This lecture series, a fundraiser for the Westcott Community Center , has raised over  $18,000 to date. "The lecture series enhances the ability of the Center to provide community programming for the 25,000 people that pass through the Center=s doors,@ says Steve Susman, Executive Director of the WCC. Proceeds from the lecture series have been used to support our youth and senior programs as well as our arts and cultural programming.  We encourage people to come and  meet their neighbors. We welcome people from outside the neighborhood to come and hear the presenters; join us in dialogue and share refreshments after each presentation.

September 24, 2009 Thursday, 7:30 PM
David Macdonald
Vessels for the Human Spirit

Join us for a unique opportunity to observe the artistry of David MacDonald, nationally renowned and professor emeritus of Syracuse University . David will demonstrate various techniques that he employs to make his uniquely African inspired ceramic works. He will also give a brief slide presentation and discuss the development and evolution of his creative work and the sources of inspiration that helped to shape it…. from the turbulent 60's to the present.
His work is featured in many public and private collections throughout the nation. His art has been published in several ceramic textbooks and professional magazines.

 October 25, 2009, Sunday, 3 PM
Lisa Daly
Grassroots Politics and New Media

Travis grew up in Brasher Falls , New York . His early years in that small community taught him the values of independence and interdependence, but led him to dream of life in the big city. While studying Classical guitar at Onondaga Community College , Travis took a job in the conventional grocery sector. After two years learning about natural foods and fresh produce, Travis applied for an opening at his local Food Co-op.

Ten years later, Travis is completely hooked on the idea of Co-operative businesses, and envisions two futures for America: Wal-mart or Co-op. Travis believes that the seven international co-operative principles as well as the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others have the potential to reshape the world’s economy for the benefit of all.  

Tamora started life as a hillbilly with a spelling mistake on her birth certificate.  She is now the New York Times  bestselling author of  fantasy books for teens.  Tamora’s books have appeared on the American Library Association's yearly Best Books for Young Adults lists, the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age list, and VOYA's (Voice of Youth Advocates) yearly Best Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror lists.   Her books include The Song of the Lioness quartet, The Circle of Magic quartet, and the Beka Cooper series.  Tamora and her husband decided to move to Syracuse after recording eleven books with Full Cast Audio. Tamora and her husband decided to move to Syracuse after spending months at a time here recording her books for Full Cast Audio (The Immortals quartet, The Will of the Empress,  Melting Stones). Adults, as well as teens, find much to enjoy in  her books and her lecture will appeal to all.

Peter Saulson has been hunting for black holes since 1981. He is one of the founders of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) project, the most exciting astronomical observatory that you've never heard of. LIGO has installed two giant gravitational wave antennas on opposite sides of the continent, and is now listening for the vibrations of space-time that will occur when a new black hole forms somewhere in the universe, or when two black holes collide. Come and learn what the excitement is all about: what black holes are, why a gravitational wave detector is the best way to look for them, and what it will sound like when two black holes collide. No physics background required.  

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (note the slight accent), Rae has lived in Syracuse since 1972.  They came to Syracuse to complete graduate work — medicine for Lanny and social work for Rae - and stayed. For many years she worked in health care administration for a local not-for-profit organization, advocating for patients and coworkers. She calls her progressive work checkbook activism for much of that time while she worked full time, raised two sons and began coaching soccer (never having played).  In the late '90s Rae began to work part-time and replaced much of her checkbook work with hands-on activism with the Syracuse Peace Council.  Learning about the School of the Americas began the chain of events that led to six months in federal prison. She believes that the glass is half full, people are more important than profit, we are nourished by the caring of community, and we can contribute to a more decent world.

Sponsorship of this event in no way implies the Westcott Community Center ’s Support for Ms. Miner for Mayor of Syracuse