Stop Motion Animation For Beginners will be offered at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Beauchamp Branch Library. Using foam core for a backdrop, objects to move around frame-by-frame, and an iPad Mini 4 on a tripod to photograph each movement, children can create stop motion animated movies. This STEAM program allows children to use their imaginations to
write stories, “act” them out using objects such as toy animals or LEGOS, and complete a short, finished animated movie in two hours or less. Open to ages 7 and up.

Join the Central Library for its monthly photography club. Projects are shaped by teens' interests. Weather permitting, the photography challenges will take participants outside in the downtown area. All equipment provided. Open to ages 12-18. Register online at here or call (315) 435-1900.

The Citizen Review Board will hold a public board meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall. The board meeting will recess at 6:30 p.m. for public comment.

Scrabble Mania, the annual fundraiser for LiteracyCNY, will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the OnCenter, 800 S. State St. Teams will compete against one another to build the highest scoring board in three 20-minute rounds. Highest team score will win prizes. Individual tickets are $65. Table registration is $650, with a special rate of $500 to qualifying nonprofit agencies. All participants must register by Jan. 13. For a table or more than six tickets, call (315) 471-1300 ext. 172 or email info@LiteracyCNY.org. For individual tickets, visit literacycny.org and click on the Scrabble Mania logo.

Hear the tales told in the Story Quilts made by fiber artist and storyteller Vanessa Johnson. Travel with her on the Underground Railroad. Hear the stories of the cloth made for African Kings. Listen to the legend of Onondaga Creek. Help a turtle win a tug of war with a lion. Come help tell these stories and pass around touchable quilts in this interactive event for all ages. Free and open to the public. To learn more, call (315) 435-3395.

Hazard Branch Library will celebrate the life of Garrett Morgan – the man who invented the stop light and also read some great books, play a few games and make a special stop light-themed snack. For ages 2 – 5 with a guardian. Siblings welcome.

The community is invited to meet with SCSD Interim Superintendent Jaime Alicea. Learn more about the district and ask questions.

Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today Area 3 Planning Council meets regularly on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the South Side Innovation Center. 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.

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting Feb. 7 by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

Want to start making music in GarageBand? Join the Central Library for a beginner session covering the basics of recording, producing and mixing. Open to ages 12 and up.

Nationally renowned speaker, the Rev. Edwin C. Sanders of Nashville, Tennessee, will join HIV Stops With Me Campaign spokesmodels and several CNY advocates for a day of awareness, understanding and celebration to help those living with HIV/AIDS and to make Central New York a leader in the fight against the disease. Everyone is welcomed to this event to learn more about the power of testing, treatment and awareness of HIV/AIDS.

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

Stop by the library to make beautiful Valentine’s Day Cards to give to your loved ones. Open to ages 5 and up.

Join the Central Library for a read-aloud of "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and pillows and make themselves comfortable. Relax and enjoy a grown-up story time. Open to ages 12-18. No registration necessary.

Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today Area 4 Planning Council meets regularly on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Bob Cecile Community Center. TNT meetings are subject to change as necessary. For more information, contact TNT Coordinator Tina Zagyva at (315) 448-8178 or email TZagyva@SyrGov.net.

Meet the students from Dr. King Elementary School whose artwork will be on display throughout February. Light refreshments will be served. All ages are invited. To learn more, contact the library at (315) 435-3395.

Brenda Muhammad, local filmmaker, will screen her 2016 short film depicting daily struggles and hopes on Syracuse’s South Side. Event facilitator is Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment (FORCE) Ready Syracuse Project. Screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call (315) 435-3395.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with an adorable lawn gnome version of Romeo and Juliet.

Meet the library’s February artist, Geraldine Greig. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. To learn more, call (315) 435-3395

Newhouse graphic design students will present their designs for the South Side Tomorrow's Neighborhood Today. The project was completed as part of Pixels & Print, a weekend-long design workshop for college students. Students under the direction of their design coaches/art directors designed a logo, website and other graphic elements. This is open to anyone who would like to attend; after entering Newhouse 3, go to Room 141 on the first floor.

Michael Houston first became popular as the lead vocalist for his late brother Jeff Houston’s band, the J Project, back in the early 2000s. More recently, he had been known as the bandleader and primary lead vocalist for Michael and Anjela Lynn & Talented Ones. This new group is a new project with a return to J Project-style music — classic music with an infusion of jazz. No cover charge.

Test the Central Library's new Baby Press and make your own prints or maybe even a Valentine’s Day card for your sweetheart. This program is for skilled printmakers and novices alike. Open to ages 12 and up.

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

Professor Michael Streissguth of Le Moyne College’s Department of Communication and Film Studies will share insights on the role of Blues music in the African-American experience in recognition of Black History Month. For adults and teens.

This film by Pratibha Parmar is an exuberant celebration of African-American women and their achievements and features interviews with Angela Davis, June Jordan and Alice Walker. Within the context of the civil rights, Black power and feminist movements, the trio reassess how women such as Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer revolutionized American society. Screening is free and open to the public.

The story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple, whose challenge of their anti-miscegenation arrest for their marriage led to a legal battle that would end at the U.S. Supreme Court. Free.

Upstate Medical University's Student National Medical Association (SNMA) will present The Black History Month Gala - "Unsung Heroes in Medicine" Feb. 17 in honor of Black History Month and as a fundraiser benefiting the South Side's Rahma Clinic. Gala will include cocktails, dinner and dancing. Cost is $25 for students and $40 for the general public. Semi-formal attire requested. To learn more, contact Elana Cook at cookel@upstate.edu.

Goodnight Moonshine, the husband and wife duo of Eben Pariser (of Roosevelt Dime) and Molly Venter (of Red Molly) will perform a special concert in Syracuse as part of the Folkus Project Fridays concert series. Tickets are $15 ($12 for members). To learn more, call (315) 446-8920.

All Task Force members of the South Side Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today are invited to attend the Presentation of Findings for the TNT South Side 5-Year Plan. APD Solutions will reveal information on the survey findings including the neighborhood data profile, land-use and areas of concern.

An African-American baby who refuses to be born in the South; Billie Holiday’s first performance; rent parties; and a night at the Apollo Theater. Hear legends, songs, stories and poems from the Harlem Renaissance period in America’s New York City. Suitable for youth starting in sixth grade to adults. For more information, call (315) 435-3636.

South Side Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today recently received a grant from the University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee (UNSAAC) for an art mural project on the South Side. At this meeting, TNT members will discuss ideas for the murals and gather community feedback, input and enlist volunteers to assist with the project.

Enjoy the newly released film “Queen of Katwe” based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan girl who sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess. Free popcorn while you watch. Open to all ages.

Smooth jazz master Jackiem Joyner returns for a reprise performance from last year, joined by Selina Albright, the progeny of the great Gerald Albright. Advance tickets are $35; $40 at the door. For more information, contact Larry Luttinger at (315) 479-5299.

Local group will perform their vocal driven rhythm and blues with popular rhythmic instrumentals. The group says it performs regularly at Al’s on “the Sunday nights when school teachers, government workers and bankers don’t have to work the next day.” No cost for entry. For more information, call Al’s at (315) 703-4773.

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

Onondaga Community College’s African Percussion Ensemble will perform rhythms of Gahu, Gota and Bagr Bine. For all ages.

Event will be led by Brenda Muhammad with Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment (FORCE) Ready Syracuse Project and will highlight local Black History and share ways you can record and celebrate your own history. Free and open to all age. For more information, call (315) 435-3395.

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

What do Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Beyonce all have in common? They all love reading. Listen to some of their favorite stories, enjoy light refreshments and make a craft to bring home. Open to all ages.

The TAB helps plan programs and makes the Central Library a great place for teens. New members always welcome. Open for ages 12-18. No registration necessary.

The AWE National Award Winning program Cooking-Up Literacy is back. In celebration of Black History Month, the library's organizers will be cooking one of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s healthy recipes: Cauliflower Mac n Cheese. Open to ages 5-13. Registration is required. To RSVP, call the library at (315) 435-3395.

This month’s book is "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Open to ages 12-18. Please register online at here or call (315) 435-1900.

"Your Voice, Your Vote" Meeting is a call to all residents to organize their voices and votes on issues to better all in the community. This TNT task force will focus on registering residents to vote and ways to inform South Siders about upcoming elections. The meeting will be held at the SMNC Office, 1721 S. Salina St;, park in back and enter through back door.

In this introductory session learn how to use a Canon DSLR camera and lights, as well as how to start an iMovie project. Open to ages 12 and up.

The Mystery of the Stolen Library Book: Selena “Bad Book” Smith has stolen a library book. But why? The title of the book is "Please Do Not Steal This Wonderful Book" by Ima Writer. Selena swears the book belongs to her, but it still has the sticker for Vic Damone Library on the back cover. It’s your job to figure it out! Winner receives a Subway gift card. Open to ages 12-18. Please register online at here or call (315) 435-1900.

Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment (FORCE) Ready Syracuse Project, led By Brenda Billins Muhammad, will offer a CPR training Feb. 24. Be the Life of the Party as all learn Hands-Only CPR in a party atmosphere with music and disco lights. Have fun practicing Hands-Only CPR to the beat of tunes like: “Staying Alive” (Bee Gees), “Man in the Mirror” (Michael Jackson), “This is How We Do It” (Montell Jordan), “Crazy in Love” (Beyonce) and “Another One Bites the Dust” (Queen). Open to ages 10 and up.

“The African American Dilemma” by Khalid Bey takes a bold look at the psychological effect that slavery has had on the condition of people of African descent, as well as other ethnic groups living in America. Bey’s book will be discussed during the event. Admission $10 or $15 for admission and copy of Bey’s book. To learn more, contact Latoya Allen at (315) 880-6296 or lallenpride@yahoo.com.

Learn hand drum basics in this interactive demonstration led by a respected local musician and teacher, John Heard. Bring in your own hand drum or use one from the library. For ages 15 and up.

Enjoy the newly released “Race,” a biopic film about Jesse Owens, the famed track and field athlete who endured racial discrimination and adversity on his way to winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany. Free popcorn provided. To learn more, call (315) 435-3395.

This new theatrical work by Vanessa Johnson offers a journey of DNA memories, present makings and future dreams. Told in three actor’s voices with spoken word, songs and monologues, the production is an unwrapping of the life of griot/storyteller Johnson and the common experiences of all women. This unique an interactive “telling” invites the audience to contribute their own memories and dreams to the story. Featuring Hawa Brima, Debra Richardson and Vanessa Johnson. Music by Bernie Williford. $10 at the door.

This new theatrical work by Vanessa Johnson offers a journey of DNA memories, present makings and future dreams. Told in three actor’s voices with spoken word, songs and monologues, the production is an unwrapping of the life of griot/storyteller Johnson and the common experiences of all women. This unique an interactive “telling” invites the audience to contribute their own memories and dreams to the story. Featuring Hawa Brima, Debra Richardson and Vanessa Johnson. Music by Bernie Williford. $10 at the door.

KomfortZone Ent# will host the "Priest: The Lost Son" trailer wrap party starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. Guests can meet and greet with Jamal Woolard, Kira Middleton, Lakisa Renee and Syracuse's cast and crew. Admission is $15 pre-sale and$20 at the door. Event is open to females ages 25 and over and males 30 and over. Dress to impress. Questions, email TammyReese7@gmail.com

South Side Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today meetings for this task force are held the last Monday of every month. Topics of discussion include: historical markers for properties on the South Side, neighborhood resource pamphlets and Greater Syracuse Land Bank demolitions.

100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. in collaboration with Black Nurses Rock of Syracuse to host the 2017 Health and Wellness Lecture Series. The February lecture will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the South Side Innovation Center. The speaker will be Kristin Thompson, from the American Heart Association speaking on "Heart Attacks and Blood Pressure Screening."

AARP Tax Preparers are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only to help residents prepare a 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 435-1940 to schedule an appointment.

Join the Central Library for its monthly photography club. Projects are shaped by teens' interests. Weather permitting, the photography challenges will take participants outside in the downtown area. All equipment provided. Open to ages 12-18. Register online at here or call (315) 435-1900.

This free, interactive session --Buying Your First Home -- will provide the tools, knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions and are taught by the SEFCU's Institute for Financial Well-Being.

This free, interactive session --Navigating Retirement -- will provide the tools, knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions and are taught by the SEFCU's Institute for Financial Well-Being.

The Citizen Review Board will hold a public board meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall. The board meeting will recess at 6:30 p.m. for public comment.

2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of women's suffrage in New York State. At 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, Matilda Joslyn Gage (portrayed by living-historian Renee-Noelle Felice) will tell you how she, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony worked shoulder to shoulder for over 40 years to prepare the climate for that momentous event.