March 2, 2017 – Urban CNY

Rep. Katko Highlights Vera House White Ribbon Campaign on Floor of U.S. House of Representatives

by Urban CNY News
March 2, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) this morning spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the 23rd annual Vera House White Ribbon Campaign and to urge his colleagues to stand in solidarity against domestic violence and sexual assault. Video of Representative Katko’s can be found here. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against domestic violence and sexual abuse. As a former federal prosecutor, I have seen firsthand how domestic violence affects people of all ages, races, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. We must work together to end this abuse. Central New York is home to Vera House, an organization that works to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence. Yesterday, Vera House kicked off its 23rd Annual White Ribbon Campaign in Central New York. This campaign raises awareness for the need to put an end to domestic violence and sexual abuse. This month, thousands of Central New Yorkers will be wearing a white ribbon or a white wristband – as I am today — to stand in solidarity against domestic and sexual violence. I urge my House colleagues to join me in wearing a white ribbon to demonstrate a personal pledge to work towards preventing violence against men, women, and children. I yield back the balance of my time. Congressman John Katko represents the 24th Congressional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information, please visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.

News

New Features Added to New York State Veterans’ Mobile App to Improve Veteran Support

by Urban CNY News
March 2, 2017

Upgrades Include “Geo-Fencing” and Updated Push Notifications; App Available Using both iOS and Android Platforms App Won “Best Mobile/Wireless Project” from the Center for Digital Government in 2016 New York State announced a number of new high-tech features to the New York State Veterans’ App that will improve access to state programs and services for veterans and their families. In February 2016, New York launched a free mobile app to help the state’s 834,000 veterans, along with their family members, to conveniently connect with valuable services and programs in their local communities. “These new features will help make it easier and more convenient for New York veterans to learn about and access the resources available to them in the Empire State,” Governor Cuomo said. “These brave New Yorkers answered the call and helped defend the values that this state and nation were founded upon and this administration is committed to doing everything it can to honor their service and help ensure they get access to the benefits for which they are entitled.” By incorporating geo-fencing, or the ability to create a digital boundary, alerts can be sent to people regarding events and resources within a specific region. Additionally, the push notifications will now also provide interactive links that users can simply tap and be directed to the proper websites containing information about updates in healthcare, housing, education, employment claims and benefits. Eric J. Hesse, the Director of New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs said, “We appreciate the support of the Governor and the Office of Information Technology Services in our continued development of the NYS Veterans’ App. As we continue to push for additional awareness and usage of the NYS Veterans’ App we thought it important to be able to reach targeted veteran populations, which is what these new features will accomplish.” Integrating geo-fencing into the app’s update allows veterans and their families to access personalized resources based on their current locations and with this upgrade, these individuals have access to up-to-the-minute information about temporary and permanent programs. The enhanced mobile app will retain all of its original features, including providing information related to Federal and State Veterans’ Benefits programs and the ability to alert veterans and their families about changing decisions and policies of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Division of Veterans’ Affairs was able to alert specific New York veterans to healthcare changes and provide the link to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs webpage regarding information about these changes. Additionally, with the “Near Me” feature on the mobile app, veterans and family members are able to find the nearest Division of Veterans’ Affairs office and schedule an appointment with a Veterans Benefits Advisor to help them file a claim. This system permits veterans and their family members to instantly discover new developments regarding the resources available to them and their loved ones. The new New York State Veterans App provides an important medium for delivering information and access to services for veterans throughout New York State. It is a vital tool for reaching out to all New York State veterans and their family members. The New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs worked collaboratively with ITS to enhance the mobile app, which won the “Best Mobile/Wireless Project” from the Center for Digital Government in 2016. To access the New York State Veterans App, follow the links below: For iOS Devices For Android Devices To explore more of New York State’s official mobile apps, visit www.ny.gov/mobileapps.

News Urban CNY Money

College Students: Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of Valuable Money Savers While Filing Your Tax Returns

by Urban CNY News
March 2, 2017

College tuition tax benefits and sales-tax free textbooks help put money back in your pocket The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded college students who earned income in New York State during 2016 to file their tax returns. “Understanding tax responsibility and learning how to file a proper tax return are great life skills that students should be exploring,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion. “Students are often owed a refund from seasonal jobs in between semesters which can be used as spending money once they’re back on campus.” While preparing a tax return, students will be asked for income information and expenses paid during the tax year. All New York taxpayers should maintain a file of tax documents to help simplify the filing process. Determine filing status Filing status is also used to determine a student’s filing requirements, standard deduction, and credit eligibility. The five filing statuses are: Single; Married filing jointly; Married filing separately; Head of household; and Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child. In addition to knowing their filing status, it’s important that students check with their parents to see if they’ll be claiming them as a dependent. If so, the IRS will help determine if you’re still required to file a return. The best way for students to file their tax return is electronically. E-filing is easier, safer, faster, and more accurate. Plus, students with incomes of $64,000 or less are eligible to file for free using software available through www.tax.ny.gov. Take advantage of money savers New York State offers several money-savings programs, including credits and other tax benefits specifically for college students: College tuition credit or itemized deduction – Undergraduate students paying their own tuition—and not being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return—could receive up to $400 in credit. Alternatively, taxpayers may claim an itemized deduction of up to $10,000 per student. See Form IT-272 for more information. Purchase course textbooks tax free – College textbooks are exempt from sales tax whether they’re purchased at a bookstore, by mail, online, or by any other means. For more information NYS Tax Basics: College Students IRS information for students

Opportunities

Plumbers & Steamfitters Recruit Apprentices

by Urban CNY News
March 2, 2017

Syracuse, NY (March 01, 2017) – The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local Union #267, will conduct a recruitment from April 03, 2017 through March 30, 2018 for five to 10 plumber and steamfitter apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Please note that the five to 10 openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions – the Central and Southern Tier regions. This program’s jurisdiction includes the counties of Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Schuyler, and Tompkins. Applications can be obtained and submitted, in person only, at Local Union #267, 107 Twin Oaks Drive, Syracuse, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture. Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of the trade, which may include: Working with sharp objects, hazardous machinery, and possible exposure to loud noises and respiratory irritants. Prolonged standing and walking. Repeated squatting and/or bending. Working in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Working in confined spaces. Working in wet and muddy conditions. Lifting and/or moving heavy objects and equipment. Working off of ladders and scaffolds at various heights. Must reside within the jurisdiction of Local Union #267, which includes the counties of Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Schuyler, and Tompkins. Must have a valid driver’s license. Apprentices may be required to drive company vehicles. Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture. Must have reliable transportation to and from various work sites and related instruction classes. Must participate in an interview, if selected. Must pass a drug and alcohol screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture. Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture. Must take and pass the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test. For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #267 at (315) 463-6344. Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Education News

OCC’s Basketball Head Coach Saroney Crowned Coach of the Year

by Urban CNY News
March 2, 2017

Syracuse, NY – Onondaga Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Erik Saroney, was announced the NJCAA Region III Coach of the Year on Wednesday afternoon. Sitting on his First Team All-Region Team includes the Lazers starting back court, Tyler Sullivan (Liverpool HS) and Tae Elijah (Henninger HS). After spending fourteen years as head coach of the boys’ varsity basketball program at Henninger High School, Saroney was named OCC head men’s basketball coach in April 2016. While at Henninger, Saroney accumulated a record of, 238-72, five Section III AA Championships, and seven League Titles. In Saroney’s inaugural year at the helm of the Lazers basketball program, he has tallied an overall record of, 27-4, remaining undefeated (12-0) until OCC faced NJCAA Division II opponent Niagara County Community College on December 17th. The Lazers have maintained a top-ten ranking throughout the entire season, and Saroney guided his team to the no.1 slot for two consecutive weeks in the NJCAA Division III National Poll Rankings. After winning the Mid-State Athletic Conference Tournament Championship this past weekend, Onondaga sits as the fifth best team in the country for the second straight week. Onondaga narrowly escaped Hudson Valley Community College, 97-95, on Tuesday night in the NJCAA Sub-Regional matchup in Allyn Hall. The win secured the top spot in the region for the Lazers. OCC will host the NJCAA Region III Final Four Tournament this weekend. Two other teams in the NJCAA Region III Tournament are ranked in the nation’s top-ten. Nipping on No.5 Onondaga’s heals is No.6 Herkimer Community College (24-4) and No.7 Mohawk Valley Community College (22-6). Onondaga will face conference opponent, Corning Community College (20-5) at 5pm in Allyn Hall. The Lazers and Red Barons split their matchups this season with Corning taking the,137-148, scoring edge through two games. NJCAA Region III Final Four Schedule: Saturday, March 4th 3pm – #2 Herkimer vs. #3 Mohawk Valley 5pm – #1 Onondaga vs. #4 Corning Sunday, March 5th 6:30pm – 3pm Winner vs 5pm Winner Parking: Free parking will be available in Lots 13 and 14. All fans should enter through the main entrance of the SRC Arena and Event Center. Admission Fees: $5.00 – Adults $3.00 – Children under the age of 12

Entertainment

Red House Arts Center presents its production of Six Degrees of Separation March 9th – 18th

by Urban CNY News
March 2, 2017

The Red House Arts Center continues its 2017 season with Six Degrees of Separation, by award-winning playwright John Guare which will run from March 9th – 18th. Diamonds and denim clash in this fast-paced and wildly clever play inspired by true events. Six Degrees of Separation follows the antics of Paul, a charming young con artist who convinces a wealthy Manhattan couple he is the son of celebrated actor Sidney Poitier. When the couple charitably invites Paul to spend the night in their swanky digs, Paul’s con spins frantically (and hilariously) out of control as house guests and emotions run haywire. Winner of the New York Critics Circle Drama Award and the Olivier Award for Best Play, Six Degrees of Separation is a Redhouse production you certainly don’t want to miss! Six Degrees of Separation reflects on the idea that any two individuals are connected by at most five others. The play was the inspiration for the 1993 movie by the same name that starred Will Smith and Stockard Channing and was also the basis for a game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon: the goal is to link any actor to Kevin Bacon through no more than six on-screen connections. Six Degrees of Separation features a blend of new and returning cast members as well as an accomplished director making his Redhouse debut. Redhouse is very pleased to welcome guest director Vince Cardinal who will be making his Redhouse debut. Mr. Cardinal brings a wealth of experience with him. He has previously directed all three equity actors Steve Hayes, John Bixler and Laura Austin individually, however this will be the first time directing all three in the same production at the same time. Vince Cardinal also has another very special connection to this production and playwright John Guare that he shared. “I had the honor of being John Guare’s assistant when I was a graduate student in Playwriting at the Yale School of Drama. I learned so much from Guare working with him in his home and taking his notes in the rehearsal and in the production process. Rehearsing SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION at Redhouse brings me back to Guare’s hilarious, distinctive, and brilliant voice whispering notes quietly in the dark theatre, even as the actors brought his genius to full voice on the stage.” Redhouse’s Six Degrees of Separation runs from March 9th – 18th. Tickets are $30 or $25 for members. The Red House Arts Center is located at 201 S. West St. in Syracuse, NY. Parking is available adjacent to and across from the theater, as well as nearby in Armory Square. For tickets, please call the Box Office at (315) 362-2785 or visit www.theredhouse.org. Corporate Sponsors for this production are Bousquet Holstein, WAER 88.3 FM and Destiny USA. Media sponsors are Galaxy Communications and NewsChannel 9. Six Degrees of Separation Red House Arts Center main stage March 9- March 18th March 9th at 7pm March 10th at 8pm March 11th at 8pm March 12th at 2pm March 15th at 7pm March 16th at 7pm March 17th at 8pm March 18th at 2pm March 18th at 8pm TICKETS: $30 / $25 for members BOX OFFICE: Call 315-362-2785 or visit theredhouse.org

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Rep. Katko Highlights Vera House White Ribbon Campaign on Floor of U.S. House of Representatives

New Features Added to New York State Veterans’ Mobile App to Improve Veteran Support

Spring Concert at Hendricks Chapel

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City Issues Traffic Advisory for Annual Shamrock Run

College Students: Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of Valuable Money Savers While Filing Your Tax Returns

Plumbers & Steamfitters Recruit Apprentices

OCC’s Basketball Head Coach Saroney Crowned Coach of the Year

Red House Arts Center presents its production of Six Degrees of Separation March 9th – 18th

Black Voices