Star Review digital edition - Aug. 2, 2023

Townhouses could be built at Vine and Brow streets

By RuSS TaRBy

Contributing Writer

The Liverpool village planning board welcomed a new chairman, First Street resident Bob Bradt, at its monthly meeting at the village hall on Monday, July 24.

The planners heard Bradt describe a proposed project at 103 Vine St. where a developer hopes to build four two-family residential townhouses. Each building would each be two stories high above an underground level for parking.

The proposed site is at the corner of Vine and Brow streets.

Representatives from the developer, Rowlee Construction Company, informed the village that they’ll attend the next planning board meeting on Aug. 28 to discuss the plan.

Founded in 1969 by Larry Rowlee, Rowlee Construction is a Fulton-based general contractor serving Central New York for more than four decades. In the 1990s, sons Theodore and Taber Rowlee joined the company.

Film screening aug. 18

The planning board also heard from Heath Cottingem, director of operations at American High’s Academy at Syracuse Studios at 800 Fourth St.

He reported that American High will present a screening of its newest comedy film, “Miguel Wants to Fight,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at the auditorium at 800 Fourth St.; americanhigh. com; 212-826-8886.

Planning board reconfigured

After Democratic candidate Stacy Finney was elected mayor of Liverpool in the June 20 village election, she appointed Bob Bradt to replace longtime planning board Chairman Joe Ostuni Jr. Ostuni is also chairman of the village Republican Party, while Bradt said he’s not affiliated with any particular party. Bradt’s chairmanship will expire next year but could be extended then.

To fill Bradt’s seat as a board member, Finney appointed Heida McElwee to serve a term expiring in 2028.

The planning board now includes Sam Reppi through 2027 and Jim Rosier through 2025. Board member Jim Taft announced his resignation on July 24. One of two alternate members – Tom Tartaglia or Ed Higgins – will take over Taft’s seat.

Finney and alternate planning board member Tom Tartaglia also attended the July 24 meeting.

Foundation awards grants

The North Syracuse Education Foundation (NSEF) recently awarded their 2023 grants to 17 North Syracuse School District educators.

NSEF resources support quality education through creative opportunities and innovative approaches.

The mission of NSEF is to enhance the education and cultural enrichment of the NSCSD students that are not funded by the regular school budget.

Since 2003 NSEF has provided $220,000 in grant money for student programming through generous contributions from the community. This year NSEF presented 12 grants totaling more than $14,000 to the following:

Cicero-North Syracuse High School- Sara Bambino- Social Emotional Learning at the Secondary Level; Jennifer Fisher for Mobile Maker Space to Cultivate Growth Mindsets; Jessica Keane and Mary Murdoch for Interpre -

tive Listening in Action; Kristen Dietrich for Critical Thinking Through Murder Mysteries; Karen Seamans for Untethered ( marching band sound system); Melissa Palmisano for Outfitting

Our Classrooms for Libraries; and Danielle Rausa for Purple Haze ( stage lighting machine)

Smith Road Elementary

School: Lindsay Marzullo and Danielle Preville for Flexible Gaming Playground

Lakeshore Road Elementary

School: Maureen Alvaro for Sing

Me a Story

Gillette Road Middle School: Warner Namo for P2 and Paint

Me a Mile

Roxboro Road Middle School: Kathy Krichbaum and Ryan Condon for Revamp the Classroom Library

All Schools: Danielle Barrett, Shannon Knapp and Chris Manke for Unplug With Digital Wellness Picture Books.

Submitted photo

Benefit to be held at Salina Library

By JaNET MyRTO RiChaRDS

Thanks to the generosity of artist Ken Nichols, Salina Library will be having a silent auction from Aug. 1 to 15. Minimum bid on each piece of his artwork is $10; all proceeds will be donated to Salina Library. Interested in bidding? Simply go

to the front desk and get a code. Write your code and a higher bid on the sheets for any pieces that you love.

Be sure to check back; someone may have outbid you! Bids come down at 8 p.m. on Aug. 15. Winners will be notified on Aug. 16. Cash or check only. Visit our website at salinalibrary. org for more information or to see

the calendar for upcoming kits and classes. Call us at 315-454-4524 with any questions.

Salina Library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all of your library needs.

LPL’s summer reading program continues

By KaTiE JENSEN CommuniCationS Coordinator LiverpooL pubLiC Library

Liverpool Public Library’s Let’s Read, Liverpool program is now ongoing through the summer.

Now in its third year, the Let’s Read, Liverpool program at the Liverpool Public Library aims to simplify summer reading by asking our community to pledge to read during the summer, with no requirement to log books.

This year, Let’s Read, Liverpool will feature the theme “All Together Now,” as we celebrate our Liverpool community.

To start the summer reading celebration, the LPL held two kickoff parties on Saturday, June 24 and

Monday, June 26. Both events were held on the library’s Dinosaur Garden lawn and featured activities for children, teens and adults, such as lawn games, crafts, trivia and more.

In addition to a spin on our famous prize wheel, kickoff attendees received an LPL lanyard (while supplies last) and earn buttons to attach on it when they pledge to read. Those who pledge were also entered into a drawing for prizes from community partners. Those who wish to log their books are invited to do so on ReadSquared (lplny10.readsquared.com).

By completing missions and reaching milestones in ReadSquare, you will also be eligible to win additional prizes, such as book bundles and gift certificates donated by community

partners. Find information about Let’s Read, Liverpool! and links to pledge to read, visit LPL.org/letsread. To see the exciting programs for all ages the LPL has to offer this summer, visit LPL.org/events.

CNS Marching Band

Can Drive held a can drive benefiting the Cicero-North Syracuse Marching Band will be held Saturday, aug 12 Can drop-off will be held from 9 a m to noon in the Mattydale Big Lots Plaza parking lot

For can pickup call Pat Newton at 315-415-8451 between now and Friday, aug 11

Submitted photo

Back row (left to right) NSEF treasurer Nat Ordway, NSEF secretary Carolyn Gross, NSEF Vice President, Danielle Barrett, Chris Manke, Danielle Preville, Ryan Condon, Mary Murdoch, NSEF volunteer Zoe Gwynn, NSEF volunteer Molly Gwynn and Mary Eidt NSEF Board Member. Front Row (left to right) Maureen alvaro, Kristen Dietrich, Shannon Knapp, Lindsay Marzullo, Kathy Krichbaum, Jessica Keene, and Danielle Rausa

Two Liverpool residents promoted

Dannible & McKee, LLP, a certified public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Syracuse, Auburn, Binghamton and Schenectady, is pleased to announce the promotion of two professionals.

Kaitlyn L. Mariano, CPA, has been promoted to senior tax manager. Mariano joined the firm in 2012 and oversees tax engagements for various clientele, with a focus on contractors, manufacturers, multi-state taxation and high-net-worth individuals. She is a CPA in New York state and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA).

She serves as treasurer for County North Children’s Center Inc. and

Eye Got This Inc. and volunteers for the local chapter of GiGi’s Playhouse in Syracuse.

She graduated from Le Moyne College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration.

Mariano resides in Liverpool and is based in the Syracuse office.

Erin E. Heindl has been promoted to audit senior. Heindl joined the firm in 2021 as an audit staff accountant and performs audits, reviews, compilations and employee benefit plan audits for various clients.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from the State University of New York Empire State in 2021.

Heindl resides in Liverpool and is based out of the Syracuse office.

Kaitlyn L. Mariano

Erin E. heindl

CNy Retirement Showcase set for Sept. 14

Join us for this year’s CNY Retirement Showcase on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CNY Regional Market, 2100 Park St., Syracuse. Brought to you by Community Living Advocates and Kinney Drugs. This event is free and open to anyone planning to retire or wanting to enhance their retirement. Various representatives

from all over CNY will be available to help you discover new destinations, more things to do, places to live, volunteer opportunities, travel, and entertainment to see. We will have a food truck and Power of Two will be providing live acoustic music. Giveaways and door prizes! For more information visit communitylivingadvocates.com/cnyretirementshowcase2023.

Sandra ingersoll

Mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Sandra Elizabeth Ingersoll, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. Sandy died peacefully in her sleep on June 26, 2023, at her home in Colorado Springs, CO, after a long battle with lupus.

Sandy was born Aug. 5, 1952 in Syracuse to Janet Short Ingersoll and Kenneth Ingersoll. She grew up in Baldwinsville, graduating from C.W. Baker High School in 1970. She attended the State University of New York at Canton for a year and then headed west to Colorado with her best friend.

OBITUARIES

Sandy retired in 2006 and devoted her early retirement years to her only grandchild, Matt. They spent summers doing a lot of swimming and exploring parks, animal rescues and animal sanctuaries. They traveled long distances to visit family and were always together at family events.

Grenneth alton McDeid, 88

Loved time with grandchildren

Grenneth Alton McDeid, 88, of Elbridge, passed away July 21, 2023, at the Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn.

children and was an avid supporter at their school basketball games in the Weedsport schools. He also enjoyed being a TV spectator of both golf and basketball.

Sandra Ingersoll

Every fall, after Matt returned home for the school year, Sandy continued with her hobbies of crocheting, sewing and gardening. One of her favorite pastimes was mixed Salsa dancing with a dear friend and neighbor, also named Sandy. Together they rode the bus from Colorado Springs to the casinos in Cripple Creek, where winning at the penny slots was great fun. Sandy also enjoyed hiking in that beautiful area.

Alton was born to Dorothy Bartlett McDeid and Grenneth Nenzo McDeid in Auburn and raised in the Weedsport-Cato area.

While still completing his high school studies, Alton worked full-time at GE and around his own home and car. He graduated from Cato-Meridian High School and entered a career in graphic arts working at several regional print shops.

Grenneth alton McDeid

Besides his parents, Al was predeceased by a grandson and step-granddaughter. He is survived by his wife Marion Roy McDeid, five sons, Michael (Theresa), Scott (Lisa), Terry (Donna), Blaine, and Brian (Kelly), stepson Stan (Michele) Davis and step daughter Sandra (Louis) Gray, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Per Alton’s wishes there were no calling hours.

She worked at Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, earning an associate’s degree while she was employed there. She moved on to a job in the business department at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She later had a long career at the university as its bursar and she also earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

Sandy is survived by her sons, Adam Norton of Englewood, CO, and David (Kelly) Norton of Northglenn, CO; grandson, Matt Norton of Englewood, CO; a brother, Terry (Susan) Ingersoll of Cochiti Lake, NM; a sister, Barbara (Ernie) Jackson of Hampton Bays, N.Y., and Goodyear, AZ; and many loving nieces and nephews. Arrangements were handled by Blunt Mortuary in Colorado Springs.

Later he became involved in real estate sales and auto sales, retiring from H & L Ford in Auburn at age 70.

Alton loved spending time with grand-

DEATH NOTICES

Donald P. Berthod, 74, of West Monroe, passed away July 22, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

A family celebration of life service was held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Jordan, Tuesday, July 25. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.

Stephen V. Feak, 72, of North Syracuse, passed away July 22, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

Blood shortage

According to the American Red Cross, this summer has seen a declining number of donations and the organization needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage.

The Red Cross goes on to say that when a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.

According to redcrossblood.org, very two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a donation.

The Red Cross shared some statistics that are worth keeping in mind when considering donating blood.

According to the Red Cross, approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. and nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. and nearly 16 million blood component s are transfused each year in the U.S.

Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patient s can require blood transfusion s throughout their lives.

The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately three units and a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood as a frame of reference.

Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors and the blood typ e most often requested by hospitals is type O and one donation can help save more than one life.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatmen t

Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood and 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.

About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).

Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

Red blood cells must be used within 42 days or less and platelets must be used within just five days, the Red Cross said.

A few things to keep in mind according to the Red Cross as far as eligibility to donate is concerned include for whole blood donations this can be done every 56 days up to six times per year and donors must be in good health and 16 in most states and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For platelet donations this can be done every seven days up to 24 times per year and also requires donors be feeling well and most states require donors to be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors.

Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

HOW CAN WE HELP?

ShaRiNG My DayDREaM

There is a place that I go when things get grabby … you know … that feeling that things outside you are dragging you in different directions or holding you fast in a malignant inertia? It’s both real and fictional. It’s our summer cottage at the end of Benem Road, just off Sanctuary Lane in Borodino.

Even when snow fills Benem Road, not much more than a wide path running next to a deep ravine, I seek the solitude and comfort of its simplicity. Accessibility then would be limited to the young with snowshoes. I have neither snowshoes nor youth to carry me down to the cottage. I go there in my daydreams.

Even on torrid summer days, when I am held captive by responsibilities or infirmities I resurrect images, visions, day dreams that soothe over the long lists of “to do’s” and bottles of pills and acres of undone promises.

There’s a fire in the wood stove and the scent of apple wood fills the air. A turkey is roasting in the kitchen oven and my family is busy with one of the board games that live in the bottom two shelves of the bookcase.

I am dreaming of a dream that has lingered in the places where such dreams dwell.

What would it be like to celebrate Thanksgiving at the cottage? We have never been able to do this, since we close up the place where we lived for the summer in October. There wouldn’t

be any water to wash the dishes or flush the loo and some reality is more demanding than others. Then there is the weather…

Novembers aren’t always very cold, so the fact that the walls of the cottage are one board thick, that is, with no inside finishes, just two-by-fours and the sheathing … that shouldn’t make a difference. There’s a small wood stove with which I have a lot of experience and stacks of firewood culled from downed trees that can warm the main room. Preparation for the feast warms the kitchen and its surroundings.

Just off the porch, the lake, in this reverie, is alive with waves driven by a wind that comes from the southwest. Just perfect. The air is crisp and fresh and alive.

And I do dream this dream in midsummer, an escape from the stresses, the busyness of daily life … most of which I have concocted in my own head. I’ve been there in this daydream so many times, each time modified to accommodate the changes that have occurred in the real world.

Now there are two young almostmen, Emily’s children, one 12 and one 14 playing Clue or Mastermind, begging more us to join them. Twin two-year-old boys, also known as Ben’s boys, are enthralled by a miniature cabin we built … how many summers ago? More than thirty?

There is music from the old radio

which can still play our ancient collection of CDs.

The music of our lives sets the stage.

Everything looks like a magazine spread … the kind where the hostess has picked wildflowers to decorate the table which has been set with a variety of curated (a popular word today) mismatched dinnerware. Everyone’s clothing looks like an ad from Ralph Lauren. Maybe Tommy Hilfiger apparel would be a better choice since he is from Elmira and staying local is good. And Ralph Lauren is from the Bronx … and I am from Brooklyn. Debating this shows why I need this escape.

We may have opened a bottle of wine or made mimosas or concocted a lusciously thick hot chocolate from the hot chocolate box that I put in the closet 20 years ago. Really…remember this is a daydream.

In this fantasy, we never really finish cooking or eating, rather the ambiance of being together as family, of sharing space, even if only in my head, is sufficient. The real world often intrudes before the turkey is done.

Of course, in this daydream, we are all healthy, reasonably not ugly and, did I mention that in this imaginary time and place, I have made myself 40 pounds lighter? Hey, it’s my daydream.

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.

Recalling the village’s willow-weaving heyday

One of the world’s leading experts on the weaving of willow wands, British-born artist Bonnie Gale – who now lives in nearby Norwich – has extensively researched the style of German immigrant willow weavers who settled in Liverpool some 150 years ago.

The village of Liverpool is again offering a free willow basketry workshop on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12 and 13, at the village hall, 310 Sycamore St. Gale will teach participants how to make a Liverpool-style scrap basket.

As an example of Gale’s dominance in the world of basketry, the Mount Vernon Estate decided several years ago to display the love letters that Martha Washington had written to America’s first president. To design and construct a basket to hold the precious correspondence, they commissioned none other than Bonnie Gale.

historic cottage industry

The willow weaving industry began locally in 1852 when John Fischer, a German-born salt boiler, noticed willow bushes growing profusely in nearby swamps. That willow closely resembled the German willow used for making baskets.

By the 1890s, Liverpool willow basket weavers were producing an estimated 300,000 laundry baskets each year, making this small village

Thanks SKARTS

To the editor: Perform 4 Purpose would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS) for their support of our P4P Strings Program. In 2023, P4P opened our first studio, Studio A, in order to expand our programming. At Studio A, we offer open jam sessions, as well as group and individual lessons. SKARTS has aided in funding our new strings program at Studio A.

We are grateful to the SKARTS program for their support of the arts within our community!

JENNiFER ChuRCh, PRESiDENT perform 4 purpoSe

an international center of basket production. The willow-weaving business was a cottage industry that supported scores of Liverpool families for decades.

Local folks interested in learning how to weave in the Liverpool style, workshop participants must attend both days from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To register, call or email Bonnie at 607-226-0314 or email her at bonwillow22@outlook.co m

“This is an excellent beginning willow basket and provides a lot of the basic techniques used in the old Liverpool baskets,” Gale said. “It demonstrates the intrinsic functionality of willow baskets.”

BTW, the Liverpool Willow Museum on the grounds of the Gleason Mansion at 314 Second St., will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. on both days of the workshop. Museum entrance is free.

Ramble Picnic on Sunday

Seventeen different bluegrass and old-time country acts will perform at Bill Knowlton’s 50th Anniversary Bluegrass Ramble Picnic from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, at Dwyer Memorial Park on Little York Lake in Preble. Admission is free.

Knowlton, who lives in Liverpool, has been hosting his “Bluegrass Ramble” radio program for more than half a century on Sundays from 9 p.m. to midnight on WCNY-FM 91.3.

Concerned for the students

To the editor: NSCSD passed Policy 5311.8 aka “Student Gender Policy” on May 30, 2023.

People in opposition to this policy are not anti anything. In fact, they are concerned that this abrupt decision to implement such a policy (without parent or student knowledge) is unsafe for all children.

The fact that disagreeing parties are publicly slandered and harassed is completely the opposite of believing in freedom of speech for all. Which is in fact anti-American. Whatever happened to “agreeing to disagree?”

Allowing children of the opposite

com

Picnic performers includes Gospel Way, Larry Hoyt, the Right Bros., the Salmon River Boys, Creek Bend, New Snip City, Group Therapy, The Cadleys, the Down City Ramblers, Off the Wall, the Atkinson Family, Plexigrass, Joe Lamay and Sherri Reese, the Lonesome Road Ramblers, Simmerin’ Stew, Northwater and the Delaney Bros.

‘Dial of Destiny’

I’m looking forward to the new Indiana Jones movie, titled “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” but only because of its spunky co-star, the British comedienne Phoebe Waller-Bridge. In the new movie, Phoebe portrays Jones’ estranged goddaughter, Helena Shaw.

Last year, I sampled two seasons of Phoebe’s clever U.K. sit-com, “Fleabag,” on DVDs I borrowed from Liverpool Public Library. Having truly enjoyed Phoebe’s wacky and worldly televised comedy, I’m ready to watch her talent be translated to the big screen. It’ll be interesting to see how she complements Harrison Ford’s tongue-in-cheek stoicism...

Last word

“I wanted [Indiana Jones] to have a relationship that wasn’t a flirty kind of relationship, that was a deep relationship.”

– Actor Harrison Ford commenting on working with Phoebe Waller-Bridge in “Dial of Destiny.”

biological sex to be behind closed doors in restrooms and locker rooms as well as allowing them to sleep in the same rooms and physically compete against each other is not a solution. It is creating other and new problems. People opposing this policy simply disagree and feel all children are not being protected in this.

Let us not forget the other thousands of children in our district that no longer feel safe or comfortable in our schools.

How is this policy really preventing bullying and one that supports dignified, humane treatment for all? It appears it has now shifted bullying to adults. You can stand for whatever you want freely

Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro

Livin’ in Liverpool

russ Tarby

FROM THE MAILBAG

a ChaNCE TO BE a FaN aGaiN

Most of my recent vacation was spent in Tennessee, taking in the majesty of the Smoky Mountains (and sighting a black bear), visiting my wife’s family and engaging in some serious miniature golf.

On the way back, there was a weekend venture to Michigan, again visiting the place where my better half was born and raised and spent her entire life before we met, for a reminder of my own younger self.

Once again we found ourselves in Detroit cheering on the Tigers as they tried to avoid a sweep by the San Diego Padres, and in a single Sunday afternoon all the reminders of why I love sports came flooding back.

You see, most of the time when I go to any sporting event, it’s in the guise of a reporter, perhaps pacing the sidelines, maybe courtside, or up in a press box, but always in an official capacity.

That means following many different behavioral guidelines, including the whole “no cheering” part. Even if you know well the stories of these teams and athletes, after a while it’s easier to follow that mantra.

However, something big gets lost along the way –namely, the simple thrill and emotion of putting fairness aside and rooting for the home team, exclaiming the great plays, lamenting the setbacks, above all hoping that your side has a better number on the scoreboard at game’s

Do

end. Well, this day brought all those feelings back, those that can only be experienced in the stands – in this case, the upper deck of Comerica Park, high above home plate.

Not at first, though. With time to spare before the first pitch, we toured around the entire concourse, greeted at the main entrance by a statue of legendary announcer Ernie Harwell, with displays on Tigers history and unique mementos – jerseys, bats, ticket stubs.

Head out to center field, and the walkway has more statues of Tigers legends –Ty Cobb sliding, Charlie Gehringer at second base, Al Kaline, and the rest. There’s a respect of history without it getting too pretentious.

Going around, you also notice the unique smells, like sausages on a grill, and the constant patter of vendors, along with people, nearly all of them wearing some kind of Tigers outfit, so naturally you go into the team store and buy some more – a sun hat for my wife, a cap for me with the orange Old English D.

A few minutes before game time, and I was hungry, so of course there was a hot dog.

Alas, I had to forgo a proper beer since I was driving home, but still, tasty. Then it’s time to play ball, with kids prominently featured as one of them reads out the starting lineup with the professional cadence of a man three times his age.

I have been wrong about handicaps for over 10 years. I accepted the results of a study of over 8,000 golfers back when, that determined only 20% of golfers in the US even had a handicap. Chris Hart from National Partners said recently, “the number is closer to to 90%. I am not shocked, but I am surprised. It hasn’t changed the way I think about golf nor how I play the game but it does support my goal to try to get more non-handicap golfers to obtain an official USGA handicap.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) now set a standard for a golfer’s handicap as, “an average of their best 8 rounds of golf out of the last 20”. That’s why a golfers handicap is based on “potential”, not an “average”. Also, the USGA’s Handicap Research Team says, “Not only will golfers play to their handicap or better only one out of every 4 rounds but they will also, on average, score 3 strokes higher than their course handicap”.

“A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfers ‘potential’ that is used to enable players of varying abilities to compete against one another. Better players are those with the lowest handicap”, says Anonymous. For golfers who do have an official handicap, did you know…

* Only 1% of golfers have a handicap of 3 or below.

* Only 9% of golfers have a handicap between 4-6.

* Only 18% have a handicap between 8-11.

* About 27% have a handicap between 12-16.

* About 18% have a handicap between 17-20.

Oh yeah, the rhythm of the game. With the pitchers and hitters’ clocks, it really flows, makes you pay much more attention, always a good thing –and the Tigers help by turning three double plays to maintain an early lead.

Ah, but in the bottom of the third I agreed to get my wife some food. Naturally in that half-inning the Tigers score twice, ultimately the difference in the game, but that’s part of the experience, too.

They keep us entertained with silly and meaningful things in between the halfinnings, all leading up to the ninth when Detroit is up 3-1 – and it starts to rain.

Fans both run up the stands to get dry and cheer the closer as he gets the first two outs, only to have a walk and error prolong the inning – and the tension – until a flyout allows everyone to exhale, leave happy and seek dry ground.

Again, there’s a buzz as we walk out, the people moving along but not in a hurry. And I reflect upon how these few hours recharged my passion, just in time to return to the desk and start writing again.

It’s a long drive home to Central New York, so to fill the time I turn the SiriusXM Radio to a station playing nothing but Tony Bennett in tribute to the great singer’s life. It was already a joyful day. Hearing Tony’s joyful, energetic voice only made it better.

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

but once you cross lines slandering and harassing you are now part of the problem not solution. ChaRLES aND JESSiCa SOuLiER parentS in the nSCSd

In response

To the editor: Fact check! In response to Mike Hart’s post regarding the Veteran’s Day car show at the town hall, I absolutely did not do any campaigning at the event. As a matter of fact, I’ve never openly campaigned at any public event weather it be the Senior’s meeting at the VFW, Mattydale Market, etc. My husband didn’t put any signs up and wasn’t going to until he saw another candidate’s signs first so he assumed it was ok. My husband John and I stayed for the entire event except for 1 1/2 hours where we took our friend, who is a Veteran that came down from Oswego County to attend the event out to lunch. I never once told anyone I was running for town supervisor. We met a lot of great people (car owners), veterans and others. I also approached Mike Hart and congratulated him on the event!

Prior to the event, John spoke to a lot of veteran friends we know including Allen Oakes, Lt. General Michael Basla, who actually had a street named after him in the town of Salina, who didn’t know about the event. We started to spread the word then to get as many veterans to the event to honor them and raise money.

We’ve always appreciated

and honor all the veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice. Our centers have always waived the registration fees for veterans & active military families, we participate in NCCRA, the military tuition assistance program for military families (which some centers don’t because the process can be cumbersome) and we used to participate in a military program that used to use child care centers to offer child care slots free of charge to military families visiting the area for any reason and were in need of child care services.

My husband, John, used to give up his first-class seat to any military soldier in uniform when he used to travel. We’ve always had tremendous respect for all veterans and active-duty military.

One thing I did learn that day was what the Honor Flight program really was. I had heard about it about through my cousin’s Facebook page on their last flight. The veteran at the booth took time to explain the whole program to me, and I looked through the photo book. What an amazing program.

I was so moved that I volunteered for the event in any way I can help.

So please, the next time you read something, please feel free to fact check the facts with me at anytime. I will be adding a link soon titled “Fact Check” that you can check where I will post true facts on my webpage at Stellaforsalina.com

Have a happy and safe summer!! STELLa PENiZOTTO Candidate for toWn of SaLina

SuperviSor

* About 12% between 21-24.

* Around 8% between 25-29.

* Only 5% at 30 and above.

Assuming your handicap is accurate… how many times do you shoot to your handicap?

* If your handicap is 5 or less…36%

* If your handicap is 6-12…32%.

* If your handicap is 13-20…29%.

* If your handicap is 21-28…26%.

* If your handicap is 29 and above…19%.

How do these statistics stack up to your handicap, or for that matter, other golfers at your club or the league you play in?

Question: What do you do if someone with a handicap of 14 shoots a score that is 8 strokes below their handicap in a tournament?

Answer: You “Google” USGA

“Exceptional Tournament Score Probability” chart and find out the probably of doing this is 1,138 to 1.

Analysis: Assuming the average golfer plays around 20 rounds a year, it would take over 56 years of golf to do it once. If the same golfer shoots a score that is 5 shots below his 14 handicap, the probably is still 174 to 1…about once every 9 years.

Descriptive Term for golfer:

SANDBAGGER ACTION PLAN: CALL THE POLICE.

CROSSWORD

Tanner is looking for his forever home

By DONNa NEwMaN photo provided by the CnySpCa

Tanner’s life was a movie it would be Back to the Future! Tanner originally came to the shelter two years ago as a stray. he was adopted, yet found again years later as a stray. he was adopted aGaiN and returned aGaiN – once again, through no fault of his own. Despite the twists and turns of his life, Tanner is a happy, playful pup. words can’t capture his zest for life, his big personality, and his affection for all people. we think he’s a pug/pit mix and he’s about three years old and forty-four pounds. he has the most adorable face, and you can’t be in his presence without smiling. Other dogs don’t seem to bother him, but he would do best as the only pet. he walks nicely on a leash and loves to learn. we think he would make a great companion for almost any home, and he would do well with respectful kids five and up. Tanner knows his “forever” family’s out there, somewhere. Could it be with you? For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org.

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