Join the Strathmore Speakers and Onondaga Free Library for an evening with authors and Strathmore natives Liz Petrone and Ed Griffin-Nolan as they discuss their new books, "The Price of Admission" and "Nobody Hitchhikes Anymore." Travel, both personal and socio-cultural, is the theme of the night. First, blogger, analyst and survivor Liz Petrone will speak about her moving, humorous and inspiring memoir, "The Price of Admission," which follows her journey through the dark valleys and sunny uplands that constitute the landscape of our lives. Then, stick out your thumb and hail a ride across America with Syracuse New Times columnist and reporter Ed Griffin-Nolan as he tries to uncover the reasons why "Nobody Hitchhikes Anymore." A brief Q&A will follow the discussion.

The CNY Diaper Bank, a local, volunteer-run nonprofit that collects diapers for families in need, will hold a free drive-up diaper distribution event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 12, at the organization’s headquarters, 4645 Crossroads Park Drive, Liverpool. This is the second distribution event made possible by a $10,000 grant from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to help families struggling to afford diapers, a basic health necessity. Pre-registration is required at CNYDiaperBank.org and diaper quantities are limited. Residents of Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Madison, Oswego and Herkimer counties are eligible. Masks are required during the drive-up distribution event.

The Sankofa Wellness and Resource Center offers a bi-weekly food share on Wednesdays. It provides dry goods (rice, beans etc.) and fresh produce. By utilizing social distancing guidelines, organizers also offer a grab n go option to provide the food items. Photo ID is preferred. Pre-registration is not required. To register, use the link for Eventbrite below. If you are unable to do so, call (315) 345-4239.

During this virtual event, watch the premiere of the video about Dunbar’s virtual summer program by Black Cub Productions, receive an update from Executive Director Karla Green on services offered during COVID and hear directly from youth about their Dunbar experience. To watch, use the following Zoom Link (Meeting ID: 878 7257 3946; Passcode: 1453). One tap mobile: +1 646 558 8656 US (New York).

The city of Syracuse will virtually discuss plans to pass an independent redistricting commission to decide the next district lines in Syracuse. This meeting  is a follow up on the 2019 charter change, which enables legislation to be passed on Dec. 21 by the common council to establish the commission. In January citizens will be able to apply to become a part of it.

The CNY Diaper Bank, a local, volunteer-run nonprofit that collects diapers for families in need, is holding a live, virtual holiday “crafternoon” event from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, with Claire McKenney from Right Mind Syracuse. The event is free for families to participate. Pre-registration is required at CNYDiaperBank.org. Donations are encouraged and all proceeds will go toward diaper purchases to keep area babies dry, clean and healthy. While completing a holiday craft at home, participants can sing along to Christmas songs and will also be eligible to win prizes. A list of suggested materials for the event is posted on the diaper bank’s website.

A free webinar will be offered on how to Understand Financial Statements, which are the “Report Cards” of a business. Such documents portray the activities of a business for key stakeholders, including bankers, creditors and investors. Register online at the link provided.

Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) & R.A.P. (Reclaiming Our African Pride) will hold a Holiday Gift Basket Drive Up Giveaway from Noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday for members of the South Side community.

Syracuse Onondaga NAACP will hold a Holiday Turkey Giveaway at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the Well of Hope Church, 1640 South Ave. Even is open to the public, while supplies last. Attendees are asked to wear masks.

The Sankofa Wellness and Resource Center offers a bi-weekly food share on Wednesdays. It provides dry goods (rice, beans etc.) and fresh produce. By utilizing social distancing guidelines, organizers also offer a grab n go option to provide the food items. Photo ID is preferred. Pre-registration is not required. To register, use the link for Eventbrite below. If you are unable to do so, call (315) 345-4239.