Uno Chicago Grill Fireman's Dough Raiser

Shana, Renee and I went to UNO Chicago Grill for lunch today. Not only did we have a great meal, we also supported The Retired Fire Fighters Cancer Fund. 

UNO will donate up to 20% of your check to the fund. So, if you have not already made it part of your plan for tonight, please do so. You have till 9PM tonight to eat, drink and have up to 20% of you bill go towards a good cause. 

I have a Neighborhood Watch Meeting tonight at 7PM as soon as I am done I will be dropping in to the UNO at the Carousel Mall to blow the suds off one. Come on over and introduce yourself and I will buy you one (after all it goes to a good cause). 

Hope to see you there. Make sure to inform your server your want to participate in the fund raiser. I will bring extra coupons with me in case you need one.

Officer Clarke

Free Ballgame Tickets, Smoke Detectors

Fire Prevention Tips Using Smoke Detectors

In recent months, neighbors on the North Side have experienced the tragic consequences of house fires. Some of these fires occurred in structures where smoke detectors were not present, not working or not located where they could make a difference in saving lives.

Almost a year ago, three people died in a multi-story home on Carbon Street. Only one working smoke detector was found by fire investigators, located on the first floor. Two children who died were recovered from a second floor bedroom. A woman was unable to escape a third-floor attic.

Approximately half of all fire deaths that occur in homes could be prevented if working smoke alarms were present, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

The primary reason why alarms are not working is that the devices installed are not operational. In fact, 1 out of every 5 homes that has smoke detectors installed lacks a single, working alarm. This is typically due to one or more of these factors:

• The Big Disconnect: People sometimes disconnect their alarms because they present a nuisance. They're either activated by steam or vapors from cooking or bathing, or they chirp constantly because the batteries need replacing.
  
  
• It Doesn't Work: Smoke Detectors need to be tested regularly. Although the batteries may be fresh, the unit may not work. Old units fail or give off false alarms. The older the unit is, the higher the odds are that it will not work.
  

Solutions to these problems are simple:

• Relocate alarms that are too close to cooking and bathing areas.
  


• Replace batteries and units on a regular schedule.
  
• Batteries: Whether they're dead or not, install new batteries twice a year. It's recommended that you do this when Daylight-Saving Time rolls around.
  
• Smoke Detectors: Check the back of the unit for a date clearly marked. Anything more than ten years old, or in bad shape, including units that have been painted, should be replaced. If your unit doesn't have a date on the back, it's old. Get rid of it.
  


• Regularly test your smoke detector on the same schedule.
  
• Press the button and see if it works.
  
• Don't gamble with old devices. Replace them.

As part of their ongoing fire prevention efforts, firefighters from the Syracuse Fire Fighters Association will be distributing FREE SMOKE DETECTORS tomorrow night at Alliance Bank Stadium before the Syracuse Chiefs take on Scranton-Wilkes-Barre at 7:00pm.

Members of the Syracuse Fire Fighters Association have also donated a supply of FREE TICKETS for the game. Please stop in and pick some up. Smoke detectors can be costly for many families. This is a great opportunity to have a night out with the kids, while doing something to keep them safe.

Be sure to arrive early to receive these free items. They'll be available while supplies last.

If you aren't able to pick up a free unit, please take the time to test the units in your home or apartment. Encourage your neighbors to do the same, or give them a hand. Let's do what we can to prevent another tragedy.

For more fire prevention tips, visit the NFPA website or contact Fire Prevention in the Syracuse Fire Department, (315)473-5525.

Eclectic Melders

"Vulcan Mind Meld" originally uploaded by Tai High.

Dick Case melded with us yesterday on the graffiti art discussion by telling the story of artist Juan Cruz and his West-side murals that come together with the help of children, teachers and funders. Cruz's current restoration project was privately commissioned by a local businessman and investor.

This photo journal of a local artist's mural painting project on Syracuse's East-side is also notable. It depicts the abolitionist Reverend Jermain Loguen, and is located a few blocks from the site of the home he lived in. The mural is painted on the side of the building that houses Richmark Carpet and Linoleum, a locally owned business.

The original Loguen home, located where a Rite Aid chain store now stands, has been called one of the most important sites on the Underground Railroad because of Loguen's impact. The artist, London Ladd, involved youth and other adults in completing his project.

These murals are distinguished from works of graffiti art that are not commissioned, and exist on public or privately owned structures without permission of the owners.

Fireworks

7/4 (Fireworks) '08, originally uploaded by a Dan of action.

If you missed any of the area fireworks displays that have taken place so far, check this guide for additional opportunities to see fireworks this weekend.

Stop and Smell the Roses

"La Donna e Mobile" * originally uploaded by northsidebloggr

It's June in the Northeast, and that means the roses are in bloom.

Before they're past peak, don't miss the opportunity to take in their fragrance and beauty.

Recently, I captured this lovely pink variety called"Prima Donna", blooming in the E. M. Mills Rose Garden at Thornden Park.

Being able to enjoy experiences like these makes me appreciate the many things this area has to offer. When I hear people complain about life here, I wonder whether they ever change up their routine a bit, or a lot, to make life interesting. This gorgeous rose garden is just the ticket. It's a great way to break up the monotony and appreciate one of the jewels of our city.

The Syracuse Rose Society lovingly maintains these lush grounds located near the peak of University Hill, where climbers, hybrids, teas and other varieties grow. There is a gazebo, trellises, and benches dotted around the circular garden, where every variety of rose is named and labeled. And, unlike most of the blooms available from retailers, many of these beauties are actually fragrant.

Between the smells, colors and variety of roses and the people watching, the sensory experience will draw you in and make you want to stay for a while.

Be captivated today from 12:30 - 2:30pm when you can enjoy "Rose Day". There will be tours of the garden, music, refreshments and even a hat contest.

If you're in town and can break away, have a little fun with this. Embellish your cap with something unusual. Fly solo, find a friend, or take some kids. Don your lids, grab the brown bags and head up to The Hill for a colorful lunch break. Who says it can't be a funky hat contest?

If you can't visit the park today or dislike crowds, choose another time. Just get there soon. You can still wear your mad cap. You'll just be part of the scenery that day.

After you go, be sure to leave us a comment about your experience. Email us a pic and we'll post it here. Have fun!