Auburn Beautification Commission Encourages Community Partnerships

Developing partnerships between Auburn and area businesses is a great way to help improve the quality of life in the City, and Auburn Beautification Commission would like to see a new program be expanded to its full potential. Under the direction of the ABC, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the City, Dickman Farms recently “adopted” the gazebo across from City Hall and spruced the area up with an array of colorful plantings. A small sign tastefully denotes the sponsor of the project.

There are limitless opportunities for similar projects around the city, and ABC encourages business, social clubs or any group of interested volunteers to look for ways that they might get involved. Details are still being finalized, like contractual obligations for upkeep and maintenance, and liability issues related to people performing work on City property. Aside from that, the sky’s the limit for future projects, and it doesn’t need to stop at planting flowers.

Other potential options could include a local service organization constructing a new playground. A small sign could say, “This playground brought to you by (club name here).” This is a small price for something that will have a real impact on people’s lives. The days of plump city budgets and large DPW departments have passed, but with the City, its citizens and businesses sharing the labor — and cost — of enhancements of open spaces, everybody wins.

Art Around Auburn

Another way ABC is working to beautify Auburn is supporting the creation and installation of public art projects in various locations in downtown Auburn.. On Founders Day, many attended the unveiling of Audrey Iwanicki’s metal sculpture installed on Exchange Street in honor of Ted Case. Now, another artistic medium- mosaics- will take center stage in making Auburn more colorful and inviting.

In April, artists Jesse Kline and Dave Tobin were funded by Stardust Foundation of CNY to take a mosaic training with Isaiah Zagar, in Philadelphia. That training led to another Stardust grant to create mosaics in Auburn. “We believe that the idea of mosaics, designed by local artists and put together by local volunteers, of all ages, are a way to bring members of our community together and also create local art that will last years and show off Auburn’s rich history and heritage,” said Guy Cosentino, the Executive Director of the Stardust Foundation of Central New York.

The team’s first stop is Angelo’s Pizza, a long-time staple for authentic flat-crust pizza. Angelo himself, was the inspiration for the mosaic, which will be located on the side wall of the business, facing the parking lot. Kline enlisted the talents of artist Amy Chamberlain to render the composition. “Chamberlain’s linear, contemporary style is a perfect fit for this project,” Kline shared.

Amy Chamberlain said, “I am very honored to work on this project that will bring a modern and interesting focal point downtown. While it would have been an obvious choice to commemorate local heroes such as Harriet Tubman and William Seward, this project celebrates an accessible local hero. Angelo’s contribution is now an institution. He’s a hard-working, everyday guy you could buy a slice from, in this lifetime.”

The mosaic artwork will compliment the existing painted mural across the way at Colonial Laundromat, as well as the Liberty Store’s mural located a block down. Angelo’s mosaic will further solidify East Genesee Street’s commitment to public art. The team will install the piece the first two weekends in August.

To keep the project green, and cut down on costs, Tobin and Kline approached many businesses for material donations. Broken tile, odd lots, open boxes or product samples will be saved from a landfill, and used in the composition. Business donors include Floors & Walls, Roma Tile, Whitings Wallpaper & Paint, Callahan Masonry Supply, Crowley Glass, McGlaughlin Glass, Image Agent and Real Deals.

Community members are also encouraged to donate materials towards the project. Plates, colored glass, mirrors, all types and textures of ceramic pieces- literally pieces, with a flat backside can be used. If interested in donating, or participating in the installation, residents should contact Project Managers Kline (jessekline31@msn.com) and Tobin (dttobin@gmail.com).

After Angelo’s is completed, the next stop will be Exchange Street. Complimenting the recently redesigned space, and further refining the look, the team will mosaic the smooth concrete low walls, that can be used for seating. Students participating in BluePrint II will be assisting with this installation in the fall.

“The great thing about these mosaic projects is that they will be assembled by volunteers of all ages. People will feel a sense of accomplishment they will savor for years, every time they see their mosaic,” said Project Manager Dave Tobin.

For more information please visit www.artforauburn.wordpress.com and www.beautifulauburn.org and join the Facebook Fan Pages for “Art for Auburn” and “Auburn Beautification Commission.”

Downtown Welcomes Mesa Grande Taqueria!

A very welcome addition to downtown, and the Genesee Center, Mesa Grande Taqueria (MG) opened to crowds of people anxious to try authentic California-Mexican style burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and salads. The decor is the perfect visual compliment to the food, it’s very modern, clean and industrial. Citrus lime green walls, stainless steel counters and high-tops and pendant lighting are not your typical environment for Auburn’s current dining options.

Owner, Jim Daddabbo, who returned to Auburn almost two years ago, was one of the founders of Daddabbo’s Pizza ten years ago. Daddabbo had lived in Los Angeles off and on since 1993. But after the birth of his first child and with another on the way, he and his wife decided to return home to be closer to family.

When planning his new venture, Daddabbo looked to fill what he saw as a need in Auburn and also bring a little of what he loved from L.A. back to New York. “When I was growing up we had Taco Village here in Auburn and I knew I liked burritos, but I had never had a real authentic burrito until I moved to L.A., and I loved it.”

The restaurant itself is in the style termed “quick casual.” Daddabbo said these kinds of places have a broad appeal, in that they offer good quality food, but in a quicker manner than a traditional sit-down restaurant. Patrons come in and place their order and watch it being made right in front of them, conversing back and forth with MG staff, choosing from a wide variety of toppings, salsas and sauces.

There are a number of vegetarian options on the menu, another refreshing point of difference. At MG, they roast our own peppers, chilies and corn, the salsas are all made there, and they smoke our own meats.

Owner Jim Daddabbo was very conscious about not creating unnecessary waste, and chose to stay away from disposable plates, cups and cutlery. MG boasts energy-efficient lighting, reusable metal silverware and baskets, real glasses as opposed to plastic or paper cups and biodegradable to-go utensils. The restaurant is committed to reduce its carbon footprint. Kudos for keeping it green!

Families and downtown professionals may appreciate this new eatery the most, the service is extremely fast, and the ingredients are very fresh. It’s ideal for take-out, or a quick lunch or dinner. There are ample seating areas, for those that prefer to eat in.

Prices are quite reasonable and portions are large. Splitting an entree is an option for those with smaller appetites and budgets. So, if you haven’t already, give MG a try and spread the word about this new downtown taqueria. For more information call 315-252-6252, or visit www.mesagrandetaqueria.com.

Click Here for the SKANOPOLY Patron Partnership order form and read below for all of the details!

Dear Skaneateles Chamber Member:

The Skaneateles Education Foundation will be publishing a customized version of Monopoly, called “Skanopoly” to raise money for education in our community. Skanopoly will be available in local stores starting in late November. 1000 games will be published and they will be sold for $30.00 each, with all proceeds going to education.

Many local merchants and restaurants have generously sponsored properties on the Board and we thank them for their support. We are also including in the game a Patron Partnership Booklet, to provide ads for local businesses and to give them an opportunity to support the Skanopoly project and the mission of the Foundation. We hope this gives everyone an opportunity to participate in this community wide project.

Please take a look at the attached document, detailing the Partnership booklet and how you can participate for $50 per ad. This is a unique opportunity to place an ad in a booklet that will be viewed by families and tourists of the community for many years to come. Please note that there is a deadline for submission of August 10, 2010.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support. Questions, please contact me at 291-2212 or smagee@skanschools.org

Sharon Magee

Executive Director

Skaneateles Education Foundation

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STRESS REDUCTION WORKSHOP at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), Monday, August 2, 6:00 – 7:30 pm with instructor Connie Heagerty, CHT. Cost: 45.00. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

HYPNOSIS FOR WEIGHT LOSS/EXERCISE MOTIVATION at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), Tuesday, August 10, 7:00 – 8:30 pm with facilitator Connie Heagerty, CHT. Cost: $45.00. This workshop will include a group weight loss/exercise hypnosis session, lessons on how to use self-hypnosis and a CD for home use. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

CORE STABILITY PHYSIO BALL CLASSES at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Dr. Danielle Ryan, Chiropractor: Wednesdays, August 11 – September 15, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Cost: $72.00 for 6 week series. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319. We honor drop-ins. Drop in fee is $15.00 per class.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM & LOSE WEIGHT WITH LYMPHATIC PUMPING AND DRY BRUSHING at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Angelina Breen, LMT, Tuesday, August 17, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Cost: $60 ( includes all materials). Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

PILATES at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Beth Loomis, Tuesdays, August 17 – September 21, 9:00 – 10:00 am. Cost: $72 for six week series. Drop-ins are welcome, $15.00 per class. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

PILATES at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Beth Loomis, Thursdays, August 19 – September 23, 9:00 – 10:00 am. Cost: $72 for six week series. Drop-ins are welcome, $15.00 per class. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

BABY’S FIRST MASSAGE WORKSHOP at The Center, (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Connie Heagerty, CHT, Saturday, August 21, 10:30 – noon. Cost: $50.00. Baby’s first massage is an internationally known program for expectant parents or caregivers. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

TEEN DE-STRESS WORKSHOP at The Center, (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Connie Heagerty, CHT, Saturday, August 21, 1:00 – 2:30 pm. In this workshop teens will learn how to recognize the major and minor stress signals, how the body reacts to stress and techniques on how to cope with stressors that teens may experience on a daily basis. Cost: $45 (includes CD of $15 value). Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

MANIFESTING WORKSHOP at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn) with instructor Connie Heagerty, CHT, Monday, August 23, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. This workshop will include guided visualization and affirmations for manifestation. Think about what you want to manifest in your life and come learn a simple step by step process of guided visualization for manifestation. Cost: 40.00. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

GROUP HYPNOSIS FOR SMOKING CESSATION at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), with facilitator Connie Heagerty, CHT, Tuesday, August 24, 7:00 – 8:30 pm. This workshop will explain what hypnosis is, how it works and how you can use it to stop smoking. Cost: $45 includes CD for home use. Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com, or call 315.704.0319.

WINE AND WELLNESS at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), Friday, August 27, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening with the theme “the orient express.” Includes choice wine tasting and gourmet delights sponsored by Swifty’s, and choice of 3 mini-services. Cost: $50. Reservations are required. Call 315.704.0319 for more information.

ZUMBA® at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), Mondays, August 30 – October 18 – 6:15 – 7:15 pm with instructor Christine Bartolotta. Cost $48.00 (for 6 weeks). (Class will not meet on Labor Day and Columbus Day). Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com or call 315.704.0319. Drop-ins are welcome, $10.00 per class.

ZUMBA® at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), Wednesdays, September 1 – October 6 – 6:45 – 7:45 pm with instructor Amy Mahunik. Cost $48.00 (for 6 weeks). Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com or call 315.704.0319. Drop-ins are welcome, $10.00 per class. (Note to new students: come on September 1st for free drop in to see if Zumba is for you!)

ZUMBA® at The Center (1 Hoffman St., Auburn), Thursdays, September 2 – October 7 – 6:00 – 7:00 pm with instructor Christine Bartolotta. Cost $48.00 (for 6 weeks). Pre-registration is required. Online registration available at www.TheCenter4Wellness.com or call 315.704.0319. Drop-ins are welcome, $10.00 per class.

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