Community Calendar

Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum examining the intersection of food insecurity, health care, and community advocacy, and how these systems work together to shape community health and well-being in Central New York. Panelists will share perspectives from the Food Bank of Central New York and the health care sector, offering insight into the role of food access in overall health, the work of the Food Bank to support individuals and families across the region, and the ways policy, systems, and advocacy influence both food security and health outcomes. The discussion will highlight how civic engagement pathways, such as advocacy, community involvement, and public participation, support solutions that strengthen access to food and health-related resources. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves into a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on the connections between food access and health care, and explore how residents can engage at the civic level through advocacy, volunteering, and support of community initiatives. This forum offers a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore meaningful pathways to strengthen the civic life of Central New York.

Since relocating to the Lorenzo grounds in 1997, the Rippleton Schoolhouse has served as a place to “live history.” Hundreds of Central New York pupils attend classes in our restored one-room schoolhouse each year. Since 2002, the Friends of Lorenzo have hosted this annual event welcoming “kids of all ages” to participate in period games, meet the schoolmarm, enjoy refreshments, horse-drawn wagon rides, fall crafts, and more! Admission to the event is free.

Wade Catts, President of South River Heritage Consulting in Delaware, adjunct professor of history at Rowan University, and co-director of the award-winning Red Bank Battlefield Archaeology Project, will offer his personal insights and experiences from a variety of Revolutionary War military sites. Using examples from battlefields throughout the Middle Atlantic and Northeast, he will look at what the field of archaeology brings to the investigation, interpretation, and preservation of these places. He will discuss new research and how it informs our current understanding of 18th-century warfare and reflect on the role of material culture and landscape in the public’s renewed interest in our Revolutionary War as we commemorate America’s semiquincentennial. Catts is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA), with 45 years of experience as an historical archaeologist specializing in history, archaeology, and historic preservation. Admission is free.

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. invites the community to the unveiling of the 2026 Wisdom Keeper Plaque!

Join us in honoring this year’s Wisdom Keepers, Tim Fox and Evelyn C. Ingram, as we celebrate their remarkable leadership and contributions to Central New York! A new plaque will be revealed in the Wisdom Keeper Garden as a lasting tribute to their impact and vision for a stronger community.

Free Event | All are Welcome | Rain or Shine | No Registration Required

FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. invites the community to the 2026 Wisdom Keeper Celebration! Join FOCUS in honoring this year’s Wisdom Keepers, Tim Fox and Evelyn C. Ingram, as we celebrate their remarkable leadership and contributions to Central New York!

The 2026 Wisdom Keeper will be held at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, an exciting setting for this beloved celebration! Wisdom Keeper is a lively, welcoming celebration where leaders, professionals, and community members from all walks of life come together to connect, converse, and be inspired!

Guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces! The highlight of the evening will be honoring our 2026 Wisdom Keeper Honorees, extraordinary individuals whose leadership, care, and vision continue to shape Central New York’s future.

Reserve Your Tickets Today!

April - Nov Engage With Gage
To celebrate Matilda’s 200th Birthday we will be reading her book, Woman, Church & State in sections throughout the remainder of the year. All sessions take place on the second Wednesday of the month and start at 5:30pm. Participants are welcome to attend in person at the Gage Center or online via zoom. Each session is $10/person or sign up for all sessions (Complete WCS Series) for $75.

April - Nov Engage With Gage
To celebrate Matilda’s 200th Birthday we will be reading her book, Woman, Church & State in sections throughout the remainder of the year. All sessions take place on the second Wednesday of the month and start at 5:30pm. Participants are welcome to attend in person at the Gage Center or online via zoom. Each session is $10/person or sign up for all sessions (Complete WCS Series) for $75.

Preserving your past, one discovery at a time!

The OCMH Genealogy Club is a community dedicated to providing the perfect space for researchers to share their recent discoveries, troubleshoot difficult "brick walls," and learn new archival techniques.

Open to the public: You do not need to be an Oneida Community descendant to join! Whether you are just starting your tree or you’re a seasoned researcher navigating DNA results, our bi-monthly gatherings offer a supportive space to celebrate all family histories without the pressure of a weekly commitment.

Meeting Details

Frequency: Every two months - December 19th 2026, February 20th, 2027

Location: The Mansion House.

Experience Level: All levels welcome—from "I just started yesterday" to "I've been at this for 30 years."

Our relaxed schedule is designed for busy people who want to stay connected to the genealogy community while having plenty of time to do their own "digging" in between meetings. A two-month gap allows you the time to:

Dig into online archives.

Visit family members.

Organize your latest finds to share with the group.

Ready to dig into your roots?

Grab a coffee, bring your computer and a pedigree chart, and join us at the Mansion House to find some ancestors together!