Star Review Digital Edition - March 22, 2023

STEM GrowTh

Micron encourages science, technology, engineering and math at library event

By ruSS TArBy

Writer

Contributing

More than 180 library patrons attended the interactive Micron/STEM event on Wednesday, March 15 at Liverpool Public Library.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“The companies and organizations that are changing the way we live are STEM-related,” educators Rihab Sawah and Anthony Clark wrote in “The Everything STEM Handbook.”

“In the very near future it will be difficult, if not impossible, for an individual to get through life without some knowledge of science, technology and mathematics,” they wrote.

Last week at the library, as folks wandered from station to station throughout the Tulip Street building, they met with staff and students working on various science projects. In the Studio room, teens played with Nintendo Labo Toys and operated shoe-sized remote-controlled vehicles. In the Teen area, librarian Deanna McGregor oversaw the engineering design project including invention kits called Makey Makeys and 3D printing. In the Children’s Room, students made buttons and played Osmos, a video puzzle game.

Later in the Carman Community Room, two representatives of Micron Technology, Inc., presented a brief description of the manufacturing pro

cess for microchips. Micron is the world’s leading computer chip company which plans to build a mega chip campus at

Northern Comfort provides all-around assistance

White Pine Commerce Park in the town of Clay. It would be the largest semiconductor plant announced in United States history. The $100 billion investment to transform rural land into a high-tech tract will take place over two decades.

“We really wanted to showcase our students, to celebrate their imaginations,” said Library Director Susan Reckhow.

“And they were very pleased to show off their work to the Micron people.”

The library hosts a weekly Teen Night & Tween Scene at 6 p.m. every Wednesday. On Saturday, April 1, the library will present its Science and Engineering Fair at 1:30 p.m. The third annual fair is a noncompetitive event open to all students from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

In a presentation in the Carman Room, Micron representatives Amy Henecke and Landon Loeber demonstrated how microchips are formed from a silicone “wafer.” They also allowed audience members to view videotapes showing how the plants operate and to try on a “bunny suit,” the protective garb common to all fabrication process workers.

“We will continue to be a partner in the community,” Henecke promised.

Loeber concurred. “We’re super-excited to be here,” he said.

The March 15 STEM event was attended by members of the library board of directors including President Ashley Gouger along with several special guests such as Anthony Pope, an aide to 128th District Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter.

By JASon KlAiBEr Staff Writer

A full calendar year has passed since she assumed the role of CEO for Operation Northern Comfort, and Cicero resident Laurel Flanagan is still seeing more and more how the charitable organization has helped and can assist those in need.

At the very start of 2022, Flanagan took over at the helm for the nonprofit’s founder, Norm Andrzejewski, whom she called an “inspiration and a visionary” as well as one of the most generous people she knows.

Rescue

Plan to fund streetscaping along Old L’pool Road

By ruSS TArBy

Contributing Writer

On March 15, Salina Supervisor Nick Paro announced $1 million in funding for the commercial revitalization of Old Liverpool Road.

Small businesses there which weathered the pandemic can apply for grants to make exterior improvements to buildings. Renovations can include new siding, landscaping, paving or other improvements that enhance curb appeal.

This funding is part of the $3 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided to the town by the federal government. ARPA is also known as the COVID-19 stimulus package.

“We think this is a great way to improve our streetscape and make that business corridor much more attractive,” said Town Supervisor Nick Paro.

Second Ward Councilor Matt Cushing pointed out that other municipalities are using the ARPA money to balance their

budgets or stabilize operations.

“The town of Salina is in a very fortunate position to use these funds to directly impact the small business community in our town,” Cushing said. Potential recipients must apply for funds and winners must match any money awarded with 25 percent of their own money. Applications can be found at salina.ny.u s , and will be accepted until April 17. Paro hopes to award about 10 ARPA grants.

The town had already used $500,000 of the $3 million for a neighborhood revitalization fund administered through Home Headquarters. By plugging into that fund, homeowners can secure a loan of up to $15,000 at a one percent interest rate payable over 7 to 10 years. Loans can be used for exterior home improvements such as roof, window or siding replacement and/or related home repairs like sewer, foundation or plumbing or furnace and hot water tank repair or replacement.

Andrzejewski had been pursuing his master’s degree in public health from Tulane University when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, and in the wake of its devastation he sought to do more than write a check on account of his personal connection to what had happened.

According to Flanagan, he went through his personal contacts and gathered friends from Central New York to go down there, clean up and rebuild. That was the start of Operation Northern Comfort, as it became known, and in the ensuing years its volunteers have made close to 50 visits to help address the wreckage in Louisiana and Mississippi.

“He worked so hard to figure out how we could help somebody that needed it,” Flanagan said. “When he approached me about taking over, I was a bit of a deer in the headlights because I was like, ‘Wow, those are big shoes to fill.’”

The organization has additionally sent volunteers to attend to natural disaster relief in Houston and parts of North Carolina, as well as places closer to home like the city of Oneida in the aftermath of considerable flooding. Amid the COVID pandemic, however, the service trip side of Operation Northern Comfort (ONC) was put on pause for

three years, right up until an advanced team of five made their way to Fort Myers, Florida, this past January to cut out moldy drywall and pull out floors damaged by Hurricane Ian.

It was in 2020 only that the Crawfish Festival put on every year by ONC was canceled, but being that it’s been their major fundraiser for the last decade and a half, it was sorely missed, Flanagan said.

The festival was, after all, Flanagan’s entry point into volunteer work with ONC about six years ago. Around that time her husband, Michael, was boiling crawfish for the yearly occasion and working for festival sponsor Suburban Propane when he noticed that her hotel management degree could be useful for expediting food handouts.

With a mask mandate and social distancing measures still in place, the Crawfish Festival returned in 2021 after the year away for a take-and-go event called “The Crawfish Rodeo,” and by the next year it was back at full steam.

The daylong event, which always takes place on the first Saturday of May when it does go on, has switched locations from Hanover Square to the COR Development Company property on Onondaga Lake to later the New York State

Fairgrounds, but it has since settled in Clinton Square. As Flanagan said, it kicks off the festival season but arrives at the tail end of crawfish season.

“After that, the condition of the shells on the crawfish is such that they’re not the best quality anymore,” she said. “We get them when they’re the best and we fly them up here directly from Louisiana the day before, so it’s as fresh as you’re ever gonna get right here in Central New York.”

The 16th Crawfish Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 6 will replicate the Pelican State’s festivals with stands containing crawfish mac and cheese, crawfish and shrimp boil, clams, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, pulled pork sandwiches, cinnamon bread pudding, and beignets. There will also be eight food trucks to order from, a kids zone with games and face painting stations, and over 50 crafters showcasing jewelry, candles, signs, woodworking, upcycled clothing and other items. The event will feature performances from C’est Bon, Letizia & the Z Band, The Fabulous Ripcords and Brass Inc.

“It’s a lot of dance type of music that just makes everybody feel like getting up and having a good time,” Flanagan

Operation l Page 12

Submitted photoS

The Central New York nonprofit Operation Northern Comfort organizes the yearly Crawfish Festival in downtown Syracuse, helps with home modifications and plans service trips to other parts of the country.

Girls Warriors fall in state semis

By Phil BlAcKwEll

Having already reached a pinnacle not seen in 35 years, the Liverpool girls basketball team wanted to take it two steps further and make the best kind of history with a state Class AA championship.

Earning it required the Warriors to top Section I’s White Plains in last Friday night’s state AA semifinal, but it could not overcome a rough start in a 57-46 defeat to the Tigers.

In her final game before heading to St. John’s next fall, senior forward Neveah Wingate did all that she could, pouring in 21 points, much of it in the early stages, and adding 10 rebounds.

But no other Warriors player scored in double figures, and by the time it was able to get the rest of its offense on track, Liverpool was far behind, a direct result of the size, athleticism and defensive pressure White Plains’ guards put on them from the moment the game started.

Aliya McIver led the Tigers, especially on defense, where she accumulated 14 steals as part of a rare triple-double that also included 13 points and 10 assists. That complemented 21 points from Ineivi Plata and 11 points from Sequoia Layne, Like Liverpool, White Plains had never won a state title, so whoever won this game would get a chance to have that ultimate

breakthrough in Saturday’s final against Webster Schroeder.

Having waited all day for a late (past 8 p.m.) tip-off time, Liverpool had a difficult time establishing its offense, not getting a field goal for nearly six minutes before Wingate converted on a three-point play late in the first quarter.

White Plains led 12-6 going to the second, and then took charge with its offense, having its way against a normally stingy Warriors zone defense and gaining a series of baskets both inside and outside.

It left Liverpool trailing 32-17 at the break, but all through the season the Warriors had put together massive scoring outbursts against opposition of all quality, and it happened here, too, at least in the third quarter.

Picking up its pace and finding some seams in the Tigers’ defense, Liverpool ate away at White Plains’ margin and were within single digits, 40-31, heading into the final period.

However, the Warriors could not sustain that run long enough to make the Tigers sweat in the game’s late stages, nor could it find anyone who could take defensive attention off Wingate.

Janea Hamilton-Brown matched Jakeira Stackhouse, each of them getting seven points, while A’briyah Cunningham gained six points.

By Phil BlAcKwEll

A single shot halted the Liverpool boys basketball team’s quest for a second state Class AA championship. Yariel Gomez-Parra’s jump shot with less than two seconds left in overtime gave North Rockland a 57-55 victory over the Warriors in last Friday’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association state Class AA semifinal at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. For nearly 36 minutes, the two sides had engaged in a tight, tense battle, Liverpool leading most of the way, yet unable to get clear of the Red Raiders in large part due to the foul trouble encountered by star forward Andreo Ash.

Both sides had a chance to win it in regulation but could not. And for much of the OT, they stayed on even terms, too, threatening to go to a second extra period.

Then, with less than 10 seconds to play, North Rockland had possession. Unable to penetrate, the Red Raiders swung the ball to the right corner, where Gomez-Parra, his back to the basket and well defended by Frankie Fowler, still turned around and hit the tiebreaking jumper.

When Liverpool’s attempt to answer with a long pass was intercepted and time ran out, a remarkable season that included Section III and regional titles concluded.

While the Warriors getting to the state final four was not new, the stage at Glens Falls was, since Liverpool claimed that 2018 state title when the tournament was held in Binghamton.

Also unfamiliar was the state semifinal opponent, North Rockland, who only went 13-7 during the regular season but emerged from a Section I ranks long dominated by multitime state champion Mount Vernon. What was quickly apparent was that Liverpool, if it

wanted to win, had to do so at the Red Raiders’ physical, grinding tempo, which maintained itself through a closely-fought first half.

Up 24-21 at the break, the Warriors doubled that margin at one point in the third quarter, but it got vulnerable when Ash picked up his third and fourth fouls.

Not having to worry about him, the Red Raiders closed the period strong and grabbed a 36-34 advantage going to the final period, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Fowler and Jason Lawler in the opening minute of the fourth quarter restored the Warriors’ lead.

Even when Ash returned for the closing stretch, Connor Wein’s 3-pointer pushed the Red Raiders in front and, when Kobe Nwosu hit on a reverse layup, the Warriors trailed 4845 with less than two minutes left.

Yet again Liverpool answered, getting four straight points capped by Fowler’s driving layup that produced a 49-48 advantage with a minute to go.

North Rockland got back the ball and, with 4.7 seconds left, Liverpool fouled Elijah Barclay was fouled. Barclay hit one of the two free throws to tie it, and when Fowler’s potential game-winner went off the rim, it went to OT.

Having beat West Genesee twice in OT games during its regular season, the Warriors were experienced in going an extra four minutes, and it turned to Ash, who netted all six points to equal North Rockland and run his total to a team-high 17 points.

In the end, it all came down to Gomez making a tough clutch shot, sending North Rockland to the state final and Liverpool home a day before it wanted.

Fowler had 14 points, with Jah’Deuir Reese getting all of his 12 points in the second half of regulation and Bruce Wingate held to seven points.

cicEro SEEKS volunTEErS

Do you have a heart for youth in the Greater Cicero area? Are you looking to make a difference in the community? Please consider the following service opportunities if you answered “yes” to these questions: Youth Board

Board members may be asked to determine the needs of youth and advise program staff to meet those needs, act as a liaison between government offices and the local community, and establish criteria for the allocation of funds.

Youth board members should be positive and proactive in regard to meeting the needs of youth as well as involving youth in the planning process. This in-

SchOOlS ANd SchOlARS

Local student named to Gonzaga University president’s list

Joseph Bowen, of Cicero, has earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for fall semester 2022. Students must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 gradepoint average to be listed.

Zimmer named to Bucknell University Dean’s list

Alyssa Zimmer of Liverpool

CNY Reads: ‘Oh William!’

dividual may be called up to interact with legislators, mayors, town supervisors, Youth Bureau agencies and the general public.

Friends of the CanTeen

The mission of the “Friends of the CanTeen” board members is to help raise funds to support the CanTeen program (teen center located next door to the CNS High School). Members must be at least 18 years of age and in good standing in the community.

If you are interested in either of these volunteer positions, please email or call the Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks & Recreation Director, Teresa Roth, at troth@ cicerony.gov or 315-699-5233.

was named to the Bucknell University dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition.

Students make Fall 2022

Dean’s List

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS)

announces its Fall 2022 Dean’s

List recipients. This is awarded to full-time students who have successfully completed their coursework with a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 score.

The following Cicero residents were named to the dean’s list: Charles Middleton, pursuing at Doctor of Pharmacy degree Angela Phan, pursuing at Doctor of Pharmacy degree

By AMAndA roBErTS nopl Creative direCtor

CNY Reads, the largest “one book, one community” reading program in New York State, has announced their selection for this year’s “One Book” for 2023 – Elizabeth Strout’s “Oh William!.”

CNY Reads One Book is a community-wide reading program designed to promote reading, discovery, and sharing of different perspectives by encouraging area residents to read the same book and participate in programs related to that book. The CNY Reads Consortium organizes the program.

In “Oh William!” Lucy Barton, whom we got to know in Strout’s earlier books (My Name is Lucy Barton and Anything is Possible), prevails from a grim childhood in Illinois to become a successful writer living in NYC. Lucy, now 64, when mourning the death of her beloved second husband, finds

distraction with her first husband of 20 years, William. As a fictional memoir, the author retells her personal story, learning to love someone by truly understanding their life’s trauma and circumstance. Within this novel, we start to understand the fabric that keeps people connected, even after growing apart, through the safe and subtle privy of Lucy’s thoughts as she journeys to Maine with Williams’s family.

“Oh William!” can be read as a stand-alone book and is available in many formats at the library. In addition, book discussions, both in-person and virtual, are planned throughout the community. Join us at NOPL’s in-person Book Discussion Thursday, March 23, at 3 p.m. at Brewerton Branch. Visit NOPL. org/events to register for this virtual event.

To see a complete CNY Reads One Book event listing, visit their website at cnyreads.org.

Never enough books

“I guess there are never enough books.”

This quote is attributed to John Steinbeck one of America’s most well known and prolific authors.

Many may remember him only from high school or college where works like “The Pearl,” “Of Mice and Men,” and “The Grapes of Wrath,” were often assigned reading. Others may have found his writing on their own or may have been inspired to read his other works that deal with the human condition, the rights and lives of workers, the political climate of America across decades from the 1930s and into the 1960s, war, hunger, romance and the struggles of individuals, families and even brother versus brother. While this is subject matter Steinbeck tackled in his work, it is also subject matter that many other authors have explored in their writings from Charles Dickens to Jane Austen, from Stephen King to Kurt Vonnegut to Sylvia Plath, authors have tackled subject matter, explored varied ideas and concepts and tried to share a glimpse into their own world and experience on the microscopic scale and relate it back to the human experience as a whole on the macroscopic scale.

To paraphrase an old saying and a popular meme, by reading and reading widely, you have the opportunity to live many lives and explore many worlds with the opportunities books offer to readers.

The month of March, among many other things, is recognized as National Reading Month.

This is a time that can serve as a good reminder about the importance of reading as well as the magic of it, that feeling of getting lost in the pages of a good book that excites, entertains or even challenges us to think differently and look at the world from a different perspective.

According to nationaltoday.com, March was designated as National Reading Month to celebrate Dr. Suess. He was born on March 2, 1904. Interestingly enough, Dr. Suess was not a doctor at all, he was a writer and an illustrator of very popular children’s books including “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He also wrote several books for beginner readers of which “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” (published in 1960) was the most notable one. He received a Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for his contribution to the education of America’s children and their parents.

Today we might take reading for granted but it has a very long history and there was a time when only a few people knew how to read. The first written communication did not happen until 3500 B.C., and the first books did not appear until around 23 B.C. in Rome. Around this time, books were also developed in some Asian countries and the Middle East. Before the printing press was introduced in the 15th century, books were quite expensive and rare but as printed books gained popularity, literacy rates began to rise. In 1892, the first book covers appeared and in the 19th century, publishers started printing books with hardbacks.

And now, while there are preferences and debates about it, we have almost unlimited access to the printed word. While some prefer a physical book, our phones, computers and other mobile devices also allow us to read almost anywhere and any time with access to digital editions of books and other publications.

So whether it is a classic, a sci-fi epic, a love story, a horror story, a hardcover book with a cup of coffee on a rainy day or an interesting article on your phone, take some time to catch up on some reading and find the joy the written word in its myriad forms has to offer.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

BATTlinG BAcK

Alexa’s 7:30 a.m.

musical alarm awakened me in what could only be described as a morning fog. I lifted my head slowly to see the time. What? My eyes were glued semi-shut. Something my kids used to call “gookie eye.” Well, it was “gookie eye” and all it portended. I had a cold … or did I? One never knows these days.

That was the first question that came to mind - did I have Covid? If I did it was probably too soon to tell. My next step was to remedy up. Wiping away the exudate that had fastened my lashes together, I perused the first shelf in the medicine cabinet where I kept the nostrums for colds and such. I found a lot of tubes of antibiotic creams, a giant box of band aids, some baby nail scissors and finally a container of my “go to” for upper respiratory infections, AlkaSeltzer Plus.

“Voila,” I thought.

I had to put that voila away, since this particular box held the variety of Alka-Seltzer plus that contained aspirin. Another medicine that I take eschews the consumption of any NSAIDS. The only analgesic that is available to me is acetaminophen or Tylenol. As I told the doctor, I might as well eat a cupcake.

So downstairs I stumbled, and I should accent that last word since all my joints had joined the constellation of awfulness so that moving was an

act of heroism. I was heading to the kitchen, where I could at least have a cup of coffee… and a cupcake if there were one. There wasn’t.

I thought, “I’ll get through this in 10 days to two weeks.”

That afternoon, I called my spouse at work at told him to pick up some Chinese for dinner. I went back to bed and slept on and off for four days. In the off times, I took three Covid tests, all of which were negative. I clearly remember Sr. Sulik telling me that negative didn’t mean negative. So, what to do? Back to bed. I think I ate about four pieces of bread and some Chinese during that first week, thinking with my failing appetite that I might be losing weight. Not a chance.

I had to call my dentist to reschedule my appointment, allowed the work that I was doing on the income tax to pile up undone, which was also the situation for laundry and vacuuming. Now, to my credit, I did get dressed on several of those 10 to 14 days, as an attempt at fooling the offending virus and trying to put mind over matter. Matter won.

I didn’t often comb my hair, but I did shower every night, even on those when I was so wiped out that I thought I might drown.

The days passed and I had to call the dentist again to reschedule, apologizing for my inability to get better. The gal on the other end of the

phone commiserated with me, telling me that her daughter had been sick for three weeks. I was coming up on the three week mark. Ten to fourteen days?

Then I began to cough

- just a little, dry cough. My house, by this time, looked like dust was invented there and I thought my cough was the response to dust. It wasn’t. The little cough became bigger and looser, very much looser. I coughed, seemingly all the time. My head started to hurt and then my sinuses joined the chorus of complainants. I had bronchitis. More Covid testing to tell me that I was negative … or was I? I kept my spouse up at night as well as the four cats who sleep on our bed.

After a week of staying on the sofa with a box of tissues and some Tylenol, I began to try to concoct some cough medicine out of honey and lemon juice. You have to imagine this. There I was standing in front of the stove where I was heating the bottle of honey in some water. The honey had solidified in its plastic jar and refused to melt when standing in a cup of hot water. I was taking it to the next level.

While I was carefully watching the bottle of honey in the simmering water, I was rolling a lemon to extract the juice. The honey never really returned to its original state but it was loose enough to scoop some into the cup to

Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro

join the lemon juice. I had to add hot water and stir to make something drinkable. Honey and lemon have been touted as a great cough medicine. I must have gotten the proportions wrong because I coughed on for hours.

The cough continued for two weeks until a friend took pity on me and made me a cup of tea with her homemade concoction of Mullen, rose hips and spearmint. Amazingly, that worked. I was cough free for two hours. What a blessing.

I am back to standing up with washed and combed hair, clean clothes and an almost dust-free house. Lots to catch up on, though. I took another Covid test to be sure and I tested negative. I thought that I should have suffered through something with a name for all the distasteful symptoms I and my spouse endured. I have had all my vaccines including the flu, but, alas, there is no vaccine for the common cold.

I fully intend to restock my medicine cabinet just in case and I am scheduled to get my dental work done next week. Just wanted you to know. Today I left the house for the first time in a month.

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.

Audobon Society: Onondaga Lake an ‘Important Bird Area’

Since seeing is believing, you can learn about Onondaga Lake and its status as an “Important Bird Area” by viewing the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Photography Exhibit.

The 30 selected photographs that feature the birds, wildlife and habitats of Onondaga Lake, will be on display this weekend at the Honeywell Onondaga Lake Visitor Center, on the west side of the lake at 280 Restoration Way.

The photos can bee seen there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25 and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 26. Admission costs $5 per person; for info, call 315365-3588.

National Audubon Society staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you to spot some of these incredible animals in person.

Bald eagles in focus

Last year almost 2,500 photographers from across the United States and Canada submitted some 10,000 photographs and videos to Audubon’s 13th annual

Political maneuver

To the editor: Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once opined, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” Well, if that is true, we here in Onondaga County could all benefit from some more sunlight in our county government, as it’s been operated in darkness for some time now.

The Post Standard recently

com Display Ads: lori lewis, ext 316, llewis@eaglenewsonline com

Photography Awards. Reviewing anonymous image and video files, three panels of expert judges identified the 100 best bird shots from among the entries.

One of those 100 best included local photographer Jeff Coulter’s portrait of a pair of bald eagles flying over the lake with their snowy-feathered (not bald) heads and white tails. Coulter was shooting his Canon EOS R6 mirror-less digital camera with an 800mm lens.

He explained the story behind his spectacular shot.

“Every year, bald eagles come to Onondaga Lake in Syracuse,” Coulyer wrote. “The local water treatment plant keeps a small patch of the lake ice-free, attracting more than 50 bald eagles to the surrounding trees. Some eagles catch their own fish while others look for a chance to take an

published a story about County Executive Ryan McMahon’s blatant display of partisan patronage in hiring Esteban Gonzales, (who was recently defeated in his election for Onondaga County sheriff) to serve in a specially-created position in county government, using federal pandemic funds. This position comes with a tidy $105,000 salary, and was awarded to Gonzales in an act of unmitigated political

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easy meal from an unsuspecting neighbor. I captured this scene as one eagle carried her catch toward the trees, the second following close behind. I remember back in the late 1970s when only one pair of nesting eagles remained in Upstate New York. Thanks to ground-breaking conservation efforts, hundreds of pairs now nest here -- and the numbers continue to grow. That nearloss and remarkable recovery of this beautiful species continues to make every sighting feel like a gift.”

Critic Neil Novelli dies at 92

My old friend, theater critic, teacher and musician Neil Novelli died March 3 in Ithaca at age 92. He was a former resident of Syracuse and had moved to Ithaca to be closer to family and receive care for Alzheimer’s disease.

Neil taught at at Le Moyne Collegefor 49 years and retired as professor emeritus of English. Neil was also a theater and music critic for Syracuse. com and The Post-Standard from the 1980s until well into his eighties.

cronyism.

And, to make matters worse, part of Mr. Gonzales’s duties include “public safety,” which would directly involve the man who defeated him last November, Toby Shelley.

The same Toby Shelley that both McMahon and Gonzales froze out of the Jamesville Prison closure process last fall after he was elected. In fact, Ryan McMahon is refusing to provide the sheriff’s

He wrote a series on Shakespeare called “In Rehearsal” that appeared on public access television. While on a sabbatical, he spent his leave at Syracuse Stage, and he wrote a script for “Bill Does Will.” The late Bill Molesky played the title role, and the play won a Syracuse Area Local Theater award.

I often enjoyed picking Neil’s brain about Shakespeare, wondering if the Bard had actually written all those great plays. I also liked listening to Neil play banjo at the jam sessions hosted by the Jazz Appreciation Society of Syracuse.

Not only did he perform the Dixieland jazz, he also served for many year on the JASS Board of Directors. Last word “I’m going home to watch the wallpaper peeling in my kitchen. It’s time for me to re-adjust.”

– The guy holding down that end of the bar, bidding adieu at The Retreat.

office with Gonzales’s job description. How is this “good government?” We can’t even get a public statement from Mr. Gonzales about his new position. How is this “transparency?”

But, Ryan McMahon’s most recent political maneuver should come as no surprise to Onondaga County residents. This is the same man who limited public discussion

Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby

FROM THE MAILBAG

Green Corner: Why fossil fuel divestment matters

By KiP coErPEr

Thank you readers for all of the steps you may be taking to address climate change and reduce your carbon footprintrecycling, driving EV’s, going vegan, eating grass fed beef, carpooling, buying efficient light bulbs and appliances, etc. These are really important, and please share the ways you are making a difference with your friends and neighbors.

In addition and possibly more importantly, we need to address the unfortunate reality that banks are funding the polluting fossil fuel industry at alarming rates. The fossil fuel divestment movement is addressing that unfortunate reality by encouraging institutions and individuals to get their money out of pol-

lution supportive banks. Go to: bankingonclimatechaos.org/ to find a list of the 12 worst investors in the fossil fuel industry.

Since the Paris Climate accords in 2016, no. 1 JP Morgan Chase has invested $382 billion in fossil fuels, no. 2 CITI $285 billion, no. 3 Wells Fargo $272 billion, no. 4 Bank of America $232 billion. Look at your credit cards. If any of these names are on them, consider switching cards to a “green” bank. They can be found at rivers-mountains-greenfaith.org/divestinvest-workshop. I have ended use of my CITI card in favor of an Amalgamated Bank Card with First Mutual of Omaha. None of that money is being invested in fossil fuels.

On March 21 I will be joining thousands of concerned citizens

by symbolically cutting up my CITI card and sending a letter to CITI explaining why I am switching. And on that day thousands of caring people around the world will be moving their money out of dirty banks and rallying to demand banks to stop funding climate chaos. On that day Th!rd ACT is sponsoring a rally at a Bank of America building in Rochester at noon. See the details here: thirdact.org/ national-day-of-action/

Most spiritual traditions talk about money with an emphasis on giving. Wealth is a deeply moral issue.

One of the scriptures from the Christian tradition states “for where your treasure is there will your heart be also,” Matthew 6:21. So if I look at my spending I

should be able to determine my priorities. Our financial system rests on the accumulation of wealth. At the macro level, we know that our society and in particular big corporations have amassed a huge amount of wealth. Unfortunately these riches are rarely seen as part of the common good, even though they are produced by and often at the expense of the common good.

Consider the record profits of the oil industry during the present global oil shortage and spike of gas prices at the pump.

What would it be like to live in a society that decided to invest wealth and capital back into the health and well-being of the community and the earth? This is something we can imagine, hope for and work towards.

That is precisely what many “green” banks and Credit Unions are doing. Consider joining me on March 21 to make a positive environmental difference with where your money is. And I hope to see some of you in Rochester that day as well.

If you would like to learn more about how to talk to people about these concerns, please join me at St. James’, Skaneateles each Sunday during Lent at noon for a book study on “Saving us - a climate scientist’s case for Hope and Healing in a divided world” by Katharine Hayhoe, considered the most acclaimed climate scientist of our time.

For more info go to stjamesskan.org/events/lenten-bookstudy-on-creationcare/

Historic Moment: City of Syracuse boats, boat houses

By JorGE BATllE SkaneateleS village hiStorian

In 1893 the Syracuse won a long fight to obtain water from Skaneateles Lake. Since then Syracuse has the responsibility to protect the lake and the surrounding watershed. The city began offering pail service to the steamboats on the lake - 5 gallon metal pails of sewage were taken off the boats and empty pails left in their place. In 1908 this same service was started for the many summer cottages that sprung up around the shoreline. All of this collection and disposal activity took place at the Glen Haven property owned by the city at the south end of the Lake.

In 1908, the collection boat christened “Pop” for the beloved Skaneateles Gate (house) keeper Edward Canron. The boat was 40 feet in length and used a steam engine for power. It was moored in a boat slip off Glen Haven Road during the season and stored at Sevey’s Marina for the winter.

The most recent collection boat, called the “honey boat” was a steel World War II era open deck inboard. It had a “gangplank” like ladder on its bow. This allowed the two seasonal collectors to come in bow first, lower the plank, and walk onshore. They would collect the pails, return up the walk-way and place the pails inside the craft. There were about 200 pail service sites at its 1960s peak. The sewage pails was taken to the city’s Glen Haven property and stored in a large holding tank, then removed for proper disposal.

Watershed Quality Manager Rich Abbott noted “August of 2000, the Common Council of the City of Syracuse and the mayor approved replacing the pail service with composting toilets in the Skaneateles

about his aquarium project to 30 minutes in a legislative meeting, and scheduled another public hearing on a hotbed issue for 10 a.m. on a weekday, to avoid blowback.

We can’t continue to live in the darkness of authoritative government. This November, let’s get out and vote to put more “sunshine” in the county executive’s office, by electing Bill Kinne.

roB SAnTucci CiCero demoCratiC toWn Chair

Sad but true

To the editor:

Hope the chairmen of the Democratic Party in Skaneateles and Spafford send an apology letter to Mr. [Matt] Taibbi for the systematic hate and biases towards him and his work and yes, a letter to our leaders at the OCDC, (Onondaga County Democratic Committee) who insanely monopolize one POV.

We hope the powerful and well educated chairman of the Spafford Democrats, Mr. John Hinchcliff now understands what diversity and inclusion is and also

Lake Watershed. June 6, 2003 marked the end of the antiquated and inefficient century old practice of collection 5 gallon pails of raw sewage from privies and transporting them by boat and a pickup truck for temporary storage on city property.Cottage owners who have elected to abandon their outhouse now have the luxury of an indoor facility. The offensive odors and unsanitary conditions related to accumulations of raw sewage has been eliminated. For the city’s investment, it has been rewarded with the elimination of a costly and antiquated service...the annual expenses in the 1996 composting toilet proposal were $84,000. The city’s cost to purchase and install composting toilets, replacing pail service in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed totaled $89,285, resulting in approximately one year return on investment. From the perspective of watershed management and protection, the potential for spillage of accumulated raw sewage during transportation by boat or pickup truck or contamination of groundwater through failure of the holding tank has been removed. Finished compost from the toilets is collected once a year and taken to the 90 acre Glen Haven property for secondary composting.”

The first mention of a Syracuse city boat house in the village was a Nov. 2, 1925 permit issued for a 18 foot by 32 foot wooden structure on the west side of the outlet south of the Genesee Street bridge.

Between the city boat house and the bridge was the larger Grace Badman 85 foot by 18 foot boat house which was removed in August of 1938. The village issued a permit for the existing city brick boat house July 1, 1949. It is approximately 30 feet wide and 44 feet deep. It contains two slips, one 8 feet wide and

why congressional races are important to local voters. When congressional candidate Dana Balter came to our town for a meet and greet, we were told to stop asking energy questions. Sad but true. When I and other loyal democrats wanted to meet the chair of the OCDC instead of petitioning Katko to come to our town so we could rag on him, we were ignored numerous times. Discriminated? Exclude? Yes. Ignoring our request was a micro aggression. Yes? No? We don’t care about Katko. We want to meet and re-educate the so called intellectuals who run our parties directives.

It is sad that Congresswomen Ms. Plaskett, Garcia, Debbie Wassermann Schultz and Sen. Schumer acted so pathetically toward democrat journalist Mr. Taibbi. What an embarrassment.

Hope Mr. Hinchcliff lets us infidel Democrats know when the next Spafford democratic meeting is so we can address these serious and needed changes to our party. Or is this too much to ask? Or are new ideas too threatening?

Let’s find out.

JoE vEcchio

the other 13 feet wide.It offers 10 feet of vertical clearance at normal lake levels. The city moors its lake patrol boat in this building.

In the mid 1960s, the Skaneateles Fire Department acquired a military surplus 2-1/2 ton 6 wheeled amphibious truck, a DUKW, better known as “The Duck.”

It was used for activities on the lake. A large fire pump was placed on it deck, for a firefighting water source from the lake. It was housed in one of the rear bays at the Fennell Street fire station. It served a purpose, but was not practical for emergency rescues on the lake. It was sold to

reCYCle intelligenCe foundation

Help can’t wait

To the editor: Help can’t wait when emergencies strike — whether it’s for the family huddled on the street after a home fire, the patient needing a blood transfusion, or the military member deployed during a family crisis.

Local American Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and supporters provide relief and hope, helping to ensure that our neighbors never face these and countless other crises alone.

The Red Cross mission would not be possible without these community heroes, and we honor their dedication during our 80th annual Red Cross Month celebration in March.

In the past 12 months, volunteers in Central and Northern New York responded to nearly 300 home fires to provide comfort and support to displaced families; provided more than 3,300 case services to help members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for and cope with the challenges of military service;

Submitted

a local military collector, who refurbished it.

The fire department wanting to get something more suitable for emergencies on the lake, purchased a surplus 17 foot Coast Guard boat in 1981. Looking for a place to moor this “quick response rescue boat,” an assistant chief of the fire department contacted the city engineer requesting use of one of the boat slips in their Syracuse boat house. The city agreed, with a rental fee of $50 a month.

In 1990, the fire department seeing a greater need for emergency services on

enrolled about 14,200 people in CPR, first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills; and collected almost 50,000 units of blood from volunteer donors to support area hospitals and patients in need.

The Central and Northern New York Chapter is proud to serve communities in Madison, Herkimer, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Local volunteers also deployed to regions throughout the country to help in communities impacted by large-scale disasters like Hurricane Ian and the Western Wildfires.

On behalf of those we serve, we thank everyone who makes our lifesaving work possible.

You can join in their commitment by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets, become a Red Cross volunteer or take a class to learn lifesaving skills.

LiSA SMiTh, ExECUTivE DiRECTOR ameriCan red CroSS Central and northern neW York

The City of Syracuse and the fire department have utilized boats and boathouses on the lake for many years.

Richard Petura, Jr., 80 skaneateles central high school graduate

Richard C. Petura, Jr., 80, died March 2, 2023, at Pullman Regional Hospital in Pullman, WA. He and his beloved wife, Barbara Petura, shared 54 years of marriage. A son of the late Virginia (Chute) and Richard Petura, he was born in 1942 in Hackensack, NJ, and grew up in Central New York (Syracuse and Skaneateles). He graduated from Skaneateles Central High School in 1960. He was an avid reader and dog lover from an early age.

Rick served in the U.S. Navy (7/63 to 7/67) as radar technician [ER5] at the Charleston, SC, Naval Base, where he serviced radar sys-

Allen R. Smith

loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle

Allen Ray Smith, of Skaneateles, passed away on Jan. 30, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Allen was the loving husband for 58 years to Nancy Smith (nee Edwards), father of Brandy (Kevin) Robertson and Sherri (David) Avery, grandfather of Noah and Lily Avery, and uncle to many.

OBITUARIES

tems on the base minesweepers.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lafayette College (1969) and master’s degree in engineering from University of Idaho (1973).

He was employed 1969-1970 by Exxon as its research facility in Florham Park, NJ. Upon relocation to the Northwest, he followed a sports career in sled dog racing from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. He raised Siberian Huskies which he raced in NW US and Western Canada. In 1986, he and his team raced in the 500-mile Governor’s Cup in Montana. He was a contributor to Northern Dog News, and published newsletters and books in Heritage North Press on sled dog racing.

Along with his beloved wife, he

Dennis G Davis, 72 loved making furniture

Dennis G Davis, 72, of Cicero, formerly of Skaneateles, passed away suddenly on March 4, 2023, at Upstate Medical Center.

Richard C. Petura, Jr.

is survived by brother John Petura (Susan) of Holly Springs, NC, niece Maree Vahue (Scott) of FuquayVarina, NC, nephew Kenyon Petura of Lawrence Township, NJ, niece Erica Adams (Zach) of Milford, OH, niece Bethany Harris (Robert) of Cincinnati, OH, and other family members. He was predeceased by sister Nancy-Jean Webel (Dan) of Milford, OH.

He graduated from Skaneateles High School class of 1970. He worked at repairing appliances in Central New York. Dennis owned and operated for a short time Cross Lake Appliance repair service. He is predeceased by his parents Skaneateles Police Chief, George Davis, and his wife, Jean, his brother, Kenneth Davis his grandparents, Henry and Georgiana Davies , and Benjamin & Bernadine Spearing , and his beloved dog Coffee.

Dennis was a wonderful skilled craftsman. In his earlier years he could make almost anything, but he especially loved making furniture. He Could repair just about anything .

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles.

DEATH NOTICES

Roger E. Green, 91, of Liverpool, passed away March 8, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, Baldwinsville, has arrangements.

Paul A. Valliere, 89, of Baldwinsville, passed away March 9, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, Baldwinsville, has arrangements.

Genevieve Salvage, 94, of Clay, passed away

No public services are planned and Richard will be laid to rest at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Corbeill Funeral Home, Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lafayette College Library, Washington State Univ. Science Library, or a charity of personal choice. Online condolences may be sent to corbeillfuneralhomes.com

March 14, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, Baldwinsville, has arrangements.

Mary E. Kupinski, 93, of North Syracuse, passed away Feb. 26, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

Marland P. Armstrong, 91, formerly of North Syracuse, passed away March

He enjoyed fishing and camping and spending time with his friends. He had a passion for cooking. He would love to entertain anyone that would come and eat his food. Dennis loved playing his music whenever and wherever he was. Dennis always loved sharing his jokes and had such a vivid imagination, telling tales to anyone who would listen.

Dennis is survived by his son, Greg Davis of Port Saint Lucie, FL, his granddaughter, Amelia

9, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

Carl N. LaForty, 48, of Liverpool, passed away March 9, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements. Wilma L. Smith, 98, of Liverpool, passed away March 11, 2023. Fergerson Funeral

Davis, his sisters, Gloria (John) Post of Auburn, Martha Davis , Carol (and Jack) McNeil of Skaneateles, his sister-in-law Uva Davis of Lyons, N.Y., his cousin that was like a brother, Clif and Mary Blaisdell of Montezuma, N.Y., his special friend of several years Kathleen Duffy, of Cicero, several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

Per Dennis’s wishes there be no services. He’s donating his body for medical research.

Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

Howard C. Stearns, 86, of Liverpool, passed away March 13, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

Walter A. Starz, Jr., 94, of Liverpool, passed away March 14, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Inc., Liverpool, has arrangements.

Allen R. Smith

Dennis G Davis

Liverpool CSD to present Bresnahan Book Award

The Liverpool Central School District and its library media specialists will celebrate the life of fellow library media specialist Lori Bresnahan during the Bresnahan Book Award ceremony on Wednesday, April 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Liverpool Public Library. At that time, they will present the fifth Bresnahan Book Award winner.

Students at all eight Liverpool elementary schools recently had the opportunity to read each of this year’s nominated books and select the winner. The 2023 nominees are:

“Ten Beautiful Things,” written by Molly Beth Griffin and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

“Home is in Between

Words,” by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

“I Wish You Knew,” written by Jackie Azúa Kramer and illustrated by Magdalena Mora

“How to Apologize,” written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

“What’s in Your Pocket?

Collecting Nature’s Treasures,” written by Heather L. Montgomery and illustrated

by Maribel Lechuga

The books were selected because they also are nominated for the 2023 Charlotte Award, which was one of Bresnahan’s favorites. Every other year, the New York State Reading Association presents the Charlotte Award, which recognizes books that represent diversity, demonstrate different genres and formats, and appeal to children as much as they appeal to their teachers.

The Bresnahan Book Award was established to honor Lori Bresnahan, who passed away in March 2013. The award is presented during a special ceremony featuring LCSD celebrities reading the nominated books.

One of Bresnahan’s great passions was sharing books with children, and the district’s library media specialists decided that there was no better way to keep her love of literature alive than by creating a book award in her honor.

“Penguin and Pinecone,” by Salina Yoon, was the inaugural winner in 2014. “The Book with No Pictures,” by B.J. Novak, was selected the winner in 2016. “Winnie: The True Story

Liverpool Central School District

Field Elementary to read one of this year’s

dents

of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh,” written by Sally M. Walker and illustrated

by

Deadline for LCSD non-public bus requests is April 1

resides.

Requests for school district transportation to non-public (private or parochial) schools for the 2023-2024 school year must be filed at the Liverpool Central School

District Transportation Center by Saturday, April 1. Applications must state the name, address, telephone number, date of birth and grade of the

student for whom the request is being submitted, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the private or parochial school to which transportation is request-

ed.

Babysitter arrangements must be located within the LCSD boundaries and within the public school enrollment area that the requestor

Request forms may be obtained at the various non-public schools, at the Transportation Center located at 4101 Long Branch Road, Liverpool,

and online at liverpool. k12.ny.us. Those filing after the deadline must provide a reasonable explanation for not meeting the April 1 deadline.

NYSSBA recognizes Liverpool’s Education 2020 initiative

The New York State School Boards Association will present the Liverpool Central School District with its Champions of Change award in recognition of the district’s Education 2020 initiative.

The Champions of Change award recognizes innovative programs in school districts across the state and pays tribute to the people who create

them.

As part of the Education 2020 initiative, the Liverpool Central School District reconfigured grades and buildings to allow the district to provide more opportunities for students and staff, including mental health support, reading support, English as a New Language (ENL) support, instructional resources, Science, Technology,

Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) opportunities, Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities and Professional Development. Overall, the adjustments were made so that the district can best meet the needs of its students.

At the middle school level, the district has provided new pathway electives that include Food Tech (FACS), En -

Students bring ‘Oliver’ to the stage

Lionel Bart’s “Oliver” sets to music the classic Charles Dickens’ tale “Oliver Twist.”

It tells the story of an orphaned boy named Oliver who experiences many trials in life before discovering his true heritage. His journey involves orphanage life, hunger, pickpockets, and caring adults.

“Oliver Jr.,” a condensed version of “Oliver,” is filled with the same memorable music, such as “Consider Yourself,” “Food Glorious Food,” “Oom Pah Pah,” “As Long As He Needs Me” and others.

This musical features comical and dramatic acting and valuable life lessons.

“Oliver!” was the first musical

adaptation of a famous Charles Dickens work to become a stage hit.

The show will be performed by Gillette Road Middle School’s Theater Department and features over 100 students and adults.

The show will be running March 23, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium at 6150 South Bay Road Cicero.

Tickets are $6 presale and $8 at the door. They may be purchased at the school Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 1 p.m.

For questions or orders contact Linda Hurn at lhurn2@aol. com or call 315-218-3000 during school hours 8:15-4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

said. She said alumni from Louisiana State University and people who moved to the Syracuse area from the south have told her that the festival’s offerings remind them of home. One man, Flanagan says, is almost always the first person in line, and he makes sure to buy 11 pounds of crawfish every time to fill a cooler he brings.

“To get that kind of endorsement from somebody who obviously loves to eat crawfish is amazing,” Flanagan said. “We know how to do it right.”

After this year’s festival, ONC will turn its attention to Buffalo and Watertown to repair pipes caused by an excess of snow this winter.

trepreneurship (FACS), Future Educators, Studio Arts (Fine Arts), Theatre (Fine Arts), Music Production (Fine Arts), Material Processing (Technology), Robotics (Technology) and Media Arts (Technology). At the high school level, new CTE programs and/ or post-secondary opportunities are now offered in Drone Technology, Business Administration,

Media Arts, Early Childhood Education, Hospitality & International Foods, and Pre-Apprenticeship for Trades.

“Liverpool Central School District teachers, staff, administrators and parents worked tirelessly over the last several years to plan and implement the changes that were a part of the Education 2020 initiative,” said Superintendent of Schools

Daniel G. Henner. “We are honored to be recognized by NYSSBA and we will continue to implement innovative student educational opportunities into the future.” A representative from NYSSBA will attend an upcoming Liverpool CSD Board of Education meeting to present a banner recognizing the district’s accomplishments.

Submitted photo

Gillette Road Middle School students will bring “Oliver Jr.” to the stage March 23, 24 and 25.

Locally and elsewhere, ONC’s efforts have included home and building modifications for senior citizens, veterans, local food pantries and other people having trouble getting around. They’ve built ramps where permitted as well as railings, grab bars, sliding doors, widened doorways, platform lifts, safer staircases and shelving units.

Though the labor remains free, they ask the recipients of their assistance for financial contributions to cover materials if possible, even in installments, but it’s never a deal-breaker, Flanagan said.

Seeing that some kids were using inhome surfaces like ironing boards to do their homework during quarantine while others were clustered around the kitchen table with their siblings and

distracted as a result, ONC built over 1,500 desks for PGR Foundation, Inc., a mentorship program for girls ages six to 18 that stands for “Poised, Gifted and Ready.” From there, ONC branched off to build more than 200 bookshelves for kids to encourage literacy.

With the second journey to Fort Myers on March 19 marking Flanagan’s first-ever service trip for ONC, she said it’s been something she’s waited on but wanted to do for a while now.

“I think it’s an important part of being the CEO of Operation Northern Comfort, and it’s been a long time coming,” she said. “I’ve heard everybody talk about the stories but I wanted to personally experience it. I feel responsibility for our volunteers, and I want to make sure that they’re safe.”

The volunteers have places to stay and make meals together, but they’re expected to cover their own transportation expenses. With each visit, they make as much headway with given projects as they can, leaving the situations better than before.

“There’s some personal investment,” Flanagan said. “It’s not a vacation, but across the board every time, they say they get more out of it than expected. People find it very rewarding.”

Operation Northern Comfort usually ventures as much as an hour outside the city center for more local jobs but will refer people to separate charitable entities that can step in. For more information about this 100% volunteer organization, visit its website operationnc.org.

Jonathan D. Voss, was the winner in 2018, while the 2020 winner was “Can I Be Your

Dog?,” written and illustrated by Troy Cummings.

Submitted photo

Board of Education member James Root recently stopped by Willow

Bresnahan Award nominees, Ten Beautiful Things, to stu-

By Phil BlAcKwEll

Cicero-North Syracuse High School’s 2023 spring sports schedule, with all dates and times subject to change.

Baseball

April 6-7: at Ripken Experience Tourna-

ment

April 11: Syracuse City, 4:30

April 14: at Rome Free Academy, 4:30

April 17: at CBA, 4:30

April 20: Baldwinsville, 4:30

April 22: at Ithaca, 11 a.m.

April 24: West Genesee, 4:30

April 25: at West Genesee, 4:30

April 28: Rome Free Academy (at NBT Bank Stadium), 7 p.m.

May 1: Fayetteville-Manlius, 4:30

May 2: at Fayetteville-Manlius, 5 p.m.

May 4: at West Genesee, 4:30

May 8: at Liverpool, 4:30

May 9: Liverpool, 4:30

May 11: Fayetteville-Manlius, 4:30

May 15: at Baldwinsville, 4:30

May 16: Baldwinsville, 4:30

May 18: at Liverpool, 4:30

May 20: Westhill, 4:30

Softball

April 2-5: Spring break trip to Cocoa

Beach, Florida

April 14: CBA, 4:30

April 18: West Genesee, 4:30

April 20: at Baldwinsville, 4:30

April 22: Sandy Creek, 12:30

April 25: Auburn, 4:30

April 27: Fayetteville-Manlius, 4:30

April 28: at Camden, 4:30

May 2: at Liverpool, 5 p.m.

May 3: at West Genesee, 4:30

May 5: at Chittenango, 4:30

May 6: Shenendehowa, 10 a.m.

May 6: Saratoga Springs, noon

May 9: Baldwinsville, 4:30

May 11: at Auburn, 5 p.m.

May 16: at Fayetteville-Manlius, 5 p.m.

May 18: Liverpool, 4:30

Boys Lacrosse

April 1: General Brown, 1 p.m.

April 4: Tully, 1 p.m.

April 13: at Fayetteville-Manlius, 7 p.m.

April 15: New Hartford, noon

April 18: Baldwinsville, 7 p.m.

April 20: at Liverpool, 7 p.m.

April 22: Cazenovia, noon

April 27: at West Genesee, 7 p.m.

April 29; at Syracuse City, noon

May 2: Fayetteville-Manlius, 5 p.m.

May 4: at Baldwinsville, 7 p.m.

May 6: at East Syracuse Minoa, 4 p.m.

May 9: Liverpool, 5 p.m.

May 13: at Ithaca, 1 p.m.

May 17: West Genesee, 7 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse

March 30: at Westhill, 6 p.m.

April 1: at South Jefferson, noon

April 3: Victor, noon

April 5: Penfield, noon

April 8: Bethlehem, 10:30 a.m.

April 15: at Irondequoit, 2:30

April 18: at Liverpool, 7 p.m.

April 20: Baldwinsville, 7 p.m.

April 25: West Genesee, 7 p.m.

April 27: at Fayetteville-Manlius, 7 p.m.

April 29: Brighton, 1 p.m.

May 4: Liverpool, 7 p.m.

May 6: Pittsford, 3 p.m.

May 9: at Baldwinsville, 7 p.m.

May 11: at West Genesee, 7 p.m.

May 15: Fayetteville-Manlius, 7 p.m.

Boys, Girls Track and Field

April 12: at Baldwinsville (w/Nottingham), 5 p.m.

April 19: at West Genesee (w/Henninger),

4:30

April 26: Corcoran, 4:30

April 29: at Chittenango Invitational, 4:30

May 3: Liverpool (w/Fayetteville-Manlius), 4:30

May 18: SCAC Metro Championships at Baldwinsville, 4:30

May 19: C-NS Invitational, 4:30

May 24: Section III Class AA Championships, 4:30

May 31: Section III State Qualifying Meet,

4:30

June 8-9: NYSPHSAA Championships at

Middletown HS

Boys Tennis

April 11: Fulton, 4:30

April 13: Liverpool, 4:30

April 20: West Genesee, 4:30

April 21: at Auburn, 4:30

April 24: at Baldwinsville, 4:30

April 28: at Liverpool, 4:30

May 2: Fayetteville-Manlius, 4:30

May 4: at West Genesee, 4:30

May 9: at Fulton, 4:30

May 10: Baldwinsville, 4:30

May 13: at East Syracuse Minoa, 4:30

Girls Golf (Blue)

All home matches at Lakeshore Country Club

April 17: at West Genesee, 3:30

April 19: at Liverpool, 3:30

April 24: Fayetteville-Manlius (White),

3:30

April 26: C-NS Green, 3:30

May 1: at Baldwinsville, 3:30

May 3: Fayetteville-Manlius (Green), 3:30

May 5: West Genesee, 3:30

May 8: Liverpool, 3:30

May 10: at Fayetteville-Manlius (White),

3:30

May 12: C-NS Green, 3:30

May 17: Baldwinsville, 3:30

May 19: at Fayetteville-Manlius (Green),

3:30

May 23: Section III Championships at Kanon Valley, 8 a.m.

Girls Golf (Green)

All home matches at Greens at Beaumont

April 17: Baldwinsville, 3:30

April 24: at Liverpool, 3:30

April 28: at Fayetteville-Manlius (White),

3:30

May 1: at Fayetteville-Manlius (Green),

3:30

May 3: West Genesee, 3:30

May 5: at Baldwinsville, 3:30

May 10: Liverpool, 3:30

May 12: C-NS Blue, 3:30

May 15: Fayetteville-Manlius (White), 3:30

I recently read a wonderful article in Golf Magazine about the di erence between golfers who have a 20 handicap (low 90’s) a 10 handicap (low 80’s) and a scratch golfer (low 70’s). e reason I liked the article is because the conclusions were based on 540 million golf shots that were condensed from 11.5 million rounds of golf played worldwide by Arccos Golf, the golf company that is revolutionizing the entire golf experience by integrating automatic shot tracking with, “Arti cial Intelligence and Stroke Gained Analysis to deliver unparalleled insights that help golfers play smarter and shoot lower scores”. ere is a di erence in the three golfers handicaps highlighted in the article but what can we learn from the di erences and translate the ndings to lower scores.

Let’s start… Obviously, scratch golfers shoot lower scores than 10 or 20 handicap golfers but in order to use the results as a learning experience for us, Golf Magazine started from the tee and analyzed every shot up to the green.

May 17: Fayetteville-Manlius (Green), 3:30

May 19: at West Genesee, 3:30

May 23: Section III Championships at Kanon Valley, 8 a.m.

2. If you are hitting your tee shot, on average, 26 yards farther or more, on every hole you play than everyone else, wouldn’t you be hitting a lower lo ed iron to the green that gives you a better chance to get it closer to the hole?

3. If you are averaging approximately 2.5 fewer putts per round, or more, than everyone else, wouldn’t you expect to have a lower score?

OTHER FACTORS…….

* From within 25 yards, scratch golfers get up-and-down 57% of the time…10 handicaps -37%…20 handicaps -13%.

* From bunker shots inside 25 yards, scratch golfers get up-and-down 39% of the time… 10 handicaps -21%…20 handicaps -13%.

* Scratch players make approximately 1.5 more birdies per round than a 10 handicap and 2 more than a 20 handicap.

* Most scratch golfers devote more practice time to their short game and putting than beating balls at the practice range, which is one of the biggest mistakes made by higher handicappers.

My Final oughts…

So what can those of us who fall into one of the three categories above, learn from the numbers? You should know the answers by now but let’s refresh your memory…

1. If you are hitting your approach shot 5 . closer to the hole on every hole you play than anyone else, you will make more putts.

It is not easy to become a scratch golfer who shoots in the low 70’s for the majority of the rounds they play. It takes a commitment to “PLAY” 4-5 times a week (plus practice) and ”COMPETE” in 8-10 tournaments a season and “WIN”, at least once. In addition, you must become a “STUDENT” of the game in order to gain the “KNOWLEDGE and EXPERIENCE” that is required to “LEARN FROM MISTAKES” that all golfers make. And most important, you “MUST” develop an “ATTITUDE” that is both “HUMBLE and PROUD”. It is a very special feeling to be a “SCRATCH GOLFER”. When are you going to start your journey?