CNS students participate in All County Jazz Festival
Cicero-North Syracuse sent six students to the All County Jazz Festival on March 28 and 29.
These students auditioned along with many others across the county.
To be selected for this event requires a high level of musicality, preparation, and responsibility and is a huge honor.
There are only 24 in the vocal jazz group who are chosen from around the county.
The vocal students will be working under renowned Vocal Jazz Director Carol Jacobe who is professor of vocal studies and director of The Jazzuits Vocal Jazz Ensemble at LeMoyne Colleg e
Mark Morris sat first chair trombone in the Junior High Jazz Ensemble directed by David DiGennaro. Morris currently plays first trombone with the CNS high school jazz ensemble.
The Onondaga County Music Educators Association (OCMEA) 2025 All-County Jazz Festival was held at C.B.A. The program consisted of the Junior High Jazz Ensemble, Senior High Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Senior High Jazz Ensemble. All students are part of CNS’s Jazz Ensembles under the direction of Danielle Rausa.
Complex of 168 apartments proposed along Lake Drive
By Russ TaRBy Contributing writer
About an hour into his annual State of the County Address on Thursday, March 20, County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that a massive apartment complex is being proposed along Lake Drive in the village of Liverpool.
McMahon received a burst of applause after he made this statement: “Today I’m pleased to announce that the Gormel family, a staple in the village of Liverpool, and local developer Lou Santaro will be investing in a $46 million housing project on Lake Drive facing Onondaga Lake. The project will be 168 units, with 99 one-bedroom units and 69 two-bedroom units.”
He added that the development team is also considering restaurant and retail uses, plus an in-ground pool and fitness center. Contacted a few days af -
ter the announcement, Adam Gormel – whose family owns The Retreat, The Cobblestone and the Barking Gull – said that the proposal is in its earliest stages. “We’re excited, but we’re taking it just one step at a time,” Gormel said. “There are a lot of details to take care of. It’s no sure thing.”
The developers’ concerns include the possibility that prices for building materials – including wood and steel –could rise significantly in future months.
Gormel said that McMahon had seen some drawings of the apartment complex and asked the developers if he could announce it on March 20. The county executive urged them to include some mixed uses.
Over the last couple decades, the Gormel family has purchased virtually all of the properties along Lake Drive, and around the corner onto South Willow Street where they own the Barking Gull as well as the
building that previously housed the White Water Pub.
So the Gormels have been considering some type of development there on that so-called Basin Block for some time. Back in 2018, the Gormels floated plans for a 45-unit complex, complete with impressive artists’ renderings, but a shaky economy discouraged investment, and the project fizzled.
This time, the Gormels have a solid investment partner in Lou Santoro, an experienced East Syracuse real estate developer and owner of Attilio’s Restaurant at 770 James Street.
To design the apartments, they have engaged one of the most versatile architecture and engineering firms in Syracuse – QBK Design – whose portfolio includes the New York State Fair’s Exposition Center, the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview and Syracuse Technology Garden expansion.
The developers, however,
have not yet applied for site review from the village planning board, according to village Codes Officer Bill Reagan.
Mayor Stacy Finney, who attended McMahon’s March 20 speech, said she was not completely surprised by the announcement.
“I am not sure of exactly where they are in the process,” Finney said. “From my understanding these were preliminary designs, and not set in stone. I am sure once the design is finalized, the Gormels will follow to correct procedures.”
After more details are ironed out, Adam Gormel said they’ll contact the village planning board. That board met on Monday, March 24, and engaged in what Chairman Bob Bradt characterized as a “casual conversation” about the news.
Reagan was there, and he told the planners. “It’s all speculation until we get an application [for a site review].”
Arrest made in threat to L’pool school district
On March 28, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department reported the arrest of Tahjay Perry, age 21, of Syracuse, who has been charged with seven felony charges of making a terroristic threat in connection with several threatening phone calls made to the Liverpool Central School District.
During these calls, Perry threatened to carry out a school shooting, prompting an immediate and thorough investigation. The sheriff’s office criminal investigations division, computer crimes unit, identified Perry as the individual responsible for the threats. He was taken into custody without incident.
As of March 28, Perry was currently incarcerated at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats against schools and public safety seriously and remains committed to protecting the community.
Submitted photoS
Pictured left to right for Vocal Jazz are Ethan Meives, Gabby Pinoargotte, Lucy Barrera, Raiah DeLooze, and Brigg Liberman.
Pictured with his trombone is Mark Morris, chosen for the JH Jazz Ensemble.
students receive Junior High all-County honors
Submitted photoS Liverpool Central school District Director of Fine arts adam shatraw recently announced that 18 Liverpool High school ninth graders, seven Liverpool Middle students, four Morgan Road Middle students
serenity Gaines and Joclyn Dallas.
Town of Clay to host Family spring Bunny Hop april 12
seven Liverpool Middle students recently earned 2025 Junior High all County Band, Chorus and Orchestra honors. Pictured, from left, are Penelope schild, Maya salinas, Dean scott, Rafe Parry, Linh Nguyen, Judah Covell. Missing from the photo is Robert Jaskula.
Four Morgan Road Middle students recently earned 2025 Junior High all County Band and Chorus honors. Pictured, from left, are Finn O’Toole, Zachery Bracy, Jack Zimmerman and ava DiGirolomo.
Fifteen soule Road Middle students recently earned 2025 Junior High all County Band, Chorus and Orchestra honors. In the first row, from left, are Benjamin Razza, Raina Huynh, Vivian Bearup, Brody Gingrich, Derek Drake and Ethan Tice. In the second row, from left, are susannah Godly, Molly Woods, anthony Paolini, Emma Clifford, Rio Feliciano, Vincent Carbone, andrew Mazza and Juliet Weber. Missing from the photo is Xin Zhu.
Submitted photo
student-musicians from North syracuse Junior High school and Roxboro Road Middle school were selected to participate in the Onondaga County Junior High all-County Festival. selected for all-County Band were: Joseph Cannella, Katlyn Chrisley, Mark Morris, Isabella O’Connor and Lydia saxby. selected for all-County Chorus were: Joclyn Dallas, Cole Exner and serenity Gaines. alexis sturgeon was selected for all-County Orchestra. Pictured from left are alexis sturgeon, Lydia saxby, Isabella O’Connor, Katlyn Chrisley, Cole Exner, Mark Morris, Joseph Cannella,
sTEaMBOaT RaCEs
By JEFF sNOW town of Clay hiStorian Clay hiStoriCal
aSSoCiation member
Senator Henry Clay was extremely popular in the first half of the 1800s. He had a huge impact and influence with so many people, which led to the naming of our town, the town of Clay. The New York state Legislature wanted his name associated with our area back in 1827.
the “great compromiser,” which is probably why they named this steamboat and other landmarks after him. This steamboat was about 200 feet long and could carry 500 passengers.
In 1851, a steamboat builder, Thomas Collyer, named one of the double paddle-wheel steamboats after Henry Clay. Clay was a large contributor to the national infrastructure of canals, roads and railways. Steamboats at this time were a symbol of great technological advancement and growth for the country. Henry Clay was called
On July 28, 1852, the Henry Clay steamboat traveled the Hudson River between Albany and New York City. One common practice at the time was to race other steamboats. This attracted more customers to ride on the steamboats instead of traveling by train. The trains were noted to be noisy, hot and dirty, and steamboats were more glamorous.
On July 28, the Henry Clay was going to race another steamboat named the Armenia from Albany to NYC. Both ships were built by Thomas Collyer, so it seemed to be an even race.
Both captains agreed on the race for that day.
Just before three in the afternoon, the Henry Clay was about four miles ahead of Armenia. A fire broke out aboard the steamboat and quickly engulfed the midsection. This forced passengers to the front and rear of the ship.
The captain steered the ship toward the eastern shore over near Yonkers.
The passengers on the front of the ship could easily jump off near the shoreline. The passengers in the rear of the ship had to jump into the water. It is estimated that 80 to 100 people drowned that day. In the 1850s, people wore heavier clothing which was a contributing factor to the number of drownings.
Many prestigious people drowned that day, includ-
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ing architect AJ Dowing, former NYC mayor, Stephen Allen and Caroline Amelia DeWindt, who was the granddaughter of President John Adams. It was stated that the steamboat was overcrowded, many boiler safety valves were tied down and there were only two lifeboats for the entire steamboat.
There were many trials after that fateful day, and New York state and Congress passed laws banning steamboat racing. The Steamboat Act of 1852 requires drivers of steamboats to have licenses and inspections to ensure safety. The 1852 law, over time, included many other laws which are now the under-
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OuR vOicE
More than facts and figures
According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, ALZ.org, more than 6.9 million American are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is projected to reach 13million by 2050.
This is a staggering number of people to think about.
There are also some stark facts about the disease and despite years of research, many unknown factors that may contribute to the disease, who does and doesn’t get it, and how the disease will progress.
Currently there is no cure or treatment for Alzheimer’s. Current medications may help address some symptoms of the disease for a period of time but ultimately they do not address the underlying cause of the disease.
There are recommendations that similar activities as those recommended for good heart health, such as exercise and diet as well as staying active mentally as well as physically can help, but beyond this there are no clear cut answers when it comes to Alzheimer’s.
While certain aspects of the pathology are better understood, the root cause remains a mystery.
This condition, especially given its nature, is difficult for the people living with it as well as for those who care for people living with it.
The Alzheimer’s Association strives to shine a light on this condition, offering support for both those living with Alzheimer’s as well as those providing care.
The organization shared a study that reflects some of the statistics about Alzheimer’s. But these are more than numbers, they are people, more than facts and figures who are contending with a difficult situation.
The Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s disease Facts and Figures report revealed that both dementia caregivers and health care workers report difficulties in navigating dementia care within the U.S. health care system. The report estimates that of the 6.9 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s dementia, 426,500 are in New York State.
The cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to reach $360 billion, a $15 billion increase from a year ago. This does not include unpaid care provided by family caregivers and friends, according to the organization.
Last year in New York, there were 543,000 dementia family caregivers, providing 879 million hours of unpaid care valued at nearly $19 billion.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, New York State caregivers and those across the country face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as result of caregiving as well, according to the report dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer compared to other caregivers. In New York, 59% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.
The prevalence of depression is higher among dementia caregivers when compared to other caregivers. In New York, nearly 25% of caregivers reported depression.
Across the country, 59% of dementia caregivers report high to very high emotional stress due to caregiving and 38% report high to very high physical stress due to caregiving.
“The new Facts and Figures report sheds light on the continued challenges and burdens that many Central New York families are going through as a result of Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Jessica DesRosiers, senior director of programs for the Central New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “As the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s continues to grow, ensuring patients, their caregivers and families have a clear understanding of how to navigate dementia care resources is critical to improving health outcomes.”
The Alzheimer’s Association strives to offer support with tips and information about symptoms and what to look for as well as information on how Alzheimer’s can progress.
It is also works to provide support for people living with Alzheimer’s as well as caregivers.
To learn more visit alz.org.
POsTaL PaNDEMONIuM
The current administration in Washington has rolled out what I consider to be draconian changes to the post office.
When I was a child, a phone call was 10 cents but a stamp was three cents, so writing a letter was the preferred, the thrifty way to communicate. This was a time before ball point or felt tipped pens. Way before. At school we used straight pens with removable tips that we dipped into ink wells on our desks. At home, my parents used fountain pens.
Letter writing was part of the curriculum at our school featuring the pragmatic use of the skill which we laboriously practiced every day: Cursive writing a la the Palmer Method.
We learned to craft beautifully worded formal invitations for the numerous occasions which required them, everything from birthday parties to weddings. We learned how to write an equally lovely acceptance note. Just as important were “bread and butter “letters, or short notes thanking someone for extending their hospitality. Of course, for elementary school children, these were more like science fiction than reality since we never received formal invitations to anything.
We learned how to properly address an envelope from the postman who handled the mail both to and from our school. He was impressive in his uniform and his series of posters explaining how to address men, women and children under many circumstances. “Mr., Mrs., Miss, Master,” etc. The return address was particularly important and had to be crafted exactly … just in case. There we were in our blue skirts and white blouses, heads down, carefully, awkwardly writing in our best cursive on envelopes donated by the post office. And although our individual results were not perfect, because we paid
attention, we were treated to a field trip to the local post office. Probably one of the most exiting events in my third grade life. We met the postmaster and were treated to an epic display of thousands of commemorative stamps, each a work of art that highlighted a person, place or event of interest over many years. I was smitten and became a stamp collector lusting after the art of the commemorative and the interesting postmark.
The ordinary three cent stamp had a profile of George Washington and was the stamp that was affixed to most of the mail that came to our house. But every once in a while, one of those commemorative stamps would arrive, complete with its postmark. To this young collector, it was a rare and wonderful treasure. If I had to depend on the stamps that came to our house, my collection would have remained quite small, but clever child that I was, I knew that our very cosmopolitan neighborhood had residents that received mail from Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta and Poland. I became the annoying child begging stamps from everyone. You learn a lot from collecting stamps. I still can remember my shock at finding out that the names we called other nations were not the same as what they called themselves … some like those from Greece didn’t even use the same alphabet…I wondered how they practiced writing. I don’t know about you, but the post office is so much a part of American life, of what is expected, relied upon, trusted. It has been and continues to be a nexus, a central place where we can knit together our apartness. Sure, we all have horror stories about mail that arrives in a state that looks like it was part of the meal for Godzilla or mail that never arrived at all. How often do we acknowledge the ordinariness of all of the other mail and packages that
we send and receive daily?
Thousand upon hundreds of thousands of pieces of mail every day. Delivery six days a week and sometimes seven. As a pipeline for all kinds of mail, the USPS is chartered to deliver to all addresses no matter how remote and do so with a creative use of all kinds of transport from cars, trucks, boats and airplanes. Did you know that private companies such as United Parcel, Fedex, etc. often give their mail to the USPS to deliver to the last mile because that delivery would be too expensive otherwise.
The post office is an important institution. The post office has been facing some adjustments over the past few decades. Also chartered to be self-sufficient, the post office has found itself in the red. Many voices have ideas about what needs to be done to correct the shortfalls that bedevil the ledger books of the USPS. While I rhapsodize about my memories of the post office, cultural changes have installed pressure with which the post office has yet to adapt. Email, social media, etc. have greatly diminished the volume of first-class mail and the bizarre requirement to prefund 75 years of health benefits are two of the more visible and remediable issues. Current leadership has also been questionable, since it involved a person who had financial ties to other mail and package delivery companies.
But mass firings are not the way, nor is removing its relative independence and placing it under the aegis of the Commerce Department, a ploy to privatization. I do not want our post office … and I emphasize our post office to be privatized by some corporation, divorced from the people, engaged in a way to produce a profitable bottom line. Who will deliver the mail over those last expensive miles? A bottom line corporation? Sure.
The post office is organized to produce a service as do
other agencies and programs in the federal government. We don’t ask the Army, the Navy or the Air Force to produce a profit. Does the department of agriculture have to bring in more money than it spends? Spending wisely, yes, but the post office is also men and women and machines and the guy or gal who delivers my mail. It is a-political.
Cursive writing, a la The Palmer Method, has become a secret code to younger generations. The keyboard is now the preferred way of crafting communication. Written communiques are often short burst of text over the phone along with something called emojis.
Have you been at your local post office lately? Mine is always busy. We still need to send packages, greeting cards, invitations, personal letters, boxes of homemade cookies to children at college, etc.at a competitive price. Let’s not allow the USPS to become another Red, White and Blue USA - American institution devolved into a soulless private enterprise made in the image of the current President for which the bottom line is always profit. And profit can be measured in many ways. For the post office, it touches the lives of all citizens - rich, poor, young and old, all occupations, ethnicities, the arts. It is one thing we all have in common. Let’s all write a letter by pen or keyboard about these devious plans of postal pandemonium to enlist the support of elected representatives this week and mail it at our local branch of the USPS. Heck, write two and use commemorative stamps.
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.
Trombone quartet revisits the Roaring Twenties
For more than 30 years, the Bare Bones Trombone Quartet has been performing a wide range of jazz on their lengthy brass horns with those telescoping slide mechanisms. The fearless foursome will perform a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Liverpool Public Library.
“We’ll present a little early history of jazz to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month,” said bandleader and bass trombonist Jim Lamica.
Selections will include songs from Tin Pan Alley, ragtime, blues, Dixieland and swing. “We’ll do some tunes from the Roaring Twenties as well as material from the Big Band Era,” Lamica added.
Bare Bones at library sunday
Sunday’s concert is funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund administered by the American Federal of Musicians Local 78.
Bare Bones was founded in July of 1994. The current members are: Pete Sanborn, Bill Harris, Howie Lynne and Jim Lamica. Two original members – Joe Colombo and Mark Anderson – will reunite with the Bones bandmates that day to perform songs from the group’s earliest years; lpl.
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org; 315-457-0310. yankees vs. Mets
The New York Yankees’ top farm club – the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders – are in town this week to do battle with the NY Mets’ top farm club, the Syracuse Mets. Games are scheduled at NBT Bank Stadium for 1:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 6:35 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4, and at 1:05 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6. Future Bronx Bombers on the Triple A roster include right-handed pitchers Michael Aria and Wilking Rodriguez along with infielder Brandon Shewmake and outfielder Everson Pereira. The RailRiders are managed by former Yankee Shelley Duncan.
Mr. Mojo Risin’?
The SyrMets will participate in the search for Mr. MoJo Risin’ on the first Dollar Thursday of the 2025 season on April 3. Based on the new documentary “Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison” streaming on Apple TV, the team is asking local fans that look like The Doors’ singer to come to the game and participate in a lookalike contest. Team
officials are also inviting “Frank,” the man the documentarians believe is Jim Morrison, to throw the first pitch that night at the ballpark.
Ticket prices at the NBT Bank Stadium box office range from $18 to $40, while fans who buy a flex plan get their tickets for just $12.50 each, and active and retired military fans are admitted for free; milb.com/Syracuse; 315-474-7833.
Melody memories
You can play Happy Hour Music Trivia at Rocky’s Pub, 209 Oswego St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Prizes will be awarded throughout so contestants can jump in at any point and test their melody memories. And here’s a tasty bonus: Rocky’s will serve $10 Burger-andBeer combinations available all day long; rockys-pub.com; 315-214-3200.
Last word
“We may never know the truth about legendary musician Jim Morrison, but wouldn’t it be wild if he was alive, living in Syracuse, and was a Syracuse Mets Fan? At a minimum, I hope he is alive and comes to this game and watches all the antics quietly from his seat in the stadium.” – Jason Smorol, General Manager of the Syracuse Mets.
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Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby
COLLEGE BasKETBaLL’s CasTE sysTEM
One day McNeese, Colorado State and New Mexico all had their teams in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a step away from reaching the Sweet 16, uncharted territory for all of these programs.
Phil Blackwell
Just about the next day, all of their coaches were gone. Will Wade went from Lake Charles to N.C. State. Nico Medved traded in Fort Collins for Minnesota. Richard Pitino found himself moving from Albuquerque to the Big East and Xavier.
Yes, every year coaches who find success in unlikely venues take jobs in power conferences, a tale repeated each March. Yet the sheer speed of the moves here is noticeable, as are the circumstances.
Seven of the 16 teams which battled for spots in San Antonio last weekend hailed from a single entity, the mighty Souttheastern Conference. Even if it was clear that the SEC was the best in America this season, the reinforcement of this point in the single-elimination NCAA gauntlet was jarring.
Couple this with the near total lack of big tournament shocks and relatively
bring urgent
I
due to the recent withdrawal of USAID and PEPFAR support.
As someone who has lived and worked in Uganda for the past 30 years, originally coming from Maui, Hawaii, and Skaneateles. I graduated from Skaneateles High in 1962. I have dedicated my life to caring for vulnerable children affected by HIV. I currently run a home for 30 HIV-positive orphans, all of whom depend on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment and essential support.
The sudden removal of USAID and PEPFAR funding has placed these children’s lives in immediate danger. Without the critical medical care, nutritional support, and resources that these programs provided, the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS in Uganda is now at risk of being reversed. These children, and many others like them, face an uncertain and potentially fatal future unless urgent action is taken.
few close contests and it seemed like a fundamental character trait of this great American sporting festival was sorely lacking.
No small or mid-major school was going to do anything similar to Saint Peter’s in 2022 getting all the way to the brink of the Final Four. The mere concept of a 16 seed beating a 1, as UMBC and Fairleigh Dickinson pulled off, was laughable.
Heck, the team this season which won the same Northeast Conference where FDU resides, Saint Francis (Pennsylvania), announced a few days later it was going to Division III in 2026.
It wouldn’t be a shock if more schools followed. They simply can’t keep up.
What is already an expensive proposition – namely, having a Division I athletic program – only is more so in the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era where athletes, finally empowered, have reason to find out just what they are worth.
Big universities with big budgets, large alumni bases and plenty of other resources can handle this, all while paying their coaches millions. And all of this before we even get to the topic of football.
I urge all caring people to highlight this crisis and bring global attention to the devastating impact of this funding withdrawal. The world needs to know what is happening, and immediate intervention is necessary to prevent unnecessary suffering and loss of life.
CaROL aNN aDaMs uganda (formerly of SkaneateleS)
Confusing, concerning times
To the editor:
Never in my lifetime have I ever experienced such chaos in our government. The current administration has caused fear and unrest in our country. These are confusing and concerning times for all of us. Elon Musk’s influence over our president is of great concern.
Our government was founded on checks and balances to avoid allowing the country to be taken over by autocratic rule. The current Republican majority in the House and Senate are doing the bidding of our President due to fear of incurring his wrath. The Supreme Court with a majority of Republican appointed judges recently emboldened the president
Simply put, the gap between power and non-power conferences, already vast, widens further when enormous TV contracts from ESPN, Fox and other media giants strictly for the fall gridiron get handed out.
Oh, and there’s also the transfer portal. Hundreds of athletes change schools for all kinds of reasons now that they don’t have to sit out a year at their new destination. In basketball, many transfers mirror the moves of coaches from big time to bigger-time.
Combine all of these factors and it’s not surprising in the least that a topheavy environment exists in college hoops and might only entrench itself further.
To some, this is golden. Having tremendous teams full of stars present for the final chapters of the season should lead to great games and memories. At least that’s the theory, and the hope.
Yet the mystique of this tournament was built on those moments when form didn’t hold. When Butler got within an inch of a national championship had Gordon Hayward’s shot banked in. When George Mason and VCU went from double-digit seeds whose very presence in the tournament was loudly questioned by
with unprecedented legal protection from official acts during his presidency. This is a serious threat to our Constitution that protects us from authoritarian rule.
We must speak up and use our voices to tell our lawmakers that this type of governing is not acceptable. The image of an unelected advisor standing in front of a group of Republicans with a chain saw boasting how the severe cuts to government programs would make everyone’s life better is just insane. The only group this will help is the minority of very rich people who will receive tax cuts for their support in the last election.
The alarm has been sounded loud and clear, it is time to take action by contacting our representatives in Washington and demand they stand up to this administration to protect our democracy before it’s too late.
JOaNNE LaNE liverpool
Praise for Ferro’s column
To the editor: Ann Ferro is a true asset to the Eagle newspapers. I look forward to her
the experts to reaching the Final Four.
Cut away or minimize that mystique, and what’s left? A lot of good basketball games between equally good teams, but very little real magic. It might as well be the NBA, where at least a best-of-seven series offers definitive proof of who’s the best each season.
Like many other years I carved out plenty of time to take in the hoops festival that is the first and second rounds, catching glimpses of many of the 48 games which took place waiting for something wild to happen. Nothing did.
Sure, a 12 seed beat a 5, but this happens every year. And while another double-digit seed got past the first weekend, no one would consider Arkansas a true upstart.
For a long time the power conferences have wanted this special tournament all to themselves. They are getting awfully close to fulfilling their wish, keeping all of the glory and riches for themselves, and leaving us to settle for stories of those days when the order was upended.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
interesting weekly columns. They are always seasonal, educational, nostalgic or witty, and often remind me of my own life experiences. I found her article “It’s Your Choice” outstanding. She accurately described the chaos, confusion and unrest our country has endured since Donald Trump and Elon Musk took over our government. My ideal choice to preserve our republic would be to demand our self-serving Republican controlled Congress work for their constituents and not to save their own lucrative, privilege-packed jobs while thousands are losing their jobs, often the sole family income. Since this scenario appears to be unlikely, here are a few satiric suggestions. First, have a do-over of the Nov. 5, 2024 election. Second, petition Canada to annex New York State as its fourth territory. And, lastly, secede from the union and become our own entity – the country of New York. Works for me.
M.
CLaIRE
CRuLL minoa
Random Thoughts
FROM THE MAILBAG
circa 1903, a rare Arts & Crafts period “Bench Made” Metal Calling Card Stand with history, etc.), Beautiful Hand Made Oriental Rugs, Huge amount of Estate Jewelry (with Diamonds and other Precious Stones, Cameos, Jade, Pearls, Gold & Silver, etc.), Dozens of pieces of “Heidi Daus” Designer “statement” Jewelry, MANY Watches (including a Rare “Chanel” 18K Wristwatch, “Le Coultre”, “Rolex”, etc.), Incredible amount of Sterling Silver (there is more than $20,000.00 value at scrap prices!), Nice Silver Plate, Huge wardrobe (including designer pieces with “Louis Vuitton” and “Dolce & Gabbana” handbags, etc.), Small Library, Art Pottery (including many local artisans), Fine Glass (with ABP Cutglass Lamp, Art glass, Steuben, Swedish, Pairpoint Butterfly & Spiderweb Pieces, etc.), Collection of “Swarovski” Crystal, Orientalia, African Artwork, Toys (including Trains, Antique Steam Plant, Star Trek pieces, Antique Marbles, etc.) Antique Shotgun, Rare Wine, Coins, China & Porcelain (including the rarest large antique “Meissen” Hand Painted Plaque), Primitives, Textiles (including a very rare and important Jacquard Coverlet from Waterville, NY dated 1835 and a pair of Gorgeous antique hand crocheted Bedspreads), Antique Stoneware, Clocks, NOTE: Estate Consultants will be selling EVERYTHING in this home “TO THE BARE WALLS” Including the appliances and
Henry Clay disaster shows what happened that day. The words on the bottom of the picture state: “The rapid spread of the flames forced the passengers into the water, mothers and children, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters were drowned together whilst trying to save each other. Little children buffeted the waves in vain for a few moments and then sunk to rise no more. The number of people on board were about 500 and there was about 100 that are supposed to have perished.”
This picture of the Henry Clay disaster is on almost every web site article talking about this event. There is even a book, “Death Passage on the
Hudson: The Wreck of the Henry Clay,” written by Kris A. Hansen about the Henry Clay boating disaster, available online for $18 thru Amazon and other websites.
The picture was obtained thru the Library of Congress. This is a short story of what happened that day to the Henry Clay.
For more information, suggestions, or article requests, please visit the Clay Historical Association’s Google page. Any questions can be directed to historian@ townofclay.org. The Clay Historical Association meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Clay Historical Park. Those interested in attending, inviting others to join, or sharing any historical photographs are encouraged to reach out.
Meet Sniffer
By
Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.
sniffer is an eleven-year-old medium-hair tabby cat with gentle green eyes, cute caramel-colored eyebrows, and a relaxed, more low-energy personality. He didn’t get along with the other pets in his previous home, so he may be best as a solo kitty in a home that can comply with his two very simple demands: sniffs and pets. He especially likes chin and cheek scratches, and he will press his face into your palm to say hello. sniffer is a senior cat, so he likes to lounge and nap, but he will get up to greet people and he is curious towards strangers. While enjoying cuddles, he sometimes makes a funny purring-growling sound when he gets especially into it. Help sniffer find a cozy forever home where he can sniff all the things, take lots of cat naps, and continue to make silly noises to his heart’s content. 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.
Have you ever had a good mentor during your golf career? If you have, consider yourself lucky. If you haven’t, there is still time. e value of having a good mentor for golf is signi cant. e value of having one for life, is a blessing. Mentors come in all sizes and shapes. Some are parents, some are teachers some are friends and many are professionals. For those of you who are struggling to nd a way to start playing the game of golf…looking for assistance to buy some clubs…getting some lessons…seeking some advice about joining a league, playing in a tournament or just someone to show you a few “basic” fundamentals about the grip, posture over the ball, the back swing, down swing and follow through, a good mentor “could” be the right choice for you… now. Please be reminded, the o cial golf season in CNY usually starts around April 1st. Should you decide to seek out a “good” mentor, there are a few distinguishing traits that a mentor should have to be a “good t” for you.
GOOD MENTORS…SHOULD BE:
HIGHLY SKILLED - Ideally, a good mentor should have a high degree of knowledge and experience in golf as well as a proven record of success in competitive golf events. PGA Golf Professionals are clearly suited to be mentors. e challenge will be to nd one who is willing to spend 16-20 hours a month with you.
ENTHUSIASTIC - How important is Enthusiasm? Critical! ey should have a positive attitude at “all” times, not just once in awhile. ey should have a genuine respect, fondness and attachment to golf that is above reproach and a willingness to share their knowledge and experience with you. ey should enjoy and value watching you make the necessary changes that lead to your success.
A GOOD LISTENER - A good mentor should always take time to listen and understand your needs by asking questions and being interested in your challenges both on and o the golf course. ey should embrace your thoughts and approach to golf that can help them be more e ective without always imposing “their” preferences.
AVAILABLE - A good mentor should be available to you for a reasonable amount of time each day or week for the relationship to be e ective and lasting. Also, you must gure out who is checking in with whomduring the day, at the end of the day or for a longer time on weekends. Be speci c and remind your mentor you value their time and appreciate their energy.
INTEGRITY, ETHICS & HONOR - Good mentors are not just knowledgeable and have experience in the game of golf. ey should have an exceptional reputation for their Integrity, Ethics & Honor. ey should hold themselves accountable for your success and always be professional and honorable. A good mentor should also tell you what it’s going to take for you to reach your goals and objectives as well as the dedication it will require to succeed.
ADAPTABLE - A good mentor will always be up front and inform you the advice they give you about the fundamentals may not work for you in every situation because there are so many di erent instructional philosophies about the modern day golf swing. ey should encourage you to work with a certi ed PGA Golf Professional and then work on the drills and techniques during the golf season with you.
FOCUSED ON SUCCESS - Good mentors should always be focused on developing a program that results in success for you, both in golf and life. e program should have clear goals and objectives for you that are consistent with your potential and realistic expectations.
To the best of my knowledge there are no o cial credentials required to become a Certi ed Golf Mentor. Now what? Don’t give up until you nd one!
Albert C. Clos Owner & Licensed Manager Jason Ryder
Joseph D. Falardeau 1966 - 2013
Mary Falardeau Reed
ELENa sELTHuN photo by elena Selthun
THE MILLENNIuM CaPsuLE
Celebrating 100 years of the Village of North Syracuse has many components, including the Millennium Capsule to be opened in 2050. The Plank Road Historical Society commissioned the capsule. The objective was to preserve the history and heritage of North Syracuse at the millennium. Schools, families, churches and community organizations all submitted articles and historical information. Included in the capsule are photographs, newspaper articles, local, national and international stories and many items submitted by the public. Past president of the society, Vera Desimone spearheaded the project. The capsule was created and
donated by Hemstreet Tool and Die, Inc., located at 599 South Bay Road in the village, and specializes in metals stamping and forming for corporations.
Sealed on Jan. 6, 2000, the capsule is on display, protected by plexiglass, in the children’s section of the newly constructed North Syracuse Public Library. Mayor Jim Hotchkiss was instrumental in procuring NOPL’s 50 year commitment to the village’s history.
The capsule will be opened on Jan. 2, 2050 in time for the Village of North Syracuse’s 125th Anniversary celebration.
Article compiled from Star Review articles published in 1999 and 2000.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Hump Day Lunch
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Liverpool American Legion, 205 Cypress St. $8 includes sloppy Joes, tossed salad, chips, and beverage. Take out available.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
All You Can Eat Belgian Waffle Breakfast
8 a.m.-11 a.m. Lamson Grange #588, 9108 Fenner Rd., Baldwinsville. Menu: waffles, peach topping, warm syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, and beverages. Adults: $12. Ages 6-12: $6. Ages 5 and under: free.
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. Ham and Scalloped Potatoes Dinner
4 p.m.-6 p.m. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 210 Hazel St., Liverpool. Eat in or take out. Menu: Ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and dessert. $12.
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
local students named to SuNy Oneonta Dean’s list
The following students earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2024 semester: Dante Dolan of Liverpool, Nathan Fingerman of Liverpool, Lucia Montecalvo of Cicero and Mya Vallat of Liverpool.
To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
Woodworth named to Provost’s list
Eva Woodworth of Liverpool was named to the SUNY Oneonta Provost’s List for the fall 2024 semester.
To qualify for the Provost’s List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
Delia named to dean’s list
Haley Delia, of Liverpool, has been named to the dean’s list at East Stroudsburg University for the Fall 2024 semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. Delia is a psychology major at the school. Students eligible for the dean’s list must have achieved a 3.50 grade point average (GPA) or higher and be enrolled full-time. local students named to uB fall 2024 dean’s list
The University at Buffalo recently named the following local students to the fall 2024 dean’s list: Benjamin Thieben of North Syracuse, New York.
Liverpool residents Nate De Lucia, Malik Ghabarou, Ethan Przytula, Emilia Vischi, Sydney Zopff, Grace Fink and Layla Soto.
Clay residents Anabel Donovan, Aidan Maturo and Chris Mehlek. Cicero residents Erinn Cosgrove, Megan Foley, Gianna Germain, Mackenzie Leone, Natalia Lewis and Dylan McGannon. Brewerton residents Ciena Ferguson, Elaina Kernan, Jacob Pierson, Lillian Ro-
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Easter Egg Hunt, Lunch with the Easter Bunny
12 p.m.-3 p.m. Brewerton United Methodist Church, 5395 Orangeport Rd. Hunt for eggs, have lunch, and enjoy photo opps. At will donation.
MONDAY, APRIL 14
Art Exhibit and Reception
7 p.m. Salina Library, Mattydale. Meet photographer Valerie McLean and view 20 years worth of her work, mostly landscapes.
MAY 10 & 11
CNY Folksmarch
Cleveland. 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 display. Visit www.facebook.com/northsyracusefamilyfestival.
MONDAY, MAY 26
Memorial Day Parade 8 a.m. Village of Liverpool. The parade returns to Liverpool with a new route and more!
C-NS lax teams open with victories
By PHIL BLaCKWELL
About the only thing better for the Cicero-North Syracuse girls lacrosse team than winning a state Class A championship is going for two in a row.
And with plenty of talent back from the 2024 side which won it all with a 19-2 record, the Northstars found itself in a new role, that of getting hunted by every single opponent it will face.
Penfield was the first of them, and in last Saturday’s season opener C-NS was pushed into overtime by the Section V powers before pulling out a 10-9 decision on Gabby Putman’s game-winner. Putman already had two goals on the game when she took the OT draw, battled through Penfield’s defenders and completed her hat trick to win it. Elizabeth Smith joined Putman with three goals, while Sophia Nesci scored twice and added a pair of assists.
Ella Grotto and Sophia Graham put in the other goals and
SCHOOLS & SCHOLARS
thrum and Braden Santaguida.
To qualify for the dean’s list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.6 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean’s list at the end of the fall and spring semesters.
Wright named to dean’s list
Midway University is pleased to announce that Abbie Wright, of Cicero, has been named to its dean’s list for the 2024 fall semester. To be named to the list, a student must be classified full-time and obtain a 3.60 grade point average for the semester. There were 424 students who made the Dean’s List.
local students named to president’s list
The following local students were named to the Southern New Hampshire University Fall 2024 President’s List: Liverpool residents Matthew Edgar, Andrea Peterson, Michael Kovacs, Jean Martinez and Brandi Burrus and Cicero residents Nicole Mirra and Brittany Hardenburgh. The fall terms run from September to December. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/ spring, and summer.
liverpool residents named to SuNy Potsdam Dean’s list
Liverpool residents Jacob Gaul and Zachary Phipps were named to the State University of New York at Potsdam Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Gaul is majoring in music business and Phipps is majoring in musical studies. To achieve the honor, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of between 3.25 and 3.49 in the given semester.
college names local students to president’s honor roll
Liverpool residents John Hayes and Sean Kilpatrick were named to the Bismarck State College (BSC) President’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2024 semester.
They have maintained at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of classes.
Zimmer named to Bucknell dean’s list
Alyssa Zimmer, of Liverpool, has been named to Bucknell University’s dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Zimmer is a political science major. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition. local students on SuNy New Paltz Dean’s list
The following local students were named to the SUNY New Paltz Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load: Julia Barbour of Liverpool, Sophia D’Arcangelis of Liverpool, Nicole Earle of Cicero, Angelica Gabriel of Liverpool, Alexis Perkins of Brewerton and Cole Potrzeba of Liverpool.
local SuNy Potsdam Students named to president’s list
The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named the following local students to the president’s list for the fall 2024 semester:
Raistlin Brisson of Liverpool, whose major is anthropology; Josh Coldren of Liverpool, whose major is music education; William Hallenbeck of Liverpool, whose major is music education; Jake Trubia of Cicero, whose major is childhood/ early childhood education; Kylie Walker of Liverpool, whose major is childhood/
Viviana Beardsley earned a pair of assists.
Defensively, the Northstars faced plenty of pressure from the Patriots, but senior goalie Jilly Howell had a strong showing as she finished with 10 saves.
This was part of a doubleheader with the C-NS boys lacrosse team, who in its first game of 2025 proved quite impressive in a 14-5 victory over Section II’s Ballston Spa.
Having gone 11-6 a season ago, these Northstars wasted little time establishing control, steadily working its way to a 7-2 advantage over Ballston Spa by halftime.
The margin continued to grow as Adrian Sweeney matched the opposition by himself with five goals, adding an assist. Luke Deinhart and Karsen Pritchard had two goals apiece, Deinhart tacking on a pair of assists. Quinn Empey, Jack Putman and Donovan Chaney each got one goal and one assist. Joe Malecki and Dominick Sommers also scored, with Blake Fefee contributing an assist.
early childhood education; and Erik Wall of Clay, whose major is business administration. To achieve the honor of being on the president’s list, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numericallygraded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
le Moyne college December 2024 graduates named to dean’s list
Several local students have graduated from Le Moyne College and have been named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. To make the list, students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or above. These students included: Jason Cabrera of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Arts in history; Gina Dellavella of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Science in biology; Liam Mahar of Baldwinsville, a Bachelor of Science in environmental science systems; Angela McSweeney of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Arts in English; Seaver Schultz of Cicero, a Bachelor of Science in computer science; and Dante Tisbe of Syracuse, a Bachelor of Science in computer science. conklin named to hofstra university Dean’s list
Janet Conklin of Liverpool was recently named to the Hofstra University fall 2024 dean’s list. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List.
Bui graduates from clarkson university
Nam Nhat Bui of Liverpool received a master of business administration degree and a certificate in supply chain management from Clarkson University on Dec. 14, 2024.
Ricciardi named to dean’s list at university of New England
Molly Ricciardi of Cicero has been named to the dean’s list for the 2024 fall semester at the University of New England. Dean’s list students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.
Submitted photoS
Pictured above are Plank Road Historical society members Bob Henry, Vera Desimone, Bea Judd, anne Fuller, Mary Kesel, sue Wheeler, Lee Russell, Tom Howard, Eddie Fagan with the capsule.