July 16, 2024 – Urban CNY

Health

Be Safe Outdoors – What you need to know about Lyme Disease

by Urban CNY News
July 16, 2024

Syracuse, NY – Summer is a time to work in the garden, visit the dog park, or hit the bike path. It is also a time to be aware of tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease, and ways to avoid them. Infected ticks can be found across the Northeast, including in upstate New York. “Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick,” says Lorna Fitzpatrick, MD, vice president of medical affairs and senior medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Untreated, the disease can cause health problems, including severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.” Treatment with antibiotics, when the infection is identified early, can result in a quick and complete recovery, according to Fitzpatrick. The big issue, she says, is that Lyme disease often goes undiagnosed, which can lead to chronic symptoms that are hard to resolve. Preventing tick bites is the best way to protect against tick-borne illnesses. The New York State Department of Health offers these tips: Know where to expect ticks. Ticks like shady, moist areas at ground level. They cling to tall grass, brush, and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. They also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods. When gardening, keep long hair tied back. When hiking, stick to well-cleared paths. Reduce ticks in your yard. Keep lawns mowed and edges trimmed. Clear away brush, leaf litter, and tall grass from around the house and at the edges of gardens and stone walls. Stack woodpiles neatly away from the house, and preferably off the ground. Keep the ground under bird feeders clean so as not to attract small animals that can carry ticks into your yard. Locate children’s swing sets and other play equipment in sunny, dry areas of the yard, away from the woods. While outside, dress to protect. Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily. Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots, and shirts into pants. Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks. Consider using repellent. The NYS Health Department recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents. For skin, products that have DEET (20% or more) or picaridin (5 to 20% of the active ingredient) can be applied. For clothes, shoes, and camping gear, treat, or purchase pretreated clothing with permethrin, but never apply permethrin to skin. After being outside, check yourself and your clothes. Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets) and remove ticks promptly. If available, put your clothes in a dryer on high heat for 15 minutes to kill any ticks that may be on them. The New York State Department of Health has more information on Lyme disease online at Ticks & Lyme Disease – A Guide for Preventing Lyme Disease (ny.gov). For local information and resources, be sure to visit the Central New York Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance, online at cnylymealliance.org. Image by Erik Karits from Pixabay

Entertainment

The Great New York State Fair Ready to Welcome International Icon Flo Rida to Our House

by Urban CNY News
July 16, 2024

The Great New York State Fair Ready to Welcome International Icon Flo Rida to Our House August may be the hottest month of the year, but The Great New York State Fair is encouraging fairgoers to wear their boots – the ones with the fur – as Grammy-nominated recording artist Flo Rida will perform at Suburban Park on Thursday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. One of the most vibrant and recognizable superstars in the music industry, Flo Ridahas sold well over 100 million singles and has performed on some of the biggest stages, including The Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game, The NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Today Show,” and “Good Morning America.” “Every year, some of our largest crowds are hip-hop shows and this was an announcement that we had a hard time keeping under our hats,” said Fair Director, Julie LaFave. “Flo Rida’s music defined a decade and we know fairgoers are going to pack Suburban Park to sing along to the sounds of summer. The Fair doesn’t just offer some of the best value in entertainment, it offers a chance to make lifelong memories and experience things that would cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere. This is the place to be from August 21 to September 2!” For over 10 years, Flo Rida has been churning out hits, including the five-time platinum single “Low,” which spent 10 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Top 100 chart. The Miami, Florida native authored a string of record-breaking, multi-platinum-certified singles like “Right Round,” which topped the charts worldwide, “In the Ayer,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” “Whistle,” “My House,” and “I Cry.” All told, Flo Rida’s music, which has been featured in numerous movies, video games, and television productions, has been certified platinum 30 times. The Fair starts Wednesday, August 21, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. All concerts and grounds entertainment are included in the price of admission, making The Great New York State Fair one of the most affordable state fairs in the country. Admission tickets, parking, and passes for The Fair’s famous Midway are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website. Admission tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older. Fairgoers can also purchase a Frequent Fairgoer pass for $25, which provides admission to all 13-days of The Fair’s run. Parking is $12 per vehicle. In total, The Fair’s Chevrolet Music Series will feature 39 national recording acts. There will be a daily 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. concert at Chevy Court(located near Gate 1), and a daily 8 p.m. concert at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway). All concerts announced thus far are provided in the charts below. Fair staff will continue to update schedules on The Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park. Chevy Court Wednesday, August 21 1:00 p.m. Chubby Checker Wednesday, August 21 6:00 p.m. 90s Rewind Thursday, August 22 1:00 p.m. RVSHVD Thursday, August 22 6:00 p.m. Ace Frehley Friday, August 23 1:00 p.m. Sophie B. Hawkins Friday, August 23 6:00 p.m. Sister Sledge Saturday, August 24 1:00 p.m. Kidz Bop Saturday, August 24 6:00 p.m. Ying Yang Twins Sunday, August 25 1:00 p.m. The Elders Sunday, August 25 6:00 p.m. Dax Monday, August 26 1:00 p.m. Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone Monday, August 26 6:00 p.m. CAIN Tuesday, August 27 1:00 p.m. Little Anthony and the Imperials Tuesday, August 27 6:00 p.m. Blue Öyster Cult Wednesday, August 28 6:00 p.m. Danielle Ponder Thursday, August 29 1:00 p.m. Tom Nitti Thursday, August 29 6:00 p.m. Chapel Hart Friday, August 30 1:00 p.m. The Cleverlys Friday, August 30 6:00 p.m. Josh Ross Friday, August 30 9:00 p.m. DJ Swiftie Saturday, August 31 12:00-10 p.m. JAMS Funk Fest (with headliners Raydio, TMF, and C.P. Lacey) Sunday, September 1 1:00 p.m. Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour Sunday, September 1 6:00 p.m. Snow Tha Product Monday, September 2 12:00/4:00 p.m. Journey From the Heart Suburban Park Wednesday, August 21 8:00 p.m. Joey Fatone and AJ McLean Thursday, August 22 8:00 p.m. Warren Zeiders Friday, August 23 8:00 p.m. TLC Saturday, August 24 8:00 p.m. Chevelle Sunday, August 25 8:00 p.m. Dropkick Murphys Monday, August 26 8:00 p.m. Megan Moroney Tuesday, August 27 8:00 p.m. Stephen Sanchez Wednesday, August 28 8:00 p.m. Joan Jett and The Blackhearts Thursday, August 29 8:00 p.m. Flo Rida Friday, August 30 8:00 p.m. Big Boi Saturday, August 31 8:00 p.m. Brian Kelley Monday, September 2 6:00 p.m. Jackyl Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation. The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Urban CNY Money

CONSUMER ALERT: The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Warns Consumers of Data Privacy and Financial Risks with Online Gaming

by Urban CNY News
July 16, 2024

As Online Gaming and In-App Purchases Grow in Popularity, Consumers Should Take Extra Precautions to Protect Themselves and Their Children Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics Video & Audio of Secretary Mosley Providing Video Game Safety Tips Is Available Here The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers tips to protect their privacy and finances while playing video games. According to the Pew Research Center, 85% of teens nationwide play video games and 41% say they game daily. In the past, most video games were sold for one-time purchases as physical copies. Today, the market has shifted towards the sale of additional virtual items for small fees to use within games consumers already own or are free to play. These virtual items can include in-game currency, extra levels, new characters, “loot boxes,” which are full of mystery virtual prizes, and character special accessories or features. Nationwide, consumers now spend billions of U.S. dollars annually for these virtual items in video games and digital worlds. “Video games are becoming more popular, more advanced and more convenient to play,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “With games available to people of all ages on almost all digital devices and popular virtual platforms, consumers should take practical steps to protect their personal data and finances from scammers. And parents and caregivers should take extra precautions to educate their children about potential risks, parental controls and healthy gaming habits.” Follow these tips to help ensure you and your family can enjoy your favorite games while keeping your money and privacy safe: Protect your personal information: Never share personal information, including your date of birth, social security number, family names or account information, with other gamers online. Scammers can pose as fellow players in chat rooms and virtual worlds. Block and report any online accounts that try to get your personal information. Be wary of scammers and phishing attempts: Be wary of offers for discounted or rare virtual items to purchase outside of the official game platform. These items are often sold on social media and apps. Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from unfamiliar emails. Never download items other users share: Never download any files shared by other players since they may have malicious software. Downloading these files or opening links could leave you vulnerable to hacking attempts or fraud. Review privacy settings: Review device settings and find out what information gaming systems collect. Many gaming companies make money on player data and often buy, sell and trade this information between companies. Avoid linking personal social media or other accounts to your gaming system to minimize how much of your personal data is shared. Pay attention to in-game purchases that can pose financial risks: Some gamers earn money by selling their in-game currency or accounts to other players. Players may also buy, trade or sell items outside of individual games. This practice is known as real-money trading, where players exchange intangible game assets for real currency or real-world money. There are several risks involved, and consumers can lose money if they get scammed by fraudulent sellers. Avoid in-game currency scams: scammers offer to sell in-game currency or items for real money or personal information, but the transactions are fake or the items are stolen. Never release private information in exchange for in-game currency. Beware of fake online stores: scammers create online stores selling in-game items, but the products are either fake or non-existent. Verify that the online store is legitimate by reviewing that the URL begins with “https” instead of http, and/or the browser displays a padlock icon next to the URL. Check the contact page and the website’s privacy policy. Websites should have adequate information about privacy, terms and conditions of use. Understand how much in-game currency is worth in real-life dollars: Many platforms use in-game currencies that players can buy using real-world money. Make sure you understand the exchange rate of game currency to real-world dollars before making these purchases to properly budget real-world money you spend in games. Example: If a player wants to buy a skin that costs 37,500 in-game coins and buys 50,000 coins for $30 of real-world money, that skin would cost the player $22.50 in real-world money. Only transfer real-life money as you need it: This can help you avoid being left with unused game currency without a way to transfer it back out to real-world dollars. Since game currency is often sold at different exchange rates, it’s easy to miscalculate and end up buying more game currency than you intend. Do not store your credit card information on your console or device: While keeping your credit card information saved for purchases can be convenient, this can leave the door open for fraud. This is also a best practice to avoid accidental purchases. Protect Kids from Video Game Scams: Choose age-appropriate games and learn how to use parental controls: Parental controls are available on all video platforms. See the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) parental controls information page for guides on setting up parental controls for popular gaming consoles and devices at. These controls can include features like: Game rating restrictions: This limits the games which children can access to games with age-appropriate ratings. Managing internet access: This can include muting or disabling online chatrooms and allowing parents to approve their child’s online friend lists. Some systems also allow parents to disable internet access overall. Time Limits: This allows parents to limit the days, times and length of time their child can game. Multiple Profiles: Creating multiple profiles can allow parents to set parental controls for children’s profiles while maintaining free access on their own profiles. Restrictions on in-game purchases: Most gaming systems allow users to require a password in order to make in-game purchases. Monitor your child’s in-game spending habits: Children can be

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CNY Community Foundation Committing Additional $1 Million to LeadSafeCNY

by Urban CNY News
July 16, 2024

Decreased lead poisoning rates in investment areas point to hopeful improvement July 17, 2024 – The Central New York Community Foundation announced today that it will be investing an additional $1 million toward childhood lead poisoning prevention through its LeadSafeCNY initiative. Since the Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY grantmaking launched in 2018, nearly 1,750 windows and 165 doors have been replaced and more than 265 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. More than 280 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal and thousands of people have been informed about the risks of lead poisoning. In addition, 44 homebuyer loans for new, lead-free homes were guaranteed through a program-related investment with HomeHeadQuarters. The Community Foundation established its LeadSafeCNY initiative in 2018, committing to invest at least $2 million to fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. The foundation surpassed that amount, having invested $2.6 million as of June 2024. The new $1 million commitment will be in addition to that. Click on the following link to view LeadSafeCNY Impact. “Lead poisoning is entirely preventable,” said Melanie Littlejohn, Community Foundation president & CEO. “The effects lead has on the mind and body undermines our efforts to increase literacy rates, encourage high school completion and mentor our young people into successful careers. Our dedication to eradicating this injustice must continue.” According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 9 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2023 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. This is signaling a downward trend, as 10.4 percent had elevated levels in 2018 when LeadSafeCNY was initially launched. Over the past six years, Community Foundation funding has largely been focused on Syracuse city census tracts where lead poisoning rates are higher and residents report poor housing conditions. Census Tract 54, which is located in the Brighton neighborhood of Syracuse’s Southside, was one of the organization’s first target areas. In 2008, 26 percent of children living in that tract were testing with elevated lead levels in their blood. In 2023, that number dropped to 11 percent, indicating significant improvement. In addition to grant funding, the Community Foundation has led the charge in forming collaborations between entities and individuals working toward the same goal. The LeadSafeCNY Coalition, a collaboration of stakeholders from healthcare, housing, education, philanthropy and government sectors as well as affected residents, was formed in September, 2022. Recently, the coalition hired its first director – LaToya Jones. Subcommittees meet regularly to maintain dialogue and identify solutions on topics such as increasing community knowledge, testing and workforce development. “The energy of passionate and knowledgeable community organizations, public officials and residents around the issue of lead poisoning is what is making a true difference in Syracuse,” said Darrell Buckingham, program officer at the Community Foundation. “We are optimistic that with the help of this collective effort, we can put an end to lead poisoning in Syracuse.” The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide. Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit leadsafecny.org.

City Scuffle Events News

Syracuse Residents Host National Day of Action Honoring Rep. John Lewis, Call on Congress to Protect Freedom to Vote

by Urban CNY News
July 16, 2024

Residents will urge Congress to Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, The Freedom To Vote Act, Native American Voting Rights Act, and Washington D.C. Admission Act and Realize John Lewis’ Vision for Democracy Syracuse, NY— This week, Syracuse residents are hosting a John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action event on the four-year mark of the passing of Rep. John Lewis, joining more than 85 events nationwide celebrating his extraordinary legacy. During the event, they will call on Congress to pass critical legislation to protect the freedom to vote, end gerrymandering, and get money out of politics to realize Rep. Lewis’ vision for a democracy that works for all of us. To do this, residents are urging Congress to pass a suite of democracy reform bills, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, The Freedom To Vote Act, Native American Voting Rights Act and Washington D.C. Admission Act. John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action, Speakers will include County Legislator Nodesia Hernandez and representatives from the League of Women Voters, CNY Solidarity Coalition, Public Citizen, and State Senator Rachel May’s office. John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action11 AM-12 PM, Wednesday, July 17, 2024James M. Hanley Federal Building,100 S Clinton St Syracuse, NY 13261 Banners and placards with images of John Lewis This event is being hosted by Syracuse residents in partnership the Declaration for American Democracy, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Black Voters Matter Fund, League of Women Voters, Transformative Justice Coalition, Public Citizen and dozens of other organizations as part of the John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action. Photo Credit: Selma Al/WXIA

Cover Stories

100 Black Men of Syracuse and Syracuse Stage Present ‘Citizen James, or The Young Man Without A Country’ By Kyle Bass

by Urban CNY News
July 16, 2024

A live world premiere production for the Centennial Celebration of James Baldwin commissioned by Syracuse Stage Syracuse, New York — Syracuse Stage, in partnership with 100 Black Men of Syracuse, announced that the company’s 24/25 season will officially begin with “Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country” – a powerful and illuminating live world premiere production from resident playwright Kyle Bass on Aug. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Archbold Theatre, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Directed by Joann Maria Yarrow, the live world premiere of “Citizen James” will be presented as a two-night-only free celebration beginning on Aug. 2 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Baldwin’s birth—coincidentally, it is also the birthday of actor James Alton, who portrays Baldwin in the play. Originally incubated as part of the Stage’s Backstory program and presented as a streaming-only event in the 2020/2021 season, this one-man show about a young James Baldwin follows the Paris-bound aspiring author and activist as he is seeking refuge from the racist violence of America in the 1940s, on his way to becoming a towering literary figure and a still-relevant voice of the Civil Rights movement. “In his novels, essays, stage plays, speeches and interviews, James Baldwin was and remains a singular observer and chronicler not only of the Black American experience but of the American experience–a nation in conflict with itself,” said Bass. “Long one of my literary heroes, in ‘Citizen James’ I was interested in creating a portrait of Baldwin as a young, gifted, Black and unknown artist already possessed of the deep feeling, trenchant intellect, urgent concern and piercing insight that would become the hallmarks of his writing, his social activism and his international persona.” “100 Black Men of Syracuse is thrilled to grow its partnership with Syracuse Stage this summer in celebrating James Baldwin’s Centennial,” added Claude Greene, president, 100 Black Men of Syracuse. “We are grateful to CNY Arts and to New York State for providing the funding that allows us to further our mission to rebuild a sense of community in our backyards, and it is a privilege work alongside Kyle Bass as he shares Baldwin’s still-relevant genius with Syracuse.” “Kyle Bass’ text is a brilliant homage to the genius of James Baldwin, his conflicts and struggles as an artist, and how they reflect our own contemporary times,” said Yarrow, who also serves as the Syracuse Stage director of community engagement. “It is uncompromising, inspiring and a celebration of 100 years of creative activism and social change.” Syracuse Stage will also host a pre-show event on Aug. 2 beginning at 6 p.m. to celebrate Baldwin’s indelible contribution to American culture. Featuring a showcase of books, fashion, records and art from community partners 100 Black Men of Syracuse, Black Citizens Brigade, Black Cub Productions, Community Folk Art Center and Syracuse University Libraries, the event will be catered by Our Vegan Corner and Hope Café with music by DJ Bella J from One the One DJ Center in Syracuse. The Friday, Aug. 2 performance will conclude with a post-show panel discussion, featuring playwright Kyle Bass; Joan Bryant, Associate Professor of African American Studies at Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences; and Cjala Surratt, owner of Black Citizens Brigade. The panel will be moderated by Community Folk Art Center executive director Tanisha Jackson. The Saturday, Aug. 3 performance will also feature a post-show talkback with Bass, Alton and Yarrow. “Citizen James” is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts. The Friday, Aug. 2 performance for “Citizen James” is sold-out. Tickets for the Saturday, Aug. 3 performance can be purchased by visiting SyracuseStage.org/CitizenJames and following the ticketing link. “Citizen James, or the Young Man Without a Country”By Kyle BassDirected by Joann Maria YarrowPerformed by James AltonA two-night-only free live world premiere produced in partnership with 100 Black Men of SyracuseAug. 2 and Aug. 3, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Young James is an unknown aspiring “Negro” writer whose first novel has yet to be published. He awaits his flight, having just left his family with the news of his decision to flee America for refuge in Paris. He speaks no French. He has a one-way ticket and $40 in his pocket. Witness James Baldwin as he decides he must do something to save himself from the violent reality of racist America in 1948, a decision that sets him on the path to becoming a brilliant, powerful and prophetic voice of the Civil Rights era and beyond. More than a one-man show, “Citizen James” is a bridge that connects the past to our now. Kyle Bass is the author of “Toliver & Wakeman,” which premiered at Franklin Stage Company, “Tender Rain,” which premiered at Syracuse Stage, “Salt City Blues,” which received its first production at Syracuse Stage, and “Possessing Harriet,” published by Standing Stone Books, which premiered at Syracuse Stage, and has been produced at Franklin Stage Company, East Lynne Theater Company, and HartBeat Ensemble. “Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country,” about a young James Baldwin, streamed nationally and has been optioned for a feature-length film and was recently presented at Brown University. With National Medal of Honor recipient Ping Chong, Kyle is the co-author of “Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo,” which premiered at Syracuse Stage and was produced at La MaMa Experimental Theatre in New York City. Kyle is the co-author of the original screenplay for the film “Day of Days” (Broad Green Pictures, 2017) and is a three-time recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship (for fiction in 1998, for playwriting in 2010, and for screenwriting in 2022), a finalist for the Princess Grace Playwriting Award, and a Pushcart Prize nominee. An Assistant Professor of Theater at Colgate University and Resident Playwright at

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