Plank road Park pickleball courts to open July 23
By KAthrynE rAKowsKi
Plank Road Park is sporting some new pickleball and tennis courts and everyone is invited to the grand opening which will take place July 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the park, located at 5471 Mudmill Road in Brewerton. It’s an exciting time for the community, especially members of the CNY Pickleball Association. It’s a moment that has been two and a half years of hard work to make happen.
research, the town’s parks and recreation department determined the need for the courts.”
“Pickelball has grown tremendously in popularity over the past few years,” Teresa Roth, director of Cicero Youth Bureau, Town of Parks & Recreation, said. “Based on community feedback and
By russ tArBy
A $300,000 SAM grant awarded to the town, largely due to the work of Assemblyman Al Stirpe, got the ball rolling on the project.
The town also contributed $90,000 from the parks reserve fund to assist with labor and materials.
After the location was selected, Cicero’s Parks & Recreation Department was hard at work getting bids from contractors, reviewing design ideas from contractors and pickleball players, designing the layout within the park, ordering materials and monitoring the progress, and then eventually developing a plan for the grand opening.
Now that the project is complete, Roth is excited about what the courts will
offer the community, as pickleball continues to be the fastest growing sport in the nation.
Roth noted that it is a sport that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, which helps it to be appealing to a wide range of people.
“One of the main goals for our parks department is to offer high quality facilities
By AnnA EdwArds
David Tauro, a lifelong Liverpool resident, was inducted into the Liverpool Fine Arts Hall of Fame on June 9.
Since he completed the induction process, he has had time to reflect on his passion for the arts and what got him to where he is today.
Tauro realized his love for art as a student at Liverpool elementary and middle schools.
His teachers nurtured his interests and allowed him to express himself through mediums such as pastel, paint, pencil and still life portrait.
“As soon as I got into my first art classes in elementary school, I identified that as something I was really interested in,” he said.
During his time spent at Liverpool High School, Tauro took as many art electives as possible, such as studio and art, printmak-
and programs that encourage people to get out and recreate,” she said. “What we are looking forward to the most is seeing people out on the courts playing and enjoying themselves.”
After a ribbon cutting ceremony with remarks at 6 p.m. on July 23, there will be open play, contests, and instructional tips from members of the CNY Pickleball
Association and parks staff members. There will also be food trucks on site, as well as free giveaways throughout the evening for all to enjoy. For more information, you can contact Cicero’s Parks & Recreation Department at 315-699-5233, ext, 346.
ing and advertising design. His work was displayed at the annual Adventures in the Arts show. “The great thing about Liverpool High School is the
Local students named to President’s Honor Roll
Bismarck State College recently announced the President’s Honor Roll for the Spring 2024 semester. The following area students have maintained at least a 3.50 GPA on a 4.00 scale while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of classes and qualify for the BSC President’s Honor Roll: Nicholas Kirkwood and IV Hayes of Liverpool, Eric Clary of Clay and Brandon Cancro of Brewerton. Students graduate from Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
The following local students graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Cicero residents Isabella Mathewson, Doctor of Pharmacy, Charles Middleton, Doctor of Pharmacy and bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and Julianne Yates, bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences; Liverpool resident Fareed Shuhaiber, Doctor of Pharmacy.
right in with the Atkins acolytes.
After all, he had started playing guitar when he was just 4 years old, and by the time he was 6, he was booked to play the Chet Atkins hit “Yackety Axe” at the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville.
He went on to study with Chet’s brother, Jimmy Atkins which led to a touring career from Nashville to Las Vegas with his family band.
Since settling down in Central New York, Barrigar has been in constant demand as a
able to students,” he said.
When it was time to decide on a college path, Tauro knew he wanted to expand on his education in the arts.
After graduating in 1986, he entered the advertising design and production program at Mohawk Valley Community College. He took a wide range of courses, including typography, graphic design and photography.
After excelling at MVCC, Tauro decided that he wanted to take his skills further.
He was awarded an Outstanding Transfer Scholarship to the Rochester Institute of Technology and decided to attend. He graduated from RIT in 1990 and started working.
He worked as a graphic designer, art di-
SCHOOLS & SCHOLARS
Springfield College names Cicero resident to dean’s list
Springfield College has named Carter Cochardo, of Cicero, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2024 spring semester. Cochardo has a primary major of Rec Industries and Therap Rec. Delia named to dean’s list
Haley Delia, a psychology major from Liverpool, has been named to the dean’s list at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) for the Spring 2024 semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Students eligible for the dean’s list are those who have attained a 3.50 quality point average or better and are enrolled full-time.
Gunnip named to president’s list
Casey Gunnip of Cicero has been named to The College of Saint Rose’s President’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. Gunnip is a management and marketing major. To be eligible for the President’s List, stu-
studio musician.
At last week’s Atkins convention, attendees enjoyed four days and nights of Atkins’ music, along with learning, jamming, and just hanging out. Atkins died in June 2001 at age 77.
After returning from the convention, Barrigar will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. Monday, July 22, at Johnson Park as part of the 38th Annual Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series. He’ll likely be accompanied by his guitarist son, L.J.
The duo often perform a Beatles medley of “Here Comes the Sun” and “While My Gui-
rector and copywriter, working with Fortune 500 clients to design catalogs, brochures and billboards.
Tauro also worked on photo shoots and produced commercials for both radio and television. Tauro eventually started his own freelance company called David Angelo Design. He also worked with the Syracuse Jazz Festival, creating posters, brochures, invitations, press passes and T-shirt designs.
Tauro eventually decided that he wanted to share his passion through education. He taught as an adjunct professor at Bryant and Stratton College, OCM BOCES and the Liverpool High School Adult Education Program.
“I felt that I really wanted to give something back in terms of teaching and sharing
Share your milestone celebrations!
dents must carry a semester GPA of 3.9 or better and take a minimum of 12 credits.
Nazareth University names students to its spring 2024 dean’s list
The following students were named to Nazareth University’s spring 2024 dean’s list. A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean’s list at Nazareth. Liverpool residents Isabella Aguilar, Eric Lindstrom, Riley Norris, Anthony Caimano, Aija McIntyre, Mikayla Avery, Kaitlyn Burt, Kayden Musengo, Greta Hansen-Schwoebel and Meghan Moyer. Mattydale resident Albert Rodriguez. Brewerton residents Isabella Heath and Nathan Schultz. Cicero residents Maria Kasarda, Gavin McAllister, Vincent Falgiatano, Courtney Calkins and Joseph Seliger. Clay residents Katie Parker, Jillian Cean, Julia Kulakowski, Erin Slusser and Natalina VanTassel.
tar Gently Weep.”
Chainsaw mishap
Less than five years ago, Barrigar suffered a serious accident when a chainsaw he was operating suddenly kicked back and tore into his left wrist.
A right-handed guitar player like Loren uses his left hand to form chords and single notes on the instrument’s fretboard, so it was doubly troubling when the accident damaged nerves and tendons in that valuable south paw.
The member of the Syracuse Area Music
my knowledge and my passion for graphic design and the arts,” he said.
He saw his work at Liverpool High School as a way to help out the place that had given him so much.
“It was very endearing to me to be back in Liverpool High School where I’d gone as a student, and loved that experience … To be back there as adjunct instructor was very satisfying. So it kind of came full circle,” Tauro said.
Tauro decided he wanted to continue teaching, and he earned a master’s degree in education from SUNY Oswego and has worked as a teacher for the past 20 years, specifically in elementary and middle school.
Students earn dean’s list honors Saint Rose student Caleb Martin of Cicero earned a 3.5 average or higher in the Spring 2024 semester and was named to the dean’s list. Full-time undergraduate students who complete at least 12 graded credit hours and achieve a semester average 3.5 without a D, F, or Incomplete grade are eligible for the Dean’s List. Martin is a marketing major.
Casselmon named to dean’s list
Greta Casselmon of Cicero was named to the dean’s list at Georgia State University for the spring 2024 semester. To be eligible for the dean’s list, degree-seeking students must have earned a GPA of at least 3.5 for a minimum of nine semester hours of academic credit taken at Georgia State during the fall or spring term with no incompletes for the semester. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all classes taken at Georgia State.
Awards Hall of Fame later underwent surgery to perform a nerve graft and tendon repair. Before long he was performing again with his longtime guitar partner, New Zealander Mark Mazengarb.
Even while undergoing extensive physical therapy to regain control of his fingers, Loren hit the road with Mazengarb. In 2020, the duo toured the eastern seaboard with Oregon guitarist Brooks Robertson filling in for Barrigar on the six-string while Loren sang several songs each night.
“It was good for my spirits to travel with the guys,” Barrigar told a reporter.
I’m known for,” he said.
Tauro found out in the spring that he had been nominated for the hall of fame by two teachers in the district, Joe and Nikki Murphy. He then received a letter informing him that he had been approved.
“I was absolutely thrilled when I got the letter. And I was extremely proud,” he said.
At the induction, hall of fame recipients each gave a speech and were celebrated along with Liverpool seniors who excelled in the arts. Tauro said it was nice to appreciate a new generation of artists.
“It was a beautiful ceremony,” he said. “I was overjoyed about coming back to the high school to be recognized by my peers and by the community. I’m just feeling very thankful.”
Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.
“I wanted to be a teacher so that I could share my passion for teaching and learning with students and help them identify their interests and skills,” he said.
Tauro also volunteers for committees in the Liverpool district and has coordinated many events at the school.
He has coached baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer and softball at different levels in the district. His three children have each attended Liverpool schools. Tauro sees community involvement as important in his life.
“Teaching, coaching, my career in graphic design and advertising, volunteering, giving back to the community – those are things that
In his speech, Tauro stressed the importance of setting goals and dreaming big. He said that it’s important to do what you love and let the money follow. He also emphasized giving back to the district and appreciating what it offers.
“I fully support the fine and performing arts program. It is an essential part of a wellbalanced school curriculum and funding for the program must be maintained and supported every year,” Tauro said in his speech.
Acacia needs a home
By sArAh KinG
photo by donna newman
Are you familiar with Acacia?
Pronounced uh-kay-shah, Acacia is a tree that grows in the harsh savannahs of Africa and has become a representation of resilience due to its hardy nature in harsh conditions. our dear Acacia is a lot like her namesake. With a brindle coat like sun dappled dry grasses under an acacia tree, Acacia came to us through our cruelty department and has shown us that having a rough start to life hasn’t made her as harsh as the desert. She’s sweet like ice cream at the end of a hot day and is currently looking for her forever family to melt into. Acacia, though resilient as the tree, is not as solitary. She is not one for standing as a lone sentinel in expansive grasslands. She prefers the comfort of the forest
and to be surrounded by her family. Two-year old Acacia hasn’t learned yet what it means to have a dedicated family that’s going to come back to her at the end of the day. Every day. And she’ll need a family with the patience to teach her that and help her develop the confidence to be left by herself until her family returns. She is a very sweet & happy girl with lots of energy. She was a top student in our shelter training class; she loves to learn and train. She also loves toys and other dogs. We think she would make a wonderful companion in an adult home. In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to-date on their vaccines. All adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-todate on their vaccinations before they go home. The
CNY SPCA is located at 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca. org, or visit cnyspca.org
Edward J. Bragg, 88
Former skaneateles resident
Edward J. Bragg “Bucko,” age 88, formerly of Skaneateles, and most recently of Miamisburg, OH, reunited with his beloved wife, Ruth on July 5, 2024.
A graveside service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Miamisburg.
To share a memory of Ed or leave his family a special message, please visit newcomerdayton.com
DEATH NOTICES
Marilyn O. Wilson, 88, of Port Byron, passed away July 3,2024. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.
E. Joyce Jewell, 88, of Baldwinsville, passed away July 3, 2024. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.
Blaire L. Green, 91, formerly of Baldwinsville, passed away May 14, 2024. The Bush Funeral Home of Jordan has charge of arrangements.
OUR vOiCE
An urgent need
According to the American Red Cross, it is vital that people consider making an appointment to donate blood or platelets and that people also keep the appointments they make.
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, every 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 are expected to be diagnosed with cancer.
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 bed once 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?
Subscription info: lori Newcomb, ext 333, lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline com
CHILDHOOD CONNECTIONS
I watched my two youngest grandsons play in a puddle, stomping their feet in a joyous dance of giggles and smiles.
Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
I thought of another youngster, then a bit older than the boys; her ability to find joy in her play seemed to be endless.
She was at her grandmother’s bungalow, looking across the road called the “back lane,” over the stream where she hunted for pollywogs to the side of the hill that rose up from the lake.
She had spent hours by that stream, still more hours exploring the flora and fauna on both sides of the water but never venturing beyond.
It was the beyond that captured her at fancy. Somewhere, on that hill, if she could climb it, she would find the castles, the princes and princesses, the wee folk that she read about. Her imagination soared with anticipation.
So it was during those summers when I was given the freedom to imagine, to perhaps reconnect with who I was when I was born, when we were one with the world, as the poet says:
…trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy
That same poet, William Wordsworth, tells that too soon the world interferes, molds us into what it wants and we lose that innocent bond with the universe, being redefined by what we need to connect as we are directed.
There is no longer a “oneness” but rather a cautiousness, a restraint, a separateness which compels us to find oneness again.
How do we preserve that innocent connection that sees all life, all things as one, the essence of being, able to create fairies, castles, forts and such with just a thought while at the same time how to we prepare the growing child for the realities of the world in which he or she will live?
Fire will heat and fire will burn, friends will warm as well as break your heart, some will harm you, some will protect you, love but be wary…on and on as the years pass and the child grows toward his mortality.
That safety, the peace of childhood departs.
I remember being that child who spent hours
building a village with twigs and small stones in the sandpile behind my grandmother’s bungalow.
I wore part of a curtain and a daisy chain headdress when I became the princess who lived in the woods behind the village who dreamt that the fireflies were tiny fairies who come out at night to dance over the strawberries and I remember my father telling me that I couldn’t wander into the woods behind my grandmother’s house without an adult … but why?
Don’t touch the fire! Don’t walk on the roads. Don’t talk to strangers. …on and on … the lessons becoming more and more so that that early freedom was less and less.
Wordsworth’s poem, “Ode on the Intimations of Immortality,”admittedly a mouthful and sometimes a bit difficult for the modern reader, makes the point that there was a time when, as a child, we possessed a link to reality substantially different from that which we experience as adults and that lost link has value.
Our culture molds us of necessity, directs that which we bring with us and leaves that wonderment of childhood behind.
Still there are times when the air is right, a song conjures a memory, when the light moves shadows, when we feel, connect with others, empathize and we can be that innocent for a while, a respite from the must do and should be to treasure the things that are not important in the “world,” the place where the artist, the poet, the mystic peeks through.
I am not a poet, but Wordsworth is and I share another part of this wonderful “Ode:”
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind.
There are childhood memories, of course, but there are also puddles and grandsons and the unfolding of lives that add another kind of richness without equal.
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.
New village parade committee established
After weathering a withering array of criticism following the cancellation of this year’s Memorial Day Parade in the village, Mayor Stacy Finney has appointed a chairman of an eightmember 2025 parade committee.
Dr. Mike Romano, who already heads up the Village Cemetery Committee, will oversee next year’s parade planning.
Village government has included a budget line for the parade committee to move forward, the mayor reported.
“And we are also hoping for donations from local businesses,” she said.
The committee consists of the eight people who reached out to volunteer, Finney said.
“I am confident that with Mike’s leadership and the wonderful volunteers that stepped up, the parade will be back to its original splendor in 2025,” Finney said.
Patio performers
You know it’s really summertime when they’re rockin’ on The Retreat patio. All the performances are free and open to the public.
The live music continues care of guitarist
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Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby
E.J. Gridley, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 21. Gridley specializes in acoustic covers with a touch of country.
He’ll be followed by songwriter Michael Crissan, from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 22, and then Paul Valentino’s Prime Time at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. Rocker Chuck Schiele, who lived in Liverpool, will perform classic rock tunes and original compositions at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. And the countryrockin’ Custom Taylor Band featuring charismatic Sammy-winner Chris Taylor takes the patio stage at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. Keep an ear out for tunes such as “Down at the Honky Tonk” and “Dirt on My Boots.”
Former Benny Mardones back-up singer Kim Fetters appears with keyboardist Andy Rudy at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 28. Progressive rock vocalist Bill Ali sings at 7 p.m. Monday, July 29 and Prime Times returns
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on Tuesday, July 30.
Multi-instrumentalist
Mark Macri gets funky at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31.
The Retreat is located at 302 Vine St., at the corner of First; retreat restaurant.co m ; 315457-6358.
Blackberry bourbon smash
Last week at The Retreat I decided to treat myself to a refreshing, fruit-filled summer cocktail called the blackberry bourbon smash. Bourbon, lime, mint, blackberry, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda are all you need for this liberating libation. The most overlooked part of this cocktail is the final fizzy soda addition at the end which adds effervescence and also smooths the cocktail’s edges.
I was surprised by the mint, but pleasantly. Overall, the drink was refreshing, not overly sweet, and in fact rather savory. My bartender charged me just $10.
Barrel Planter winners
Over the month of June, the Liverpool Community Gardeners conducted a contest among a dozen and a
half local businesses which planted their favorite flowers or herbs in storefront barrel planters.
Last week, LCG chairwoman Kelley Romano announced the top five vote-getters. First place went to Liverpool Art Center, second place was the Liverpool First United Methodist Church. Third place went to Blue Moon Apothecary. Fourth pace was Nichols Supermarket, and fifth place went to Furrever Friends Pet Boutique
Father’s Fu Mancho
The Epiphany Parish pastor, the Rev. Dan O’Hara, is sporting a daring new look. I spotted father on June 28 and he was wearing a stylish, gray-haired Fu Manchu!
The Fu Manchu
moustache derives its name from Fu Manch u , a fictional character created by English author Sax Rohme r Last word
“Without music, life would be a mistake ” – Friedrich Nietzsche. Contact the columnist at russtarby@aol.co m
Baseball’s many faces
For a sport tied so much to history and traditions, the latest editions of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game missed the best possible chance to maintain one of them.
Up until a few years ago, players wore special All-Star jerseys for the practice sessions and Home Run Derby, but for the game itself wore their own team uniforms. It gave every fan their own rooting interest even if league affiliations carried far less importance than in generations past.
Now, though, they all have to wear specific National League and American League threads. All for the jersey sales, I suppose, but why make the best players in the world generic when they’re supposed to stand out?
Which brings me to the main point of this piece. Every now and then baseball followers talk about having a “face of the game”, someone who truly represents the sport outside of its usual circles.
At times that chatter centered around Mike Trout, when he wasn’t injured. Or Aaron Judge. Or Bryce Harper. Or Shohei Ohtani. All of them great yet counted on to be more, to transcend and reach the nonbaseball crowd.
This is noble, yet narrow-minded.
Why should a sport, any sport, have a single face? Especially when it comes to team sports where any success is a collective effort, why insist on narrowing the spotlight to an individual, no matter how great?
Baseball already has difficulty attracting young fans and is far from the first choice of sports among Black athletes who see far more opportunity in basketball, football, even soccer.
And while MLB attendance has gone up the last couple of years, there’s still some places where there’s thousands of empty seats beyond the abandonment of Oakland. High prices of tickets, parking, concessions and souvenirs is an easy way to drive away families
Given those realities, why narrow the focus? The best thing baseball can do is acknowledge its wide array of talent, which is the best way to draw in a wide array of curious bystanders.
It’s a shame that Trout’s career is marked by injuries and mediocre Angels teams. Credit him for the loyalty he has shown to the franchise yet imagine his career without all the trips to the DL and on a contender.
Judge is in the perfect setting with the perfect franchise to eclipse all others and has made enough history to merit his spot at baseball’s summit. With the Yankees, though, only championships count and the longer he goes without one the more his career might go unappreciated.
Harper was making national magazine covers as a teenager back when that was still a big deal. Like Trout and Judge, he has just missed out on winning it all. Still, emerging as Philadelphia’s most popular athlete is no small feat.
Ohtani just turned 30 and still has the best chance to break lots of barriers due to the unique combination of his heritage and one-of-a-kind talent. The best pitcher/ hitter combo since Babe Ruth has kept on raking with the Dodgers while getting closer to a return to the mound. Once he does, the rocket could really take off.
Look beyond the established stars, though. There’s Elly De La Cruz in Cincinnati with his ridiculous base-stealing ability and sneaky-good power. Paul Skenes has arrived in Pittsburgh with a 100 mph fastball that he throws 70 times every start and in two months dominated enough to earn an All-Star nod.
Add to it Gunnar Henderson leading the young corps in Baltimore and Jose Ramirez pacing Cleveland’s unlikely rise. Oh, and don’t forget Juan Soto, currently a rampaging Yankee but a free agent-to-be that will net high nine figures.
In short, there’s plenty to promote and plenty to celebrate all over the baseball map. What makes it crazier is that I didn’t even mention either of last year’s World Series teams, Texas and Arizona, where young standouts helped fuel unlikely 2023 runs.
With so many stories to tell and so many great players at the heart of these narratives, it’s actually exciting to consider the next 10 to 15 years and where baseball might go. It’s just too bad that, when millions were watching the All-Star Game, they went out of their way to make them all look the same.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
THROUGH JULY
Nourishing
morewoods.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
Concerts in the Park
7 p.m. Johnson Park, Liverpool. Featuring dance band music from Letizia and the Z Band.
SATUR DAY, JULY 20
CNS Marching Band Bottle Drive
9 a.m.-noon, upper lot at CNS High School, Rt. 31, Cicero. Drop off your returnable bottles and cans to support the CNS Marching Band.
T UESDAY, J ULY 23
Pickleball court grand opening
5:30 to 8 p.m.. Join the Town of Cicero and Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks & Recreation for a grand opening to celebrate Plank Road Park’s new pickleball and tennis courts. The event will include a ribbon cutting, remarks by elected officials, food trucks, open play and competitions on the court and giveaways.
JULY 26-28
46th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show
Clift Park Skaneateles. Vie over 80 antique and classic boats and enjoy concerts, a boat parade, photo-shoot cruise, activities and more. www.skaneateles.com.
JULY 27-AUGUST 2
Summer Vacation Bible School
St. Mary’s of the Lake, Skaneateles. Retreat for children is run by trained college students passionate about their Catholic faith. Email stmarysfaithinformation@syrdio.org.
SEPT. 14-22
Mattydale Hinsdale Seniors Trip to New Orleans
$1444 per person. Contact Susan at 315243-1581 for information.
OCTOBER 21-26
Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountains Show Trip
$950 due August 14. Price includes transportation, lodging, three shows, tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, admission to Dollywood, and more. www.grouptrips.com/ kathyssmokymountaingroup.
ONGOING EVENTS
THURSDAYS Family Storytime
10 a.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge
Lane. Join Miss Raena for Thursday morning storytime to enjoy stories, songs, and fun! Registration is required; call 315-699-2032 or visit nopl.org. Adult Exercise: Chair Yoga 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Marcellus Free Library. $25 for 8-week session. Register at 315-673-3269.
Read, Sing, Play Story Time 10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Can’t sit still? No problem! Join us for stories, songs and movement. For ages 18 months to 4 years.
Bingo 4 p.m. Fingerlakes Mall Conference Center, 1570 Clark Street Rd., Aurelius. Yoga with Becca 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Brewerton Center for the Arts, Rt. 11. Registration and information: 315920-8121 or www.yogosnacks.org. All levels welcome. Baldwinsville Rod & Gun Club
7 p.m. First Thursday of each month. 1405 Kingdom Road, Baldwinsville. Learn about the workings of the club and help us run the organization. For more information, visit bvillerodandgun.com.
FRIDAYS
B’ville Cardio Ball Drumming
9:30 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Onondaga County Healthy Schools and Communities has provided cardio ball drumming kits for workout classes led by senior volunteer Arlette Folckemer. This fun cardio workout is set to upbeat music and folks can participate and enjoy the class seated or standing. For more information, call Canton Woods at 315-638-4536.
Clay Cardio Ball Drumming 10:30 a.m. Clay Senior Center, 4948 Route 31. Gwen McCarroll leads this one-hour class. Free with a Town of Clay Senior
Acoustic Music Jam
7 p.m. Marcellus American Legion, 13 E. Main St. Bluegrass,country and gospel music. All acoustic musicians welcome. $2 donation for free coffee and cookies. For info call 315673-2329.
SUNDAYS Cicero UMC Services 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Cicero UMC, 8416 Brewerton Road. The church is returning to two Sunday services (contemporary 8:30 a.m. and traditional 10:30 a.m.). All are welcome to enjoy worship and fellowship. The church is fully accessible. For more information, visit ciceroumchurch.org.
PENNY SAVER GENERAL
SKANEATELES HISTORICAL SOCIETY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
($22/hr, 25 hours/week)
The mission of the Skaneateles Historical Society is to conduct and encourage historical research and to collect, preserve and exhibit historical material in connection with the Town of Skaneateles. The Executive Director has the following responsibilities:
With the Board develop and implement a sustainable
• 5-year strategic plan of service with mission-centered goals and objectives
Work with and direct the Office Assistant to efficiently • run daily operations
Manage the Museum buildings and grounds, open
hours, financials and oversee, recruit, train and schedule volunteers
Actively engage with and energize Board members,
volunteers, partner organizations, funders, donors, and other stakeholders
development of the annual calendar of events,
Oversee the collections and archives volunteers to
Identify and
ONGOING EVENTS
MONDAYS
Drop-In Tech Help
10 a.m. to noon. Skaneateles Library, 49
E. Genesee St. Let us help with your tech questions: computers and mobile devices, downloading e-content from the library’s catalog, using Google Drive and social media platforms. Bring your device and drop in during a Tech Help session to get started. Appointments are also available; please give us a call at 315-685-5135 or email andrea@ skanlibrary.org to schedule.
Cruisin’ with Vets
4-7 p.m. VFW Post 3146, 2000 Lemoyne Ave., Mattydale. Check out classic cars and bikes while enjoying food, 50-50 raffles and live music from Roadhouse Prophets. Sponsored by Hungers for Hope, InFocus Insurance, Microbore and Dynamax Digital Printing.
MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS
Thrift Shop
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Elbridge Community Church, 109 E. Main St. No consignments, but donations accepted. For more information, call 315-689-3797.
MONDAY & FRIDAYS
Senior Exercise Class
9 a.m.-10 a.m. Marcellus Free Library. Taught by dance instructor Mary Jo Pelc. 315-673-3269.
MONDAYS, THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS
OCRRA’s Household Toxics Drop-Off Appointment required. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miller Environmental, 532 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse (off Hiawatha Boulevard). Business materials are not accepted. Residents of the town and village of Skaneateles are not eligible for this program as these municipalities are not part of the OCRRA service area. Visit OCRRA.org to make an appointment and see the full list of what is and is not accepted.
TUESDAYS
Coffee with the Liverpool Chamber
8 a.m. Zoom. Network with fellow entrepreneurs virtually. Visit liverpoolchamber.com/ events-calendar/ to register. Story Time for Bookworms
10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee
St. For children who enjoy longer books, this story time includes multiple stories, songs, and ends with hands-on play. For ages 2-5. Preschool Story Time
10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee
St. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and join us as we read, sing, and play together on the Library Lawn. For ages 3 to 5 years. Registration required; visit skanlibrary.org or call 315-685-5135.
Fun for all Story Time
11 a.m. Salina Free Library. Weekly story time for ages 3-6. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for sunny days.
Civic Social Club
Noon on the second Tuesday of each month. Barbagallo’s Restaurant, 6344 E. Molloy Road, Syracuse. Enjoy lunch of your choice with dessert followed by a guest speaker and/or entertainment. The cost is $27. For reservations or more information, please call Mary Jo Roberge at 315-451-3203. This club was formed in 1949 primarily for the wives of new General Electric employees and others new to the area. We are currently seeking new
members. Everyone is welcome to attend, look us over, and see if this is something that may interest you. Annual dues are $15.
JE Seniors Lunch Noon. JE Community Center, 1 Route 31, Jordan. The town of Elbridge hosts PEACE, Inc., Senior Nutrition lunches every Tuesday and Friday. Reservations required; $3.75 suggested donation. Lunch is followed by a guest speaker or activity on the first Tuesday of the month. Special events are $10. Please call 315-378-8004 or visit townofelbridge.com to confirm registration dates and times.
Mah Jongg 12 p.m. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Mah Jongg is a fascinating rummylike game you play with tiles rather than cards. Instruction is available for beginners. Do you have experience? You can help to teach others. Please register.
Caring for Persons with Alzheimer’s and Dementia 5:30 p.m. Liverpool Public Library. Presented by the Onondaga County Office for Aging in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Association of CNY. Registration required. 315-435-2362 ext: 4693.
History and Genealogy Club
6 to 7 p.m. First Tuesday of the month. Elbridge Free Library, 241 E. Main St. The club plans to help its members with their personal history and genealogy pursuits, as well as share projects and collective lessons learned. Additionally, the club will discuss future meeting topics, potential speakers and potential field trips. The club will have access to the library’s research databases as well. The club’s focus will be on local history. For more information, call 315-689-7111.
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS
Tech Help by Appointment
10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Do you need help getting around your laptop or tablet? Would you like to set up an email account? Do you want to download an e-book? Need help searching for and applying for jobs? One-on-one technology help appointments are now available. Appointments last up to 1 hour. Please register; onlibsalina. evanced.info/signup. Masks are required. This program is supported by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to the New York State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
TUESDAYS &THURSDAYS
Canton Woods Aerobics Exercise
9:15 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Aerobics workout designed especially for seniors! Fun, upbeat music that will start your day off right! Charges payable to the instructor.
Falls Prevention Class
10 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. This class is taught by retired physical therapist Julie Hall and is free! The class works on your core and balance. You will feel the benefit of this class in your daily activities.
WEDNESDAYS
Baby Bounce & Rhyme
9:15 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee
St. Bond with your baby during this program featuring nursery rhymes, books, movement and fingerplays, followed by playtime. For babies up to 18 months.
BPL Storytime
9:30 a.m. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St. Children ages 2-4 are welcome to join Mrs. G and Miss Jessie at BPL for our in-person storytime. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. There is a different theme each week, with a few stories, songs, and an interactive craft. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted. Registration is required. Please register each child and each adult that will be attending. You can call the library at 315635-5631 or go to our website bville.lib.ny.us to sign up. Anyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask inside the library.
Plank Road Quilt Guild
9:30 a.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Cicero United Methodist Church, 8416 N. Main St. (Route 11). The purpose of the guild is to create an interest and awareness of quilting, and to educate all who are interested in this art form. The first meeting is the business meeting followed by a program and members’ “Show and Tell.” The second meeting is the friendship meeting, which is less formal. This meeting promotes friendships and can include a variety of activities such as community service, personal projects, tips and encouragement from members. For more information, visit plankroadquiltguild. org.
GBCC Coffee Talk
10 a.m. first Wednesday of the month. The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Talks are for anyone who is interested in joining the chamber, current members, or community members interested in learning about what the greater Baldwinsville area has to offer while we showcase a local business that supports the area. Interested in hosting a coffee talk? Email baldwinsvillechamber@ gmail.com.
Adult Coloring 10-11 a.m. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Come join us for the relaunch of our popular adult coloring group. Supplies will be provided but we also encourage you to consider bringing your own. Call 315-676-7484 or visit nopl.org.
Storytime with Miss Sarah 10-11 a.m. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane. Join Miss Sarah for a free storytime filled with picture books and songs. Designed for young children and their caregivers. After 30 minutes of stories and songs there will be 30 minutes of playtime. For more information, call 315-458-6184 or visit nopl.
org.
Early Learners Story Time
11 a.m. Salina Library. Get your child ready for school! With stories, rhymes, songs and crafts, your child will learn important early literacy and social skills. Meet in our community room. For children ages 2-4 with an accompanying adult.
Fika: Swedish Coffee Break
3 p.m. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Make time to pause and refresh, to socialize and energize. Meet new people or bring along a friend. Please register.
Bingo Every Wednesday. Liverpool Elks Lodge, 3730
Free e-recycling event coming to CNY
Sunnking Sustainable Solutions will hold a free electronics recycling event on July 27 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School located on 6002 NY31, Cicero, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. To register, visit sunnking.com/events
Sunnking Sustainable Solutions has offered no-cost collections throughout New York for 14 years, collecting an average of 100 tons of renewable resources per event. Known for being New York’s first R2 certified recycler and currently holding an R2v3 certification, the company ensures that all collected electronics will be processed and recycled in accordance with the highest industry standards.
Accepted items include computers, televisions, cell phones, printers, and other electronic devices. For a full list of accepted items, visit sunnking.com/ acceptable-materials By participating in this event, attendees will help reduce electronic waste in landfills, recover valuable materials, and support the local community’s efforts towards sustainability.
Cold Springs Road (corner of Route 370 and Hayes Road), Baldwinsville. Admission is $5 for 11 total games weekly, including two progressive and one special bonus game. Food and beverage available, open to the public, free parking and wheelchair-accessible. Doors open at 5 p.m., kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m. and bingo sales start at 6 p.m. Call 315622-2348 for more information. Proceeds benefit Elks projects and charitable programs. Current COVID guidelines apply.
BPL Board Meeting
7:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. The monthly business meeting of the Baldwinsville Public Library Board of Trustees is open to the public. For a Zoom link to the meeting, contact Library Director Meg Van Patten at 315-635-5631 or megv@bville.lib.ny.us.
COMMUNITY NEEDS & FUNDRAISERS
PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition PEACE, Inc.’s food service program prepares nutritious lunches for seniors at many sites throughout Onondaga County. Visit peacecaa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/ or call 315-470-3331 to find the program in your neighborhood. Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau Bottle and Can Drive Each holiday season, the Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau serves over 100 local families in need. Support the Christmas Bureau yearround by donating your bottles and cans at the Baldwinsville Bottle and Can Return located in River Mall.
Shacksboro Museum Open noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting; Museum at the Shacksboro Schoolhouse, 46 Canton St., Baldwinsville. For more information, visit facebook.com/ShacksboroSchoolhouseMuseum or call 315-638-2452.
