• 5 for CNY - Learn How
  • Crouse Weight Loss 530 x 75
  • Land Bank - Restoring Properties
  • Mannion for NY_Vote on Nov 5th_Horizantal General Election
  • NYSF Urban CNY Banner 530 x 75
  • Second City 530x75
  • Malmgren Concert Duke Ellington

Celebrating Urban Life Since 1989

  • 5 for CNY - Learn How
  • Crouse Weight Loss 530 x 75
  • Land Bank - Restoring Properties
  • Mannion for NY_Vote on Nov 5th_Horizantal General Election
  • NYSF Urban CNY Banner 530 x 75
  • Second City 530x75
  • Malmgren Concert Duke Ellington
Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Is Your Year a Trick or Treat: It’s no Joke-It’s scary!

Many people celebrate Halloween in various ways. Some families and organizations engage the children (adults enjoying it as well) in many positive activities. Many of these include going “trick or treating”, meeting other families, developing social skills, in-door parties, instilling safety values, sharing cards and candy, a night out or sleep-overs, and numerous “fun” activities with costumes, role-models, music, arts and crafts, and so much more. There are so many activities for reflection at this time. Why do I say, “It’s no joke/Its scary! Let us transition our thoughts and reasoning. The month of October has passed; it is now November, December soon to come…..then “A New Year”. Scary and jittery thoughts came to my mind (you might share the same feeling). Oops! I have not fulfilled the last year’s resolutions by vowing to do certain things. As the next year comes in a couple of months, I will be checking my list and checking it twice to see what “I forgot to do”.  That’s scary! But wait!  I can redeem my guilt by using the next couple of months to get busy. Then, when 2019 rolls around, I can say what i achieved.  Don’t be scared! The trick is that we often get busy and side-tracked, and simply forget.  Help! What can I do? Things to do before 2019 (you only have a couple of months) First, reflect and evaluate what you resolved last year (Do a check list) Do an Express List during the time that you have left in 2018 hints:Read books, try something new, do a community service, create and share with others, show love to friends and adults, and reflect on positive things. Do not Fear! Release the Stress! Make up for that which was left un-done Move Forward! Don’t be distracted! Don’ let your mind trick you! Let it Treat you! Make a Proposed-New Year Resolution (Add those things that you will be able to accomplish. Here comes 2019 and Beyond! Now! I haven’t been “Tricked”, and I discovered within myself that it was “treat”, and that I have time to pick up where I left off. November is Thanksgiving-Be thankful! Christmas is coming soon! Santa will check his list twice. Thought! When life serves you lemons..make lemonade! The Trick was a Treat!  

Read More
Spiritual Music Scene

Brain Power: A Music Booster for Children

The Syracuse Community Folk Art Center (CFA), was the place to be, as children from Pre-school to grades three years old gathered.  They participated in an exciting event regarding music as an important vehicle for developing the brain. The event was held on Saturday, October 6, 2018, from 2 o’clock Pm to 3Pm. The coordinators were Cincereru Read and Lakita Dawkins, Jack and Jill of Syracuse. They work hard in promoting the ideals and mission of the organization. Hats off to them, for the great work planning. Research and studies have proven that music is important in the lives of children at an early age, as well as throughout adult years. Therefore, engagement and participation in music, whether instrumental, vocal and related arts can contribute immensely to the quality of life.  Music is therapy, academic and is relative to growth. “The Brain loves music”, states many educators in the field.  The process involves many tasks such as social skills development, expansion of memory, working roles and other functions.  It is suggested that we include music as a part of the child’s experiences.  It is suggested that music should be included as an important focus at an early age. There are various stages of development which can be monitored through positive music experiences. Music in the schools and community should not exclude the arts, and other pertinent subjects from its curriculum, this is my assessment as a retired Supervising Director of Music for the Washington, D. C. Public Schools, and Professor of Music at Bowie State University.  In writing curriculum, it was my focus to be inclusive of the interdisciplinary approach to learning at all levels. Therefore, students and teachers could connect the subject to all disciplines such as math, social students, science, physics, and other related arts by not teaching in isolation. The Jack and Jill of Syracuse, New York presented a Kinder-music approach to developmental facts supporting the importance of music at various stages of early childhood. The students participated in many activities in rhythm, movement, singing and playing rhythm instruments.  The room was filled with excitement.  They moved, created rattles, shakers, engaged in activities that developed cognitive and motor skills. Parents and adults participated by engaging in partner skills as they carried out the activities  Important facts were unfolded, as we could witness the children sharing instruments, engaging with each other socially, swaying and moving to multicultural types of music. Refer to other related topics on “Brain Study”.  Invest in music:  It’s worth it! For more information on the topic email Dr. Joan Hillsman at jhillsman@twcny.rr.com. Special thanks are extended to Jack and Jill for the hard work and quality preparation for such a valuable experience.  Bravo!

Read More

Local, State & National


Resources

Neighborhoods

Features

Contact Us