April 2008
In this edition:
Every Month:
Annual Earth Day Community-Wide Clean Up
Every year, over 150 Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students, faculty, staff and Syracuse area residents gather to pick up litter in the University neighborhood. This year, the event will also include additional projects in area parks such as Thornden Park, Westminster Park, and Comfort Tyler Park.
Participants will meet at the Erwin First United Methodist Church, 920 Euclid Avenue, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 26th. Students, staff, and community members will break up in groups to clean-up the neighborhood for a couple of hours before returning for lunch. During this time, the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs will celebrate the 25 student organizations that participated in 7 Adopt-A-Street clean-ups throughout the year.
To sign-up for Earth Day this year, please visit http://earthday.syr.edu.
Celebrate Safely
As warmer weather returns and we prepare to celebrate the end of the academic year, it is important to keep safety in mind. Everyone shares the responsibility for maintaining our community. The following city ordinances are stringently enforced within the City of Syracuse, and it is very important to abide by them.
Nuisance Party
This ordinance allows the Syracuse Police Department to order a party host to stop his/her party and disband non-residents at the 
gathering. A party may be deemed a “nuisance party” for a number of reasons. This list includes, but is not limited to, the following: disorderly conduct; outdoor urination or defecation in a public place; unlawful sale, furnishing, dispensing or consumption of an alcoholic beverage; unlawful pedestrian or vehicular traffic; damage or destruction of property without the consent of the property owner.
Noise
This ordinance prohibits excessive or unnecessary noise that can be heard across property lines. Prohibited actions include playing a radio, stereo, television, musical instrument, or any other device in such a manner that its sound crosses property lines. This includes not only music, but also noise created by your guests from yelling and talking.
Open Container
This ordinance prohibits carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages on city streets and sidewalks.
Barbecues
Fire ordinances prohibit the use of any open-flame device on porches or overhangs. Grills must be placed at least 12 feet from a structure.
Littering
Littering on any public or private property is prohibited. The ordinance defines littering as the discarding of a single item of waste onto the ground by a person.
Fireworks
New York State law prohibits possessing and using fireworks.
New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Laws
Serving Alcohol to Minors
Supplying alcohol to people who are under 21 carries severe consequences both on and off campus. If you are
caught, you can be arrested for unlawfully dealing with a child – a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail. It is also against the law to sell alcohol without a permit – regardless of whether you sell it to someone who is over or under 21. The New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Laws are strictly enforced.
Know Your Guests
Strangers can cause huge problems including overcrowding, damage and unlawful activities. Remember, you are responsible for your guests’ actions. If your guests cause problems for the neighborhood, the problems ultimately become yours. Treat your neighbors as you would want to be treated.
Neighbor Relations
Your neighbors care about what the outside of your house looks like, even if your guests and housemates don’t. Clean up any cups or trash that is left outside of your house as soon as possible. Also, be mindful of parking; don’t let guests park on the sidewalk, on the grass, or blocking any driveways.
It is important to realize that students are also expected to abide by the University’s Code of Student Conduct.
Soaking Safety Tips for Hot Tubs
Soaking in a hot tub can be relaxing. But that same hot water holds some potential dangers.
- Shower with soap and water before and after using the spa or hot tub.
- High water temperatures can elevate your body temperature of your internal organs beyond safe limits. It is recommended that maximum water temperature never exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an accurate thermometer in the hot tub at all times to monitor the water temperature.
- Soaking too long makes some people nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded or faint. Don't soak for more than 15 minutes at one sitting in 104 degrees Fahrenheit water. If you wish to soak for a longer period of time in high temperatures, leave the spa or hot tub after 15 minutes, shower, cool down and then return for another brief stay. In lower temperatures (e.g., 98.6 degrees - normal body temperature), most people can comfortably and safely soak for longer periods at one sitting.
- Persons with heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or any serious illness, should not enter a spa or hot tub with out prior consultation with their doctor.
- Before entering, look at the water in the hot tub. If there is cloudiness or foaming, or if a "locker room" or strong chlorine smell is present, the water needs treatment. Soaking in such water greatly increases your chances of getting a skin rash.
People with skin, ear, genital or other body infections, open sores or wounds should not use the spa or hot tub because of the possibility of spreading infection. - Never use a hot tub while or after using alcohol. Alcohol acts to expand your blood vessels and increase your body temperature- much like soaking in hot water does. Alcohol in your bloodstream and soaking at the same time creates a combined effect that can be damaging. The body temperature may accelerate to dangerous levels quickly. The alcohol may cause nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness.
- As with alcohol, the combined use of certain prescribed medicines and hot water soaking can be dangerous. Never use a spa hot tub while or after using narcotics or other drugs that may cause sleepiness, drowsiness or raise or lower blood pressure.
- It is best not to soak immediately after eating a heavy meal.
Information provided by Hot Tubs to Go!
Goon Squad
Syracuse Welcome 2008 is looking for Goon Squad members! The Goon Squad is a tradition at Syracuse University that dates back to the 1940's that has evolved into a way to help incoming first-year students move into their residence halls on Wednesday, August 20th and Thursday, August 21st. By being a Goon Squad member you also get to move into your residence halls early, help meet and greet with new students, recruit for your student organizations, and become part of an old Syracuse tradition.
To sign-up, please go to swvolunteers.syr.edu.
Syracuse International Film Festival
April 25-May 4, 2008
Tickets on Sale April 1, 2008
Full Festival Pass (includes all screenings and events) $125
($110 for seniors and students)
Film Buff Pass (includes all screenings) $75 ($70 for seniors and students)
Individual screening tickets $8 ($6 for seniors and students)
Four pack of screening tickets $28
Opening Event with Stephen Baldwin at Palace $10 ($8 for seniors and students)
Special Event Tickets (World Cinema Celebration, American Express Heritage Programs) $15 ($12 for seniors and students)
For more information visit: www.syrfilm.com
Safety Tip of the Month: Identity Theft
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.
How do thieves steal an identity?
Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your information, including:
Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
Pretexting. They use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.
What do thieves do with a stolen identity?
Once they have your personal information, identity thieves use it in a variety of ways.
Credit card fraud:
- They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report.
- They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem.
Phone or utilities fraud:
- They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name, or run up charges on your existing account.
- They may use your name to get utility services like electricity, heating, or cable TV.
Bank/finance fraud:
- They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account number.
- They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks.
- They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic withdrawals your name, draining your accounts.
- They may take out a loan in your name.
Government documents fraud:
- They may get a driver's license or official ID card issued in your name but with their picture.
- They may use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits.
- They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information.
Other fraud:
- They may get a job using your Social Security number.
- They may rent a house or get medical services using your name.
- They may give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don't show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.
How can you find out if your identity was stolen?
The best way to find out is to monitor your accounts and bank statements each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you check your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft. Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after some damage has been done.
You may find out when bill collection agencies contact you for overdue debts you never incurred. You may find out when you get something in the mail about an apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, or a job you never held.
What should you do if your identity is stolen?
Filing a police report, checking your credit reports, notifying creditors, and disputing any unauthorized transactions are some of the steps you must take immediately to restore your good name.
Information taken from www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Legal Tip of the Month
Dog Ordinance in the City of Syracuse
Taken from: What Every City of Syracuse Resident and Property Owner Should Know and NYS Tenant’s Rights Guide
Dogs must be cared for in a responsible manner, which does not interfere with the quality of life of residents in the surrounding neighborhood. All dogs over the age of 4 months, must be licensed. There can be no more than 3 adult dogs per property. By law, when not confined to their own fenced yards, all dogs must be leashed at all times. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets throughout the city. This includes parks and green spaces. Yards must be kept in sanitary condition, free of animal waste. Dog owners are responsible for preventing their dog from nuisance barking.
Violation of the City of Syracuse Dog Ordinance could result in seizure of the dog, a court appearance or fines.
When renting an apartment, it is important that your lease allows pets or is silent on the subject. Landlords may be able to evict tenants who violate a lease provision prohibiting pets.
Sustainability Tip
Ten Tons of Love
Ten Tons of Love, Syracuse University’s annual end of the year donation drive, collects unwanted items from April 30-May 16 and would love your unwanted items to donate to the local Syracuse community. All items in good condition are accepted including: non-perishable food, clothing and shoes, house wares, bedding, electronics, furniture and school supplies. Off-Campus donations of portable goods can be dropped off at the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs at 754 Ostrom Avenue. Please call 315-443-1012 to arrange for a pick-up of furniture and large house wares.
We need your help! Sign up to load, move and sort collected items at TenTons.syr.edu
Commuter Corner
Mayfest
MayFest is a day-long, continuous and simultaneous series of student performances, presentations, displays, screenings and other activities in a “festival” atmosphere. The majority of these events occur around the academic quad and utilize lecture rooms, lobbies, classrooms, laboratories, quad and other space. The venues are arranged to encourage those in attendance to visit space unfamiliar to them around the quad and to allow them to explore, in a convenient fashion, the diversity of creative works being done across campus.
This is a great opportunity to find out what your peers are doing, meet new people, and get involved in new programs. Mayfest will be held on Tuesday, April 22. For more information, to view photos from previous years, or view this year’s schedule, go to the Mayfest website.
Recipe of the Month
Greek Salad
Ingredients
1 head romaine lettuce
1 head bibb lettuce
2 roma tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 lemon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 oz feta cheese
5 oz olive oil
1 clove garlic
Preparation
Wash and dry all vegetables.
Blanch garlic.
Make dressing with lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Peel and seed cucumber, cut uniformly.
Peel and seed tomatoes, cut uniformly put with cucumber.
Crumble feta over tomato/cux mix. Hold until just before needed.
Gently chop romaine and bibb lettuce small. If not using immediately, cover with wet paper towel and saran.
When ready to assemble, toss tomato mixture with a portion of the dressing; then toss greens with remainder of dressing. Display tomato salad on greens and garnish with chicken kebabs.
Crack fresh pepper over plate. Serve.
Submitted by: Mary Ann Kiernan, Hospitality and Nutrition Management
Printable ViewThe OOCP is seeking new recipes! If you have an original, unpublished recipe you would like to share, please email us at oocp@syr.edu.
Upcoming Events
| Tuesday, April 8 | Schine Student Center OOCP Information Table | 10am-2pm |
| Saturday, April 26 | Annual Earth Day Celebration | 10:30am-2pm |
| April 29-May 16 | Ten Tons of Love |