Vietnam veterans take a trip to mountainfest
michAEl P. hArt
submittEd by
ietnam veterans and Vietnam
Vera veterans were treated like royalty during their trip to Fort Drum’s Mountainfest. After three months of fundraising and coordination with 10th Mountain Division personnel the trip to the North Country was a resounding success, simply by measuring the smiles on the veterans faces and the willingness to sign up for the trip next year; even though one has not yet been planned.
After listening to a safety brief, taking roll call, and conducting a head count we departed northward on June 26 at 9 a.m. sharp. Twentynine bodies and three pieces of rolling stock convoyed up interstate 81 to Fort Drum, which is the home of the 10th Mountain Division and theirsignaturecarnivaldubbed“Mountainfest.”
The trip was centered around Mountainfest, but a couple of extra stops were added to the plan.
The work that goes into planning a trip like this is extensive and time consuming when you’re dealing with a federal agency such as the Department of the Army due to the stringent security measures used when accessing the Fort Drum installation.
Our first hurdle was gate access, which had us turning in everyone’s name and getting pre-screened prior to our arrival so that time and aggravation at the main gate to the installation would be minimized. After getting checked by the security guards led by CPT Maybrie, who is also a veteran, the convoy was granted access to the post.
Our first stop was at the famed 10th Mountain Division monument where the cost of war sits, abundantly clear to all those who take the time to witness the numerous placards with service members’ names etched in copper plates adorning the landscape surrounding the division monument.
It was here that I witnessed the names of the soldiers I had remembered from my time in Iraq with Second Brigade Commandos, with their names forever carved in the plaque memorializing the times from 2006 to 2008.
After giving the veterans time to soak up the reverence of the moment we were greeted by Julie Halprin, of the public affairs office, a civilian level supervisor who welcomed us to the military post and later introduced us to the garrison sergeant major who gave every veteran in attendance a military coin of excellence and stayed long enough to talk briefly to all of us, thanking us for our service to the nation.
After departing the monument our next stop was at the Second Brigade “Commandos” Dining Facility, where the veterans got a literal taste of what the soldiers eat on a daily basis. The allure of a veteran going back into a military dining facility, aka chow hall, gives them a sense of how far the military has come in taking care of service members and remembering the line one must wait in while getting closer to the main food area. Some Fort Drum soldiers made it a point to stop and say “thanks for your service” and “welcome home” to these Vietnam veterans, which meant a great deal to them.
Our last stop was at Division Hill, an area on the old post which is designated to host all things related to Mountainfest.
After contacting Ben Masek, an old Army buddy who is now the federal police training officer at the provost marshalls office, aka
Submitted photoS
Vietnam veterans and Vietnam era veterans visited the 10th mountain division monument during their trip to Fort drum’s mountainfest. dave leeson, yankee company, mcb-12 construction battalion, seabees 68-69, is pictured eating chow at the second bdE dining facility.
police station, we were guided in to our parking spot, which afforded us a little more room than normal to set up a break area outside the bus for the veterans to relax while enjoying the long afternoon at the carnival.
The veterans were released in buddy teams to walk around the event, taking care of one another while checking out the latest weaponry and vehicles the Army had to offer.
After collecting free merchandise from multiple vendors at the carnival it was time to take a break back at the bus where veterans were able to taste a little bit of home with donations from the famed Heid’s hotdog stand in Liverpool.
Pat Winslow, a retired command sergeant major, is the manager at Heid’s of Liverpool. He graciously gave us enough hotdogs, buns and their signature brown mustard to fill every veteran’s belly while at Mountainfest.
The culmination event dubbed “Salute to
the Nation” commenced with the sounding off of every state in the nation followed by a choregraphed display of military power that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Whether it was the machine gun fire from the gun trucks, attacker taken down by K9 or the close up view of an Apache gunship flying overhead, the display put on by the 10th Mountain Division’s Soldiers was second to none!
SGT Mark Adams, 199th Infantry Brigade, Third Battalion, Seventh Infantry, a Vietnam veteran stated; “it was a great trip, and all in all a great day!”
I would like to give a special thanks to Nick Paro, the town of Salina supervisor, who gave us the support to make this trip happen.
I also want to thank our sponsor, Erin Gay, the president of 60 for 60 The Mohawk Run, a non-profit organization who raises
money for all things veteran related. Moreover, I want to give a shout out to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 19-8 for sponsoring this event. Furthermore, a special thanks goes to Stephen Lockwood from the Syracuse Vet Center for coordinating the service vehicle that accompanied the veterans on this trip. Lastly, I’d like to give a big shout out to Hale Bus Transportation for getting our veterans to Fort Drum and Back safely.
The bus driver Justin, a retired soldier, drove impeccably throughout the day, and rendered help to those veterans that needed any assistance during the trip. As they say in the 10th Mountain Division: Climb to Glory!
Michael P. Hart, U.S. Army master sergeant – retired, is veterans service outreach coordinator for the town of Salina.
Codes officer: American High violations go back five years
by russ tArby Contributing writer
Village of Liverpool Codes Officer Bill Reagan issued 25 appearance tickets to American High on July 2, citing the film production facility and academy at 800 Fourth St. for a variety of code violations.
The appearance tickets were delivered to American High CEO Jeremy Garelick and his attorney, John J. Marzocchi of the Syracusebased law firm, Germain & Germain.
The alleged violations include the operation of diesel-powered generators in June, instances
of late-night film shoots in the neighborhood and various issues related to the condition of the 96-year-old former high-school building that dates back to 1929. Each of the 25 citations could draw fines of $1,000 each, Reagan said.
“People say, ‘Give them a chance,’” Reagan said. “Well, we have given them a chance, for five years!”
In addition, several outstanding fire code violations are expected to be addressed at American High by July 31, Reagan said.
Early this month, American High drew numerous complaints from neighbors as a diesel generator spewed fumes into the air. The film
company was shooting a comedy tentatively called “The Untitled BriTANicK Pizza Movie.”
The diesel fuel issue prompted Mayor Stacy Finney to write a lengthy letter to the editor detailing American High’s many code violations since it was established here eight years ago.
The mayor specifically criticized film-maker Jeremy Garelick.
Last week, after Garelick, his wife and several supporters as well as aggrieved neighbors appeared at the July 16 village board meeting, Finney posted a Facebook message:
“Most people applauded holding them accountable – but there were two neighbors that
said they liked them being in the village, and ‘at least they are on the tax roll.’ But, to be very clear, if anyone – even Disney-backed L.A. movie producers that supposedly bring ‘millions’ to Onondaga County with their movies about teenagers having sex (BTW: gross) – violated zoning and code regulations for years on end, [and] they will be held accountable.”
Last month Garelick announced that he would run for mayor against Finney in the Nov. 4 election, but he is not presently a resident of the village. Residency would have to be established by Election Day, in order for Garelick to be eligible.
Free electronics recycling event held
A
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, 5801 E. Taft Rd, North Syracuse Regional electronics recycler, Sunnking, has limited drop-off time slots remaining for the event, which will be one of Sunnking’s last free local events of the year and a resident’s last chance to responsibly clear out old devices before the holidays; registration is required.
Sunnking collects an average of 75 tons of electronics per event. Health and safety procedures remain in place to ensure a safe environment, including timed appointments, no-contact device removal, and dedicated drive-through lanes. Register online at sunnking.com/events/ north-syracuse.
lhs seniors earn seals of biliteracy, triliteracy
Thirty-six Liverpool High School seniors have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes the accomplishments of students who demonstrate mastery in more than one language.
The LHS students represented 12 different languages and dialects. Among the recipients from Liverpool were three students who demonstrated triliteracy (mastery of three languages). Earning seals were:
Ruthvik Adabala: English and Spanish
Mohamed Alharbi: English and Arabic
Gloria Belem: English and French
Samuel Benziger: English and Spanis
Lexi Bregande: English and French
Amadiel Castro Pesantez: English and Spanish
lcsd Fine Arts hall of Fame announces
2025 inductees
The Liverpool Central School District Fine Arts Department recently announced the inductees to the 2025 Liverpool CSD Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
Chosen for induction were Kim Farrell (mentor), Catherine Rush (mentor), Christine Spring (mentor), Deborah Walsh (mentor and contributor) and Jennifer George-Consiglio (alumni.)
Inductees will be honored during the Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction and Senior Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 14, at 2 p.m. in the Liverpool High School Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
The LCSD Fine Arts Hall of Fame is sponsored by VITAL (Vision in the Arts at Liverpool.)
Aidan Christopher: English and Spanish
Shaila Colon DeLeon: English and Spanish
Zion Daniels: English and French Volodymyr Fedyk: English and Ukrainian
Michael Ho: English and Spanish
Kaitlyn Hotaling: English and Spanish
Hasan Jakalan : English, Arabic and Mandarin Chinese
Ailanees Leon Anamaria: English and Spanish
Isabella Maslyn: English and Spanish
Keila McLaughlin: English and Spanish
Matthew McKeon: English and Spanish
Miles Addison: English and French Kaitlyn Valentina Moreno Montoya: English, French and Spanish
Amna Mustafa: English and Urdu
Jean Nabwanja: English and French
Thomas Nguyen: English and Spanish
Ivy Ojala: English and French
Dzejla Osmanovic: English and Bosnian
Gina Pascarella: English and Spanish
Allison Pastore: English and French
Krish Patel: English and Spanish
Joseph Purvis: English and French
Nalia Quinones: English and Spanish
Negar Quraishi: English and Dari
Zenat Sahak: English, Pashto and Dari
Yetah Shayesteh: English and Persian
Farsi
Janelle Taylor: English and Spanish
Isabel Trent: English and Spanish
Emily Wilmer: English and French
Travis Zanders: English and American
Sign Language
Students seeking the Seal of Biliteracy were asked to prepare an extensive project and give an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges. The Seal of Biliteracy program, organized in Central New York by the Mid-State Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN), strives to highlight the value of diversity and world languages instruction in schools. Students will wear a medal with their graduation robe and a special seal will be added to their diploma.
lhs students inducted into National Art honor society
Twenty Liverpool High School students recently were inducted into the National Art Honor Society.
Earning recognition were junior Jilan Aldaher, senior Leon Brooker, senior Noah Cabrey, senior El Carelli, senior Mackenzie Cotter, sophomore Kyle Hayes, senior Delaynie Jessie, senior Samantha Khamis,
IN ThE SERvIcE
cicero National Guard Airmen
receive new rank
Air Force Major General Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announced the recent promotion the following:
Jon Kinsey from Cicero, and assigned to the 174th Attack Wing, to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Brendon Evans of Cicero, and assigned to the 174th Attack Wing, received a pro -
junior Madelyn Latta, junior Angela Liotta, freshman Casper Miller, junior Kara Mullane, freshman Aisha Mustafa, senior Amna Mustafa, sophomore Savanna Pizarro, sophomore Justice Rothblatt, senior Leah Somes, senior Ava Valletta, senior Drew Wise and junior Natalie Zeleznik.
The students are now among more than
motion May 1, 2025 to the rank of master sergeant.
Nelson Mckee of North Syracuse, and assigned to the 174th Attack Wing, received a promotion May 19, 2025 to the rank of technical sergeant.
Air National Guard promotions are based on a Airman’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
Liverpool National Guard soldiers receive promotion
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, recently announced the promotion of the following members of the New York Army National Guard:
Dominic Fico from Liverpool, and assigned to the Headquarters and Support
58,000 students nation-wide who show outstanding art scholarship, character and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. The LHS National Art Honor Society strives to provide its members with creative opportunities to make a difference in the school, community and within themselves.
Company, 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. Fico received a promotion April 8 to the rank of staff sergeant.
Conner Metcalf from Cicero, and assigned to the Company C, New York Recruiting & Retention Battalion, received a promotion May 20, 2025 to the rank of private.
Christian Sampsell from Cicero, and assigned to the Company D, 152nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, received a promotion May 17, 2025 to the rank of specialist.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
These promotions recognize the best qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
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mary b. Wormuth, 81
baldwinsville native
Mary B. Wormuth, 81, of East Syracuse, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at her home from complications of several health challenges. Mary was born in Baldwinsville in 1943 to Dr. James and Dorthey Bennett. She graduated from C.W. Baker High School and attended Elmira College before leaving school to marry her high school sweetheart, Bill Wormuth and start a family.
Mary was the epitome of the saying, “behind every great man is a great woman,” supporting her husband through his coaching, teaching and school administration career while raising her family. Bill and Mary were a team, with Mary becoming a mother figure to many former players as well as their Lowville school family. Whether it was cutting oranges for halftime or hosting and attending school
Elena stahl, 78 retired teacher
Elena Stahl, 78, of Skaneateles, died peacefully at home, losing her battle with pancreatic cancer on June 24, 2025. Elena was born on Sept. 17, 1946, in Bronx, N.Y. to Rose and Joseph Greco in 1946.
Elena graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a master’s degree in education. She taught at Valley Central Middle School, N.Y., and retired in 2002.
events, Mary could always be counted on to be there. After her children got older, she went to work for the Merrell family in their law office and finished her career in the Lewis County Real Property Clerk’s office. She was always a strong supporter of her community and served in many volunteer capacities and was very involved with her church. She was an avid fan of Syracuse University athletics and loved traveling, a good book, her mug of tea and a warm, sunny beach. They say the internet killed the malls but those that knew her know their downfall started when she stopped shopping at them, as she made shop-
She will be remembered for her love of teaching. She enjoyed her membership in the Skaneateles Garden Club,
DEATH NOTICES
Carleton Roberts, 96, of Elbridge passed away June 29, 2025. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.
John A. Adams, 80, of North Syracuse, passed away July 2, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
ping a sport. For years she generously supported the greeting card companies and the USPS as sending cards to everyone she knew for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions was her pastime. Most important to her were her friends and family, especially her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, as being a grandma was her favorite role. Mary is survived by her three children: son Dr. David W. (Emily) Wormuth of Jamesville; daughter Jill B. (Jamie) Tompkins of Redfield, N.Y.; son Andrew J. (Jeanne) of Elbridge; grandchildren Sam and Ben (Astor Tellman) Wormuth; Matthew (Kara), Mitchell
(Heidi) and Mark (Katelyn) Tompkins; Zachary and Kayla Wormuth; three great-grandchildren, Liam Wormuth, Mackenzie Tompkins and Madison Tompkins; her older sister Cynthia (Stan) Brown of Yorba Linda, CA, and youngest sister Joan (Richard) Kimball of Dewittville, N.Y.; sister-in-law Karen (Bucky) Winters of Lake Fredrick, VA and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Mary is predeceased by her husband Bill, her parents, sister Martha, brother James and granddaughter Elizabeth Tompkins. A funeral service with reception to follow will be held on Saturday, July 19, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 106 Chapel St., Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wormuth Family Scholarship Fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601 or any charity of your choice. Share condolences at FalardeauFH.com.
the Marcellus Quilt Guild and her local book club.
She was especially dedicated to her pastoral ministry at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles.
Her family, especially her two granddaughters, Bronte and Willow, meant the world to her. She was loved and will be missed by many. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Wolf; son Chris and his wife Melissa. Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY and the Finger Lakes.
S. Kathryn Olbricht, 91, of Baldwinsville, passed away July 1, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Molly Anne M. Smith, 2 days old, of Syracuse, passed away June 29, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
John E. Warakomski, 82 enjoyed the outdoors, owned trout guide service
John E. Warakomski, 82, of Baldwinsville, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025. Born in Elmira, he was employed with Miller Brewing for 19 years and was previously employed with Hood Dairy in Oneida and Armstrong Flooring Fulton.
John enjoyed the outdoors, especially, skiing, camping, inspired by his father, enjoyed rose gardening, and was an avid fly fisherman. He was a communicant of St. Augustine’s Church and a member and past president of Trout Unlimited. He was owner of JWT Trout Guide Service and author of a fly-fishing book titled, “An Affair With Mother Nature.” After retiring he and his wife opened and operated the Redd Rose Bed and Breakfast. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Leocadia Warakomski; and brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Judy Warakomski.
Barbara (Doug) Bauer; nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial mass was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at noon in St. Augustine’s Church, 7333 O’Brien Road, Baldwinsville.
Contributions may be made to the Empower Parkinson Inc. - Rock Steady Boxing, 4888 W Taft Rd, Liverpool, NY 13088, Alzheimer’s Association CNY Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Dr Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or to Trout Unlimited, PO Box 98166, Washington, DC 20090.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Rose;
Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.
mary b. Wormuth
daughter, Kirsten Warakomski; sons, Todd (Michelle) and Scott Warakomski; granddaughter, Kaitlyn; sister
Elena stahl
John E. Warakomski
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OuR vOIcE
Boating season
It is officially summer in Central New York and one of the activities commonly enjoyed across the Finger Lakes region is boating.
Whether it is a one person kayak or a canoe, fishing or water skiing, or even a languid scenic venture along the waterways, it is likely there will be numerous boats out on the region’s many lakes in the coming weeks.
While boating in any form should be an enjoyable activity, it is also one that should be safe for all who are out on the water.
According to the sheriff’s office, boating safety begins with the basics.
It’s important to take the time to go through your boat and ensure everything works as it should. Part of this process is checking all your safety equipment and ensuring you have everything required by law. The requirements differ depending on vessel type and size. These safety requirements can be found by visiting the NYS Parks website under the boating tab or by contacting the sheriff’s navigation units for a courtesy inspection if you see them at a launch or out on the water.
Boating education is proven to reduce boating accidents, according to the sheriff’s office, so Brianna’s Law was introduced in 2019. This law will go into full effect in 2025 and will require everyone who operates a boat to take a boating safety course.
One of the things patrol units will be on the lookout for is activity that arouses suspicion of intoxication.
According to the sheriff’s office, alcohol is the number one factor in recreational boater deaths.
Like operating a vehicle on the road, operating a boat on the water, requires the same attention to traffic, people and conditions and requires the same amount of attention and clarity to operate in a safe manner.
To operate a motorboat an operator can be as young as 10 or under with a person 18 or older on board, if you are between 10 and 18 years old and have a person 18 or older on board, or if you hold a safety certificate and people 18 years old or older.
The same regulations as apply to boats apply to personal water craft such as jet skis according to the sheriff’s office and operators must complete a boating safety course. The operation of these craft is prohibited from sunset to sunrise, operators and passengers must wear personal flotation devices and an engine cutoff lanyard must be attached to the operator.
Other regulations state that vessels should also be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Vessels must display their navigation lights at all times between sunset and sunrise, and during daylight periods of reduced visibility.
Personal flotation devices are mandatory and should be in good working order free from tears or any other damage that may inhibit their effectiveness.
It is also recommended that craft carry first aid supplies, oars/paddles and spare lines as well as binoculars.
Operators should also be aware of local ordinances that may impose regulations on speed
It is also important to note, in an effort to curb the spread of invasive species, the New York State DEC has implemented cleaning programs with washing stations at or near boat launches.
Boats, trailers, waders and other fishing and boating equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned, dried or disinfected after use.
Although some invasive species such as water milfoil are readily visible to the human eye, many others are too small to be readily noticed.
To avoid spreading invasive species please follow the guidelines in the following steps: check, clean, drain, dry and disinfect.
The most effective method to ensure that no invasive species or fish diseases are transported to a new body of water is to completely dry your boating and fishing equipment.
The key, according to the DEC, is to make certain that equipment is completely dry before using it in a new water body.
Drying times vary significantly depending upon the type of equipment, air temperature and relative humidity.
While the outside of a boat will dry relatively rapidly, bilge, live wells and other areas of a boat not reached by the sun or lacking good air circulation will take additional time to dry completely. A minimum of five to seven days drying time in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
bucolic NEurotic
They lie stacked on the round table in the family room, fantasies for the middle class … magazines that describe an idyllic summer-time life in the country. I’ve subscribed to them for years, eagerly carving out time to lose myself in their pages. It matters not whether the month is February or June, they depict scenes of life that is seductive to the “nth” degree if you long for bucolic serenity.
The houses are quintessentially quaint, complete with welcoming porches on which pristine wicker furniture is played against carefully collected antiques, family heirlooms and repurposed farm implements. These are porches where the rain never comes in and gets the cushions wet. Inside the furniture is comfortable, slipcovered with fabrics either handwoven, found in some outof-the-way place, or produced by an exclusive company that uses only Egyptian cotton and patterns from pre Colonial Williamsburg’s upper classes. There are always fireplaces, custom built from water-washed stone or rocks hand-carried from the birthplace of an ancestor. Bedrooms must have sloping ceilings and dormers. Beadboard is essential to these dwellings.
In these magazines, it is de rigueur to serve a mammoth feast on long farm tables cozily decorated with hand-picked wild flowers. Tablecloths are stenciled or a lithesome example of shabby chic. Mismatched farmhouse chairs soldier along the table with baskets of the same flowers attached to their backs for added whimsy. The menu for these feasts is invariably long, emphasizing homemade fare utilizing locally grown foods. Starters might be tiny zucchini pancakes with sour
cream from the owner’s goats or cows. There might be a soup concocted from the radishes and arugula grown by the children of the household garnished by wild greens gathered in the fields. Main courses will inevitably showcase the protein sources of the area, whether they be of the field, the stream, the lake or the local grocery store. And the desserts … homemade fruit pies, cloufutis, tarts, etc. mouthwatering creations all.
All of this is put together by a storybook family. There is a smiling mother, always slender with casually perfect hair and a drop dead gorgeous husband. They have perfectly behaved children who are often pictured running carelessly through fields of wild flowers (which they pick and bring home for feasting occasions.)
Sigh … this is what I read about, what engages my fantasy life. It is a picture of perfection that I try to emulate every summer. It makes me wonder what it is that I do wrong? I have a “country house”… a small cottage, or in Central New York parlance, a camp of about 750 square feet. Once I thought that I could transform its rusticity (a code word) and be courted by Country Living or some such magazine, but reality is a cruel teacher. Take the meal thing. Once I had the idea of growing edibles out there. I planted rhubarb. It disappeared. I planted tomatoes, beans, onions, etc. Bugs ate them. I have been relatively successful growing mint. That is a rather limiting crop. If I start, say, the day before a scheduled party, I may be able to rustle up some hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken, maybe some potato salad and, if there is any on the
store shelves, some baked beans. I can buy a cake or some cookies (and decorate them with sprigs of mint.) Even if I planned ahead and stocked everything that is needed for an elaborate meal, the equipment at my command at my “country house” is less than complete. Do I have eggs? Milk? Cornstarch? … and even more exotic … tapioca? What about seasonings? Are they ok to use if you brought them out 15 years ago? Probably not. Who has a potato masher at their camp? Well, I do now after that incident with cauliflower several years ago. And as for baking … even with all of the fans at top speed, the place is hotter than Hades in the summer. Firing up the oven to pie temperatures might be reason for commitment to a place that is very quiet and securely locked.
I’ve tried decorating for these meals. Really, I have. I have quite a collection of tablecloths at the ready. Hey, we’re out in the country, so wild flowers should be a cinch. With this in mind, I sent my innocent little girl to pick wild flowers on the side of a dirt road, not even a road but one of those rights of way that leads to our camp. She came back with a tear streaked face, sobbing that the lady on the top of the hill yelled at her for picking the flowers along the road. Her tears dried, we pressed on and put the few that we did collect in an assortment of pickle and mayonnaise jars with an emphasis in minimalism. We wove ivy around the backs of the chairs. The place looked passingly good. Our guests arrived. We brought out the food. Several thousand flies appeared as if on cue, so persistent that we had to retreat into the house. Those that stayed outside were not only assaulted by the biting flies, but some unfortunately sat
oswego street pot shop on shaky ground
Ever since The Herbal Center, thc for short, opened for business at 612 Oswego St. on April 20, 2024, it has been doing a brisk business selling high-grade cannabis buds, edibles and paraphernalia.
On Easter Sunday, the shop celebrated its one-year anniversary.
It remains open 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.”
So village officials thought they were on solid ground when they contacted the state’s Office of Cannabis Management to complain about The Herbal Center here. But the OCM doesn’t seem to care.
Village officials frustrated
Village Codes Officer Bill Reagan told me that he, Police Chief Jerry Unger and Mayor Stacy Finney have all written official letters to the OCM without receiving a response.
Between May and September of 2024, the OCM announced it had padlocked 17 illegal pot shops in Central NY.
Those included Top Choice Convenience, 5859 Route 31, Cicero, Power Exotics, 8124 Brewerton Road, Cicero., Noosah Exotic Smoke LLC, 3800 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse, Zara Exotics, 7666 Morgan Road, Liverpool, J and J Smokeshop of Liverpool Inc., 7879 Oswego Road, Liverpool Smoke Shop, 652 Old Liverpool Road, and Smokie Zone & Convenience LLC, 432 S. Main St., North Syracuse.
But it did not include Liverpool’s The Herbal Center. Judge shoots down syracuse thc
On June 18, a State Supreme Court order put an affiliated thc shop on the City’s northside out of business. Judge James T. Murphy issued a permanent injunction against The Herbal Center prohibiting the sale or consumption of cannabis at its premises located at 916 N. Salina Street
The Court also awarded $10,000 fines payable to the city against the business, the individual who owns the business, John Vanfossen, and the limited liability corpo-
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ration which owns the property. Judge Murphy’s decision in the suit brought by the city Corporation Counsel’s office in May 2024, determined the Herbal Center “knowingly and defiantly sold cannabis without a license.”
Judge Murphy also rejected claims by The Herbal Center, which presented itself as a private club. “The Herbal Center has no reasonable expectation of privacy in its illegal cannabis operation, despite its attempts to conceal or keep its operation ‘private.’”
So is it possible that the village could follow the city’s lead and take thc to court? It’s possible, but not likely.
Village attorneys have informed the trustees that any such legal action would cost at least $10,000, and the ever-thrifty trustees are reluctant to make that financial commitment.
The Herbal Center franchise was established 18 years ago in Denver, Colo. Both recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in New York.
BTW, thc stands for tetrahydrocannabinol which is the psychoactive compound that induces euphoria.
New businesses anticipated
Village residents are anxiously awaiting the opening of two new burger joints and one new bookshop/coffeehouse.
Double Cheese will re-enliven the old Café at 407 space at 407 Tulip St. Owner Chris Biley figures that the smashburgers will be sizzlin’ there sometime later this month.
Meanwhile, just south of the village at the old Hope Café location at 920 Old Liverpool Road, Better Burger claims it’s “coming soon.” Visit tastebetterburger.com for more information.
And the Liverpool Lit Lounge will open sometime this summer as a bookshop/coffeehouse at 514 Oswego St , the former Corinthian Court building. Don’t worry it’s not another cannabis dispensary. “Lit” is short for “literary.” Stay tuned. last word
“A good place to wash your hair, Liverpool. Good soft water.” –John Lennon, on Liverpool, England. Contact the columnist at russtarby@aol.com.
eagle News welcomes letters to the editor, and reserves the right to edit for space, clarification or to avoid obscenity, but ideas
Ramblings from the empty nest
ann Ferro
Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby
lEPiNskE FArm
by JEFF sNoW
town of Clay hiStorian Clay hiStoriCal aSSoCiation member
I wanted to share these “then and now” pictures that were posted on Facebook by Jeff Lepinske. He was the town of Clay historian from 1986 to 1988. His father, Bud Lepinske took over being historian for about 15 years after.
The Lepinske farm had a gas main going in front of the home and a water main behind the farm. The top left picture shows an older excavator digging across their driveway in 1964. This is located at the corner of Grange and Van Hoesen Road. Included are two pictures of what the corner looks like today.
The cow picture is one my favorites that posted. This picture was taken by Jeff’s mother (Dorothy) when the pipeline was being installed back in 1966 by MWB (Metropolitan Water Board.) The pipe is 54 inches in diameter. I’ve shown a few friends the picture and they all say it’s amazing how big the water main is with the cow standing next to the pipe. This gives you the perspective on the size. With the new Micron project pending, there is the possibility of OCWA (Onondaga Co. Water Authority) adding another water main that runs parallel to the existing one. It’s amazing how much water Micron will actually need in the future.
If anyone has any interesting photos that would like to share about the town of Clay like Jeff Lepinske did, just send me a message. 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.
Submitted photoS
back far enough in their chairs to come in contact with the ivy that had once grown next to, as we found out later, poison ivy. Nice! No one points out in these articles that these country houses have to be cleaned … before and after the parties. No one points out that when these country houses are near water, there are bathing suits draped over shower stalls, railings and chairs, dripping moisture into which people with dirty feet walk. There are no pages which depict the less than half eaten food left by quarrelsome, visiting children. No one shows you the smiling mother with her arms up to her elbows washing the dishes that were produced by the smiling guests. No one describes the sense of utter
exhaustion that ensues after one of these attempts at chic country entertaining. Nope, you don’t see that in the magazines.
I have a theory that there are basically only a few types of people who have these country homes.
The first type is the professional urban dweller, who, be they neurosurgeon or real estate developer, metamorphosize from cool to country on Friday nights as they drive up (it is always up) to the country. Somehow their country place is also home to an entirely different wardrobe. Instead of serious black and white city attire, this chicer-than-chic couple wear Ralph Lauren’s interpretation of farm attire while they walk their perfectly groomed Borzois through their manicured English country garden.
pied is never mentioned.
The second group are also urban dwellers who specialize in interior design or antiques and use their county home as a part time business. Holy tax write off.
The third type are those who retire from either Wall Street, the law or medical research to a country life and raise farm animals for cheese and such. They are always shown standing near some hay rick that they have transformed into an interesting guest room, punch dispenser or smoke house. Interview them and they will tell you that they will be marketing their country made products, e.g. goat cheese, carved walking sticks, soft sculpture apples, etc. soon. There will be a website for further enquiries.
weed-filled gardens with crumby soil, two sets of everything … putting all of it away in the fall and dragging it all out in the spring. There are marginal variations to the four genera in this classification system but this pretty much gathers it all in. It doesn’t take black flies, carpenter ants, mice, squirrels, wasp nests, plain annoying ants, acres of wet moldy towels, septic system failures and tax increases into account but it’s good enough. I still keep reading those darn magazine as if something would change.
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. l From page 4
Who takes care of their country digs while they are elsewise occu -
The fourth type are crazy people who enjoy taking care of two houses, two yards, two pantries, two
SUDOKU
Bucolic
PENNY SAVER
Ocean State Job Lots open Liverpool location
On June 21, Ocean State Job Lots, a retail chain with 176 locations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, celebrated the opening of its 18th store in New York, located at 8015 Oswego Road in Liverpool, with a ribboncutting ceremony. The 34,000 sq. ft. space is formerly home to a Big Lots and will provide customers with a bright, friendly, and convenient shopping experience, according to a press release from the company.
OSJL executives joined Town of Salina Town Board members Hayley Downs and Leesa Paul and Lucretia Hudzinski, director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, for a celebration that highlighted the company’s continued investment in revitalizing well-known retail sites and expanding job opportunities in the region.
As part of OSJL’s ongoing commitment to the communities it serves, the Ocean State Job Lot Chari-
table Foundation donated 250 backpacks to the North Area Family YMCA.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, customers enjoyed free pictures with Bluey and complimentary glitter tattoos, donuts, and beverages.
All event attendees also had the opportunity to win one of three $150 Ocean State Job Lot gift cards.
“We’re thrilled to expand our unique brand of shopping to the Liverpool area,” said Charlie Baldwin, store team leader. “We’ve worked hard to create a bright, friendly, and convenient shopping experience for residents and visitors alike, and we’re grateful to be part of this great community.”
This location has created new jobs for the area, including supervisory, fulltime, part-time, and seasonal roles. OSJL expects to continue its expansion across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with additional store openings throughout 2025.
Liverpool resident joins Community Bank staff
Community Financial System Inc. has announced the appointment of Stephanie Salanger of Liverpool to its leadership team as director of communications. She brings to the position a depth of experience in key positions across agency, corporate, nonprofit and higher education communication fields.
As director of communications, Salanger is responsible for devising and implementing the comprehensive communications strategy for Community Financial System Inc. and its diversified portfolio of companies: Community Bank, Benefit Plans Administrative Services Inc., OneGroup NY Inc. and Community Bank Wealth Management. She’ll oversee all aspects of corporate communications, including public relations and employee communications, to enhance the company’s reputation, engage stakeholders and further elevate executives across its unique breadth of business units as trusted leaders in financial services.
“As we expand our footprint and deepen our investment in communities across the Northeast, Stephanie’s leadership will be instrumental in elevating how we communicate our purpose and impact,” Community Financial System Inc. SVP, Chief Marketing Officer Dara Penny said.
Most amateur golfers have at least one wedge in their bag. Some have two and there are still others who play with three or four. For your information, the majority of PGA Tour players and better amateurs, play with three or four wedges in their bag. It usually is a preference “thing” or a recommendation from a golf coach or instructor and depends on how o en you play, practice or how competitive you are or want to be. ere is really no “best” answer to how many wedges you should carry, except to say that one wedge is probably not enough and four or ve is probably too many for the average golfer.
For example, if you had a 55-65 yard shot to the green and the ag was placed in the middle of the green with calm wind conditions, do you know which wedge you would use? What if the ag was located just beyond a bunker (tight) and the wind was blowing toward you at 10-12 MPH? Or, how about a ag that was only 30-35 yards from your ball and the ag was on the front part of the green. Which wedge would you use under these conditions? e sad truth is that most golfers do not know which wedge to use from those distances because they simply don’t understand which wedges are supposed to be used in certain conditions.
Let’s start with the di erent types of wedges the PGA Tour players and competitive amateurs use and why they use them.
* THE PITCHING WEDGE (PW) usually has 44-48 degrees of lo . It is usually the lowest lo ed wedge in their bags and is almost always used for full swings into greens as a club they would use to ll the distance between their 9 iron and the more lo ed wedges with 50 plus degrees and higher. Some also use the pitching wedge for chipping and pitching in certain conditions.
* THE GAP WEDGE (GW) usually has 50-53 degrees of lo . It is used for full swings or chip and pitch shots to ll the gap between a PW and a sand wedge. is wedge is used to execute their “distance control” shot.
* THE SAND WEDGE (SW) usually has 54-56 degrees of lo and is mainly used in bunkers, and higher launching chip and pitching shots around the greens. It is probably the most versatile wedge in their bag. It routinely has a wider sole for more bounce and is more forgiving, especially in thick rough and so er turf.
* THE LOB WEDGE (LW) usually has 58-62 degrees of lo and is used to hit high Ishots, op shots, delicate shots around rm greens and when the lies are tight. It is designed to y high and land so .
* Average golfers probably should not be using a lob wedge unless they are prepared to practice twothree days a week…just with their lob wedge. All wedges have LOFT.
“Her extensive experience in brand communications and community engagement makes her a valuable addition to our leadership team. We’re excited to leverage her expertise to strengthen our voice in key markets and advance our strategic priorities.”
Salanger joins Community Financial System Inc. from Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF) and the Office of Veterans & Military Affairs. She served as director of communications and led the communications and marketing for the campus student veteran initiatives and the IVMF’s national training programs, as well as its policy, research and alumni efforts. Prior, Salanger spent a decade in telecommunications at Time Warner Cable as director of corporate social responsibility, managing the organization’s employee volunteer affinity program and supporting media relations activities across its Northeast region. Her early career experience also includes managerial agency and freelance roles at Eric Mower + Associates and as owner of Salanger Communications.
Outside of the office, Salanger is active in the community, volunteering her time with various local organizations and serving on the board
Lo - Golf club lo refers to the angle between the clubface on the wedge and the ground. It is an important measurement applied to all wedges and irons. e higher the lo angle, the higher the ball will go. Conversely, the lower the angle, the lower the ball will go a er being hit. Lo s on wedges can be changed by bending the hosel (where the sha is connected to the clubhead). More and more club manufactures these days are making clubs with adjustable hosels. is allows golfers to change certain features such as, face angle, lo and lie.
All wedges have BOUNCE.
Bounce - Refers to the angle (curvature) on the sole (bottom) of a golf clubs head. is particularly apply to irons and wedges. A higher degree of bounce means the leading edge is father o the ground which is bene cial when playing from bunkers or so turf. A wedge with a high degree of bounce (1416) is best when the sand is deep and/or so . A low bounce wedge (4-8) degrees is better used on rmer ground.
Summary:
1.Don’t buy wedges because they look pretty or because your buddy is playing three or four of them.
2. If you are having problems around the greens, try a sand wedge with 12-14 degrees of bounce because it is usually the most forgiving option for you.
3. Most amateur golfers (male & female) don’t need to master op shots or very high shots. A 56 degree wedge with a minimum of 12 degrees of bounce will serve you better when using a simple, repeatable swing.
Final oughts: I play with four wedges because I like to have the lo s coincide with the distance gaps I require between clubs. If we as amateurs would spend 25% of our time practicing with our wedges from 5-55 yards from the green, we would shave 2-4 strokes o our scores within 3 months. Please do not buy any wedge without being professionally informed “why” you should be buying a particular wedge or set of wedges. e set needs to be” t” to your game. Look for a CNY PGA Golf Professional. ey are your best option for information and results.
of directors for Samaritan Center. Among her many career accomplishments, she was honored as a Central New York 40 under Forty recipient and received PR News’s CSR Award for Workplace Innovation, among other accolades for her leadership and strategic communications management.
Salanger earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication and media studies from SUNY Geneseo.
Should an All-Star game matter?
Hate All-Star games? Blame the media. No, really. They didn’t exist until Arch Ward conceived it for baseball in 1933. Ward wasn’t a part of a Major League front office and didn’t work for the commissioner. He was the sports editor of the Chicago Tribune Nearly a century later the original All-Star Game remains the best, with MLB gathering most of its top players again in Atlanta early next week for an event whose very existence, like everything in sports circa 2025, gets subjected to hot debate. Where to start?
Mostly with the oldschool types who wish players cared about it the way they did in earlier generations, even though the circumstances are largely out of any player’s control.
Ted Williams said the highlight of his career may have been the three-run home run he smacked in the ninth inning of the 1941 game in Detroit. Stan Musial had a similar feeling about his own extrainning game-winner in 1957 in Milwaukee. And of course ther was 1970, Pete Rose and a collision with Ray Fosse at the plate.
Note, though, that all this happened before or in the early days of the League Championship Series. When only two teams would go straight
stephanie salanger
Submitted photo
ocean state Job lot (osJl) store team leader charlie baldwin cuts the ribbon along-
side osJl district team leader Patrick bridgett to celebrate the grand opening of the new store in liverpool, Ny baldwin and bridgett were joined by members of the Greater liverpool chamber of commerce, including Executive director lucretia hudzinski (front row, third from left); members of the Town of Salina Town Board, Hayley Downs and Leesa Paul (back row, first and second from left); and Corey Wilcox, Associate Executive director, North Area Family ymcA.
from pennants to the World Series, for most of the others the highlight of their season was an All-Star appearance so naturally it would mean more.
It’s also difficult to procure magic moments out of modern All-Star editions because every team from first place to the cellar has to be represented. Like Atlanta did in 1978 when they sent catcher (his real name) Biff Pocoroba.
Starters don’t go all nine innings and pitchers are lucky to get one inning, all understandable given their lucrative contracts and the injury risk, but it leaves a lot of comparatively unknown players in the key spots if a game is close late.
Oh, don’t mention close game. It brings back memories of the 2002
debacle in Milwaukee when both the AL and NL ran out of players, it was called a tie and the furor led MLB to do something the purists really hated.
When home-field advantage in the World Series was attached to assure that both sides played to win, the pearl-clutching lasted more than a decade yet there’s no denial that having actual stakes led to a better competitive atmosphere.
Alas, the home-field concept was dropped and in the late 2010s we went back to the pure exhibition. The only problem was that MLB took it further having specific jerseys for the game instead of players wearing their own team’s uniforms, a shameless marketing decision which ruined the game’s look. Thankfully, it’s gone for this year’s edition.
Hovering over all this is the simple fact that there can’t be as great
a rivalry between the two leagues when they all face each other during the regular season, play under the same rules with a DH with the same umpires instead of separate crews for the AL and NL.
Then there’s the Home Run Derby the night before, a truly fun spectacle which generates far more fan noise and drama. Yet even this event gets shadowed by the thought that perhaps guys swing too much here and it could affect their performance the rest of the season/
Even so, the entire event is miles ahead of what’s happened elsewhere. There’s no longer a full-contact Pro Bowl. The NHL struck ratings gold with the Four Nations Challenge and might keep it post-2026 Olympics.
Numerous NBA concepts have fallen flat with player dropouts and no attempt to play defense, so they’re
doing to a USA vs. World format for 2026. MLS has its best go against a top club from another country, which is okay. The WNBA got a one-time boost from last summer’s intense game between its All-Stars and Team USA.
When they take the field in Atlanta on Tuesday night they’ll go nine innings to see if the American League or National League will finish on top. Just as they did 93 long years ago at Comiskey Park when the All-Star Game’s first home run was hit by Babe Ruth. It was as if some writer had scripted the scene. Wait, Arch Ward did script it. Sometimes the media is good for something.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
