The planning workshops organized by Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today will analyze the conditions of the neighborhood, identify neighborhood assets and challenges and then provide goals and recommendations — followed by an action plan. These workshops are designed to bring together members of the community to assess physical, economic, social and perceptual conditions, and to create a shared vision for the entire South Side. The third and final workshop will be held July 25. Its focus is on "How to achieve the desired future for the South Side" and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the South Side Innovation Center, 2610 S. Salina St.

The 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be celebrated from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 26, at the Atrium at City Hall Commons, 201 E. Washington St. Event will promote awareness about cross-disability rights and issues. This year’s theme is voting and empowering people with disabilities to participate in democracy. Free and open to the public. To learn more, contact Beata at (315) 671-2929 or Sally at (315) 410-3370

The City of Syracuse will hold a public open house and Eminent Domain Procedure Law hearing for the Onondaga Creekwalk Phase 2 Project at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at the Southwest Community Center, 401 South Ave.

Betts Branch Library will continue its Summer Concert Series with the CNY Irish American Cultural Group at 6:30 p.m. July 27. The band performs traditional Irish music with Lucht Ceoil.

Betts Branch Library will continue its Summer Concert Series with Paul Aising & Nancy Natek at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3. Relieve the '70s and '80s with soft rock.

The 15th annual Mary Nelson Youth Day BBQ will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the corner of South Salina and Wood Avenue. Youth parade begins at 11 a.m. Backpacks filled with school supplies to each registered youth will be distributed. There will be live entertainment, informational tables and food. Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated.
Event is free and open to all. For more information, contact Mary Nelson by emailing tmarynelsonyou@twcny.rr.com.

FEMA Region II and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will hold a Flood Risk Open House meeting with local communities to inform Onondaga County residents of flood risks shown on the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The Open House will provide residents with the opportunity to meet with experts one-on-one in order to learn more about their flood risk, get information on potential changes to flood insurance purchase requirements and rates, as well as tips to mitigate and prepare for future floods. There will be no formal presentation. Residents are encouraged to come during any time between the hours posted.

FEMA Region II and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will hold a Flood Risk Open House meeting with local communities to inform Onondaga County residents of flood risks shown on the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The Open House will provide residents with the opportunity to meet with experts one-on-one in order to learn more about their flood risk, get information on potential changes to flood insurance purchase requirements and rates, as well as tips to mitigate and prepare for future floods. There will be no formal presentation. Residents are encouraged to come during any time between the hours posted.

The Southwest Community Center Gala will be held 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the CNY Philanthropy Center. Help the Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility to celebrate its 41st anniversary and the launch of the agency's new brand: Syracuse Community Connections. Entertainment will be provided by UAD and Kings of the Falls and the evening will feature silent auctions. The $100 ticket also will allow attendees to enjoy a complimentary bar and gourmet food by Chef Will Blue. Calvin Corridor, vice president of Pathfinder Bank and life-long patron of SMNF programming at the Southwest Community Center, will be the keynote speaker. Purchase tickets online at southwestgala2016.eventbrite.com.

Middle and high school students are invited to join educators for the Writing Our Lives Fall Kick-Off Workshop set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the South Side Communication Center. The free workshops will include poetry, comics and illustration, digital composing, story telling, college writing and fiction writing.