The Onondaga County Legislature's public hearing and vote on Local Law C to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission will be held Tuesday, July 7. A rally and press conference outside of the courthouse begins at noon. A public hearing and vote inside begins at 1 p.m. People will be allowed to speak and should arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign up. The community is asked to join in person at the Onondaga County Legislative Session, if they feel comfortable. There will be a limit of 50 people allowed in the room at a time, masks required, and people can cycle through so more than 50 people can join throughout the meeting. 

You might remember when the Evil Queen asks the Magic Mirror: "Who is the fairest of them all?" But do you know how mirrors really work? Explore the magic of mirrors, lenses and light in this live, virtual science demonstration from The MOST. Learn about refraction and reflection to light-bending and more. Register by visiting bit.ly/TheMOSTJuly8. Participants will be sent a Zoom meeting link. For ages 5 to 12. This session is supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation.

Local musician Mark Zane, joined by his 7-year-old daughter, Janiya, will perform an acoustic show via Zoom, playing original songs from Mark's three CDs, plus songs from artists such Johnny Cash, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and many others. Zane was born and raised in the small rust belt city of Utica and now calls its larger neighbor to the west, Syracuse, home. The struggle of life in old industrial cities can be heard in some of the songs that appear on Zane's debut 2008 CD, "American Hunger," which features an exciting blend of folk, rock and country in each of his 12 original songs. "American Hunger" was nominated for a 2009 SAMMY award in the Americana category. Along with writing and performing music, Zane, whose songs often incorporate sociological themes and concepts, is a professor of sociology at Onondaga Community College. Register by visiting bit.ly/MarkZaneJuly9. Participants will be sent a Zoom meeting link.

Syracuse Community Connections and Help Me Grow will hold a community giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Kirk Park. Free food bundles, children's books, sanitary products and STD prevention materials will be handed out, first come, first served; while supplies last.

This session is for children ages 0 to 5. Join Yoga for Kids of CNY for a healthy, fun-filled way for children to enjoy a noncompetitive fitness activity. Kids will learn various breathing and visualization techniques to enhance their focus and concentration. They will also learn fun and challenging yoga poses to improve strength, flexibility, body awareness and confidence. The class will include yoga games, music and a final relaxation for the mind and body. Register by visiting bit.ly/YogaForKidsJuly14. Participants will be sent a Zoom meeting link. This session is supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation.

Can an owl turn its head all the way around? Do porcupines shoot their quills? Can turtles leave their shells? Find out by joining the Rosamond Gifford Zoo virtually as they present and analyze some myths and misconceptions about animals found at the zoo. You will see some never before seen videos of the zoo animals, hear from their keepers, meet animals live and up close and ask questions to a zoo educator. This 45-minute interactive program is sure to keep everyone engaged, so be sure to register to help debunk some common animal myths. For children ages 5 to 12. Register by visiting bit.ly/ZooToYouJuly15. Participants will be sent a Zoom meeting link. This session is supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation.

The Mary Nelson’s Youth Center will host a forum on community violence at 11 a.m. July 17 at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Oakwood Ave.  Guest Panel is as follows: Pastor Decarto Draper, Congressman John Katko, Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, Councilor Khalid Bey, Criminal Attorney Felicia Pitt Davis, Community Activist Karen Loftin and others. Otis Jennings will moderate. Community members are welcome, but because of social distancing, the number of guests will be limited.

Join David Moreland the Magician for a high-energy live show. The show will feature magic, comedy and puppets, along with audience participation. During the show, Moreland will take you behind the scenes and teach you a couple magic tricks you can perform at home. For children ages 5 to 12. Register by visiting bit.ly/MorelandTheMagicianJuly21. Participants will be sent a Zoom meeting link. This session is supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation.

Presented by Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park and Onondaga County Public Libraries. Join us for full-cast abridged readings of Shakespeare plays. “Romeo and Juliet” will be presented in two parts on Facebook Live. Visit www.facebook.com/syrsf to tune in. 

Join David Moreland the Magician for a high-energy live show. The show will feature magic, comedy and puppets, along with audience participation. During the show, Moreland will take you behind the scenes and teach you a couple magic tricks you can perform at home. For children ages 5 to 12. Register by visiting bit.ly/MorelandTheMagicianJuly22at10am. Participants will be sent a Zoom meeting link. This session is supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation.