Topics of discussion include McKinley-Brighton Elementary, Danforth Middle School and Light A Candle for Literacy Afterschool Program.

A panel discussion on the I-81 Impact on the South Side will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at the South Side Innovation Center. Discussion will center on the direct impact I-81 will have on the South Side. Attendees will hear the pros and the cons of all the remaining options and how each relates to this neighborhood’s present and future businesses, residents and overall quality of life. Presentation by Mark Frechette, New York State Department of Transportation, with panelists: Angela Wright (moderator), executive director Syracuse Model Neighborhood Corporation; Jim Bright, president and owner Dunk & Bright Furniture; Mark Nicotra, Save I-81 and town supervisor for Town of Salina; Peter Sarver, convener with Moving People Transportation Coalition; Bill Simmons, executive director Syracuse Housing Authority, and Lemir Teron, assistant professor at SUNY ESF focused on environmental justice.

Topics of discussion include the planning of the upcoming Taste of the Southside event, the Southside art mural project and the Pixels and Print design work. Meet on the second floor of Beauchamp Branch Library.

Distractibility interferes with our ability to listen, to focus, to respond, and to feel fully alive. The 45 minutes meditation workshop will include instruction in simple meditation techniques, including breath, posture and basic principles of awareness. Judy Fancher, a meditation practitioner for 16 years, is the instructor. This program is supported by the Zen Center of Syracuse.

Poems and black & white drawings will be created on site based on a theme. Poets and artists will be encouraged to talk about their creation and the theme. Final selection of winners will be selected by the general public at the Betts Branch Library on May 6th. Winning poems and drawings will appear inside Centro buses. Workshop providers: Martin Willitts (poetry) and Michael Sickler (drawings).

The Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today South Side Voter Education Task Force will meet to discuss the importance of residents' votes. All South Side neighbors are welcome. The meetings goal is to organize residents' voices and votes for the betterment of all people.

Make a Tax Appointment today. AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment only, to help you prepare your tax return for free. Clients must bring last year’s tax return, a valid picture ID, social security cards or official documentation for all listed on return, all W-2 and 1099 forms, and check book if direct deposit is wanted. Call (315) 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

"Fever, 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson. An epidemic of fever sweeps through the streets of 1793 Philadelphia in this novel from local author, Laurie Halse Anderson. Sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic.

Syracuse United Neighbors will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. April 11 at the Brady Faith Center. Guests will be staff from Schumer, Katko and Gilibrand offices.

Make a Tax Appointment today. AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, by appointment only, to help you prepare your tax return for free. Clients must bring last year’s tax return, a valid picture ID, social security cards or official documentation for all listed on return, all W-2 and 1099 forms, and check book if direct deposit is wanted. Call (315) 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.