by Kimberly Strong

Oswego, NY- April is Autism Awareness Month. The Oswego County Autism Task Force hosted their 2nd Annual 5K and fundraiser to kick off the month on Apr. 2.

Over 160 runners, walkers, and supporters lined up on E 1st St., just outside the Press Box Restaurant at 8:30 AM the 5K. The race’s three mile route worked its way through Oswego’s East Side and Fort Ontario area.

In addition to the race, there was a “Breakfast of Autism Champions” buffet provided by the Press Box for anyone making a $10 donation.

All proceeds from the 5K and breakfast benefited the Oswego County Autism Task Force, an organization that supports autism awareness and creates possibilities for those affected by autism. 

The event brought together families and residents of all ages. who have a personal connection with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

““It’s near and dear to my heart,” Special Education Teacher Elisabeth Haight said. “Last year my daughter and I ran, but this year we decided to volunteer and cheer on the racers.”

Race Director Julia Chetney’s son was diagnosed with autism and started the 5K last year.

“There wasn’t a lot of events that support the autism community,” she said. “I was really excited to be a part of this community and this event…People are really excited about it, and grateful.”

For updates on the next 5K and more information, go to the Oswego County Autism Task Force’s website.

OSWEGO, N.Y. -If you’ve walked through the quad lately, you’ve seen that Oswego has new sculptures on campus. The set of sculptures were a response to renovation work that was being done on Tyler Hall. The sculptures range from large red spikes representing connection or lack thereof with earth, to a sculpture that animals can live in blurring the lines between humans and nature.

The six pieces aren’t just local art, two of them hail from North Carolina and the other four from all across New York state. The Lifestyles Center will be co-hosting an event with the Student Art Exhibit Committee on October 19. #CelebrateSculpture will be held in the quad featuring the artists who built the sculptures, who will answer questions and talk about their experiences.

The large red piece is titled Prince, by Fredrick Douglas Schatz. This work is meant to be a self portrait. He said that it was a comment on the harmony and lack of harmony between each person and the earth that we inhabit.

You can find more information about this event on the SUNY Oswego events calendar at http://bit.ly/2dWoBEv.