It has been five years since Jim Gifford, a longtime resident of the Elmwood neighborhood, was attacked and killed outside the now-closed 7/11, a short half-block walk from his home. In his honor, and grateful for the annual support of Rev. Lateef Johnson and his Believers Chapel City (located in Jim's old Elmwood Presbyterian), a group has gathered each year since 2014 to beautify the crossroads where Jim lived and where he spent so much of his retirement. All welcome. Needed: trimmers to bring down the tall weeds that dominate the streetscape along Valley and parts of the South Avenue commercial strip. Organizers will provide trash bags and litter tongs.

A Syracuse Area City-Wide Ministry Workshop in collaboration with the Rev. Phil Turner of Bethany Baptist Church will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the church, 149 Beattie St. This free community event will open with a continental breakfast followed by sessions on such topics as: Choir Decorum, Music in the Scriptures, Enhancing your Worship Services through music, vocal techniques, Use of Technology (Microphones, etc.), New Music and more. To sign up, contact the church at (315) 446-5080 or call or email Joan Hillsman at (315) 373-0805 or jhillsman@twcny.rr.com.