LiBRARy cELEBRATEs winTER
Submitted photoS
The Liverpool Library’s winter carnival celebrating “Bring your child to the Library Day” was a wintry good time. Braving the cold, 170 patrons visited the library for themed games, crafts, and activities. Guests were encouraged to explore the library and learn about all the ways LPL can help save them money. saving money was just one of many reasons patrons got their first library cards.
Liverpool Public Library programs focus on adults with disabilities in March
By KAThRynE RAKowsKi
The Liverpool Library strives to always have something for everyone.
From children to adults, avid readers and artists, the library works to offer a variety of programs every month.
During the month of March, the library will be offering a variety of events specifically for adults with disabilities.
The Adults with Disabilities program has grown over the years and events are designed to foster social interaction, hands-on learning, and literacy in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The program hopes to provide wellrounded experiences, and March will have a lot to offer.
First up is a hangout on Monday March 10 at 1 p.m.
No registration is required, and it’s a great excuse to visit the library and
have some fun in a sensory-friendly environment.
“Participants can spend time with friends, both new and old, while enjoying board games, Wii, coloring, and crafting,” Edina Osmanovic, adult programming and volunteer coordinator at LPL, said.
Next up is a Craft Day on Thursday March 13 at 2 p.m.
Osmanovic will be leading a craft that will be tactile, fine-motor skillfriendly, and accessible for hand to eye coordination practice.
Registration is required for this event and can be done by visiting their website at lpl.org /
Two more events round out the series on Friday, March 28, First up is the sensory friendly film of the month, Kung Fu Panda at 10 a.m. The environment will be comfortable for all, with lights dimmed, sound adjusted, and doors open so that patrons can move around as needed.
The last event, sure to be the most exciting, is the “Beyond Barriers: Disability Resource Fair,” which will run from 1 to 3 p.m.
The fair will feature local organizations that support individuals with disabilities, providing patrons the opportunity to learn about services they have access to and find the help they may be looking for.
This is the first time the library is offering a fair of this nature, and the staff is very excited about what it will offer the community.
“This event will feature various organizations covering essential topics such as housing, disability rights, and available services,” Osmanovic said. “Our goal is to provide valuable resources and support to the community.”
The fair is free and open to the public. To view more upcoming events, or get more information, you can view the latest addition of the LPL Connection on the library’s website.
law targeting overweight trucks actively enforced
By Russ TARBy Contributing Writer
In July 2023, the Liverpool Village Board of Trustees – Mayor Stacy Finney and trustees Melissa Cassidy, Rachel Ciotti and Matt Devendorf – passed a local law prohibiting the operation of trucks weighing more than five tons within the village.
The law specifically targeted “truck, trailers and tractor-trailer combinations.”
In mid-January 2024, Liverpool Police began warning drivers of heavyweight vehicles, and by the end of that month the officers began ticketing alleged offenders.
Although the initial fines ranged from $1,200 to $4,700, in April the trustees reduced the fines.
The revamped local law set fines of not more than $300 for first offenders.
Finney said the new law was needed because “the only way to weigh the trucks” would be to build a weight station in the village. “And that’s not feasible,” she said.
The new law stated that a second conviction within 18 months could draw a fine of not more than $600. And a third conviction within 18 months could draw a fine of not more than $1,200.
But last week Liverpool Judge Anthony LaValle said the fines he imposes rarely exceed $150. Because the infraction breaks a local law rather than a state or federal law, ticketed truck drivers must pay the fine, but will not lose any points on their driver’s licenses.
In any case, the Liverpool Police Department is now actively enforcing the ban on big rigs.
Over the course of 2024, officers pulled over 85 trucks and ticketed 83 of them, according to statistics provided by Police Chief Jerry Unger. The month of May was the year’s busiest, when officers stopped 30 trucks and ticketed 27 of them.
That month, the LPD started listing its truck tickets in its monthly summary of statistics along with accidents and arrests.
The crackdown on overweight vehicles continues into 2025. In January, officers stopped 18 tractor trailers and issued 17 local law traffic tickets.
In a recent interview, Unger praised Amazon which operates a sprawling Fulfillment Center about a mile north of the village on Morgan Road. That facility draws scores of big trucks daily.
“The support we’ve received from Amazon is remarkable,” Unger said. “They created an app for all its drivers and the app pictures the village as a restricted area, so the company is guiding its truck drivers away from us, and it’s working.”
The number of trucks rumbling over village streets “have gone down dramatically,” Unger said. “There’s still a few stragglers, but they’re mostly getting the message.”
When the local law was first rolled out, certified letters were sent out to local businesses and trucking firms, Unger noted, “and I’m sure they’ve seen the signs we’ve posted.”
Placed at the village’s busiest intersections, the signs say, “Trucks Over 5 Tons Use Truck Routes.”
Other signs depict the image of a crossed-out truck and the words, “except local deliveries.” Several more signs point drivers to established truck routes.
salina Library announces March events
For more information or to register for programs, visit the Events Calendar at salinalibrary.org or call 315-454-4524.
For adults
Craft Exchange
Saturday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
|Clean out your craft room and drop off unwanted craft supplies by Friday, March 7. Come in on the 2nd to pick out new-to-you supplies and inspiration for new projects! Donations limited to 2 boxes or bags per person. All items should be clean and in new or gently used condition.
Tai chi for Beginners
Mondays at 10:30, ending March 24
Join instructor Ken Nichols for this 10week introduction to Tai Chi. Please wear comfortable clothing. For adults 18+. Registration is required.
Let’s Eat
Tuesday, March 4 at 6 p.m.
Create your favorite cabbage dish and bring it to the library with the recipe. Sample everyone’s offering and discuss. Registration required.
spring Gardening
Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m.
Join Master Gardener Helen Neville for presentations on How to Read a Seed Packet and How to Smother Grass. Choose a free seed packet. One participant will win gardening tools! For adults 18+. Registration is required Crafts for Seniors
Friday, March 7 at 11 a.m.
Craft and chat with other seniors. We’re making flower buds. For adults 50+. community Bingo
Monday, March 10 at noon
Socialize and have fun playing bingo! Bring a new item under $5 for the prize table; it can be anything from a candy bar to a bar of soap. Use your imagination! For adults 18+. Registration is required.
Art Exhibit and Reception
Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m.
Meet photographer Ray Trudell at the art reception. Mr. Trudell’s photographs can be called a journal of Syracuse and Central New York; a view of the things that often go unseen. His art will be on display in the library throughout March.
Virtual Traveler: Azerbaijan
Tuesday, March 11 at 6 p.m.
Sit back and enjoy walking tours and travel videos in areas of Azerbaijan. Try an Azerbaijani treat, too! For adults 18+. Please register.
Trivia night
Friday, March 14, doors open at 6 p.m.
Test your knowledge at trivia and your team might win a prize. Teams are up to 4 people. If you don’t have a team you can join one. Potluck appetizers and desserts are welcome. Mocktails provided. Registration required. For adults 18+
Late night Library
Friday, March 14, 6-8:30 p.m.
Use the library, computers, or Wi-Fi outside of regular library hours. For adults 18+
create Tuesday, March 18, choose from 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7:15 p.m.
Create glitzy rhinestone keychains. For adults 18+. Registration required.
salina writer’s Group
Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Hone your writing skills. Facilitated by Debbie Stack, local author, editor, and TV scriptwriter. Get feedback and share questions and ideas. For adults 18+. Please register.
Very us
Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m.
A safe place to gather with other LGBTQIA+ adults, ages 18+. Socialize, play ga.m.es, and share crafts, skills, and interests. Bring a snack to share. Please register.
Dance Party
Friday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m.
Dance for an hour with your friends, or sit and enjoy the music and the company! For adults with disabilities 18+, along with a mentor or family member. Please register. in
stitches
Monday, March 31 at 6 p.m.
Whether you like to knit, crochet, or do other needlework, it’s more fun to do it together. Bring your projects and work while we chat.
Tech help
Do you need help with your laptop or tablet, using email, downloading an eBook, or applying for jobs online? Tech help appointments are available for these topics and more. Appointments last up to 1 hour. Check the events
calendar or call 315-454-4524 to register.
Games
Game Day
Mondays at noon Qwirkle, Farkle, Triominos, Rummikub, and more! Bring your ga.m.es or play one of ours. For adults 18+.
Just one
Monday, March 3 at 6 p.m.
Play the party game Just One: discover as many mystery words as possible. For adults 18+. Registration required.
Jackbox Games
Monday, March 31 at 6 p.m.
Jackbox Ga.m.es is best known for party games like Quiplash, Fibbage, Drawful, Trivia Murder Party, and more! Gather at the library to play lots of different ga.m.es. You’ll need a smartphone to use as a controller. For adults 18+. Please register.
Mah Jongg
Tuesdays at noon
Want to learn mah jongg? Already know how to play? Join us for weekly play. National Mah Jongg rules. Not a tournament. For adults 18+.
Mah Jongg
Thursdays at noon
Are you an experienced player? Join us for weekly play. National Mah Jongg rules. Not a tournament. For adults 18+.
Book clubs
Monday Mysteries
Monday, March 3 at 4 p.m.
A mystery lovers meet up! We’ll discuss The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller. Please register. on the same Page: Aurora’s café
Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Meet at Aurora’s Café in Northern Lights. Tell us what books you’ve liked, or haven’t liked, lately. Learn about new books and enjoy a tasty treat, too! For adults 18+. Tiny Book club
Monday, March 17 at 5 p.m.
Don’t have time to read in your schedule? Join the tiny book club! All books are less than 200 pages and include fiction and nonfiction.
This month we’re reading The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke Page Turners Book club
Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Take part in our monthly discussion; new members are welcome! Our March title is The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman. Please register or use the Zoom link on the website events page. True Tales: Nonfiction Readers Discussion Group
Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
Add your voice to our lively and engaging discussion of any book by the author Mary Roach. Please register.
For children and teens
Early Learners story Time
Tuesday, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Make learning fun! Your child will learn important early literacy and social skills with stories, rhymes, and songs. For ages 2-4 years old.
Toddlers Explore
Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
What do you do with a wiggly toddler? Bring them to the library for songs, stories, and activities to explore. For ages 1.5-3 years old. salina Teen warriors
Tuesday, March 11 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Teens, pick up an application at the front desk to join our Teen Advisory Group. Help brainstorm and create activities for the library. Lego club
Wednesday, March 12 from 4-5 p.m.
Do you love LEGOs®? Join us as we build, build, build! For ages 5-12. Pajama story Time
Thursday, March 13 from 6-7 p.m.
Children ages 3-6, wear your comfiest paja.m.as for a special night-time story time and craft.
Friday Crafternoon
Friday, March 21 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Families can drop in for crafting fun. For children ages 4-12.
Teens silent Book club
Thursday, March 27 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want- print books, eBooks, audiobooks, comic books. Bring a book or pick one from the library. Settle in and read silently. Snacks provided. There will be time to socialize – or just hang out and read.
Lane closed along South Bay Road Bridge in Cicero through October
The New York State Department of Transportation is alerting motorists that South Bay Road will be closed to southbound traffic between East Pine Grove Road and along the South Bay Road bridge in Cicero beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, through Friday, Oct. 31. The northbound lane on South Bay Road will remain open to traffic.
The closure is necessary to demolish the South Bay Road bridge over I-81 to construct a new, longer bridge that will accommodate the expanded I-81 as part of the I-81 Viaduct Project.
Motorists are advised to follow the signed detour that directs southbound traffic north on South Bay Road, to
south on Thompson Road, to south on Northern Boulevard, to north on Interstate 481, to Exit 10 (Circle Drive/North Syracuse), to east on Circle Drive, to South Bay Road. Additionally, a temporary traffic signal will be installed at the northbound and southbound approaches of the South Bay Road bridge over I-81. Emergency vehicles traveling southbound on South Bay Road that need to cross the South Bay Road bridge will utilize a preemption system to clear the bridge of all traffic, allowing first responders to cross the bridge safely. Construction activities are weatherdependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in
The Liverpool Chamber is at it again. The Fifth Annual Spring into Auction will start on March 28 online.
All prize sponsors for this event are members of the Liverpool Chamber.
Some items are $25, and some are worth $100 and some $1,000. This year there will be daily specials where items can be purchased outright.
Items are overnight stays at local hotels, coffee lovers basket, wine lovers basket, whiskey basket, lamp, gift certificates to restaurants and Amazon, a golf package, gift certificates to concerts, perfume, of-
the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
Follow the I-81 Viaduct Project on Faceboo k , Instagra m , and X
fice supplies and much more. All donations must be to the chamber no later than March 10. Send a photo and description or bring item to the chamber.
The money raised go towards the programs offered to the members of the Liverpool Chamber. We are here to help businesses grow. This is also a great way to check out the business community and support local business. For more information call 315-457-3895 or visit chamber@liverpoolchamber.com
OPINION
houdini wants a sweet escape
By ELEnA sELThun
houdini is a friendly tenyear-old orange and white cat who came to the shelter as part of a cruelty case and is looking for a home that can provide lots of gentleness and scritches. As senior cats often do, he has a calm demeanor and is generally unbothered, but he will get out of bed for pets and treats. he is affectionate towards everyone, even strangers. he also enjoys some relaxed playing and is curious about new things. his previous downstairs kennel neighbors were a pair of rambunctious kittens, and he seemed to enjoy watching their antics. houdini’s favorite pastime, however, is rubbing his entire face against people’s hands and flopping down to provide maximum petting access. Houdini just wants to receive lots of snuggles and spend his golden years surrounded by love. Visit the shelter if you’re interested in giving this sweet older gentleman a home and want to experience his cuddliness in person. 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 315-454-4479, email frontoffice2@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org.
su as March spectators
If you read this piece and live in Central New York you pretty much know the routine once the calendar changes from February to March and no, it isn’t about measuring the snow in inches and not feet.
Much more common is the knowl
edge that the most well-known bas
ketball teams in these parts will make their way to conference tournaments, perhaps win a game or two, and then inevitably find their way to some kind of post-season, ideally the NCAA tournaments.
Well, in 2025 it’s different, which only makes all that snow outside more depressing.
Whether it’s the men or the women, SU’s Orange are both are slogging toward sub-.500 marks, destined for cameos at their respective ACC hoops tournaments before fading away into an off-season full of questions.
We’re just not used to this.
Perhaps the women’s part is easier to explain. No one on earth was going to match the magic which Dyashia Fair brought, her very presence turning SU into a problem for opponents and, at
Random Thoughts
the end, nearly upending almighty Connecticut on the Huskies’ home floor. But it just never clicked this season. Part of it was the roster turnover always present in the transfer portal era, another part the sheer quality of an ACC topped by Notre Dame, N.C. State and North Carolina, among others.
Phil blackwell su
Thus Felisha Legette-Jack is likely to get a pass from Orange followers, with the admonition that it better improve in 2025-26 or even someone with such deep Syracuse roots might find herself facing job pressure.
On the other hand, the men’s SU program might already face a crisis two years into Adrian Autry’s tenure, with a good portion of the fan base beyond their level of patience and wanting him gone. Only so much of it can be attributed to roster turnover. Start to finish the Orange’s defense has proven a sieve, and from an inability to hold late leads to (again) rough free-throw shooting, the end result has proven difficult to watch.
Maybe Autry was never going to
wALK GiVEs GLiMPsE oF ViLLAGE LiFE, hisToRy
Folksmarch to come to liverpool, onondaga lake
CNY Folksmarch will combine a village walk, a historical walking tour and the walking path at Onondaga Lake Park during its March Folksmarch.
The Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has been working with the group to make Liverpool the place to visit on Saturday, March 8 or Sunday, March 9. Foksmarch walkers always enjoy a village walk because it gives them a chance to really see a community instead of just driving through it on the way to somewhere else.
The chamber is located in the Lucius Gleason Mansion, which will be the registration location.
The mansion is also home to the Gleason Mansion Museum. Walking through the museum will be the first stop for participants. From there, walkers will have a walking guide that makes a one-mile route past homes in the village that have historical significance.
Once that part of the route is complete,
Send your events to adearborn@eaglenewsonline. com. Notices must have the date, time and location of the event. Deadline for submissions is 12 p.m. Friday. No calendar item can be guaranteed for placement in the papers, nor run for multiple weeks, unless it is a paid announcement. All free placement is on a space-available basis. Event information may be subject to change, so be sure to contact the event organizer to confirm the details.
THROUGH FEB. 28
Adult Winter Reading Challenge NOPL Brewerton, Cicero, and North Syracuse. Read books and attend events to earn tickets to win prizes.
FRIDAY, FEB. 28
Friday Features: Hidden Figures
10 a.m.-12 p.m. NOPL North Syracuse. Rated PG. 2hr. 7m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
Sharing the Green St. Patrick’s Day Party
Following the 5:15 Mass. St. Margaret’s Church, 200 Roxboro Rd., Mattydale. Traditional corned beef dinner, raffles, and more. Proceeds benefit St. Margaret’s Parish for Capital Improvements. MARCH 8 & 9
CNY Folksmarch Village of Liverpool. Registration 9 a.m. to Noon on March 8 and 1 to 3 p.m. on March 9. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch. wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ folksmarch
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Physics of Dimension and Perspective”. Following the program,
walkers will explore a few more blocks with local businesses.
Participants will have a chance to visit the Liverpool Public Library, the Golden Bee independent bookstore and Sugar Blossom Cake Shop. Just outside the village is a short drive to Heid’s and Sugar Top Bakery. The Cobblestone Ale House, The Retreat, or Limp Lizard, plus others, might be great stops for lunch.
Most of our walkers are familiar with the walking path in Onondaga Lake Park. They will see the new pickleball courts, walk past the Salt Museum and down near the marina. Register at the Gleason Mansion Costs: $4 for adults, $1 for kids 5 to 18
Annual Folksmarch passes are $40 (a two-walk savings) and a passport to track your progress is $10. On-street is available on Sycamore Street and around the neighborhood. Please do not block any spaces for the Liverpool Police Department.
attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Climate Change: a Focus on Carbon Footprints”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free. APRIL 12 & 13
CNY Folksmarch Oxbow Falls, Canastota. Registration 9 a.m. to Noon on April 12 and 1 to 3 p.m. on April 13. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch. wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ folksmarch
MAY 10 & 11
CNY Folksmarch
Salmon River Fish Hatchery and falls, Altmar. Registration 9 a.m. to Noon on May 10 and 1 to 3 p.m. on May 11. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch.wordpress.com/ or https://www. facebook.com/folksmarch
SATURDAY, MAY 17
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Secret Messages with Encryption”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
North Syracuse Family Festival
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Village of North Syracuse with vendors, food trucks, music, raffles, inflatables, and a historical
what is cny Folksmarch?
CNY Folksmarch is a recreational walking group that has been coordinating monthly walks in the Central New York area for over 40 years. The group’s goal is to encourage people to get out and walk by arranging walks at different locations every month. Typically walks are held the second weekend of the month, and take place Saturdays, between 9 a.m. and noon and Sundays between 1 and 3 p.m. Interested parties may register at any time during our walk hours. This is not competitive walking; walks are open to people of all ages and abilities. People may walk at their own pace. The walk routes are usually 5K (3.1 miles) in length but may vary depending on terrain and weather. However, participants may walk whatever distance is comfortable for them.
CNY Folksmarch tries to keep walk locations within an hour drive of Syracuse, and are held in places such as public parks, the Erie Canal, local towns and villages and historic locations. Dogs may be welcome at the walk sites. If the site allows dogs, they must be leashed, and their owners must clean up after their pets. Many walk locations are wheelchair or stroller accessible. Folksmarch posts notices of walks on social media (Facebook, Twitte, and Instagram). Their handle on all social sites is @folksmarch. Information call also be found at cnyfolksmarch.org
display. Visit www.facebook.com/northsyracusefamilyfestival.
JUNE 14 & 15
CNY Folksmarch
Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland. Registra-
tion 9 a.m. to Noon on June 14 and 1 to 3 p.m. on June 15. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18.
Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch.wordpress.com/ or https://www. facebook.com/folksmarch
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “STEAM Challenge Accepted!”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
ONGOING EVENTS
THURSDAYS
Family Storytime
10 a.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane. Join Miss Raena for Thursday morning storytime to enjoy stories, songs, and fun! Registration is required; call 315-699-2032 or visit nopl.org.
Adult Exercise: Chair Yoga
9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Marcellus Free Library. $25 for 8-week session. Register at 315-673-3269.
Read, Sing, Play Story Time
10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Can’t sit still? No problem! Join us for stories, songs and movement. For ages 18 months to 4 years.
Bingo
4 p.m. Fingerlakes Mall Conference Center, 1570 Clark Street Rd., Aurelius. Yoga with Becca
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Brewerton Center for the Arts, Rt. 11. Registration and information: 315-920-8121 or www.yogosnacks.org. All levels welcome.
Baldwinsville Rod & Gun Club
7 p.m. First Thursday of each month. 1405 Kingdom Road, Baldwinsville. Learn about the workings of the club and help us run the organization. For more information, visit bvillerodandgun.com.
FRIDAYS
B’ville Cardio Ball Drumming
9:30 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Onondaga County Healthy Schools and Communities has provided cardio ball drumming kits for workout classes led by senior volunteer Arlette Folckemer. This fun cardio workout is set to upbeat music and folks can participate and enjoy the class seated or standing. For more information, call Canton Woods at 315-638-4536. Clay Cardio Ball Drumming
10:30 a.m. Clay Senior Center, 4948 Route 31. Gwen McCarroll leads this one-hour class. Free with a Town of Clay Senior Center Membership and Safety ID badge for admission. Drop-in; no entry after the day’s class begins. Equipment provided on a first-come, first-served basis for ball and basket setup. For more information or to sign up for a membership and ID badge, contact Chrissy Clancy at 315652-3800 ext. 137 or cclancy@townofclay.org.
Acoustic Music Jam
7 p.m. Marcellus American Legion, 13 E. Main St. Bluegrass,country and gospel music. All acoustic musicians welcome. $2 donation for free coffee and cookies. For info call 315-673-2329.
SUNDAYS
Cicero UMC Services
9:30 a.m. Cicero UMC, 8416 Brewerton Road. The church is returning to two Sunday services (contemporary 8:30 a.m. and traditional 10:30 a.m.). All are welcome to enjoy worship and fellowship. The church is fully accessible. For more information,
visit ciceroumchurch.org.
MONDAYS
Drop-In Tech Help
10 a.m. to noon. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Let us help with your tech questions: computers and mobile devices, downloading e-content from the library’s catalog, using Google Drive and social media platforms. Bring your device and drop in during a Tech Help session to get started. Appointments are also available; please give us a call at 315-685-5135 or email andrea@skanlibrary. org to schedule.
Game Day
1 p.m. Salina Free Library. Bring your own game or play one of the library’s. 18+. 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 AND 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/eventscalendar/ 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. 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
payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.
susan Mosher, 84
Wife, mother, grandmother
Heaven has gained a special soul. Our beloved mother and grandmother, Susan Mosher, passed away on Feb. 2, 2025, from pancreatic cancer.
Susan was born to Margaret and Everett Rose on June 12, 1940, and raised in the small town of Franklin, N.Y., where she went to Franklin Central High School. She then attended Albany Business College and met her late husband while in Albany. The two of them had many wonderful adventures together camping and portaging their canoe, skiing throughout Switzerland and buying a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia while exploring Germany. They then settled in Skaneateles where they devoted their lives to raising their two children, Jeremy and Jessica.
Susan was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most. She was a member of the Parent Teacher Association and volunteered on numerous committees while we were in school. She was also involved in the Skaneateles Presbyterian Church and enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels.
Susan had a passion for reading, swimming, eating sweets, going out to eat with family and friends, making much anticipated scavenger hunts with her grandkids and watching the wildlife out of her picture window. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.
As a mother and a friend, Susan was known for her kind heart and calming spirit, as a listening ear and ever supportive presence and as someone with unconditional love. She was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and fun. Even
M. Geraldine Sokolowski, 85, of Cicero, passed away Feb. 14, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Kenneth E. Baker, 71, of Clay, passed away Feb. 14, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
TUESDAYS Dominoes
3 p.m. Salina Free Library. Play Mexican Train, Chicken Foot, and other domino games. 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
at the end, she found a way to smile and laugh. Susan built the most beautiful friendships- friends who meant the world to her. Their support throughout her life, and especially at the end, gave her so much more happiness, independence, comfort, and dignity for which her family will be forever grateful.
Susan is survived by her two big sisters (Sally Eldred and Shirley Finch), her two children, Jeremy Mosher (Shelly Lall) and Jessica Johnson (Chris Johnson), three grandchildren, Cooper (13), Kyleigh (11), and Colby (9), and a number of sweet grand doggies.
Her life will be celebrated once the snow melts on June 14, 2025, with service at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles followed by lunch reception.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com
Marie M. Nelson, 79, of Liverpool, passed away Feb. 15, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Nancy J. Killius, 93, of North Syracuse, passed away Feb. 13, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
fingerplays, followed by playtime. For babies up to 18 months. BPL Storytime
9:30 a.m. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St. Children ages 2-4 are welcome to join Mrs. G and Miss Jessie at BPL for our in-person storytime. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. There is a different theme each week, with a few stories, songs, and an interactive craft. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted. Registration is required. Please register each child and each adult that will be attending. You can call the library at 315-635-5631 or go to our website bville.lib.ny.us to sign up. Anyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask inside the library.
Plank Road Quilt Guild
9:30 a.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Cicero United Methodist Church, 8416 N. Main 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.
helen L. clarke, 87 Worked with the onondaga County Public library
It is with profound sadness that the family of Helen Louise Clarke (Donohue) announce her passing on Feb. 16, 2025, at the age of 87 years old.
Helen was born in Cuylerville, N.Y., on Oct. 23, 1937, to Dorothy and Edward Donohue. Unfortunately, when Helen was 10 months old her father was killed in a car accident and she was lovingly raised by her great-aunt and uncle, Helen and Howard Ross in Syracuse.
She graduated in 1956 from Central High School in Syracuse. After marrying and raising her daughters she was employed for 20 years with the Onondaga County Public Library.
Helen was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Marcellus United Methodist of Church. Over the years she enjoyed bowling in the leagues at the Marcellus Lanes, singing with the Sweet Adelines and dancing at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
After retirement, she enjoyed keeping in touch with many of her former co-workers and friends, volunteering at the Marcellus United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop, reading, watching game shows and shopping. However, it was her family and friends that gave her the most joy. She was generous, caring and a life-long sender of greeting cards.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 67 years, Phillip D. Clarke; daughters Tamara Clarke of Marcellus, Pamela (Donald) Knoop of Cicero and Nancy (Glenn) Ukolowicz of Weedsport; grandchildren Janice (Nathan) Proctor of Maryland, Phillip Knoop of North Syracuse and Sierra Church of California; great-grandchildren Bexley Church and Elliott Proctor; sister Margaret (Butch) Akin as well
Is your golf memorabilia ready for auction?
as many nieces and nephews. In addition to being predeceased by her parents and great aunt and uncle, Helen is predeceased by her great-aunt Cora, sister and brother in-law Betsy and Ed Claud, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Josephine Donohue, brothers and sisters in law Ken and Kate Clark and Dorothy and Bernie Prunner as well as her beloved pets, Doodle, Butch, Spot, Coco, Pudge, Peanut and Cassie.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Plis Funeral Home in Marcellus at 33 North St. Calling hours and visitation were from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. and burial at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Warners.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s name can be made to the Marcellus United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop at 1 Slocombe Avenue, Marcellus, NY 13108 or Humane CNY at 4915 West Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088.
Condolences for the family may be left at plisfuneralhome.com.
and sold his “greatest golf club collection” in history, of clubs and balls, in 2007 for $2 million.
Other golf memorabilia that you can buy at shall we say, more reasonable prices…
find to be a little high, excessive or probably somewhat extortionate.
Ryan Carey is the Founder & President of Golden Age Auctions. They help collectors buy, sell and consign many of the most significant collectables in golf history. Ryan says, “We have clients in 58 different countries and are proud to hold nearly every meaningful golf industry price record”. In 2022, According to Ryan, “We changed the golf collecting industry forever when we sold Tiger Woods’ ‘Tiger Slam’ irons (used for his four consecutive Major victories in 2000 and 2001) for a record $5.15 million and we have been featured regularly on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Fox Business, Golf Digest, CBS Sports and New York Times”. There are other extraordinary world records set by Golden Age you might find breathtaking:
* Highest Masters Green Jacket sale - $682,000 for Horton Smith’s green jacket (first winner).
* Highest Golf Ticket sale - $600,000 for 1934 Masters Tournament ticket.
* Highest Masters Tournament Trophy sale
- $523,000 for Gary Player’s 1974 Masters Trophy.
* Highest Putter sale - $393,000 for a Tiger Woods’ back-up putter.
If you have a few antiques sitting around and don’t know how much they’re worth, no problem. Ryan has a Golf Antiques Expert on his staff. His name is Jeff Ellis. Jeff is known all over the world as the foremost expert on golf antiques, specializing in golf clubs and balls.
He has written multiple best-selling books on the subject. “The Clubmaker’s Art” is widely considered one of the greatest golf books ever written. Jeff was also a collector
* Jim Bean Black Alcohol Golf Ball…$7.99.
* Bill Clinton Gifted Golf Tournament Sunglasses…$889.50.
* “New”…New York Yankees Golf Towel (rare collectible)…$20.00 or best offer.
* “Very Rare”…2009 Barack Obama Inaugural Golf Ball…in case…$50.00 or best offer.
* “Very Rare”…Rocco Mediate - Odyssey Prototype #6 Collection Putter New)… $650.000.
* PING “Karsten Co.”Anser putter (RARE)… 1968-1974 Collectable-All Original… $260.000.
* Vintage 1980 LPGA Corning Classic Female Golf High Polish Zippo Lighter MIB Rare… NEW…$53.00.
* Tiger Woods 2024 Gallant Mango HOLOGRAPHIC, Rare and HTF…Preowned…$31.00.
All of the above items are available on EBay.
Golf memorabilia such as signed clubs, vintage tournaments programs and rare photographs allow golf fans around the world to hold a piece of history and share a connection to the game we enjoy playing. The market is flooded with options to purchase or sell. Finding authentic and valuable items can be like trying to find a “needle” in a… you know where. If you are seriously interested in finding an appropriate item for a “special” golfer you know, just google “golf memorabilia” for 15 minutes. It’s fun.
And finally…if there is a golfer in your family, do not underestimate the value of what you might find that is right “under your nose”. It’s worth another 37 minutes… isn’t it?
helen L. clarke
susan Mosher
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
DEATH NOTICES
OuR vOiCE
Winter pet care
The past few weeks have reminded many of us what Central New York winters can look like.
We have seen more snow and colder temperatures on a more consistent basis than we have seen the past few winters.
This has likely reminded us to take precautions and extra measures when we go out the door and into the snow and cold.
To be prepared when we go out and we are wearing warmer clothes, coats, hats, gloves and other items of this nature to make sure we are keeping ourselves safe and warm and protected from the elements
But for those of us with pets, it is also important to remember that they are also subject to the conditions outdoors. A good rule of thumb is that if we are cold chances are they are cold too.
Just as we get cold hands and feet and faces, our pets experience the same discomforts in the snow and cold.
Best Friends Animal Society is a national animal welfare organization.
The organization shared some tips for pet owners to be prepared and help keep their four legged friends safe in the winter.
According to Best Friends Animal Society these tips include the following:
Keep your pets inside during extreme temperatures. Once the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets are at risk of developing hypothermia or frostbite.
Dogs and cats’ paws, ears, and tails are the most common areas that pets can develop frostbite –this increases if those areas are wet.
If a pet needs to spend time outside during extreme temperatures, keep both walks and potty breaks short.
Use plastic water bowls for outdoors. A pet’s tongue may stick to metal, and they could injure themselves when trying to pull away.
Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can injure or irritate the pads of pet’s feet. Look for petfriendly ice melt products and steer clear of anti-freeze which is toxic to pets.
Gently wipe their feet with a damp towel once they are back inside to avoid a trip to the veterinarian. Wearing boots can protect paws from irritating salt on the street.
Many dogs, particularly those with short coats, will be more comfortable if they have a sweater or coat on. If a dog frequently lifts their paws, whines or stops during walks, it is probably because their feet are cold.
Be particularly careful when taking older, arthritic animals and small pets outside. They may become stiff and tender quickly and often find it difficult to walk on the snow or ice.
Don’t let dogs off the leash during a snowstorm. No matter how much they want to play in the snow, they can easily lose their scent and become lost.
Always make sure dogs are wearing ID tags and are microchipped before you take them out.
Always check under the hood of a car’s engine - a favorite hiding space for community cats. Check underneath a car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to make sure a cat hasn’t taken up temporary housing there.
By keeping these steps in mind, we can help keep our pets a little safer and more comfortable no matter what kind of weather we have this winter.
MARKinG My PLAcE
My daughter gave me a book for Christmas. A wonderful gift for so many reasons, I began reading it immediately. About a quarter of the way through … well…life and dishes … you know.
Today I picked it up again and quickly slipped into its characters and plot. This was not one of those, “I have to read while I am standing in the kitchen and getting lunch ready things.” I wanted to savor, to enjoy the escape of fiction, to leave all of the other minutia of everyday life aside for a while. Besides, the book cover says that it is funny and I need funny right now.
I made this re-entry into fiction a small event, accompanied by a pot of tea, my favorite spot on the love seat where the little pillow fits my back and the lamp light is perfectly over my right shoulder. About 20 pages in, the phone rang, followed by the doorbell. When was the last time someone rang our bell? Then I remembered that I had begun to work on the income taxes the day before. I put the book aside, marking the page where I left off.
Now, with what did I mark my place? You would think it would be a bookmark. I have one of the largest collections of
bookmarks in the Western world. OK, that is an exaggeration, but I do have a goodlysized bookmark collection, something I treasure. They represent a wide swath of remembrances from a crumbled and finger print marked one created by my daughter when she was ten years old that extolls kindness to others and one that marked the opening of the public library in downtown Syracuse. Most are paper but several are leather and one is metal. Some are plastic and one of these contains pressed flowers from a neighbor’s garden. There are two made with faux jewels that dangle outside the book’s covers to remind you where you left off. They catch the light as they lay sparkling on the cover, calling you back. There’s an exquisite paper bookmark that I bought in a winery on Lake Chelan in Washinton State. Created by an artist’s hand, it is a work of art. In fact, each of my bookmarks is a work of art, encapsulating a thought, a special quotation, a drawing or painting … something that calls your attention to it, an expression of a particular reality in a small form. Each can stand on its own but is designed to be a marker for another type of art. A kind of marker of memory. I give books at Christmas too. Each year I pick about eight
books that I would like to read from the Bas Bleu catalog and send them to my sister, hoping that she would send them back to me. Yes, that does seem a bit duplicitous but then, most years she gives them to other people. I usually include a bookmark or two. It was about 10 years ago that I stepped up my Christmas bookmark game and made a special one to accompany my sister’s gift. It was crocheted out of a filament of fine thread, wound with slender ribbons and finally embellished with the tiniest pastel flowers that my size 14 crochet hook could manage. My sister asked me if I really thought that she would hide this in a book. I was complimented and conflicted at the same time. I’ve thought that it might be a good idea to reproduce this tour de force for myself, but I had the same thought. Why would I take the time to craft this piece and then hide it in a book I which is probably why my cherished collection lies upstairs in a box that is rarely opened. So, what did I use to mark the spot where I left off in this year’s Christmas gift book? An outdated coupon for borax. Go figure.
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.
Cut the DPW some slack; they gotta cover 17 miles
Seems like it has been snowing forever. In our area, we’re accumulating several inches of frosted flakes each and every day. Our neighbors up north in Oswego and Mexico and Palermo have had it even worse, because they’ve had many days when the notorious lake effect dumped several feet on them. Last Thursday, Feb. 20, the Syracuse area surpassed 100 inches for the season. Think about it. That’s a total of nearly eight and a half feet! And we’ve got another full month to go…
Protect democracy
To the editor:
DPw trying to keep up
It’s the first time we’ve had this much snow since 2018. Last year in mid-February we had just accumulated 31 inches, that’s nearly six feet less than this worrisome whiteout.
Yes, we’ve weathered more than eight feet overall this season, and nearly 40 inches
For 105 years, the League of Women Voters (LWV) has been a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy. Now as our democracy is being tested, it is more important than ever that voters have accurate election information; voter access is safeguarded; and election integrity is upheld.
All Americans – regardless of party affiliation – must work together to defend against efforts to undermine democratic principles and processes.
Here are three simple ways that you can help defend democracy:
1. Stay engaged. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe and sometimes the news can make us feel overwhelmed, but it is important for the future of our democracy that each of us stay informed and engaged.
2. Contact your representatives on issues important to you. Elected officials work for the people and they need to hear from concerned citizens like you. By taking action, you will be holding your elected
Managing Editor: Jennifer Wing, ext 340, jwing@eaglenewsonline com
news Editor: Jason Gabak, ext 319, jgabak@eaglenewsonline com
sports Editor: Phil blackwell, ext 348, pblackwell@eaglenewsonline com
Display Ads: Paul Nagle, ext 308, pnagle@eaglenewsonline com
so far through February.
And yes, we can sympathize with those who roofs collapsed or who find their vehicles stuck in the driveway for days on end.
But it’s a bit tougher to empathize with those constant winter whiners who loudly gripe about the village taking its sweet time to plow the sidewalks.
They should consider these telling landscape logistics: the village department of public works is responsible for clearing a whopping 17 miles of sidewalks.
officials accountable on the issues that matter to you.
3. Register to vote and help others register. Make sure your family and neighbors are up to date on their registration. The League works year-round at schools and community events to prepare eligible voters. Check out VOTE411. org for more information.
The LWV of the Syracuse Metropolitan Area will continue to register voters, fight misinformation and disinformation, hold fair candidate forums, take action through advocacy and publish nonpartisan voter guides. We encourage everyone to do their part in actively defending democracy.
JoAn DuRAnT, MARGRiT DiEhL & RoBERTA MiLLERT
LeAderShip teAm oF the LWV oF the SYrACuSe metro AreA
Questions funding for cellphone restrictions
To the editor:
I read with interest your article written, writer unknown, in the February-March Parent , entitled “Time to Disconnect.” I have to wonder why our gover -
DPWSuperintendentMike Neverette and his crews are doing their best to keep up, but even in calmer weather it takes two full work days to complete those 17 miles. up and down seven times Three weeks ago, we reported that Syracuse Crunch forward scored both a game-tying penalty shot and the overtime winning goal on Jan. 25, against the formidable Cleveland Monsters, at the redundantly named Upstate Medical University
DPw l Page 7
nor is proposing 13.5 million dollars ‘for school districts to implement bell-to-bell restrictions on student cellphones and other smart devices. It seems to me the solution is quite easy. No cell phones or other smart devices allowed in school. Period!! And it should be enforced! You know, just as it was before the onset of electronic devices, including cell phones. Exceptions could be for students with health issues, but, then again, the adults, as in office staff, teachers, counselors would be aware of these exceptions and would be available, if needed.
I am not living in the past, as some of you may think. I am quite aware of safety measures needed to keep our young people safe while in school. This is where any monies such as the $13,5 million should be applied. It is outrageous that this amount of money should be used in place of rules and discipline!
Why isn’t anyone questioning this? Why isn’t anyone asking the governor being questioned about this?
BETTy DuszynsKi FAYetteViLLe
Classified Advertising: Patti Puzzo, ext 321 ppuzzo@eaglenewsonline com
Billing questions: alyssa dearborn, ext 305, adearborn@eaglenewsonline com
Legal Advertising: luba demkiv, ext 303, ldemkiv@eaglenewsonline com
Publisher: david tyler, ext 302, dtyler@eaglenewsonline com
creative Director: Gordon bigelow, ext 331, art@eaglenewsonline com HOW CAN WE HELP?
Display Ads: lori lewis, ext 316, llewis@eaglenewsonline com
com
Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
FROM THE MAILBAG
Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby
HISTORY
cLAy hisToRicAL PARK
By JEFF snow toWn oF CLAY hiStoriAn CLAY hiStoriCAL ASSoCiAtion member
I’ve been asked numerous times what is at the Clay Historical Park. I’ve told others where it is and a lot say, “I drive by there all time and always wondered what’s back there.”
One person told me, with the Cigarville name on the train station, they thought it was a place where you smoke cigars. Well, in this short article I’ll try to give readers an idea of what’s there.
There are four buildings: a visitor center, Cigarville train station, log cabin and the Weller barn. The visitor center is the newest building. The Clay Historical group meets there every month on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. There are many historical items in the building, including the newest item, a player piano donated in great working condition.
The Cigarville train station also has many interesting artifacts, and attempts to give the building a train station feel. Also, inside is the display of the log cabin archeological digs that took place in the late 90s at the “old” log cabin off of Henry Clay Boulevard. The train station was originally on the east side of the tracks and was moved to its current location in 1994. The map shows where it was with
l From page 3 SU
an “A” with an arrow to where it was relocated.
An older picture of the train station is shown when it was in full time use.
The Weller barn had the same travel plans as the train station. It was located on the south side of Route 31 west of the Senior Center. The picture printed here shows a crew truck working on moving the barn. The map shows a “B” where the barn originally was to its current location.
The barn also has many artifacts that have been donated by residents showing farming techniques used many years ago.
The log cabin is newly constructed to resemble the “old” log cabin that was over on Henry Clay Boulevard back in the 90s. I did an article on the log cabin last September. The log cabin also has many artifacts that represent life in a log cabin.
The Clay Historical Park will be open this year on May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Oct. 19. One or more members of the Clay Historical Association will be there for anyone who
have a real chance. The old saw about how you’d rather be the man replacing the man who replaces the legend applies, as fans at UCLA, Indiana and so many other places where long-time coaches with national championships left the sidelines.
It also didn’t help that Jim Boeheim drew out his departure for quite a few years, at first designating his succession to Mike Hopkins, then changing his mind which led to Hopkins venturing to Washington.
Fans have a right to feel perturbed, for sure. Yet there’s always the danger
l From page 6 DPW
Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial.
Since then the 24-year-old southpaw was twice recalled to the NHL by the Crunch’s affiliate the Tampa Bay Lightning. He last was promoted on Feb. 18.
Seven times already this season, the all-star hockey winger – who has roomed here in Liverpool and more recently in North Syracuse – has been called up.
That’s got to be a lifelong dream-cometrue for the Mission, British Columbia, native,
wants to tour the buildings or have any questions. The Clay Historical Fall Festival, which is the highlight of the year, will be held on Sept. 20. If anyone has questions, feel free to email me at historian@townofclay. or g The newspaper article on the train station move is from the Star News on Nov. 16, 1994.
Note: there is a correction on article Jan. 22 - “History Lost” on the French Family. Article stated the land was sold to Donald Alt and should have been Dr. John Davis.
of making haphazard changes based on what they think because it can always turn into a perpetual cycle of hiring and firing and soon you’re the late 1970s-early-1980s New York Yankees - remember three managers in a single season?
Not that it’s an easy choice for AD John Wildhack to make. Boeheim, among others, has publicly pleaded for patience and to allow Autry his chance to revamp the SU program, even if it requires two or three more years.
Yet the negativity is so strong in important circles that it’s impossible to tune out. Autry working under a constant win-or-else mandate would also
but it’s got to be somewhat unsettling.
Tough adjustments
Goncalves must struggle to adjust to different teammates and different opponents each time he’s sent up or down. His season statistics in each of the leagues will suffer.
The mustachioed Goncalves has appeared in 33 contests with the Lightning this season, recording one goal and seven points while averaging 12:06 of time on ice. He logged his first career NHL point with an assist Nov. 21 at Columbus before scoring his
prove unhealthy and make it more difficult for whoever is chosen next.
What’s more, there’s nothing close to a correct answer. Some programs have moved on from coaches after one or two bad years and, with a new coach in charge, took off toward glory, as Roy Williams did at North Carolina after Matt Doherty’s brief and stormy tenure.
Others stuck with their choices and were rewarded with that exact same glory – some coach at Duke with a funny last name had a losing record through three seasons and fans clamored for his job. Tom Butters stuck with Mike Krzyzewski and, well, that seemed to
first career goal Dec. 19 versus St. Louis. Goncalves has played in 14 games with the Crunch this season, posting five goals and 18 points. Last season, he notched 13 goals and 45 assists.
Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial at 800 S. State St. in Syracuse, by calling the office at 315473-4444 or online through Ticketmaster. For the latest Crunch news, visit syracusecrunch. com
The Crunch host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, and
work out.
So what to do at SU with Adrian Autry? More than ever it reminds me of those books I read as a kid, “Choose Your Own Adventure”, where you were presented multiple scenarios that either led to doom or happiness.
The ultimate moral was that absolutely nothing was guaranteed to happen. It could always change. Just as it is here, where a passive March without a Dance to watch has left many here wanting to hear the music again.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
the Toronto Marlies on Saturday, March 1, at the Upstate Medical University Arena at 800 S. State St. down city. Ticket prices range between $40.75 and $44.85; syracusecrunch. com; 315-473-4444.
Last word
“The hard soil and four months of snow make the inhabitants of the northern temperate zone wiser and abler than his fellow who enjoys the fixed smile of the tropics.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.
SUDOKU
C-NS girls basketball charges into playoffs
By PhiL BLAcKwELL
Just as important for the CiceroNorth Syracuse girls basketball team as getting that 49-45 win over archrival Liverpool on Feb. 15 was following it up in the two games which still remained in the regular season.
Barely 24 hours later the Northstars found itself at Bishop Ludden but did quite well to avoid any kind of letdown by again leaning on its defense in a 5639 victory over the Gaelic Knights.
All through the first three quarters a normally potent Ludden attack found itself stymied, C-NS only surrendering six points in the opening period, seven in the second and five in the third. For
the game, two key Gaelic Knights contributors, Abby Reynolds and Elizabeth Gaughan, had just three combined field goals.
Though it wasn’t a lot better on the other end, the Northstars still built a 34-18 advantage which held up down the stretch, Leah Benedict finishing with 18 points mostly from four 3-pointers.
Kylah Bednar contributed nine points off the bench, with Grace Villnave, Jilly Howell and Meadow Werts earning six points apiece. For Ludden, Sophia Chemotti led with 11 points, Ava Carpenter adding nine points, seven rebounds and six assists.
It figured to get tougher three days
later against Marcellus, the Class B contender with a duo of 1,000-point scorers, Cece Powell and Tenly Baker, leading the way.
Instead, the Northstars performed close to perfection in the early stages, jumping out to a 23-5 lead by the end of the first quarter and extending it to 44-16 by halftime on the way to a 68-47 victory.
Depth made the difference, for though Powell piled up 34 points, most of them in the second half, C-NS didn’t lean as much on Benedict despite her 21 points mostly from five 3-pointers.
Howell finished with 10 points, just ahead of Alexis Gasparini earning eight points. Villnave had seven points
as Werts, Liv Cook and Avery Rumble had six points apiece.
C-NS held the no. 14 spot in the state AAA rankings four spots ahead of Liverpool at no. 18 as they again held the top two seeds for the sectional playoffs.
With just six teams in the sectional field, this means byes directly into the March 5 semifinals at Nottingham High School, with top seed Liverpool getting the winner of this Thursday’s game between no. 4 seed Rome Free Academy and no. 5 seed Ludden and no. 2 seed C-NS getting either no. 3 seed Baldwinsville or no. 6 seed Fayetteville-Manlius.
C-NS, Liverpool add to win totals before playoffs
By PhiL BLAcKwELL
When the boys basketball Section III Class AAA playoffs goes into its quarterfinal round this week, CiceroNorth Syracuse will hold the most victories – 19, against a single defeat – yet still be a no. 2 seed.
Rome Free Academy’s undefeated 16-0 run, and the opponents it beat, gave it enough to slide into the top seed, where it might find itself confronting defending champion Liverpool in the semifinals.
Though it’s the no. 4 seed with a 14-6 record, Liverpool has the capabil -
ity of knocking off anyone, especially if its offense can find the kind of production it enjoyed last Wednesday while rolling past Henninger 81-46.
A near-perfect start had Liverpool ahead of the Black Knights 26-5 by the end of he first quarter, and the margin kept growing until 68-27 through three peiods and the starters could rest.
Alex Trombley, recovering from a rough showing against C-NS on Feb. 15, had 22 points here, but he was just one of five Liverpool players to score in double figures.
Freddy Fowler managed 15 points, with Danny Dunn getting 11 points.
Braylon Otis stepped up, his 10 points equaling the total of Giancarlo Galimi.
C-NS worked that same night against Fayetteville-Manlius and made quite a statement of its own, rolling to a 75-59 victory over the Hornets.
Even as F-M mostly kept pace during the first half, the Northstars remained patient and, up 33-26 at the break, it proceeded to go on a 22-7 tear through the third quarter to settle matters.
Nate Francis and Andrew Benedict hit seven 3-pointers between them, Francis producing 22 points and Benedict 18 points. Sam Werts and Andrew Potter had eight points apiece, Larry
Nesci adding six points. In the nine-team sectional bracket C-NS will play its quarterfinal against no. 7 seed Baldwinsville Thursday night at 6 p.m. at North Syracuse Junior High School having narrowly defeated these same Bees 55-54 on Feb. 11. This comes a night after Liverpool, as the no. 4 seed, hosts no. 5 seed Christian Brothers Academy. The semifinals are March 4 at Mohawk Valley Community College and the finals March 8 at 4:30 at SRC Arena.
C-NS hockey rolls to playoff win over Watertown IHC
By PhiL BLAcKwELL
Few games in the history of the Cicero-North Syracuse ice hockey program compare in importance with what it has on Wednesday night at Rome’s Kennedy Arena.
Here the Northstars would challenge Rome Free Academy in the Section III Division I semifinals, with the winner going to the March 3 championship game agains West Genesee or Fayette -
ville-Manlius.
Both teams have played 20 games. C-NS is 15-3-2 and RFA at 18-1-1, both of them having only missed one game in the regular season – the one they were supposed to have against each other Jan. 28 in Rome which was postponed and never rescheduled.
Now they arrived fresh off impressive sectional quarterfinal victories, starting last Wednesday when RFA, the no. 2 seed, turned back no. 7 seed Syra -
cuse in a 5-0 shtutout.
Two nights later it was C-NS’s turn, defending its no. 3 seed against a no. 6 seed Watertown IHC side which had to go through a first-round game with Mohawk Valley just two nights earlier after multiple weather delays.
The Cavaliers won that game, 8-4, but had less than 48 hours to turn it around and head to the Twin Rinks where a C-NS side was well-rested and quite confident since, in its Feb. 10
regular-season finale, it beat IHC 4-1 in Watertown. As it turned out, the rematch was a bit more lopsided, C-NS unleashing its offense from the outset and not letting up until it had put away the Cavalliers 7-3.
Having never won a sectional championship before, just the opportunity to do so for C-NS was motivation enough.
Kalfass named top wrestler at sectional state qualifier
By PhiL BLAcKwELL
A pair of individual victories - one of them expected, the other far less so - helped the Cicero-North Syracuse boys wrestling team nearly claim the top spot in the Feb. 15 Section III Division I state qualifier at SRC Arena.
Kasey Kalfass was the no. 6 seed at 124 pounds, but but knocked off the top three seeds in a row to earn a trip to the Feb. 28-March 1 state meet in Albany and also land Most Outstanding Wrestler honors for the meet.
To start with, Kalfass blanked East Syracuse Minoa’s Peyton Spencer, the no. 3 seed, in a 15-0 technical fall in the quarterfinals before outlasting the no. 2 seed, Indian River’s Eli Faus, 7-3 in the semifinals.
Only top seed Dominic Schiano from Jamesville-DeWitt/CBA remained, but in the championship bout Kalfass controlled matters most of the way, piling
up points and topping Schiano 12-4.
Kennedy Thomas added a victory for C-NS at 152 pounds. Unlike Kalfass, Thomas was a favored top seed, pinning Gayge Amrhein (Whitesboro) in 62 seconds and Isaiah Ward (Carthage) in 46 seconds to get to the final, where he earned a third consecutive pin stopping Fulton’s Colen Austin in the second period to move to 34-3 on the season.
Two other C-NS wrestlers, Javone Dawkins and Kaydin Welch, got to finals – and by doing so, they augmented what were already strong seasons and earned at-large berths in the state meet to join Kalfass and Thomas.
Dawkins (26-12 on the season) was the no. 7 seed at 131 pounds but he pinned the no. 2 seed, West Genesee’s Austin Fesinger, in the quarterfinals and then handled Fayetteville-Manlius’ Eric Kozlowski 10-1 in the semifinals only to get stopped in the final
AucTion
Liverpool chamber to hold annual event
The Liverpool Chamber is at it again. The Fifth Annual Spring into Auction will start on March 28 online.
All prize sponsors for this event are members of the Liverpool Chamber.
Some items are $25, and some are worth $100 and some $1,000. This year there will be daily specials where items can be purchased outright.
Items are overnight stays at local hotels, coffee lovers basket, wine lovers basket, whiskey basket, lamp, gift certificates to restaurants and Amazon, a golf package, gift certificates to concerts, perfume, office supplies and much more. All donations must be to the chamber no later than March 10. Send a photo and description or bring item to the chamber.
The money raised go towards the programs offered to the members of the Liverpool Chamber. We are here to help businesses grow.
This is also a great way to check out the business community and support local business.
For more information call 315-457-3895 or visit chamber@liverpoolchamber.com
by Central Square’s Jaxon Perkins in a technical fall.
Meanwhile, at 190 pounds Welch pinned Gage Babcock (Carthage) in the quarterfinals and pinned Noah Long (Whitesboro) in 83 seconds in the semifinal but lost his final in a rematch with Syracuse’s Ryan Brown, who also topped Welch in the sectional Class A final a week earlier. Welch is 33-5 this winter with two of the defeats coming to Brown.
Up at 101 pounds Grady Ellsworth pinned Zach Hammond (Fulton) for third place, while Ahmed Ashkar (285 pounds), Michael Pease (215 pounds) and Mason Indick (138 pounds) lost in the quarterfinals and Derek Eells lost in the opening round at 160 poundss. For Liverpool , Sajad Amirzada made his way to fourth place at 116 pounds, taking a defeat to Fulton’s Lucas Hammond in the consolation bracket final. Samir Amiri finished
SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARS
fifth at 145 pounds when C-NS’s Sean Aldrich had to take a medical forefit. Nick Lonkowski lost in the opening round at 152, as did Jonathan Underwood at 170 pounds. This preceded last Sunday’s sectional girls wrestling state qualifier, also at SRC Arena, where Shea Ellsworth made it all the way to the championship round at 100 pounds.
Ellsworth, who is 24-6 this season, blanked West Genesee’s Julianna Martini 10-0 in the quarterfinals and took just 2:50 to pin Phoenix’s Agnes Terpening in the semifinals, only to run into General Brown’s Zoey Jewett in the title bout and take a 10-0 defeat.
Aniyah Burton had C-NS’s other top-four finish, getting fourth at 165 pounds. Beaten in the quarterfinals by Homer’s Eila Spanbauer, Burton worked her way back to the consolation bracket final, only to run into Spanbauer again and take a 14-1 loss.
Local students named to Elmira College Dean’s List
Elmira College released its dean’s list for the fall 2024 term, recognizing students who were registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and who earned a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher.
Local students named to the list include: Rachel Benjamin of Liverpool, Emma Rossman of Clay and Ava Scanna of Liverpool.
Belmont university announces dean’s list for fall semester
Belmont University recently released the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. Approximately 53% of the University’s 7,175 undergraduate students qualified for the fall 2024 Dean’s List.
Local students named to the list include: Payton Taffner of Cicero, Allysia Curtis of Liverpool and Karah Edmonds.
Ricciardi named to PennWest Dean’s List for fall semester
Jessica Ricciardi of Cicero, was named to the Pennsylvania Western University dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester.
Over 3,000 Pennsylvania Western University students earned placement on the Dean’s List. Degree-seeking undergraduate students who achieve high academic standards are identified in accordance with the following criteria: The student must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.40; The student must earn a minimum of 12 graded credits during the semester, not including credits by proficiency examinations, incomplete grads, temporary gradfes (e.g., Not Reported), or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades.
Ricciardi studies at PennWest’s California Campus.
