising opportunities, workshop offerings and any questions or concerns.