The Westcott area has long been a staple of community life, but Syracuse University students don’t always know what’s waiting just beyond the Hill.

In an effort to introduce students living on- and off-campus to Westcott Street and Nottingham Road, the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs will host the 10th annual Taste of Westcott Street event Wednesday.

The event is free to attend and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Erwin First United Methodist Church at 920 Euclid Ave.

Jenelle Wagner, a senior graphic arts and marketing major, usually goes into downtown Syracuse rather than Wescott when traveling off-campus. She thinks that students may feel intimidated in Westcott’s, but familiarity with the area might make them more comfortable.

‘I guess they would explore more if they knew more about it,’ she said.

In the past few days, between 75 and 100 volunteers have been passing out invitations to off-campus residences, but the event is open to all students

Students who come with their ID cards will be able to sample foods from some local restaurants, find out about opportunities to get involved in approximately 25 community organizations and mingle with other Syracuse residents.

Those who get there early and present their invitation will also receive free snow shovels and recycling bins from the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency while supplies last.

Food providers will include Bruegger’s Bagels, New Garden, Syracuse Real Food Co-op and several other restaurants.

Despite the close proximity to campus, there are many students who are unfamiliar with the Westcott Nation, as it was once called.

Laura Madelone, the director of the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs, said the event ‘started as a way to introduce students to the local community.’ It also helps students’ transition into off-campus living and gives local businesses a little publicity.

Hilary Stern, a sophomore environmental science major at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, plans to attend Wednesday’s event. She shops and dines on Westcott Street because she doesn’t have a car on campus.

‘It’s within walking distance, and it has everything you could possibly need,’ Stern said.

Beyond offering the essentials, Westcott will host events to entertain students and locals. In late September, the annual Westcott Street Cultural Fair shows off artistic talents and activities in the area.

The old theater, Westcott Cinema, is slated to reopen this month under new management and a new name. The new Westcott Theater will offer some films, and add comedy, theater and musical performances to its repertoire.

While the businesses around campus will gain some exposure from Taste of Westcott Street, the event is as much for the student community as it is for the natives. Since off-campus students don’t have hall meetings to get acquainted with other students, this is a social event for them said Laura DiCarlo, program coordinator for the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs.

‘There is a need because we have so many students living off-campus,’ she said.

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Published on August 25, 2008 at 12:00 pm