Onondaga VOTES! and Greater Syracuse Southside Neighborhood Association will hold a series of Talk Tuesdays political debates to help voters be more informed. Hear from the board of education candidates from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Syracuse Community Connections.

Join FORCE (Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment) for a special session of Community Preparedness: Simple Activities for Everyone. The evening's guest will be Chief Kenton Buckner of the Syracuse Police Department. Topics of discussion will include: community preparedness; safety precautions; crime prevention; defining desired roles and interactions between the Syracuse Police Department, community organizations and residents before, during and after disaster and emergency situations; developing trust and stronger relationships between law enforcement and our community, and preventative measures to avoid injury and displacement in disaster situations. This is an online event. The session is free and open to all.

Syracuse SCORE will host a Google marketing webinar with Randi Penfil from Google. The workshop will explain how Google search works and how you can improve a website's visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Google Business Profile, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Ads and more. Discussion in the workshop will center around best practices for Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results on all devices, creating a free Google Business Profile and advertising your business on Google. Those interested must register for the webinar.

Each Wednesday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will hold a food pantry for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council hosts virtual quarterly forums. These meetings provide an opportunity for citizen to: Hear directly from planners about pedestrian and bicycle transportation projects, ask questions and voice concerns. All are welcome to attend and participate, but attendees must register in advance.

Each Friday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will provide fresh foods for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

This main corridor at South Avenue receives heavy commuter traffic every day. This annual clean-up is named in honor of Jim Gifford, a kind and selfless man whose life exemplified city living from his South Avenue home and whose death through violence, eight years ago, brought many in Elmwood together at a heartbreaking moment. Jim cared deeply for his neighborhood - he walked to work, to church, to shop, to live his life - and this event aims to honor his hopes for the community around him.

Onondaga VOTES! and Greater Syracuse Southside Neighborhood Association will hold a series of Talk Tuesdays political debates to help voters be more informed. Hear from mayoral candidates from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Well of Hope Church. The session will also be live streamed.

Each Wednesday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will hold a food pantry for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, GreeningUSA and CNY Solidarity Coalition will present a joint Mayoral Candidate Forum from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8 as both an in-person and virtual event. If attending in person, masks will be required and seating will be socially-distanced and limited.

This event is free but registration is required.

Each Friday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will provide fresh foods for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

City Market features vendors from all over the region selling ceramics, vintage clothing, furniture, home décor, handmade crafts, antiques and much more. Parking at OnCenter garage is $2.50 with Everson Museum validation.

Each Wednesday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will hold a food pantry for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

Each Friday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will provide fresh foods for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

A fully-staged premiere of a Society for New Music's commissioned opera with a 10-piece chamber ensemble and music by Mark Olivieri and libretto by Kyle Bass will premiere Oct. 17 at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church.

Born in the segregated south, Libba Cotten was a singer/songwriter whose "Freight Train," written when she was 11, is still performed by internationally-renowned artists today. Married at 15, Libba was "discovered" at age 60 by the folk music world. She spent the last 20 years of her life in Syracuse, during which time she toured nationally and performed regularly at the now STEAM at Dr. King Elementary School. She was declared the first "living treasure" of Syracuse and won a Grammy at 93.

Tickets for this special opera performance are $20 regular, $15 seniors/students and free for ages 18 and younger.

Part one will be a discussion that explores how historical conventions have brought Syracuse to its current housing issues. Presenters will guide participants through the history of how individuals living in Syracuse’s 15th Ward have been impacted by redlining, federal policies on “urban renewal” and unwritten rules on housing discrimination. Balancing first-person accounts with expert historical and legal background, this discussion will share the stories of Syracuse neighborhoods thriving in spite of implicit segregation, resistance to their destruction in the name of economic development and the dispersal of community homes to make way for I-81.

Kofi Antwi, author of "Tidal Wave" (Kattywompus Press, 2020), will share personal work and lead a generative writing workshop for adults and young people. Contact Patrick Williams for more more information.

Each Wednesday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will hold a food pantry for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

Natasha Alford, Nottingham High School alumna, vice president of digital content for The Grio and a CNN political analyst, returns to her hometown of Syracuse to hold a town hall talk for the community. This event is free and open to all.

Each Friday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will provide fresh foods for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

This year’s breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, using a hybrid virtual and in-person model. The theme is “Revive” and just as the boys who make up the Building Men Program have adjusted to new difficulties of social distancing, so must this program's annual breakfast. The breakfast will feature virtual presentations for attendees to enjoy from their homes, along with a small in-person program and activities, including inspiring stories from the young men.

The People's AME Zion Church will hold free grocery giveaways this fall. The giveaway will include fresh produce, meat along with groceries or dairy items. Those walking to the church may want to bring a cart, as boxes may be heavy. Food is available while supplies last and provided by People's AME Zion Church, the Food Bank of CNY and Abundant Life Christian Center.

The SUNY Upstate University Department of Geriatrics will host a healthy aging gathering called “Seasons of Change," in collaboration with Syracuse Community Connections and Healthy Neighbors Partnership to offer education on healthy living and aging, memory health and opportunities to participate in other Department of Geriatrics events. Gifts and prizes for seniors who attend will be provided, while available. Geriatrics is a medical specialty dedicated exclusively to providing high quality, patient-centered care for older adults.

Iain Haley Pollock, author of "Ghost, Like A Place" (Alice James Books, 2018), will read selections and lead a generative writing workshop for adults and young people.  Contact Patrick Williams for more more information.

A New York Times bestseller of novels and poetry for young adult and middle grade audiences, Reynolds’s most recent book, "Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks" was a National Book Award finalist and named one of the best books of 2019 by NPR and The New York Times. His collaboration with author and historian Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, on the book "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" helps young readers understand race and society.

Each Wednesday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will hold a food pantry for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

Attendees will watch an exclusive screening of "The Interview," a short documentary produced by Oprah Winfrey about the injustices of the parole system. A live panel discussion of formerly incarcerated people will follow, including discussion on parole justice legislation to assist seniors in release from state prison and be reunited with their families. Ahead of the screening, music will be performed by by Brownskin Band and Who Wants Smoke will provide food.

Each Friday, Project S.O.U.L. (Southside Organizing Urban Lives) will provide fresh foods for South Side residents in need of food assistance. A free box of food will be provided. Boxes are limited to one per household and distributed while supplies last. There is no income requirement but identification is required. For delivery options, email thegreatersyracuseprojectsoul@gmail.com or call (315) 991-4203.

The Boys & Girls Club will hold a Trick or Treat community event. This is open to all ages and will feature a costume contest, 3 on 3 tournament, prizes, games, free food, free haircuts and candy.

Syracuse Parks & Recreation will screen the 2019 animated The Addams Family movie for free at Burnet Park Friday and Saturday. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to wear costumes and bring blankets and chairs.

Come visit the Ghostbusters car. Visitors encouraged to come in costume. Free carnival doughnut for all children younger than 12.

Come together and spend time socializing with other friends of the outdoors and Rahma Food Forest while volunteers tidy up the grounds and take on the bindweed invasion over this Halloween weekend. This meet-up will introduce you to the food forest, opportunities to continue to be involved and other people with your similar interests. Bring gloves or tools if you have them; some will be available for those who cannot bring for themselves.

On Saturday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Destiny USA parking lot outside of
Embassy Suites, 311 Hiawatha Blvd. W., local agencies, businesses and groups will come together to offer families with special needs children a fun agency fair and Trunk or Treat event.

Youth and families can come to Dr. King Elementary School for a Trunk or Treat sponsored by Baby B.A.C.K. Inc. and M&T Bank. Mask are required.

Syracuse Parks & Recreation will screen the 2019 animated The Addams Family movie for free at Burnet Park Saturday. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to wear costumes and bring blankets and chairs.

Trick or treat at every business under the Salt City Market roof, from bar to grocery, food vendors to Shop Small popups — that's 40+ spots for kiddos to get candy— all without leaving the building.

Onondaga Community College and the Southwest YMCA will host a free Halloween Trick Or Treat Drive-Thru from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31,  at the Onondaga Community College campus. Families will drive onto the OCC campus using the Route 175 entrance and proceed around the campus loop road while receiving candy from local businesses and organizations lining the road. Attendees are encouraged everyone to dress up and mask up.

This giveaway is hosted by Mr. H.R. Clothing, Mary Nelson Youth Center and Results Marketing.

The Promise Land Church will offer trick or treating for families in the church's parking lot. Families will decorate their trucks and provide individually wrapped treats to share. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated trunks.

This trick or treating event in the city's Valley area begins at 6 p.m. until candy is gone. Call (315) 247-8365 to volunteer.