OLyMPIAD AT ThE ‘POOL
Summer concerts start June 9 with the Stan Colella Orchestra
By RuSS TARBy Contributing Writer
The 39th iverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series gets underway on Monday, June 9, with a performance by the Stan Colella Orchestra, a mainstay on the Central New York music scene.
Stan passed away in 2002, but the orchestra plays on. Now under the leadership of Stan’s son, trumpeter Len Colella, the big band will perform tunes from its recent disc, “Just For Fun,” at 7 p.m. Monday, June 9, at Johnson Park.
Whiting sits in
“Just For Fun” celebrates the orchestra’s 50 years of entertaining audiences at countless concerts,
conventions, festivals, weddings and dinner dances across New York State.
Though its title suggests a less-than-serious session, “Just for Fun” shines like a carefully faceted jewel, a thing made beautiful by meticulous attention to detail in both performance and production.
Guest singer Joe Whiting kicks off the set by crooning a hook-laden original, “Do It Yourself,” arranged by young Nick Colella, followed by the R&B standard “Let the Good Times Roll.” That latter tune is right in Whiting’s wheelhouse as are “Teach Me Tonight” and “Route 66,” which come later.
Whiting will sit in with the big band on June 9. Baker croons too
The orchestra’s regularly featured lead singer, Dave Baker, pays homage to the Great American Songbook with his straight-ahead versions of “Please Don’t Talk about Me When I’m Gone” and “(Up a) Lazy River.”
Several Liverpool-area musicians make notable contributions, including saxophonist Jim Spadafore blowing leads on “Do It Yourself” and “Blues for Sale,” and trumpeter Rob Robson wailing away on “Route 66” and the disccloser, “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me.”
The Liverpool Is The Place Committee will continue to stage the free concerts at Johnson Park from 7 to 9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 13.
Liverpool observes Memorial Day
Revolutionary War soldier portrayed by Gian Assante, Syracuse Mets mascot Scooch and Liverpool Mayor Stacy Finney strike a pose at the village’s revived Memorial Day Parade on May 26. Enlivened by an absolutely gorgeous, sunny spring day, hundreds of villagers and visitors applauded the paraders and paused in reverent silence at the cemetery. “The weather cooperated big time,” said Mike Romano, the chairman of this year’s parade committee. “It was a great day all around.”
“We’re still seeking sponsorship to support this concert season,” said LITP Chairperson and Treasurer Colleen Gunnip.
To donate, contact Gunnip at colleen.gunnip@ gmail.com, or call the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at 315457-3895.
2025 Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert schedule
All concerts 7 to 9 p.m. at Johnson Park in Liverpool. Free admission; liverpoolistheplace.com; 315457-3895.
Wednesday June 11: DoyleWhiting Band. Rock’n’roll. Monday June 16: Soul Mine. R&B.
Wednesday June 18: Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble. African dances. Monday June 23: Mood Swing. Classic rock.
Wednesday June 25: Born to Run. Springsteen tribute.
Monday June 30: Liverpool Community Concert Band. Patriotic tunes. Wednesday July 2: Latin Groove Connection. Sam-
Monday June 9: Stan Colella Orchestra. Big band swing.
By RuSS TARBy Contributing Writer
Scripture repeatedly advises us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” It’s advice which has guided Mary Lohr through her entire life.
The longtime music director and organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Liverpool will retire following services there Sunday, June 8.
Her career in sacred music began when nine-yearold Lohr, whose maiden name is Gustke, began singing in St. Paul’s junior choir back when the church was located at 600 Oswego St., at the corner of Vine. Ever
Submitted photoS Director l Page 2
Submitted photo Trumpeter Len Colella will conduct the Stan Colella Orchestra at Johnson Park. Concerts l Page 12
Submitted photoS
The Liverpool Central School District hosted the Olympiad at the ‘Pool on Thursday, May 29. held at Liverpool high School Stadium and Tennis Courts, the event was formerly known as the Special Olympics. More than 160 Liverpool student-athletes participated in activities including softball throw, bean bag drop, standing broad jump, running long jump, 50-yard dash and sensory activities. There were also bubbles, face painting and cornhole for participants.
since 1965, the church has been located at 210 Hazel St.
She fell in love with another choir member, Donald Lohr, who would become a beloved music teacher at Liverpool High School and also music director at St. Paul’s. The couple married and had three children, all boys -- Eric, Kurt and Mark -- who each became competent musicians themselves.
“Mary Lohr was key in the installation of the pipe organ at St. Paul’s in 1992,” recalled former pastor, the Rev. Richard Klafehn. “She also helmed the production of annual Mother’s Day musicals and American Heritage shows in November for St. Paul’s.”
Over the years, Lohr planned programs and performances that challenged her vocalists and musicians. The music wasn’t
limited to sacred standards. She programmed everything from jazz to John Philip Sousa marches.
“In the 1980s we presented Bible stories in music,” she remembered. “They were really elaborate shows with 35 kids dancing and singing upbeat tunes with special effects.”
Along the way, the parish formed a group called Gospel 7, another all-women combo called Winds of Welca (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), in which Lohr played saxophone, and a nonet to play for Parishes in the Park.
Lohr is proud of creating opportunities for musicians to continue on their instruments even after they’ve left behind their high-school band days.
“Music feeds to soul,” she said. “And it’s good physically too, good for your lungs and brain.”
In 2019, Lohr was inducted into the Liv -
Air Ambulance lands at Liverpool high School
erpool Fine Arts Hall of Fame, joining her husband who was inducted in 2003. Don died in 2017 at age 83.
A retirement celebration is planned for Saturday, June 7 at St. Paul’s.
The catered event, featuring testimonials from her three sons, will take place under a tent. Lohr will be presented with a plaque dedicating the church’s loft to her and her late husband. The plaque is being created by Nami’s Engraving in Baldwinsville
Now 83-years-old, Lohr admits she’s not quite as spry as she used to be. She suffers hip and back discomfort from all those years at the keyboard. But in retirement she plans plenty of travel to visit her expanding family. And she’ll happily haul her trusty electric keyboard to states stretching from New England to Texas, as she shares her love of music with her grandchildren.
Mary Lohr on the Bozeman organ
“The Bozeman organ was introduced in June 1992 with a dedicatory service with me and the choir leading the way. The Reformation Sunday had an inaugural recital by Rick Erickson.
“The organ is a three-manual with a radiating pedal board with 26 stops. There are 1,486 pipes. Each keyboard has 58 notes which in turn has 58 pipes of a particular sound that is called a rank. The pedals have 32 notes.
“This was a long project from start to finish, interviewing possible builders, traveling to hear their work and eventually choosing. Funds had to be raised. It is very labor intensive since all is built from the bottom up and that transfers to big bucks.
“It took a full year for the Bozeman shop in Deerfield, New Hampshire to manufacture it. The organ was then moved via a large van to St. Paul’s and then reinstalled. It took six weeks mostly consisting of voicing each pipe in our acoustics.
“What do I like the most about playing it? Well, anyone who plays a finely crafted instrument knows how great it is when it responds to one’s demands. And it sounds wonderful. This Bozeman organ is capable of playing a diverse style of music from supporting congregational singing to inspirational organ music whether it be sad and contemplative to jubilant and exciting.
“So I have been playing it for over 30 years and I find its quality remains constant since it was built so well for our space. As an organist, I look to hear how well the organ can enhance worship, inspire and encourage people to sing and help them as they meditate during worship. Over the years our exciting concerts have shown how the organ is a means to lift us up and send us forth with a smile on our face.”
June & July Events
June 9 Liverpool is The Place Concert begins. Every Monday and Wednesday 7 pm FREE concert
June
June 26 Davidson Ford of Clay Route 31, Liverpool 4:30 July 1 Ribbon Cutting for Onondaga Physical therapy 7575 Buckley Road, Liverpool
It’s prom season
With the spring and early summer season, for many high school students the prom is a highly anticipated event.
And it should be something they can anticipate and enjoy as an important milestone in their lives.
Proms are something of a rite of passage for many students.
But with this season comes a lot to take into consideration.
While the right outfit and group of friends of celebrate with are important, it is also important to keep safety in mind.
According to AAA, prom night, as well as graduation days, can be among the most dangerous nights of the year on the road, especially for young drivers.
AAA is reminding teens, parents, and educators to plan ahead to prevent prom and graduation season from turning deadly.
“Prom night is a time for celebration, and amid all the excitement, it’s often hard for teens to remember that safety comes first,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “AAA is reminding students to make smart choices while also reminding parents that they can play an active role in the conversation. Teaming up together can help everyone get home safely.”
AAA asks teens to PROMise to plan ahead and stay safe with a pledge.
“I promise not to drive impaired or distracted. I promise not to let my friends drive impaired or distracted. I promise my parents I will get home safely or call them for help,” the pledge reads.
By making a PROMise, teens can prevent substance-impaired driving, as well as distracted driving..
Parents also have an important role to play by making their children feel safe about calling them for help.
Parents can PROMise that they will always pick up their teen regardless of the time or location.
Driving impaired can carry lifechanging consequences.
Teens could lose their academic eligibility, driver’s license, even their life or that of their friends.
According to the CDC, teens are more likely than anyone else to be killed in an alcohol-related crash, even though the minimum legal drinking age in every state is 21.
AAA has also offered some advice that is good for teen drivers to keep in mind every time they are on the road.
Pay attention. Texting and having other passengers in the vehicle can create dangerous distractions for drivers.
Slow down. Speeding is a factor in onethird of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
Stay alert. Prom celebrations can carry well into the late hours. Avoid driving drowsy.
Buckle up. Half of young drivers who die in motor vehicle crashes are not wearing their seat belts.
Drive sober. If you become impaired, pass the keys to a sober driver or call your parents for help.
The organization also offered some tips for parents that can help give them peace of mind while their children are celebrating prom night.
Hire a ride. Consider chipping in on a chauffeur so teens don’t have to decide who’s driving.
Set the rules. Establish rules for your teen driver which address safe driving habits and the punishment for breaking them. Consider signing a parent-teen driving agreemen t Open your home. Encourage your teen to ask friends to spend the night to keep them off the roads.
Be the example. While driving, model the same behavior you expect from your kids when they drive. Your kids are always watching you, even if they don’t admit it.
We hope for all students who plan to attend prom it is a memorable and enjoyable experience and that students and parents alike will do all they can to make the night a safe one for all involved.
Education: an investment in our future
Subscription info: lori Newcomb, ext 333, lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline com
There are people, nice people, out there who are sports wonks. Golf, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, tennis…on and on, they drink each event in with gusto. I am not one of them. Other things occupy my mind, keep me awake at night … other obsessions beyond collecting empty jars.
Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
So, what is my wonk? Education. Schools. The treasure that we often take, if not for granted, far too lightly. Schools are the portals to the future. Education is the potential of humankind. It is the way we pass on learning from person to person through time and space. Think about that.
I had a relatively good education. It began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parochial school in Brooklyn, grew at Carmel Central High School in Putnam County and matured at Syracuse University. I taught middle and high school social studies for 12 years and held a seat on a school board for one term - all stuff that bolster my claim to Education Wonk.
It was about 20 years ago that I decided to get another degree, this time in biology. In order to matriculate I found out, much to my dismay, that my 1960s education in that arena was old, stale, obsolete ... toast! So much had, as the years passed, changed. Facts and information, new techniques, testing, especially the revelations produced by DNA
research, a deeper dive into the functioning of our immune systems, etc. My knowledge was relevant between 1963 and about 1980. Here is just one example: Taxonomy. Back then I learned that living organisms were classified into one of two “kingdoms,” plant and animal. Not anymore. Actually, not for some time. Today’s taxonomy starts to define or separate organisms into “domains” of which there are three: bacteria, archaea and eukarya. Each of these is broken down into kingdoms, the latter of the three, the eukarya, includes protista, fungi, plantae and animalia. (We are in the last kingdom.)
Then there are things called prions, not even on the radar in 1963 - scary things that aren’t living but can really make living miserable. (Kwashiorkor and Mad Cow disease) I mean, who knew? Not me.
But today, thanks to our schools, teenagers, even pre-teens, are as comfortable with what I found to be “new” knowledge as they are with computers and other digital forms of data and communication. These youngsters can as easily discuss prions as they would how know to use their smart phones to do calculations for trigonometry. They are more cognizant of the world, more exposed to ideas and solutions than I was in high school, even graduate school
These youngsters have and con-
tinue to receive an education that is not only for now but a preparation for an indeterminate future. Who knows what will be next? That future seems to be fitted with the power of AI (artificial intelligence, not to be confused with the steak sauce as spoken of by the U.S Secretary of Education,) the ability of computers to surpass the human brain in solving problems from designing a car to diagnosing illness. Other than what I have gleaned from science fiction (do you remember that chilling scene in 2001 when Hal the computer takes over?) my knowledge of AI is wanting. Creating, utilizing and managing this wonder is part of their future, our future.
The schools are engines for economic, scientific, sociological, communal and personal success. Support for the schools is support for the preparation that will be relevant for the jobs in all fields that will exist, the citizenship that will guard our democracy, the vibrant health of a population involved in athletics, the creative impetus found in the arts, the community supported provision for and encouragement of academics, the trades, agriculture, service and citizenship.
The old three Rs are necessary but woefully insufficient. The modern classroom is not the equivalent of the one-room schoolhouse. Our modern schoolhouse must have access to the digital world, to hands on experience, to class size that supports
l Page 9
Route 370 undergoing major makeover
The NY state Department of Transportation is ready to begin a major makeover of State Route 370 in the town of Salina, the thoroughfare known as Second Street in the village of Liverpool. The long-neglected roadway will undergo what the DOT calls “a significant repaving.”
For two decades, Second Street neighbors have loudly complained about the need for pavement repair. They often compared 370 to a bumpy washboard. Maybe now they’ll finally get to cruise ever-so-smoothly down the flat and level street without damaging their shock absorbers.
An estimated $13.8 million in federal funds will be allotted to the project for a full-depth reconstruction of the road. The work includes the improvement and/or replacement of non-compliant curb ramps and sections of sidewalks. Crosswalk signal enhancements will also be added. The roadwork could last throughout the summer.
Doyle-Whiting June 11
In 1969, guitarist Mark
From the mailbag
Bus Bucks?
To the editor:
Doyle and saxophonistsinger Joe Whiting played together in a rock band named Free Will. After the combo was signed to a record contract by RCA, they changed their name to Jukin’ Bone and they released two albums, “Whiskey Woman” and “Way Down East,” but the LPs’ production missed the mark and business affairs – including national tours – were mishandled. As a result, the Jukin’ Bone of the 1970s never fulfilled its potential and broke up acrimoniously in 1973.
Individual members accomplished much in subsequent decades as Doyle and Whiting continued to work together in various formats such as the Doyle-Whiting Band, building an enviable catalog of recorded music on Blue Wave and Free Will Records.
Over the years, Doyle became a widely respected record producer and arranger working with acts such as Bryan Adams, The
Stylistics, Cindy Bullens, New Kids on the Block, Meat Loaf and Mary Fahl.
On Wednesday, June 11, the Doyle-Whiting Band will perform a free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. at Johnson Park, as part of the 39th annual Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series.
In 2021, Doyle and Whiting released their most recent disc, “Down in the Dirt,” featuring seven new bluesy originals that they wrote together and four rockers co-written with their longtime collaborator, guitarist George Egosarian.
Joe’s double duty Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall of Famer Jumpin’ Joe Whiting will appear twice at Johnson Park next week. First he’ll sit in on vocals with the Stan Colella Orchestra on Monday, June 9. Then he’ll reunite with his longtime bandmate, guitarist Mark Doyle, on Wednesday, June 11. Goldmine magazine once described his singing voice as “strong, assured and convincing.”
Supercharged foam June 28
It’ll be an unforgettable
day of wet fun on Saturday, June 28, when Foamderful Party’ s supercharged foam cannon blasts cool, clean foam over all while everyone’s dancing their hearts out to kid-friendly tunes at Heid’s of Liverpool, 305 Oswego St. Then the dancers can dig into a tasty lunch and cool off with ice cream at Sweet Treats!
Ashley Lynn slushies To access tickets for the Foamderful Party, visit heidsofliverpool.co m Tickets cost $25 each.
Heid’s is now serving Ashley Lynn Wine Slushies, a 12-ounce cup costs $9 while a 20-ounce cup goes for $14. The Ashley Lynn winery, based out of Mexico in Oswego County, offers slushies in a variety of flavors including blue raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, and others.
BTW, a single Hoffmann frank now costs $5.25 at Heid’s; 315-4510786.
Last word “I still approach every performance with the enthusiasm I had as a kid.” - Jumpin’ Joe Whiting.
GARy
BROWN LiverpooL
The Star Review from May 15 contained an article announcing LCSD’s (Liverpool School District) Transportation Department’s new program called Bus Bucks designed to encourage good behavior among students on school buses. Apparently some student behavior has gotten so out of hand on buses that the transportation department feels the need to bribe them into good behavior with some form of undisclosed prizes or rewards. Discipline in schools has been out of hand for too long. School administrators spend too much time catering to the whims of students as opposed to maintaining school discipline in order to provide a positive classroom learning environment. It shows in the test scores of U.S. students as compared with other countries. This is just more foolishness from our overpriced educational system that will ultimately fail. Good behavior among students should be expected without reward, and bad behavior should be punished.
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Livin’ in Liverpool russ tarby
By JEFF SNOW
toWn of CLay hiStorian CLay hiStoriCaL aSSoCiation member
The Clay Historical Park at 4939 Route 31 is open on June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 20 and Oct. 19 from 1-3 p.m. this year. Sept. 20 is the highlight of the year which is when the fall festival with many interesting things to see will be held. This event is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. In the upper right picture is a road marker sign that mentions the Cigarville Station that is located on Route 31 in the hamlet of Clay which was called Cigarville up until 1903. The railroad station features the name Cigarville for the heritage of the time when the town made cigars. In the bottom right picture shows a tobacco farm over on Henry Clay Boulevard which many farms in the area grew tobacco. The bottom left shows some of the display case items related to tobacco and cigars in the train station. The picture in the upper left corner shows the train station at dusk this year which was taken by Greg Langdon. In last week’s article about the Oak Orchard Lock, the McArthur family was mentioned. Arthur McArthur lived in the Oak Orchard Lock house. He ran the lock and took data for the USGS on the Oneida River. But his main occupation was cigar manufacturer, which was noted on his census of 1900 and 1910. One of Arthur’s cigar boxes survived many years and is on display at the Cigarville train station. The cigars in the box were called “Osterhouts.” The inside shows a baseball team of the same name. A store in Oswego had the same name and this was probably advertising at the time.
I see in older newspapers that baseball games were even played at Three Rivers. The Osterhouts played teams from Syracuse, Fulton and Phoenix. They even played other teams like the Peebles Nine which was named after another department store in Oswego. Some baseball games were said to have been played indoors during the colder months and were called in-door baseball games. Google mentioned the rules were using a softer ball, stick-like bat, no gloves and shorter baselines.
If you look closely at the tax stamp tape on the cigar box picture it shows the date of March 2, 1901, Internal Revenue paid stamp cigar tax. The cigar tax shows a picture of Henry Clay for whom our town of Clay was named. The Cigar Tax used his picture on the tax stamp even though he passed away in 1855, which shows Clay’s importance on the economy.
The baseball team Oswego Osterhouts played many village teams in the 1890s thru the 1900s.
Back in December of 1980, Clay’s past historian John W. Kisselburgh mentioned this same cigar box from Arthur McArthur that was given by a Katie Finger of 316 Chestnut St., Syracuse. John’s article was called “Old cigar box stirs memories” and he mentions the brief history of Cigarville and the Coughtry cigar business which we’ll look at a later time. Back in 1980, the CHA was looking into the Osterhouts name but no information on the results was given. With today’s computer web sites, there are many hits on finding out the name on the box. Kisselburgh’s article noted communications with Arthur’s grandson Bert McArthur who lived in New Jersey that noted his grandfather ran the lock, saloon and cigar business. Bert also mentioned the Cigar Tax label. Hopefully everyone can stop by the Clay Historical Park this year and view the many items on display.
Historical Park. Those interested in attending, inviting others to join, or sharing historical photographs are encouraged to reach out.
PENNY SAVER GENERAL/REAL
LIVING ESTATE AUCTION
Saturday June 7th, 2025 @ 9:30 AM
Hit & Miss engines (Fairbanks motor Z), Fairbanks 4h hit & miss engine w/RR cart, marine gas cans, (50+) 1920-1940’s boat motors ie: Johnson, Evinrude, Echo, Firestone, Sea King, Clinton, Scott Atwater, Bendix Aviation, Apache etc.) 4x8 folding utility trailer, (2)x20’
section of roll out dock, boat (small antique flat bottom), 4x8 utility trailer, gas cans, Democrat wagon, small 3hp engines (mower), lanterns, antique plow, antique saw on wheels, wooden pulleys, adjustable wood ladder pick, wagon seats, wagon jacks, gray marine boat engine, metal signs, Ryobi table saw, other boat parts, Easy copper washing machines, boat motors, wagon wheel, wheel barrow, tumblers, Watson wagon (Canastota), sharpening stone, pulpit (Canastota), 1940’s oil tank, churn, wooden advertising boxes, roll around platform, carpenter toolbox & tools, circus wagon wheels, rickshaw, antique water pumps, antique wooden hand sleigh, toy railroad dumping car, aluminum Cadillac boat & trailer, canoe, 214 John Deere (needs mower deck)garden tractor, kayak, Yamaha motorcycle (no papers), fiberglass boat, hand forge, floor drill press, antique tools, antique apple peelers, antique small ship stove, lawn mower motor, 60h motor ’37 Ford, Maytag washing machine motors, hand tools, boat motor parts, antique bath tub, some original crates, gas powered rotary mower, gas powered tamper, bells, burners, air pumps, wagon lamps, boat w/lawn mower motor, walk behind gas mower, life size cardboard shapes (racers/movie stars), primitive farm hand tools, scythes, hand planters, crosscut & buck saws, hand mowing machines, hay knives, toy cars, misc. oil cans, hit & miss motor (Watson), (2) bone crushers, governor for train, gas pump for fighting fires, sausage grinder, mold (wood), Fuller & Johnson (green motor), circus lighting, hand motor for boat, bells, ship breathing tube, exercise belt machine, Porter Cable items, sleds & skis, seashell lamp, boat lamps (white gas), kerosene lamps, horns, compass, jukebox etc.
Selling the Living Estate of John Wilson: a Lifetime of Collecting at His Shop 6036 E. Lake Rd Cazenovia, NY 13035 Auctioneer Note: Go to Auctionzip.com, Auctioneer #4840
Ellen T. McNeill, 84, of Elbridge, passed away May 23, 2025. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.
Darlene H. Hlebowicz, 65, formerly of North Syracuse, passed away May 7, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
D. Duane Watson, 72, of Liverpool, passed away May 9, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Scott M. Popp, 45, of Syracuse, passed away May 4, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
David M. Rogers, 94, formerly of North Syracuse, passed away March 19, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Sue V. Nester, 93, formerly of Liverpool, passed away May 8, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Sharon R. Spier, 80, of North Syracuse, passed away May 24, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.
Robert W. Walker, 80, of Cicero, passed away May 26, 2025. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements. l From page 4
the needs of all abilities, support services for opportunities to grow in a wide variety of knowledge areas, teachers who are well trained and recognized for their talent and devotion by that community.
When I write my check for the school taxes I consider it an investment in that future. It may be a bit self-serving, but students, our children, become the plumbers, the doctors, the coaches, the farmers, the entrepreneurs, the artists, the lawyers, the truckers, the carpenters, the cooks, the waiters…. who will serve you. Education is the pathway to the future for all of us.
And, supporting public education it is part of my obligation as a citizen. In fact, there is a sense of pride that I can touch the future this way. Kudos to the districts that passed their school budgets. For those that live in the districts that weren’t able to garner enough support for their school budget, I offer the following…
The cost of our day-to-day lives has caught us up short. From the price of eggs to what it takes to outfit a child for school; our budgets are stretched. It should logically follow that the cost of education would also increase. Schools do not get a break when it comes to keeping the lights on or maintain-
ing clean, healthy environments. They face the same economic woes that each family faces, only on a larger scale.
Rejection of a school budget is not like deciding whether you will cut back on eggs or fashionable sneakers. As an easy target, it is not the way to express frustration about how the price of life has increased. When schools are forced to cut their budgets, it is tantamount to creating a cascade of loss that ultimately affects the lives of the students and the future of all of us. It follows … as always, the measure is not on the bottom line but far more importantly in the value that the bottom line creates.
And now, I am going to do something I avoid at all costs: Math.
It does seem in those districts where the budget did not pass, everyone should vote with a clear understanding of what percentages of increase mean financially to each taxpayer. How will the increase affect each household? Using my ancient education of the times tables and simple division: Multiply the dollar amount of increase by the assessed value of a house divided by $100 thousand, e.g. A tax increase of $8 per $100 thousand of assessed valuation would mean a total of a $24 increase in taxes for a house assessed at $300,000.
Bernard L. Reagan, 98
Former Marcellus town Justice, supervisor, county legislator
ere are certain dates in history that will live in “infamy”. en there are the others that we should cherish… just because.
June 4, 1927… e very rst Ryder Cup Golf Tournament was held at the Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts. e matches included the best golfers of Great Britain against the the top players from America. Unfortunately, the man that came up with the concept, Samual Ryder, became ill and could not attend the event he dreamed up. Walter Hagen was the rst American captain and Ted Ray lead the British contingent. Not surprisingly, the Americans claimed victory in the rst event…9 1/2 points - 2 1/2 points.
Trivia…
* How long did it take the British team to sail to America? Answer - Only six days.
* Who was the 2nd oldest golfer to ever play in a Ryder Cup? Answer - Ted Ray, the British team captain in 1927. He was 50 years old.
* Who was the oldest golfer to ever play in a Ryder Cup? Answer - Raymond Floyd was 51 years old in 1993.
* Who are the Top “13” American golfers with the most appearances in the Ryder Cup matches? Answers: Phil Mickelson (12)… Record- 18-22-7…Total points - 21.5…..Jim Furyk (9)…Record- 10-20-4…Total points - 12…Billy Casper (8)…Record- 20-10-7… Total points - 23.5…Lanny Wadkins (8)… Record- 20-11-3…Total points - 21.5…Tiger Woods (8)..Record- 13-21-3…Total points - 14.5…Gene Littler (7)…Record- 14-5-8… Total points - 18…Tom Kite (7)…Record15-9-4…Total points - 17…Sam Snead (7)…Record- 10-2-1…Total points - 10.5… Arnold Palmer(6)…Record- 22-8-2…Total points - 23…Jack Nicklaus (6)…Record- 178-3…Total points - 18.5…Lee Trevino (6)… Record- 17-7-6…Total points - 20…Davis Love lll (6)…Record- 9-12-5…Total points - 11.5…Gene Sarazen (6)__Record- 7-2-3… Total points - 8.5
* What golfers (European or American) have the most “Over-All” matches won? Answers: Sergio Garcia (25), Nick Faldo (23), Arnold Palmer (22), Bernard Langer (21) and Lee Westwood (21)
* What golfers (European or American have the most “Over-All” points? Answers: Sergio Garcia (28.5), Nick Faldo (25), Bernard Langer (24), Led Westwood (24), Billy Casper (23.5), Colin Montgomerie (23.5)
Judge Bernard Lawrence Reagan passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the age of 98. A lifelong resident of Marcellus, Bernie led a life dedicated to public service,
* Who are the only players to go…5-0-0 in one Ryder Cup? Answers: Gardner Dickinson (USA)- 1967…Arnold Palmer (USA)- 1967.. Larry Nelson (USA)- 1979… Ian Poulter (Europe)- 2012…Francesco Molinari (Europe)- 2018…and Dustin Johnson (USA)- 2021
* What was the largest margin of victory by a team? Answer: e Americans won by 15 points. e totals were 23.5 points to 8.5 points (1967).
* When is the next Ryder Cup going to be held?
Answer: e next Ryder Cup will be held on the Bethpage Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingsale, New York on September 26th-28th 2025.
My thoughts and predications for this years Ryder Cup… e anticipation is rapidly building for this years Ryder cup matches at Bethpage Black to the extent, I believe will result in an all-time high in TV viewership, as well as in gross revenue from all media outlets. Although Captain Luke Donald of the European team is not showing any outward signs of con dence, he is surly very pleased that European players have already won “6” PGA Tour events this season. Meanwhile, Captain Kegan Bradley of the American team has a great nucleus of American players that are eager to avenge their stinging loss in 2023 by 5 points…16.5 to 11.5. e Europeans have now won 8 times in the last 11 competitions.
If I were to place a bet right now…with your money because I don’t bet, I predict the Americans will win by 1 point… (14.513.5).
My favorite…
”Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain”.
Greene
Vivian
family and community.
Born June 3, 1926, in Marcellus, he was a graduate of Marcellus Central School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. Following his military service, he attended Syracuse University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 and a law degree in 1952.
In 1952, he married Ruth Anne Smyth, a music teacher at Marcellus Central School. Bernie began practicing law in Marcellus in 1953, sharing office space above the First Trust and Deposit Company with his mother, Mary B. Reagan, who ran the Reagan Insurance Agency. Later, he and his brother Jim constructed the building at 8-10 Main Street, where they relocated both the law practice and the insurance agency.
Judge Reagan served the Marcellus community in many roles: as town justice for 14 years, town supervisor from 1969 to 1973 and as a member of the Onondaga County Legislature. In 1976, he was elected Onondaga County Surrogate Court Judge, a position he held until 1986. He then served as a New York State Supreme Court Judge from 1986 to 1994. After retiring from the bench, he returned to private practice with his daughter, Mary Reagan Dailey.
Bernie was also a board member of Geddes Federal Savings and Loan and a dedicated member of his church and community. A lifelong communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church, he was a proud member of the Ralph Share American Legion Post #297 for 68 years and an avid golfer at Tuscarora Golf Club, where he and his brother developed their love for the game as teenagers.
He and Ruth Anne enjoyed many adventures together, traveling extensively after retirement. Their travels included a trip around the world in 2004 and other cruises. In 2010, they attended the 65th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima, where Bernie had served during WWII. He often reminded his children that a high school typing class likely saved his life by placing him in the Navy’s communications room, safely below deck—an experience that led him to insist all eight of his children take typing.
Judge Reagan was predeceased by his wife Ruth Anne, his brother James P. Reagan, and his sisters Helen Kemper and Mary Alice Clary. He is survived by his
Freida Waldron, 96 compassionate caregiver
Freida Dunbar Waldron, 96, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the comfort of her own home with family.
She was the daughter of Lloyd and Viva Dunbar.
For over 60 years she was a compassionate caregiver to some of the most prominent families in Baldwinsville.
She loved her patients and often took them for ice cream or brought them home for holiday dinners so they would not be alone.
She provided entertainment to friends, family and patients with her sassy wit, just like her father.
Freida and her husband showed horses and rode with neighbors in their early years and spent many hours boating with family and friends on the Seneca River.
She loved playing her trumpet, whether it was Taps in the cemetery as a kid or attending New Orleans or Dixieland Jazz events.
She was a very caring grandmother, and involved in her grand and great-grandchildren’s activities, which included sporting and music events.
Freida was a member of the Rebecca Lodge and for most of her life, the First Baptist Church of Baldwinsville.
More recently, she was a member of the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church.
Freida was predeceased by her husband Kenneth of 42 years; two sisters; and two nephews.
She is survived by two daughters, Dale Waldron and Holly (Jack) Osinski; four
eight children: Larry Reagan of Sun City West, AZ, Patrick Reagan of Marcellus, Dr. Brian Reagan of Cooperstown, Daniel Reagan of Marcellus, Rosemary Vulcano (Tom) of Marcellus, Tim Reagan PhD (Lisa) of Silver Spring, MD, Mary Dailey (Pat) of Marcellus and Eileen Driscoll of Syracuse.
He was the proud grandfather of Sarah Vulcano, Shannon Burry (Jason), Samantha Stiles (Andy), Annie, Laura and Thomas Dailey, Patrick, Molly and Emma Driscoll, and Tessa Reagan; and great-grandfather to Beau, Emmett and Mack Burry and Cooper Rose Stiles. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Calling hours were held from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 29, with an American Legion Service following at 6 p.m., both held at Ryan Funeral Home, 44 E. Main Street, Marcellus. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, May 30, in St. Francis Xavier Church, 1 West Main St., Marcellus. The rite of committal and burial followed at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Marcellus, along with Navy Funeral Honors.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his caregiver, Shereece, and the compassionate staff at Syracuse Home for their dedicated care in his final months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Marcellus Historical Society, PO Box 165, Marcellus, NY 13108.
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a nephew. Freida was a member of the Baldwinsville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and was very proud of her family’s five generations of serving Baldwinsville as firefighters and EMTs.
Calling hours were held on Tuesday, May 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Falardeau Funeral Home. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Baldwinsville. Donations made to the Baldwinsville Fire Department, 7911 Crego Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027.
Freida Waldron
Bernard L. Reagan
C-NS baseball advances in sectional playoffs
By PhIL BLACkWELL
Right from the outset of the season the fate of the Cicero-North Syracuse baseball team seemed intertwined with Baldwinsville, the two sides finishing atop the SCAC Metro division standings and splitting their regular-season meetings late in April. Now they played a third time, but it carried the most takes as the no. 4 seed Northstars tried to topple the top-seeded Bees at Falcon Park in Auburn in the Section III Class AAA semifinals.
C-NS earned that chance defeating no. 5 seed Rome Free Academy 6-4 in last Tuesday’s quarterfinal at Onondaga Community College, where they had seen B’ville oust Fayetteville-Manlius 7-1 in the first quarterfinals.
Quick out of the gate, the Northstars earned four runs off Black Knights pitcher Mike Catalano. After RFA cut the margin to 4-2 in the second, C-NS hit for single runs in the third and fifth providing a cushion against a late comeback attempt. Lucas Aiello tripled and drove in three
runs, with RBIs also going to Shacory Williams, Lawson Weckessser and Chase Ginnup. Combined, the pitching trio of Jeremy Palmer, Kaden Kalfass and Landon Cook got 12 strikeouts between them and only surrendered four total hits.
Liverpool operated as the no. 6 seed and, having to face no. 3 seed and defending champion Christian Brothers Academy in the quarterfinals, fell by a score of 3-1. For the most part, Dylan Wiggins pitched well for the Warriors, only allowing a single run after the first inning. Yet
he was tagged for a pair of solo home runs by CBA’s top power producer, Mike Giamartino.
And that proved enough because Tom Menar limited Liverpool to five hits and 10 strikeouts, only surrendering a single run in the top of the third when Cayden Nappa singled home Dalton Logudice. Only Nappa got two hits as the Warriors finished 2025 with a 7-13 record.
For more on the sectional baseball playoffs go to eaglenewsonline.com
C-NS flag football reaches first sectional final
By PhIL BLACkWELL
Through two seasons of varsity flag
football Cicero-North Syracuse and Liverpool had faced each other four times. But the fifth meeting would prove the most important yet.
It came May 23 in the Section III Class A semifinal at Bragman Stadium, with the Northstars and Warriors clashing to see who would reach the sectional final for the first time.
With fall-like weather on hand thanks to rain and chilly temperatures, points were valuable – and ultimately C-NS got them just when it mattered the most and prevailed by a score of 12-6 in overtime.
This game was at C-NS because it had won at Liverpool 14-13 nine days earlier to ultimately move into the no. 2 seed, avenging an earlier 13-7 home defeat to the Warriors.
For a long while, it looked like the road team would win again, with the Northstars kept off the board for most of regulation by a stingy Liverpool defense which had shut out Syracuse West 13-0 in the opening round two days earlier.
At the same time, though, C-NS was also making a series of stops, keeping itself within close range as the Warriors managed just a single touchdown and did not get the conversion.
Late in the second half Shanyrah Burton-Sledge solved the Liverpool resistance by running through it and finding the end zone., forging a 6-6 tie. A possible game-winning conversion was turned back.
OT started with the Warriors having the ball, only to again have the Northstars stop them. With all the momentum, it drove to the one-yard line and on fourth down, Olivia Cook took a snap and im-
mediately threw to the end zone, where Piper Adams grabbed it for the winning score.
When the celebration stopped, C-NS turned its attention to the sectional final– and found out that in that title game at Sunnycrest Field it would be Fayetteville-Manlius after the first-year Hornets stunned unbeaten top seed Syracuse East 9-8 in the other semifinal.
As it turned out, F-M’s momentum could not be halted as it jumped all over the Northstars in the first half and C-NS could not recover, ultimately taking a 20-7 defeat.
In no way did the Hornets resemble the inexperienced side which tied the Northstars 6-6 in mid-April. It took just two possessions for F-M to go in front as Freedom Umstead found Carlye Bryant in the end zone.
Twice more in the half the Hornets
would get into scoring possession and both times Umstead connected with Bryant for TD passes leaving C-NS in the unfamiliar position of a 20-0 halftime deficit.
Settling down in the second half, the Northstars did get on the board with Meadow Werts’ scoring pass to Hailey Dupra, but it could not overcome throwing four interceptions, two of them grabbed by McKenzie Romacki. Liverpool, meanwhile, could take pride in its season which included that playoff game with Syracuse West where it snapped a four-game skid against a side who beat them 24-7 just nine days earlier.
A spark on offensef for the Warriors’ came from Gianna Tortaci, only inserted as a starter late in the season. Twice she broke open and caught passes from Gracie Sleeth which turned into the game’s only touchdowns.
C-NS boys lacrosse stopped in sectional semifinals
By PhIL BLACkWELL
With no shortage of motivation the Cicero-North Syracuse boys lacrosse team sought to play on its own home turf in the Section III Class A championship game –and stop a perfect season.
This was what the no. 4 seed Northstars faced against 16-0 top seed West Genesee in last Wednesday’s sectional semifinal at Mike Messere Field, a task C-NS could not pull off twice during the regular season.
And it did not do so here, either, the Northstars suffering an 18-7 defeat to a Wildcats side well-balanced attack and just as strong on defense, at least after the opening period.
What happened in the first quarter shaped the rest of the game. C-NS had played WG rather close in 12-6 and 11-8 games during the regular season and found
success in the early going against the vaunted Wildcats defense.
Despite this, WG still led the Northstars 6-4 through the opening period and gradually got away the rest of the half until it led 12-5 at the break and only gave up single goals in each of the last two periods.
Noah Samphier did all he could in the net, finishing with 10 saves. Only Donovan Cheney had multiple goals, converting twice as Luke Deinhart, Karsen Pritchard, Dom Sommers, Quinn Empey and Jack Putman had one goal apiece. Adrian Sweeney was held to a single assist.
Near-perfect scoring balance was found on the Wildcats’ top line, Chace Cogan and Jake McMahon each earning four goals and two assists matching the point total of Charlie Lockwood, who had three goals and three assists. Jack Wenham and Jeff Mercer both scored
twice, with Wenham adding two assists. C-NS had already beat someone three times this spring – someone who just happened to be the reigning sectional champions and its next-door neighbors.
When the Northstars battled past Liverpool 7-4 in the May 24 sectional quarterfinal at Bragman Stadium, it thwarted the Warriors’ attempt at turning around what had taken place earlier this spring.
Both on April 15 and May 1 C-NS prevailed against Liverpool, an 11-4 win at home followed by a 10-6 decision and in both instances the Norhstars led most of the way.
The third matchup would take on a slightly different tone in that the Warriors would try to replicate its 2024 championship formula of limiting possessions and playing high-level defense.
Part of the plan worked. The seven goals C-NS managed was the second-fewest it had netted all season, as most of its shots ended up turned back by Liverpool netminder Trevor Smith, who had 13 saves. Yet the Warriors were contained, too, only getting two goals from Chris Matott and single tallies from Brady Michaud and Brendan Caraher as Aidan Tornabene added an assist.
A lot of it had to with C-NS getting the face-offs at the center X, with Emmit Porter taking 15 draws and winning 11 of them. This afforded patience and what the Northstars produced did prove enough.
Empey and Chaney both scored twice, to go with single goals from Porter, Sweeney and Pritchard as Deinhart earned two assists in what turned out be C-NS’s last win of an 11-6 season.
C-NS girls lacrosse returns to sectional Class A final
By PhIL BLACkWELL
Much of the last week of May for the Cicero-North Syracuse girls lacrosse team involved rest, making sure that all was ready for the handful of games which could deliver another Section III and state Class A championship.
Back in action last Thursday night, the Northstars hosted no. 4 seed Baldwinsville in the sectional semifinals, renewing a rivalry which has seen many memorable post-season duels throughout the years and decades.
This particular version may not have fallen into that instant-classic territory, but C-NS didn’t care for drama, controlling all phases of the game and putting
away the Bees by a score of 17-5.
Defeats of 19-9 and 19-7 in those first two meetings had taught B’ville plenty, but it also proved that, even with the Bees’ immense growth this season following its 1-16 struggles in 2024, a gap still remained.
C-NS eagerly reinforced this point with Gabby Putman claiming 16 draws to give her side all kinds of extra possession and an attack centered around Sophia Nesci, who along with her five goals produced three assists.
Three other Northstars had hat tricks, too, with Elizabeth Smith scoring four times and three goals apiece from Putman and Natalie Wilson, single goals going to Miabella Gates and Sophia Gra -
ham.
When B’ville did have the ball, Gisella Trouesdale produced a pair of goals with Lea Otts, Peyton Dyl and Raeagan Ratliff also converting. Goalie Maddy Polky finished with eight saves.
B’ville got here by taking out Liverpool in last Tuesday’s sectional opening round at Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium, with the Warriors falling to the Bees 16-6.
Defeats of 18-11 and 14-6 in the regular season were echoed in this playoff clash where the Bees built a 9-3 advantage by halftime and never let Liverpool put together any sustained scoring run.
Maura Beckwith was the only Warriors player to score twice, with Maya Michaud and Caitlyn Guilfoil each earn -
ing a goal and assist. Maura Woods and Gianna Carbone had the other goals and Lana Alampi got an assist.
Busy in the net, Isabella DaRin finished with 12 saves, but saw B’ville led by Otts’ four goals and five assists along with six goals from Peyton Dyl, all of which concluded a 3-14 season for Liverpool.
C-NS then took its turn and bashed B’ville, setting up Monday’s sectional final at SUNY Cortlan d against West Genesee, who in its semifinal avenged two regular-season losses to FayettevilleManlius in a 13-10 decision.
For more on girls lacrosse go to eaglenewsonline.com
C-NS, Liverpool softball fall to B’ville in sectionals
By PhIL BLACkWELL
For the first time in reccent memory a large-school Section III softball championship game did not involve CiceroNorth Syracuse or Liverpool
Both the Northstars and Warriors saw their seasons conclude at the expense of their most mutual of rivals, Baldwinsville, who first got past Liverpool 6-3 and then upended top seed C-NS 2-1 in the semifinals at Onondaga Community College.
Of the two, the defeat on the Northstars’ part was more surprising in that C-NS beat B’ville twice earlier in the month, though the 5-1 and 2-1 margins
of those games suggested that the two sides were quite close.
Now they met for the sixth straight post-season dating back to 2019 and C-NS got the jump, Kiyara Bembry reaching base and then racing home on Mia Farone’s single.
Yet that was all Bees pitcher Mackenzie Southworth allowed. The Northstars only managed a pair of hits over the last six innings giving the Bees ample time to do something about its 1-0 deficit.
In the top of the third it was Julianna Gingrich with a single to tie it 1-1, and two innings later she drove in the go-ahead run, with Marissa McCloud and Katelyn Pearce scoring after they
reached base with singles.
Though Bembry and fellow C-NS pitcher Mila Owens only gave up four hits, B’ville protected that one-run margin as Southworth worked her total to seven strikeouts and overcame seven walks to win it and set up a final against Rome Free Academy, who edged Fayetteville-Manlius 6-5 in the other semifinal.
When Liverpool faced B’ville it was trying to avenge a 4-3 defeat to the Bees late in April, and the Warriors got within three outs of doing so before it all fell apart in the seventh inning.
A run in the bottom of the second by Liverpool was answered by two Bees runs in the third, but over the game’s
middle stages Lexi Goodfellow kept B’ville quiet.
Tying it in the fourth and then going in front 3-2 with a run in the fifth, the Warriors maintained that slim edge to the top of the seventh, only to see Goodfellow tagged for four runs in that frame, which Liverpool could not answer.
Goodfellow gave up 10 hits while striking out five as Maya Mills went four-forfour at the plate, earning an RBI. Erica Ryan also drove in a run as Goodfellow, at the plate, got two hits off Southworth. Jenna Martin and Frankie DeSantis led B’ville with two RBIs apiece, Southworth and McCloud each adding a pair of hits.
Monday July 14: Dead to the Core. Grateful Dead tribute. Wednesday July 16: Ménage A Soul. Classic rock/R&B. Monday July 21: The Horn Dogs. Classic rock.
Wednesday, July 23: Request. Oldies. Monday, July 28: Mark Macri & The Funk Junkies. Funk/blues. Wednesday July 30: Grace DeJohn Project. Classic rock. Monday, Aug. 4: Letizia & The Z Band.
Disco dance tunes. Wednesday Aug. 6: The Shylocks. Blues. Monday Aug. 11: Brass, Inc. Horn-driven rock. Wednesday Aug. 13: The DeSantis Orchestra. Variety.
