Community Calendar

Wednesday, May 13th, Appointment Times Vary, held in-person

Location: Oasis/HealthLink Learning Center, 6333 State Route 298 (One Telergy Parkway), East Syracuse

Learn how you can reduce your risk for stroke based on your health history. At this interactive event you will meet one-on-one with the following experts:
1. A stroke nurse to discuss your health.
2. A pharmacist to review your medications.
3. A doctor or nurse practitioner to assess your stroke risk score and offer personalized tips for reducing your risk.

We’ll also offer helpful handouts, fun giveaways, healthy snacks and members of Upstate’s stroke team on hand to answer any questions. Together, we can take steps toward a healthier future.

Space for this event is limited. An appointment with email confirmation is required to attend: 315-464-8668

Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Physicians, and Nurse Practitioners, Upstate Medical University

Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum where local leaders representing literacy education, digital skills development, and community advocacy will explore how access to strong foundational literacy, both reading and digital, affects individuals' ability to thrive in school, the workplace, and civic life, and how gaps in these skills can compound challenges across generations. Panelists will examine not only reading science and digital fluency, but also the ways these issues intersect with educational equity, workforce readiness, and full participation in an increasingly digital world. Panelists will provide an overview of the topic, share insights from direct experience working with learners and educators, and highlight evidence-based approaches and local resources that support literacy development at every stage of life. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and partnerships. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.

Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 PM, held online

Newly released research shows important differences in Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) between men and women, including that women have a higher risk of Afib from post-menopausal hormonal changes. Learn the latest updates on what specialists know about these differences, and how it relates to health, treatment and stroke prevention for women.

Speaker: Michelle Vallelunga, MS, RN, CNRN, SCRN, Data Coordinator, Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center, Upstate Medical University

Thursday, June 11 at Noon, held online

Knee pain from a variety of causes is a common complaint among people of all ages and can limit activities. While there are a variety of treatments, lifestyle changes and exercises also have a powerful impact on reducing pain. In this session, learn habits you can try at home and how physical therapy can provide plans to improve knee health and reduce or eliminate pain.

Speaker: Jason Cherry, PT, DPT, EdD, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Education, Upstate Medical University

Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum where local experts will explore water conservation, watershed health, and the shared environmental responsibility of protecting Central New York's most essential natural resource. This discussion is informed by regional conditions, ongoing conservation efforts, and the interconnected relationship between healthy land, healthy water, and thriving communities. Panelists will provide an overview of watershed ecology, conservation strategies, and environmental stewardship efforts across Onondaga County, drawing on their professional roles and direct experience in conservation science, environmental education, and land and water stewardship at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the Onondaga Environmental Institute, and the Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District. The conversation will highlight how these organizations work alongside communities, landowners, and local governments to protect and restore the natural systems that sustain our water supply. The Forum will emphasize practical civic participation, including understanding how land use affects water quality, supporting local conservation programs, and connecting with the organizations working every day to preserve and protect the region's watersheds, while allowing panelists to address emerging issues and priorities as they see fit. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves to a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discover ways to engage with local priorities and initiatives. This is a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore ways to be actively involved in shaping the civic life of Central New York.