


Submitted photoS
Recently Tom and Pat Richards of Fayetteville met with WWII veteran and PoW, John shott, at his 103rd birthday celebration. The party was held at the Pitcher hill Community Church in north syracuse and was attended by approximately 50 of shott’s family and friends. new york state sen. Christopher Ryan was in attendance and read a proclamation commemorating the occasion of shott’s 103rd birthday, and recounting Shott’s WWII experiences as a radioman and gunner aboard U.S. Army Air Corps aircraft engaged in combat against the Japanese forces in the western Pacific region, and subsequently as a prisoner of war. When asked what is his secret to living to the age of 103 years, shott, without hesitation, answered, “Good genes!” some of his family members added that it was also likely due to his being able to eat as much as he wants, of anything he wants. Pictured is John shott with Pat and Tom Richards.
By Russ TaRBy Contributing writer
Longtime town of Salina manufacturer and real estate developer Jay Bernhardt died on Sunday, July 20 in Syracuse. He was 82 years old. Born in Cooperstown, Bernhardt founded JGB Enterprises – a manufacturer of hoses and hose assemblies – in 1977 in DeWitt.
In 1984 he moved the operation to the town of Salina, specifically at 115 Metropolitan Drive and another building at 7110 Henry Clay Blvd.
JGB also established branch offices at five
other locations across the country – Buffalo, Charlotte, N.C., St. Louis, Mo., North Dakota and Texas.
Over the years, Bernhardt hired more than 300 employees.
Seven years ago, Bernhardt sold the business to HCI Equity Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm. A man with many varied interests, Bernhardt branched out into publishing, historic preservation and real estate.
His JGB Properties firm owned buildings such as Baldwinsville’s Red Mill Inn and Liverpool’s restored brick
Manly Building at the corner of First and Tulip streets, both of which now have new owners.
The firm also owned several Main Street properties in Richfield Springs, and an undeveloped three acres on Liverpool’s historic Basin Block.
JGB Properties had planned a multi-use development there of three three-story buildings, two along lower First Street and one on South Willow.
The buildings would’ve housed 47 residential units, six office spaces and two retail spaces but Bernhardt was
Mary ellen sims retiring after 28 years here; desiree salvagni will replace her
By Russ TaRBy Contributing writer
At the monthly meeting of the Liverpool Village Board of Trustees on Monday, July 21, a new village clerk was appointed to replace longtime clerk Mary Ellen Sims, who is retiring after 28 years.
The new part-time clerk and treasurer will be Desiree Salvagni, who has been employed as business development director and professional standards coordinator for the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS.
Salvagni also worked briefly for the Oneida Nation Enterprises as a convention coordinator at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona and as an event planner for the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse.
Salvagni is the second woman hired for the position. In late April the trustees announced the hiring of Linda Whitcomb who worked 17 years for Time-Warner Cable and Spectrum.
Whitcomb had been slated to start work on June 1, but after being hired she informed the trustees that she would decline the job. A subsequent search led to Salvagni, who attended the July 21 village board meeting.
“We’re so happy to have you,” Mayor Stacy Finney told her.
Salvagni will earn $30 an hour and serve a six-month probationary period.
For the past 13 years, Sims has been working part-time. She will act as a consultant to the new clerk for as long as necessary. Sims characterized her work here as “rewarding.”
“My time serving the village residents, mayors and trustees has been enjoyable, challeng -
unable to secure the financing for the development.
While JGB Properties had its ups and downs, it emerged as one of America’s top defense contractors.
JGB supplied every style of industrial, hydraulic and stainless steel-braided metal hose and fittings to the commercial business sector as well as to United States Armed Forces, NATO and various foreign military services.
In 2016, JGB was ranked number four on Modern Distribution Management’s list of top hose companies.
ing and very rewarding,” she said. “The village of Liverpool has been my ‘home’ and will always be in my heart.”
s ix DWIs in June
Police Chief Jerry Unger reported via memo that his officers made 387 traffic stops and issued 371 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws in the month of June. Six arrests were made for driving while intoxicated last month.
Officers stopped 15 tractor trailers in the village in June, and they wrote 15 local law traffic tickets for being overweight.
Seven accidents were investigated here last month and five parking tickets were issued. Officers made 47 residential checks and 269 business checks last month, while responding to a total of 916 incidents and calls for service, an average of 30.5 calls per day. The LPD arrested 103 individuals in June on 145 misdemeanor or felony criminal charges.
In 2017, JGB became the nation’s 24th largest defense contractor within the list of the 100 Largest Defense Contractors based on contracts performed.
In October of that same year, JGB agreed to a $150,460 settlement after being accused by the U.S. Army of improperly billing for repair kits for a tank-recovery vehicle, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bernhardt is survived by his wife, Kathleen Bernhardt (Polge); his children, Erica Pigula (Daniel) and Jason Bernhardt (Ana); his fatherin-law Albert Polge; and five grandchildren. A celebration of Bernhardt’s life was planned for Tuesday, July 29, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church followed by an entombment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt.
By KaThERInE RaKoWsKI
Registration is now open for the 13th annual Living an Active Life with Parkinson’s Disease Conference, hosted by Empower Parkinson, Inc., to be held on Thursday Aug. 14 from 9 to 2 p.m. at the Double Tree by Hilton in East Syracuse. It is a free, educational conference that offers participants
the opportunity to hear from professionals in the field and connect with others on the same Parkinson’s journey.
“Having the opportunity to join Empower Parkinson, Inc. for our annual conference provides persons with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners and professionals opportunities to learn, connect, and form meaningful bonds with others in the Central New York Community,”
Marlene Reinmann, events and outreach coordinator for Empower Parkinson, Inc., said. The conference is usually attended by over 200 people from across New York State, including those who view the live stream.
Speakers will include Dr. Fahed Saada of St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse on the topic “Steady Steps Forward: Preventing Falls in Parkinson’s
Republican Legislators Colleen Gunnip and Deb Cody led an emotional tribute at the legislature’s July Session, as they remembered their friend and longtime legislator, Judith Ann Tassone.
Tassone passed away earlier this year.
She represented the county’s 4th Legislative District from 2010 through 2021.
Her large family stood next to Gunnip and Cody at the front of the legislature’s chambers and listened as they shared their memories.
Gunnip, who was elected to represent that same 4th District after Tassone decided not to seek re-election, said “She did love this job. She just loved
to talk to the people. It was always people first. Her accomplishments were making sure the roads were plowed, making sure we took care of the health and safety of the people that we represent, and making sure that the tax rate was reduced every year.”
Cody, who represents the neighboring 5th District, said she liked that Tassone was always direct in sharing her experiences, advice and encouragement.
“I loved that I could count on her for straightforward and realistic insights” she said. “She came to be a trusted friend and mentor for me. I will miss her, as will so many, but I’m grateful to have known
Canandaigua National Bank has annoucned locations for each of the first four new branches that the bank will open, starting as early as the end of this year.
Canandaigua’s new branches will be developed in downtown Syracuse, DeWitt, Liverpool and Cicero.
“We are thrilled and honored to become part of these communities,” said President and CEO Frank Hamlin. “The site selections are the result of a thoughtful, multi-year process to understand how we can best position ourselves to begin to meet the needs of the Syracuse community as we become an integral part of its growth.”
her and blessed to have benefited from her wisdom and her grace.”
During her time at the legislature, Tassone served as chair and vice chair of the County Facilities Committee and as a member of the Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Health Committees.
Tassone’s son, Ben, spoke on behalf of the family and shared his mother “was very proud of her role. She was very proud to work with all of you and your predecessors. I really appreciate you honoring her.
The whole family does.”
The legislature rose for a moment of silence at the end of the presentation.
Disease;” Engage Therapy and Wellness Speech Therapist Kathryn Graves on the topic “How can Speech Therapy Help You While Living with Parkinson’s Disease;” fourthyear Cornell University Ph.D student Senegal Alfred Mabry on the topic “Your Black and Blue Brain Regions and the Story They Tell About Brain Disease;” and Dr. David Sell from the University of Rochester Medical Center. Approximately 30 exhibitors from local organizations providing services to seniors will also be on hand with resources to share.
With more than 3,000 individuals living in CNY with Parkinson’s Disease, Reinmann said this is a great opportunity for people to come together and hear from leading professionals in the field about how they can continue to lead an active life with the disease.
“I love seeing how happy
participants are to connect with professionals that want to help them and others facing the same challenges,” she said.
Reinmann knows firsthand the impact that Parkinson’s disease has on a family, as her father was diagnosed with the disease just over eight years ago.
“I am proud to be a part of providing programming that I know is beneficial to those impacted by Parkinson’s in CNY - whether they are an individual with Parkinson’s, a care partner, or a professional serving in the Parkinson’s community,” she said.
The idea for the conference originated out of a request from members of a Parkinson’s support group hosted by the Caregivers Services Program through the Onondaga County Department of Aging.
Reinmann, who co-chaired
By sCoTT DEsmIT For the daily newS
A prominent chiropractor from the Syracuse area who is a consultant for professional sports teams has been arrested and charged with sending indecent material to a 14-yearold girl he met online, village police said.
Theodore A. Baldini, 56, was charged after an extensive and ongoing investigation involving numerous agencies.
Village police, with assistance from New York State troopers out of Warsaw, Batavia, Lysander, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and state police Computer Crimes Unit compiled “significant evidence” during a raid at Baldini’s residence in the town of Phoenix Thursday.
Baldini was charged with disseminating indecent material to a minor, a felony, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was released to appear at a later date in Village Court.
“Our involvement in this case is over,” Chief Dean Hendershott said. “State police in the area where he lives are continuing their investigation
and will be asking people if they know of other victims.”
Hendershott said Baldini met the girl on a social media site and began corresponding with her. He said a relative of the girl contacted police, initiating the investigation.
Baldini is a well-known chiropractor at Seneca Chiropractic and Family Wellness.
He also is staff chiropractor and nutritional consultant for Syracuse Crunch AHL hockey team, a Tampa Bay affiliated and the Triple A Syracuse Mets baseball team.
Hendershott also issued a statement regarding the arrest.
“There is no place in our community — or anywhere in New York State — for sex crimes that target our young people,” he said. “We take these offenses seriously and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners and our community families to protect our most vulnerable young people. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and we all have a role in keeping our communities secure from individuals that prey on our younger generations.”
The four new branch locations will be: Washington Station Community Office at 333 West Washington St. in Syracuse and Liverpool Community Office at 7507 Oswego Road, DeWitt Community Office at 6805 E. Genesee St. in Fayetteville and Cicero Community Office at 8065 Brewerton Road.
The Washington Station branch will be the first to open, with renovation beginning soon and plans to open by the end of 2025. Construction of the additional branches will take place over the next year, with grand opening dates for each branch to be announced later. Canandaigua
is partnering with a pair of Syracuse-based architectural firms — King + King Architects and Holmes, King, Kallquist & Associates, Architects — to design the new spaces with inspiration drawn from the history of each individual community.
The bank is also in the process of identifying additional locations to further the expansion.
“This is not just about physical locations; it is about continuing to build relationships and offer maximum convenience to the community,” said Chief Retail Officer Gwen Crawford. “We believe these initial sites allow for that, and
work is ongoing to identify more sites as part of our commitment and belief in the Syracuse community.”
Canandaigua National Bank first announced its plans to expand into Syracuse in October 2024.
Since then, the bank has hired employees to build out its retail, commercial lending and business banking teams in the region.
Those hires include: Rima Arnold, vice president, Community Office manager, at the Syracuse branch; Mary Lemoniades, vice president, in Liverpool; Amr Sultan, assistant manager in the DeWitt branch; Renee Dellas, vice president, commercial
services officer with the commercial lending team; Mark Kay, vice president, commercial services officer with the commercial lending team; and Jeff Eades, vice president, business banker, with the business banking team.
Hiring for additional positions will continue as the branch locations progress.
Along with retail banking services, Canandaigua National Bank offers an entire fleet of financial services, including business banking, commercial lending, mortgage lending and loan origination, wealth management services, estate and trust services, and insurance.
Daniel C. Rizzo, sr., 84
u�s� army veteran, retired occ professor
Daniel Carmen Rizzo, Sr., 84, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Syracuse on Jan. 15, 1941, Dan was the son of the late Carmen and Edith (Eallonardo) Rizzo. He graduated from North High School in 1959 and went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, he joined the Army ROTC and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army upon graduation in 1964.
Dan proudly served his country for 29 years in both active duty and reserve capacities, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1994. His military career took him and his young family across the country and the world, including time at Camp Pendleton, California, and two years in Bangkok, Thailand, in support of the Vietnam War. After returning to the U.S., he and his family made their home in Camillus, where he remained a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Following his active military service, Dan dedicated more than 35 years to Onondaga Community College where he was a respected professor, including many years as chairman of the library. Upon his retirement in 2000, he
Irene m. Benko, 95 devoted to her family
Irene M. Benko, 95, died peacefully at home on July 12, 2025. Irene was born in Binghamton to Mary and Andrew Gobany on Dec. 2,1929. She graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1947 and began working as a secretary and became an administrative assistant for the School of Liberal Arts at Broome Community College later in her career. In 1950, she married Vincent A. Benko and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 22, 2020. They resided in Binghamton for 62 years until relocating to Skaneateles in 2016 where she resided at the time of her death. Irene was communicant of St Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles and St Cyril’s Church in
was named professor emeritus in honor of his distinguished career. There, he worked alongside his beloved wife, sharing years of meaningful work, lasting friendships and cherished memories.
Dan and Gail celebrated 64 years of marriage in April 2025, a testament to a lifelong partnership built on love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.
In retirement, Dan found joy and peace at the couple’s camp on Grass Lake in St. Lawrence County. Their summers were filled with early morning games of cribbage, hosting gatherings for extended family and friends, and creating cherished traditions that spanned generations. With his wife, Dan would nourish those gathered with all sorts of grand meals, the fan favorite being his pizza and pasta dishes, all homemade from scratch, no shortcuts.
A special treat, indeed!
An avid outdoorsman, Dan found profound joy in the simple, timeless traditions of fishing and hunting— passions he lovingly passed down to his children and grandchildren. Some of his most cherished memories were made during quiet nights bullhead fishing at the family’s treasured “secret spot,” where he gently taught the value of patience, stillness and respect for the natural world. In those quiet, rugged moments—beneath starlit skies or the golden canopy of autumn—Dan was more than a guide; he was a teacher, a mentor, a father and a grandfather. His legacy lives on in the generations who
Binghamton. A woman of kindness, Irene will be remembered for her caring and gentle nature. She had a warm and welcoming smile for everyone she met. Her family was her greatest joy and she devoted her life to taking care of each and every one of them. She had an exceptional love for learning, was a voracious reader and instilled that love in her children. Irene enjoyed nothing more than producing meals like a short order cook, attending endless sporting events and dance recitals and babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Irene is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Andrew Gobany and her husband, Vincent Benko. She is survived by her brother, Robert Gobany and her children, David(Christine) Benko, Monroe Falls, OH,
H. Taylor, 89, of Elbridge passed away July 22, 2025. The
of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.
now walk those same trails and cast their lines with the same quiet reverence he did.
Dan’s greatest joy later in life came from supporting his grandchildren. Whether it was a school play, a music recital, an ice-skating competition or a game on the field or ice—he was there. His quiet strength and steady presence were a source of love and pride to those closest to him.
Dan was a modest, unassuming man who always put others before himself. Known for his wisdom, humility and generosity of spirit, he offered thoughtful counsel to friends and family alike, helping multitudes navigate the many complexities, opportunities and challenges of life. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dan was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Jennifer Rizzo; his beloved son-in-law, Wayne McDonald; and several in-laws from the Haven family.
Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Gail; children, Kimberly (John) McGee of Frederick, MD, Dan Jr. (Jeanine) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Cheryl (Chris Lego) McDonald of Auburn; treasured grandchildren: Alexandra, Daniel III, Jarrett (Carly), Megan, Zachary and Colton; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Maggie Monnat and Hospice nurse, Keziah Bush, for their exceptional care, compassion and comfort
Diane(Peter) Lynch, Skaneateles, and James Benko, Silver Spring, MD, grandchildren, Jessica(William) Murphy, John,(Danielle) Lynch, Patrick(Jackie) Benko, Regan(Ryan) McKinley, Brian(Maggie) Benko, Mary Elizabeth(Dennis) Woo, Colin(Lizzie) Benko, Sarah(Dan) Oska, and Margaret(James) Buckley and 20 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank and are grateful to Laurie, Yolanda, Lisa, Renee, Margaret, Nicole and Rita for their help and the loving care they provided to Irene throughout the last years of her life.
Service will be private and in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Central New York of the Finger Lakes. To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
during Dan’s final days.
To celebrate Dan’s life, relatives and friends gathered on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.
A funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at noon in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Drive, Syracuse.
Dan will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Indian River Lakes Conservancy, 43982 Stine Rd., P.O. Box 27, Redwood, NY 13679. Share condolences at buranichfh. com.
OuR vOicE
According to the CDC, in the United States ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease as well as other pathogens that can be transmitted to humans such as Anaplasmosi s , Babesiosi s , Bourbon viru s and Colorado tick feve r to name a few.
The CDC explains that many tickborne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms.
Among these are fever/chills, aches and pains and rash. If you suspect you have been bitten by a tick and have any of these symptoms the CDC encourages visiting a health care professional as soon as possible.
An important part of avoiding possible tick related illnesses is knowing what to look for and what to avoid and what preventative measures can be taken when outdoors.
According to the CDC, ticks find their hosts by detecting animals´ breath and body odors, or by sensing body heat, moisture, and vibrations. Some species can even recognize a shadow. In addition, ticks pick a place to wait by identifying well-used paths. Then they wait for a host, resting on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Ticks can’t fly or jump, but many tick species wait in a position known as “questing.”
While questing, ticks hold onto leaves and grass by their third and fourth pair of legs. They hold the first pair of legs outstretched, waiting to climb on to the host. When a host brushes the spot where a tick is waiting, it quickly climbs aboard. Some ticks will attach quickly and others will wander, looking for places like the ear, or other areas where the skin is thinner.
When going outdoors, it is important to be aware of the potential to encounter ticks.
Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
The CDC suggests people treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
The CDC also suggests people avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter and walk in the center of trails.
It is also recommended to use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
After coming back in from being outdoors it is recommended to check your clothing for ticks.
Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.
It is also recommended to examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and daypacks.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks under arms, in and around ears, inside the belly button, backs of knees, between legs and around the waist.
The same measures are also recommended for pets who have been outside and if you suspect a pet has been bitten it is recommended to see a vet as soon as possible.
To learn more visit cdc.gov/ticks, or for pets visit bestfriends.org.
Iam a morning person. Even as morning brings the stiffness and pain of whatever it is that brings stiffness and pain, I enjoy getting up and attacking the day before it attacks me.
Usually by the time I feed the cats, set up for the spouse’s breakfast and have a cup of coffee, most of the morning ouches have dissipated. And so it was a bit disconcerting on that morning a month or so ago when, among my morning complaints, I felt a numbness in my left hand and fingers, not all of the fingers, just the pinky and ring finger. Thought I had “slept funny”… the latter is a medical term I learned from my mother who learned it from her mother. I come from a long line of amateur diagnosticians.
The day wore on and the worrying numbness and finger tingling didn’t disappear. Having a computer at the ready, I googled what had now become “symptoms” … not a good thing. Gee, they could be warnings of all kinds of unsavory disorders.
Fearing the worst, I called my doctor and got in to see him that afternoon. He examined me and, smiling, asked to see my purse. Then he asked me how I carried it.
“Well,” I replied, “let me see, I guess I carry it on my left shoulder.”
He took my purse, got on the scale and made one of those “phew”
sounds.
“What do you have in here?” he asked. “You might find a way to lighten this up a bit. If this doesn’t improve, we’ll get you back in here for nerve conduction studies.”
His prescription was to carry my purse on the other shoulder.
As he left, he said absently, “You might want to take the anvil out of your purse.”
I did as he said and, what do you know, after a few days, the numbness went away. Go figure!
A woman’s purse is a special thing. Finding one involves something akin to falling in love. It has to project a certain “je ne sais quoi,” be commodious enough to carry all that she considers essential and, of course, demonstrate one’s good taste. My current accessory, my trusted side kick for more than three years, would be absolutely perfect if it had a shorter strap, but I make do, putting up with the necessity of having to hold it on my shoulder because it looks good.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, but this is not about thinking, it is about style. However, being relieved to find out that the heretofore mentioned symptoms weren’t harbingers of catastrophe, I thought I might do some in store research to see if there might be something else that would meet my fashion needs without causing pain … I was
looking for an orthopedic pocketbook. Was I surprised. Check the stores and the magazines. There are basically two kinds of purses for sale. The first kind is for those who don’t need much to survive, maybe a credit card, a few dollars and coins, a lipstick and a cell phone. They are similar in many ways to what we used to call another piece of female apparel - the training bra. Both are appliances for those who really don’t need either.
The second type, displayed with great panache and enthusiasm in all of the stores, wouldn’t be allowed on an airplane as carry-on luggage. These fashionable handbags are enormous. My weekender suitcase is smaller. They weigh more empty than my purse does filled. Considered to be extraordinarily stylish, I see them in the magazines that track the trends among the in crowd, yet another clue as to which crowd I belong.
While analyzing my data about purses, I became aware of a TV commercial touting the benefits of a brand of protein water that the actress took out of her purse. The bottle weighed 16 ounces. A pound! Yikes. I was catching on. While we are considering the value of hybrid automobiles, the woman’s apparel industry has devised a hybrid suitcase-purse. Carrying them must cre -
ate strong biceps, which, come to think of it, can have some survival value. Potential muggers would be smart to stay away from such gals. Their purse arm can pack quite a punch. I am now wondering where the aging baby boomers are going to find their purses. Being ahead of the curve … I was born before the present babies boomed … I am like an explorer in the underbrush of aching joints and such that heralds the need for orthotic pocketbooks, trendy but infinitesimally light with enough room for everything we need including pain medication and mugger deterrent.
I’ll have to check and see if there is some kind of medical term for the sequelae associated with carrying a heavy purse … yes, I know, another obscure word! Feel free to look it up. It costs nothing and it won’t make your hand and fingers go numb, although it may tingle and give you a new word to casually throw away at social gatherings. .You can keep the definition in your purse. Weighing nothing, it can’t damage aging joints and can only add to your personal mystique.
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.
As a lifelong advocate of moderate drug use, boogie woogie pianist Harry the Hipster Gibson would have welcomed the current nationwide emergence of dispensaries selling high-grade marijuana.
He would also have been disappointed when unlicensed operations such as The Herbal Center (thc) at 612 Oswego St. got themselves shut down this summer by the state Office of Cannabis Management.
Harry the Hipster released his most famous recording in 1946: “Who Put the Benzedrine in Mr. Murphy’s Ovaltine?”
That song proved both a blessing and a curse. Initially, the record received rare press attention and radio airplay, but in February Benzedrine was deemed illegal, and Harry found himself blacklisted by deejays and nightclubs. Keeping the beat!
Undaunted, Harry relocated his family to Hollywood in 1946 when he appeared in the film Junior Prom, singing a tune called “Keep the Beat” accompanied by Abe Lyman’s Orchestra. Harry got top billing at Billy Berg’s Rendezvous jazz club on North Vine Street where he played checkers
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Livin’ in Liverpool
russ tarby
with Charlie Parker between sets.
Like Parker, Harry nurtured a lifelong drug habit. In 1952 he was busted for marijuana and spent nine months in a California prison where he supplied music for a jailhouse priest and organized both male and female inmate choirs.
He spent time in Miami, toured with Mae West and appeared on a bill with Billie Holiday, but his career was spiraling downward. He switched to rock’n’roll in the 1960s with little success although “Ovaltine” was revived by offbeat radio broadcaster Dr. Demento in 1975.
In 1991 at age 75, Harry the Hipster Gibson died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Brawley, California.
‘The hipster’s Legacy’ Now, Harry’s daughter Lorraine Gibson Cohen has penned a bittersweet 573-page memoir, titled “The Hipster’s Legacy: A Memoir of Dreams, Jazz and Family in 1960s California;”
plumtreetales.com
Absorbed by his hot jazz lifestyle, Harry happily married a New York gal named Florence but child-rearing became a chore. Harry and Flossie agreed on a laissez faire approach to the kids’ upbringing.
“They are not going to be squares and sissies or highfalutin’ snobs,” Harry declared. “I want them to be free, not hampered with a lot of rules like the way you and I grew up, Flossie…I’m going to be a fun father and their friend. They can call me Harry. No Daddy, Papa for me, and I want them to go out and do what they want – to have adventures, create and play in the mud if they want to.”
Encouraged by their parents’ hand-off attitudes, the siblings created artwork, took to the stage, made music and wrote memoirs.
But Lorraine’s book confirms a sad fact about the lives of touring musicians. They live on the road and in the studio, not at home. Their families struggle for sustenance as well as for human connection. In the end, the hipster’s legacy may be one of neglect.
For readers who want to get a real feel for Harry the Hipster and his marvelous music a better book
choice would be “The Wild and Wiggy Times of Harry the Hipster Gibson” by Don McGlynn with Kirk Silsbee, Dr. Demento (Barret Hansen) and Mark Cantor, published in November 2024.
non-union village employees
At a special meeting by the Village of Liverpool Board of Trustees on July 9, the trustees voted 4 to 1 to grant its non-union village employees a 3.5 percent raise. Mayor Stacy Finney cast the lone no vote.
The village presently employs 15 non-union workers, nine full-time and six part-time.
Concert series wrapping There are just four more free concerts to be presented as part of the 39th annual Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series at Johnson Park. On Monday, Aug. 4 Letizia and the Z Band will get the crowd dancing.
On Wednesday, Aug. 6 The Shylocks will crank out some blues and Southern rock. On Monday, Aug. 11, the nine-piece powerhouse band known as Brass Inc. will make its Johnson Park
Harry l Page 10
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To the editor: I would like to respond to the July 16 letter from David Mix of
What Mr. Mix fails to understand is that the issue is not whether he personally is affected adversely by American High.
Nor is the issue about the benefits it may (or may not — I have seen little to no evidence to support either contention) bring to the village or to the area at large.
The issue is repeated violations, over many years, of the codes under which American High was permitted, and agreed, to conduct business. Furthermore, Mr. Garelick in at least one instance confessed on social media that he willfully violated not just code but a cease and desist order.
Who wants a neighbor like that?
amy LaGo liverpool
Editor’s note: Amy Lago currently serves as a member of Liverpool’s Zoning Board of Appeals. No appeals concerning American High have come before the board since she began serving.
To the editor:
Each year the Field Days Committee of the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department writes to invite community groups, local businesses, sports teams and leagues, non-profit organizations, and churches to participate in the grand parade. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, Aug. 31, starting at 2 p.m. The route will be the same as past years, starting at Austin Park, proceeding down State Street, across Genesee to Jordan, and up to the field days celebration at the Allyn Arena. Mark your calendar and plan to come enjoy the parade!
We encourage all interested businesses or organizations to get a float or group of marchers together. Taking part in the parade is a great way to bring visibility to your cause, and the judges will award three monetary prizes to parade participants.
For information about all the great field days events, visit our website skaneatelesvfd.com
If you have questions about the parade, or want to register to take part, email fbjbuck1@gmail.com
PauL JonEs parade Committee
To the editor:
My name is Gregg Eriksen and I’m running for county legislature in the 6th District (Marcellus, Spafford, part of Camillus, and Skaneateles). I’m running because you matter.
You matter, and so does your wallet. Central New York is facing the same affordability crisis as the rest of America. The people who are getting priced out are people who we need in our communities: teachers, nurses, linemen, engineers. People who have good jobs and a good work ethic can no longer count on Onondaga County to provide the quality of life that it once did. For decades, there was an unwritten rule that if you had skills and work ethic, you could afford to live in Onondaga County. As
a length of
2.5
By JEFF snoW town oF Clay hiStorian Clay hiStoriCal aSSoCiation member
7th North makes a right turn and continues 7.6 miles until the road reaches the Oneida River in the northern part of the town of Clay. With the curves in the roads, 7th North crossed over Buckley Road twice, and caused a lot of confusion Clay l Page 10 Letters l Page 9
As I was looking through endless articles, I came a newspaper clipping about the name
changes for Henry Clay Boulevard. For many older residents, Henry Clay Boulevard is still 7th North Street, including my father, who, to this day, still calls the road 7th North Street, and I understand what he means. For those of you who don’t know, 7th North Street starts in the City of Syracuse at Court Street and goes
people get priced out of our towns, the county breaks this rule and we all suffer for it.
You matter, and your county needs to see that. We need a legislature that is ready to invest money in the day-to-day lives of regular Central New Yorkers. What we have, however, is a legislature that has taken $100 million of taxpayer money – your money – and spent it on an aquarium that no one asked for and few want. We need better infrastructure, water access, property tax breaks, better transportation and parks. These needs grow more urgent as Micron expands its operations. County Republicans saw these needs, turned their backs on you, and built a fish tank. There is no justification for voting for the aquarium while Central New Yorkers go without the things that would help their day-to-day lives.
You matter, and so does experience. As a village trustee in Skaneateles, I helped oversee electric and water operations, road operations, a police department, a fire department, and a wastewater treatment plant. Right now, the county has a sewage building with air so toxic, workers cannot go inside. This is a disgrace, and we need legislators who are ready to manage our infrastructure. As for our housing needs, I worked with the zoning and planning boards in one of the strictest villages for new development. I know what it takes to get projects approved and I am ready to help our county add the workforce housing that we need. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can this summer and fall, and I look forward to fighting to improve your quality of life.
Fundraiser includes ‘rookie of the year,’ fireworks, entertainment and more at Nbt bank stadium
Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing compassionate end-of-life care in Central New York and will be showing donors the movie “Rookie of the Year” at their annual Film on the Field fundraiser
l From page 5 Clay
over the years.
The Onondaga County Planning Board and the town of Clay discussed naming the street Henry Clay Boulevard in 1974. The name was endorsed by several groups and was effective on Aug. 1, 1975.
The top picture in 1975 is of Town of Clay Supervisor Ernest Casale, on the right; and president of the Clay Historical Association, Freda Lewis, in the middle. On the left is Rev. John W. Kisselburgh, who was Clay’s historian and pastor for the Immanuel Lutheran Church in the hamlet of Clay. All three of them are standing in front of the old log cabin that was standing over on Henry Clay Boulevard near Watherhouse Road. Over the past 50 years, everyone has passed on and even the log cabin is no longer standing. A similar design was made in tribute to this log cabin over at the Clay Historical Park off Route 31.
This information was obtained from the Liverpool-Salina Review newspaper articles and the Herald American back in 1975. If you would like to read the whole articles,
l From page 4
debut and on Wednesday, Aug. 13, the concert series concludes with the venerable DeSantis Orchestra under the direction of vocalist Maria DeSantis.
Last word
“In my opinion, a universal dollar amount
for Thursday, aug. 14.
at NBT Bank Stadium. Set for Thursday, Aug. 14, from 5:15 – 9:30 p.m., the evening begins with concessions and entertainment, including facepainting, balloon twisting, a photo booth and a visit from Syracuse University’s Otto. It ends
send me an email and I’ll send you a copy.
I’ve attached a picture of Henry Clay, for whom the road is named after. He was actually a senator from Kentucky. Our own town of Clay is named after him, too. He was a very distinguished politician and many other places and things are named after him. His farm was called Ashland, which is also used around the country in representing Henry Clay. There are other Henry Clay Boulevards and Avenues located in the country. Some locations are in New Orleans, LA, and Lexington, KY; Ashland, KY, and Ashland, MO. In our area, we have the distinction of having the longest Henry Clay Boulevard at 7.6 miles long while the others are 2.5 miles or less.
These areas recognize Henry Clay and are also honoring him with his name, like our area does, for his political career.
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.
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.”
– Liverpool Mayor Stacy Finney.
Contact the columnist at russtarby@ aol.co m
with a fireworks show.
Advance sale tickets for the event are required, and can be purchased at filmonthefield. givesmart.com. Required donations are $25 for adults and $10 for children 6-12; children 5 and under are free.
There also are limited VIP packages that can be purchased and a silent auction that can be accessed with the same link.
All proceeds from the event, presented by Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, support the Hospice mission to serve as our community’s expert resource at the end-of-life. Making that mission a reality includes providing comprehensive comfort care to patients and families through unique interdisciplinary services, bereavement counseling,
education, and collaboration.
“Supporting Hospice of CNY and The FingerLakes is meaningful to all of us at HOA,” said Jennifer Pichoske, HOA CEO. “As a community-based cancer care practice, we know how critical it is for patients and families to feel supported through every stage of their journey — including the most difficult ones. Sponsoring this event is one way we can stand beside our Hospice colleagues as they deliver hope, comfort, and peace in our community.”
At this rain or shine event people are able to watch the film on the field or in the stadium seats.
The stadium concession stands will be open for purchasing refreshments and parking for the event is free.
to host fee waved adoption event aug 2
The CNYSPCA today announced that it will join animal shelters and rescues across the country to participate in the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaig n to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and to foster and place more animals into loving homes.
During this effort, CNYSPCA will offer adoption and foster opportunities with a fee waived adoption event on Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CNYSPCA, located at 5878 East Molloy Road Syracuse.
Most shelters across the country are full, with nearly six million dogs and cat s entering shelters and rescues in 2024, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in care before being adopted.
Choosing to adopt
helps the animal you take home and supports many more by freeing up space and resources.
Animal shelters have pets of all sizes, ages and an array of wonderful personalities, and if you aren’t able to adopt, temporarily fostering also helps free up space for other animals in need.
Launching in August and continuing through October, The Rescue Effect is the ASPCA’s national campaign dedicated to helping organizations increase adoptions and engage the public.
This year, the ASPCA is providing $2 million in grants to cover adoption fees and support
operations at many participating shelters and rescue groups across the countr y with some holding fee-waived adoption events. For more information about CNYSPCA, visit CNYSPCA.org or learn more about the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign at ASPCA.org/TheRescueEffec t a bout the Central n ew york s PC a : The Central New York SPCA is a full service animal shelter, rescue and cruelty investigation nonprofit that meets the definition of a no-kill organization. CNY SPCA serves parts of Oswego County, as well as most of Onondaga County.
On July 24, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts named five young musicians as the winners of the 2025 Access/VSA International Young Musicians Program (IYM), a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program.
This program focuses on amplifying and celebrating the work of young musicians living with disabilities.
Winning recipients receive a $2,000 award, are paired with a professional musician for artistic mentorship, and participate in business development workshops focused on the music industry.
They also earned the opportunity to perform live on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Saturday, July 26. Among the honorees was Ethan Cowburn, a percussionist from Liverpool. According to biographical information shared by the Kennedy Center, Cowburn is a percussionist and accessibility advocate whose work spans contemporary and global music traditions.
Diagnosed with severe hearing loss at age seven, he developed a passion for new music at Ithaca College and Northern Illinois University.
Cowburn was born in 2000 in Liverpool and has studied with Gordon Stout, Mike Truesdell, and Greg Beyer. He has performed nationally, pre -
miering Black Box Music with Ensemble Dal Niente and appearing as a soloist at Blackbird Creative Lab and Yellow Barn music festival.
As a winner of the VSA International Young Musicians Program, he focuses on developing assistive tools for deaf musicians and expanding inclusive music education.
Cowburn engages deeply with Thai music and has spent time in Thailand studying both the music and culture.
His interdisciplinary practice integrates electronics, field recordings, and visual media, reimagining disability and accessibility as creative forces. He plans to continue work in new and world music communities in Chicago.
The Kennedy Center is a leader in making the arts accessible to people with disabilities.
Through its Office of Accessibility and VSA—part of the Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability program— it offers global opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage with the arts.
Access/VSA focuses on accessibility in cultural spaces, arts education for PreK–12 students with disabilities, professional development through the LEAD conference and international network, and creative career paths and employment opportunities. Learn more at kennedy-center.org/education/vs a
Local students named to uB spring dean’s list
The following local students were named to the University at Buffalo’s spring 2025 dean’s list:
Madison Bautista of Liverpool
Shane Bergquist of Brewerton
Tyler Blum of Liverpool
Sarah Bray of Liverpool
Logan Brefka of Cicero
Amiyahliz Claudio of Cicero
Erinn Cosgrove of Cicero
Nate De Lucia of Liverpool
Sufyan El-Kortas of Clay
Nathan Ellis of Syracuse
Ciena Ferguson of Brewerton
Riley Florczyk of Cicero
Megan Foley of Cicero
Malik Ghabarou of Liverpool
Colin Gridley of Liverpool
Ryan Heath of Clay
Crystal Hess of Liverpool
Austin Huntress-Kennedy of Liverpool
Andrew Kadmiri of Liverpool
Elaina Kernan of Brewerton
Riad Latifagic of Liverpool
Mackenzie Leone of Cicero
Alex Lewke of Brewerton
Ryan Maksymyshyn of Syracuse
Aidan Maturo of Clay
Dylan McGannon of Cicero
Chris Mehlek of Clay
Natalie Miles of Syracuse
Connor Orlando of Brewerton
Madison Pierce of Liverpool
Ethan Przytula of Liverpool
Lillian Rothrum of Brewerton
Jerad Ryan of Liverpool
Braden Santaguida of Brewerton
Kayla Shanley of Liverpool
Eric Szczesniak of Liverpool
Emilia Vischi of Liverpool
Kaela Wheeler of Liverpool
Sydney Zopff of Liverpool
Morgan graduates from Adelphi university
Victoria Morgan of Liverpool
was among the undergraduate and graduate students recently awarded degrees at Adelphi University, including those who completed degree requirements.
Le Moyne names graduates, dean’s list recipients
The following local students graduated and made the Le Moyne College Spring 2025 Dean’s List. To make the list, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Khalid Al-Sadoon, of Liverpool, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Solomia Avotins, of Bayberry, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Riley Burns, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dominique Cimini, of Liver -
l From page 2
the first conference with Cynthia Stevenson, brought together several local professionals that offered their time to speak free of charge.
They anticipated 40-50 people but hosted more than 90 participants.
“As people left, they hugged each of us, sharing how much they appreciated having the opportunity to learn and socialize,” she said. “We knew immediately that we needed to continue the
pool, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Gabrielle Coon, of North Syracuse, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology
Alaina Davis, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Elijah Geariety, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Nicole Goodnough, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Adam Hussein, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Science in Risk Management & Insurance
Julianna Hutt, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Navroop Kaur, of Liverpool, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology
Austin Larobardiere, of North Syracuse, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alaina Lombardo, of Syracuse, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Hannah Mantor, of Brewerton, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ryann Mastroleo, of Clay, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Leabella McCarthy, of Clay, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Eidae Mi, of Liverpool, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nixon Mower, of Clay, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Anne Pandian, of Clay, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in English
Lydia Par, of North Syracuse, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Lauren Postell, of Brewerton, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology
Harpreet Purewal, of Liverpool, with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Iris Shad, of Liverpool, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology
Grace Toomey, of Cicero, with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership
Caitlyn Weber, of Syracuse, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Ethan Wells, of Brewerton, with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Guritz graduates from The university of North Dakota
Erin J Guritz of Liverpool graduated from the University of North Dakota (UND) this spring with a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology.
event as an annual conference.”
Reinmann said this year’s conference now includes a Care Partners Program, which is a mini conference specifically for care partners of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Lunch will be provided during the conference and seating is limited, so if interested, you can register via Empower’s website at empowerparkinson.or g A link will be present on their website on the day of the conference for those who would like to view the livestream.
About a month ago, I interviewed Jay Hubbard, Director of Marketing for Ace Indoor Golf. ey design and install golf simulators worldwide. Jay stated that their goal was to “make your dream simulator a reality” because more and more “dedicated” golfers are switching to launch monitors in home golf simulators…at their local golf club or at indoor golf centers. is is, of course, an option to taking the traditional approach of improving by taking lessons, spending hours at the driving range or playing 4-5 rounds of golf a week to hopefully get better. Jay also told us about a recent study he did to nd out whether the owners of launch monitors were actually using them, how o en, and how much they were improving. e results were impressive…
* About 96% of simulator owners reported, “their launch monitors improved their game”.
* About 68% of owners use their simulator 10+ times per month.
* e average score dropped by 5.7 strokes o their score.
* Approximately 80% improved their accuracy.
* Approximately 44% increased their distance.
* More than half…53% lowered their scores.
* Only about 3% did not improve their game.
* About 96% of owners use it for practice.
* About 76% play virtual rounds.
* e age of those using launch monitors is pretty evenly spread with golfers in their teens through the 70’s.
* Half of owners don’t even belong to private clubs.
* Around 97% of owners play more than 25 rounds a year.
Also, Nick Dimengo, a Golf.com
Instructional Editor wrote an article on September 29, 2023 in which he stated, “I’ve never had more fun practicing than I have when using my launch monitors. Helping me discover my ‘why’, the device
has taken the guesswork out of improving my swing”. You must admit these testimonials are exceptional. My only concern is that beginners and average golfers don’t just go out and purchase a launch monitor based on these reported results. Especially if they are not su ciently knowledgeable to analyze the swing data in order to interpret…swing path, launch angle, spin rate, club speed, angle of decent, etc.. However, the convenience of being able to practice whenever you want, regardless of the weather or the time of year is very appealing to me.
ere is another bene t of having access to a launch monitor that should not be ignored. e con dence factor. ink of this…no one is around, there is no pressure on you and the distractions are limited to perhaps a barking dog in the neighborhood. If you are committed to practicing to improve your game, sooner or later you will nd a way to hit the ball more accurately by repeating your swing, a er swing, a er swing. e fact is, you can buy a good quality launch monitor these days for under $700.
I’ll have Jay Hubbard on my radio show again in August to speci cally discuss the di erent types of simulators Ace Indoor Golf has available and how much the di erent models cost.
And nally…You already know how I feel about I improving your golf game in the fastest way possible. at’s right…Call your local CNY PGA Golf Professional…. PERIOD! He’ll probably help you buy a launch monitor if you want one.