The Downtown Writer’s Center (DWC) has offered local writers a place for study and camaraderie for 10 years. The center offers up to 12 courses a year, many taught by experts in their respective genres. Next fall, the DWC will move to a larger, newly renovated space that had say sat unused inside the Downtown YMCA.

Kristin Schofield wasn’t sure what to expect when she decided to start a support group for those affected by Lyme disease. She only knew that there were others like her, others who needed someone to talk to and maybe some advice on how to proceed.

The Lights Out, a Boston band with Salt City connections, performs at this weekend’s Relay for Life fundraiser

It’s not surprising that a guy who helped create some of the most memorable and mellow pop recordings of the 1970s is supremely comfortable in his own skin. But John Ford Coley (born John Edward Colley), says that hasn’t always been the case.

Central New York holds a prominent role, both race- and gender-based, in the history of our country’s civil rights movement. But as the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day approaches on Tuesday, March 8, local artists, educators and community leaders are more focused on the lessons still embedded in that history.

Stan Kolonko (below, left) and ice carver apprentice Jerry Perun wield some of the tools used to turn blocks of frozen water into incredibly detailed ice sculptures; more of those tool are shown on the facing page..

On Wednesday evenings, there’s a familiar, controlled chaos at the Westcott Community Center. About 60 members of the Syracuse Community Choir (SCC), from all over Central New York, file in. There are hugs and handshakes, smiles and chatter. The atmosphere recalls a large family gathering—which is exactly what it is.