Community Calendar

In this eight-week series, students will learn the foundational skills for throwing pots on the wheel. They will learn centering, basic throwing techniques, trimming, glazing, and more to begin their journey with clay. While this class is geared toward beginners, students who have some introductory skills that they wish to expand on are welcome. Price includes 25 pounds of clay, access to the clay studio outside of class, and use of community tools and glazes.

In this six-session series, students will learn about the versatile drawing medium of charcoal. From its wide range of expressive possibilities to its intricate shading and texture potential, charcoal has a little bit for everyone. The class will focus on a wipe out technique working in a step-by-step process using layers to capture a full range of dynamic lighting in students’ artwork.

Join the Erie Canal Museum, New York Power Authority, and New York State Canal Corporation for a look at the monumental Jerry Rescue and how its history connects to the larger context of the abolition movement along the Erie Canal.

The program begins at 6 p.m. in the Everson Museum auditorium with a multimedia presentation by Yao Kahlil Newkirk regarding his research into Buffalo's Peyton Harris, a prominent Black canal boat owner and abolitionist. Following the presentation, Newkirk will participate in a panel discussion featuring:

• Kyle Bass, associate professor of theater at Colgate University and resident playwright at Syracuse Stage
• Ckristina Bennett, 6-8 social studies instructional coach for the Syracuse City School District
• Robert Searing, curator of history at the Onondaga Historical Association

This event will be livestreamed via Zoom with support from Visual Technologies. Attendees can register for either in-person or virtual attendance.

Presenter Bios

• Yao Kahlil Newkirk is a multidisciplinary artist, scholar, poet, author, artist manager, and professional keynote speaker whose work lies at the intersection of performance, racial trauma, and Black cultural expression. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in theater performance and is completing his Ph.D. in Africana and American studies at the University at Buffalo. As founder and artistic director of Black Feather Theatre Company, Newkirk leads a traveling collective staging provocative, socially engaged works centering voices from the Black diaspora. His recognized durational performance, "Separation Anxiety," honored Trayvon Martin and victims of racial violence through a one-year embodiment of mourning, resistance, and artistic testimony.
• Kyle Bass is a playwright, screenwriter, and librettist whose work spans theater, opera, and film. His plays include "The Floydians," "Toliver & Wakeman," "Tender Rain," "Salt City Blues," "Possessing Harriet," and "Citizen James, or The Young Man Without a Country." His upcoming plays include "The Civilities," premiering at Franklin Stage Company in 2026, and "The Black Nationals," set to premiere at Syracuse Stage in 2027. In collaboration with MacArthur Fellow Ping Chong, Bass co-authored "Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo." He adapted the libretto for "Treemonisha" for the Washington National Opera and authored "Libba Cotten: Here This Day." He also collaborated with Carrie Mae Weems on "Grace Notes: Reflections for Now," co-authored the screenplay for the feature film "Day of Days," and wrote the short film "Northeast." A three-time NYFA Fellow, Bass is resident playwright at Syracuse Stage and associate professor of theater at Colgate University. Learn more on Kyle Bass's Official Website.
• Ckristina Bennett is an instructional coach in 6-8 social studies at the Syracuse City School District and a Ph.D. candidate in teaching and curriculum at Syracuse University's School of Education.
• Robert Searing is the curator of history at the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA). Chartered in 1863, OHA operates six museums, including the Onondaga Historical Museum, Skä·noñh – Great Law of Peace Center, Onondaga Veterans Museum, Regional Aviation History Museum at Hancock International Airport, and the Brewseum at Heritage Hill Brewhouse. Searing writes a weekly column for The Post-Standard and Syracuse.com, and hosts "Repeating History," a radio show and podcast on WCNY 91.3 FM. He holds a B.A. in history from Binghamton University and an M.A. and M.Phil. in American history from Syracuse University.

Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, October 1 at 7:00 p.m. with the documentary movie, "Ghost Elephants."

This visually stunning documentary follows National Geographic Explorers and KhoiSan master trackers in their search for an elusive Ghost Elephant herd believed to be living in a remote section of Angola. Is the Ghost Elephant the descendant of the largest land mammal ever recorded? Or is it just a myth? This gripping story features amazing cinematography of beautiful African landscapes that are best experienced on the big screen.

A complete list of the Fall 2026 film series, the campus map, parking information, and more information are available at https://www.utica.edu/film.

All films are shown at 7 p.m. in Macfarlane Auditorium in DePerno Hall and are free and open to the general public.

"The Laramie Project," by Moisés Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project, comes to the SUNY Cortland Performing Arts Department this fall. Directed by Mark Reynolds, the play draws on hundreds of interviews conducted in Laramie, Wyoming, following the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. Company members traveled to Laramie six times over the course of a year and a half, weaving the town’s own words into a portrait of grief, fear and resilience. The result is a documentary-style work told through the voices of Laramie’s residents, from ranchers and clergy to students and police officers. SUNY Cortland’s BFA Musical Theatre students bring this ensemble piece to the stage in the Dowd Fine Arts Center Theatre. Performances run Oct. 1-4.

Aug. 6 – Oct. 16, 2026

The United Way of Cayuga County Personal Care Drive helps ensure that individuals and families in our community have access to essential hygiene items that are not always covered by assistance programs. Donations of items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products make a meaningful difference for those facing financial hardship. These everyday necessities support health, dignity, and confidence for our neighbors in need. Collected items are distributed through local partner agencies, reaching individuals and families across Cayuga County.

With the community’s support, we can come together to meet basic needs and uplift one another. Join us in making a simple but powerful impact.

Needed items:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Mouthwash
• Dental floss
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Laundry detergent
• Toilet paper
• Feminine products
• Hand soap
• Body soap
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Deodorant
• Dish soap
• Tissues

Check the United Way of Cayuga County website for a list of drop-off box locations.

This summer, the Rippleton Schoolhouse at Lorenzo invites visitors of all ages to engage with history hands-on. Have a lesson in the authentic 1887 schoolhouse, try your hand at traditional games and activities, and explore the beautiful grounds. Follow Lorenzo’s Facebook and Instagram for special activities and scheduling changes. Sensory friendly. Admission is free.

Artist Frank Viola's work will be on display at the Gannett Gallery, SUNY Poly, until October 16th. Using several media, including found art, Viola's work is thought-provoking and beautiful.

Catskill Mountain Railroad
Fall Foliage Adventure  
September/October 2026

As the leaves begin to change color, a great way to view the beauty is on a Fall Foliage Adventure Train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad.

Our trains are fun for adults and children! Take a spectacular journey along the former Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor and see the natural beauty of the Catskills from our railroad’s unique perspective. Join us as we travel through some of the oldest farmlands in the United States, where we will cross the Esopus Creek on the restored C9 Bridge and go through the Hurley Flats and into the foothills of Hurley Mountain.

Fall Foliage Trains will operate on September 26, 27, and October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Check our website for daily departure times. Train fares are $25.00 Adult, $23.00 Adult Discount (senior, military, veteran), $19.00 Children 2 to 12 years, and Toddlers under 2 years on the lap are free.

Check our website at https://catskillmountainrailroad.com for Fall Foliage Train schedules and to purchase tickets. All trains depart from Westbrook Station at 55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston, NY 12401 and then return. Rides are about an hour and fifteen minutes long and are approximately 8 miles round trip.  All Aboard!

In collaboration with the Center for Aging Resources and Enrichment at LeMoyne College, NOPL will be hosting this 4-part discussion around the book “The Years of Ripening" by Joyce Rupp. Books are available for pickup at the North Syracuse branch. Limited to 10 participants.

Registration is required on the NOPL Event Calendar or call 315-458-6184. (Registration opens at noon on Friday, Sept. 18.)

Dates for this book group are October 2, 9, 16, & 23. Participants will receive a free book to begin before the discussion sessions and make a commitment to try to attend all four sessions.

"The Years of Ripening: Reflections on Aging in the Later Years" by Joyce Rupp, 2026: This book presents a candid and conversational style encouraging introspection and discussion about what it feels like to be an older adult — not always easy! Addressed to people 70+ rather than younger retirees, it considers the practical and spiritual perspectives for dealing with these later years when time has taken a toll, but, as we can learn, experience acceptance and even joy are very possible.