Summer Youth Programs

Alyssa leads youth in a crafting activity at the Northside Community Police Center.

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the blog, but I have been taking part in the volunteer scene at the Police Center for many years now. Many of you may have seen me working around the Center or volunteering at one of the many events my father puts on.

For the readers who do not know me, my name is Alyssa Clarke. Those who read the post back on July 15 (or who notice the last name), may know that I am one of Officer Clarke's daughters. I graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College this past May, and I plan on attending Cortland College for my Master's in Spanish Education.

In the meantime, I am helping my father at the Northside Community Police Center. I am running the Breakfast and Lunch Program for youth 18 and under (for the second year in a row), and working on getting a kids summer program going this year.

In hopes of getting kids interested in reading, I have organized a time for them to come in to the Police Center to read books, do crafts, and play games. Our first day was July 22, so the program is very new. Volunteer support and craft donations would be much appreciated while it's still getting on its feet.

If you know any kids in the area between the ages of 7 and 13, they are welcome to join us. The program runs through August 21 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning at 2pm.

We are located at 255 Wolf Street, on the corner of Park.

I hope to see some new faces at the Northside!

Your newest blogger,

Alyssa

Betts Library: A Good Bet

"Bright Red Tulip", originally uploaded by twg1942.

My recent post on Syracuse Libraries and WiFi Hotspots inspired an outing in search of the same, and open on a Sunday afternoon. Betts was the place.

A Pennsylvania bluestone patio with red tulips in bloom greets patrons entering the building from the rear parking lot. Nearby, a bench whispers an invitation to remain in the cozy courtyard and enjoy the garden awhile. This south side entrance at the intersection of the building's two wings appears to welcome patrons with open arms.

Just inside the doors, a cluster of upholstered '60's style arm chairs invites visitors to read one of the newspapers or magazine arranged neatly on racks. Straight ahead is one of three library staff persons ready to assist. Along the way are several carousels of DVD’s that cater to the typical library patron of today.

Built in 1963, Betts Library is a contemporary looking brick building with a floor plan that resembles a “T” with a tilted top. It was designed by Helen Gillespie Kotz, a Syracuse architect and partner in the firm, Gillespie and Granger, to replace the original structure built in 1949. During her career, Gillespie designed several other libraries in Syracuse and Central New York.

Inside, Betts resembles a modern lodge with high ceilings and exposed teak wood beams that wear a cedar stain. Walls of bluestone, natural materials and period furniture in solid beech evoke a Frank Lloyd Wright feeling. At either side of the “T” horizontal line, a pair of sleek stained glass transom windows add visual interest. The top portion of the eastern wall is trimmed in flagstone, with built-in bookshelves beneath. The lighting is excellent, thanks to a wall of picture windows that face the patio, and transoms that line the north side of the “T”. A fabulous Pennsylvania bluestone fireplace built into the southwest corner wall makes quite a statement.

The library was named after Frederick W. Betts, the first Trustee of the Library, whose framed photo hangs on the wall just inside the door. There is a plaque out front, but it could not be easily located among the plantings. No further historical information was available there. The Syracuse Newspapers and other sources indicate that Betts was the Chief Editorial writer for the Syracuse Herald and a minister of First Universalist Church who was active in the community. Well after Betts passed away, his wife gifted $10,000 to the library that bears his name. The interest still provides funds that help sustain it.

Betts is a great place to bring children. In front of the fireplace, a reading and learning area is designated just for them. Upholstered seating provides parents and kids with a comfortable place to read together. They can choose from an abundant selection of children’s books that are well organized and labeled on the rows and walls of cases and shelves. Several small round tables with pint sized chairs are arranged nearby, as well as a hub of four computer workstations reserved for children's use.

At least a dozen, newer technology Dell workstations with flat screen monitors are available. A staffer informed a patrons of their one hour limited use. Most of the desktop units are wisely arranged in the more shaded areas of the room, minimizing screen glare. Several workstations are labeled "15 minute express" for email or any other use people may have while on the run. These are dotted around the room. There is no contention for the computers today however, a steady stream of people has come in to use them. It's probably a different story after school.

Wireless internet access is available, and at least half of the six or seven tables of four have outlets beneath them, but they're difficult to see at first as they blend in with the carpeting. Grouping more tables near the large picture windows would allow visitors to take advantage of the natural light while enjoying an occasional glance of the patio garden. It’s a nice spot for people watching as well. On warm days, seating outdoors would be a plus.

The small number of tables available invites sharing during busy periods, which seems easily done in this comfortable space among neighborly people of all ages who came in and out to use the computers, drop off or check out books, or hang out and read for a while. One person came to receive computer instruction.

Several events are advertised in the Betts newsletter. This month they include “Buying A Digital Camera?”, a Book Discussion Group, Family Movie Night and others. "Betts Beta Fish Story Time" takes place on Thursday mornings for children 2 – 5 accompanied by a caregiver.

Although cars move quickly along the busy intersection nearby, the Valley feels very much like a solid city neighborhood, especially at the library. Nearby homes, schools, playgrounds and churches are visible from the windows. Clearly, Betts served as a hub for many families who lived in the neighborhood during the baby boom and the decades that followed.

Perhaps the neighborhood feel is nowhere better depicted than in the quilting tradition that began years ago. According to the staff, the quilting thing began with one of the librarians who regularly brought in quilts for display. Appreciation for works of art has a legacy at Betts.

Elizabeth Girard was head librarian from 1949 to 1964. She came to Betts after working at the main branch of the former Syracuse Public Library located in the old Carnegie Library building on Montgomery Street. Ms. Gerard held a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University. Carnegie's combination library and museum provided opportunities for her to continue learning through the resources available and regular series of lunchtime lectures. Perhaps it was her enthusiasm for culture and community that had an influence on the redesign of the library so that it would include a place for lectures and exhibits. In any case, the display of handmade quilts grew into an annual event that takes place in Betts' adjoining auditorium.

This appreciation for quilting inspired the creation of the "Betts Library Quilt", a project initiated by Margaret Loomis. After quilting one square, she challenged other patrons to complete the work. It spawned a laissez-faire group of quilters to unite in 1985 in order to finish the quilt. One participant is the descendant of a Valley family with a long history: The Webster’s. Quilting became a thing for children too, as small displays of their paper and fabric quilts decorate one of the staff’s desks.

Betts is located at 4862 South Salina Street, just south of Seneca Turnpike (173). Support Betts next week as they hold their annual Book Sale.

For hours and other information, visit the Onondaga County Public Library web page on Betts Library.

Do you have any childhood memories of Betts or another library? Tell us about them in the comments.

Reducing Screen Time

"forsythia evening", originally uploaded by placeinsun.

When was the last time you took an evening walk with someone?

If you've done so recently, you've noticed how rapidly the outdoor scenery is changing. Aside from watching the spring buds evolve into blossoms, the sunsets have been spectacular. This photographer managed to capture both.

This week, some people are making efforts to reduce or eliminate all forms of screen time. "TV Turnoff Week" is part of a larger effort aimed at reducing the amount of time children and families spend in front of any screen.

Whether it's a TV, computer, cell phone, game, etc., screens are in our faces almost constantly. Activities involving screens, when taken to excess, are linked to serious health and learning problems in children.

Furthermore, interacting with screens tends to isolate people from one another. When not managed, these activities can reduce quality communication that is essential to building and strengthening relationships and, in some cases, also compromise trust.

Try turning off these devices in favor of family meals and other group activities, physical exercise, reading, walking the dog, experiencing nature or just enjoying the company of another person. We promise to have something interesting for you to read when you return.

TV Turnoff Week: Now What?

"Wanna play?", originally uploaded by Patrick Q.

If you've decided to participate in "TV Turnoff Week", there are lots of alternative activities for kids.

Board games are always a good option because they provide an opportunity to learn while interacting with others. Select carefully, and you'll find a game that's a great learning tool for the kids while providing an opportunity to engage with them.

Getting a good brain workout is possible with some board games. Studies show that exercising your gray matter through mentally stimulating activities can ward off dementia, so join in.

If you're bored with the familiar boards, check this source.

Looking for a great game that is a lot of fun for a mixed group of tweens, teens and adults? Try Apples to Apples. It provides a unique way to open communication with kids that have hit the separation phase, and is a real crowd pleaser at family gatherings.

Skeptical about turning off the tube? Here are some reasons to give it a try.

New or gently used board games are sometimes available through donations to the Police Center Thrift Store. Stop by or give us a call at (315)471-3257.

Syracuse Libraries and WiFi Hotspots

"CBR001041", originally uploaded by mrcapnfatpants.

Question: What's read and White and hot all over?

Answer: The White Branch library on Butternut Street.

It's the place to be this week if you've got kids who are off from school. On Sunday, "National Library Week" begins, with events for children and adults taking place at Onondaga County Library locations across the city.

On the North side, the White Branch at 763 Butternut Street offers extended hours and WiFi. They're open M/Tu/F 9am-5pm, W/Th 8:30am-8:30pm. On Saturdays, White is open 9am-5pm. In addition, the Northeast Community Center Library is located at 716 Hawley Avenue. Hours are: M/Tu/F 9am-5pm, W/Th 10am-5:30pm. There are no weekend hours.

On weekdays, you can always stop in to the Northside Community Police Center. We have a supply of books, internet access and WiFi available. The coffee is always on, and we'll make a fresh pot just for you. We usually have snacks and beverages that kids like, too.

On Weekends, many other library branches are open on Saturday. Two city branches are open on Sunday from 9am-5pm: Betts, 4862 S. Salina Street, and Soule, 101 Springfield Road.

Suburban libraries open Sunday 1-5pm include:
Baldwinsville, DeWitt, Fayetteville, Manlius and Solvay. Liverpool is open 12-5pm and Marcellus is open 2-4pm.

Some libraries have either extended or shortened hours in the summer. Be sure to check before heading out.

The availability and type of technology varies in the different branch locations.

If you have a library card, you can access the library's resources online. Designate a library as your pickup location and anything you check out will be sent there. You can choose to be called or emailed when your item comes in.

There are WiFi hotspots all over the area, and many are free.

Courage: Alferd Williams Lives a Dream

"A Rainbow, bursting though....", originally uploaded by Right Eye.

Alferd Williams kept his word.

At the age of 70, he's fulfilling a promise that he made to his mother years ago: He is learning to read.

There's more to the soundbites about the humble man who sits in classroom of first graders on a stool that is meant for someone a quarter of his size. Alferd has faced unusual circumstances, the kind that would make most people shy away from such an idea.

But he's not like most people. He seems neither concerned with what people think, nor interested in the fame and recognition he's received. He's simply focused on fulfilling a promise, motivated by a deep, lifelong need within to learn and grow. So when Alferd saw that the possibility to realize his dream was within reach, he pursued it.

Still, it wasn't easy. Alferd had to overcome obstacles that mounted over the years. After Alferd's father died, his mother needed him to work in the fields of their family farm, harvesting cotton, in order to help feed his eleven siblings. He had to forego a formal education, but always wanted to learn to read. Over the years, there had been other times when Alferd reached out for someone to help him, but he was unsuccessful. He needed someone who wouldn't make him feel stupid, foolish or inferior.

As he kept walking to and from school with the children in his care, Alferd noticed how their teacher spoke to them. He wondered whether she would be willing to teach him. But the history of failure and confronting obstacles had taken their toll.

It took a long period of observation before he got the courage to seek her out. "In two years, I never heard her treat a kid bad,” Williams said. “I thought, ‘This is a person who could teach me to read.”

When Alferd finally asked, he didn't receive an immediate "yes". But the very next day, she agreed. By volunteering in a first grade classroom, Alferd has become a servant-leader, teaching the children lessons as he learns with them.

The kids show enthusiasm and gratitude that Alferd is with them. The teacher says he's a role model, whose presence is an inspiration. She notes that he "has a never ending smile", adding, “Alferd has totally changed the way I think about teaching school.”