Star Review digital edition - Feb. 28, 2024

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By Kathryne raKowsKi

Mark your calendars for breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, March 24 from 8-10 a.m. at the Applebees in North Syracuse, located at 628 S. Main St.

All are welcome to the annual Bunny Breakfast Flapjack Fundraiser, now in its 12th year, to benefit the CanTeen Kids Zone at the North Syracuse Family Festival which will be held in May.

The funds raised from the Bunny Breakfast will help support all the activities the Kids Zone has to offer.

According to Patricia Fergerson, chairperson of Friends of the Village of North Syracuse, this is a good cause well worth supporting.

“We always have fun things for the kids like a bounce house and face painting,” she said. “We’re hoping to have more this year for the older aged children like some games they’d enjoy.”

Tickets for the breakfast are $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be reserved by contacting Tony Burkinshaw in the Village of North Syracuse Parks & Recreation Office at 315-458-8050 before March 17.

Breakfast includes three pancakes, two pieces of bacon and unlimited orange juice or coffee.

In addition to breakfast, the Easter Bunny will be on hand for pictures.

Youth who attend the CanTeen, a youth center in Cicero, will be volunteering at the breakfast as greeters and servers. Fergerson encourages families to come enjoy a good breakfast because it

Feb. 29 - Mar 3 9 Dealers 500 RV’s 2024’s - Closeouts and Pre-Owned ALL AT THE NYS FAIRGROUNDS Go to the website for info and Discounted Admission www.cnyRVshow.com Bunny Breakfast returns March 24 Liverpool Chamber to host online auction

so many ways we help businesses grow.”

The chamber hosts learning programs and networking opportunities such as Coffee and Friends which is hosted twice a month.

supports an event that is beloved in the community.

Submitted photo

Clarinetist Ken Frieden and his Wandering Klezmorim will perform a free concert at Liverpool Public Library at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, as part of the library’s winterspring concert series, “Melting Pot Music.” The library is located at 310 Tulip St., in Liverpool.

By russ tarBy Contributing Writer

T

he Wandering Klezmorim featuring clarinetist Ken Frieden performs a free concert of Old World Jewish jazz and original compositions at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at the Carman Community Room, Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., in Liverpool.

Besides being a world-class musician, Frieden works as the B.G. Rudolph Professor of Judaic Studies at Syracuse University.Frieden’s consummate clarinet work recreates the music of Old World Yiddish conclaves dating back to the 15th century.

many programs, though the fundraiser is about more than just raising money to support their mission of helping businesses thrive, said Chamber Director Lucretia Hudzinski.

“It’s a great way for us to bring in income, but it’s also a way for us to touch base with the community and for people to see all that we have to offer,” she said. “There are

the Star-Review is published weekly by Eagle News office of Publication: 2501 James st , suite 100, syracuse, N y 13206 Periodical Postage Paid at s yracuse, N y 13220, us P s 316060 POSTMASTER: s end change of address to Star-Review 2501 James st s uite 100, s yracuse, N y 13206

The chamber also coordinates holiday events such as their Christmas Program where they gave away $1,500 worth of gift cards, and a Valentine’s Day program where they provided over 1,300 cards to local seniors and veterans.

They also provide goody bags to small businesses during Small Business Week, and plan ribbon cutting ceremonies for a variety of businesses throughout the year.

“We love to support our local businesses and the community as a whole,” Hudzinski said.

Submitted photo

The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s Spring into Auction begins March 29 and will feature a wide variety of items to bid on.

said. For more information about the breakfast or festival, visit the North Syracuse Family Festival Facebook Page at facebook.com/ NorthSyracuseFamilyFestival/. business news: Liverpool Chamber names 2023 Business of the Year. PaGe 2

Klezmer music was later carried to America by immigrants in the 1890s. The music is easily identifiable by its expressive melodies reminiscent of the human voice, complete with laughing and weeping.

The Wandering Klezmorim includes Frieden on clarinet, Baldwinsville native Judy Schmid on accordion, Sam Young on euphonium and Mark Wolfe on drums.

In the summer of 1996, the Wandering Klezmorim were featured at the Ninth Annual Klezmer Festival in Safed, Isreal.

In April 2002, Frieden played clarinet and served as assistant musical director for Syracuse Stage’s production of “The Dybbuk.”

He also performed and recorded as a member of Jonathan Dinkin & Klezmercuse.

Like all klezmer combos, the Wandering Klezmorim perform music for circle dances such as horas and freylekhs as well as waltzes, mazurkas and polkas.

One of the most popular New World Yiddish hits is 1932’s “Bei Mir Bistu Shein,” which has been performed and recorded by many contemporary klezmer bands both in Europe and America.

As a Judaic scholar, Ken Frieden studies Yiddish and Hebrew writing in the broader contexts of European and world literature.

Klezmer clarinet! scholar-musician Ken Frieden featured in sunday concert here Submitted photo The 12th annual Bunny Breakfast will be held March 24 to benefit the CanTeen Kids Zone. By Kathryne raKowsKi The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its fourth annual Spring into Auction online auction to benefit the chamber begining March 29. A variety of items and experiences with values of $25 to $1,000 will be available to bid on. Funds raised will support the chamber’s

From this comparative perspective, he recently completed his fifth book, “Travels in Translation: Sea Tales at the Source of Jewish Fiction.”

The library’s winter-spring concert series, “Melting Pot Music,” continues at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11 with Irish tunes performed by fiddler Diamond Joe Davoli and pianist Bob Halligan.

And the concert series concludes on April 14 with lively African dance tunes performed by the Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble.

The “Melting Pot Music” series is presented by the library in collaboration with the Liverpool Is The Place Concert Committee; with financial support from NYS Council on the Arts administered here by CNY Arts; 315-457-0310; Lpl.org.

sports: C-NS, Liverpool hoops reach Class AA semifinals. PaGe 13

obituaries 5 PeNNysaVer 8 sPorts 13

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Stirpe to honor Women of Distinction

By Janelle Davis

Is there a woman in your life who goes above and beyond to help others? You have a chance to recognize them and their achievements for the 12th annual CNY Women of Distinction Awards.

The CNY Women of Distinction honorees are awarded for a variety of factors — their strength of character, dedicated community service, emphasis on lifelong learning, and their dedication to fostering self-confidence and leadership skills in others.

Twelve years ago, NY State Assemblyman Al Stirpe, started the event to provide an avenue to recognize and celebrate these women because many people aren’t aware of their extraordinary achievements.

“There are so many women in our community who do amazing things. Many of these achievements you’ll never hear about. It’s important for our community to see these accomplishments and to provide a platform to recognize them,” Stirpe said.

Five or six women are chosen each year in categories such as healthcare, volunteerism, and education, among others. To be considered, the woman must reside in Clay, Cicero, Manlius, or Cazenovia.

Stirpe remembers past volunteerism honoree Michela Hugo, founder of the CNY Diaper Bank, as just one example of the exceptional women that have been recognized.

“For such a huge need in the community, Michela is providing a terrific service for families who need diapers,” he said.

He also remembers past COVID Hero Award recipient Anju Varshney who, while battling a brain tumor, knit thousands of little caps for babies in the NICU at Crouse Hospital. She also guided at-risk youth to choose better life paths.

Additional past honorees are Lori Schakow, executive director for Childcare Solutions, the non-profit organization and referral agency helps parents find high-quality childcare providers, and Amy Ayten Ay, who teaches children at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School and organizes STEM summer camps for middle school students.

“We’ve already received a lot of great nominations,” Stirpe said. “The hardest part of doing this is picking just five or six. It is definitely tough, but we do the best we can and we make sure to write back to all the women who have been nominated, selected or not, to thank them for all they do in the community.”

All nominations must be received by Wednesday, March 6.

The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. at the Manlius Town Hall, 301 Brooklea Drive, Fayetteville.

To submit a nomination for a woman you would like to see recognized, and for a full list of criteria and categories, visit Al Stirpe - Assembly District 127 | New York State Assembly (nyassembly.gov).

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Rooftop Realty named Liverpool business of the year by chamber

Submitted photoS

The Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce recently named Rooftop Realty Group, above, its 2023 Business of the Year. The chamber announced the winner at its Business of the Year Luncheon held on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Coming in second was Safe Harbor, below left, and in third was Staff Leasing, below right. Rounding out the top five were, tied for fourth place: 13Thirty Cancer Connect and Freight Yard Brewing and Davidson Ford in fifth place.

Burtis selected as chairman of county legislature

The start of 2024 brought change to the Onondaga County Legislature, as a new term began.

At the organizational session in early January, following a roll-call vote by all members, Clerk Jamie McNamara announced, “Legislator Burtis has been elected chair of the Onondaga County Legislature” before inviting him to come to the dais to take the chair.

Chairman Timothy T. Burtis made the short walk to his new seat as he was

applauded by all those in the legislature’s chambers.

Once seated, he started by saying, “Thank you. I appreciate that and I look forward to a good term together and we’ll need to work at it together.”

“I’m honored to have been chosen by my peers” he said. “I bring a wealth of professional and personal experience with me to the role of chairman and I am excited about this opportunity to help move

Burtis l Page 4

Chairman Timothy T. Burtis

Onondaga County forward.”

Burtis has served on the legislature since 2015 and believes in that time, he’s learned a great deal about how things are handled and accomplished.

With the vote, he becomes the third Legislator from the 3rd District to serve as chairman.

1st District Legislator Brian May, who was re-elected as majority leader at the meeting, nominated Burtis for the position of chairman.

While doing so, he shared that the chairman sets and prioritizes the legislature’s agenda, ensures good legislative process, works alongside the county executive and serves as the face, voice and the leader of the legislature.

“Tim Burtis will do all of these things well” May said. “He’s been a stalwart member of this Legislature for several years now. He is virtuous. He is exceedingly fair and he stands by his beliefs and most importantly he stands by every vote he’s ever made. He will lead this body well.”

Legislator Debra Cody (5th District) seconded the nomination.

“I know that Tim’s leadership skills and his commitment to this body and this county will serve us all well” she said.

Burtis is looking forward to the work

ahead of him. He’s been in his office at the legislature each day since the vote, learning his new role and looking to the future.

“With the arrival of Micron, we are undergoing an incredible transition and transformation and I believe now is time for both parties to come together to work for the overall good of all our people” he said.

Burtis adds that the residents and business owners of the 3rd District shouldn’t be worried that they’re losing their voice at the legislature.

“I’m still yout representative and will continue working on your behalf” he said.

“An exciting few years are ahead and I’m glad to be at the helm of the Legislature and putting my stamp on our county’s history,: he added. Follow the legislature on Facebook and Instagram: @OnondagaCountyLegislature.

Burtis makes committee appointments

The Onondaga County Legislature has six committees, which meet monthly. Each has a chair, a vice chair and three to five members, and meetings give them a chance to learn the specifics of all the items which will come before them at Session meetings and to have

their questions answered by county leaders.

The new chairman of the legislature, Timothy Burtis (3 rd District), recently made his appointments to these committees for the 2024-2025 term.

Legislator Colleen Gunnip (4 th District) steps into the role of chair of the Ways & Means committee.

“Because of its wide jurisdiction, Ways and Means has always been one of the most important committees with respect to impact on policy” she said. “I look forward to using my 35 years of governmental experience to guide the committee members to be the best fiscal stewards of our taxpayers money.”

Gunnip takes over the top spot from Republican Floor Leader Brian May (1 st District) who becomes vice chair.

Legislator David Knapp (12 th District) has been appointed chair of the Planning & Economic Development committee, after having served as vice chair in the past year.

This committee is especially busy as Onondaga County prepares for Micron Technology, which is building the largest semi-conductor facility in the world in the Town of Clay.

Legislator Kevin Meaker (2 nd District), in the early days of his first term, has been appointed as vice chair.

Legislators Mark Olson (10 th District) and Richard McCarron (11 th Dis -

trict) continue as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Public Safety committee.

They bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge, as Olson is a lifetime firefighter in Fayetteville and McCarron is a former Onondaga County sheriff’s deputy.

Both have proven to be fierce advocates for local first responders.

Legislator Cody Kelly (14th District) has been appointed chair of the Health & Human Services committee.

He’s served on it as a member since 2022 and calls the appointment an honor.

“As a physical therapist, I can offer real world experience witnessing some of our most pressing public health needs” he said. “I will work hard with my colleagues to improve outcomes and access to services throughout Onondaga County.”

Legislator McCarron joins the committee in the role of vice chair.

Kelly has also been appointed vice chair of the Environmental Protection Committee, which will continue to be chaired by Legislator Julie Abbott (6 th District). Since taking the leadership role in 2022, she’s secured money for the Otisco Lake Preservation Association, deer and tick management, to fight invasive species on county waterways, and to upgrade and improve county sewer lines.

Mathew D. Geist, 50 baldwinsville native

Mathew Daniel Geist, of Saint Petersburg, FL, died on Jan. 22, 2024, at the age of 50.

Mathew was born and raised in Baldwinsville, and graduated from the Baldwinsville School District.

He was very proud of achieving his Commercial Driver’s License. Mathew drove a school bus in Upstate New York and for a local Florida school district.

Prior to his death he worked in the kitchen concession area for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team.

Most importantly Mathew loved his family and always maintained a strong faith in God.

He enjoyed worship music and was a participant of an Independent Church in Florida.

He loved dogs and shared an interest in trains with his Uncle Bill. Mathew was a gentle and kind soul, and always willing to

Barbara A. LaLonde, 92 enjoyed reading, gardening, antiques

Barbara Ann Young Riblet LaLonde passed away with loved family at her side on Feb. 19, 2024.

She was born in Syracuse on Oct. 20, 1931.

She was a buyer for WG Grant Co. in Baldwinsville.

She worked at The Stone Barn Castle (Cleveland, N.Y.) as a tour guide and the Good Witch by the fire for 25 years.

She enjoyed her pets, reading, gardening, antiques and spending time with family.

She is survived by her daughters, Diana (Joe) Whiting of Skaneateles, Linda Pientka of Baldwinsville, Carol (Charles) Kratz of Auburn, along with 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a niece, great niece, and a great-great-nephew.

She was preceded by Husband Herbert LaLonde, and her chil -

help someone in need.

Mathew’s family appreciates all the kindness shown from helpers, friends and especially Pastor Nick Panico.

Mathew was predeceased by his parents Dan and Celeste Geist and leaves his aunts and uncles; Bill and Faith Geist, of Connecticut, Frank and Lorraine Fiello, and Richard and Mary Stanton, of Upstate New York, David and Lucy Napoli, of Florida; and numerous cousins.

dren Sharon June Riblet and Richard Hunter Riblet, and a sister Jean Dean.

Services will be private. Donations may be made to: Beverly Animal Shelter, 50 East River Road, Waterloo, NY 13165.

David E. Rounds, 80 retired educator

David E. Rounds, 80, of Hilton Head Island, SC, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 17, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

David “Dave” is survived by his loving wife Brenda Cook Rounds, his beloved children Douglas Rounds and wife Melonie of Hilton Head, SC, Beverley Rice and husband Patrick of Fernandina Beach, FL, Julie Farr of Atlanta, GA, and his adoring grandchildren, Alex Rounds, Jordan Rounds, Brendan Rice, Megan Rice, Cameron Farr and Ryan Farr.

Dave was born on Dec. 9, 1943 in Upstate New York to proud parents, Ruby Hoagland Rounds and Lester E. Rounds.

Dave grew up in Suffern, New York and attended Suffern High School where he excelled in academics and athletics as a three sport athlete.

He attended Syracuse University and lettered in both football and baseball and graduated with a degree in Education in 1965.

Dave was drafted by the New York Mets as an outfielder where he played in their minor league program.

While attending Syracuse University, Dave met the love of his life of 60 years, Brenda Cook (Rounds).

After graduating Syracuse University, Dave devoted his life to education earning his master’s degree in education from Bridgeport University.

Dave began his 34-year career as a teacher and administrator in 1965 and retired in 1999 after 28 years as the principal of Thiells Elementary School in Rockland County, N.Y.

Dave spent his entire professional life as an educator, leading and inspiring students, teachers and staff.

Dave and Brenda raised their children in Warwick, N.Y., and vacationed at their lake home, “Hemlock Hollow” on Skaneateles Lake where they hosted family, friends and neighbors for over 30 years.

Dave’s generous hospitality, kindness, sense of humor and warm spirit welcomed many visitors throughout the years.

His favorite pastimes were boat rides, swimming, fishing and playing games, and Dave was an avid golfer.

Following retirement, Dave and Brenda moved to Hilton Head Island, while still summering in Skaneateles.

Dave enjoyed playing golf at both the Hilton Head Country Club and Shipyard Golf Club in Hilton Head, SC, Dutch Hollow Golf Club in Auburn, N.Y., and Warwick Valley Country Club in Warwick, N.Y.

Dave was still on the course scoring his age, an 80, just a few days before he passed.

A private service will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends at islandfuneralhome.c

Daniel F. Edgbert, 85, of Weedsport passed away Feb. 17, 2024. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.

Mathew D. Geist David e rounds

Barbara a lalonde

Going blue

With numerous issues and illnesses that deserve public attention, it seems each month of the year is dedicated to multiple topics, each with their own color to help raise awareness.

In the month of March through the efforts of organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America and the Brain Injury Association of New York, one of the featured colors of the month will be blue and the emphasis will be placed on raising awareness about brain injuries.

For more than three decades, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has led the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month by conducting a public awareness campaigns in March of each year.

Through this campaign, BIAA and the New York organization have established several key goals for March and beyond.

During Brain Injury Awareness month, the goals include de-stigmatizing brain injury through outreach within the brain injury community, empowering those who have survived brain injury and their caregivers and promoting the many types of support that are available to people living with brain injury.

According to the BIAA brain injury is unpredictable in its consequences.

Brain injury affects who we are and the way we think, act, and feel. It can change everything about us in a matter of seconds.

According to BIAA the effects of a brain injury depend on factors such as cause, location and severity.

A person with a suspected brain injury should call 911, go to the emergency room, or contact a physician immediately.

After an impact or injury to the head, an individual can experience a variety of symptoms.

Common symptoms of a brain injury include: spinal fluid (thin, clear liquid) coming out of the ears or nose, loss of consciousness, dilated (the black center of the eye is large and does not get smaller in light) or unequal size of pupils, vision changes (blurred vision or seeing double, not able to tolerate bright light, loss of eye movement, blindness), dizziness, balance problems, respiratory failure (difficulty breathing), paralysis, or difficulty moving body parts, weakness, poor coordination, slow pulse, slow breathing rate, with an increase in blood pressure, vomiting, lethargy, headache and confusion among other symptoms.

After sustaining a brain injury, an individual may experience difficulty performing his or her job safely and operating in their daily lives as they once did.

By raising awareness, organizations like BIAA hope to instill several key points.

The most important things to remember according to BIAA are a person with a brain injury is a person first.

No two brain injuries are exactly the same.

The effects of a brain injury are complex and vary greatly from person to person.

The Brain Injury Association of America, NASHIA, USBIA and other members of the brain injury community for Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill on March 5 and 6 and help us win reauthorization for the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

To learn more or to offer your support visit biausa.org.

The air was fresh, so much more invigorating than the quick-breathebefore-I-freeze that was the norm last week.

I thought, “What a blessing.” It was, at least as I define blessings.

Now, this isn’t saying I have a theological forte. My experience with theology is limited to the Baltimore Catechism.

Maybe that is enough, but forewarned is forearmed.

This all began with a conversation with a friend about the need to “get away.”

There had been an accumulation of stress so high for this particular gal that she felt a need to stop her normal life and get away to a place where she wasn’t needed and there were no pressures, only the quiet that comes from no responsibilities.

“It would be a blessing,” my friend said.

Which led my convoluted brain to Friday nights at 10 o’clock and the enormously-creative opening of “Blue Bloods.”

The formula for each episode in the series is to present three story lines which are related in some way to a similar problem.

As it gets closer to 11 p.m., each of the problems is unraveled in a lesson learned way, often reaffirmed at the obligatory Sunday dinner at the fictional Reagan home.

Sunday dinner has become a central focus for the characters and the plot for “Blue Bloods” and

Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro

each dinner starts with the blessing, a blessing that I remember from my youth at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school. “Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts..”

The blessing reminds us that calling down good means reconnecting ourselves to that which creates good in the world that unites us.

The emphasis of this blessing is decidedly on “us” in acknowledging that good and from which it emanates.

Looking for a place to find a separation from the craziness of life is not an unusual thing. How and where does one find that peace of place, a place of peace where you are blessed with a reunification?

Look around, it’s everywhere.

I find it in the corners of the living room where a small lamp makes a pool of warm light on a cold night, in a meal lovingly prepared that serves our taste buds as well as our souls, in a walk along the trails at Baltimore Woods or along the creek in Marcellus Park, in the spot of sunlight that warms the sleeping cats, in the patterns that rain creates on windows and in the art of being, even in the hour it takes to watch a well-crafted television series.

While “Blue Bloods” offers the repetition of a blessing, there are mundane experiences in other television series that offer blessings through their story lines.

“All Creatures Great and Small” is

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up in a couple weeks, this seems like a good time to share some news about Jim MacKillop’s Irish heritage.

Ever since the rise of Google, researching one’s ancestry has become a popular online project for thousands of curious Americans.

My old friend from my years at the nowdefunct Syracuse New Times, Jim MacKillop has taken such searches to a decidedly higher level.

An award-winning theater critic, MacKillop has written 10 books on his Celtic roots, exploring its legends and languages, its poetry and its stage plays.

On Jan. 15, the prestigious North Carolinabased publisher McFarland & Co. issued MacKillop’s most recent work, a 288-page paperback titled “Highlanders: Unlocking Identity through History.”

Gaelic-speaking parents

Although he now resides in Jamesville, when he was born in Pontiac, Michigan in 1939, McKillop’s parents were Gaelic-speaking Highland emigrants.

When he was earning a doctorate at Syracuse University in the 1960s, he joined the American Conference for Irish Studie s an d served on its executive committee for 10 years. His best-known book is probably “The Dictionary of Celtic Mythology” (Oxford, 1998).

But he’s also proud of his current output.

“The new book is all about my ethnicity, why Lowlanders disparage us but Outlanders romanticize us,” MacKillop said. “From the Bronze Age and the mysterious Picts to the present: battles, disasters, scandalous customs of the clans and glories.”

To learn more, visit jamesmackillop.co m. r esidences at l e Moyne Manor Motorists driving up and down Old Liverpool Road have been marveling at the rapid construction of the new apartments at the former site of Le Moyne Manor.

Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby

a blessing each week.

Crafted from the works of James Herriot’s book of the same name, this television world is set in the Yorkshire Dales’ mid-20th century.

The protagonists are veterinarians whose lives are set pieces for the reality of ministering to farm animals and pets while living lives as colleagues, friends, neighbors and family with the distinction among those alignments blurred more times than not.

It is both a simpler time and one that is no different than the lives we live now.

The characters are drawn with civility amidst the push and pull of life and death, caring, kindness and weary hours of hard work measured against what is the right thing to do.

Each episode elevates the human condition, the conflicts laid out between what is best and less-thanbest, gently linking fiction with the here and now…at least for me. There is something so familiar, a feeling of belonging. I

feel blessed, reunited with the basic values with which I grew up, validated as to my place in the world, if only for an hour.

It is like coming home to a place I’ve never been before.

For my frazzled friend, I hold out hope that she finds a blessing to take her home.

Ann Ferro is a mother, a grandmother and a retired social studies teacher. While still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up, she lives in Marcellus with lots of books, a spouse and a large orange cat.

Last week, I contacted the folks at Empire Management, the DeWitt development firm which owns the property, and they shared facts and figures about the 66 units and a likely timetable for them to be rented. We look forward to publishing a preview of the Residences at Le Moyne Manor in next week’s Star-Review.

Sharkey’s up for Best Venue

The 2024 Syracuse Area Music Awards will be celebrated March 8, at the Palace Theater in Eastwood.

Two Liverpool-based nominees have advanced to Round 6 of the online poll for People’s Choice Awards this year.

Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, located at 7240 Oswego Road, is up for Best Local Venue, and the Liverpool High School Marching Band is nominated for Best Local Academic or Musical Organization.

You can cast your vote for free every day at syracuseareamusic.com/peopleschoice /. Paper airplane challenge Lockheed Martin hosted some friendly competition last week.

The aerospace tech company here in Liverpool is spotlighting National Engineers Week. On Feb. 20, employees tested their skills using paperclips, paper and tape to take part in a paper airplane challenge.

“Unfortunately, we would usually have local high schoolers come in to do this with us, but with it being their February break, we are having them back in March to do like a day in the life of an engineer to help promote kids going into stem and engineering,” said Tim Richards, technical director of surveillance radar at Lockheed Martin.

As part of e-week, the aerospace company also hosted stem activities for kids at The MOST, down city.

l ast word

“Science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.” – Isaac Asimov.

MARCH FOR BOiLERS AND HuSKiES

Two college basketball games, barely 48 hours apart, with the same ending but very different reactions.

In one, no. 2-ranked Purude was upended at Ohio State by a Buckeyes team which had just fired its coach a few days earlier. In another, top-ranked Connecticut, which had just creamed a good Marquette squad, got crushed at Creighton.

You can pretty much guess what people thought.

The Boilermakers? See, they’re frauds, underachievers, they got beat just as they’ll get beat in late March.

The Huskies? Oh, just a rough night, Creighton shot the lights out, they’ll be fine.

Note that, in both instances, a really

FROM THE MAILBAG

Thanks for your support

To the editor:

The

Sunrise Rotary club would like to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, merchants and their hardworking staffs who made WinterFest ‘24 and the Taste of Skaneateles possible. Through their generosity the Skaneateles community enjoyed a wonderful winter day of good food, beautiful ice sculptures, and family fun. All of the funds raised support Rotary causes such as our community food pantries, youth exchange students, Sea Scouts, Baltimore Woods, International Rotary projects and Disaster Relief, and more. In addition, our Polar Bear Club friends also had a great Plunge turnout and raised separate funds for local first responders and education.

Our WinterFest 2024 sponsors/contributors included:

1911 Distillery, 1st National Gifts, Ameriprise Financial Services, Arbor House Inn, Baltimore Woods, Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty, Bluewater Grill, Cayuga Tree Service, Clover’s, Community Bank, Dave Pirro Ford, Delmonico Insurance, Doug’s Fish Fry, DROOZ and Company, Elephant and The Dove, Emma + James, Excavation Plus, Finger Lakes Luxury Rentals, Fleur de lis, Genesee Daley, Gilda’s, Good Eats & Sips, Hannum House, Hap + Main, Hidden Fish, Jane and John Gilly, Jean and John Vincent, Lake House Pub, Lucky Dogs, MidLakes Navigation, Mike’s Pizzeria, Nest 58, New Hope Mills, Packwood House, Patisserie, Peggy Brown’s Tax Service, Ramsgard Architectural Design, Rebound Sports and Orthopedic PT, Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Roland’s, Rosalie’s Cucina, Sea Culture, SECNY Federal CU, Sherwood Inn, Skan 300’, Skan Artisans, Skan Bakery, Skan Boutique Hotel, Skan Brewery, Skan Community Center, Skan Historical Society, Skan Lake Boat Rental, Skan Masonic Lodge, Skan Rotary Club, Skan Storage, Small Holdings Winery, SPACE Architectural Studio, Tessy Plastics, The Bond 1835, The Cake Shop CNY, The Krebs, The Local Branch, The Milk House, The Savage Homestead, Valentine’s Pizza & Deli, Vermont Green Mountain, Village Bottle Shop, Village Inn, Wegmans, White & White Antiques. C HR i S L EGG / Presi D ent 2023-2024

Skaneatele S Sunri S e r otary

Baldwinsville elections

To the editor: I read with interest the February 14, 2024 letter from former Baldwinsville mayor’s wife Linda Clarke listing her reasons for being against moving village elections to November. In her letter, Mrs. Clarke states that Snowbirds who are down south for the winter months can easily obtain an absentee

good team lost in a really hostile setting. That happens all the time – didn’t we just see Syracuse do the same to a top 10-ranked North Carolina?

Still, we know exactly why people took very different approaches to the setbacks of Purdue and Connecticut. It has everything to do with what happened in March 2023, not February 2024.

Connecticut won it all, dominating every opponent like Villanova did in 2018. Purdue...well, they played Fairleigh Dickinson. It did not turn out well.

Combine this with the latter getting ousted in 2022 by another unlikely Jersey side (Saint Peters’s, anyone?), and no wonder no one outside of West

ballot mailed to them in Florida or wherever they are.

The Clarkes seem to have changed their opinion about the “quality votes” of snowbirds who leave Baldwinsville in the winter.

In the March 29, 2022 issue of the Baldwinsville Messenger, former Mayor Clarke is quoted thusly:

While the pull of tradition is strong — “It’s been that way as long as anybody that I know can remember,” Clarke said of B’ville’s March elections — there are other reasons Baldwinsville has been reluctant to change the way it runs its elections.

Clarke said that people who only vote in fall elections tend to be the ones who work in Syracuse and vacation elsewhere and treat Baldwinsville like a bedroom community.

“The people who vote in the spring, while it’s not as many as we would like, they’re there because they care,” he said.

Mr. Clarke’s assertion that people who are here to vote in the spring care about the village implies that people who work in Syracuse or vacation in Florida don’t care about the village.

Fellow Baldwinsville residents, do you treat the village as a bedroom community, someplace to sleep while you go have fun elsewhere? Or do you consider this your home, the place you’re proud to call your village?

I encourage all Baldwinsville residents who care about the village to vote YES to moving village elections to November and vote NO to moving village elections to June.

Vi CK i E F REYLE u E b aldW in S ville

Political ugliness

To the editor:

This is my response to John Tonello’s letter of a week ago.

Let me first say that John Tonello, who was the chair of the village planning board, participated in a secret Democrat-led write-in campaign – a virtual coup – to try and steal control of village government in 2022. It failed.

He apologized to me and said he knew it was doomed when many of the houses he visited looking for support were shocked that anybody would suggest they not vote for me.

I was not an absentee mayor. I never missed a meeting – live or via Zoom. There were no secrets.

The mayor position is part-time but during COVID – the better part of three years – I worked fulltime to keep our employees safe while keeping the village functioning. I was in constant contact with the clerk, the treasurer, the police chief, the highway superintendent and Canton Woods as well as county health officials, other county mayors and the state mayors association. We did not have one day

Lafayette has the belief that Purdue can even sniff the Final Four, much less win it all.

What makes college hoops so charming and compelling is the very thing that makes it maddening and brutal. You can do close to everything right for five months and, with one bad night, have it all ruined and give ammunition for critics to tear you to pieces.

Ask Purdue how that is. Better yet, ask those 2014-15 Kentucky and 202021 Gonzaga teams that got all the way to the last weekend without a single defeat, only to stumble at the last or penultimate hurdle.

This is a small part of what made Virginia’s 2019 championship so remarkable. Exactly 12 months ear -

where our citizens were without these services.

During COVID, I never failed to sign a letter or a contract that sought my signature. I returned all phone calls.

The village received $800,000 in ARPA money and, to date, has spent $600,000 on village needs, including police department special equipment and DPW needs such as the renovation of the Warner Avenue culvert/ Tannery Creek basin renovation, Doane Well repairs, touchless faucets installed in all village bathrooms because of COVID, repair of Kossy Lane drainage culvert, renovation of Smokey Hollow detention basin as well as the replacement of several fire hydrants. And more.

We share many services with our neighboring towns such as Canton Woods Senior Center, PAC-B, Reeves Little League field, covering code officer vacations as well as sharing trucks on projects and for events like the Parade of Lights. We share with the school district – including fuel for our vehicles.

The grant to develop waterfront has languished – not because of the village or Lysander – but because of the red tape involved in the higher levels of government setting up the program.

As for water infrastructure, the Village has replaced pumps at both wells, replaced the electrical system at Canton Street, received a grant for a new fluoridation system and is installing security systems at both wells.

And the village tax base was $451million last year and, with equalization, the tax base this year is $491million.

Unfortunately, the letter by Tonello – laced with inaccuracies -- is a perfect example of the political ugliness Village Party members seek to avoid by asking for a no vote on moving village elections to November. Di CK C LARKE r etired m ayor, v illage of b aldW in S ville

Vote no moving election date to November

To the Editor: New York structures villages differently: as an incorporated government as opposed to a state mandated government like towns and counties.

The advantages of forming a village are many; improvements are benefited to and paid for by the entire village as opposed to towns where any improvement area needs a special district. Police protection, courts, water, sewer, sidewalks, streets, lighting, trees, and the maintenance that goes with these are all services a village can provide.

Some say the most important service is the planning and zoning control a village has which tends to instill a

Random Thoughts

lier, there was the ultimate humiliation, the first time a 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament was ever beaten by a 16, the initials UMBC turned into a cudgel to beat up every Cavaliers partisan who dared praise their favorite team.

And then Virginia won it all. They proved quite clutch, especially at the end, when they had to rescue games late against Auburn and Texas Tech and before that….a regional final against Purdue.

Yes, that Purdue, the very same Purdue everyone likes to beat up now. Are we as harsh on Matt Painter, Zach Edey and company if Virginia doesn’t hit a

community feel that is lost with town zoning laws. The ability to adjust zoning to the needs of a small area is one of the great advantages of village governments.

The state, in their original wisdom, had village elections separate from state mandated government election cycles. Similar logic applies to school elections.

We currently have independent political parties (not associated with national parties) and some of our current Board members have run on either ticket depending on who is running a petition drive, it is all friendly and respectful for the last 30 years or so. This system has been great for getting dedicated people interested in our local government.

The current push by a small but vocal group to change the election date to the November election is counter to village governments original design.

The group promoting this change “let b-ville vote” is duplicitous: Baldwinsville residents can vote.

A few members of “let b’ville vote” tried a secret 4-member write in coup two years ago, yet they now claim: they are for fair and open elections. The elections are and have been fair and open.

A claim of saving $2k is accurate but at about 50¢ per household/year it is less than a postage stamp.

Then claim that this proposition is not about national partisan politics yet a telling post on their private Facebook page is the California Democrat governor’s rant talking about Republicans vs Democrats voter turnout strategy. Please please do not bring this nauseating political crap to our village.

One of the concerns with moving to the national voting date is we will be on a back page, given little thought by some whose focus is on the bigger contentious elections. I-like I’m sure others, have found a page on the back of the ballot and if I voted I just threw a dart at it because I forgot to research all the candidates (sorry family court judges).

Let us keep our village independent of the major political parties that will eventually take hold and so many people will just check down the party line. Please vote no to the proposition to move our village’s election date to the national election date.

a n Dy Dry D en b aldW in S ville e lection letters policy

The edition of March 6 will be the last edition prior to the village elections that Eagle News will accept letters related to the March 20 village elections.

FEBRUARY THROUGH JULY

Nourishing Ourselves through Nature Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Join for naturalist wellness classes that combined observing nature with mindfulness. Visit www.baltimorewoods.org for more information.

THROUGH MARCH 1

Adult Winter Reading Challenge Brewerton Library, 5440 Bennett St. Stay in and get cozy with a book! For adults 18+. Register at www.nopl.org/awre2024.

MARCH 2-APRIL 26

A Quilt for all Seasons Baltimore Woods, Marcellus. The fabric art of Sharon Bottle Souva will be on display.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Critters of the Cold: Exploring Animal Survival in Winter 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Baltimore Woods, Marcellus. Learn about the adaptations that help creatures survive. For adults. Register at www.baltimorewoods.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Winter Farner’s Market 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Baltimore Woods, Marcellus. Enjoy a diverse mix of local farm and artisanal food products from local producers.

MARCH 12-APRIL 7

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express Syracuse Stage. Wherever famed detective Hercule Poiret goes, murder is never far behind. On the luxurious Orient Express, an avalanche stops the train and Poirot must interrogate passengers, solve the murder, and save the reputation of the train before the killer strikes again.

ONGOING EVENTS

THURSDAYS

Family Storytime 10 a.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane. Join Miss Raena for Thursday morning storytime to enjoy stories, songs, and fun! Registration is required; call 315-699-2032 or visit nopl.org.

Adult Exercise: Chair Yoga

9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Marcellus Free Library. $25 for 8-week session. Register at 315-673-3269.

Read, Sing, Play Story Time

10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Can’t sit still? No problem! Join us for stories, songs and movement. For ages 18 months to 4 years.

Bingo 4 p.m. Fingerlakes Mall Conference Center, 1570 Clark Street Rd., Aurelius.

Yoga with Becca

6 p.m.-7 p.m. Brewerton Center for the Arts, Rt. 11. Registration and information: 315-920-8121 or www.yogosnacks.org. All levels welcome.

Baldwinsville Rod & Gun Club

7 p.m. First Thursday of each month. 1405 Kingdom Road, Baldwinsville. Learn about the workings of the club and help us run the organization. For more information, visit bvillerodandgun.com.

FRIDAYS

B’ville Cardio Ball Drumming

9:30 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Onondaga County Healthy Schools and Communities has provided cardio ball drumming kits for workout classes led by senior volunteer Arlette Folckemer. This fun cardio workout is set to upbeat music and folks can participate and enjoy the class seated or standing. For more information, call Canton Woods at 315-638-4536.

Clay Cardio Ball Drumming

10:30 a.m. Clay Senior Center, 4948 Route 31. Gwen McCarroll leads this one-hour class. Free with a Town of Clay Senior Center Membership and Safety ID badge for admission. Drop-in; no entry after the day’s

March

l From page 7

last-second jumper at the end of regulation, denying the Boilers the Final Four?

Margins in sports can be so thin that it should render vast criticism moot, but that doesn’t stop us. Ask Kyle Shanahan about how not converting a couple of third downs at pivotal moments turns you into a total loser despite strong evidence to the contrary.

But we’re entering a time of year

class begins. Equipment provided on a first-come, first-served basis for ball and basket setup. For more information or to sign up for a membership and ID badge, contact Chrissy Clancy at 315-6523800 ext. 137 or cclancy@townofclay.org.

Acoustic Music Jam

7 p.m. Marcellus American Legion, 13 E. Main St. Bluegrass,country and gospel music. All acoustic musicians welcome. $2 donation for free coffee and cookies. For info call 315-673-2329.

SUNDAYS

Cicero UMC Services

8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Cicero UMC, 8416 Brewerton Road. The church is returning to two Sunday services (contemporary 8:30 a.m. and traditional 10:30 a.m.). All are welcome to enjoy worship and fellowship. The church is fully accessible. For more information, visit ciceroumchurch.org.

MONDAYS

Drop-In Tech Help

10 a.m. to noon. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Let us help with your tech questions: computers and mobile devices, downloading e-content from the library’s catalog, using Google Drive and social media platforms. Bring your device and drop in during a Tech Help session to get started. Appointments are also available; please give us a call at 315-685-5135 or email andrea@skanlibrary.org to schedule.

Cruisin’ with Vets 4-7 p.m. VFW Post 3146, 2000 Lemoyne Ave., Mattydale. Check out classic cars and bikes while enjoying food, 50-50 raffles and live music from Roadhouse Prophets. Sponsored by Hungers for Hope, InFocus Insurance, Microbore and Dynamax Digital Printing.

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

Thrift Shop

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Elbridge Community Church, 109 E. Main St. No consignments, but donations accepted. For more information, call 315-689-3797.

MONDAY & FRIDAYS

Senior Exercise Class

9 a.m.-10 a.m. Marcellus Free Library. Taught by dance instructor Mary Jo Pelc. 315-673-3269.

MONDAYS, THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS

OCRRA’s Household Toxics Drop-Off Appointment required. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miller Environmental, 532 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse (off Hiawatha Boulevard). Business materials are not accepted. Residents of the town and village of Skaneateles are not eligible for this program as these municipalities are not part of the OCRRA service area. Visit OCRRA. org to make an appointment and see the full list of what is and is not accepted.

TUESDAYS

Coffee with the Liverpool Chamber

8 a.m. Zoom. Network with fellow entrepreneurs virtually. Visit liverpoolchamber.com/events-calendar/ to register.

Story Time for Bookworms

10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. For children who enjoy longer books, this story time includes multiple stories, songs, and ends with hands-on play. For ages 2-5.

Preschool Story Time

10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and join us as we read, sing, and play together on the Library Lawn. For ages 3 to 5 years. Registration required; visit skanlibrary. org or call 315-685-5135.

Kripalu ‘Chair Optional’ Yoga

11:10 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. A gentle, fun practice that encourages mindfulness and compassionate self-awareness. New to Yoga? Come give it a try. No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. No class fee, donation to the instructor.

Civic Social Club

Noon on the second Tuesday of each month. Barbagallo’s Restaurant, 6344 E. Molloy Road, Syracuse. Enjoy lunch of your choice with dessert followed by a guest speaker and/or entertainment. The cost is $27. For reservations or more information, please call Mary Jo Roberge at 315-4513203. This club was formed in 1949 primarily for the wives of new General Electric employees and

where such arbitrary judgments only intensify. The funny part is many of the same people who talk of Connecicut’s inevitability now were, at this exact time a year ago, calling Dan Hurley too intense and wound up, for the Huskies hadn’t made a long tournament run since its unlikely national title in 2014.

So which is true? As always, it lies in between the absolutes.

True, Purdue would love to shed its recent tournament baggage. But it does what all the top programs want to do –

others new to the area. We are currently seeking new members. Everyone is welcome to attend, look us over, and see if this is something that may interest you. Annual dues are $15.

JE Seniors Lunch

Noon. JE Community Center, 1 Route 31, Jordan. The town of Elbridge hosts PEACE, Inc., Senior Nutrition lunches every Tuesday and Friday. Reservations required; $3.75 suggested donation. Lunch is followed by a guest speaker or activity on the first Tuesday of the month. Special events are $10. Please call 315-378-8004 or visit townofelbridge.com to confirm registration dates and times.

Mah Jongg

12 p.m. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Mah Jongg is a fascinating rummy-like game you play with tiles rather than cards. Instruction is available for beginners. Do you have experience? You can help to teach others. Please register. Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

5:30 p.m. Liverpool Public Library. Presented by the Onondaga County Office for Aging in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Association of CNY. Registration required. 315-435-2362 ext: 4693.

History and Genealogy Club

6 to 7 p.m. First Tuesday of the month. Elbridge Free Library, 241 E. Main St. The club plans to help its members with their personal history and genealogy pursuits, as well as share projects and collective lessons learned. Additionally, the club will discuss future meeting topics, potential speakers and potential field trips. The club will have access to the library’s research databases as well. The club’s focus will be on local history. For more information, call 315-689-7111.

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS

Tech Help by Appointment

10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Do you need help getting around your laptop or tablet? Would you like to set up an email account? Do you want to download an e-book? Need help searching for and applying for jobs? One-on-one technology help appointments are now available. Appointments last up to 1 hour. Please register; onlibsalina.evanced.info/signup. Masks are required. This program is supported by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to the New York State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Canton Woods Aerobics Exercise

9:15 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Aerobics workout designed especially for seniors! Fun, upbeat music that will start your day off right! Charges payable to the instructor.

Falls Prevention Class

10 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. This class is taught by retired physical therapist Julie Hall and is free! The class works on your core and balance. You will feel the benefit of this class in your daily activities.

WEDNESDAYS

Baby Bounce & Rhyme

9:15 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Bond with your baby during this program featuring nursery rhymes, books, movement and fingerplays, followed by playtime. For babies up to 18 months.

BPL Storytime 9:30 a.m. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St. Children ages 2-4 are welcome to join Mrs. G and Miss Jessie at BPL for our in-person storytime. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. There is a different theme each week, with a few stories, songs, and an interactive craft. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted. Registration is required. Please register each child and each adult that will be attending. You can call the library at 315-635-5631 or go to our website bville.lib.ny.us to sign up. Anyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask inside the library. Plank Road Quilt Guild

9:30 a.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Cicero United Methodist Church, 8416 N. Main

namely, give itself a chance each year amid all the volatility of early departures, transfers in and out, NIL and the like.

Any sort of glory can still be fleeting. Just in the 21st century alone, teams like Georgia Tech, UCLA, Butler, Florida, Louisville and Villanova have joined SU in that they once beat everyone but now seem far removed from that sort of rare air.

As always, this March will give us a full parade of great games and great sto -

St. (Route 11). The purpose of the guild is to create an interest and awareness of quilting, and to educate all who are interested in this art form. The first meeting is the business meeting followed by a program and members’ “Show and Tell.” The second meeting is the friendship meeting, which is less formal. This meeting promotes friendships and can include a variety of activities such as community service, personal projects, tips and encouragement from members. For more information, visit plankroadquiltguild.org.

GBCC Coffee Talk

10 a.m. first Wednesday of the month. The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Talks are for anyone who is interested in joining the chamber, current members, or community members interested in learning about what the greater Baldwinsville area has to offer while we showcase a local business that supports the area. Interested in hosting a coffee talk? Email baldwinsvillechamber@gmail.com.

Adult Coloring

10-11 a.m. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Come join us for the relaunch of our popular adult coloring group. Supplies will be provided but we also encourage you to consider bringing your own. Call 315-676-7484 or visit nopl.org.

Storytime with Miss Sarah

10-11 a.m. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane. Join Miss Sarah for a free storytime filled with picture books and songs. Designed for young children and their caregivers. After 30 minutes of stories and songs there will be 30 minutes of playtime. For more information, call 315-458-6184 or visit nopl.org.

Early Learners Story Time 11 a.m. Salina Library. Get your child ready for school! With stories, rhymes, songs and crafts, your child will learn important early literacy and social skills. Meet in our community room. For children ages 2-4 with an accompanying adult.

Fika: Swedish Coffee Break 3 p.m. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Make time to pause and refresh, to socialize and energize. Meet new people or bring along a friend. Please register.

Bingo

Every Wednesday. Liverpool Elks Lodge, 3730 Cold Springs Road (corner of Route 370 and Hayes Road), Baldwinsville. Admission is $5 for 11 total games weekly, including two progressive and one special bonus game. Food and beverage available, open to the public, free parking and wheelchairaccessible. Doors open at 5 p.m., kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m. and bingo sales start at 6 p.m. Call 315622-2348 for more information. Proceeds benefit Elks projects and charitable programs. Current COVID guidelines apply.

BPL Board Meeting

7:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. The monthly business meeting of the Baldwinsville Public Library Board of Trustees is open to the public. For a Zoom link to the meeting, contact Library Director Meg Van Patten at 315-635-5631 or megv@bville.lib.ny.us.

COMMUNITY NEEDS AND FUNDRAISERS

PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition PEACE, Inc.’s food service program prepares nutritious lunches for seniors at many sites throughout Onondaga County. Visit peace-caa.org/programs/ senior-nutrition/ or call 315-470-3331 to find the program in your neighborhood.

Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau Bottle and Can Drive

Each holiday season, the Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau serves over 100 local families in need. Support the Christmas Bureau year-round by donating your bottles and cans at the Baldwinsville Bottle and Can Return located in River Mall.

Shacksboro Museum

Open noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting; Museum at the Shacksboro Schoolhouse, 46 Canton St., Baldwinsville. For more information, visit facebook.com/ShacksboroSchoolhouseMuseum or call 315-638-2452.

ries, along with all the tiresome cliches we keep attaching to them as if no one thought of them before.

Connecticut might win it all again. Purdue might stumble again. Or something far different might happen. That’s the thing about narratives, and sports in general – no matter how hard we try, it still remains unscripted.

Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.

Share your milestone celebrations!

Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.

Is golf a game? Is golf a sport?

Many years ago when I was at Clear Channel Radio in Syracuse, I debated this subject many times with Bud Poliquin, on Sports Radio 620 WHEN, while Jim Lerch, host of “Bud and e Manchild”, arbitrated our lively discussions for several months. I’m sure I did not convince Bud that “Golf” should be considered a “Sport” and I am certain you must know that I would not allow Bud to convince me that “Golf was just a Game”. Because Bud and I have never been able to resolve our di erences on this subject, I am going to attempt to search for some facts in this article that will hopefully allow you to make up your own mind…once and for all. Special thanks to - Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golf Geeks, Wikipedia and Team Coordinator...Pronoun.

Let’s Start with De nitions:

* e Oxford Dictionary describes a “game” as, “An activity done for ‘’fun’’, o en with rules, where you can win or lose. It also brings people together from all walks of life.

* e Oxford Dictionary de nes a “sport” as, “An activity requiring physical e ort and skill, conducted in a speci c area and adhering to a set of rules. It also brings people together from all walks of life…to compete. Golf is not a Sport because:

1. Golf is not a demanding physical activity.

2. It does not have direct opposition as other team sports (football, basketball, soccer).

3. Golfers do not need to be in shape.

4. Golf promotes more social interaction.

5. ere is little risk for injury.

6. Golf lacks a “standard” playing area…like a basketball court, football eld, soccer eld, etc..

7. Golf has a complex set of evolving rules for the game and di erent scoring systems. Golf is a Sport because:

1. While it is true that most golfers ride in carts, they still burn almost 300 calories during an 18 hole round of golf. Walkers burn up to 500 calories. Golf is absolutely a demanding physical activity. Have you ever tried to walk 18 holes in 90 degree + temperatures?

2. Golf certainly does have direct opposition if you are a competitive golfer who competes regularly in tournaments to earn a spot on the Mitchell Cup or Sovik Cup teams at the end of the golf season in CNY.

ey are the Ryder Cup Teams of CNY.

3. In order to become an elite competitive golfer, it is mandatory that you participate in a physical tness program, just like other sports, to maintain the skill set and endurance that is required over an entire season. Being strong, exible and in good shape never hurt anyone.

4. Golf does promote social interaction, even when competitive golfers play in local, regional and national tournaments. ey meet other fellow competitors who o en become life long friends.

5. Avoiding injuries is fairly easy when you play golf, just to have “fun”. ere is a risk for injury when the elite golfer makes a commitment to a tness program.

6. Although every golf course is di erent in yardage and aesthetics, isn’t that part of the charm, beauty and challenge of the “sport”.

7. No matter how complex the Rules of Golf are, it is necessary to ensure fairness and integrity in the “sport”…especially when playing for $5-$10 million.

Summary:

* e Oxford Dictionary says a “Sport” needs skill, physical e ort and rules. Golf has all three.

* Golf is now an Olympic “Sport”.

* Name me one PGA Tour player who does not have a tness trainer on his team?

* Tiger has had 30 serious operations in his career. ere is signi cant risk of injury when golfers are careless about their tness.

* Golf requires, “Strength, Flexibility and Balance” to be an elite player. So do the other “Sports”.

GOLF IS A WONDERFUL “GAME” TO PLAY FOR “FUN”… BUT IT HAS NOW ALSO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL “SPORT”…FOREVER!!!

C-NS, Liverpool hoops reach Class AAA semifinals

BY PHiL BLACKWELL

Just one victory now separates both of the Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse varsity basketball teams from Section III Class AAA championship games against one another.

In the boys sectional quarterfinals last Friday night, the no. 2 seed Northstars found itself in a tense battle with no. 7 seed Christian Brothers Academy at North Syracuse Junior High School before it got away in the final minutes of a 68-44 victory.

It was a bit more conventional over at Liverpool, where the top-seeded Warriors mainly rode a fast start against no. 8 seed Henninger to prevail 68-53 over the Black Knights.

Of the two games, the one

between C-NS and CBA carried much more suspense, at least for a while, entirely due to a Brothers side which had played its best late in the season despite carrying a 7-13 record into the playoffs.

With its trademark manto-man defense, the Brothers never let the Northstars get comfortable, even though C-NS grabbed an early advantage and limited CBA to just seven points in the second quarter while taking a 26-21 lead to the break.

What happened in the third period made every Northstars fan nervous. Unable to produce baskets on a consistent basis, C-NS watched CBA narrow the margin to two, 37-35, and the shadow of the defeat to the Brothers in this same sectional quarterfinal round one year earlier hung over the

game. Or at least it did until the fourth quarter started.

Picking up its pace and overwhelming CBA, the Northstars went on a closing 30-9 spurt, led again by Andrew Benedict, whose 23 points topped all individuals.

Otherwise, it was spread around well as Nate Francis, Michael Gallo, Michael Pfautz and Rosco Polos had nine points apiece. CBA was led by 18 points from Jason Brunson and 11 points from Max Lachut. This happened as Liverpool, riding a 10-game win streak, found Henninger to be far more challenging than the side it beat 75-45 back in December.

As it turned out, it was good that the Warriors got off to a quick start, bolting to a

20-9 advantage by the end of the first quarter, as for the rest of the game the Black Knights mostly kept pace thanks to a well-balanced attack where seven different players netted at least five points and none had more than Nymeer Dozier’s 11. But every Henninger run was met by a Liverpool response, whether it was Freddie Fowler getting nine of his game-high 17 points at the free-throw line or Jeff Manuel and Alex Trombley earning 13 points apiece. Daniel Dunn helped out, too, scoring eight points.

Liverpool and C-NS are also the top two seeds in Class AAA girls basketball and also in the semifinal round, the Warriors thanks to a firstround bye that meant a 19-day break between its regular-

season finale and its semifinal game against no. 4 seed Baldwinsville Wednesday night at Central Square. C-NS would join them after smashing no. 7 seed Syracuse West 88-18 in Friday night’s quarterfinal, a game where the Northstars bolted out to a 33-5 lead in the first quarter to quickly decide matters. It was 53-10 by halftime and everyone on the C-NS roster earned at least one field goal. Five hit double figures, led by Leah Benedict, who had 15 points, most of it from three 3-pointers.

Meadow Werts gained 14 points, while Kat McRobbieTaru got 12 points. Most of Olivia Cook’s 11 points came from equaling Benedict’s trio of 3-pointers as Amanda Timmons had 10 points and Kylah

C-NS hockey beats Fusion, stopped again in semifinals

BY PHiL BLACKWELL

Once more the Cicero-North Syracuse ice hockey team has put itself one victory from reaching the Section III Division I championship game, having subdued its neighbors to get that far.

Two goals from Chase Mearon and plenty of key stops from goaltender Leyton Sullivan helped the no. 5 seed Northstars fight past no. 4 seed CNY Fusion 3-1 in last Monday’s sectional quarterfinal at Fulton Ice Arena.

These teams were supposed to meet Feb. 15, but weather, and the lack of available officials, pushed it back four days.

By the time they played, all of the other quarterfinals done and the two sides knew that the winner would get Rome Free

Academy in the semifinals. Having played to a 3-3 tie at this same rink nearly three weeks earlier, it was little surprise that the playoff rematch would prove just as tense, despite C-NS’s best efforts.

Dominating the first period, the Northstars took 13 shots to Fusion’s five, but could only get one past Trevor Smith, when Mearon converted at the 13:09 mark after several other good chances were turned back.

Fusion, down 1-0, would respond with a push of its own in the second, and stayed patient even though Sullivan made seven different stops on a fiveminute power play caused by Nate Bustin’s boarding penalty. With less than two minutes left in the period, Andrew Ga -

bor, who netted a hat trick in that first meeting with C-NS, beat Sullivan for the goal that tied it, 1-1, but it didn’t stay even for long.

Just 1:27 into the third, Mearon, who only had two goals all season entering this game, broke free again and, in a two-on-one breakaway, put in the go-ahead goal, doubling his season output in a single afternoon.

This still left ample time for Fusion to pull back even, and it almost did. Sullivan stopped Dan Devendorf point-blank on a breakaway with 4:25 left.

Then, with Smith (who finished with 39 saves) pulled, Alex Kirkby, with 1:10 left, struck a shot off the crossbar. Andrew Davis, a force all game long on both ends of the

ice, converted on an empty net with 14.4 seconds to play.

Now C-NS was in the semifinals, just as it was in 2023 when it lost to Baldwinsville, and it would face no. 2 seed Rome Free Academy last Wednesday night at Kennedy Arena with a spot in the title game against defending champion West Genesee at stake.

Once more, though, the Northstars’ dreams of going further were thwarted. The Black Knights prevailed 2-0 in a game that was close, tense and dominated by defense most of the way.

Late in the first period, RFA got in front when, at the 14:02 mark, John Sharrino, off a pass from Jackson Marchione, sent a wrist shot that zipped through traffic, crashed off the post and be -

hind Sullivan.

And it would stay 1-0 for a while, neither side getting anything for the rest of the first and then the entire second period. Most of the time C-NS tried to set up its attack, the Black Knights turned it away, its defense limiting the Northstars to 19 shots that Donte Sparace turned away.

It was still a one-goal game when, with 10:17 left, Jacob Bruno grabbed Tyler Lokker’s pass, sped up the left side and, with space to shoot, fired a high one into the top-right corner, doubling the margin.

Unable to answer, C-NS watched the Black Knights secure its first sectional finals berth since 2014, while its own season ended at 10-7-4, still in search of a first-ever sectional championship.

C-NS wrestling’s Bembry finishes sixth at state meet

BY PHiL BLACKWELL

A special season that included Class AA and Division I titles for the Cicero-North Syracuse wrestling team would conclude with four of its wrestlers at Albany’s MVP Arena for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships.

Two of them, Kamdin Bembry (215 pound) and Kennedy Thomas (145 pounds), had earned their places with automatic berths by winning their respective weight classes in the Feb. 10 sectional Division I meet at SRC Arena.

They were joined by Aaron Westcott at 116 pounds.

Westcott was chosen with a 27-11 mark and was the lone at-large choice after Kasey Kalfass, at 101 pounds, was unable to wrestle.

Of the three, Bembry, holding a perfect 41-0 record, was in the best position going into the state meet, having picked up the no. 9 seed and, by doing so, avoided an opening-round bout that each of his C-NS teammates faced.

But Bembry’s round-of-16 bout against Orchard Park’s Jack MacDonald proved a frustrating one. MacDonald’s early takedown was the key blow in the bout as Bembry shut him out the rest of the way, but could

manage nothing more than a second-period escape resulting in a single point. Hanging on from there, MacDonald prevailed 2-1.

So Bembry was quickly in the consolation bracket, where he pinned Chris Ayala (Baldwin) and Nick Whyte (Shaker) in the second period to reach Saturday’s competition with a good chance at a podium finish.

Against Saratoga Springs’ Patrick McKinley, Bembry got a pin midway through the third period, assuring his podium finish. And though he lost 8-2 to Newburgh’s Chris Leggett and fell 8-3 to Middletown’s Bryson Tibbs, Bem -

bry still took sixth place, best among the C-NS wrestlers.

Meanwhile, Thomas, with his no. 12 seed and 30-2 record, had to wrestle against Luke Burke (MacArthur) in the opening round and, trailing most of the way, managed to turn it around and, in the final seconds, pin Burke to win it.

Thomas won again a couple of hours later, topping East Islip’s Anthony Avitabile with a pin in three minutes, 33 seconds, leading to the quarterfinals, where he was stopped in a 10-0 defeat to Niagara-Wheatfield’s Te’ShaunMatthews.

An injury default put

Thomas past Daniel Parker (Ithaca), but that kept him from advancing further in the bracket as he had to default to Pittsford’s Zach Gerby. Westcott was also a no. 18 seed, meeting up with Elmira’s Ryder Depauda-Reese and, taking charge from the outset, piling up points until he pinned Depauda-Reese near the midway point of the second period.

A round-of-16 loss to the no. 2 seed, Hewlett’sCarlos Salazar, scuttled the state title dreams, and he dropped a 5-3 decision to Cieslinksi (Spencerport) in the consolation bracket.

N. Syracuse to hold kindergarten registration

The North Syracuse Central School District has announced its registration dates for 2024-2025 kindergarten students. Home schools are in the process of mailing letters to families that will be registering known new students. In order for your child to enter school next fall, he or she must be five (5) years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

Elementary schools are holding registration at individual schools on the following dates. Families will receive a letter from their child’s home school with instructions for completing registration. Families who will be registering a new kindergarten student and who have not received their letter by the first week in March

should contact the school directly at the school’s main number.

Kindergarten registration will take place at the following locations on the dates and times listed:

Allen Road Elementary School (315) 218-2300 - Thursday, March 14 from 1 to 7 p.m.

KWS Bear Road Elementary School (315) 218-2400 - Thursday, March 14 from 1 to 6 p.m. and Friday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cicero Elementary School (315) 218-2500 - Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lakeshore Road Elementary School (315) 218-2600 - Thursday, March 14 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Roxboro Road Elementary School (315) 218-2700 - Tuesday, March 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, March 14 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Smith Road Elementary School (315) 218-2800 - Friday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday, March 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Any questions you may have regarding your child’s registration can be answered by calling your child’s home school. If you are unsure of your child’s home school, a listing of schools by street address is available onlin e . Families unable to register during their child’s school event, can register at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Road) in North Syracuse

when the registration office is open: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the office is closed from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.) Online registration information is also available at nscsd.org/registerm e.

The following items are needed for registration:

3 Parent identification

3 Proof of birth

3 Verification of your child’s immunization record

salina library announces March programs

The following programs will be held at the Salina Library in the month of March:

Saturday, March 2

Craft Exchange

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Clean out your craft room and drop off unwanted craft supplies by Friday, March 1st. Come in between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2nd to pick out new-to-you supplies and inspiration for new projects. All donated crafts must be clean and in new or gently used condition.

Monday, March 11

North Syracuse Art Guild Exhibit and Reception

7 p.m. Come to the reception and meet the artists. View the art at your leisure throughout the month of March.

Tuesday, March 12

A Glimpse of Ireland

6 p.m. |Experience Ireland at this travel roundtable. Share your stories, photos, and souvenirs of a visit to Ireland. Bring a favorite Irish food or recipe to share, or tell us about your favorite Irish books or movies. For adults 18+. Registration is required.

March 15

Puzzle Contest Friday

12 p.m. It’s a race to the finish, and the winner gets a prize! Do you like jigsaw puzzles? Each contestant will get the same small puzzle; the first to complete theirs is declared the winner. For adults 18+. Registration is required.

Children’s and Teen Programs

Wednesdays, March 6, 20, 27

Early Learners Storytime

11 a.m. Make learning fun! Your child will learn important early literacy and social skills with stories, rhymes, and songs. For children ages 2-4 years old.

Tuesday, March 12

Salina Teen Warriors

4:30 p.m. Pick up an application at the circulation desk and join our Teen Advisory Group. Members will brainstorm and help create activities for the library. For grades 6-12.

Wednesday, March 13

LEGOs Club

4-5 p.m. Do you love LEGOs? Join us as we build, build, build! For ages 5-12. Please pre-register.

Thursday, March 14

Pajama Storytime

6 p.m. Children ages 3-6, wear your comfiest pajamas for a special night-time storytime and craft! Please pre-register.

Friday, March 15

Friday Crafternoon

3:30-4:30 p.m. Drop in to make a Cherry Blossom Painting. For ages 4-12. Please pre-register.

Wednesday, March 21

Family Peep Diorama

6 p.m. Create a Peep Diorama to be displayed in our annual Family Art Show in the Children’s Area. We will provide a shoebox, a container of Peeps, and plenty of supplies. Can’t make it on the 21st? Stop in the next day and pick up a kit, while supplies last.

Ongoing Programs

Tech Help by Appointment

Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.; Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Do you need help with your laptop or tablet, using email, downloading an eBook, or applying for jobs online? Tech help appointments are available for these topics and more. Appointments last up to 1 hour. Registration required. Visit the Events Calendar at salinalibrary.org to register for programs online or call 315-454-4524 for more information.

By Donna newMan photo by donna neWman

Rocky’s a lover, not a fighter! Rocky is a five-year-old pit mix who was found as a stray. At forty-seven pounds, he’s severely underweight and if he was a boxer, he would be in the featherweight category. He’s the sweetest, happiest boy who loves to play with toys - especially tug! He walks nicely on the leash, is friendly and sweet, and has become treat-motivated. He knows sit and shake (with both paws!) and he would love to learn more. His exuberance can outweigh his self-control, so he would do best with respectful kids eight and up. He’s also a proud member of the doggy playgroup and rides nicely in the car. in short, he’s the complete package! Meet Rocky the dog – you’ll be “knocked out” by how awesome he is! For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org

Bednar eight points. A day later, the Northstars found out that it would face Bishop Ludden or Henninger in the other AAA semifinal, the winners to get to Saturday’s title game at 1 p.m. at Onondaga Community College’s Allyn Hall.

Meanwhile, on the boys side, Liverpool learned on Saturday that it would get Ludden or Utica Proctor in its semifinal at FayettevilleManlius that preceded the battle between C-NS and no. 3 seed Rome Free Academy. Whoever won there would also travel to OCC, but play at SRC Arena in the 4 p.m. sectional final.