Norm Swanson speaks at the rededication of Forman Park
Forman Park, originally conceived as Forman Square nearly two centuries ago, was re-dedicated today in a ceremony featuring civic leaders and business leaders from the Midtown neighborhood. Above developer Norm Swanson talks about purchasing the Parkview Hotel, which faces the Park. The Parkview was re-developed a few years ago.
Forman Park
SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor and Architecture Dean Mark Robbins
Mayor Miner activates the Forman Park Fountain
Bj Adigun, environmental advocate for Onondaga County, speaks at the dedication about the environmental benefits of green infrastructure in cities
Pick-up basketball is part of a universal language that was well-chronicled by Alex Wielgus and Chuck Wolf in the early 80s. The game is always the game, whether you are in Syracuse, DC, Kansas or Seattle. But there are some places where the game borders on religion. One of those places is New York
Later tonight hoops afficianado and writer Bob Garcia (aka D.J. Bobbito + Cool Bob Love) and Kevin Couliau will screen their film Doin’ It In the Park: Pickup-Basketball, NYC. This self-funded project is an hour plus documentary on vim, vigor and vitality of NYC hoops. In many ways the city and the courts and bball culture are the main character of the film, but there are some great interviews with Pee Wee Kirkland, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson, Smush Parker and also some great vintage footage of the Doctor (Julius Erving) operating on a NYC blacktop as a youngster.
Dave Cain, the Director: He’s got game
Syracuse’s David Cain, who grew up in Harlem and played at St. John’s, is excited about seeing the film. He says that there is a unique energy to basketball in New York. He talked about the allure of playing at Rucker Park, near where he grew up during a recent phone interview (listen below).
Former Whitman School Program Director Mizra Tihic speaks during a program at SSIC a few years ago.
Congratulations to the Southside Innovation Center, which was recently named incubator of the year. The Center is a part of SU’s Whitman School of Management.
Columnist Bud Poliquin recently did a story about concussions and interviewed NFL great and Syracuse legend Dorsey Levens. Levens is advocating for retired players as well as kids playing Pop Warner, and hopes to bring awareness to concussions and stingers. He is also producing a film called Bell Rung.
Fame: The Connective Corridor In Motion Series (Music meets Dance)
Photographer Kay Lavonier teamed up with the Brothers McGriff, Centro, and the Syracuse City Ballet on Friday for the Connective Corridor’s latest In Motion installment. The event, which included portraiture and live music by the McGriffs, captivated bystanders at SU’s College Station. Catching a city bus should always be this much fun.
Crooked Arrows, an independent film about a Native American lacrosse team, had it’s premiere in downtown Syracuse on Wednesday. Fans and student athletes lined along Montgomery Street to get a peek at the actors and VIPs in attendance.
The film was co-produced by SU professor Neal Powless (pictured above, lower right).
