May 3, 10, 24
Equine program for individuals with memory loss returns in May
The Memory Care Corral has started up again at a new location at Sunshine Horses on Verplank Road in Clay. This innovative program provides the Central New York community with therapeutic equine activities for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers.
Guided sessions with horses provide both the individual with dementia and the caregiver with therapeutic, non riding activities. No horse handling experience is necessary. These 60-to-90-minute sessions enable both participants to better communicate and support each other. Both the individual with memory loss and the caregiver can experience reduced isolation, depression and stress. Research has shown that the human-horse connection helps participants feel relaxed, confident, and happy.
The Memory Care Corral program has been the outcome of a collaboration of several organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life for those with memory loss and their caregivers. The training of volunteers has been provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York chapter. Start-up funding has been provided by the Athelda Fund, a family fund dedicated to enabling individuals living with dementia to remain at home and engaged in their community for as long as possible.
The spring sessions are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays at Sunshine Horses, 3721 Verplank Road in Clay in the following days: May 3, 10, 24, June 7 and 21.
All sessions are for both the individual with memory loss and their caregiver.
Sessions are $10 per person ($20 per session for the two participants). Pre-registration is requested by emailing sunshinehorsesinc@gmail.com or calling 315-453-9380 and leaving a message or going to the events page at www.sunshinehorses.org.
May 7
HOA sponsors forum on women’s cancer prevention, treatment
Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA) presents an educational forum on women’s cancer, prevention and treatment from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7. The presentation takes place at HOA’s office at 5008 Brittonfield Parkway in East Syracuse. It is free and open to the public with a light dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required at hoacny.com/news-events or 315-472-7504, extension 1303.
HOA experts in women’s cancer will lead the forum. They are medical oncologists Iqra Choudary, Santosh Kumar and Anita Pudusseri.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a discussion with the presenters. Additionally, representatives from local cancer support organizations and medical practices caring for women’s cancers will staff information tables for attendees.
“Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. Hosting a community education seminar on women’s cancer prevention and treatment is an opportunity to empower individuals with the information they need to take proactive steps toward better health,” said HOA CEO Jennifer Pichoske. “Early detection and prevention can save lives, and we are committed to ensuring that every woman has access to the latest research, resources, and support to make informed decisions about her well-being.”
May 10
Elmcrest youth take center stage in new theater program
Elmcrest Children’s Center announced the debut of its newest youth development initiative, the H.E.A.T. theater program (Highly Empowered Amazing Talent)—a transformative experience that uses the power of the performing arts to build confidence, leadership and self-expression in young people.
As part of Elmcrest’s 180th anniversary celebration, youth participating in the H.E.A.T. program will premiere an original dinner theater production May 10, at Elmcrest’smain campus (960 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse). The evening will begin with a four-course Italian dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a performance at 5:30 p.m.—both created and led entirely by Elmcrest youth.
The H.E.A.T. program is more than just a performance—it’s a platform for growth. Youth involved in the program have taken on every role in the production, from writing and acting to costume design and stage management. Through this immersive experience, participants are developing communication skills, emotional awareness, teamwork, and the courage to share their stories in front of a live audience.
“Theater has a powerful way of unlocking potential,” said Diane Nappa, executive director of Elmcrest. “The H.E.A.T. program gives our youth the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s not just about putting on a show—it’s about showing them that their voice matters.”
Tickets are now available to the public for $20 per person or $50 for a family four-pack. This project is made possible with funds from the Tier Three Project Support program, a regrant program of the County of Onondaga with the support of the county executive and administered by CNY Arts and other generous donors.
For tickets or to learn more, visit https://elmcrest.org/theatreprogram.
May 12
CNYAHEC presents documentary created by people overcoming loneliness
The Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC) is presenting the screening of “All the Lonely People” from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, May 12, at Kallet Theater, 4842 Jefferson St., Pulaski. Filmmakers and local stakeholders will be in attendance. The public is invited to attend the free screening.
The film follows a handful of people from different walks of life as they overcome social isolation and chronic loneliness, a condition that is affecting millions more of people after COVID-19. The documentary includes the stories of New York residents Ari Rossen and Tony Westbrook living in an urban area. Another cast member, Mary Hill, an 89-year-old caregiver in Shropshire, England, faces isolation in the rural countryside. The film includes teenager Khiloud Alegab who at one point stayed isolated in her room for weeks at a time.
“Those are just a few of the people who I personally identified with as I dealt with my own loneliness.” says, Stu Maddux, the director of the film.
Researchers believe the effects of loneliness on our health are as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The added stress of feeling alone increases heart disease and even earlier onset of dementia.
For more information on how to attend please visit: https://linktr.ee/CNYAHEC, then select the “All The Lonely People” tab.
May 22
Senior housing expo to offer resources for those over 55
The CNY Senior Housing & Information Expo, presented by Wel care and Velocity Clinical Research, is set to take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, May 22, at the CNY Regional Market F-Shed. The event brings together over 60 vendors offering information and resources for people over 55 and their families.
The provides an opportunity for individuals to explore a variety of services and housing options available for seniors in Central New York. Attendees will have access to a wide range of experts and professionals from various fields, including senior housing, healthcare, financial planning, Medicare insurance, and more.
The event, sponsored by Community Living Advocates, will also feature live music, door prizes and giveaways.
The CNY Senior Housing & Information Expo is free to attend and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.communitylivingadvocates.com/seniorhousingexpo2025.
May 31
Lyme prevention group sponsors CNY Legs Against Lyme
Central New York Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance is sponsoring its Legs Against Lyme Walk at 10. a.m., May 31, at the Long Branch Park in Liverpool.
The event is designed to raise awareness for Lyme disease and raise funds that directly support efforts in research, education and patient support.
According to the nonprofit the challenges of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases extend beyond initial treatment. Persistent and often debilitating symptoms can significantly affect daily life.
The organization urges people, while enjoying the outdoors, to use an effective tick repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and conduct thorough tick checks after any time spent outside. If you find a tick or develop symptoms like a rash, fever or unexplained fatigue, don’t delay in seeking medical attention.
Visit https://cnylymealliance.org to learn more about how you can get involved, volunteer and register for the walk.
June 14
Local cancer survivors, caregivers to be honored in Rome
Local cancer survivors and their caregivers will take the celebratory first lap at the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Central NY presented by Upstate Cancer Center at Delta Lake State Park in Rome on Saturday, June 14. However, local survivors are encouraged to register now to receive their free cancer survivor T-shirt by mail prior to the event.
Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers are encouraged to join the celebration at Relay For Life. As the survivors walk, other participants will cheer them on in a demonstration of support and celebration. Each cancer survivor also receives a free commemorative T-shirt by mail, as well as other gift items the day of the Relay.
The Relay For Life is a community event where teams and individuals come together to honor, celebrate, and raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. Money raised will help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.
If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver and would like to be part of the Relay For Life event, you are urged to pre-register for free by visiting RelayForLife.org/CNY or simply call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and tell them you want to walk the survivor lap at your local event. Your T-shirt will then be mailed to you after you register. There is no charge to the survivor for the shirt or the postage. There is also no charge to enter Delta Lake State Park for Relay participants or supporters.