May 2009
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SYRACUSE, NY Permit # 1672
Census workers spring into action in New England and New York
By Melissa Renahan Some people forget that Memorial Day is about more than a long weekend to kick off the summer. Clay resident Glenn Sotherden is not one of those people. Since 1984 he has been putting flags on the graves of close to 1,500 veterans at six local cemeteries, including the Pine Plains Cemetery in Clay, off of Henry Clay Blvd. This year there are 25 new veteran graves that will be marked with flags. In the past few years, the numbers have climbed dramatically due to the WW2 vets aging and dying. The flags, which are distributed by a veterans’ group called the Memorial Association of Syracuse, are limited. This year the allotment was for only 720 flags, but Sotherden has been planning ahead. Each year the flags are removed by July 10 and stored safely in his house so that they can be used the following year. He single-handedly ensures that everyone entitled to a flag receives one. Many of the graves at Pine Plains
Clay resident Glenn Sotherden ensures that all the veteran graves under his watch get the proper respect and markings.
are unmarked. The Veterans Administration will provide markers for free, but they cannot do so without notification from the next of kin, which is sometimes not possible. Those that are marked date back as far as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. There are also graves of non-local veterans who were given plots at no cost, though no one really
In This Issue: Town Parks Schedule............Pg 2 Local Heroes: NOVA...............Pg 3 Inside Town Hall......................Pg 5 School News...........................Pg 6 In Business..............................Pg 9 In Good Faith........................Pg 10 Home Buyers Get Lucky........Pg 11 Out to Eat...............................Pg 12 Local Calendar....................Pg 13 Classifieds...........................Pg 15
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knows how or why they wound up in Clay. “I like it here because it is so peaceful,” Sotherden said. The care he takes in his work probably gives the veterans who rest there peace as well. There will be a ceremony open to the public at 10 a.m. on May 25 at the Pine Plains Cemetery to commemorate the holiday.
Water rate increases During the April 6 Clay Town Board meeting, board members approved the amendment of the 2009 Clay Water Budget to increase rates for residential and industrial properties by 15 percent. The resolution is based on the increases charged to the town by Onondaga County Water Authority, which became effective after the first of the year. For more information or to ask a question, please call the town at 652-3800 and ask for the water department.
The U. S. Census Bureau has launched a massive operation to verify and update more than 145 million addresses as it prepares to conduct the 2010 Census. Nationwide, more than 140,000 Census workers will participate in the Address Canvassing Operation, a critically important first step in assuring that every housing unit receives a 2010 Census questionnaire in March 2010. Throughout the Census Bureau’s Boston Region (New England, upstate New York, and Puerto Rico), approximately 13,000 temporary employees will carry out the operation. “A complete and accurate address list is the cornerstone of a successful Decennial Census,” said Kathleen Ludgate, Regional Director at the Boston Regional Census Center. “Building on the achievements of the 2000 Census, we have been testing and preparing for the 2010 count all decade, and we’re ready to fulfill our constitutional mandate to count everyone living in the United States.” The first publicly visible activity of the 2010 Census is now underway. New England and Upstate New York residents could see address canvassing listers in their neighborhoods and communities from April until late June. The Census listers have been trained to use new hand-held computers equipped with GPS to increase geographic accuracy. The ability to capture GPS coordinates for housing units will greatly reduce the number of errors caused by using paper maps as was done in previous Census counts. “The primary goal of the Decennial Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place,” Director Ludgate said. “Because the Census is used for reapportioning seats in the Please see Census, page 14
Clay Insider, 2
May 2009
Park privileges come with code of conduct By Melissa Renahan
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The last weekends in April were gorgeous. People dropped what they were doing to rush outside, whether it be to play a round of tennis, put their boat in the water or just sit and soak up the nearly forgotten feeling of the sun on their faces. Many residents also headed to the many parks located around town. As Clay residents, we are fortunate to have so many acres devoted to green areas and recreational pursuits. In order to keep those parks safe and enjoyable for all park users, the town has established some rules and regulations to govern them. Clay operates four town wide facilities, which are designed to accommodate large activities and functions. The four town wide parks are: Clay Park South, located at 7200 Buckley Road; Clay Park Central I and Clay Park Central II, located at 4821 Wetzel Road and 7858 Henry Clay Boulevard; Clay Park North, located at 4483 Route 31 behind to Town Hall; and Meltzer Park, located at 8400 Stearns Road. Neighborhood parks, which number 28, are generally smaller in size and located in densely populated residential areas throughout the town. These are primarily designed for neighborhood drop-in type of recreational activities;
Two people start a game of hoops at Meltzer Park during April’s heat wave.
organized league play, whether it is youth or adult, is discouraged. The Clay Historical Park, on the west side of the rail road tracks at 4939 Route 31 in the Village of Clay, is also subject to these rules. Although only a partial listing, the regulations listed here are the most important, and coincidentally, also seem to be the ones that have been abused the most. 1. Neighborhood Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Town-wide Parks: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in neighborhood parks unless a large group has a special permit issued from the Commissioner of Recreation. There are no restrictions against the bringing of such intoxicants into a town-wide park by individuals or family picnic parties. 3. The operations of any motorized
vehicles or bicycles are prohibited on any field, grass or court areas. Park users are asked to avoid, if possible, parking on grass buffer areas, entrance roads or turn around. 4. Littering of any sort, including glass breakage, is prohibited and will be enforced by any Town Officials in attendance at the parks. If trash receptacles are unavailable, please take the trash with you in your car. 5. Animals, including dogs, are not to be brought into the park unless restrained on a leash. Please be courteous and do not let animal defecate in and around Children’s Play Area and Athletic Fields. 6. Soliciting or selling any items in the parks is prohibited. 7. Golfing and hard ball play is prohibited. Neighborhood parks in residential areas are prohibited areas, also.
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At its April 6 meeting, the Liverpool Central School District Board of Education adopted a proposed $132.9 million budget for the 2009-2010 school year that would result in an estimated tax decrease of 1.10 percent. “District administrators worked diligently to develop a budget that reflected the current economic conditions that our residents are facing, while also supporting the educational needs of its students,” said Superintendent Janice H. Matousek. “Through staff reductions and program changes due to declining enrollment, we can present a budget to the Liverpool community with estimated decrease in tax impact.” The proposed budget includes New York State aid close to the level the district received for the 2008-2009 school year, as well as federal stimulus money to support IDEA and Title I. In addition, New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe obtained a $700,000 grant that will allow the district to offer a Universal Pre-K program for some of its youngest residents. The grant money reduced the local share of the program’s costs. A public hearing regarding the 2009-2010 budget will be held Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office cafeteria (195
Blackberry Road in Bayberry). The annual budget vote will be held Tuesday, May 19. Two additional propositions also will be presented to voters on May 19. Proposition #2 asks residents to allow the district to purchase three 66-passenger buses, one 15passenger bus with a wheelchair station and one 28-passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $453,250. State aid will cover 78 percent of the cost to purchase the buses. Proposition #3 asks residents to allow the district to establish a capital reserve fund of up to $10 million to assist with future capital projects and improvements. LCSD elections are conducted at five polling places. Community residents who are properly registered may vote once at whatever polling place is most convenient for them. Polling places for the May 19 election are: Chestnut Hill Middle (Saslon Park Drive), Liverpool Public Library (Tulip Street), Nate Perry Elementary (Buckley Road), Soule Road Complex (Soule Road) and Liverpool High School (Wetzel Road). LHS will have a handicap-accessible voting booth available for community members. Each polling place will be open from noon until 9 p.m.
May 2009
Clay Insider, 3
By Melissa Renahan
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whom are constantly training. “We constantly try to raise the bar with that,” explained Marko. “It is important to ensure that all of our technicians are on top of their skills and current in procedures.”
In addition to the copious number of hours that a person in each position is required by law to complete before getting certified, NOVA has its own training director to promote Please see NOVA, page 15
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department and sheriff ’s office will also be on hand. “Most times we meet people at one of their worst moments. We’d like to take this opportunity to meet them under better circumstances,” said John Marko, Director of Operations. NOVA has four vehicles, with a fifth on the way, and approximately 35 volunteers and 50 employees on staff - which is not a lot considering the operation runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to Marko, they always need more help, though right now recruiting and retaining volunteers is difficult. During an average week, 10 percent or less of the people involved with NOVA are volunteers. “We appreciate any help, but those who can drive or have any medical experience are really needed,” he said. As for the paid staff, there is a mixture of Basic EMTs, Paramedics and Critical Care Technicians, all of
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Clay Insider, 4
Won’t you be my neighbor? By Melissa Renahan I am not a neighborhood BBQ kind of girl. I wave when I drive by, I smile when going to get the mail, I would do a favor if asked – but I will never be mistaken for a member of the welcome wagon. However I am considering making a change… A few weeks ago, as I drove home, I got a call from Animal Control. My troublesome beagles had found their way out of our yard AGAIN and unfortunately the man on the phone had only found one of them. Within minutes my husband and I were at the house holding our little girl pup and discussing how to begin our own neighborhood canvas to find the missing boy. As I walked the few miles of streets around our house over and over again, I was frantic. Since the weather was nice and it was after 5 p.m., most people were outside with their own kids and dogs. As I walked by, whistling and looking inbetween houses and under shrubs, at least 75 percent of those people asked me if everything was ok. Then once I explained, they acted not only concerned, but some even took my phone number down in case they saw something later. At the time I was thankful for their kindness, but really unable to appreciate just how nice they all were and how eager to help. To voluntarily involve yourself in a stranger’s predicament is the definition of generosity. It is also
The guilty parties, Lola and Leroy.
something good that often gets overshadowed by the publicized bad in our society. Three hours after we’d begun our search I was imagining posting signs, crying my eyes out and wondering for weeks to come where my curious dog had wandered off to. Just then, as I stopped by our house to grab some water, a car pulled into the driveway and in the front seat, nestled in an unfamiliar lap, was my boy. After making sure that there were no injuries and that plenty of water was consumed, we rushed out and bought an electric fence. Now hopefully we won’t go through this again, but I know that if we do, I can count on those living nearby. So to that couple from Fortuna Parkway that brought my baby home, I want to say to thank you again. I wish I knew your names, but for now I will just know you as good neighbors.
5901 Firestone Drive Syracuse, NY 13206 Fax 434-8883 www.clayinsider.com
May 2009
Clay brush pick-up scheduled this month In Clay, spring pickup will begin May 4 and end May 27. Yard waste consists of plants, grass, leaves, together with shrubbery, limbs and small tree trunks that are less than eight feet long and six inches in diameter. Anything larger must be sawed into blocks of a reasonable size. Heavy appliances and exclusively metal items will also be picked up at this time by a separate truck. Please pile brush and metal separately. Items as followed will not be
picked up: refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, TVs, microwaves, lumber, tires, furniture, plastic or glass. Do not place waste on the paved portion of the road or in the gutter. Materials that are unacceptable must be removed from the curb or roadside – if not, litter laws will apply. For more information or specific pick up dates for you neighborhood, please call town hall at 652-3800 ext. 124 or visit townofclay.org.
Attention Residents! There is a Lost & Found box in town hall, located by the clerk’s desk. All items left behind in the building or during a town meeting are collected and held. If you have reason to believe you lost something there, please stop by and check the box, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm!
The Clay Insider is currently delivered at no cost to the areas of Clay in the following zip codes: 13041, 13027 and 13090. If you are not in those areas and would like to receive the Insider, please contact the editor at news@clayinsider.com.
Insider Babysitter List Melissa Renahan Editor
news@clayinsider.com 434-8889 ext 318
Rachel Shipley 699-6296 or 515-1432 16 years old, $5/hour Available Mon-Fri 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Elea Barker 935-6492 25 years old and attending Bryant and Stratton. Mon & Wed 3- 9 p.m., Tues & Thurs 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Fri all day Denise Sakran 451-8586 Over 18 and Red Cross certified Can care for 2-3 children in my home.
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To be on the list you must be at least 14 years of age and Red Cross certified. You may not own a child care business or operate a daycare service. If you are under 18 years of age we recommend that a parent be present when meeting the family looking to hire you. If you are interested please send your name, phone number, availability and rates to news@clayinsider.com. We will publish and add to the list each month. There is no charge for this listing.
May 2009
I nside
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Clay Insider, 5
A look back at Clay history: Bayberry back story, part II By Dorothy Heller, Clay Historian
By Rob Bick, Town Assessor Let’s talk about exemptions… The original and principle function of an Assessor’s Office is to maintain a fair and equitable assessment roll. This is the foundation for the levy of taxes by the school districts (we have parts of five in Clay), Onondaga County and the town, as well as the many special districts. Each taxing jurisdiction prepares an annual budget according to its fiscal year. This budget takes into consideration anticipated sources of revenue and necessary expenditures for their budget year. Once all of these variables are determined the budget is “balanced” by levying the remainder of funds needed against the taxable value on the assessment roll. The purpose of an assessment is to equitably distribute the tax burden amongst property owners. Similar properties should pay similar taxes. Nice idea. Never works. Aside from the fact that taxes in general are just too high and exceed people’s ability to pay, why doesn’t it work? The answer: Property tax exemptions! The hole in the armor of this system of fairness is the “property tax exemption” process. With the number and value of exemptions continually increasing, the tax load becomes less equitable and the burden of payment shifts to those groups that receive fewer or less valuable exemptions. When the school district, county or town grant a new exemption, the remainder of the tax base (those who do not receive that particular exemption) must shoulder an increased tax burden because the same total amount must be collected, and certain properties are now paying less. As homeowners and businesses receive more benefits in an effort to curb the exorbitant taxes, the tax rates for all taxpayers increase to make up for the lost revenue. Your assessment may not change in five years, but you can bet your tax bill will increase well into double digits. So, as exemption usage increases,
the effective tax rate will also increase. I just ran “exemption reports” for all five school districts in Clay, and found that the average percentage of tax-exempt property value is 24.65 percent. Yes, that is correct. For every $4 of taxable property, $1 of that is exempt for school tax purposes. (This equates to about 1 billion dollars worth of tax exempt property) We all are concerned about high school taxes, (and all taxes in general) and the exemptions we receive help us afford our homes. But those very exemptions drive up the tax rates to compensate for that 25 percent of lost revenue. As the state legislature continues to erode the tax base by catering to special interests through the creation of more and more exemptions, these same elected representatives continue to be a major part of New York’s “taxing” problem. An interesting dilemma, and one that can only be solved by restructuring the way we fund public entities from a regressive process (not based on the ability to actually pay) but a consumptive or income based process (how much you spend or how much you earn). Just for a moment think about not paying taxes in the same way. Imagine the boon to the homebuilding industry, let alone other businesses, if people didn’t have to pay $300, $500 or $1,000 a month in property taxes. How much more home could you afford? What type of improvements could be made to your personal “quality of life?” Exemptions (property tax welfare) have become part of the tax problem, especially for the “Middle Class.” They have become a “political” smokescreen for New York States “fiscal” dysfunction, a “vote getting” mechanism for the states elected officials and a major player in the unequal funding and high cost of upstate schools. An interesting dilemma indeed!
Tom Gaines remembers the green areas the children used for playgrounds. One incident – they made a hot air balloon with tissue paper (10 feet tall) and used a garbage can to burn the gas to inflate it. Needless to say, it caught fire and Tom was singed since he was on a ladder holding it from the top. Also, they made their own dugout for their softball team on a green area with manholes for bases. He also talked of how great the community pool was as a center of social activity for all ages. They had a championship swim team. In the summer, the kids would stay all day – well chaperoned – and after dinner fall into bed exhausted. Also three churches conducted services in Bayberry in the 1960s: Christ the King Catholic, Ling of Kings Lutheran and United Church of Christ. Crosby’s Super Duper was the first store across from the entrance, with Wegman’s coming in 1964 – their first store in this area. But Bayberry Plaza with its movie theater was the favorite. The kids would walk there from behind the Lutheran Church and once, when there was a Planet of the Apes marathon, they stayed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.! A 19-acre area on the West Side of Route 57 was secured as a “Forever Wild” area under the Clean Air and Clean Water Bond Act. It was a cooperative effort of June Baycura
(then BCA President), Irongate Homeowners Association, members of the Audabon Society, members of Save the County and Assemblyman Michael Bragman. Bayberry and BCA were recipients of state, county and town resolutions recognizing their influence on the town of Clay. Another major accomplishment of BCA was obtaining a traffic light at the intersection of Blackberry (former Buckley Road) and Route 57. Over the years other activities included in-home visits from Santa, holiday decorating contests, Halloween costume parades, snow sculpting, community garage sales, Easter egg hunts, clam bakes and block parties. The consensus of opinion among the residents is that it is and was a totally safe place to bring up their children. There were activities for everyone and they took care of each other. Bayberry was a first in the Planned Community Idea. Many original residents still live in the Community. *Information taken mostly from the DVD BAYBERRY, produced with funds from Senator John DeFrancisco’s Heritage Grant Program administered by the Cultural Resource Council. It is narrated by June Baycura, Bayberry Historian. It may be borrowed or bought from the Liverpool Public Library. Also, many other facts contributed by June Baycura.
North Syracuse unveils historic mural
North Syracuse mayor John Heindorf happily accepts a plaque commemorating the mural on behalf of the town.
Last month, at the community center in North Syracuse, the North Syracuse Art Guild unveiled a mural of the last trolly leaving the S.Bay Road station. The mural was a combined effort of artist Sandy Phillips, originator; historian Bob Henry; and well-known muralist Tony Clubine who directed local artists Donna Egan, Laura Fudge, Mary Haven, Peg Hewitt, Noreen Stephan and Joan M. Timmons.
Clay Insider, 6
REAL ESTATE MATTERS by Donna Rausch
AN OFFER yOu cAN’t REFusE When your Realtor calls to say there is an offer on your home, you get excited. Then you hear the offer and get an adrenaline rush. Whether the offer is good or bad, you should just remain calm - and discuss both the offer and the counteroffer with your agent. The negotiations of a purchase begin with the buyer’s ideal terms and a counteroffer of the seller’s ideal terms. A good agent will look beyond the price when evaluating an offer. If the buyers financial qualifications are shaky or the offer has subtle terms or conditions, your agent should be there to minimize any risk to you and to address these items in any counteroffers. Your agent’s job is not to make a decision for you, but to be sure that you fully understand what the offer includes and what is expected of you. Donna Rausch is the Branch Manager of the Liverpool office of RealtyUSA. Donna is an Associate Broker, holds the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist designation as well as the Seniors Real Estate designation. Donna and her 37 experienced associates can be reached at 622-2111 x124 for additional information regarding any Real Estate Matter.
May 2009
Roxboro ‘block’ed for social change Roxboro Road Middle School (RRMS) will present Rox Block Party, two nights of music for social change, on Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. RRMS students have worked side by side with locally and nationally recognized graphic and recording artists to create their own beats and music and poetry and artwork opposing prejudice, building understanding and tolerance and addressing the need for social change through music and art. By building a better understanding of urban art forms, students will demonstrate their understanding of tolerance. The event has been written, produced and directed by Roxboro Road Middle School R.A.P. Urban Club Director, Kristen Kopf. “This will be an experience of a lifetime,� says Kopf, an accomplished musician who last brought Central New York the widely popular and sold-out program, Extreme Strings, featuring Trans Siberian Orchestra co-founder Mark Wood. This time around Kopf has called upon many local, regional and national talents to work with the students in finding harmony in diversity. Nationally known Hip-Hop artist, Melodiq, is lending his talents to the Rox Block Party. Melodiq’s work rate is outstanding, and over the years, he has built a solid soulful and con-
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The kids, posing here with Melodiq, are inviting the public to learn about tolerance.
sistent repertoire of material collaborating with producers, musicians and emcees worldwide. The Rox Block Party is happy to also have local and national Hip-Hop artist Seth Marcel, a four-time Sammy Award (Syracuse Area Music Award) winning artist. His music has been featured on “CSI�, “The Closer�, HBO’s “Entourage� and “Platinum�. To his credit Seth has released three albums with his latest musical effort “Mr. Bradford�. Seth will be working one-on-one with
the students creating a beat and lyrics for a Hip-Hop epic of their own titled, “ True Meaning of a Bloc Party�. Additional performances will include: the Onondaga Community College African Percussion Ensemble directed by Rob Bridge, Bethany Baptist Gospel Choir, Clyde Taylor and the Eradication Drill Squad and New York City artist Michael Canavan. Tickets to the Bloc Party are available as pre-sale only for $8 and can be obtained by calling 218-3300.
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Community service plays a big role at Soule Road Middle. Each year, SRM seventh- and eighth-graders can be found visiting places such as the Rescue Mission and Elderwood Health Care at Birchwood to lend a hand or help those in need. While the students enjoy their time in the community, SRM special education teacher Nancy Snyder wondered if there was something the students could do to help out “closer to home.� Creating a memory garden near the main entrance was one of the ways the school administration thought it could continue to build community within its walls. SRM technology teacher Christopher Stein, who designed the perennial garden, said teachers and staff members provided the input for the garden’s design, while the seventh- and eighth-graders will be responsible for planting and maintaining the garden, which will feature grasses, hostas and a paperbark maple tree. Stein also worked with Liverpool Central School District maintenance worker Dan Carroll to add several learning elements to the garden, including spaces for class projects
and participation in Project BudBurst. BudBurst is a national campaign that asks individuals to add the same plants to their gardens, monitor when they bloom and record it so scientists can track climate change. Carroll currently is working on gardens with students from five LCSD elementary schools. SRM students are excited about taking ownership of the garden, Stein said. They have already measured the area for planting, and will get their hands dirty by learning how to properly install plants and maintain the garden in late April or early May. The memory garden will be dedicated to the many people who have had an impact on the SRM community. It was paid for through donations from teachers, staff and retirees. A plaque will be added to the wall next to the garden and will feature the names of all those honored. “There’s an awful lot of people who have done an awful lot for education,� Snyder said. Anyone interested in donating money toward the project can contact the school at 453-1283.
May 2009
To start or not to start kindergarten – that is the question! “1, 2, 3 - I’m ready as can be!” That is the motto of the 21 children in the Kindergarten Prep Program at St. Rose of Lima School. Alyssa Cervino stops by and visits her cousin in kindergarten each morning on the way down the hall to her Kindergarten Prep classroom. She will be more than ready to fill that chair in September. “My daughter just missed the cutoff date for kindergarten last fall. She had already attended a four-year-old pre-k, so this program was a great solution. We have really enjoyed watching her blossom and become fully prepared for the structure she
will need next year in kindergarten,” said proud parent Matt Cervino, a St. Rose graduate himself. Joan Dano’s grandson also attends the Kindergarten Prep Program. “We had a hard decision to make last fall with my grandson having a fall birthday. Do we or don’t we begin kindergarten?” Many families find themselves questioning the right choice for their preschoolers. The Kindergarten Prep Program provides an opportunity to give the gift of time children need to develop the social and emotional skills for a successful transition into St. Rose of Lima’s k-prep program teaches many skills, including computers. kindergarten.
Students learn ‘A’ is for author Children’s author Brad Herzog recently spent the day at Nate Perry Elementary, where he shared stories about his life and how he was inspired to become a writer. The author of P is for Putt and T is for Touchdown told students that the first time he had his work published was in 1983, when he was asked to write a story about his experience as a bat boy for his favorite baseball team, the Chicago White Sox. He said that when he finally saw his name in print, he was hooked. The Cornell University graduate also shared with students the process he goes through when writing a book, from coming up with an idea to getting the finished product published. Ideas, he told them, can come from anywhere, and can come from experience or curiosity. He added that if the students do the right kind of research, they will always find something
interesting to write about. Herzog also shared one important piece of advice with NPE students. “The secret to becoming a great writer is being a good reader,” he told them. Herzog also writes travel books for adult readers, including Small World: A Microcosmic Journey and the upcoming Greek to Me: A Would-Be Hero’s American Odyssey. To learn more, visit bradherzog.com.
Fifth graders D.A.R.E. to say no
Clay Insider, 7 LCSD honored again as one of the ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ School districts were chosen for this honor because they exemplify community commitment to include music education as part of a quality education for all children. In all, 124 school districts representing 21 states received this honor. “We are delighted that the district has received this national recognition for the second year in a row,” said LCSD Coordinator of Fine Arts David Perry. “It’s a great compliment to everyone attached to the district,” he said. “It’s something we should all be proud of.” For more information on the LCSD Music Department, visit liverpool.k12. ny.us/FineArts. For more information about NAMM, visit the organization’s web site at namm.org.
James Joyce 2009 writing contest
Please see Joyce, page 15
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The fifth grade class at St. Mary’s Academy in Baldwinsville recently completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program offered by the Baldwinsville Police Department.Pictured with the D.A.R.E. graduates are (back row from left to right) Lieutenant Thomas LeRoy, D.A.R.E. Instructor Officer Lisa Dell, D.A.R.E. graduation speaker Baldwinsville Mayor Joseph Saraceni, and Chief Michael Lefancheck.
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Clay Insider, 8
May 2009
East-West Combat Club grapples to the top By Paul Lyboult Are you ready to rumble? If you’re not, there is a place you can learn. The East-West Combat Club in Liverpool promises to not only get you into better shape, but also train you like the next UFC champion. Having recently experienced what the club has to offer I can tell you that they most certainly keep their promises. Highly touted as a black belt school East-West is led by head instructors Hermes Franca and Marc Gervais. These teachers give excellent instruction and positive reinforcement in every class, something
The Clay-based pirates pose with all the trash found at 3 Rivers Point.
Picking up garbage is not normally fun. Yet on April 18, in honor of Earth Day, there were at least 40 people (many of whom were dressed as pirates) having plenty of fun and cleaning up our local waterways. The event, which was part of the state’s Canal Corporation’s Canal Sweep project, was hosted by town hall employee Chrissy Clancy and
and look forward to more classes down the road. “All of our students tell us after a short amount of time that they see huge boosts in self discipline, self esteem, and never ending improvement” reads a statement on the official club web site. If you are undecided if these types of classes are right for you, East-West offers a free two-week introductory period. Simply visit www.eastwestcombatclub.com and enter your email address to be given a special coupon for this limited time offer. These aren’t just average karate classes; intense self-defense skills,
her pirate-based theater group Chaos. At a time when pirates are in the news for high crimes on the seas, it’s good to know that here in Clay they care. “I was excited by the team effort and overwhelming success of the event...We aren’t being very kind to our earth. The things that we found were appalling.” said Clancy.
Showroom of C&R Supply Cabinets
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Practicing what they teach: Hermes Franca and Marc Gervais (pictured above) frequently do more than just instruct students, they often provide hands-on training and demonstrations.
that made me wanting to keep going back for more. Both are also veteran combat competitors and have a very deep knowledge of what they teach. Franca has been a regular in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Gervais is also a 4th degree black belt and experienced mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Together in running East-West they constantly promote “modesty, courtesy, patience, self control and a never ending indomitable spirit”. No experience is needed before attending classes and all of the instructors go out of their way to work with you. It ended up being one of the most positive experiences I have ever had the chance to be involved with
striking and grappling are taught as well. Classes are offered twice a week but members are also permitted to take up to four classes a week if they so choose. Pricing plans are discussed at the end of the free trial, at the same time that the instructors work with you towards developing an individual training program. The East-West Combat Club is a unique organization that strives to bring out the best in itself and all of its members. The introductory classes are excellent at showing what they have to offer…but be warned, you’ll still feel the effects days later. So if you’re looking to rumble, or at least want to expand your horizons a bit, look no further than the East-West Combat Club.
May 2009
In
Clay Insider, 9
business
Gravina Garden’s grows business as well as plants By Christina Lackey
The gardeners are coming out! This time of year, it seems like every drive through a neighborhood will offer the sight of someone out working in their garden beds getting ready for summer. Although it’s still too early to plant those annuals, the spring clean-up is in full swing. Leaves are being removed, dead plants trimmed back, and mulch is being refreshed. Of course, many Clay residents plan on at least one trip to Gravina Gardens and Ace Hardware on Buckley Road as part of their planting ritual, and with good reason. “Spring is our favorite time of year. People enjoy working outside after our long winters,” said owner Marty Mulrooney. That is very evident from the hustling, bustling atmosphere on a weekday afternoon at Gravina. Wheelbarrows and carts full of springtime treasures abound as customers consult with the knowledgeable staff about when to plant certain types of plants and where they will do best. Many times, though, customers are unsure of where to start. They often rush the season a little by being so eager to get back outdoors and begin getting their front yards fixed up for the summer season. To avoid this Mulrooney suggests that people use this time to check for winter damage to plants and the lawn. Gravina Gardens and Ace Hardware also offers a wide variety of goods and services that many local residents may be unaware of. In addition to the garden center stocked seasonally with good quality plant material like annuals, perennials, evergreens, flowering shrubs and trees, the full-service Ace
Hardware is available for home repair and improvement needs. Gravina Gardens also sells bulk mulch, topsoil and stone; plus there is a landscaping component offering design services, hardscapes, walls, walks, patios, sod and hydro-seeding. Lifelong residents of the Clay area know that Gravina Gardens has been in its current location for many years, and that Mulrooney has been the proud owner of the operation for the last six. After working in the industry for 20 years, he knows the ins and outs of a nursery operation and applies that knowledge to make sure that Gravina offers the best quality plant materials at competitive prices. “We are a full service garden center and hardware specializing in service and giving value to our customers,” he said. Repeat customers, who build a relationship with the staff at local stores, are the goal of every business. Therefore it is important to make sure that every customer feels that they can not only get the products they need at the center, but also the advice and guidance that they might want. To that end, Mulrooney makes sure that every season, “We have a knowledgeable, courteous staff that is ready to help our customers with their garden projects and hardware needs.” Every season seems to have a trend, and this one is no different. This year, there seems to be an increase in the number of customers asking about and planning vegetable gardens. “With the current economy, our customers are doing more home projects. Vegetable gardens seem very popular,” Mulrooney said. Children love to grow
Guaranteed Gardens
addition to all of the rakes, hoes, topsoil and fertilizer that a veggie-growing hopeful could ask for. This is a great time of year to get the soil turned over, planning done, and preparation complete so the plants can go in at the first sign of the weather significantly warming. That way you’ll have a great yield at the end of the summer. So drop by Gravina Gardens…then get planting and happy gardening!
IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR FOR KINDERGARTEN?
CoConsider your options...
Kindergarten Prep Program
• If your child misses the cut-off date to begin Kindergarten this fall. • If your child has already completed a 4 year old program and you are looking for a new and exciting challenge. • If you would prefer your 5 year old wait to begin Kindergarten until next year. This program is designed to help your child prepare for Kindergarten. Kindergarten basics will be taught while we still work on socialization skills and structure of the school day. This is a five day a week, Monday-Friday program. The school day is from 8:30-2:30. Before/After School Program available if needed.
ALL-DAY Kindergarten Program
Every climate is different and, as you may know, in CNY there are some things that work and some that don’t. Below is a list of plants that have proven success in our specific climate.
Bee Balm • Hollyhocks • Roses • Tulips • Lavendar • Daffodils • Irises • Pansies Hydrangeas • Forsythia Tomatoes • Carrots • Broccoli • Cabbage • Green & Yellow Beans
and eat their own food, and adults love to see their lower grocery bills at the end of the season as they plan dinners around the fresh tomatoes, squash, beans and peas that they are bringing in each week. These gardens can be started from seed early in the season, or gardeners can choose to purchase and work with small plants to get a head start. Gravina offers both of these options in
• A SAFE, nurturing Christ centered environment. • A full-day program in inspiring ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. • A curriculum which follows NY State Standards and Diocesan Guidelines. • FUN, developmentally appropriate activities featuring ACTIVE participation with whole group, small group, and individual instruction. • FREE BREAKFAST for all students and a Daily Hot Lunch Program available. • DEDICATED TEACHERS who appreciate parent input, keep parents informed, and foster family values along with a love of learning. • Before/After School Program available if needed.
FOR
Co
Stop in for a classroom visit • Call today for more information
St. Rose of Lima School Our focus is our children.
Some of the many varieties of flowers for your garden at Gravina’s.
411 South Main St. • N. Syracuse, NY 13212 • 458-6036 • www.stroseny.com
Compare the Cost...Eliminate the Worry
Clay Insider, 10
In
May 2009
good faith
Each month the Insider will run an article about faith submitted by a Clay resident. It can be about anything related to your faith and is not limited to the religious aspects of faith. If you are interested in submitting an article, please contact the editor at news@clayinsider.com. This month’s article was submitted by Clay resident Deanna Pavlacka who attends King of Kings Lutheran Church.
COnFUSIng!!!?
“In Good Faith” - to me, this title invokes trust. When a person accepts something in good faith, they are trusting the source implicitly. As a child, I grew up in a family where I was taught that I needed to speak the truth and live honorably. But, it’s more than just having good moral standards and ethics. My family was a very faith-filled family, and quite traditional. I learned that I could talk to God about anything, trust that His answers to prayer (even if the answers were not the ones I would have liked), and that God wanted me to love others as He loves me. My mom was a tremendous influence on me. Her faith was nothing pretentious - just a simple love of Jesus and taking that love to the next step of loving others. She gravitated to those considered the “underdogs,” having a knack of discovering their strengths, and building their self worth. Some of her basic guidelines for living have stayed with me. Her lifestyle was the
original “Pay it Forward.” She did things for others and would never accept money or other material payments in return, but instead advised them to do something for someone else - the best payment that could be given to her. I learned to consider the needs of others before my own needs, and to treat others as I would like to be treated (the Golden Rule). Jesus served the needs of all kinds of people, including those with sordid histories, unethical lifestyles or illnesses that made them outcasts. This has helped me to see that I need to look around with the kind of eye that my mom had. By taking the time to listen to people, hear their stories, and try to meet their needs by moving out beyond myself - seeing a homeless person smile when I give them a “Kit of Caring” (a ziplock bag with food items inside). Or walking alongside someone with a drug addiction, seeing them rise above it and stay clean; witnessing adults from a homeless shelter
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baptized; helping a couple of homeless ladies lift themselves from devastation to become independent of Public Assistance. Or walking with families who struggle financially, helping them to find resources to meet their needs; holding the hand of someone who just heard some bad news; or a host of other scenarios too numerous to mention here. These make me want to probe further to find creative ways to be the feet of Jesus in my world. My faith has been challenged many
times with tragedies, disappointments, limitations, and a variety of “losses.” However, I have come to realize that God remains faithful to me, walking alongside me, throughout. Knowing Jesus loves all people equally and unconditionally has helped my faith grow. By sharing my gifts with others, joy comes back to me. The more I give, the greater my blessings. I hope my arms can continue to reach out to help those in our community in the ways that will best meet needs.
Worship Listings Congregation Ner Tamid 5061 West Taft Rd., N. Syracuse 315-461-9226 Sabbath services Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Trinity Assembly of God 4398 Route 31, Clay 315-652-4996 Sunday Services: 10:15 a.m. & 6 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church 8396 Morgan Rd., Clay 315-652-9186 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Grace Covenant Church Stearns Rd. and Route 31, Clay Sunday Services: 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Northminster Presbyterian Church 7444 Buckley Road, North Syracuse 315-458-0393 North Central Assembly of God 7463 Buckley Rd., N. Syracuse 315-458-0896 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. United Church of Christ in Bayberry 215 Blackberry Road, Clay 315-652-6789 Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Community Christian Reformed Church 7823 Hicks Rd., Baldwinsville 315-638-1664
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4889 Bear Rd., Liverpool Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.
King of Kings Lutheran Church 8278 Oswego Rd., Liverpool 315-622-2077 Sunday Services: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Our Lady of Walsingham Parish (Catholic, Western Rite) 8573 Van Heusen Rd,. Clay Sunday Service: 10 a.m.
Liverpool Community Church 800 4th St., Liverpool 315-701-0857 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 904 Vine St., Liverpool 315-457-4633 Sunday Service: 8:00 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church Driver’s Village Conv. Ctr., E Circle Dr., Clay 315-652-5379 Sunday Services: 10 a.m.
Messiah’s Church (Reformed Presbyterian) 8181 Stearns Rd., Clay 315-451-2148 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.
Beacon Baptist Church 4800 Route 31, Clay 315-699-5900
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 4947 Route 31, Clay 315-699-7268
Family Worship Center 8480 Morgan Rd., Clay, 315-652-3491 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m.
Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Route 57 and Soule Rd., Clay 315-622-2843 Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m.
Blessed Hope Church 8791 Oswego Rd., Clay 315-695-6710
Liverpool 1st Presbyterian Church 603 Tulip St., Liverpool 315-457-3161 Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m.
Wetzel Road Church Of Christ 4268 Wetzel Road, Liverpool, 315-652-3195 Worship is at 8:30 & 11 a.m.
Is your church, synagogue or place of worship in Clay missing? Send us the information at news@clayinsider.com and we will include it next month.
May 2009
Clay Insider, 11
It is a buyer’s market out there Real estate market remains friendly for buyers, whether first-timers or repeat By Christina Lackey It’s good to be a buyer. Times are few and far between when I find myself telling people that I wish I didn’t already own a home, but this is one of them! My belief in home ownership goes far beyond my job as a realtor - it’s really how I feel. I love coming home every night to a place that is my own. I love knowing that, good or bad, this is my place and I’m responsible for it. And I love being able to share my story of home buying with my clients, because I want them to know that I understand and remember what it is like to be doing what they are doing now. So, why do I wish I didn’t already own my home? There are a few reasons right now that make it really good to be a buyer, especially a first time buyer. You may have seen or heard news lately about interest rates, tax credits, and fluctuating markets. It seems like the country is watching the housing market, waiting for the uptick that gives us a little hope that we are looking at economic recovery. In the meantime, the government has made it very attractive to buy now. The first thing that makes it a good time to buy is the interest rate. Right now, rates are hovering at about 5 percent, which is a very low rate. An interest rate plays a large part in the monthly
payment you will need to make to pay for your new home, but many people misunderstand why it is so important. For example, a nicely sized home in the town of Clay might sell for around $150,000, and the average length of a mortgage is 30 years. At the current interest rate of 5 percent, that would mean that your payment for the principle (the amount you paid for the house) and the interest (the fee you are paying the bank for borrowing the money) would be about $805 - if you put no money down on the house. If you took out the same loan amount, but the interest rate was 7 percent, the payment would jump to $998. That means that, over the life of the 30 year loan, you would pay an additional $69,480! This makes a very compelling reason to purchase a first home, a larger home or even refinance your current home to save money. The tax credit offered to first time buyers is what makes me really think, though. The government is offering an $8000 tax credit to first time homebuyers this year, as long as the loan is closed by December 1st, 2009. The credit offered last year required a repayment, but this is a true credit and belongs to the buyer as long as he or
Buying a house now can be exciting since you’ll be in the driver’s seat. For first time buyers especially it can even result in jumping for joy.
she stays in the home for a minimal amount of time. First time buyers are often looking for homes where the major costly repairs are taken care of so Please see Real Estate, page 12
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Clay Insider, 12
Real Estate from page 11
they know that they will not need to spend a large sum of money on their new home in the first few years. While it is very possible to find properties that fit the bill, almost every home has a little something that a buyer would like or need to change. An $8000 credit means that assuming the buyer would already be expecting a refund, they will have that additional money to spend on the new home. That could be worth a new roof, a house full of windows or siding, or replace a furnace. Any of those improvements would increase the buyer’s equity in the home and enjoyment of the home as well. In this way, a new buyer can benefit doubly with the credit. A buyer could also choose to roll that $8000 right into a large principle payment on the mortgage, thus collecting an instant increase in equity and reduction of the length of the loan if the home didn’t need any repairs.
The third part of the buyer’s decision should be the market. In Syracuse, we have been very fortunate to not see the huge swings in value, both up and down, in housing costs. For that reason, a buyer today can rest assured that they will collect modest appreciation of the value of the home over time. A few years ago, the market was moving very quickly and houses were selling for more than their list price in a few days. Now, we are seeing homes selling at a reasonable rate and close to their asking price, but bidding wars and multiple offers are not as common as they were. This means that buyers can be a little more relaxed when they choose their home and not feel rushed. Combined, these are great reasons to be a buyer! Conversely, they are great reasons to be selling homes, too. Now more than ever, I can confidently tell new buyers that I am the biggest fan of home ownership. In fact, I wish I could start all over and do it again!
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to eat
Juanita’s Mexican Kitchen lacks spice but has sizzle By Betty and Richard Wiese Let’s begin by saying that if you’re on a diet this is not the place to go for dinner. However, if you just want a great meal with a Mexican flavor, you’re in for a treat at Juanita’s. Located at the corner of Old Liverpool Road and Pearl Street, the building has formerly been a Ponderosa and a Chinese buffet, but we’re hoping Juanita’s is here to stay in its new suburban location. The room was full when we arrived early on a Saturday evening. The terra
with sides of salsa, sour cream and guacamole. It was so delicious with all the flavors harmoniously blending together, that we ate the whole thing. We wondered if, for the sake of journalistic integrity, we could possibly eat any more. We decided to skip the dinner combination platters which include salad, beans and rice, and opted instead for the entrees which include only some salad. We again overheard that
cotta walls with some Mexican accents invited us to our booth; but the hard, unpadded wooden benches were less inviting. The tables, a bit small for four diners, have padded chairs. Our waiter seemed fairly uninterested in our dinner experience, but we got the information we needed by overhearing the waitress at the table behind us. We began the evening with two pints of Dos Equis Amber on draft ($4 each). There are several Mexican and American beers available as well as bar drinks like margaritas – which looked great. There is always a nightly $5 drink special. We were disappointed not to be served the usual chips and salsa even though we later heard the waitress say that they were complimentary. We ordered chips and guacamole ($5.95 on the menu though we were charged $3.95). The large homemade chips were expectedly crisp, but also very tasty. The guacamole was not at all spicy, but very good. Most of the dishes are not spicy, though we’re sure that a word to the kitchen could heat things up. We also ordered a half order of nachos with “the works� ($5.95). We expected a small plate to share, but a large dinner platter filled with a small mountain of chips slathered with beans, beef, jalapenos and cheese was presented
any of the entrees could be combined into a platter. The menu includes the usual fare of tacos, enchiladas, flautas and burritos but none of the more authentic Mexican delicacies such as moles. All platters are priced in the $10 price range. He had the Chorizo quesadilla ($6.50) which was an oval dish filled with two large beautifully toasted quesadillas filled with sausage and sauce and cheese. It was delicious, spicy but not overwhelming‌yet so flavorful that he didn’t even add hot sauce. She had the bean and cheese burrito ($4.95) which was served on the same oval plate filled with a large burrito, which was not spicy. Juanita’s universal accompaniment is shredded lettuce ever so lightly dressed with oil and vinegar and topped with queso. The lettuce sits next to and on top of all the entrees and cools the palette. As with all the food at Juanita’s, the food remains simple but is wonderful on the tongue. Dinner including three draft beers, two appetizers and two entrees came to $36 plus tip. There are coupons for weekday dining. This is definitely one of the great dining bargains in the area!
- Christina Lackey is a licensed real estate agent and Clay resident.
Out
May 2009
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- Betty and Richard Wiese live in Clay and spend many of their weekends visiting local eateries.
May 2009
Upcoming Events ‘Love Where You Live’ Golf and Home Show schedule of events
Thursday May 14
Realtors Day 11 to 1 p.m. • Open to public 1 to 5 p.m. • Golf course tours
Friday May 15
Open to public 11 to 5 p.m. • Celebrity tee-off 4 p.m. • Golf course tours
Saturday May 16
Golf open to public • Model homes open 11 to 8 p.m. • Ladies Night 5 to 8 p.m.
Sunday May 17
Golf open to public • Model homes open 11 to 8 p.m. • Charity raffle prize drawing 4 p.m.
Hershey Track and Field Event
The town of Cicero, town of Clay and village of North Syracuse will host a Hershey Track & Field Meet. The event will be held Monday, June 1, at the North Syracuse Junior High School starting at 4 p.m. The meet is open to all children ages 9 to 14 residing in the towns of Cicero and Clay and village of North Syracuse. Top finishers in each event may be eligible to advance to the State Meet and then to the National Games in Pennsylvania. To find out more about this exciting on day meet, check out the web site www.hershystrackandfield.com. Hurry! Registration is going on now at the Cicero Youth Bureau, Parks & Recreation Office at 699-5233.
Chaos for teens
A teen traveling theatre troupe trains for stage productions as well as festival and street theatre performances. Limited space. Meets Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Director permission for entry in troupe. If you are interested, contact Chrissy Clancy at 652-3800 x 137 or email cclancy@townofclay.org.
LCSD 7th Annual Fine Arts Hall of Fame and Showcase
The Fine Arts Hall of Fame recognizes Liverpool alumni, faculty and community members who have made significant contributions to the arts at Liverpool. This year’s ceremony will be held at Liverpool High School on Sunday, May 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. We are proud to be honoring alumni Wayne Killius and James DeVivo, mentor Michael Cunningham, and contributor to the Arts, Gary Gocek. For more information, please call Mr. David Perry, the Liverpool Central School District fine Arts Coordinator at 622-7145.
Clay Insider, 13
By Erin Smith After years of planning, design and construction, Gary Pooler’s vision for a residential golf and marina community is now open. Timber Banks, an 885-acre development featuring an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus design golf course and marina is located on the Cold Springs Peninsula in Lysander. Designed with a mix of residential properties including apartments, townhouses, single family residences and estate homes located on and around the golf course, Timber Banks will also feature 1,100 feet of trails along the river and sidewalks throughout the development. Timber Banks has also devoted more than half of the total property to open space. “We intend to draw 2,000 to 3,000 homebuyers and golfers from across Central New York to this free event,” said Dawn Noto of Pooler Enterprises. The four-day event, held from Thursday May 14 through Sunday May 17, will not only showcase the model homes, but will also feature the grand opening of the Nicklaus design golf course. The public will get a sneak peek at the first nine holes Saturday
May 16, when Timber Banks Golf Course and Marina will also conduct a hole-in-one shootout from noon to 2 p.m. at the course. Open to amateurs only, the hole-inone contest will allow players one free shot on the 13th hole. Additional tries will cost $20 with proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York. Participants will also be eligible for a $20,000 hole-in-one opportunity and a season membership for the shot that comes closest to the pin. In addition to Make-A-Wish, Coaches vs. Cancer and McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy will both benefit from the 50/50 cash raffle and merchandise raffles, which, among other items, features autographed memorabilia from Jack Nicklaus. Tours of the course, which is expected to open next spring, will also be provided during Saturday’s event. Celebrity guests include Head Syracuse Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, his wife, Juli, and WSYR’s Jim Reith. For information, call (585) 7426330 or visit timberbanks.com.
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Travel club to meet
Looking for a traveling companion for your next vacation? The Women’s Travel Club will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at the Ramada Inn on Buckley Road. Join the club and meet others with the travel bug. Up for discussion: Antarctica, Around the World cruising, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. RSVP Sally Fedrizzi 857-3234.
Liverpool alumni baseball game
The Liverpool baseball program welcomes its alumni back on Sunday, May 17 to celebrate for an afternoon of baseball and eats. Alumni interested in attending should contact Coach Terzini (lpoolball@yahoo.com). To help with the planning and more importantly contacting of former alum, alumni are welcome to help and assist with the planning and coordinating of this event.
CNY SPD Parent-Connections Group
Attend their May meeting on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m., North Syracuse Public Library. The SPD, or Sensory Processing Disorder, group exists so that parents can find support and new information pertaining to children with SPD.
May 2009
Census from page 1
U.S. House of Representatives and the distribution of more than $300 billion in federal dollars every year to state and local governments, it’s essential to get this first step right.” The local Address Canvassing Operation will be conducted out of 12 Early Local Census Offices located throughout the Region. In most cases, Census workers will knock on residents’ doors to verify addresses and inquire about any additional living quarters on the premises. Census workers can be identified by the official Census Bureau employee badge they carry. During the Address Canvassing Operation, the listers will only ask residents for information related to a housing unit address and any additional living quarters in the residence. No personal information will be collected during this operation. Over the last several years, the Census Bureau has been actively working on updating its geographic databases and master address files. From implementing the Local Update of Census
Address (LUCA) program, where more than 11,500 tribal, state and local governments participated in a review of the Census Bureau’s address list for their area, to increasing the precision of the GPS mapping, many advances have been made. This is the first Census to include group quarters (such as dormitories, group homes, prisons and homeless shelters) in the Address Canvassing Operation, which should improve both the accuracy and coverage of the final count. There will be one final opportunity to add new home construction in early 2010 prior to the mailing of the 2010 Census questionnaires. For additional information contact the Boston Regional Census Center at 617-223-3610. All Census information collected, including addresses, is confidential and protected by law. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with the FBI, the IRS, CIA, Welfare, Immigration, or any government or law enforcement agency. All Census Bureau employees, including temporary employees, take an oath for life to keep Census information confidential. Any violation of that oath is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in prison.
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Clay Insider, 14
Seniors singing their hearts out
Sitting from left: Lucy Keller, Barbara Spinks, Janet Carrington, Karen Palmer and director Margo Cavelos. Standing, second row: Ginny Radecker, Barbara Woodworth, Thelma Kinney, Joanne Merritt and Marty Badowski. Standing, back row: pianist Barbara Irwin, Jim Spara and Leah Spara. The Clay Senior Chorus has since lost some of these members to illness and other circumstances.
By Melissa Renahan Did you know Clay has its own Senior Chorus? Well, since 1976 it has and those involved are hoping the community will hear their voices. Music director Margo Cavelos, who has been with the chorus since 1990 and served as director for 6 years, is concerned about membership. Usually the co-ed chorus has at least 20 singers, but recently the group has lost some people and is now less than 10. “We all get along and enjoy what we do. There’s no bickering or arguing with us,” she said. The chorus receives no town funding and also has no membership fees; they survive strictly on donations. Practice is twice a month at the Clay Senior Center on Route 31, from
1 to 3 p.m., on the second and fourth Thursday. Their schedule of singing engagements averages three performances a month and is comprised of mostly local churches, nursing homes and senior centers. “We try to do music they can relate to…not necessarily folk or from any one genre,” explained Cavelos. A crowd favorite, she said, is the old standard Take me out to the ball game. “They’ll always sing along to that, no matter what,” she laughed. To j o i n t h e C l a y S e n i o r Chorus, call the town recreation department at 652-3800 ext. 139. There are no auditions required, though it is preferable that members be over 55 years of age and reside in the town.
Make a difference with Mom Volunteers Needed to Create “Care Kits” for Local Women in Need She made a difference in your life, now it is time to make a difference with her. Join mom to help make a difference for other women who need a little extra help this year. Great Northern Mall is hosting Get Together & Give on Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. The object is to bring together mother and daughter pairs, and women with their friends, to assemble 400 “care kits” for the Dorothy Day House, a local women’s shelter. The Dorothy Day House will in turn deliver these packages to the
women they serve to help brighten their Mother’s Day. The shelter will then also have enough care kits on hand to give to women arriving at the shelter throughout the year. While doing good, participants will enjoy refreshments, door prizes and special Great Northern Mall retailer offers and discounts. Women of all ages are welcome, though children should be 10 and older. The event will take place in the Sears wing, across from the Post Office. For more information, call Great Northern Mall at 622-4449.
May 2009
Clay Insider, 15
continuing education. Keeping with that goal, they host a minimum of four in-service events a month. These events can range from lectures on elderly care or cardiac emergencies, to hands-on didactic skills classes. Skills in action Since January 1 (and as of this interview), they have responded to 1256 calls and estimate there will be close to five thousand calls during 2009. An average day yields 10 to 20 calls, with the busiest times being during the day and in the early evening, prior to 8 p.m. During a day shift there are three crews on call and for most overnights, which starts at midnight, there is just one. In the coming weeks those shifts will slightly change, so that the three day crews will stay on until 1 a.m., in order to accommodate increasing call volumes. Additionally, in hopes of reducing response times, one of the day crews is permanently stationed at the firehouse on Henry Clay Blvd. “In the past year we’ve really evolved,” Marko said. They have begun to offer CPR training to the
public on a regular basis and started a program for high school students called ‘Explorers’, which is run in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America. The program allows local students to shadow staff during a shift and even participate in ride-alongs on calls. NOVA does not receive funding from any municipality and is a registered non-profit. Money obtained from billing or donations is used to cover operating costs. Bills are sent to the insurance companies of anyone who receives care from NOVA. Before 1994, NOVA operated as part of the Moyers Corners Fire Department and Ambulance and was covered under the town’s budget. If you are interested in volunteering or for more information, please call 622-1443.
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Clay Insider, 16
May 2009