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.

South Side TNT Meeting will be held 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at the South Side Innovation Center, 2610 S. Salina St. Free to attend. Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today Area 3 planning council regularly meets the first Monday of each month. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the September meeting is one week later. TNT meetings are subject to change as necessary. For more information, call TNT Coordinator Tina Zagyva at (315) 448-8178 or email TZagyva@SyrGov.net.

Believe in Syracuse will offer a South Side Team Community Organizing Training from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the South Side Innovation Center.

The 100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. will hold the Winston Gaskin Community Walk for Wellness & Stroke Prevention from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Onondaga Creekwalk. Cost is $15.

Westcott Street Cultural Fair will be held noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, in the area surrounding the Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave. Admission is free. This annual fair celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the Westcott neighborhood. It kicks off at noon with a parade down Westcott Street, followed by entertainment at six stages including music, dance and children’s performances. The fair also features local artists who sell handmade items; food from Westcott Street merchants; and information from local nonprofit organizations. For more information, call (315) 313-5447 or visit westcottstreetfair.org

Nationally acclaimed activist Rashad Robinson will visit Syracuse Sunday, Sept. 25, to speak on “Racism, Poverty & Power: Empowering People of Color to Create an Equitable Syracuse,” at 7 p.m. at Living Water Church of God in Christ, 121 Huron St.

This two-part course will provide an overview of the research that exists on Alzheimer's, pointing out both the most promising findings and the current limitations of our knowledge. During the second session, the Onondaga Health Department will have an opportunity to practice some of the strategies that appear to help people maintain or strengthen their cognitive abilities. This free class is for those who currently care for older, or disabled persons, or may become caregivers in the future. Session will be held on consecutive Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept 28 and Oct. 5 by presenter Ellen Somers at Natur-Tyme, 3160 Erie Blvd E. Registration is required by calling Cynthia at (315) 435-2362 ext. 4993 or emailing cstevenson@ongov.net. Interested attendees can also register on-line at www.ongov.net/aging/icare. Sponsored by Onondaga County Office for Aging and Alzheimer’s Association CNY Chapter.

A fund-raising event to honor members of the Syracuse community who are champions of diversity will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E. Onondaga St. This year the honorees include: Community Service Award — Evelyn Carter, director of community relations for Wegmans; Unsung Hero — Mary Beth Basha, senior consumer advocate for National Grid, and the Corporate Commitment Award — CXtec. Cost is $125 per person. For more information, call Sharon Thompson at (315) 634-3719.

The Onondaga Environmental Institute, the Onondaga Historical Association and the Ska-nonh Center will hold a special event with the artists behind the Reviving Place Exhibition from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at the Ska-nonh Center.