ImageNation Cinema Foundation will launch Cocktails & Cinema, a quarterly independent film series highlighting the global Black experience, starting June 24, at the Redhouse Arts Center. The Harlem-based entity will present two screenings of the independent film "Chapter & Verse." Tickets include a reception with music spun by DJ K. Black, two complimentary drinks/soda and popcorn, a Q&A with director Jamal Joseph and food sold by Soul A La Carte.

A "New York Times" Critic’s Pick, "Chapter & Verse" features Omari Hardwick ("Power," "Being Mary Jane"), Loretta Divine ("The Carmichael Show," "Being Mary Jane"), Selenis Leyva ("Orange is the New Black") and stars Daniel Beaty and Khadim Diop. In this film, reformed gang leader S. Lance Ingram returns home after serving eight years in prison, and struggles to adapt. When he assumes responsibility for Ty, a promising student who is pulled into a dangerous street gang, Lance risks sacrificing his “second chance” at freedom so that Ty can have a “first chance” at a better life.
There are two programs, one at 5 p.m., and one at 7 p.m. The reception takes place in between the two shows, from 7 to 8 p.m., so both audiences can enjoy music by DJ K Black, cocktails and networking.

Get ready for the summer, and the summer reading program, with Betts’ Summer Reading Kick-Off event. Make your own ice cream, and then create your own ice cream sundae. And while there, sign up for the summer reading program. Children and teens both welcome.

100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. in collaboration with Black Nurses Rock of Syracuse to host the 2017 Health and Wellness Lecture Series. The June lecture will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 26, at the South Side Innovation Center. The speaker will be Dr. Eric Deshaies, Crouse Hospital, speaking on the topic of "Stroke." No advance registration is required for the lecture series. For more information, call (315) 443-8749.

Follow Jeff the Magic Man on a fun journey through Magical Storyland. Attendees will get a chance to see a cat with a hat and will even be made an honorary wizard at the Warthogs School of Wizards. This event was supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation. No registration required. All ages welcome.

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and join your friends and neighbors on the library lawn for Soule's Annual Strawberry Festival. The McCarthy's will perform a family-friendly concert that includes a mix of popular favorites as well as songs from Deirdre's native Ireland. And, of course, enjoy the delicious tastes of summer with a strawberry dessert. Fun for all ages. The festival will be moved indoors in the event of rainy weather. Made possible in part by a state grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco.

Lego literacy helps children make the connection between building structures and building words and sentences. They’re the perfect tool because children learn how to “stick” details onto a basic sentence much as they link Legos together. Join this Lego Literacy event and help your child discover that letters are like Lego blocks; put them together to make words and sentences.

The Stages of Grieving Workshop will explore three stages of grieving: Anticipatory Grief, Grief and New Beginnings (how to move on from grief). Although each person experiences grief in their own way, there are universal messages all share. For those who have a loved one with dementia, the
grieving process often begins long before the person has actually passed away. Participants will have an opportunity to look at ways we all process grief as well as discussing their own experiences.

Follow Jeff the Magic Man on a fun journey through Magical Storyland. Attendees will get a chance to see a cat with a hat and be made honorary Wizards at the Warthogs School of Wizards. This event has been supported by funds from the M&T Charitable Foundation.

Join David Moreland the Magician for this high-energy, 45-minute show which kicks off the library's Summer Learning Program. It’s packed with magic, comedy, mystery, puppetry and several routines featuring a member of the audience – maybe one of them will be you. For ages 5 -12. Made possible in part by a state grant secured by Sen. John A. DeFrancisco.

Free one hour class of gentle yoga with Mr. Jay.