Blessings in a Backpack plans Sept. 21 event
By KAthrynE rAKowsKi
It is estimated that suburban poverty affects over 16.4 million people across the United States and that 9 million children across the country are at risk of going hungry.
Feeding these children is vital, and so 1 in every 8 children benefit from their school’s free and reduced meal program to keep them fed.
But, the question has been raised about what these children do when they go home for the weekend.
BlessingsinaBackpack,non-profit organization that serves over 950 elementary schools in the United States that are part of their school’s free and reduced meal program, works to address that question.
They make sure that any child who qualifies for this program leaves school on Fridays with kid-friendly, nutritious food in their backpacks.
This way, the children will not go hungry over the weekend.
Keeping children fed doesn’t just support their physical health, but it also supports their mental wellness, social development, promotes better test scores, and leads to better attendance at school.
The Liverpool Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, which has been running for 10 years, serves the elementary schools of Liverpool, Long Branch,ChestnutHill,DonlinDrive, Elmcrest,MorganRoad,WillowField and Soule Road.
John Meyer is the program coordinator and shared how effective the program is.
“Our main goal is to lessen food insecurity and make sure that these kids have the same opportunities as other children,” Meyer said.
Meyer shared that in the families they help, parents often must make
a choice between paying rent or paying for groceries.
To keep their home and family together, parents will often go without the food they need.
“Sometimes parents will do that to keep the family together in their home,” he said. “We’re helping out the whole family and making it possible for them to stay together.”
You can help Liverpool’s Blessings in a Backpack by helping them to Fill-a Bus on Sept. 21 from 10 to 5 p.m. at the Walmart on Rte. 31.
A yellow school bus will be present and people are encouraged to come and fill the bus with the food needed.
“We’re hoping to fill the whole bus,” Meyer said. “We’re very grateful to all who can contribute.”
Foods needed are ready to serve soups, macaroni and cheese microwavable cups, any variety of Chef Boyardee, nut free fruit and grain breakfast bars, 100% juice boxes or pouches, applesauce cups, fruit cups and StarKist Lunch To-Go packets.
“We only take very high quality foods that have been approved by a nutritionist,” Meyer said.
You can also give a donation of any amount.
If you can’t make it on the 21st, you can drop off food anytime at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Liverpool First Presbyterian Church, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Liverpool First United Methodist Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, all located in Liverpool.
For more information, you can go to their website at blessingsinabackpack.org/liverpool-ny-donate/ or visit their Facebook page at facebook. com/donate/889330904579960/?_ rdr
Meyer medals in senior games
Submitted photo
Bill Meyer, former Legislator and Cicero town supervisor, recently won medals running in the rhode island senior Games. the games have been held in rhode island since 2004. “it was great being with runners from eight states,” said Meyer. hundreds of competitors gathered this year in the Providence ri area competing in pickleball, golf, track & field, table tennis, basketball and bowling.
tALEs By CAndLELiGht
GNac announces new production
The Great Northern Artists Collaborative (GNAC) recently announced its upcoming production of “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight,” an enchanting theatrical experience that promises to captivate and spook audiences this fall.
Featuring a collection of delightfully eerie tales including classics like “Sleepy Hollow,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Turn of the Screw,” this spellbinding event will run from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5 at the GNAC Theater, 8396 Morgan Road in Clay. Set in a uniquely atmospheric environment, “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight” invites
audiences to journey through a world of whimsical hauntings and chilling narratives, brought to life under the flicker of candlelight.
This production is designed to immerse theatergoers in a richly atmospheric experience, blending gothic charm with the thrill of classic horror literature.
Performance Dates and Times Sept. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at matinee at 2 p.m., Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase now at ticketor.com/gnac.
For more information or to purchase tickets directly, call the GNAC Box Office at 315-4640328.
The Great Northern Artists Collaborative is dedicated to creating immersive and imaginative theatrical experiences that engage
and inspire audiences. “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight” is a testament to this mission, offering a blend of suspense, intrigue, and theatrical flair that is sure to be a highlight of the fall season.
For more information about the production, ticket sales, and GNAC’s upcoming events, please visit greatnorthernarts.com or call 315-464-0328.
The Great Northern Artists Collaborative (GNAC) is a vibrant community of artists committed to fostering creativity and artistic expression through innovative theatrical productions and cultural events. Based in Clay, NY, GNAC is a non-profit dedicated to bringing high-quality, engaging performances to local audiences and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents.
Friends of NOPL Cicero to host book sale
Hundreds of low-priced books, DVDs, puzzles, and books-ontape will be offered at the Friends of NOPL Cicero annual book sale on Sept. 20 and 21 at the Northern Onondaga Public Library in Cicero barn (NOPL).
This annual event hosted by vol-
unteers raises funds for educational programs, musical performances, fixtures, furniture, and special community events for the library.
There will be a preview night on Friday, Sept. 2o from 4 to 6 p.m. with a $5 admission fee for first selection (books are individ-
Submitted photoS
ually priced). On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9:30 to 3 p.m. items can be purchased by the bag for $5 (bags provided).
The NOPL Cicero barn is located behind the library at 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero.
Submitted photo
Pictured are cast members of the Great northern Artists Collaborative upcoming production of “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight.” Kneeling from left are Jessie Dobrzynski and Adeline Flood. Standing from left are Alyssa Santiago, Monica Coles, and Liz Ladd.
Friends of NOPL Cicero will host their book sale Sept. 20 and 21.
SPORTS Liverpool football routs B’ville,
By PhiL BLACKwELL
Much of the last decade has seen the Liverpool football team look up at the standings to see Cicero-North Syracuse perched on top.
But it could all change at Bragman Stadium this weekend when the Warriors take on the Northstars fresh off piling up 111 points in its first two games including Friday night’s 55-6 romp over Baldwinsville on the Bees’ own home turf.
The challenge for C-NS is trying to contain this potent Liverpool attack, especially in the wake of falling 27-0 to Christian Brothers Academy at Alibrandi Stadium in the first encounter between these two since last November’s Section III Class AA final.
What Liverpool began to demonstrate Sept. 6 when it put up 56 points against Rome Free Academy began to manifest itself early in the B’ville game on a single, spectacular play.
Pinned back at its own one-yard line, the Warriors took a deep shot - and John Sindoni found Antonio Rivera, who dashed the remaining distance to complete a 99-yard touchdown that set the night’s tone.
B’ville cut it to 7-6 before the first quarter was done, but from there it was all Warriors, who scored seven times over the course of the next three periods four different waysrunning, passing, defense and special teams - with Antonio and Alejandro Rivera at the heart of it all.
Not content with his early 99-yard strike, Antonio Rivera stepped in front of a Luke Primrose pass in the second quarter and returned the interception 39 yards for a TD before returning to catch a short scoring pass from Sindoni just before halftime.
Then, in the third quarter, Rivera took a punt at his own 22-yard line, picked up some blocks and went all the way to the end zone again, a 78-yard dash to go with his defensive score and four catches for 164 yards.
Alejandro Rivera balanced it out with his big gains on the ground, needing just 12 carries to amass 208 yards. He scored once on a 22-yard run early in the second quarter, broke free for a 75-yard TD dash early in the third period and went 16 yards for a third score to make it 48-6.
This constant big-play abil-
ity is what Liverpool hopes to replicate at C-NS with the “Star Wars Cup” on the line, while the Northstars hope to find any sort of offense after running into a CBA defense that might even top the 2023 side that won a state championship.
Right from the outset, the Brothers made a statement, Marquan Saddler sacking quarterback Braydon Dems on the Northstars’ first play from scrimmage and, for most of the rest of the night, taking away the ground attack led by Anthony Johnson, who had gained 175 yards and scored
three TD’s against Victor a week earlier.
For its part, C-NS did a solid job of defensive containment in the early going except for one big play on CBA’s second drive - a 77-yard scoring pass where Brayden Smith found Kieghlin Hicks in mid-stride down the sideline and Edenfield went the rest of the way. The game’s biggest sequence took place late in the second quarter, C-NS making its only drive all night inside the Brothers’ 20 but then stopped before Jakob Purdy missed a 34-yard field goal.
From its own 20 the Brothers promptly marched down the field and, with just 25 sec-
p.J. duffy
Liverpool defenders isaiah Morris (35) and Ade Adefashola (45) break up a pass thrown by Baldwinsville quarterback Luke Primrose early in last Friday’s game. p.
sandra Blouin, 85
Worked in nursing
Sandra “Sandy” Blouin, 85, of Skaneateles, passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at Upstate University Hospital. Born in New Haven, CT, on Dec. 11, 1938, she led a life of compassion, determination and love for her family and community.
Sandy earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut and began her career as a home care nurse in Connecticut. After moving to a small farm in Skaneateles in 1972 and raising her children, she returned to nursing in 1989 at St. Camillus Home Care Agency, eventually specializing in wound and ostomy care. Sandy’s dedication to compassionate care continued from her tenure at St. Camillus to P.A.C.E. of CNY until her retirement at the age of 75.
Her love for the outdoors was evident in her love of gardening, kayaking, skiing and snowshoeing. Sandy enjoyed local jazz and classical music events. She spent long hours cooking and baking in her tiny kitchen and was fond of reading and watching PBS.
Sandy was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Edith Schroeter.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Blouin; sons, Michael (Debbie) and Jeff (Kelly Edick); grandchildren, Jacob and Joshua Blouin and Casey Sprague; sister, Susan Corbett; pets, Jazzy and Wiggles; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends; and former husband, Roger Blouin.
There will be no services.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Sandy volunteered at the SPCA in Auburn, the swim program at Jordan Memorial Pool, the weeding crew at Baltimore Woods and as a literacy volunteer for migrant families at a local dairy farm.
DEATH NOTICES
Roger P. Monica, 80, of Jordan, passed away Sept. 8, 2024. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has arrangements.
Brenda L. Wilson, 61, of Auburn, passed away Sept. 9, 2024. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has arrangements.
Sandy’s family and friends send heartfelt thanks to those who made it possible for her to stay in her home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Share condolences at BuranichFH.com.
Robert J. Leach, 97, of Cicero, passed away Sept. 7, 2024. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Gary G. Shaffer, 75, of North Syracuse, passed away Sept. 10, 2024. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
richard Vantassell, 89 army veteran
Richard VanTassell, 89, of Baldwinsville, passed away Sept. 6, 2024, at Upstate University Hospital.
A 1952 graduate of Baldwinsville Academy, he worked at Western Electric/AT&T for 36 years as a supervisor, and served in the U.S. Army after the Korean War. He was active in Masons, Eastern Star, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
Dick played on and coached many softball teams and enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, cornhole and playing Words With Friends. To know him was to love him!
Richard was predeceased by his wife of 54 years Mary Ellen (Letterman) VanTassell; brothers, James, John and Donald VanTassell; grandson: Ryan Bilyeu.
He is survived by daughters, Deborah
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.
Taylor (Gregg Bilyeu), Sherry (Robert) Koepka, Cindy (Daniel) Walser; grandchildren, Joshua (Korrie) Taylor, Sean Taylor (Sherry Landers), Brooks (Jena) Koepka, Chase Koepka (Samantha Martini), Zachary Victory, Katelyn Zack and the whole Daniel Walser family; great-grandchildren: Trent, Breahna and Tatum Taylor, Crew Koepka, Lucy Victory, Kyle and Kelsey Fulgraf; great-greatgrandson, Tanner Sitts: sisters-in-law, Barbara Quinn and Barbara VanTassell: several nieces and nephews. Private burial will be in Riverview Cemetery. There will be no services.
sandra Blouin
richard Vantassell
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OuR vOicE
Hunger Action Month
It is likely that many of us remember learning about good nutrition and healthy eating habits in school.
This part of our education helped ingrain a sense of the importance of balanced meals and the vital role nutrition plays in every aspect of our lives.
But according to feedingamerica.org, approximately 49 million people—that’s one in six people in the U.S.—still relied on food assistance from charities like Feeding America in 2022.
Feedingamerica.org goes on to note that more than 47 million people in the U.S. face hunger, including 1 in 5 children. The website also notes that millions of people in the U.S. don’t have enough food to eat or don’t have access to healthy food.
Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. Millions of people in America are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger. But hunger doesn’t affect everyone equally - some groups like children, seniors, and people of color face hunger at much higher rates, according to feedingamerica.org.
Food banks, food pantries and community organizations help millions of people access affordable, nutritious food for themselves and their families.
These organizations often rely on support from the community in the form of donations, whether that comes in as money or as food donations, it helps go toward supporting others in the community who need assistance.
To shine a light on the fact that many people face food insecurity and other related challenges, September is recognized as Hunger Action Month.
During this time many people and even whole communities will be working to help the fight against hunger.
Whether this is in the form of fundraisers, food drives or other events such as walks dedicated to addressing hunger and raising funds and supplies for local food pantries, there is a great deal people can do to help their neighbors.
According to feedingamerica.org, while it is a monumental challenge, overcoming hunger is something that the organization believes can be conquered.
The first step is being aware that every action counts. Whether that’s donating, advocating, volunteering or spreading the word online, feedingamerica.org, reminds people that every little bits helps.
According to the organization, in America, there is plenty of food for everyone. Yet, tens of millions of people still don’t have the food they need to thrive. Every action makes a difference, and you can check out feedingamerica.org’s calendar of daily actions and other resources to get started. From learning about your local food bank, to watching videos of kids making a difference, there are lots of easy ways to get involved this month.
Below are some recommendations from feedingamerica.org about things people can do to help in the fight against hunger.
Go orange for Hunger Action Month
Put on your finest orange shirt, pants or accessories for Hunger Action Month and share a photo of yourself on social media. Tell others about the fight to end hunger using the hashtags #HungerActionMonth #EndHungerNow.
Donate or start a Hunger Action Month fundraiser
Invite your friends and family to join in the fight to end hunger by donating to your local food bank or to Feeding America. Or, join our Hunger Action Month fundraiser and encourage some friendly competition with your friends and family for who can raise the most. There are plenty of other easy ways to fundraiser, including starting a Facebook fundraiser.
Get to know your local food bank and volunteer
Over half of all soup kitchens, food pantries, and meal programs in the Feeding America network rely on volunteer support. Spending a few hours each month volunteering can make an enormous difference for food banks and the families they serve. Find your local food bank and sign up!
Support a strong farm bill
The farm bill funds critical programs that help neighbors access the food they need to thrive. Advocate with Feeding America by telling Congress to prioritize passing a strong farm bill in 2024. Thank a food bank worker
Every day, food banks are working hand-inhand with their communities to end hunger. Staff and volunteers are sharing food, elevating stories, building gardens and advocating - all to fuel the movement to end hunger. Send a quick note to a food bank worker to show your appreciation for that continued effort.
For more information visit feedingamerica.org or contact your local food pantry.
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thErE’s stiLL MAGiC thErE
They’ll play four more months of college football dragging deep into January and might never, ever produce a moment that matches what unfolded early on a sun-kissed evening in South Bend.
Thomas Hammock was getting interviewed. Few outside DeKalb, Illinois knew who he was. Yet here was a head coach of a major college football program openly weeping as his Northern Illinois players celebrated with their traveling fans.
The Huskies had just beat Notre Dame, 16-14. Vegas had the no. 5-ranked Irish favored by 28 ½, but the only echoes awakened were by tough, hardworking and gritty players wearing red and black instead of blue and gold.
It had taken a school with the initials NIU to remind us all that NIL need not be the only initials college football players care about, and we really needed that lesson.
Just a couple of weeks into the first season of the 12-team playoff era and with the leaves still green on the trees, there’s already a full litany of pieces of how every single game and every single result will affect something we won’t fully know about until December when the leaves are long gone.
And yes, there are playoff projections. Already. Their uselessness may have no rival, even in a time of mock NCAA basketball tournament brackets in October and mock NFL drafts for 2025 in the middle of 2024.
We are wasting no time rushing to the conclusion, which inevitably favors
Random Thoughts
and weighs the sport toward the superpower programs and superpower conferences (not to name names, SEC, Big Ten) who want to hog most of the playoff spots and devalue everyone else.
Okay, fine. Except this is college football, and even in our attempts to forget about them and cast them aside, the dreamers and upstarts remain the ones who author the best stories out there.
Remember when Appalachian State came into the Big House and beat Michigan? Or when Jacksonville State scored on the final play of the game to shock Florida State? Heck, just two years ago Marshall won at the same House of Rockne that NIU just conquered.
These upstarts were never going to get to a playoff, and few of those players would ever see an NFL paycheck. But each of these times, the sheer joy and disbelief produced a memory to last a lifetime.
Old-school defenders of the systems that preceded the playoffs constantly harped on the meaning of the regular season being unique to college football, and while some parts of that argument were problematic, maybe this is what they meant, and it’s a legitimate point.
What has drawn people to sports from the beginning is the notion that, once you get on the field or court or ice or whatever venue is used, you can’t truly predict or script the outcome.
Sure, most of the time what should happen does happen, and it can evoke
pockets of happiness or despair depending on who you root for. That’s not what brings us back, though. All the more reason to root for unlikely teams and unlikely stories to break through the superpower wall once we finally get to this newfangled playoff.
To some degree this happened in the last two years of the four-team CFP with TCU and Washington reaching the title game. Now the field expands and more can dare to dream like Ole Miss, Missouri, Utah, Arizona – hey, even Syracuse can dare to dream, can’t they?
Perhaps the best part, though, is that every year one of the 12 spots in the playoff will go to the so-called Group of Five leagues long ignored by the football post-season establishment, whether it was bowls or playoffs.
The AAC, Sun Belt, Mountain West, Conference USA and Mid-American –these conferences all have tremendous players and coaches who work just as hard and for just as long as those at the top without a fraction of the resources or recognition. At least most of the time.
Each December, the best of them will set off, daring to dream and hoping to inspire every one of their brethren in just the same manner as Northern Illinois did in the shadow of Touchdown Jesus, accomplishing the kind of miracles that would make any grown man shed tears.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
Bricks Crossing brings Lego magic to Liverpool
Ever since it was first marketed in 1949, Lego has grown from a simple plastic brick into a global phenomenon, spawning movies, video games, theme parks and even an adult fan community.
This month, Lego fans have a new place to visit to satisfy their fascination with the iconic interlocking plastic bricks.
The new business, Bricks Crossing, opened Sept. 2, at 209 Second St. It’s owned by husband-and-wife business team, Seth and Natisha Crossman. Hours are 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
A family game plan
Natisha told me that she and Seth became faithful Lego devotees during the pandemic when they bonded with their three sons by playing Lego.
Filled with colorful displays of a wide variety of Lego products, the shop features a minifigures trade station with hundreds of the posable little figurines.
Bricks Crossing will buy, sell and trade Lego brand bricks, and also has a large assortment of new and used sets.
The Crossmans are planning themed build nights and competitions, and classes are scheduled to convene on Oct. 1; 315-992-4555;
cNYSPcA PET OF THE WEEK
brickscrossing.com
Lego was invented in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter.
AFOLs arise
While Lego is a toy initially designed for youngsters, a passionate community of adult fans has emerged in recent years. These folks, called “AFOLs” (Adult Fans of Lego), enjoy building intricate and detailed Lego models and dioramas.
In addition to the classic Lego System sets, the company has introduced various themed sets, such as Lego City, Lego Star Wars, Lego Harry Potter, and Bricks Crossing carries most of them!
Historical Fall Fest Saturday
One of September’s most vibrant events, the Clay Historical Fall Festival, is scheduled this Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its historical park at 4939 State Route 31.
Clay Historical Association President Ruth Koch reports that the fest will feature numerous vendors, food, kids’ activities and, of course, the longtime festival favorite -- apple fritters!
All of the park’s historic buildings will be open, including a railroad depot and a carriage house. Admission is free; facebook.com/people/Clay-Historical-Association/100063609730541/
Zion is waiting for his forever home
By donnA nEwMAn
photo by donna newman
Zion came to the shelter as a stray in June. We think he’s about four years old and he’s almost forty pounds. he resembles a pharaoh hound but with smaller ears! he’s graceful, elegant, agile and athletic. he can also be a little timid as well as very gentle. He likes to train, sniff, explore, and play with toys. he would make a wonderful companion for a quiet but active family and respectful kids. In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. All adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations before they go home. the Cny sPCA is located at 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315454-4479, email frontdesk2@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org
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Porchfest sunday in ithaca Liverpool staged its first-ever Porchfest on Sept. 7, thanks to musical coordinators Gwen and Patrick McCarroll. They followed a model which has been honed to perfection in nearby Ithaca which staged its initial Porchfest in 2007.
This year organizers expect more than 150 performers to hold forth on front steps all within “a third of a square mile the city from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.
A new book by journalist Amanda Jaros-Champion includes Porchfest among the “100 Things to Do in Ithaca Before You Die” (Reedy Press; $18/paperback).
“Head to Cayuga Streetfor an indie rock band,Turn the corner onto Yates Street and settle into listen to a jazz ensemble…Down Tioga Street you might catch a musician singing the blues,” Amanda writes.
The Ithaca Porchfest’s 17-year success story has inspired more than 170 other communities across North American to follow its footsteps, Amanda writes. “They’ve followed the Ithaca model to host free, open-air, porch music.” Porchfest.org.
Last word
“I was at my father’s office, and I’d be in the back of his office building Lego skyscrapers as he was negotiating million-dollar deals.”
Eric Trump
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Phil blackwell
Livin’ in Liverpool
russ tarby
thE LoG CABin
By JEFF SNOW town of Clay hiStorian Clay hiStoriCal aSSoCiation member
As we head into September, fall is right around the corner.
The Clay Historical Association will be having their Fall Festival on Sept. 21.
One building that is a part of the Clay Historical Park is the log cabin. It was built on the CHA site, off Route 31, next to the railroad tracks behind the Lutheran Church.
The log cabin resembles a similar cabin that used to be on Henry Clay Blvd.
There is a historic marker at the location on the east side of Henry Clay Boulevard (less than half a mile south of Waterhouse Road) where the old log cabin stood for approximately 200 years. It is believed to have been built in the 1790s on Lot No. 50 by Thomas Shaw. Shaw bought the property from Peter VanDyck who was a private during the Revolutionary War. VanDyck received this property and an additional 500 acres in a Military Land Tract as payment for his military service.
The log cabin is claimed to be the oldest building in Clay. Ownership was transferred to many owners over the years. One owner, Hamlin, took possession of the log cabin in 1905. The Log Cabin Hunt Club used it in partnership with the Hamlin’s until the 1970s. The Hunt Club built a stone chimney on the north side of the cabin in the 1950s.
Pictures without the large chimney are before the Hunting club used the log cabin. Due to significant deterioration of the cabin, it was not moved, as many wanted, to the Clay Historical Park.
A newly reconstructed log cabin was built at the CHA park in honor of the old log cabin that was dismantled.
In 1996 and 1997 a dedicated group from the Clay Historical Association, ran by Don Thompson (past President-Clay Historical), partnered with students from Pine Grove Junior
More Paro
To the editor:
As a politically active college student and lifelong resident of Camillus, I wish to see more coverage of New York State Senate candidates like Nick Paro and their policies.
A local advocate who received both his bachelor of arts degree and a law degree from Syracuse University, Nick Paro is a product of our community that has brought community leaders together to address tough challenges and build a bright future. When other politicians were criticizing Central New Yorkers’ for their concerns about the migrant crisis, for example, Nick Paro heard our concerns and put a stop to NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ order to relocate buses of migrants upstate to a local Salina Hotel. Furthermore, Nick Paro stands up against power-hungry politicians like Gov. Kathy Hochul, speaking out against failed policies like bail reform and efforts of gerrymandering election districts for political gain. This point is crucial, especially at a time when a former senior official in Hochul’s staff is under investigation for conspiring and working for the Chinese government.
In conclusion, I strongly advocate for more press coverage of Nick Paro. Various articles outline the wrongdoings and unfavorable actions of elected officials in our state government that have undermined public trust. Nick’s policies are a direct counter to this deliberate mistrust caused by others in power, and the public must be informed about his stances.
iAn PALMiEri CamilluS
Owe it to the historian
To the editor:
In June 1954, the New York State Thruway opened allowing motorists to zip from Albany to Buffalo in less than five hours. My family lived near the headwaters of Sawmiller Creek
My family resided so close to the Thruway that we could stand on our property throwing snowballs and hit tractor trailers passing in the west-bound lane. Gradu-
High School. Students and CHA members did a lot of archeological digs around the log cabin. This information still can be seen today in the
ally, we became hicks, not recognizing our transformation until we started school at Liverpool Elementary School. We didn’t know the clique of city slickers i.e. the residents of Liverpool proper. They demonstrated little interest in those of us from the hinterlands, beyond the Thruway. I was Camus’ “Outsider” at a tender age. By the time we hit junior high, we had assimilated somewhat. As a hick from beyond the pale, I was deferential to the city slickers. I observed their customs that and tried to emulate them to surrender the husk of my rural identity.
One person, who lived on Wyker Circle was especially influential. This particular sophisticate studied French as an eighth grader. She played the viola. Her musical tastes encompassed folk music a la Peter, Paul and Mary. She wore her hair like Mary Travers and wore Mary’s vampy trench coat.
She balanced her campy contemptus mundi with intellectual curiosity. While I stuck to James Bond, she breezed through the all-radical primers like “Catcher in the Rye” and “Animal Farm.”
In 1966, after graduating from Liverpool High, she went off to Harpur SUNY and I to the University of Buffalo.
Once while I was recapping the latest episode of “Run for Your Life,” this savvy bohemian abruptly interrupted my tedious discursive review of Ben Gazzara’s NBC-TV show with: “Oh Smith, why don’t you just chain yourself to your television set?” It was one of many course corrections she recommended for me, a small wound for which I proudly still bear the scar.
Soon after, I gave up the boob tube for good.
After college, I commenced Navy flight training, again no TV. My first assignment was Naples, Italy, ergo no TV. Instead, I read the books I missed while focusing on mechanical engineering, and since the Navy paid the tuition, I took every college course I could.
After 20 years I had attended 16 colleges and earned a master’s. Upon retiring from the Navy, I also earned a California
Letters l Page 10
Cigarville Train Station. More accounts of these archeological digs can also be read under the Town of Clay History Mysteries dated March 7-8, 2018 “Log Cabin Digs” by Dorothy Heller (past historian) under the “Town of Clay” website. Mark your calendars for our Fall Festival! It will be held on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Come see the Log Cabin, Cigarville Train Station, Weller Barn and Visitor Center. Any questions please send an email at historian@townofclay.org. Please visit our Google page at “Clay Historical Association.” Facebook page “CHA history news.” The Clay Historical Association meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Clay Historical Park at 6:30 p.m. It is open to the public if you would like to attend or invite anyone to join the Clay Historical Association.
Have you ever “Invested” in yourself?
Ladies and Gentlemen…
I believe this article contains information that I believe shares the most valuable lesson I have ever passed on to you since I have been submitting weekly features for the Eagle Newspapers. Your Mission Impossible request… should you choose to accept it, is to read the enclosed article at least three times and decide if you are ready, willing and able to make an “investment” in yourself to accept the challenges and consequences of your thoughts and actions about this article and embrace it for the rest of your life.
What does it mean to invest in yourself?
There’s a stigma surrounding self-investment that we need to overcome.
Often, people confuse self-care with being self-centered, but they are not the same. It is healthy to be selfish, which in my mind is doing what it takes to improve your overall well-being…but not at the expense of anyone else (which I refer to as selfcentered).
Self-care is crucial; it’s about recognizing the importance of nurturing yourself. After all, we only have one life - why not strive to be the best version of yourself.
Consider this: how can you be an effective coach, player, spouse, friend, parent, or child if you aren’t taking care of yourself?
Investing in yourself doesn’t mean you have to take lavish vacations
or buy the most expensive things. It can be as simple as taking a walk outside, spending five minutes a day grounding yourself and practicing gratitude, or making time for actives that bring you joy.
Society often pressures us to be everywhere and everything to everyone, which can lead to burnout. You can’t always be present for everyone all of the time.
You are here for a reason. You are worth investing in.
People want you to be the best version of yourself. So take that five minutes a day, take that walk, read a book, practice gratitude and find joy in the little things.
It’s ok to prioritize yourself. Nobody can pour from an empty cup.
The above message was written “FROM THE DESK OF” my 2nd favorite Sports Psychologist, Dr. Brett McCabe. Dr. Holly Noun is still #1.
When we invest in ourselves, it will be the greatest “Return on Investment” we will ever “earn”. WE…will be the biggest beneficiary of our actions which will also improve the lives of those we choose to be around.
Are you ready to “Invest In Yourself”?
PENNY SAVER
PENNY SAVER
Estate Sale & Floral/Gift Shop Liquidation.
4001 Jordan R, Skaneateles
Furniture, end tables, china cabinet, housewares, shelves, recliner, refrigerator, mini fridges, lawn tractors, boat, store closing with new (some NIB) inventory, shelves, vases, wreaths, metal pick up trucks, all holidays (an abundance of fall & Christmas), Duck House dolls, reborn dolls, ceramic studio, slip molds, kiln, several out buildings full. Too much to list. This will be a multiple stage sale. Don’t miss this opportunity. No early birds.
Pictures on Mottville Estate Sale fb page.
Thursday 9/26 2-6
Friday 9/27 9-4 Saturday 9/28 9-4 Sunday 9/29 10-3
syracuse orchestra to perform october concerts
The following concerts will be performed by the Syracuse Orchestra:
oct. 5 – Video Games (Kids’ Concert)
10:30 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. at the –Destiny USA Underground Lounge
Experience the power of a full orchestra performing music to some of your children’s favorite video games, including excerpts from the soundtracks of classic game franchises such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Minecraft. $22; kids 18 and under free with adult ticket purchase; evening concert $39
teaching credential. For 25 years in the trenches of public education, I perched at the top of the pay chart.
I am admitting publicly that I owe it all to this candid woman who became Liverpool Village Historian Dorianne Elitharp Gutierrez. She is a rara avis who wisely chided me for consuming dribble. She enriched my life both figuratively and literally. I still don’t own a TV. I thank her for setting my trajectory in my formative days and recalibrating my values with brutal frankness. I wish her only the best.
JEFFREy R. SMITH alameda, Ca
Thank you Congressman
Williams
To the editor:
I just want to thank Congressman Brandon Williams for becoming a cosponsor of the Stop CMV Act of 2024 (HR7542), bipartisan legislation that will authorize new funding to incentivize hospitals and other health care entities to increase screening of newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one in five infants with congenital CMV will have birth defects or long-term health issues, such as hearing or vision loss, seizures, or developmental and mo -
Oct. 19 – Masterworks and The Movies
7:30 p.m.; pre-concert talk by Maestro Larry Loh at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater.
Violinist Will Hagen returns to play Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major, the first non-film music he wrote after the defeat of Hitler in World War II. The rest of the program highlights pieces written by film composers and music made famous on the big screen, including the opening fanfare of Also Sprach Zarathustra from “2001: A Space Odyssey.” $63-$98 oct. 26 – Literary Classics (Pops) Held at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds
tor delay.
In a press release, Congressman Williams stated: “Nearly 90% of infants born with congenital CMV appear perfectly healthy at birth, and it can take more than two years for associated health problems to become visible. This underscores the importance of early screening, both to come alongside caregivers who want what’s best for their children, and to contribute to ongoing research efforts that will help us better understand this disease as we seek to treat it” (Rep. Williams Announces Cosponsorship of Stop CMV Act of 2024, September 12, 2024).
In 2022, New York passed “Elizabeth’s Law,” named in memory of our daughter. Elizabeth was born with a severely damaged brain from congenital CMV in 1989 and died at 16 during a seizure. Elizabeth’s Law (S6287C), sponsored by Senator John Mannion, “Requires the provision of informational materials to child care providers and certain physicians and midwives regarding the impacts and dangers of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.”
Ever since our daughter’s death in 2016, I’ve focused my energies on trying to improve CMV prevention. “ At least one-third of the pregnant women in the US are high risk; that is, they have daily household or occupational contact with children less than 3 years old” (Adler, 2011). Unbeknownst to me, I was at high risk for CMV when pregnant because I was an “in-home” licensed child care
Theater.
The first Pops concert of the season welcomes you with music inspired by some of our favorite books. Readers of all ages will love the mysterious and magical music inspired by Harry Potter, Twi -
light, Lord of the Rings and more. Dress up in your house colors for this delightfully spooky concert. $50-$98. For more information, including shuttles to the downtown concerts, visit SyracuseOrchestra.org.
win a football signed by KC Chiefs star
The CNYSPCA Football and Paws raffle runs through Dec. 30.
The prize is a football autographed by Kansas City Chief tight end Travis Kelce. Tickets are $10 each and are avail -
provider, a church nursery volunteer, and the mother of a toddler.
My husband Jim and I are currently walking across New York State between Buffalo and Albany on the Erie Canalway Trail leaving behind “Stop CMV” rocks with prevention information on the back as a way to raise awareness and to honor the memory of children who have died from congenital CMV.
LisA sAundErs
baldwinSville
Presidential debate
To the editor:
The hotly contested presidential race reached a tipping point last week during the first debate. Vice President Kamala Harris held the former president’s sensitive feet to the fire.
His defensiveness, victimization and outrageous false facts were on full display. Kamala demonstrated confidence and cool calmness as she called out Trump on his crowd size obsession, his cozying up to dictators and his intention to be one his first day in office, his plan to raise tariffs on imported goods which would result in higher inflation, the bi-partisan bill he killed to secure our border with Mexico, his denial over his support for many of the priorities of Project 2025 such as mass deportations and the continuation of the construction of a penetrable border wall, his blatant culpability in the Jan. 6 assault on the capitol, his false claim that some blue states allow infanticide, and his
able at the CNYSPCA office at 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse, by calling 315454-4479 or emailing jmadigan@ cnyspca.org. You do not need to be present to win.
concept of a plan to reform Obamacare. Vice President Harris was just as stunned as most debate viewers over his derisive and untrue comment that Haitian immigrants are eating dogs and cats. Lies, lies and more lies. His hubris and narcissism still drive his claim that he won the 2020 election.
Conspiracy theories, the blanket denigration of immigrants, firing cabinet and staff members who disagree with his actions, his fear and hatemongering, doomsday predictions, assaults on women, the mockery of the disabled and war veterans, his felony convictions and future criminal trials have tarnished the kind of leadership and dignity one should possess as the commander in chief. of our great country. The divisiveness he has perpetuated vis-a-vis an ineffectual partisan congress, a politicized supreme court, and a disregard for our constitution has sadly created not only political but also inter- personal conflict.
Another four years of a Trump administration would be both chaotic and catastrophic. His adherence to a code of lies instead of a code of laws poses a clear and present danger to our democracy. For those of you who are unsure about who you will vote for as our next president, please think about the future direction of our country. Lets Make our Nation thrive again.
GAiL VAn dEr LindE
