BrASSy ANd fuNky
classic rock, oldies, r&b
By ruSS TArBy
Contributing writer
Three of Central NY’s rockingest bands will play free concerts this month at Johnson Park as part of the ongoing 39th annual Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series.
At 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, one of the area’s most popular dance bands, The Horn Dogs, return to the park.
Now a 12-piece combo, the ensemble was established years ago when four friends from Solvay High School came together to play rock’n’roll. Decades later, the group has emerged as one of the top horn/party bands in Upstate New York.
to ring out at Johnson Park this month
Submitted photo
As members of The Horn dogs, these musicians play brass and reed instruments to really feel the funk. They return to Johnson Park at 7 p.m. Monday, July 21.
LMS sixth-graders study Onondaga Lake
Submitted photo
Liverpool Central School district sixth-graders recently learned first-hand about Onondaga Lake’s past, present and future. The students spent a day at the lake exploring topics such as its watershed, water quality and environmental issues through hands-on activities. The students participated in nature and ecology walks with Jack Gramlich, went fishing at the Salt Museum pier, tested oxygen levels in water samples and took a boat ride on the Syracuse Boat Tours new pontoon boat. Students also had the opportunity to play Pickleball at the Onondaga Lake Courts. The goal of the visit, according to retired LCSd teacher Alex Becerra, is to encourage students to be stewards of the environment and the watershed, as well as learn what a great resource Onondaga Lake is to the community.
County, The Cazenovia Republican in Madison County, Syracuse Woman Magazine and several digital properties including eaglenewsonline.com.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 10, by George “Scoop” Sample, owner of Sample News Group.
“Eagle News has a strong presence in the greater Syracuse area,” said Sample. “They provide their communities with exceptional local journalism. This was a natural fit for our Central New York operations, and we are proud to have them join our group.”
David Tyler, newspaper publisher with Eagle News in Syracuse, will continue to serve as publisher of the group.
“This sale represents the beginning of a new era for Eagle News’ historic publications. Despite the headwinds our in -
GOP caucus Thursday, Valerino to run for Liverpool mayor
By ruSS TArBy Contributing writer
Local Republicans nominated attorney Thomas J. Valerino as their candidate for mayor of Liverpool.
Valerino will oppose incumbent Democrat Stacy Finney in the Nov. 4 general election.
Having graduated in 1998 from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, Valerino is employed by the Hillsberg, Sharp, Corbacio & Valerino law firm in Syracuse. His practice areas include criminal defense, divorce and separation and DUI and DWI defense. Valerino lives in the village.
Twenty registered Republican village residents attended the caucus at the village hall on July 10.
Valerino was the caucus’s only nomination. There were no nominations for village trustee.
That means that first-term incumbent Democrat trustees Melissa Cassidy and Rachel Ciotti will run for re-election without opposition.
Village GOP Chairman Joe Ostuni Jr. is impressed with the party’s mayoral candidate who is making his first-ever run for public office.
“He’s part owner of the historic brick building at the corner of Tulip and First streets,” Ostuni said. “Tom enjoys the village and wants to work with village residents to maintain and improve it.”
Finney, in her first term as mayor, is an eighth-grade art teacher at Strough Middle School in Rome, New York.
Republican Commissioner for Onondaga County Board of Elections attended the Liverpool caucus as Ostuni’s guest.
“We’re very pleased he could be with us,” Ostuni said.
Trustees Ok non-union employee raise, mayor casts lone no-vote
By ruSS TArBy Contributing writer
At a special meeting by the Village of Liverpool Board of Trustees on Wednesday, July 9, the subject was non-union village employee wages.
The trustees voted 4-1 to award those employees a 3.5 percent raise.
Voting in favor of the wage increase were trustees Melissa Cassidy, Rachel Ciotti, Matt Devendorf and Mike LaMontagne.
Mayor Stacy Finney cast the lone dissenting vote. She explained why: “I believe our employees all deserve a raise, yet I voted ‘no’ for the following reasons: With a universal percentage raise, this gives more to higher earners and less to those with a lower hourly rate. By doing standard percentage raises year after year, this divide between the higher and lower wage earners only increases, which becomes problematic,” the mayor wrote in a July 10 email. “In my opinion, a universal dollar amount for all, based on hours worked or longevity, shows all employees that we value what they bring to our community equally. Therefore I voted ‘no’ to a universal 3.5 percent increase.
Horns l Page 2
Sunshine Horses holds program for individuals with Alzheimer’s
By MONA HAMLiN SunShine horSeS Volunteer
Sunshine Horses has some positive news for Central New Yorkers dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and their caregivers.
The organization is offering a unique program that allows individuals with memory loss and their caregivers, to interact with horses in a safe and energizing environment.
The program is called the Memory Care Corral, and allows participants with no horse handling experience to interact with horses in therapeutic nonriding activities including performing grooming, creating artwork, walking with horses, learning fascinating things about the horses, and doing gentle chair-based exercises.
Participants benefit from reduced stress, depression and isolation, and research has shown that human horse connections can help partici -
Horns
pants feel more relaxed, confident, and happy.
“The motto of Sunshine Horses is ‘helping horses helping people’ and the Memory Care Corral program fits perfectly into that vision,” said Lisa Trumble, a volunteer at Sunshine Horses. “It is moving and heartwarming to see how people with dementia and their caregivers find comfort and joy in spending time with our gentle horses. I feel honored and privileged to be able to help facilitate that process.”
Volunteers have been trained by the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York, and start-up funding has been provided by the Athelda Fund, a family fund dedicated to enabling individuals living with dementia to remain at home and engaged in their community for as long as they can.
“I know from my own personal experience, as a former caregiver for my mother who had Alzheimer’s disease, how stressful supporting someone with
In 2016 the Dogs won the Syracuse Area Music People’s Choice Award for best band.
The Horn Dogs include singer Caitlin Barry, trumpeter/saxophonist Tony Callisto trumpeters Steve Carbone and John D’Eredita, saxophonist Keith Ducett, bassist Larry Jaworski, drummer Jim Kelley, trombonist Rob Markowski, vocalist Bill Mosher, guitarist John Malbone, keyboardist Jeremy Patterson and trumpet-
memory loss can be, and this is especially true for those who are caring for their loved ones at home,” said Sandra H. Martin who manages the Athelda Fund.
According to Martin, the Memory Care Corral program developed in partnership with community organizations with expertise in eldercare and dementia, as well as therapeutic horsemanship professionals, is an innovative program based on research, that has shown that interaction with horses is beneficial for both the individual with memory loss and the caregiver.
“I have found this program to be a perfect tribute to my mother, whose charitable fund, the Athelda Fund, provides the resources to make this program possible,” said Martin.
Sessions are held 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. on select Saturdays at Sunshine Horses which is located at 3721 Verplank Road in Clay.
Preregistration is re -
er/keyboardist Dave Simiele.
“We will have you dancing and singing all night long while we play the greatest horn-driven R&B, Motown, disco, classic rock and today’s greatest hits,” bandleader Jeremy Patterson said. “It’s always a party with The Horn Dogs.”
On Wednesday, July 23 the band named Request will take the stage at Johnson Park. Request features trumpeter-singer John Saltamach, one of the area’s most versatile entertainers.
True to its moniker, Request plays the most-requested golden oldies ranging
Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
quired by calling 315456-9380 and leaving a message or emailing sunshinehorsesinc@gmail.
co m
Sessions are $10 per person ($20 per session
for two participants).
More information can also be found by visiting SunshineHorses.org.
Sunshine Horses, Inc. is a non-profit, independent adoption agency and res -
from Elvis Presley to the Beatles, Sam Cooke to Smokey Robinson.
Then at 7 p.m. Monday, July 28, Mark Macri & The Funk Junkies will make their Johnson Park debut after having been rained out last summer.
Multi-instrumentalist Mark Macri is one of the busiest solo acts in Central NY. In fact, he often entertains here at The Retreat, either on the patio or in the barroom.
On July 28, he’ll be accompanied by the Funk Junkies.
The well-experienced musicians are
guitarist Ed Gorham, bassist Jake Capozzolo and drummer Robbie Spagnoletti. Macri sings soulfully and plays piano but may double on guitar.
“We primarily play soul, funk and blues with an occasional outlier here and there,” Macri said. The Junkies’ repertoire stretches from Bill Withers to Stevie Wonder, Stevie Ray Vaughn to Johnny Guitar Watson, from the Allman Brothers to Al Green. Admission is free at all performances. Visit liverpoolistheplace.co m for more information.
Salina Library announces events for adults, children, teens
For more information or to register for programs, visit the Events Calenda r at salinalibrary.or g or call 315-454-4524.
Events for adults
Bingo for Adults with d isabilities
Wednesday, July 16 at 3 p.m.
Socialize and have fun playing bingo! Bring a new item under $2 for the prize table; it can be anything from a sticker to a pack of gum. Use your imagination! For adults 18+ with disabilities. Neurodiversity Meetup
Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Neurodivergent adults can meet new people in our quiet room with low lighting. Bring a snack and a drink, or even an item to talk about.
dustry faces, joining a group like Sample Media will allow us to bolster the content our readers enjoy by taking advantage of the experience and scale of a larger, more established operation,” Tyler said. “I’m also excited to partner with the teams at the Oswego Palladium-Times and the Cortland Standard as we continue to develop and strengthen our Central New York news brand in a way that serves both news consumers and advertisers throughout our fourcounty footprint.”
Brian Nalepa, president of Sample News Group, will coordinate the integration of the Eagle News into the Sample News Group family, adding the publications to the company’s nine media properties in New York state.
If you like, you can bring a person along who helps ease any anxiety. For adults 18+. Circle of friends
Friday, July 18 at 1-3 p.m.
Adults with disabilities, along with a mentor or family member, can meet up at the library to socialize, play games, or eat lunch together. For adults 18+.
Mixology
Tuesday, July 22 at 6 p.m.
Become a mixologist as you learn to craft 3 different summer mocktails! You’ll also get the recipe for a cocktail version. For adults 18+. r ainbow Meetup
Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m.
A safe place to gather with other
“We are looking forward to having David and his team at Eagle News be a part of our Central New York operations” Nalepa said. “Having partnered with this group over the past couple of years on several different initiatives, they exemplify true professionalism and a commitment to their communities. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Sample News Group officially takes ownership of the newspapers on July 14.
In New York, Sample News Group currently operates The Palladium Times (Oswego), The Valley News (Fulton), The Oswego Shopper , The Oswego County News , The Livingston County News , The Daily News (Batavia), the Cortland Standard , the Pennysaver (Owego) and the Bee Group (Williamsville.)
Sample News Group is a privately
LGBTQIA+ adults, ages 18+. Socialize, play games, and share crafts, skills, and interests. Bring a snack to share.
Summer Meetup: Trivial Pursuit: Book Lover’s Edition
Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m.
Participants in the Adult Summer Program can register for this Summer Meetup. Try book trivia with your friends and neighbors! The winners will get a prize! For adults 18+. d ance Party
Friday, July 25 at 11 a.m.
Dance for an hour with your friends, or sit and enjoy the music and the company! For adults with disabilities 18+, along with a men -
held publishing company based in Huntingdon, Pa., with 19 daily newspapers and more than 38 weeklies and specialty magazines. The company owns and operates 30 local websites and six centralized production facilities, in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Vermont. For more information, visit samplenewsgroup.com.
The modern history of Eagle News began in 1992 when Brown Newspapers and Manlius Publishing merged to form Eagle Media LP. A few years later, Eagle expanded beyond the Syracuse market, acquiring the Spotlight Newspapers in the Albany market. In 2009, three newspaper publishers, David Tyler in Syracuse, John McIntyre in Albany and Dan Alexander of Denton Publications in the Adirondacks, joined forces under the name Community Media Group LLC and purchased the assets of Eagle Media LP, to include all the titles in the Syracuse market.
About the publications
The Eagle Bulletin , dating to 1887, serves the eastern suburbs of Syracuse, including the towns of Manlius and DeWitt and the villages of Fayetteville, Manlius, Minoa and East Syracuse.
The Baldwinsville Messenger , with roots to 1847, serves the Baldwinsville community including the towns of Van
tor or family member.
i n Stitches Monday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Whether you like to knit, crochet, or do other needlework, it’s more fun to do it together. Bring your projects and work while we chat.
Coloring & Puzzles for Seniors 50+
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy the conversation as you color or work on a puzzle together. Bring coloring supplies or use ours. Puzzle provided. For adults 50+. Tech Help
Do you need help with your laptop or tablet, using email, downloading
Buren and Lysander.
The Star-Review , formerly the North Syracuse Star-News and the LiverpoolSalina Review , serves the northern suburbs of Syracuse to include the communities of Liverpool and North Syracuse and the towns of Salina, Clay and Cicero. The predecessors of the Star-Review date to 1893.
The Press-Observer serves western Onondaga County, including the communities of Skaneateles, Marcellus, Jordan, Elbridge and Camillus. The Skaneateles Press , one of the predecessors to the current edition, was originally founded in 1830.
The Cazenovia Republican , the oldest continuously operating business in Madison County, originated in 1808, and has proudly served the Cazenovia community, including the village of Cazenovia and the towns of Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson, ever since.
Syracuse Woman Magazine launched in 2011, and it has since evolved into one of the strongest print media brands in the market. The area’s only women’s magazine, each edition features articles on health, fashion, fitness, dining and lifestyle and shines a spotlight on local Syracuse women. The magazine is distributed monthly at locations throughout the greater Syracuse area, including all Wegmans and Tops grocery stores.
cue facility for horses in need.
Founded in 2003, Sunshine has found loving homes for more than 220 horses.
Submitted photo
Sunshine Horses has launched a program, Memory Care Corral, for those living with
By dONNA NEwMAN
VIEWPOINTS
OuR vOiCE
Protect your home
Travel is something that many enjoy and look forward to during the summer months when the kids are out of school and the weather is generally pleasant.
According to AAA it was projected that around the Fourth of July alone 70.9 million people would be traveling at least 50 miles from home.
Travel is a great opportunity to have fun and explore a new place if you are able, but it is also important to remember to make sure your home and valuables are safe while you are away so you can enjoy your vacation time and have peace of mind that everything will be in order when you get home.
According to the FBI, home burglaries increase in the summer months, since burglars see vacations as an opportunity to target empty homes, and renters are more likely to be robbed than homeowners. Before heading out for vacation, travelers should take a few moments to safeguard their home and their possessions. AAA suggests taking these steps: Make it time-consuming to break into your home. Research suggests that if burglars think it will take more than four or five minutes to break into a home, they will move on. Check outside doors and frames to ensure they are strong and made of metal or thick hardwood. Use deadbolts on windows and doors, which can slow burglars down or deter them entirely.
Invest in an effective burglar alarm and/or exterior cameras that, when triggered, alert you, the police, fire department and other emergency services. Check with your insurance agent about possible alarm system discounts.
Disconnect computers and other electronic devices from the internet to prevent hackers from gaining access to your information. Make sure personal information on your computer is difficult to access.
Keep valuables locked up and out of sight. Expensive jewelry, electronic devices and other high value items should be hidden from plain view and placed in lock boxes.
Make your home look inhabited. Use timers to turn lights on and off, temporarily stop newspaper deliveries, and arrange to have your mail picked up or held by the post office. An unkempt lawn is also an indicator to burglars that you are away. Hire a lawn service to maintain your yard if you are gone for an extended period of time.
Ask a dependable neighbor, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Avoid discussing your vacation plans in public places such as at the grocery store or at your local café. Although vacations are exciting, try not to post about them on social media until you return; someone may see your posts and target your home while you’re away.
Create a home inventory. In the event that you do need to file a claim, preparing a home inventory of your possessions beforehand will make the process easier.
Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need in case you experience theft or damage to your property.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
MAdE By HANd … ANd HEArT
Waiting in line is far from private and I wasn’t listening, truly. What I heard made me sad. Two women were talking about a handmade gift that one of them had received. As described, it was a painting of a nearby waterfall.
The comments were stingingly critical: “Too cheap to buy something” and “I’ve seen better done by a four-year-old” and the piece de resistance, “After all the times I took her to the doctors? That wasn’t an inexpensive thing to do, and look at what I get.”
I held my tongue and displeasure, but I do believe that, if I could, I would have a few critical words not only about their behavior but also the mindset from which it came.
Since when are gifts “transactional?” You know, I give you something and then you are required to gift me something of equal or greater value. Or, in more political circles, “quid pro quo.” Both, the word transaction and the phrase “quid pro quo” are flung around willy-nilly these days describing how parts of our government function. But I am not thinking about the larger issue of ethics
or even moral behavior. I am thinking about the normal interactions between ordinary people. You know, that thing that your parents taught you about kindness, caring, doing the right thing? Do unto others? The only obligation being “thank you.”
People share their time, their talents, their treasure with each other as a celebration of connection whether familial, friendship or social. To expect a return diminishes the sharing, and while returning that share is a lovely thing to do, it is not necessary, not required when that connection is genuine. Giving is an action that gives the giver as well as the recipient positive feelings.
There are gifts, some so simple … gifts that stay with you and verify your connection with the giver.
There are the unsolicited drawings made by children and grandchildren. One hangs on my refrigerator door. It’s an abstract stick figure interpretation of me drawn by my grandson, Tommy. It was the impetus for me to rejoin Weight Watchers. I loved that picture when I received it and I love it even more now.
A paper bag full of rhubarb, freshly cut and washed, from a friend whom I haven’t seen for a while, rivals expensive jewels.
The same would be true of a few shallots or a newly-picked tomato from a garden. There are the handmade quilts that cover our beds, generously made by my sister without any obligation on my part to return this prodigious effort.
Did I give any of these people gifts? Sure, but not because of what they had given me. I gave them, and most were handmade … an Afghan, an intricately-crocheted bookmark, a jar full of chocolate martini, special teas … because I thought that these “shares” would delight the receiver. They’re little surprises, from my hands to their hearts. It made me feel good to make them feel the same.
Now, don’t get me wrong, some gifts may only lift the spirit of the giver and require the recipient to focus on the action rather than the gift.
Take for instance the bathrobe that my spouse gave me for Christmas a few years ago. Smiling broadly, he handed me the box, with the announcement that he didn’t know my size so he asked the girl at the counter
The Herbal Center in Liverpool shut down
It looks like all those many messages sent by village officials to the state’s Office of Cannabis Management actually worked. Last Thursday, July 10, the OCM finally closed The Herbal Center, thc for short, at 612 Oswego St.
A large notice printed in red-and-black lettering was prominently posted in the shop’s front window: “This business is sealed by the order of Cannabis Control Board. Illicit cannabis was seized.”
The announcement stressed that thc’s products were “unapproved and unauthorized.”
The Herbal Center opened here on April 20, 2024, selling high-grade cannabis buds, edibles and paraphernalia.
Village ‘opted out’
It remained open for 14 months despite the fact that in 2021 village trustees voted to “opt out of allowing retail cannabis dispensaries and on-site cannabis consumption establishments from locating and operating within the boundaries of the village of Liverpool.”
Village Codes Officer Bill Reagan said that he, Police Chief Jerry Unger and Mayor
American High
To the editor:
I would like to respond to the recent articles written regarding American High. I have lived directly across the street from the building on Birch Street for over 45 years.
I was not aware that a generator or generators were even running.
The complaint of exhaust fumes I can’t or won’t dispute what others experienced, but permeating the air I disagree with that description.
If the building was still an active public school, the diesel fumes from buses would be far greater on a daily basis.
There have also been concerns voiced regarding noise and traffic.
During active filming there is certainly increased movement of vehicles, and some noise if filming outside, but it’s no worse than neighborhood gatherings outside in the evening hours, or if it was a school having after school activities.
The recent articles over the past three weeks, agree with me or not are biased and one sided.
I have only been approached by News Channel 9 for comment which I gave, endorsing American High.
The staff of American High has without fail given us a printed schedule of impending filming, including dates, times, contact information (telephone and email) for if we have any concerns with the schedule.
I have been invited to view movies, to come over and have free ice cream when a truck was there, amongst other things.
News Editor: Jason Gabak, ext 319, jgabak@eaglenewsonline com
Subscription info: lori Newcomb, ext 333, lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline com Managing Editor: Jennifer wing, ext 340, jwing@eaglenewsonline com
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Stacy Finney had all contacted the OCM without receiving a response.
Between May and September of 2024, the OCM announced it had padlocked 17 illegal pot shops in Central New York, but it did not include The Herbal Center here. Until last week, that is…
The Herbal Center franchise was established 18 years ago in Denver, Colorado. Both recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in New York.
On July 10, a young lady in a green station wagon sat parked in front of the closed shop. She informed me that the firm’s other location, at 110 W. Manlius St., in Manlius, remained open for business.
Block Party planned
Encore Youth Productions, which is a tenant of American High at 800 Fourth St., plans to present a Block Party fundraiser on Saturday, July 26, at the old baseball diamond at Hickory and Sixth streets.
New super well-qualified
The Liverpool Central School District has hired a new superintendent. He’s Richard Chapman, a well-experienced educator who
On Sunday’s in the summer months a youth soccer league uses the field on the Sixth Street end weekly and have for some time, and I believe the building is still used for community events.
These are beneficial to these groups and I believe they enjoy the ability to use the grounds and facilities.
In closing, I am not looking for debate, but I feel it is important to have both sides of the issue known.
There are as many if not more supporters of American High as there are those that don’t.
American High bottom line is good for the village.
dAVid Mix liVerpool
SAVES seeks names
To the editor:
SAVES Ambulance is in the process of updating a memorial plaque to SAVES volunteers who have given at least five years of volunteer service to SAVES and who have now passed on. The plaque is displayed in the main hall of the SAVES building in tribute to the memory of their service.
If anyone has a family member who passed away after 2001 and who previously was a SAVES volunteer for at least five years please send us their name, year that they passed on and approximate dates of service so that we can find their information in our personnel files and add their names to the plaque.
This information must be received by SAVES on or before Sept. 1, 2025. Please mail this information to: SAVES,
Classified Advertising: Patti Puzzo, ext 321 ppuzzo@eaglenewsonline com
Billing questions: alyssa Dearborn, ext 305, adearborn@eaglenewsonline com
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spent more than seven years as the executive director of elementary education for the Liverpool district, from 2016 to 2023. More recently, since January 2023, Chapman has served as Westhill’s assistant superintendent. His previous leadership roles included principal at the Mexico Academy 2015-17, and assistant principal at the West Genesee Middle School 2013-15.
Chapman, who now lives in Liverpool, started out in 1998 as a 5th grade teacher at West Genesee, and later taught science there for 13 years.
A graduate of SUNY Cortland, Chapman’s hiring was announced by the LCSD Board of Education on June 30.
Last word
“I was thinking about the recent tornadoes that have been around — and that’s when we saw sparks flying up from the window, and my daughter saw the car crushed under the pole.”
-- Diane Young, of Glenburn Road, whose husband, Christopher, was trapped inside a car after a microburst during the July 7 storm.
Contact the columnist at russtarby@aol.com
77 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152, Attention: Tom Damico. TOM dAMiCO SkaneateleS
Cicero Republican candidates
To the editor:
Coming out of the June 24 primary election, the Cicero Republican Committee has finalized their solid slate of highly qualified candidates who will be running this Nov. 4 on the Republican and Conservative lines. Mike Aregano will be running for re-election as our town supervisor, Chis Daniel and Jamie Pardee for town councilors, Gretchen Walter for tax receiver, Tracy Cosilmon reelection for town clerk and Chris Woznica re-election for town highway superintendent. I am confident our candidates will apply common sense in the decisions which are made on your behalf, will maintain a high degree of fiscal responsibility and prioritize the quality of life the residents of Cicero enjoy. Over the next few years our community, along with Central New York as a region, will face challenges with continued growth, especially with the addition of Micron in our area. Our candidates are committed to facing these challenges by balancing growth with the development that is yet to come along with preserving the integrity of our town. When elected Nov. 4 this highly qualified group of candidates will do an outstanding job of representing, every person living in the Town of Cicero.
JiM COrL, Sr. Chairman CiCero republiCan Committee
Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
Livin’ in Liverpool
russ tarby
Handmade
BurLEiGH fArMS - 1871
By JEff SNOw
town of Clay hiStorian
Clay hiStoriCal aSSoCiation
member
The middle picture is from the June 1983 Clay Historical Association calendar collection. It was taken around 1916. The little girl in the picture on the front porch is Clara Maider Marshal, who would have been 3 years old. The original house burned down in 1897 and a new home was built the following year.
The picture on the right is of Henry Maider and is from the November 1992 calendar collection. Maider lived on the road named after him for over 70 years. Maider Road is located in the northwestern part of the town of Clay between Route 57 (Three Rivers Bridge) and Morgan Road (Schroeppel’s Bridge). Henry was born in Nova Scotia and it’s speculated that he came to this area of New York because his brother, who was 20 years older than him, lived in Pennellville and had a farm.
The 1938 map with the two arrows pointing to both farms shows how close the two Burleigh family farms were – about 1/10 of a mile apart. Frank Burleigh’s farm is pictured on the left and his father Samuel’s is on the right. In the census of 1870, they valued their farm to be $15,000. That was a significant amount back then when other farms were valued at $2,000$3,000. According to a newspaper
article, March 23, 1871, proved to be a fateful day for Frank Burleigh. Frank Burleigh and Arthur Sharpe, who were 29 and 19 respectively, set out on a small log raft on the Oneida River heading toward Phoenix.
A number of residents saw them coming down the river and said they smashed into the bridge and fell into the river. Sadly, only Sharpe made it out. Burleigh’s body wasn’t found. It makes you wonder what made them take that dangerous venture of going down the river on a log raft in the month of March. Everyone should know that the water is near freezing temperatures in March. It’s possible that being
the young ages of 29 and 19, feelings of invincibility may have kicked in, therefore, perhaps, they were not thinking of the consequences of falling in the cold river. The temperature that spring day was in the upper 30s, maybe giving that warm spring day a boost to do something fun, like the story of Huck Finn on the raft. Henry Maider, at only 28 years old, must have found out that Mrs. Burleigh was widowed and had four small children and a large farm to take care of. The rest of the story is that they got married around 1875, just a few years after Frank Burleigh lost his life on the Oswego River. Af-
ter Henry and Melissa married, they had five more children, including the four Melissa had with her first husband Frank. Melissa died about 14 years later in 1898, after being sick for many months. Her youngest son Joseph was only 11 years old when she passed. One can only wonder what would have happened if that log raft trip never happened. Would the road be called Burleigh Road? One can only speculate. The farm that was operated by Frank’s father, Samual Burleigh, was demolished by New York state to make way for Route 481. Samuel passed away in 1877 and the farm has had
many owners since then. You can find this newspaper story of Frank on findagrave.com and/ or familysearch.com. Both are free websites to use; name and password might apply.
The aerial map of 1938 is from Cornell’s website. The Frank Burleigh monument is at Pine Plains Cemetery with his death date on it while Henry Maider’s headstone is a couple of yards away in the same family plot.
Today, the Maider home at 3675 Maider Road was purchased in 2021 and is owned by Thomas and Tina Gilligan. They provided the present-day picture of their home.
OBITUARIES
Carole A. Sevak, 86
Former baldwinsville resident
Carole A Sevak, 86, formerly of Baldwinsville and more recently of Melbourne, Australia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Being with Bob and her family, playing her piano and travelling were some of her favourite pastimes. She moved to Australia in 2023 with husband Bob to be closer to her Australian family.
Carole is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bob Sevak, and was the much loved Mother of Eric (dec), Diane Wills (Australia) and Karen.
She was the devoted grandmother of Brandon and Ciana Wills (both Australia) and Brianna, and loved great-grandmother of Summer and Hudson (both Australia.)
Antoinette T. romano
Dedicated teacher
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Antoinette Theresa Romano, a beloved mother, dedicated fourth-grade school teacher and cherished family matriarch. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
dren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Leonard) Chiarelli; and many nieces and nephews. Her family was her greatest joy and she shared her love, wisdom and humor with each of them.
Her love, kindness and creativity will live forever in the hearts of all who knew her. For this we are grateful.
To celebrate Antoinette’s life, relatives and friends gathered on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.
Handmade
For any friends or family who wish to contact Bob, please feel free to email Diane: cdwills@bigpond.co m and she will pass these on to him.
In line with Carole’s wishes, she was privately cremated and a private family memorial was held in Australia remembering Carole and celebrating her wonderful life on Sunday. June 22.
l From page 4
who seemed to be about the same size, to pick one out.
The robe would have covered my small
Antoinette “Toni” was born in Syracuse and spent her life devoted to her family, her students, her colleagues and her passions. As a teacher, she touched the lives of countless children with her kindness, teaching expertise and unwavering dedication. Antoinette’s creativity shone through her love for music, especially playing the piano, singing and her talent in art. Known for her strong spirit, she brought joy and energy to everyone around her.
A woman of kindness, Antoinette wished to be remembered for her caring nature and her ability to make others feel loved.
car. I, in return, smiled and looked on the gift as the time and effort he put into an expression of caring. As they say, “It’s not the gift but the thought.” I just wonder
Antoinette was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Thomas Romano, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and companionship; and eight siblings. Surviving are her sons, Dr. Thomas J. (Mary) Romano of Jamesville, Dr. Michael J. (Kelley) Romano of Liverpool, and Joseph A. (Lorie) Romano of Westport, CT; daughter, Laureen A. (William) Keegan of Baldwinsville; 16 grandchil-
what that salesclerk looked like.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.
Antoinette will be laid to rest in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.
Share condolences at BuranichFH.com.
Handmade can mean a phone call, stopping by the house to check in and see how things are going, some cookies, a poem created for the recipient, a card made by the giver, a note to say hello, help cleaning out the gutters or mowing a lawn. We are talking ways to say I care about you.
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I do remember a time, when we were very young and short on finances, that sharing with our friends demanded creativity if not handcrafting. One of my favorite gifts was ‘an evening by the fireplace” ….and of course this only works for people who have fireplaces. So, what was it? A bottle of wine, a bundle of apple wood from Ackles Apples and a box of savory wine cookies.
It does seem to me, at least from watching media, that we have, for at least some people, created rules that require at the very least some kind of equality of value when exchanging gifts. In my view this has moved … and I chose not to use the
word elevated…from the meta of connection to that of monetizing relationships - a way of balancing reciprocity - rather than seeing the giving as a series of actions over time that reinforce a relationship, that are moments of joy. And while not all of us have the wherewithal or creativity to gift handmade, the idea of sharing who we are, not in recompense for gifts received, but for the joy of giving, far outstrips the power of the quid pro quo or the one-upmanship that some people in our modern culture profess.
Those critical women who spoke so disparagingly about a hand-crafted gift are being deprived of something valuable. It does again come down to the bottom line… the value that a behavior sustains. I wonder if they know what that is?
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.
Carole A. Sevak
Antoinette T. romano
