September 28, 2017 – Urban CNY

Don’t Wait! Deadline Looms for Taxpayers Filing Personal Income Tax Returns on Extension

by Urban CNY News
September 28, 2017

Tax Department expects to process nearly 420,000 returns filed on extension and encourages taxpayers to file early The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded New Yorkers who obtained a filing extension that they must file their NYS income tax return on or before October 16. The Tax Department expects nearly 420,000 returns to be filed ahead of the extension deadline. Once the returns are systematically reviewed and finalized, the Tax Department will have processed a total of more than 10.5 million personal income tax returns this year. “I encourage filers to avoid filing in a last-minute rush,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “Our convenient electronic filing options are available now. Eligible taxpayers can e-file both their federal and New York State income tax returns for free through software on our website.” E-file—Join the 92% of New Yorkers who e-file. E-filed returns are 20 times less likely to have an error. Filing an accurate return, using provable information, is the best way to ensure prompt processing and the issuance of any refund that may be due. File for free—Individuals and families with adjusted gross household income of $64,000 or less can prepare and file both their federal and state income tax returns for free at our website—www.tax.ny.gov. Claim the credits you deserve—All New York taxpayers should check their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC can reduce the amount of taxes owed or provide a substantial refund. EITCs are refundable federal, New York State, and New York City credits for working taxpayers. The maximum credits increase annually and vary based on factors including family income and the number of children. For tax year 2016, the maximum total of federal, state, and New York City EITC credits is $8,463 (for a family with three children). Learn about this valuable credit and others, including the child and dependent care credit and college tuition credit, at our Income tax credits page. Use direct deposit for your refund—Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit can receive their refund twice as fast as those who file on paper and choose to have a check mailed to their home. A paper check can take an extra week or more. If you hire a tax preparer, make sure your refund is deposited into your account—not the preparer’s. Check your refund online—Taxpayers can quickly view the status of their NYS tax refund anytime by clicking the Check Refund Status button on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund. It provides the same information available to our phone representatives. Don’t have a computer or smart phone? The Tax Department’s automated refund status phone line is available any time at 518-457-5149.

City Scuffle Neighborhoods News

Gifford Foundation Allocates $454,000 in Capacity Building Support to Five Nonprofits

by Urban CNY News
September 28, 2017

(Syracuse, NY) – The Gifford Foundation has announced the newest cohort for ADVANS (Advancing and Developing the Assets and Value of Nonprofits in Syracuse), a major capacity building initiative started by the Foundation in 2007. A total of $454,000 in capacity assistance will be available to the ADVANS 6 organizations. The five new nonprofits range in size and focus area; over the next two years each will undertake an intensive assessment and capacity planning process and each will receive $69,500 in grants and local consulting service. Lead consultant Stephanie Small will also visit regularly to provide technical assistance and to convene a learning community of organizations and consultants. The five newest ADVANS organizations: AccessCNY was founded in 2015 as the result of the merger of Enable and Transitional Living Services (TLS). AccessCNY offers person-centered services that empower individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential as part of our shared community. The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Oswego County provides a safe, child-friendly site for the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse and offers a wide range of services to children who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused. Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) works with and advocates for people who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Their mission is to promote re-integrative justice and a reduced reliance on incarceration through advocacy, services and public policy development in pursuit of civil and human rights. Clear Path for Veterans is Upstate New York’s Veteran Resource Center serving as a hub of information, programs and resources. Clear Path for Veterans empowers service members, veterans, and their families through supportive programs and services in a safe, respectful environment. The Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County, Inc. (OnVLP) is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Central New York. Their mission is to engage the legal community in providing access to justice to those in need. ADVANS follows the organizational capacity model developed by Dr. Susan Kenny Stevens as outlined in the book Nonprofit Lifecycles: Stage-based Wisdom for Nonprofit Capacity. The organizations will work with trained area consultants utilizing the self-assessment techniques of Dr. Stevens, and then identify their primary capacity needs. In October 2017 the ADVANS Initiative will celebrate ten years since its inception. With this new cohort the program continues to offer further opportunities to Central New York’s nonprofits. By the end of 2019 the Foundation will have invested $3.8 million in building the capacity of 34 nonprofits across four counties, 25 professional consultants will have been trained in the Lifecycles model and more than 150 community members will have participated on leadership teams. “It’s exciting to kick off the 10th anniversary of the entire ADVANS capacity building program with ADVANS 6, and I look forward to working with the new cohort of organizations and consultants,” states lead consultant Stephanie Small. “Credit should go to the Gifford Foundation board for continuing a program that has been so impactful to the Central New York community.”

Education News

Multi-Funder Storytelling Initiative Names Newest Participants

by Urban CNY News
September 28, 2017

Organizations will receive free training, coaching (Syracuse, NY) After a successful pilot in 2016, three local funders have identified the seven organizations that will participate in StoryGrowing 2.0. Supported through a partnership between the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, the Central New York Community Foundation, and the Gifford Foundation, StoryGrowing helps non-profits strengthen their storytelling culture and skills through intensive workshops, group training and one-on-one coaching. Starting in September 2017, the seven organizations will attend more than 20 hours of workshops and trainings, work with a wide variety of skilled coaches, develop a community of practice and receive one-on-one guidance from area specialists. Each group’s team of staff and board members will explore branding and purpose, the types of stories to tell and how to build a storytelling culture. They will also receive specific technical assistance in live presentation, use of videos and photography and placement of stories in social media. The program will culminate with a community celebration in late April 2018. The following organizations are participating: ARISE Child and Family Service Cooperative Federal Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Society for New Music Syracuse Model Neighborhood Corp. Syracuse Northeast Community Center “Stories have the power to inform and inspire, excite and empower. But for most non-profits, capturing the essence of the organization and its impact is easier said than done. That is why we are so excited to work with our partners at the Gifford Foundation and the Central New York Community Foundation to bring StoryGrowing back for a second year and help a diverse group of organizations harness the power of storytelling to achieve their goals,” said Kate McLaughlin, communications director at the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York. In 2016, 11 organizations participated in the pilot of StoryGrowing. An evaluation showed significant advancement of storytelling culture at the organizations, who continue to meet and find success with using stories to advance their mission. At a recent information session, Carrie Large from ACR Health, one of the participants in the pilot, spoke about her experience and presented one of the stories from last year’s StoryGrowing program. “I am still scared each time I do this,” she admitted. “But the power has been proven. When we’ve included stories in our events, the donor response is notably stronger.” For more information about the StoryGrowing program, contact Heidi Holtz at the Gifford Foundation at 315-474-2489 x12.

News

New York Announces Launch of First Hands-Free Cross-Country Drive from Cadillac’s Headquarters in New York City

by Urban CNY News
September 28, 2017

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Cadillac launched the nation’s first cross-country, hands-free drive from its new global headquarters in New York City. The 12 Super Cruise-equipped Cadillac Ct6 vehicles will cross through 16 states and Washington, D.C., as they make their way from New York to California. The vehicles will make stops in major cities across the U.S., including Cleveland, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas, Santa Fe, and Phoenix. “New York is the nation’s hub of cutting-edge technology, and by launching the first-cross country trip using hands-free technology in New York, Cadillac is furthering that spirit of innovation,” Governor Cuomo said. “By encouraging businesses to reimagine driving technology in New York, we are spearheading the creation of new, safe travel options for current and future generations of New Yorkers.” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul joined Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen at Cadillac House in New York City today to send off the fleet of vehicles. Lieutenant Governor Hochul said, “Revolutions in transportation were at the heart of New York’s original rise to national prominence and economic prosperity, and this cross-country demonstration continues that tradition. By changing state law to allow automated vehicle testing and partnering with Cadillac to bring its headquarters to New York City, Governor Cuomo has positioned New York State to take the lead in the development of the driverless/hands-free technology that is rapidly transforming the automotive industry.” Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen said, “We are proud to work hand-in-hand with government officials to ensure that our roads are safe for drivers and passengers, as well as to continue to push boundaries and develop new technologies that will define the future of transportation in the U.S. It’s especially fitting to kick off this cross-country drive in New York City, the home of Cadillac’s new global headquarters, and we’re honored to have the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, both leaders in innovation and cutting-edge technology.” This year, New York began a one-year trial accepting applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads. Applications for testing may be submitted by manufacturers of “autonomous vehicle technology,” or companies creating such technology working in conjunction with manufacturers. All vehicles will also have to comply with federal safety standards and all applicable New York State inspection standards, and a person holding a valid driver license must be present in the driver’s seat at all times while it is operated on public highways. Each vehicle to be used must be listed in the application, and a $5 million insurance policy must be in place for any vehicles to be tested. Companies must also submit a report on demonstrations or tests, undertaken pursuant to a DMV permit, to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles no later than March 1, 2018. Testing requirements and the application are available here.

City Scuffle Neighborhoods News Syracuse - Central Syracuse - East University Hill (central) Westcott (east)

Ben Walsh Calls on State DOT to Release Route 81 Draft EIS and Tunnel Study Walsh Wants Voters to Have Time to React To the Information Before November 7 Election

by Urban CNY News
September 28, 2017

Syracuse, New York, September 28, 2017 – Independent Candidate Ben Walsh today called on the state to release a draft EIS report immediately on the future of Route 81 along with a separate tunnel alternative study. Walsh wants time for city residents to react to the studies in time for the voters to see everyone’s position. Both studies were due out this summer. “It’s time for our community to shift our focus from debating which option is best to making the preferred option work best for our community.” Walsh said. “I’ve made it clear for months now that I’m all in on the grid option which will reunite portions of our city and open up extensive properties for future development.” Walsh pledged that, as mayor, he would create an 81 Redevelopment Task Force made up of partners from the city, county, state, Syracuse Housing Authority, neighborhood groups, business, University Hill, and labor to coordinate any redevelopment opportunities that emerge from the draft EIS and final decision. Existing NYS DOT data indicates there could be 7-15 acres in the prime heart of the city for redevelopment. “This is one of the largest, most visible, and most impactful development opportunities that Syracuse has ever seen and we are going to show that Syracuse is at its best when we work together to grow our city, create jobs, and improve neighborhoods and people’s lives.” The 81 Redevelopment Task Force will work to: • Inventory available real estate for redevelopment • Develop decision standards and guidelines • Look for ways to maximize MWBE, VBE, and labor participation in the 81 project and any future redevelopment • Look at opportunities for mixed-income and affordable housing Joining Walsh today at a press conference on the corner of Almond Street and E. Fayette Street was Robert Doucette, a founding member of ReThink 81 (www.rethink81.org). “This issue has been debated for years and there’s no more important time to continue to debate than our mayoral election. The grid option is the best option for our community.” said Doucette. As former Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development for the city of Syracuse, Walsh has been instrumental in helping strengthen neighborhoods and businesses in the City of Syracuse for years. A recipient of the 40-Under-40 Award, Walsh currently serves as the president of the Board of Trustees at The Gifford Foundation, and sits on the board of a variety of foundations focused on growing Syracuse. Ben Walsh is an independent candidate running for Mayor in Syracuse. His mission is to unite Syracuse through independent leadership and a collaborative approach to city government. To learn more, please contact Kristy Brightman Frame at 315-345-0129 or email at kristy@benwalshformayor.com. Walsh for Mayor. #RiseAbove.

Entertainment

Varekai Falls From The Sky And Into The Oncenter War Memorial Arena!

by Urban CNY News
September 28, 2017

A classic Cirque du Soleil production Seven Performances Only From November 15 To 19, 2017 (Syracuse) – This fall, Cirque du Soleil is returning to Syracuse with one of its signature productions – Varekai. The seven performances will take place from November 15th to 19th, 2017 at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. The jaw-dropping and mind-blowing Varekai showcases an acrobatic extravaganza which will take audiences on an extraordinary journey. Under the “theme of Icarus”, fans will see an amazing display of high level acrobatics and performers ready to accomplish perfectly skilled and gravity-defying feats. All of Cirque du Soleil’s productions are unique, and Varekai is absolute proof of that. Piecing together all possible genres, arts, and disciplines – original music, costumes, set design, choreography, live vocals, video-art, and make-up solutions – at their heart, these shows maintain circus arts in all their manifestations, starting from street performances to high-tech and awe-aspiring aerial acts. This is how Cirque du Soleil invokes the imagination, provokes the senses, and evokes the emotions of people around the world. The international cast of Varekai consists of 50 performers coming from 13 countries, including 6 musicians and two singers. In addition, there are 50 crew members on tour – coaches, performance medicine therapists, wardrobe employees, stage managers, technical specialists and administrative personnel – who support the tour on a daily basis. About Varekai Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world – a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai. The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind. The word Varekai (pronounced ver·ay·’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies – the universal wanderers. Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai. What is Cirque du Soleil? From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 400 cities in over sixty countries on five continents. Show Information: Show Schedule (November 15 – 19, 2017): Wednesday, November 15 at 7:30pm Thursday, November 16 at 7:30pm Friday, November 17 at 7:30pm Saturday, November 18 at 4:00pm and 7:30pm Sunday, November 19 at 1:30pm and 5:00pm Advance tickets for Varekai are available now online exclusively to Cirque Club members through August 25. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits includes access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. To join, go to www.cirqueclub.com. Tickets for the general public are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai. Ticket starting at $35

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Don’t Wait! Deadline Looms for Taxpayers Filing Personal Income Tax Returns on Extension

Gifford Foundation Allocates $454,000 in Capacity Building Support to Five Nonprofits

Lori Tape Joins Gifford Foundation Staff

Multi-Funder Storytelling Initiative Names Newest Participants

New York Announces Launch of First Hands-Free Cross-Country Drive from Cadillac’s Headquarters in New York City

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Varekai Falls From The Sky And Into The Oncenter War Memorial Arena!

Black Voices