November 2013

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BusinessFreeway Insurance becomes major player

A tale of two cities ... in oneThe Hall Monitor

Opinion

Google Street View: And you’re afraid of the National Security Agency?

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Health News

Que significa para los hispanos ley de salud

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BERSANIJEWELRY

217 South Salina Street, Downtown Syracuse • Mon-Fri 10-5:30 & Sat 11-4 • 315.472.6172

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here’s been confusion regarding the roll-out of the Affordable Health Care Law. At Urban CNY we are presenting infor-

mation to better assist our readers in navigating the health care maze. In New York we have a government that has been proactive, setting up an exchange that ties participants into other services offered by the State of New York.

In addition, local navigators are available to meet with groups and individuals to assist in accessing benefits of the Affordable Health Care Act: Health Plan Navigator for Onondaga County and Onondaga County Navigator Contact Number: 315-470-1847.

HealtheConnections, Health Planning, has been selected by the New York State Depart-ment of Health and NY State of Health, the official health plan market-place, to spearhead the In Person Assistance Naviga-tor program for Onondaga County. The scope of the HealtheConnections Navi-

gator program is designed to reach all segments of the population, including individuals, families, sole proprietors and employers. The target audience is uninsured and under-insured individuals. Approximately 8.5% of Onondaga County residents are uninsured. Of those, more than half (54%), are employed.

Enrollment through the health plan marketplace allows individu-als, families, sole proprietors and small businesses to access tax credits and other tax benefits to help make health insurance af-fordable. New Yorkers may use the calculator on the NY State of Health website

to estimate their eligibil-ity for tax credits; see: Nystateofhealth.ny.gov/PremiumEstimator.

Navigators will be able to meet potential individu-

al enrollees at community locations through-out the County, at times and locations that are convenient for them. Services will be available in several languages in addition to English. To make an appointment, please call the shared scheduling number after Oct.1, 2013. Insur-ance coverage begins Jan. 1, 2014.

3 What the health care law means for African-Americans and people with limited income.

3 Qué significa para los hispanos la ley de salud.

3 Getting an estimate of costs and savings on Marketplace health insurance.

INSIDE: information on ...

MeansYour guide to what the Health Care Law

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Department of Health Deputy Secretary Burke addresses public on Kick Off of Affordable Care Act at Syracuse Community Health Center.

2 November 2013 CNYurban

Published monthly by:URBAN CNY

Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher

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Business InsuranceFreeway Insurance has convenient locations staffed with brokers who have decades of experience under their belt. In order to serve customers better, most agents are bilingual and understand the specific needs of the lo-cal community and business owners.

Auto InsuranceFreeway Insurance offers a broad range of insurance options and discounts–multi-policy, multi-car, good driver and student discounts are just a few. We offer low rates and excellent service, even for hard-to-in-sure drivers.

Renters InsuranceIf you are renting an apartment, home, or condo, you can protect your family with Freeway Insurance. Our team of bilingual and bicultural insurance experts have helped thousands of happy clients to sign policies best suited to them.

Homeowner InsuranceFreeway Insurance offers competitive rates for home insurance policies.

Commercial Vehicle InsuranceWhether you use your own car or a fleet of pickups or box trucks to get the job done, we can provide the protection you need.

814 S. Geddes Street | Syracuse, NY 13204Phone 315-422-5287 | Fax 315-422-7503

Community NewsSyracuse Police Chief will be Sole Honoree at Annual Fundraising BanquetFrank Fowler’s Passion, Willingness to Work with Community are Cited in his Selection

81 Project website is launched

NYSDOT has launched the project website, www.i81opportunities.org. The site contains information about the proj-ect, public meeting schedules, and links to provide comments.

To provide written comments about the I-81 Viaduct project, please email them through the project website or to [email protected], or mail them to the I-81 Viaduct Project, New York State Department of Transportation, 333 E. Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Scoping is an early phase of the environ-mental review process required by the Na-tional Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the New York State Environmental


Syracuse, New York (No-

vember 11, 2013) — Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler was clearly infuriated. As one news account reported, Fowler’s voice was quivering in anger as he spoke during a press conference about the senseless, unprovoked beating death of a 70-year-old man outside a local conve-nience store. At his personal and emotional urging as well as the cooperation of witnesses, an arrest was made in the case within 48 hours. The outcome was a recent example of Fowler’s passion for break-ing the city’s string of violent crimes that will be recognized Dec. 14 during the 100 Black Men of Syracuse’s sixth annual banquet.

The banquet, whose theme is “A Com-munity on the Move,” moves this year to The OnCenter - Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center in downtown Syracuse. And, unlike past years when the 100 cited the accomplish-ments of multiple individuals or institutions at

the organization’s primary fundraising event, Fowler will be the banquet’s sole honoree.

“I hope the attention Chief Fowler receives on the evening of Dec. 14 will build on the com-munity’s confidence in his leadership of the Syracuse Police Department,” said 100 Black Men of Syracuse President Vincent Love.

“With the help of men and women in law en-forcement following the Chief ’s example and his willingness to work with our community, we can keep our men, women and children out of the criminal justice system.”

Proceeds from the banquet support the 100’s mentoring, education, health and wellness and economic empowerment activities throughout the year. Tickets are available for purchase by contacting the 100 Black Men of Syracuse of-fice at (315) 443-8749 or buying them online (for the first time) by visiting the organization’s website at 100blackmensyr.org.

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November 2013 3CNYurban

Opinion

Ken JacksonThe Hall Monitor

Editorial

A tale of two cities…in oneMy section of the city

has no name. I mean, what the heck is the Far West Side? Anyhow, old-time Syracusans call it the “West End.”

Other neighborhoods erect classy signs that identify the community. South of West Genesee Street is Tip-perary Hill, a traditionally Irish neighborhood where statues commemorate historic events and an upside-down traffic signal places green above red. Nice signage introduces us to The Valley, Salt Springs, Eastwood and Strathmore. On the Nort’ Side, we’ve invested millions in a concept called “Little Italy.”

Downtown has gone development crazy with condos, a brand spanking new hotel and new restaurants. The sound of change – the echo of hammers and jackhammers – is audible as we walk down the street. They’re installing new curbs.

Are we witnessing a Curb-apalooza? A Curb-athon? Maybe “The Affordable Curb Act,” Curb-zilla, Curbs of the Living Dead. Will we see DNA-infused curbs run wild in Curbassic Park? Seriously, I have street curbing etched into the retina of my eyes.

On West Genesee Street at Erie Boulevard a supposedly 11- foot-6-inch bridge is having some work done, but not on the bridge. After decades of tractor trailer after tractor trailer cashing into the overpass, someone got the bright idea to lower the road!

At South Salina Street and East Colvin, business owners and community members meet resistance to their plan to build a community park next to Beauchamp Library. Inves-tors have poured piles of money into this corner hoping to develop a community treasure. African-American-owned businesses are transforming South Salina into a place where commerce and community merge. A barber shop, an upscale wine & spirits shop, a convenience store and a new coffeehouse fill have already sprung up nearby.

Onondaga County’s coffers grow from the sales tax rev-enue generated by shoppers at the much-maligned Destiny USA. We should be happy; we have new curbing for every-one. A shining new mall filled with bright, shiny new things to buy. “Just put your cranes in the air, and wave them like you just don’t care.”

Under the glitz and glamor of our city’s renaissance lay the underpinnings of civil unrest and economic depression. This

is a tale of the two cities of Syracuse.If you are black or white and young, however, there is no

glitz or glamor. With our manufacturing base a mere memory, unem-

ployment has skyrocketed. Our public schools have “miss-educated” generations of African-Americans possibly bound to a life of poverty and despair. Recent improvements have included the hiring of a school superintendent who’s chang-ing the conversation. She’s raising our expectations and those of our students. Isn’t that what a leader should do?

We can say yes to education, but unless city officials can guarantee a safe pathway to school, all of these dollars and all of these initiatives may be wasted. Drive by Fowler High School’s nearby commercial plaza after school. Almost every day there’s a fight there. And these are not just one-on-one encounters. These are mass gatherings. The fights often draw more than 100 people, and there are no police.

If you are older than 55, don’t you dare take a walk to bodega. It’s not safe. As a so-called “junior- senior” at age 56 I’m being told, “Don’t go to the store at night. Stay away from the stores.” Don’t we have the right to walk, stroll, run, sashay or shop anywhere in this community without warnings, without fear?

Every commercial district in this city should have publi-cally paid security staff walking the street, these are called Police Officers. Business owners should not have to pay a “fee” for what citizens expect as a deliverable -- quality of life. These are our shopping districts, or bastions of capitalism. It should be a priority to keep these places safe -- but it’s not.

Even though the city’s publicizes bodega inspections, many stores still lack flooring. One basement store sits on dirt while others sell “hairy” chicken wings. And since when did Mike & Ike candy qualify as Food Stamp purchasable?

The city has installed new curbing and sidewalks, but did anyone consider how many customers a business must attract before making a sale? Every day customers can’t get to the door, the establishment loses dollars. How many Westcott Street businesses will remain financially secure after the recent slow-motion curb-athon?

With the election in our rear-view mirror, Onondaga County Republican’s TV ads bragged about the millions of dollars they’ve saved for taxpayers. They seem to forget the devastating cut of the Human Rights Commission a couple years ago. In that same “We Are the County” commercial, the Onondaga County republican legislature tried to play a Jedi Mind trick on us all: “Everything is O.K. Everthing is fine!”

But it’s not! At the end of the ad they warn us, “We’re just getting

started”!We’ve invested millions in our infrastructure, given mil-

lions away in tax credits and may add another wing to the Justice Center, but what have we done for the poor? Con-structed new temporary housing? If you’re poor you might as well live under a bridge, and some actually do. The work-ing poor face even greater hardships. How would you feel after laboring all week and still not make enough money to provide for your family? Our so-called “Living Wage Law” is about as protective as a moth-eaten fabric umbrella.

There was a time when city residents were employed thanks to Community Development funds to provide basic services such as HEAP information or distributing govern-ment cheese. These programs spread a little cash around our poorest neighborhoods. If they were running today they’d be providing information about the Affordable Health Care Act a.k.a Obamacare. Job coaching and/or training could have been mobilized from those locations. Those jobs no longer exist in the underserved community.

In Syracuse and Onondaga County we are good when investing in “bricks and mortar” projects. We invest in deco-rative lighting downtown, install enough curbing to build our own Washington Monument. We Save the Rain, Save the Swans and even dredge Onondaga Lake while many of our residents are economically crumbling like an old sidewalk.

Just imagine for a moment, if our political leaders placed as much energy in our quality of living as they have on Save The Rain and Curb-apalooza?

By Ken JacksonGoogle.com promoted its “Street View” service as a

boon to geographic exploration and discovery: “Street View, explore natural wonders and famous landmarks with beautiful 360-degree panoramas.” That’s great if you want to see the Tower of London or the many wonders of the world.

If you haven’t noticed or was consumed by Edward Snowden’s leaky leaks about the National Security Agency spying on us, a more invasive predator has already been stalking your backyard, front yard and your roof. Google has even focused in on your vehicles while providing a virtual “Street View” of your entire neighborhood.

This Google spy machine visited Syracuse on Nov. 11, when Google Street View’s driver and car were spotted on West Genesee Street taking a break from shooting “snaps” of your most prized possession, your home.

Don’t believe me?Go online and log into Google.com and check out

what any stalker with a cell phone could find. And some people have the nerve to say they’re afraid of government agencies. But who cares? Google stock is at record highs on Wall Street.

Big Brother is not only a government bureaucrat. He’s also a big businessman.

Quality Review Act (SEQRA), for major highway im-provement projects. During the scoping phase, FHWA and NYSDOT will disseminate information about the project to the public and involved agencies and solicit comments on the factors that should be considered as part of an Environmental Impact Statement. Ulti-mately, the environmental review will determine a pre-ferred alternative for the I-81 Viaduct project and any potential benefits and impacts to the social, economic, and environmental features of Greater Syracuse.

You’re afraid of the National Security Agency? Watch out for Google Street View!

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Health4 Ways to Apply for Coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace

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By Kathleen Sebelius,Secretary of Health and Human Services

It has been three weeks since the start of the new Health Insurance Marketplace, where Americans, regardless of income or health status, can find quality, afford-able health coverage. The launch of the Marketplace website, HealthCare.gov, has been rocky but we are working tirelessly to make the online process better.

Four ways to get Marketplace coverage. And we are taking other steps to meet the consumer demand for affordable health insurance. There are four basic ways to apply for health coverage through the Marketplace, and I want to tell you about them.

Apply online. Visit HealthCare.gov to get started.

How do I apply for Marketplace cover-age? You can apply for health coverage in the Marketplace 4 ways: with a paper ap-plication, online, by phone, or in person with an assister.Apply with a paper application

You can fill out a paper application and mail it in. You’ll find out whether you’re eligible for lower costs on private insur-ance, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Once you get your eligibility notice, you can either go online to compare, choose,

and enroll in a plan or contact our call cen-ter. A customer service representative will help you. If you or someone on your appli-cation are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, a representative will contact you to enroll. (To get a paper application, download the application form and instructions.)Apply online in 4 steps

When you apply online, you’ll follow a 4-step process:

Set up an account. Start by going to the Marketplace page. First you’ll provide some basic information. Then choose a user name, password, and security ques-tions for added protection.

Fill out the online application. You’ll provide information about you and your family, like income, household members, current health coverage information, and more. This will help the Marketplace find options that meet your needs. Important: If your household files more than one tax return, call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) before you start an application. This is a very important step. Please don’t skip it. Representatives can provide directions to make sure your application is processed correctly.

Compare your options. You’ll be able to see all the options you qualify for, includ-ing private insurance plans and free and

low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Marketplace will tell you if you qualify for lower costs on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on private insurance. You’ll see details on costs and benefits to help you choose a plan that’s right for you.

Enroll. After you choose a plan, you can enroll online and decide how you pay your premiums to your insurance company. You must pay your premium by the date the insurer provides before your coverage can begin. Coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014. If you or a member of your family qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, a representative will contact you to enroll.Apply by phone or with an in-person assister

To apply by phone, call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). A customer service rep-resentative will work with you to complete the application and enrollment process.

You can also apply with the help of an assister who can sit with you and help you fill out a paper or online application. Read the next section for more details.Find in-person help

In all states, there are people trained and certified to help you understand your

health coverage options and enroll in a Marketplace plan. They’re known by dif-ferent names, depending on who provides the service and where they’re located. All can provide the help you need with your application and choices:

✓ Navigators✓ Application assisters✓ Certified application counselors✓ Government agencies, such as State

Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Offices

✓ Insurance agents and brokers can also help you with your application and choices.

Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov to find help in your area. You can search by city and state or zip code to see a list of local organizations with contact information, office hours, and types of help offered, such as non-English language support, Medicaid or CHIP, and Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).Health Insurance Marketplace in New York

If you live in New York, New York State of Health is the Health Insurance Marketplace to serve you. Instead of HealthCare.gov, you’ll use the New York State of Health website to apply for cover-age, compare plans, and enroll. Visit New York State of Health now to apply.

How can I get an estimate of costs and savings on Marketplace health insurance?The Kaiser Family Foundation health insurance cost and savings calculator

Source: healthcare.gov The health insurance costs and savings calculator

provides only an estimate. Your final premiums and costs may differ from the estimates, perhaps sig-nificantly, depending on the coverage you select and a given insurer’s pricing policies. You’ll learn your final costs for specific plans only when you fill out an ap-plication in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Until you fill out a Marketplace application, you can use the Kaiser Family Foundation calculator for a rough estimate of how much health insurance may cost you in 2014.

Here are a few important things to know:The calculator provides a rough estimate of costs for

insurance. It will give you an idea of what someone with circumstances like yours could pay for Marketplace insurance in 2014.

The calculator accounts for some of the most impor-tant factors that affect plan costs in the Marketplace:

where you live, family size and ages, and tobacco use. Individual plans weigh these factors differently to set final prices.

The prices are based on a plan in the Silver category. Plans in different categories will likely have higher or lower premiums.

You won’t be able to get your exact costs for a spe-cific plan until you fill out a Marketplace application and provide details about your income and household. Then you’ll see all of the plans available to you, com-pare features and prices side-by-side, choose a plan, and enroll.

Use a different tool to find plans and prices available in your area

You can use a different tool to see plans and sample prices available in your area. This tool shows specific plans and sample prices. But it does not account for any savings you may qualify for based on your income.

Important note: The monthly premiums shown DO

NOT take into account your income and household details. Premium amounts shown in this tool are only examples, based on a limited set of sample ages and scenarios. They may not fully reflect your individual situation. Actual plan pricing can change based on your household size, income, ages, and tobacco use.

Because the monthly premiums shown don’t ac-count for any lower costs you qualify for based on your household size and income, the final premium you pay may be lower, perhaps much lower, than the prices shown. The only way to find out what YOU will pay for a specific plan is to fill out a Marketplace application. Many people who apply for coverage will qualify for lower costs.

Important Note: Premium amounts in this tool are only examples, based on a limited set of sample ages and scenarios. They may not fully reflect your individual situation. Actual plan pricing can change based on your household size, ages, and tobacco use,


Clearing up the Facts

By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services There has been a lot of confusion about some recent notices to consumers

from insurance companies that sell coverage in the individual insurance mar-ket, and I’d like to clear up the facts.

Today, more than 3 out of every 4 Americans get insurance from an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, or the Veterans Benefits Administration. Americans who purchase insurance on their own, however, generally buy coverage in the individual insurance market.

Before the Affordable Care Act, coverage in the individual market often was unaffordable, had high co-pays or deductibles, or lacked basic benefits like maternity care, mental health services, and prescription drug coverage. These plans also had high turnover rates, and often were not renewed at the end of a plan year. One study showed that more than half of enrollees in the individual market left their plan within a year.

November is a Time For Thanksgiving -But For Some of Us It May Be A Time For Quitting

The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — Nearly 1 in every 5 adults. As of 2010, there were also 13.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

Founded in 1970, the Great American Smokeout also draws attention to the deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking. Still, today about 1 in 5 US adults smoke cigarettes (that’s more than 43 million people). And about 15 million people smoke tobacco in cigars or pipes. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women. About 87% of lung cancer deaths are thought to result from smoking. Smoking also causes cancers of the larynx (voice box), mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), and bladder. It also has been linked to the development of cancers of the pancreas, cervix, ovary (mucinous), colon/rectum, kidney, stomach, and some types of leukemia. Cigars and pipes cause cancers, too. Smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 3 cancer

deaths, and 1 in 5 deaths from all causes. Another 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses caused by smoking.

If you or a family member smokes cigarettes or tobacco, the Great American Smokeout is a perfect occasion to encourage quitting for one day or signing up with a smoking cessation program. Statistics show that those smokers who join a group activity or seek help to quit smoking are more successful at quitting completely. Call Syracuse Community Health Center to learn more about our Smoking Cessation program. Make an appointment today by calling us at 315-476-7921. From all of us here at Syracuse Community Health Center have a Happy, bountiful Thanksgiving Day!

What the Health Care Law Means for African Americansby: education & outreach, from: AARP

There’s a lot to learn about the health care law. African Americans have a new and easier way to get insurance with new benefits and protections. By understanding what’s in the law, you can make better health care choices for you and your family.It’s easier to get health insurance

There’s a new way to shop for health insurance. If you don’t have insurance, are a small business owner or are self-employed, you can find a plan that works for you in the Health Insurance Marketplace in your state. Help is available every step of the way.

You can get your questions answered about finding a plan or completing the application in person, by phone or online.

The Health Insurance Marketplace makes it easier to shop for health plans. All plans are listed in one place, so you can make apples-to-apples comparisons of benefits and prices.

All plans must cover the essentials. All plans offered in the marketplace are required to cover important benefits, such as doctor visits, emergency care, hospital care, pre-scription drugs, preventive care and more.

Qué significa para los hispanos la ley de salud Los hispanos cuentan con una manera más fácil y nueva de contratar seguros con nuevos beneficios y disposiciones.

por: education & outreach, fuente: AARP, 28 de octubre de

2013Hay mucho que aprender sobre la ley

de salud. Los hispanos cuentan con una manera más fácil y nueva de contratar seguros con nuevos beneficios y disposi-ciones. Si comprendes el contenido de la ley, podrás tomar mejores decisiones para ti y tu familia.

Es más fácil obtener seguro médico Hay una nueva forma de buscar

planes de seguros de salud: Si no tienes seguro, eres propietario de una pequeña empresa o trabajas por tu cuenta, en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos de tu estado puedes encontrar un plan que se ajuste a tus necesidades. Tendrás ayuda disponible en cada paso del proceso: Puedes obtener respuestas a tus pre-guntas acerca de los planes o de cómo completar la solicitud personalmente, por teléfono o a través de internet.

El Mercado de Seguros Médicos facilitará la contratación de planes de salud: Todos los planes aparecen en un mismo lugar, para que puedas comparar los beneficios y los precios de planes en niveles similares.

Todos los planes deben cubrir los servicios esenciales: Todos los planes que se ofrecen en el Mercado de Seguros de Salud deben cubrir beneficios impor-tantes, como visitas al médico y al hos-pital, atención de emergencia, medica-mentos recetados, servicios preventivos y muchos otros.

Todos necesitamos cobertura: A partir del 2014, deberás tener seguro de salud. Si no lo haces, tendrás que pagar una penalidad. Existen algunas excep-ciones, incluidas las personas de muy bajos ingresos.Hay ayuda financiera disponible

Existe ayuda financiera para pagar el seguro de salud: Muchas personas que contratan un plan en el Mercado de Seguros Médicos pueden obtener ayuda para pagar los costos. También existen planes gratuitos o de bajo costo, según tus ingresos.los planes de seguros están mejo-rados

Los adultos jóvenes pueden perman-ecer en el plan familiar de sus padres: Si tienes hijos, pueden permanecer en tu plan de seguro de salud familiar hasta que cumplan 26 años. Incluso si tu hijo

está en la escuela o la universidad, vive fuera del hogar o está casado, siempre que sea menor de 26 años podrá conservar la

cobertura.Tu cobertura está protegida: Las

compañías de seguro ya no pueden den-

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What the Health Care Law Means for People With Limited IncomeThe health care law gives people with low incomes new

options for getting health coverage. It does this in two ways. It gives states the option to expand Medicaid to more people. It also makes financial help available to people with limited incomes who buy health insurance through the Health Insur-ance Marketplace.expands Medicaid

Medicaid is the joint state and federal government pro-gram that pays the health care costs for many people with limited incomes. Before the health care law, millions of unin-sured 50- to 64-year-old Americans, as well as many younger people, were not eligible for Medicaid, no matter how low their incomes.

Your state has the option in 2014 to make Medicaid avail-able to more people. Your state can also decide not to make this change.If your state does make this change, Medicaid will pay most of your health care costs if you:

Are younger than 65; Do not have Medicar; Are single and earn less than about $15,500, or are part of a couple that earns less than about $21,000. These figures, based on the 2012

federal poverty level, are subject to change.Helps pay for insurance

If you can’t get Medicaid, you may be able to get financial help to pay for the health insurance you get through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The amount of help you can get depends on your income.

If you need insurance because your employer doesn’t make it available, you are self-employed or not working, or you have been denied coverage, you can shop in the marketplace in your state.

In the marketplace you will be able to shop for health insurance. You’ll be able to compare the benefits and costs of health plans side by side.

You can get information about the costs of health insurance plans when the marketplace begins enrollment in October 2013. Coverage starts in 2014.

All health insurance plans in the marketplace must cover essential benefits, including hospitalization, medical care, mental health services, prescription drugs and rehabilitation services.

Services for Seniors The Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare, offers

eligible seniors a range of preventive services with no cost-sharing, and provides discounts on drugs when in the cover-age gap known as the “donut hole.” Learn how the health care law affects people age 65 or older.Medicare Preventive Services

If you have Medicare, you are eligible for a number of cost-free preventive services.Medicare Drug Discounts

Eligible seniors who are in the coverage gap known as the “donut hole” automatically receive a discount on prescription drugs in 2011 and beyond.$250 “Donut Hole” Rebate (2010)

If you were in the prescription drug coverage gap in 2010, you may have qualified for a rebate.Strengthening Medicare

The health care law cracks down on waste, fraud, and abuse while providing new protections for seniors.


How to Handle Criticism as a PastorChurch NewsBy Sharefaith blog Pastor Rick Booye

I have a plaque hanging in my office that I picked up about 25 years ago, it reads: “To Avoid Criticism: Do Nothing. Say Nothing. Be Nothing.” It’s true. A life of any real impact at all will attract criticism of one sort or another; and the greater the impact, the broader and deeper the criticism. The dictionary definition of criticism is: “1) The expression of disap-proval of something or someone based on perceived faults or mistakes; 2) The analysis and judgment of the merits or faults of an artistic work.” Christian pastoral work is very intimate and personal, and it is also an art. To enter this work unprepared for criticism is to walk naked into a hurricane. Jesus wasn’t just criticized—he was crucified. Paul’s enemies routinely and viciously attacked him both physically and verbally. Probably the first and most important thing to settle on in this regard is the inevitability and acceptability of criticism as part of the “cost of doing business” in the kingdom.

Before I continue I need to explain that our church has treated me with grace and generosity. I get criticism of course, but it is usually kind and well meant. Yet, there are

some experiences that blindside us as pastors. Unfair, caustic, or hurtful critiques are what make pastors look for other work. When they have come my way I have found a few actions helpful. But they don’t come naturally. I must concentrate and pray to implement them. And don’t think that I have always accom-plished this. I’m struggling forward with this, like most pastors.Douse the internal fire.

I need to sift personal feelings out of the mix, especially anger. Anger is a major tool of Satan and must be subdued decisively and quickly, like dousing a kitchen grease fire (See Eph.4:26-27; Jas.1:19-20; 3:13-18). Responding to anger with anger almost never results in anything Christlike. I try to express some hon-est sorrow over the thing immediately, even if a longer response must come later. A gentle answer does reduce wrath (Pr.15:1). I also try to remember that ultimately it doesn’t matter much if people disagree with me. My valida-tion is not grounded in their opinion (Or is it? Maybe that’s the source of my anger.) (See 1 Cor.4:1-5). It’s nice to be around people who don’t mind being disagreed with. I should be one.

Appreciate the pain. When I’m unfairly criticized it helps

to remember that the pain indicates a key component of my pastoral skill set. Sensitiv-ity to feelings is crucial to the art of spiritual direction. If I were a sociopath nobody could hurt my feelings because I wouldn’t have any. But then I’d be like a surgeon with no sensa-tion in his hands. The nature of pastoral work requires emotional intelligence and sensitivity, which in turn creates a certain vulnerability to pain. So, the fact that the criticism stings indi-cates that I have true emotional commitment to the ministry, without which I could never be a good pastor in the first place. enter the other person’s world.

A harsh critic is probably responding to hurts of their own, enflamed by something I said (or didn’t say) or some negative experi-ence they had with the church. I need to let the complaint cool long enough (often for a couple of days) for me to enter their world-view and sympathize a bit. Only then will I be able to respond constructively. Even if my re-sponse does not at all satisfy the critic (in other words, I can’t or won’t change the situation to meet their expectations) I must have peace

about how I answer them. For that, I need to try to understand it from their point of view.evaluate the criticism

To evaluate something means to judge it carefully and assign value appropriately to it. There is real value in some criticism, but of course some is just venting by ill-informed or angry people. This means that I need to sift the critic’s points to see if a serious spiritual issue is at the heart. To evaluate a serious criti-cism I usually ask some simple questions.

First question: Does the critique require a lengthy response? Some don’t. Perhaps an apol-ogy is in order, just an expression of sorrow for hurting someone or for misstating something. Many criticisms dissipate if you respond with compassion and give the Spirit time to bring peace.

Second question: Is the critic a balanced and trusted member of the fellowship? If they are, they get my attention and some sort of reasonable answer, even if I disagree with them. The closer they are to the infrastructure of the church, the more concerned I am that they find resolution. Very often I am able to change or improve something so that the trusted critic realizes they are valuable and

See HANDle CRITICISM, PAge 9


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that I will address the problem.Third question: Is the critique theological, spiritual, or other-

wise of eternal significance? If it is, then the answer will have an impact on the spiritual growth of the questioner. I must give a thoughtful and balanced response so that even if they reject it (and many do or they wouldn’t have asked in the first place), at

least they have heard my best shot at a biblical piece of wisdom. I owe this to people in our church. If the critique is not really spiritual, but cultural (music style, attire, aesthetic issues and the like) I need to be less worried and more relaxed in my response. But even here I try to develop a rational answer that somehow points the person on to spiritual maturity.

Criticism is actually vital to us as pastors because it hones our motives and skills, keeps us sharp spiritually (by deflating our pride) and forces us to think and respond clearly. It also makes us dependent on the Lord, which is what we preach to everybody else, right? Just a Thought, Pastor Rick Booye.

Handle Criticism From page 8


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Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc. (JHMN)

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See MUSIC, PAge 11


egarte la cobertura, incluso si tienes una enfermedad preexistente como diabetes, alta presión arterial o cáncer. Y si tú o un pariente se enferman o lesionan, las compañías de seguros no pueden suspender la cobertura ni cancelar el plan.

Tu plan no puede establecer límites monetarios sobre su atención: En el pasado, los planes de salud podían fijar límites monetarios sobre los servicios de atención prestados durante un año o de por vida. Ahora, ya no existen más límites monetarios sobre tu atención, así que en caso de enfermarte o lesionarte, estás protegido.

Obtén más servicios de atención preventiva: Los exámenes de colesterol y dia-betes, los exámenes de la próstata, las mamografías y hasta la vacuna contra la gripe están completamente cubiertos. De esta forma puedes detectar las pequeñas molestias antes de que se conviertan en problemas más graves.

La ley fortalece Medicare: Ahora se cubren las visitas médicas anuales de bienestar y más servicios preventivos sin costo.

Se reduce el costo de los medicamentos recetados: Si tienes cobertura de la Parte D de Medicare y alcanzas el período sin cobertura (o ‘’doughnut hole’’), obtienes un descuento de más del 50% en medicamentos de marca y de más del 20% en medicamentos genéricos. El importe que deberás pagar de tu bolsillo por cada medicamento dependerá de tu plan de la Parte D. Los descuentos se incrementarán gradualmente hasta que desaparezca el período sin cobertura en el 2020.

Se reducen las disparidades en la saludLa ley trabaja para eliminar las disparidades en la salud que los hispanos enfrentan

en la actualidad.Por ejemplo:✓ Los fondos investigan las disparidades en los servicios de salud.✓ Promueve la diversidad étnica y racial entre los profesionales de la salud.✓ Invierte en los profesionales de atención primaria para garantizar que más esta-

dounidenses tengan acceso a estos proveedores.✓ Amplía los programas de salud comunitarios para ayudar a manejar enfermedades

crónicas, como la diabetes. ✓ Es el momento de conocer más sobre la ley de salud.Visita HealthLawAnswers.org o mileydesalud.org.

Los Hispanos From page 6

Everyone needs coverage. Starting in 2014, you’ll be required to have health coverage. If you don’t, you may have to pay a penalty. There are some exceptions, including people with a very low income.Financial help is available

There’s financial help to pay for health insurance. Many people who buy their plan in the marketplace can get help covering the costs. Low-cost or free plans are also available, depending on your income.Insurance plans are improved

Young adults can stay on their parents’ family plan. If you have children, they can stay on your family health insurance plan until they turn 26. Even if your child is in school, living away from home or married, as long as they are under age 26, they can stay covered.

Your coverage is protected. Insurance companies can no longer deny you cover-age, even if you have a preexisting condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer. If you or a family member gets sick or injured, health insurance companies can’t cut off your coverage or cancel your plan.

Your plan can’t put dollar limits on your care. In the past, health plans could place dollar limits on the care they would cover in a year or over your lifetime. Now, there are no more dollar limits on your care, so if you get sick or injured, you’re protected.

Get more preventive care. Diabetes and cholesterol screenings, prostate exams, mammograms and even flu shots are all covered. So you can catch little things before they turn into bigger problems.

The law strengthens Medicare. Wellness visits and more preventive care are now covered at no cost to you.

Prescription drug costs are lower. If you have Medicare Part D, and reach the coverage gap, you get a discount of more than 50 percent on brand-name drugs or more than 20 percent on generic prescription drugs. How much you’ll pay out of pocket for each drug may vary depending on your Part D plan. The discounts will gradually increase until the coverage gap disappears in 2020.Health disparities are reduced

The law works to eliminate the disparities that African Americans currently face. For example:

✓ Funds research about health disparities✓ Promotes the racial and ethnic diversity of health care professionals✓ Invests in primary care professionals so more Americans have access to pri-

mary care✓ Expands community health programs to help manage chronic conditions such

as diabetes

The health care law is creating new protections for people in the individual market, as well as strengthening employer-based coverage. In the Health Insurance Marketplace, consumers will no longer be charged more because of gender or a pre-existing condition, recommended preventive services will be covered with no additional out of pocket cost, there will be caps on out of pocket costs, and plans will have to offer a basic package of 10 categories of essential health benefits.

Some insurance companies that sell products in the individual market are making changes to their plans. Plans that were in place before the Affordable Care Act passed, and that essentially have not changed - that is benefits have not been cut or additional costs imposed on consumers - are exempt or “grand-fathered” out of these basic requirements that ensure quality coverage. Those grandfathered plans can stay the same. Nothing has changed this fact, and that coverage can continue into 2014, so long as both the insurance company and the consumer agree that it will continue.

Some of less than 5 percent of Americans who currently get insurance on the individual insurance market have recently received notices from their insur-ance companies suggesting their plans may no longer exist. These Americans have a choice – they can choose a plan being offered by their insurer, or they can shop for coverage in the Marketplace. As insurers have made clear – they aren’t dropping consumers; they’re improving their coverage options, often offering plans that are more affordable.

Today, consumers have a choice of an average of 53 qualified health plans in the states where the federal government runs the Marketplace, including those in which it does so in partnership with states. Nearly all consumers live in states with average premiums below earlier estimates. Moreover, half of the people in the individual market today qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums when signing up for coverage through the Marketplace.

While the product is good, there is no denying the online experience on HealthCare.gov must be improved. We will not stop improving the site until every American that wants it has access to quality, affordable coverage.

Importantly, while the team is improving the site, we have opened up new pathways for consumers to apply for coverage through the Marketplace. There are four basic ways to apply for coverage. Sign up by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, 2014. Enrollment stays open until March 31.

Facts From page 6 Music From page 10

working is one way to empower individuals for success in their endeavors, says Hillsman, CEO of JHMN. One important aspect of networking is that we can connect with others who have similar aspirations challenges and views.

There is a focus on curriculum (reading, writing, math and related edu-cational goals) and other interdisciplinary teaching and learning across the country to enhance skills for all ages. This will assist in achieving goals that will promote the graduation rate and empower for entrepreneurship opportunities. Research has shown that the arts play and important role in improving SAT scores. JHMN offers activities for those who are interested in arts participation, lessons, performances for all ages in the community by contacting: jhillsman@ twcny.rr.com.

Please inquire about participation in the City-wide JHMN Harriet Tubman Activities

This year marks the 100th year of the death of Harriet Tubman, Conductor of the Underground Railroad. The Syracuse area is rich in the contributions, history, and legacy of this great humanitarian.

. JHMN is launching the Harriet Tubman Essay Contest (Read. Write and Create). Open to after school programs, literacy groups, individuals and other performance activities, using Harriet Tubman as the theme)

JHMN has supported the Harriet Tubman home in Auburn over the last two years by producing major fundraisers, resulting in concerts (Syracuse Chapter GMWA Choir) and CD documentary in partnership with the Harriet Tubman Boosters Club (go online to Harriet Tubman Boosters club for CD orders and musical clips, Laurel Ullyette, Boosters Chair.

African American From page 6


and your costs may be lower based on your income. You’ll get final quotes for specific plans based on your income and household after you complete a Marketplace application.

By using both the Kaiser calculator and the plans and prices tool together, you’ll be able to see the plans and full prices available to you, and find out whether you’ll qualify for lower costs.

Background on the Kaiser Family Foundation calculator

The calculator was created by the

Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit research organization, for use by the general public. The Kaiser Family Foun-dation is solely responsible for the tool. The Kaiser Family Foundation has no connection with Kaiser Permanente or any health care provider.

The Centers for Medicare & Medic-aid Services didn’t participate in the cre-ation of this calculator. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services doesn’t warrant or guarantee the accuracy of estimates provided by the calculator.

Estimate From page 4

Time Warner Cable to create 95 jobs in Syracuse areaCompany Plans Business Services Center in Long Vacant Dewitt Shopping Center

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Recruit Apprentices

Time Warner Cable, a leading telecommunications company and service provider, plans to develop a $7.3 million Business Services Center in a long-vacant space in a Dewitt shopping center, creating 95 new jobs over the next four years and moving 171 existing Syracuse-area jobs into the new facility, with current local facilities continuing to support Time Warner Cable’s residential business. The project is contingent on a lease agreement and Onondaga County IDA sales tax benefits approval.

“Time Warner Cable’s expansion will create new jobs in the Syracuse area and provide new support to the re-gion’s economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “A well-known company investing in Central New York, in a space that

has been vacant for two decades, demonstrates the revital-ization that we are working to replicate all across Upstate New York. I thank Time Warner Cable’s commitment to our residents and consumers, and I am excited to see this plan move forward and create good jobs for Central New Yorkers.”

The new multi-functional center on Erie Boulevard, which is expected to be open for occupancy in spring 2014, will serve the company’s commercial customers in the northeastern United States. This will be the first ever consoli-dated Business Services Center of its kind for the company. The company plans to occupy a ground-floor space in a largely vacant and underutilized shopping center.

Assembly Member Samuel Roberts said, “This is just the kind of investment that our community needs and I will continue to support businesses to bring more good paying jobs to the Syracuse area.”

This announcement adds to Time Warner Cable’s longstanding presence in New York State. In June 2013, Governor Cuomo and Time Warner Cable announced that the company would consolidate its Western New York commercial customer service operations in a mul-timillion-dollar, state-of-the-art call center at the former Sheehan Hospital site in Buffalo, creating 150 new jobs over the next five years. The company employs more than 10,000 people across New York State.

Syracuse, NY (November 1, 2013) -- The Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers JAC, Local Union #2 (Syracuse), will conduct a recruit-ment from November 7, 2013 through Oc-tober 2, 2014 for five tile, marble & terrazzo

finisher apprentices; five pointer, caulker & cleaner apprentices; five bricklayer, mason & plasterer apprentices; and two cement finisher or cement mason apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced

today.Applications can be obtained at the

Bricklayers Local Union #2 (Syracuse), 7705 Maltlage Drive, Liverpool, NY, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the first Thursday of each month, excluding legal holidays (no recruit-ment will be held during that month), during the recruitment period. All applications must be received no later than October 9, 2014. Ap-plicants can call (315) 622-2081 to request an application, or for additional information.

The Committee requires that applicants:• Must be at least 18 years old.• Must have a high school diploma or

General Equivalency Diploma (GED).• Must be physically able to perform the

work, as determined by ability to lift 50-100 lbs.

• Must have reliable transportation to and from job sites and related instruction classes.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate company vehicles.

• Must be a six-month resident of Local

Union #2’s geographic jurisdiction: Coun-ties of Hamilton, Montgomery, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Essex, Franklin, Warren, Washington, Clinton, Columbia, Greene, Schoharie, Oneida, Her-kimer, Madison, Lewis, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Depart-ment of Labor office or Local Union #2 at (315) 622-2081.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applica-tions for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Opportunities


Business NewsFreeway Insurance becomes major player South Geddes Street agency becomes part of a vibrant global network of insurance distribution services

By Ken Jackson Anchoring the Geddes Business District

on the corner of South Geddes and Delaware streets is an insurance agency that has become part of the largest privately held insurance dis-tribution company in the United States.

Freeway Insurance Agency has changed its signage and changed its name to reflect its in-creased ability to provide full-service insurance products to the community. Although it has experienced explosive growth by becoming part of a large, global company, Freeway continues to provide a personal touch. Customers appreciate that personal touch, something they’ve come to expect from community- based independent insurance agencies.

Freeway’s English- and Spanish-speaking team members have plenty of experience in the insurance market, so they know how to best cover their customers’ individual situation and needs.

Branch Manager Tanya Talerico sets her sights high.

“I’ve been in insurance 13 years and I’ve been with Freeway all of those 13 years,” Talerico said. “We were originally Fear and Fear and then NII Brokerage. Freeway is a corporation out of California purchased us about two years

ago and we’ve grown and grown, we just bought 28 additional offices. Now have 50, we have a lot downstate and all the way out to Rochester, Buffalo, Fort Drum and Auburn. We recently purchased an agency on West Gene-see Street in Syracuse. We want to be the number one agency in New York state, and we will be.”

Freeway has local offices in Matty-dale and Cicero and recently acquiring the Sullivan Agency on West Genesee Street, which itself has 28 locations.

Through their vast network of agents, Freeway Insurance can con-tinue to provide service even if you relocate. It’s an advantage to custom-ers when they don’t have to change agents, Talerico explained. Freeway represents 25 different insurance com-panies offering customers the chance to secure the best service for their particular insurance needs. Freeway services preferred customers as well as those who are difficult to insure.

Freeway’s offices are open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. “We also have the New York

State Department of Motor Vehicles open on Saturdays, so that makes it convenient to come here,” Talerico said. “We are close here. We know our clients, and they know us.”

To emphasize Freeway’s determination to compete on price, Talerico throws down the

gauntlet. “We are growing and growing and growing, so we treat everybody great,” she said. “I’ve been chopping people’s prices in half lately.”

Lower prices! That’s a concept that pleases Freeway customers!

Holiday Spirits: Upgrading Your SelectionDiddyCiroc Amaretto

Sean “Did-dy’ Combs and the makers of CIROC Ultra Premium Vod-ka announce t he ne we st addit ion to its family of luxury spirits – CIROC Amaretto. CIROC Amaretto is a cherry-almond flavor infused vodka with a touch of vanilla and a silky-smooth finish. It is excep-tionally versatile, allowing for a greater range of cocktail creativity versus similarly flavored spirits and delivers a unique twist to the brand’s flavor line-up, which currently features CIROC Peach, CIROC Coconut and CIROC Red Berry – three of the category’s top five sellers.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I love to innovate, whether it’s to do something no one else has done before, or take something everyone knows and completely reinvent it,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs. “I am excited to introduce the world to our newest creation. CIROC stands alone as the only brand in the spirits category to produce three of the top five selling flavored vodkas. CIROC Amaretto will build on this success with a delicious tasting spirit.”

Ceelo greenTy Ku Sake

What does Grammy-winning singer-songwrit-er CeeLo Green like to drink? Well, sake, as it turns out. He’s such a big fan that he’s now part-owner of Ty Ku Sake & Spirits. In 2012, Ty Ku was the fastest-growing sake brand in the US, and Green is already starring in the company’s Share On advertising campaign.

Kelt CognacCognac : Very Supe-

rior Old PaleGrowth (cru) : Grande

Champagne 1er CruAppellation contrôlée

: Grande Fine Cham-pagne Cognac or Grande Champagne Cognac

Age count : By law the youngest cognac in the blend must be four years but the Kelt VSOP is considerably older

Award: Highest rated VSOP in World Spirits Championships

Tasting• Dark golden yellow, amber• Delicate vanilla oak scent, touch of port wine• Dried rose and violet• Fruity and jamy: apricot and fig• Hazelnut and licorice• Grande Champagne style, very rare• Mellow, warm, well balanced, great structure• Long finish – at least 10 minutes on the pal-

ate• The rarest and oldest VSOP on the world

market

Zaya gran ReservaLuxury RumWhile many rums embrace the pervasive idea

that rum is a mixer to be poured with cola or blended with coconut water and never taken alone, others are fighting against the collegiate stereotype and at-tempting to establish the category as one equal in sophistication to whiskey or brandy. Zaya is one of the latter.

Zaya Gran Reserva is a rum constructed of other rums. It is a private label rum, meaning that the rum is purchased from various sources and then blended to create the final spirit that

rests in a very nicely-crafted bottle.In Zaya’s case, the rums are sourced

and blended in Trinidad and Tobago in the Southern Caribbean. The rums in question have been aged a minimum of 12 years in used bourbon barrels before being blended together by the Master Blender. Once the blend is complete, the rum is bottled at 80 proof (40% abv) and shipped to liquor stores and bars near you.

D’usse’ V.S.o.P.Naturally Aged at least

four and a half years in the cellars of France’s Chateau de Cognac, D’USSE’TM V.S.O.P. Cognac emerges as a bold, full bodied blend that arouses the palate. On the nose, it reveals a powerful bouquet, rich in woody notes that are layered with touches of cinnamon and floral notes. Distinctively and unexpectedly smooth, with each taste, you saver hints of spices, almond and cinnamon. Subtle accents of honey and dried fruits are the finale.

All of these fine selections and more are available at Blak Licour see 5% off coupon in this issue!


eat To live Food Cooperative: 2323 South Salina StreetOpening in October 2013, The Eat

To Live Food Cooperative is a commu-nity-owned, non- profit grocery store where customers purchase a wide va-riety of fresh, reasonably priced foods. Assistant Manager James Williams greets each customer as they enter the spacious food cooperative, the first of its kind on the city’s South Side. “We are open and look forward to people joining,“ he proclaims as he continued stocking new shelves with fresh bread.

Eat To Live is the culmination of ideas, conversations and the hard work of South Side residents and many partnering organizations led by the Southside Community Coalition. Quality-of-life issues such as nutrition disparities has been an issue in Syra-cuse as neighborhood residents, com-munity activists, Syracuse University and the city of Syracuse fighting what have become known as “food deserts” located within every city. The South Side resident’s access to affordable food within walking distance has now become reality. Member/owner Benefits

Fresh, Fairly Priced Food: Healthy and affordable groceries on the South Side of Syracuse. Member Specials: Member only sales and promotions Ownership Rights: The right to vote on Co-op policies and to elect/run for the Board of Directors Neighborhood Economic Empowerment: Through cooperative community ownership, economic democracy and support for local farms and businesses in an eco-logically and economically sustainable food system. To become a Member

and for more information please call (315) 430-9828.

Eat To Live Food Cooperative - How to Join as a member owner

The Eat To Live Food Cooperative is a consumer-owned cooperative. When you join the Co-op, you are more than a shopper. Your own it!

The Co-op is a democratic organi-zation: every member gets one vote. Unlike for-profit corporations where one share equals one vote and the big money controls, in the Co-op every member has an equal vote.

Member benefits include: Fresh, Fairly Priced Food: Healthy, afford-able groceries right on the South Side of Syracuse.

Ownership Rights: The right to vote on Co-op policies in Member-ship Meetings, to elect the Board of Directors, and to run for election to the Board. Patronage Refunds: The Co-op operates at cost, not for profit. At the end of the year, any money left after expenses is returned to members in proportion to purchases they made at the Co-op. It is

like getting a tax refund. You get the rest of your change back at the end of the year for what you paid over costs instead of that money going as profit to outside owners.

Neighborhood Economic Empow-erment through cooperative commu-nity ownership, economic democracy, and support for local farms and busi-nesses in an ecologically and economi-cally sustainable food system. Membership Requirements

Each member buys a $100 Member-

ship Certificate. This one-time $100 invest-ment entitles you to full membership in the Co-op. Two adults in the same household can be named to a shared membership.

You m ay m a ke your $100 member-ship investment when you join. Or you may make a $10 invest-ment per month over ten months, plus a one-time $5 process-ing fee.

For information, visit facebook.com/EatToLiveFoodCoop; 315-430-9828.

Don’t Forget Your Neighborhood Retail CentersDuring this holiday season Americans will spend

billions on gifts for Christmas, Kwanzaa and other cultural and religious celebratory events. As park-ing lots of shopping malls overflow there’s another world free of traffic jams or standing in lines at the big box stores.

Throughout the City of Syracuse there are pockets of retail establishments with plenty of parking and products that include; fine jewelry, furniture, Hair Care Products, restaurants with award winning selections. In these establishments you won’t find jingle jangle music or Santa Claus’s lap to sit in. What you will find are stores with selections that appeal to every demographic that lives here.

There are stores in every residential community of Syracuse, Downtown- S. Salina Street, Armory Square, S. Salina Street at Colvin: a growing Afri-can-American retail presence. South Avenue with Jamaican cuisine and African soaps, art and other

cultural items of African origin. Future plans include a possible Price Rite Supermarket and a combined Health & Nutrition and shopping experience at a new Nojaim’s scheduled to break ground by years end.

On Westcott Street the joint is jumpin’ with a full service credit union and restaurants that overflow even on week nights. A food cooperative along with the new Price Right which is within walking distance for many people living in this area.

The Near West Side, South Geddes Street is fill-ing in with Hispanic themed restaurants, insurance services and a newly opened children’s Dentistry Center. There’s longtime business City Hardware, Newly built designer homes of the future and the “Connective Corridor” all have converged. WCNY’s new broadcast center is in its final stages of construc-tion massive investments have gone into housing and other development programs designed to radi-

cally transform this census tract that was once the second poorest in America!

West Onondaga Street Neighborhood has also been infused with new or relocated businesses, used furniture and other amenities that are important to a community are coming together. As a gateway into South Avenue, Rite Aid provides services that anchor neighborhood economies just as the new Walgreens in Eastwood has reinvigorated develop-ment in this important residential neighborhood.

Tipperary Hill continues to grow with an ex-panded Brooklyn Pickle, Burnet Newsstand a new convenience store that’s full service with Lotto and selection of products that don’t include Hair exten-sions dangling over chicken wings!

As we “shop until we drop” during this holiday season, don’t forget your Local Neighborhood Retail Centers.


Hours of Operation:Mon. - Thu. 10am - 9pm • Fri. & Sat. 10am - 10pm

Sun. 12pm - 9pm

(315) 565-43112032 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY

Blak LicourWine & Spirits

Bring This Coupon And Receive

5% OFF5% OFFExp. 12/10/13

FISH & GRITSDAILY

$3.50 FISH FRYSPECIAL

OPEN: SUN & MON: 7AM - 3PM • TUES - SAT: 7AM - 8PMOPEN: SUN & MON: 7AM - 3PM • TUES - SAT: 7AM - 8PM

BERSANI

HOLIDAY SALEUP TO 70% OFF

JEWELRY

217 South Salina Street, Downtown Syracuse • Mon-Fri 10-5:30 & Sat 11-4 • 315.472.6172

November 2013

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