COMMUNITY UPDATES
Welcome to Downtown: The Classic Bop Hat Boutique

This Saturday, The Classic Bop Hat Boutique is holding a grand opening celebration! The store, located at 207 East Jefferson Street (map), carries a variety of hats designed to suit all styles, fashion tastes and genders. The new boutique officially opens Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 pm.

Store hours for next week are 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Take Onondaga County's Community Health Survey

What do you think about the health of our community? The Onondaga County Health Department is conducting a Community Health Assessment and would appreciate your input. The survey will be used to better understand our community's needs and your responses will help inform the County's Community Health Improvement Plan. The survey is available in English and Spanish, and should take less than 15 minutes to complete. The deadline to submit a response is Friday, May 13. All survey participants are eligible to be entered to win one of five $50 gift cards. Please note that the survey is only open to Onondaga County residents.

Transformation Continues at City Center

If you've driven or walked down South Salina Street recently, you may have noticed significant changes happening at City Center, the former Sibley's Department Store. A $37 million transformation of the space is underway at the corner of S. Salina and W. Jefferson Streets. Commercial space, office space and 24 apartments are planned. So far, crews have removed the concrete pink façade and will soon begin to cut out a portion of the building to create a new courtyard and main entrance on Jefferson Street. Later this year, contractors will renovate the attached parking garage. The building will serve as the new home for Hayner Hoyt Corporation and Alion Science and Technology Corporation. The Redhouse Arts Center will remain as the first-floor tenant. There will also be a fitness center and an outdoor community balcony. Construction is expected to be complete early in 2023.

210 Teas and All Things Plush Finalists in WISE Women's Retail Pitch Competition

Two women-owned businesses in Downtown Syracuse are finalists in the WISE Women's Business Center's Retail Pitch Competition. Congratulations to 210 Teas and All Things Plush! The businesses join six other finalists to compete to win award money to support business goals. 210 Teas, a café located at 108 E. Washington Street (map), is owned and operated by Kahssia Hills, and is open on Saturday and Sunday. All Things Plush, a embroidery business, is located at 203 E. Jefferson Street (map), is owned and operated by Ciarah Richardson, who got her start after creating face masks at the beginning of the pandemic. More than 20 businesses applied to be part of the competition.

Recognizing Excellence: Call for Nominations

If you know someone (or a group of individuals) who has been active in making positive change happen in our Downtown community, we'd love to hear from you! We would like to celebrate their important contributions at our Annual Meeting with our Downtown Awards of Excellence.

Individuals/Organizations will be recognized in the following categories:

The Urban Innovation Award is given to an individual or organization for successful, trailblazing activities in a previously underdeveloped area or facet of Downtown.

The Perfect Partner Award is given for advocacy and commitment that positively impacts Downtown.

And, the Heart of Downtown Award is granted for efforts that positively affect how people feel about Downtown Syracuse. The award recipient is someone (or an organization) who actively contributes to the growth, vitality and overall appeal of Downtown.

To submit a nomination, please send an email to mail@DowntownSyracuse.com. Tell us why the individual, group, or organization you have in mind is deserving of the award. Please put "Awards of Excellence" in the subject line. Nominations are due Friday, May 13.

The Downtown Committee Annual Meeting - where award winners will be recognized - is Thursday, June 23, in-person at The Oncenter at noon.

Requests for Proposals: New Mural at The Salt City Market

Are you an artist, or do you know of an artist that would be interested in designing and creating a mural that hundreds of people will see daily? The Syracuse Urban Partnership, which owns and operates the Salt City Market, is requesting proposals for a mural design for the outdoor dining space. The mural will be located on the south wall of the Whitlock Building facing a courtyard. The area for the mural measures 34 feet tall by 110 feet wide, and artists are encouraged to create a variety of different concepts as part of their submission. The existing painted heart - which has been in place for more than 30 years - must be incorporated into the new mural. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, June 3 at 5:00 pm.

Syracuse Festival Fund: Round 2 Applications Due May 21

The Downtown Syracuse Foundation continues to accept applications for Round 2 of the Syracuse Festivals Fund, which was established to provide grant support for festivals and events that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Applications may be downloaded at the link provided below. To be considered for Round 2 of funding, applications are due by 11:59 pm Saturday, May 21. Funding is intended for festivals and events that will be held from May 2022 through May 2023. Applications will be reviewed based on a variety of factors, including how the festival or event is likely to attract visitors/tourists, especially to distressed neighborhoods or commercial business corridors that were economically disadvantaged during the pandemic. Applications may be submitted for grant amounts between $3,000 and $20,000. Each event organizer is encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible to be considered for funding support. Eligibility requirements and additional details are provided at the link below.

Now Hiring: Flower Basket Waterers

Are you - or someone you know - looking for a full-time summer job? The Downtown Committee is searching for three (3) individuals to serve as flower basket “waterers” as part of our seasonal staff. The waterers' primary responsibility is watering the hanging flower baskets and other planted areas. They may be asked to help out with additional program activities as schedules allow. Waterers work 35 hours/week in the downtown district and drive tractors with water tanks behind them. Individuals must have a valid drivers license and be able to stand, walk, and lift (a watering wand) for extended time periods. The work begins on/about Wednesday, May 25. Ideally, waterers would be able to work up to around Labor Day in early September. If you know someone who may be interested in this position, please contact Rob Travers, Director of Operations, at rtravers@downtownsyracuse.com.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK:
Thinking about moving your office downtown? The 3,000 SF space at 580 S. Salina Street (map) includes up to 15 office spaces and is fully furnished and move-in ready! There is free on-site parking for your staff and clients, easily accessible from the rear Clinton St. entrance. Built in 1925, the property is situated in the middle of major downtown investments – it’s directly across from the Centro Transit Hub, the Central Tech High School (slated for a $74 Million STEAM school renovation), and just one block from the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and the Salt City Market.

580 S. Salina St. is also located within the Southwest Gateway District, where New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative will seed $10 million to leverage new investment.

Leasing Contact: Thomas Kamide
Phone: (315) 214-7825
Office SF: 3,000 SF
Asking Rent: $12/SF/Year
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Meet & Greet with Eden Fresh Network
at a mano kitchen & bar
Thursday, May 5, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Are you interested in learning more about the Eden Fresh Network and its community-driven effort to bring a hybrid food hub to the Syracuse area? Attend a meet and greet, enjoy complimentary cuisine and discover ways that you can get involved.

PS: The first 25 guests will receive a complimentary drink to enjoy during the event as well.

Cost: Free | Registration Required
The Everson Behind the Artist Film Series
at The Everson Museum of Art
Thursday, May 5, 6:00 pm

This Thursday, the Everson Museum of Art's Behind the Artist film series continues with The Man Who Saw Too Much. Trisha Ziff's film follows Enrique Metinides, who began taking pictures of accidents in his neighborhood when he was nine years old. Local tabloids published his images, and, thus began a decades-long career as a crime photographer. Ziff's film explores the human fascination with the macabre and death.

Cost: Free for Members | Regular Museum Admission for Non-Members
Food Truck & Music Fridays
at The Everson Community Plaza
Friday, May 6, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Food Truck Fridays return to The Everson Community Plaza in three days! Every Friday through August, visitors can enjoy food truck fare for lunch and explore public art. New this year, local musicians will perform from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Click here to see which food trucks will serve up lunch this week.

Cost: Varies
Author Reading Series: E. C. Osondu (virtual)
via CNY YMCA Downtown Writers Center
Friday, May 6, 7:00 pm

The Downtown Writers Center's Author Reading Series continues this Friday with award-winning author E.C. Osondu. Osondu wrote Alien Stories, Voice of America and This House is Not For Sale. His work has appeared in many publications including The Atlantic, New Statesman, and Kenyon Review.

Cost: Free | Registration Required
Syracuse Crunch Play-off Games
at The Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial
Friday, May 6, 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 7, 7:00 pm

Congratulations to The Syracuse Crunch, who is advancing to the North Division Semifinals in the race for the 2022 Calder Cup. The first two games of the best of five series will be played at home this weekend. On Friday, The Crunch will face off against Laval Rocket on Friday. The second game will take place on Saturday. After Saturday, both teams travel to the Laval Rocket's home ice in Quebec. If game five is necessary, it will be played at The War Memorial.

PS: Scroll down to the #DealAlert! section to find out how to save on your tickets to the home games.

Cost: $22+ (Fridays Game) | $24+ (Saturdays Game)
RetroGameCon Junior
at The MOST
Saturday, May 7, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Are you ready for a day of games, contests, craft vendors, raffles, and museum exploration? RetroGameCon and The Museum of Science and Technology (The MOST) have partnered to present RetroGameCon Junior this weekend. Attendees will enjoy playing video games, computer games, trivia contests and more. The event is rated 'E for Everyone,' welcoming to all ages.

Cost: Free with Museum Admission
15th Annual Crawfish Festival
at Clinton Square
Saturday, May 7, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

The Annual Crawfish Festival returns to Clinton Square this weekend and promises to deliver a fun-filled day. Featuring more than 50 vendors and nearly 20 food stands, guests will enjoy crawfish-inspired recipes, live music, crafts and a Kids Zone with carnival games!

To prepare for the festival, the following streets will close to vehicular traffic on Friday, May 6:

Starting at 6:30 am:
  • W. Water Street between Clinton and Salina Streets

Starting at 12:00 pm:
  • Erie Blvd W. between Clinton and Franklin Streets
  • Clinton Street between Genesee and Washington Streets

All streets will re-open Sunday morning, May 8.

Please note, West Water Street (between Clinton and Franklin Streets) will become a two-way starting at 12:00 pm, Friday May 6. 

Cost: Free to attend | Refreshments available for an additional cost
15 Prints on the Erie Canal Reception
at The Erie Canal Museum
Saturday, May 7, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The American Printing History Association (APHA) Upstate New York Chapter is commemorating the history of The Erie Canal - and printing history throughout New York State - with a reception this Saturday. The APHA chapter will unveil a collection of prints, ephemera and booklets highlighting the canal. The collection was printed using presses, types, and methods used in the 19th century. The collection's name is a nod to a beloved canal song, 15 Miles on The Erie Canal. The prints draw inspiration from history, songs, folklore and more. Guests can view the collection alongside live printing demonstrations, conversation and light refreshments.

PS: If you are interested in pre-ordering a set of prints, they will be available for $150 ($100 for APHA Members) during the event.

Cost: Free to attend
Water-Marbling: Silk Scarf
at The Everson Museum of Art
Saturday, May 7, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

This Saturday, registered attendees will learn about water marbling, an ancient Japanese art form technique, and create a silk piece to take home. Julie Ehrentraut of Mizu Marbling Art will show attendees how to choose colors to design and paint a silk scarf masterpiece. Not a fan of scarves? Attendees can transform their silk piece into a hatband, belt, window sash, a table runner, or even a piece of wall art!

Cost: $46 Members | $58 Non-Members
Syracuse Margarita & Mimosa Fest
Throughout Downtown Syracuse
Saturday, May 7, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Do you have plans for Cinco de Mayo? The Syracuse Margarita & Mimosa Fest pledges to serve up glasses of fun this weekend. Ticket holders will enjoy special discounts on drinks at five different bars. On the day of the event, attendees must check-in at Kasai between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm before visiting the other participating establishments. So far, more than 800 tickets have been sold!

Cost: $19.99+
A Grand Finale
at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater
Saturday, May 7, 7:30 pm

This Saturday, Sari Gruber, a soprano singer, will join Symphoria on stage at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater. Audiences will enjoy hearing Esmail's Black Iris #metoo, Strauss' Four Last Songs, TrV 296 and Copland's Symphony No. 3.

Cost: $20+
Managing Your Personal Brand Through Self-Promotion
via Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching
Saturday, May 7, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Are you struggling to balance being humble with effectively marketing yourself to advance your career and/or business? Michael Sgro, of Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching, will share tips and techniques to help you stand out for all the right reasons. The workshop is designed for job seekers, professionals pursuing a promotion, introverts and extroverts.

Cost: $45 for One | $75 for Two
City Market Returns
at The Everson Community Plaza
Sunday, May 8, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

City Market returns to The Everson Community Plaza this Sunday! Keeping with tradition, every second Sunday through October, vendors from across the region will fill the plaza with ceramics, vintage clothing, furniture, home décor, handmade crafts, antiques and more!

Cost: Varies
PLAN YOUR WEEK IN DOWNTOWN
This compilation of weekly reoccurring events includes food specials, trivia, live music, wellness opportunities and more!
MOTHER'S DAY SPECIALS AND EVENTS
Byblos is serving up $30 trays of Walnut or Cheese Baklava for Mother's Day! Call 315 - 478 - 3333 to reserve your tray and pick up time. 
Treat your mom - or a mom in your life - to a Cookie Board, Buttercream Sugar Cookie Tray, or a Cookies 'n Cream Cookie Cake from Cathy's Cookie Kitchen.

Treat your Mom to a special in-person shopping appointment at Ecodessa later this month during the May Mingle on Thursday, May 26. From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, attendees can enjoy locally made treats while browsing the wares.
Are you looking to reduce the stress of cooking for Mother's Day and treat the moms in your life to a fantastic breakfast buffet? Eleven Waters' signature Mother's Day Brunch features Carved Prime Rib, Smoked Salmon, a Shrimp Display, Breakfast Classics, a Dessert Station and more! Plus, Mom will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa! Click here for more information.
It's not too late to get a gift for Mother's Day! Epicuse offers a variety of food-inspired gifts.
Treat your mom to a massage from Hand in Health Massage Therapy for Mother's Day! Save $10 on Massage Gift Certificates with discount code MOMGC or $10 on an Aromatherapy Massage with the code MOMAROMAClick here to shop now.
Treat your mom to an experience with tickets to Dear Momma, a Mother's Day R&B Concert at The Landmark Theatre! The concert starts at 8:00 pm this Saturday and will feature performances from K. Michelle, Carl Thomas, VEDO and DJ Flagg.

Click here for more information
The Mother's Day Brunch at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown returns! Attendees can enjoy a variety of items including an Omelet Station, Brioche French Toast, Waffles, Smoked Salmon, Lobster Bisque and more. There are three opportunities for attendees to enjoy brunch: 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Click here for more information.
Shop Mixed Methods for a meaningful gift this Mother's Day. The shop features Ceramic Planters, Garden Decor, Jewelry, Soaps, and Lotions. Purchase online or in-store.
All mothers and grandmothers can visit The MOST for free this Sunday. The first 300 moms will receive a special gift. In addition, guests will learn about germination. Everyone may get free seedlings to bring home.

Click here for more information.
The Onondaga Historical Association's Gift Gallery has got you covered with unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for mother figures! To provide just a few suggestions, a wide array of handcrafted jewelry embedded with Syracuse History is sure to impress. If she is a fan of the popular OHA's Ghostwalk Series and other haunted history memorabilia, get her a Ghostwalk T-Shirt, a book, or tickets to the next tour. Click here to shop online or visit in-person.
Every gift certificate purchase from Painted Lady Studios earns a free gift while supplies last. Gift certificates can be purchased in person or online.
Show love with a box of custom chocolates from Sweet on Chocolate, filled with items just as sweet and unique as the special lady in your life. Whether you're a dog, cat, plant, or human mom, know that you are loved and can enjoy some chocolate!

Click here to order.
All moms will receive a complimentary beverage at The Tasting Room & Cheese Bar at Epicuse (with a food purchase) on Mother's Day.

The Tasting Room will be open from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm this Sunday.
LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK
Downtown Resident Hump Day Hoppy Hour
The Hops Spot
Wednesday, May 11, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Next Wednesday, Downtown residents are invited to join fellow neighbors for a resident hoppy hour at The Hops Spot. All who live in the 13202 zip code are welcome. Enjoy a complimentary beverage and get to know your neighbors. 

PS: Stick around after the hoppy hour for trivia night, which starts at 7:30 pm.

Cost: Free to attend
Champions of Syracuse Networking
at The Tasting Room & Cheese Bar at Epicuse
Thursday, May 12, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Do you love everything about Syracuse? Hey Alec Productions, LLC, the producers of the future arts and culture travel reality show, Off The Wall & Up Close, have partnered with Epicuse present a networking social. Attendees will enjoy wine and cheese samples and be treated to a sneak peek of the pilot episode. The series explores local artists and their talents, creative small businesses and hidden treasures found in up-and-coming destinations.

Cost: Free to attend
Exhibit Opening & Curator Talk: Infrastructure of Empire
at The Erie Canal Museum
Friday, May 13, 6:00 pm

The Erie Canal Museum is getting ready to introduce a new exhibit exploring how the Erie Canal was built, how it changed the physical and social layout of the region, and how it continues to influence where we live. Curator Hannah Lewis will lead a talk on the engineering marvel that became the Erie Canal. The new exhibit will be on display through October 31.

Cost: Free to attend
Front Line Human Services EQ Training
via Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching
Saturday, May 14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Next Saturday, Michael Sgro of Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching will host a free three-hour training on emotional intelligence designed for front-line human service professionals. Coach Sgro will share tips to enhance resilience and self-management skills. Attendees will walk away with critical skills for future success. To date, Coach Sgro has helped more than 1200 professionals improve their emotional intelligence.

Cost: Free
The Doo Wop Project
at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater
Saturday, May 14, 7:30 pm

Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if musicians like Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5 existed together in the Doo Wop era? The Doo Wop Project blends old-school musicality with a fresh take on the greatest songs in American rock and pop history. The concert is comprised of stars from Broadway hits, Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical. Tickets to the group's performance at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater are on sale now.

Cost: $20+
Shop Small Sundays
at The Salt City Market
Sunday, May 15, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Shop Small Sundays, a collaboration between Wildflowers Armory and Black Artist Collective, returns next week to The Salt City Market! Attendees can browse wares from more than 40 antique dealers, vintage curators, not-for-profit organizations and handmade artisan vendors. After browsing the pop-up art market, attendees may purchase a beverage or a meal from the food hall.

Cost: Free to attend | Refreshments available for an additional cost
Foodpoint: German Soft Pretzels
at The Salt City Market Testing Kitchen
Sunday, May 15, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Learn how to make traditional German pretzels and other fun shapes out of pretzel dough at the next cooking class as Teaching Kitchen Sundays continue. Under the instruction of Angela Voelk, guests will learn how to make the dough, form the pretzels into varying shapes, and bake before indulging. Voelk will share the recipes she grew up making in Poland and Germany.

Cost: $60
The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
at The Oncenter Carrier Theater
Monday, May 16, 7:30 pm

The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform at The Oncenter Carrier Theater in two weeks, and tickets are still available! The 18-member orchestra will perform their greatest hits, including In The Mood, A String Of Pearls, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Moonlight Serenade and more. The concert promises to deliver a classic big-band-style performance. The audience will feel like they've been transported back in time to the 1940s.

Cost: $50+
Each week, this newsletter presents a variety of arts and cultural events. Stay up to date with all of the happenings by clicking on the logos of the organizations represented above.
SAVE THE DATE
Downtown Tea Party Social: Sip, Snack and Mingle
at 210 Teas
Wednesday, May 18, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Unwind and relax with tea and gluten-free treats among new and familiar faces at a Downtown Tea Party Social later this month at 210 Teas. The Syracuse Eating Club has partnered with 210 Teas and Bliss Bakehouse to host a "sip, snack and mingle" after traditional work hours. Swing by for complimentary tea and confection samples.

Cost: Free
OHA's Medal Presentation Breakfast
at The Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center
Thursday, May 26, 8:00 am to 9:30 am

Tickets are on sale for The Onondaga Historical Association's (OHA) Medal Award Presentation, the highest honor that the OHA can bestow upon an individual for contributing to (and preserving) our heritage. Jeff and Susan Bastable, The University Neighborhood Preservation Association, and Kyle Bass will be recognized during the medal presentation breakfast.

Cost: $50+
Trolls Live!
at The Landmark Theatre
Saturday, May 28, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Sunday, May 29, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm

You have four opportunities to go on a hair-raising journey when Trolls comes to life on stage at The Landmark Theatre! The adventure begins when the Trolls' Hug Time is put at risk and can only be saved through a toe-tapping show. Guests can expect epic music, glitter, humor and happiness. Tickets start at $15. A VIP package includes opportunities to meet and greet Poppy and Branch.

Cost: $15+
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
at The Redhouse Arts Center
June 10 through June 19

Next month at The Redhouse Arts Center, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will take audiences on an adventure filled with mischief and jazz music. The musical is based on the 1988 hit film of the same name, and follows two con men who talk rich women out of their money. The Broadway production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels ran from 2005 - 2006, and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards.

Cost: $35+
DEAL ALERT!
Cheer on The Syracuse Crunch as the team competes for the Calder Cup with tickets for $21 when you use the promotional code, DOWNTOWN at checkout online. The Crunch faces off against the Laval Rocket this Friday and Saturday. The puck drops at 7:00 pm both nights.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
Two Downtown Syracuse restaurants - Anything But Beer and Talking Cursive Brewing Company - are among 20 area breweries collaborating to produce a limited edition ale. Proceeds from the sales of "Glory to Ukraine" will benefit humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

Ale 'n' Angus Pub's Holy Smokers Burger is in the running to hold the title of Best Burger in the state in the New York Beef Council's Best Burger Contest. Ale 'n' Angus will join three other restaurants for a final four cooking competition later this month. Ale 'n' Angus is the reigning champion - the pub has won the contest three times in the last four years.

Staff from Digital Hyve were among the 350 attendees at our recent Spring Progress Breakfast at SKY Armory. Thanks for sharing this picture in your recent newsletter and on social media.
CHALLENGE '22: UPDATES
Each week in this Twos-day newsletter, we’ll continue to highlight items from the Challenge ’22 Task List, and show off the progress that participants are making! Right now, 225 people are checking items off of their Task Lists, and it's not too late to join the fun!
Task #13: Downtown is “lit!” Take a picture of your favorite lighted building at night. You'll have plenty of opportunities this week! This month, several Downtown buildings will be lit in green to raise awareness about Lyme Disease and tick-borne diseases.
Noreen S. shared this image of the iconic Niagara Mowhawk Building - home to National Grid - in Downtown Syracuse, lit up in blue!
Challenge '22 is a fun and interactive contest designed to support local businesses and places in Downtown Syracuse. You'll receive helpful guides, a task list, and other items to get started when you sign up. As tasks are completed, you will receive puzzle pieces. The challenge runs throughout 2022. When you complete 22 tasks, you'll have enough puzzle pieces to complete a commemorative puzzle. Puzzles will feature images by Syracuse Poster Project artists. Sign up by emailing mail@DowntownSyracuse.com.
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