L’pool girls hoops returns to state final four
By PHiL BLACkwELL
The path the Liverpool girls basketball team would have to take to reach this year’s state Class AAA final four mirrored what it already accomplished a year ago.
First it knocked off archrival Cicero-North Syracuse in the Section III final. Then it returned to SRC Arena last Saturday and had to defeat Section II champion Colonie in a hardfought regional final.
And the rematch with Colonie would spill into overtime before the senior tandem of Gianna Washington and A’briyah Cunningham pushed the Warriors past the Wolf Pack 73-65.
Between them, Washington and Cunningham had seven points in the last 90 seconds of OT which finally allowed Liverpool to break clear of a Colonie side who could not quite avenge its 54-47 defeat to the Warriors 12 months earlier.
“These players don’t ever stop, and they don’t quit,” said Liverpool coach Mike Wheeler.
Deadlocked at 64-64, it was Washington whose driving layup gave Liverpool the lead for good. Even bigger was Cunningham flying in for a rebound basket on the Warriors’ next possession with less than a minute left.
From there Washington, Cunningham and eighth-grader Gia Kinsey hit on five of six free throws, stretching out the final margin after neither team had a lead of that size all game long. Cunningham, limited to six points and a handful of minutes against C-NS in the sectional title game due to an injured hamstring, saw more action here, making her first impact in the waning seconds of the first quarter where, in a single motion, she executed a steal, converted a layup, was fouled and sank the ensuing free throw.
Another steal and basket by Cunningham put Liverpool in front 19-17 early in the second
period, and it went back and forth the rest of the half until Liverpool, with a 9-2 spurt, took a 33-29 advantage to halftime. Kinsey had 11 first-half points including a trio of 3-pointers and again hit early in the third period to make it 36-29, the largest lead either team would have in regulation as again Colonie battled back and caught up. Clinging to a 49-48 edge going to the fourth quarter, the Warriors would again heavily lean on defensive pressure, holding Colonie without a field goal for more than four minutes.
Washington said that throughout the game Liverpool switched from 2-3 to 1-3-1 zone looks. “They didn’t really know what we were going to do,” she said.
Fouled with 29.5 seconds to play, Washington hit both free throws to tie it 59-59, and after a defensive stop, got the ball with 3.3 seconds left at midcourt, but Washington missed on a possible game-winning layup attempt, forcing OT.
The back-and-forth battle continued until
Liverpool leaned on its veteran players on both ends, whether it was Washington and Cunningham or it was Sleeth and Angie Kohler on the defensive side.
With her OT production Washington ran her total to a season-high 22 points, closely followed by Kinsey and her 21 points. Cunningham finished with 11 points.
Now they all go back to Troy’s Hudson Valley Community College and the state final four for the third year in a row, meeting Syosset Saturday at 1:30 in the state AAA semifinal, the winner to go to Sunday’s title game at 11:45 a.m. against Lancaster or Albertus Magnus.
“I like our team’s chances,” said Wheeler. “They know what it takes to win big games. I’ll put these players against anybody”.
Washington agreed. “We’re hungry for it (a state championship),” she said. “We want nothing more than to finish the job.”
C-NS HS to present ‘Once Upon a Mattress’
Cicero-North Syracuse High School will present a hysterical musical adaptation of the 1835 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea,” with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. Showtimes will be 7 p.m. on March 21 and 2 and 7 p.m. on March 22.
All performances will be at the North Star Theater at the North Syracuse Junior High School.
Danielle Rausa is director, John Nadler is technical director and Karen Seamans is choreography and pit director.
In the musical, the kingdom is an unhappy one. King Sextimus has been cursed by a witch to not speak again until “the mouse devours the hawk!” Queen Agravaine has assumed power and has decreed that no one in the kingdom may wed until Prince Dauntless is married to a true princess of royal blood.
Can Princess Winnifred steal the prince’s heart and pass the royal test? Will King Sextimus ever speak again? Will Sir Harry see Lady Larken banished forever? Come join the fun and find out!
To buy tickets visit my.hometownticketing. com/agency/438f4936-2706-4d40-bccd-19e6f24b84e2.
Reserved seating is $15, general admission
is $12 and tickets for students and senior citizens are $10.
Cast:
Princess Winnifred - Lucy Barrera
Prince Dauntless - Brigg Liberman
Queen Aggravain - Gabriella Pinoargotte
King Sextimus the Silent - Noah Seitz
Lady Larken - Brooke Todd
Sir Harry - Ethan Meives
Jester - Joey Cox
Minstrel - Aiden Ketchum
Wizard - Evan Brzostek
Sir Studley - Andrew Dolson
Princess #12 -Lady Ann - Kobe Henderson
Sir Paul - Kaden Brown
Sir George - Avery Dietrich
Sir Ringo - Evan Dwyer
Sir John - Max Rodriguez
Lady Rowena - Abby Goncalves
Lady Mabelle - Halia Dice
Lady Merrill - CeCe Bielec
Lady Lucille - Emelia Salisbury
Nightingale - Aliani Fernandez Kitchen wench - Tory Parody
Dance Captain Mia Lieu
Ladies in Waiting - Ava Siciliano, Emberlyn
Hand, Kinley Hurlburt, Brooklynn Gilbert, Adelyn Winslow, Katlyn Chrisley and Briar Raymond.
Pit Orchestra Kenzie Keiser, Christina Main, Emma Wall, Abigail Johnston, Jamison Walker, Brooke Mahaffy, Katie Barney, Mark Morris, Ian Cosgrove, Keira Blackmer, Bethany Brandt, Sadie Rithotz, Jacob Hartough, Yelena Valdes-Garcia, Evan Champ, Michaela Spink, Briana Kurpiewski, Aidan Schwerdt, Meghan Woodworth and Kerry Dromgoole.
Production team
Student producer - Jayden Romano
Stage manager - Kendra McCarthy
Backstage
ASM: Kayleigh Stevens, Delaney Compeau
Props: Mallory Coyle
Scenic designers: Meghan Cannella, Paige Viau
Master builder: Meghan Cannella
Video
Director: Killian Heffron
Technical director: Addy Vulcano
Camerad: Mae Kelly, Connor Bovaird and Tommy Koons
Public hearing set on town of Cicero comprehensive plan
By ANNA EdwArdS
On Wednesday, March 12, the Cicero Town Board held a public hearing to consider the Town of Cicero Comprehensive Plan.
A comprehensive plan guides future land-use decisions and serves as a map for development. Comprehensive plans are flexible in their content and are used as a guide for the future, but they are not legally binding.
The public hearing was an opportunity for the community to present their thoughts on the plan and the board to listen.
John Steinmetz, a representative from Colliers Engineering & Design, presented an overview of the comprehensive plan. He explained the process of drafting the plan based on the public input that had been received.
“This is a decision-making tool. It’s meant to provide guidance on a wide variety of decisions and help establish a framework for future programs, future investment, public investment, private investment, etcetera,” Steinmetz said.
He said the plan emphasizes the community’s priorities for the next five to 10 years.
The plan lays out goals that the community wishes to address and a vision to make those
goals a reality.
“What are the priorities that you want to coalesce around as a community to accomplish?”
Steinmetz said.
The outline for the plan was put together using public input, census data, and an examination of the trends impacting the community.
Planners looked at population changes, age-distribution changes, housing characteristics, employment characteristics, the roadway network and land use patterns. Out of these research came a framework of policy areas.
One policy area includes housing and where people live in the community.
After hearing from residents, a major goal of the plan is to protect the heart of Cicero and its existing neighborhoods.
The second policy area is transportation and travel.
The goals are to strengthen transportation within the town and manage increased traffic. The document introduces ways to improve walkability and bikeability.
The plan also addresses how Cicero will grow as things change in the community.
This includes parks and recreation, enhancements for residents’ quality of life regarding ed-
ucation and public services for the community.
A fourth piece of the document addresses economic development.
It includes leveraging future investment, supporting growth in the town and balancing investment while maintaining Cicero’s community environment.
There is also a focus on preservation.
Steinmetz said as new projects come into the town, it is important that they do not impact the environment in a negative way.
“We’re talking about our natural resources, promoting green infrastructure, sustainable land-use practices and mitigating the impacts of investment,” he said.
The plan laid out land-use decisions including maintaining residential neighborhoods, accommodating agricultural activity, improving upon retail establishments, enhancing pedestrian connectivity, and developing certain areas.
This comprehensive plan has been in the works for multiple years.
Public input started with an online portal where community members offered opinions.
Common concerns were increased public access to the waterfront, a desire to improve walkability and the ability to bike safely, im-
provement of roadway safety and encouraging development away from Route 11.
A steering committee has been formed to help with the process. Steinmetz said the committee first met in February 2023 and has met about eight times since.
“The plan was developed with the assistance of a steering committee- a very active, very engaged group of individuals, residents, and property owners that really helped bring us home to where we are this evening,” he said.
Once the steering committee finished working, the plan was presented to the town board for consideration and review. This is the current step in the process.
Community members expressed both support and concerns regarding the comprehensive plan at the meeting.
Supporters expressed gratitude surrounding new opportunities for Cicero and its residents. Concerns included increased costs, lack of labor to support projects, the inability for development on wetlands, Micron’s influence in Cicero, and loss of waterfront land.
Residents asked that the plan does not create too much constraint and that it remains aware of residents’ needs and affordability.
Photographer: Kaden Recore Runner: Cooper Jantsch
Lighting Lighting design: Ryan Williams
Assistant LD: Michael Marano
Stage electricians: Aiden Marano, Joe Cannella
Spotlights: Eliana Zapanta, Joey Nadler
By PEGGy PHiNNEy
There is a mural of the last trolley car and station in the North Syracuse Community Center that is a memorial to the people who constructed, serviced, and rode the South Bay Trolley Line.
The North Syracuse Art Guild (NSAG) contacted muralist Anthony P. Clubine to teach them and guide them with this mural. It was a combined effort of the originating artist, Sandy Phillips, historian, Bob Henry, and local artists, Donna Egan, Laura Fudge, Mary Haven, Peg Hewitt, Noreen Stephan, and Joan Timmons. NSAG presented the mural to Mayor John Heindorf and the Village of North Syracuse on March 29, 2009. NSAG was established in 1966, as a group of local artists who came together to support other local artists. Many members have become successful artists, including Sharon Bumann, sculptor of the Jerry Rescue Monument and several NYS Fair butter sculptures and full time artist, Joan Stier, exhibiting in Riverside Gallery, Hackensack, NJ.
The Art Guild mission is to promote interest in the arts and encourage young artists by providing incentive scholarships to outstanding students at CNS High School. Very active today, NSAG welcomes new members. Meetings are at the NSEA building, 210 South Main Street, on third Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.
Editor’s note: This year the village of North Syracuse celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Haven, Tony Clubine, Laura Fudge, Peg Hewitt and Norine Stephens.
and
Townsend are known. Do you know anyone else? Drop a message on Facebook/ NorthSyracuseFamilyFestival. Visit the Anniversary tent on May 24 to see who has been identified.
Petitions available for board seats
Three terms of office on the Liverpool Central School District Board of Education will expire on June 30, 2025. Successors to these offices will be elected to three-year terms, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, at the annual school district election on May 20, 2025. These board seats currently are held by Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs and Kimberly Martin. Board of education vacancies are not considered to be separate specific offices. The nominating petition does not describe a specific vacancy for which the candidate is being nominated. Each petition is considered for a seat on the Liverpool CSD Board of Education as a whole and not as applicable only to a specific office presently held by a particular individual. Candidates may be nominated only by
petition. Each nominating petition shall be filed with the Office of the District Clerk, in Room 29 of the District Office, 195 Blackberry Road, no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21. Petition forms to nominate candidates for election to the Board of Education will be available beginning March 17 in the Office of the District Clerk, located in Room 29 of the District Office. Each nominating petition must state the name and residence of the candidate. Additional candidate requirements will be included in the board petition packet. For additional information about Board of Education membership or the upcoming budget vote and BOE election, contact the office of the district clerk at 315-622-7191 or visit liverpool.k12.ny.us.
LCSd schedules voter registration day on March 20
Residents living in the Liverpool Central School District who are not registered to vote may still do so before the Liverpool Central School District Education 2020 Capital Project Reauthorization Vote on March 27 at the district office (195 Blackberry Road).
Voters must be: Citizens of the United States; 18 years of age or older; Residents of the school district for at least a 30-day period immediately preceding the election; and Registered with the district Board of Voter Registration or the Onondaga County Board of Elections.
Residents who have registered to vote with LCSD, and have maintained that registration by voting in a school district election within the last four calendar years, LCSd l Page 8
Clothes Line Apron Art Show to be held
The Town of Clay Seniors will host its Mother’s Day Clothes Line Apron Show starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at the town of Clay Senior Center, 4948 Route 31, Clay. The free show is a celebration of the art and history of the apron. All apron medium will be accepted: painted, collage, sewing, vintage displays, modern art displays and creative apron art. To register to display your work in the show call 315-652-3800, ext. 137. You must be a registered member of the Clay Senior Center with a Clay Safety ID badge to participate in the show. The art show and reception is open to the public.
This photo of the Civilian Defense was taken in Spring 1959 by Donald James Cole. LaClare d own, Bob Gross, Curt Millard
r ich
Girdon E. Buck, 88 army veteran, beef farmer, entrepreneur
Girdon Emory “Papa” Buck Obituary, 88, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 10, 2025, at the V.A. Hospital in Syracuse after a rollicking weekend filled with family, card-playing, laughter, love and his infamous “Papa jokes!”
Born on Dec. 11, 1936, Girdon was the son of the late Lowell and Florence Buck of Starrucca, PA. Growing up on the Buck family farm in Starrucca, Girdon learned the value of hard work and dedication from his father, Lowell, at an early age.
Girdon fell in love with the Northeastern Pennsylvania scenery, including his cherished Buck falls and the woods that surrounded it. Girdon had a penchant for identifying nearly every tree in Northeast America.
Having inherited his father’s innovative spirit, Girdon’s time spent in the woods
Geraldine F. Bednarski, 89 enjoyed golf, cooking, gardening
Geraldine F. Bednarski, 89, of Marcellus, passed away March 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness.
Born to Sam and Mary Frederico on Sept. 19, 1935, Gerry was raised in Rochester, N.Y., and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1953. She then worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in Rochester, where she met her future husband, John. The two married in 1963 and then moved to John’s home town of Marcellus where they raised their family.
gave him a place to think big and expand on his many originative and imaginative ideas.
In addition to being a dreamer, Girdon was an army veteran, avid beef farmer, entrepreneur and lifelong Dodgers fan. But above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community “Papa.”
To know Girdon was to love him, and we all did! Girdon led an idyllic life, filled with positivity, patience, kindness, peace, brotherly love and a steadfast faith.
Girdon met Cecile, his beloved wife of 63 years, while attending Penn State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry. Subsequently, he received his master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of Scranton. Cecile and Girdon settled in Thompson, PA, near his family farm, where Girdon taught at local schools.
In the 1970s, his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and he began to excel in selling Bestline products, an endeavor that re -
In Marcellus, Gerry devoted her life to raising her children. Later she returned to work, first at King Landscaping and then for many years at Gallinger Real Estate. In her spare time Gerry liked to play golf, cook, tend her garden, needlepoint, take dance classes and read. In her retirement, Gerry spent countless hours babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren. She was very proud of her Italian heritage. Most of all, she loved her family and was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments.
warded him with many lifelong friends. In looking to expand on this business venture, he moved his family to the Syracuse area.
After a few years, Girdon and Cecile found a beautiful property in Skaneateles, where they started a Shorthorn beef cattle operation, and ultimately resided happily on their “forever farm.”
Together, Girdon and Cecile raised three children and two foster children. In 1984, Girdon, with his wife Cecile, founded VIP Companion Care, which offered in-home elder care services in Central NY. After 15 years of running the business, Girdon and Cecile retired to help raise and dote on their five grandchildren.
Girdon’s strength of body and spirit was an inspiration to all. He walked the farm property every chance he could, right up to the end; and liked to brag about his physical fitness and fence-climbing prowess with a sheepish smile on his face.
Girdon is survived by - son: Andrew (Cathy) Buck of Owasco, N.Y.; son: Nathan (Annie) Buck of Underhill Center, VT; five grandchildren: Carrie Feyerabend (Craig)
Gerry was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, John. She is survived by her sons Chris (Maria) Bednarski, Mark (Erin) Bednarski, daughter Maryellen Sullivan (Tim), grandchildren Krya Pesci (Dan), Abby, Adam, Mariana and Peter, a sister and brotherin-law, Joyce and Charles Rothfuss, a nephew Paul Rothfuss, a niece Cara Villareal all of Roch-
of Vestal, N.Y.; Mary Aiwanse (Chris) of Rochester, N.Y.; Joseph Buck and his fiancé Katherine Saslawsky of Lake Forest, CA; Lyda Buck of Syracuse; Ivy Buck of Underhill Center, VT; two great-grandchildren: the Aiwanse twins (July 2025).
In addition to his parents, Girdon was predeceased by his beloved wife Cecile, brother Irving Buck, sister Phyllis Chaffee and daughter Carolyn Buck, who, having witnessed her parents’ giving spirits, became an organ donor upon her death.
Calling hours were held Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Owasco Reformed Church, 5105 NYS Rte 38A, Owasco, N.Y., immediately followed by the memorial service. A committal was held at 4:30 p.m. at Starrucca Rural Cemetery in Starrucca, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Owasco Reformed Church (5105 NYS Rte. 38A, Owasco, NY) in memory of Girdon Buck. The family also encourages you to plant a tree or just admire God’s gift of nature all around us in honor of Girdon.
ester and sister-in law Carol Collins of Camillus.
A funeral mass was celebrated Tuesday March 18 at 11 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Church, One West Main St., Marcellus, where Gerry was a longtime communicant. There were no calling hours. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim and Mary Entwistle Scholarship Fund at Tuscarora Golf Club, P.O. Box 276, Camillus NY 13031. Ryan Funeral Home, Marcellus has arrangements.
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.
HUGE BARN SALE!!
Girdon E. Buck
Geraldine Bednarski
VIEWPOINTS
OuR vOicE
Check those devices
Daylight saving time began March 9 and this is generally seen as a turning point as we get a little closer to spring. While this means we are seeing more daylight later in the day, it also takes a little time to adjust to the change. Aside from getting used to the time change this is also a good time of year to do some spring cleaning by taking the time to take stock of some devices around the house we might otherwise take for granted.
The American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working and replace batteries or the entire device as needed.
“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Kevin Coffey, regional chief executive officer, American Red Cross, Eastern New York Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Locally, the Red Cross has given out 880 free smoke alarms, visited 1,227 local homes to offer lifesaving resources and fire safety education and responded to 683 local disasters. Provided relief to nearly 1,400 families affected by fires, floods, and other emergencies.
The organization also has some other suggestions for measures people can take or refresh this spring to ensure they and their family are safe.
The Red Cross recommends installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm manufacturer’s instructions.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s house or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard.
With the help of local volunteers and partners, the Red Cross is installing free smoke alarms in homes and educating people about fire safety. To request an appointment, call 518-694-5121 or email Preparedness.ENY@ redcross.org.
Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,030 lives, including 107 in Eastern New York, by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms.
To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross. org/homefires.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
wHEN LOVE LEAdS TO THEM LEAViNG
Children don’t come with instructions. Out of that need, there are many books written to help smooth the paths of new parents. Dr. Spock was my bible for both of my children. I think I still have my tattered paperback copy somewhere. Dr. Spock had no cache with my children as they raised their offspring. My references, supported by the good doctor’s advice, were greeted with a modicum of polite disdain if not outright challenges. After all, times change.
But do they? A child is a lifetime’s responsibility, a commitment, a passion that unfolds in time and space. That’s true in the “then,” the “now” and in the future that lies beyond our grandchildren.
My son’s high school graduation gift was a hot air balloon ride, symbolic of the
guiding mantra that I clung too as he grew: Children need roots and wings. We did the best we could in the roots part, the balloon ride was the wings.
We were beta parents, ecstatic and sleep deprived, we focused hard on doing what was right, teaching him by precept and example how to chose the good in life. For both of our offspring we entered into that parent-child compact that comes from that need to give them the right paths, or at least the way to determine those paths.
Children need rails to roll on, “holy” books to consult, trusted, safe people and places to go to when needed as well as the forthright desire to be whomever they want to be.
My children’s lives unfolded. They learned words - “Mama,” “Dada,” learned to button their clothes, to
tie their shoes, to read, to drive a car. It was among the years of lullabies in a rocking chair, teacher’s conferences, soccer games, piano lessons, reading books out loud, sledding down the hill next to school, birthday parties, first communion and confirmation celebrations, untold hours of driving to friends’ houses, gallons of milk and chocolate puddings, soft summer nights at the lake, swim lessons, buying school clothes, sharing funny stories, preparing for the prom … on and on… we wove our lives as a family.
And then they were gone.
“Turn around and they’re two, turn around and they’re four, turn around and they are young women/men going out of the door”… full, we hope of themselves, leaving us bereft but knowing that is part of the job.
We are left with the bit-
tersweet joy of our children and their children wrapped up on photos, old greeting cards, drawings and memories, assembled from the mountains of days that we shared together so that we could be apart, have substance in our minds and souls, with illustrations on widely-lined paper and written in shaky, hesitating little hands, held in ornaments they made for the Christmas tree and candle stands they made in shop classes.
We remember little hands holding ours, a closeness that can be more powerful than any other.
Voices changed, shoulders widened, curfews and fashion became spots of contention; friendships wide and strong and whole parts of their lives became separate … we surely knew this, but it came as a surprise. They left as easily as we
CNY Jazz Orch’s pacifist disc wins Sammy
The Central New York Jazz Orchestra, which includes Liverpool drummer Larry Luttinger, won a Syracuse Area Music Award for Best Jazz Recording on March 7 at the Palace Theater in Eastwood.
Nearly a dozen years in the making, the disc – “If a White Horse from Jerusalem” – was originally commissioned by the Syracuse University Humanities Center as an offering of their annual symposium, themed as “Conflict: Peace and War.”
With additional funding from S.U. Hillel and the Jewish Federation of CNY, the suite featuring Brooklyn-born soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman and composed by CNY Jazz Orch Music Director Bret Zvacek, was worldpremiered April 16, 2011 in celebration of the orchestra’s 15th Anniversary season.
Promise kept
“After the concert, Liebman suggested we record it,” Luttinger remembered. “That was high praise coming from an NEA Jazz Master. And that promise
My candidacy
To the editor:
was not forgotten.”
Accompanied by the guest reedman, the suite was performed and recorded at Temple Adath Yeshurun in Syracuse in November 2022.
“In light of current world events, this piece is as relevant today as the day it was brought to fruition over 11 years ago, Luttinger said.
“We hope that in some way it increases understanding, promotes unity, and fosters peace – the peace of nations and of the soul.”
Luttinger credits Bret Zvacek, plus arrangers Mike Dubaniewicz, Paul Merrill, John Jeanneret Jr. and Rick Montalbano for their work on the record, which includes four extra tracks along with the four-part “White Horse” suite.
Additional tracks
The additional tracks are Bersntein’s and Sondheim’s “Somewhere,” Lou Marini’s “Starmaker,” John Jeanneret’s “Hip-Hop Scuffle” and Rogers’ and Hart’s “Where or When.”
Critic Dee Dee McNeil plugged the ambitious disc
I read the recent letter of Judy Boyke and Chet Dudzinski regarding my candidacy with interest; both Mr. Dudzinski and Ms. Boyke continued their prior employment while serving as Cicero town supervisor. Jim Corl Jr., Ms. Boyke’s successor, continued with his full-time law practice during his term. As close personal friends of my opponent, the current supervisor, Ms. Boyke and Mr. Dudzinski are surely aware that until recently, he was regularly out of town hall working at his other job as the facilities manager of a large and very busy church.
Still, I am not surprised by their skepticism; as the old adage goes, you don’t know what you don’t know.
Unlike Ms. Boyke, Mr. Dudzinski, and my opponent, I have decades of experience managing well over a hundred employees plus capital projects spread out over a dozen or more buildings and facilities spanning multiple towns.
The Town of Cicero is blessed with excellent department heads –both elected, such as our Town Clerk Tracy Cosilmon and our Highway Superintendent Chris Woznica, and unelected.
In an emergency, it is their re-
on her Muscialmemoirs Blog.
“On the whole, this is big band horn beauty at its best,” McNeal wrote. “It’s a unique project that draws on modern big band traditions to explore the various cultures of the Middle East.”
The Sammys is not the only institution to honor the “White Horse.” AllAboutJazz.com also made it a Top 25 Large Ensemble pick.
You can sample and/or download tracks at cnyjazzorchestra.bandcamp.com/ album/if-a-white-horsefrom-jerusalem-david-liebman-the-cny-jazz-orchestra
Mother, son pathologists
For Dr. Mary Jumbelic, who is retired as Onondaga County’s chief medical examiner, February was a month full of family reflection and a coming together of her past and present.
Now busily carving out a second career as a writer of non-fiction, Jumbelic attended the American Academy of Forensic Sciences annual meeting in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland along
sponsibility – not the supervisor’s – to provide the immediate response.
With respect to Cicero’s coming economic development, Ms. Boyke and Mr. Dudzinski should be aware that developers do not drop by town hall unannounced, and meetings with state and county officials are scheduled in advance. I would not be running for this office if I was not able to meet its challenges and fulfill its responsibilities – including making myself available for meetings when necessary.
It’s also worth noting that the supervisor of a large neighboring town that has been in the news recently for its massive economic development projects ran a successful business for most of his time in office.
Cicero needs a proven, experienced leader that trusts its employees to do their jobs and does not pick fights with its other elected officials. Its people deserve nothing less.
Ari LiBErMAN CiCero
Commending Ann
To the editor:
I have to commend Ann Ferro in her recent editorial offering entitled “It’s Your Choice” (March 12, 2025). In these highly charged, politically divided times it is difficult
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hoped, founded their own families, blessed us with the luxury of grandchildren, as precious to us as their parents but a part of a community of others, with hopes and plans separate from the lives we live. As our children have grown, so have we, or at least we have changed, accumulating the tarnish of aging, we move into another way of being family. Distances not only in miles but intimacy.
It goes so fast. The circle turns.
There are no guidebooks for this. I wish there were.
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.
with her son, Martin Safran, the chief resident in pathology at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
“Together we attended lectures on cutting edge technology in A.I., and learned about forensic techniques at recent disasters such as the collapse of Surfside in Florida,” she said. “I reunited with many colleagues, while Marty met new ones.”
Three years ago Final Word Publishing issued Jumbelic’s literary memoir, “Here, Where Death Delights.” Now she’s working on a true crime memoir.
What’s most impressive about “Here, Where Death Delights,” is the way Jumbelic weaves her personal life around the many various professional scenarios she recalls from Ground Zero to the Indian Ocean, from Chicago to Syracuse. The warm stories of her family life really put things – even death – in perspective.
Appearing March 27 at library
Jumbelic found it a rare
to offer comment that is civil and at the same time heartfelt and passionate. Ms. Ferro’s prior career as an educator shines through in her commentary. Her students were fortunate to have her. We live in perhaps the most difficult time in nearly a century, and certainly the most difficult time of this century. Ms. Ferro reminds us how our system of government is supposed to work in defense of our democracy and the Constitution, and of the price that has been paid to protect and defend both. Whatever your political passions, these truths have to be resonant, or they will be lost.
Thank you, Ann Ferro, for reminding us that we have a choice to protect these precious assets or to lose them to unbridled power and unchecked greed. As onlookers decry the loss of wealth in the stock market decline of recent weeks, we should all remember where real value lies. rON CHESBrOUGH manliuS
The cost of no
To the editor:
I join with Fayetteville’s Betty Duszynski [Press Observer, Feb. 26, 2025, page 6] in questioning Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to limit cell phones in school classrooms.
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“privilege” privilege to share the Baltimore conference wither son. “We joined the many professionals in forensics at this event -- some of whom are also authors,” she said.
While in the Charm City, Jumbelic visited the Babe Ruth museum, the Aquarium, Attman’s Deli, Sabatino’s in Little Italy and chowed down on some Chesapeake Bay crabs. Jumbelic will talk about forensic writing in novels in general followed by a specific look at its use in William Kent Kreuger’s “The River We Remember,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Liverpool Public Library. Kreuger’s book is CNY Reads book choice of 2025.
Last word “Dave Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music, a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction.” Downbeat Magazine.
The impetus to remove cell phones from classrooms and schools is certainly laudable, as cell phones are at best a serious distraction from learning and decorum. My problem is the exorbitant amount of taxpayer dollars required to accomplish this. How much should a simple “No” cost?
Or as Betty puts it, “It seems to me the solution is quite easy. No cell phones or other smart devices allowed in school. Period!!” A key component of Gov. Hochul’s plan is to allow school administrators to spend the $13.5 million any way they choose. To me, that kind of carte blanche spells trouble for the taxpayer and has all the makings of an incipient slush fund.
Paraphrasing Senator Everett Dirksen, ‘13.5 million here, 13.5 million there, pretty soon you’re talking about real money.’ Gov. Hochul, along with a compliant NYS legislature, is a demonstrated spendthrift. We as a state don’t have the $13.5 million dollars for the cell phone bill; therefore, were it approved, we’d have to borrow the money - we would simply tack it onto it our $180.21 billion of already existing debt, which includes of course the billions of taxpayer dollars our
Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
Livin’ in Liverpool russ Tarby
FROM THE MAILBAG
Henry Beck, 90
Founded Tessy Plastics
Henry Beck, 90, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully March 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
Henry was born on Oct. 6, 1934 in Munich, Germany. After finishing his apprenticeship as a toolmaker, he spent two years in Brazil training others on the proper use of toolmaking equipment. This is a time in his life he often reflected on with fond memories.
ment across the country. He would eventually join the Deckel’s sales team. Henry loved the United States and really enjoyed his time at Deckel and all the opportunities the company gave him to travel this beautiful county.
In 1973 he saved enough money and had enough courage to risk everything to start Tessy Plastics in Elbridge, which has now grown to 11 manufacturing plants and employs over 1,800 people worldwide and continues as a successful family business.
Henry immigrated to the United States in 1956 at 22 years old and worked for the Deckel Corp,. installing precise toolmaking equip-
FROM ThE cLAy hiSTORiAN
He married his childhood sweetheart Helga in 1960, and is survived by her and three boys Ralph, Roland and Ken, seven grandchildren
SNOw rOLLErS
By JEFF SNOw town of Clay hiStorian
member
This tough winter is now starting to end as we all move into spring. There was a time when winter was tougher for everyone over 100 years ago. There were no plows driving around to keep the roads clear. Everyone relied on horses or oxen to do the work. One such task that needed to be tackled was making the roads passable for sleighs and buggies. To do this, they utilized a device called a snow roller. Although I am not sure of the exact date, it was around the 18th century more communities used them. If one was not available it was a good possibility that the roads might not be passable. The snow rollers helped get through the winter months by packing the snow down into a tight hard surface. Over at the Clay His-
torical Park there is one to view. It is 96 inches wide and 40 inches in diameter and its starting show its age from being outside all the time. The picture of the actual snow roller is in the top left corner of the photo printed here. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of this actual snow roller in use, but I found some pictures off the internet for everyone to get a better idea of how they were used. They were hooked up to team of horses or oxen. Then the driver would ride on top to control the horses. As depicted in some of the other pictures, more people were on board, probably to add weight to the roller. The hand-drawn picture shows other ways to move the snow rollers around, like pushing them. I don’t know of anyone who has seen one in actual use. The old pictures were taken off the website for 99.1 WFMK. Please visit our Google page at “Clay His-
Clay l Page 8
and two great-grandchildren.
Henry loved skiing, bicycling and hiking. He was always busy working or playing every minute he was awake.
Henry enjoyed spending time with his family and it meant a lot to him that everyone got along. If Henry had one wish, it would be that anyone who reads this reaches out and attempts to mend a soured relationship.
Calling hours were held on Thursday, March 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral mass was held on Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at St.
Mary’s of the Lake Church, with a reception to follow. Burial will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family would like to thank everyone who has cared for him during his final days which include Denise and her crew, the Commons in Auburn, Auburn Community Hospital, Upstate Community Hospital and Hospice of CNY. In Lieu of flowers donations in Henry’s name can be made to Hospice of CNY or to the American Cancer Society. To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
There Is Still Time… Custom Fitting Days At Turning Stone
spend approximately $800$1,500 for a set of clubs? Of course it is. If you read my columns, you are certainly aware that I reference the importance of getting a tting 3-4 times a year. Why then, haven’t you ever been tted? e excuses are many, but now money should not be an issue. Turning Stone Resort Casino is continuing their annual “Custom Fitting Days” for individuals who are looking for a personalized experience. Check this “package” out…
How much would you pay for all four of the following?
* A 30 minute custom tting with a professional…
* A dozen tour-caliber golf balls…
* A $50 credit toward same-day club purchase…
* A er your tting, you can practice your swing at the Sportsplex range…
If you said $175, $200 or $225, I wouldn’t be surprised. e fact is you will only have to pay $100 for your very own “Customized Fitting”. I am not aware of any other area in New York State that has a better promotion.
Reservations are required. You can call (315)361-7509 with questions or e-mail… golf@turningstone.com.
THE REMAINING SCHEDULE INCLUDES THE TOP “7” CLUB MANUFACTURES IN THE WORLD.
Friday, March 14, 2025…… 2PM-8PM…..TITLEIST
Saturday, March 15, 2025… 8AM-2PM…..TITLEIST
Friday, March, 2!, 2025……. 2PM-8PM…..PING
Saturday, March 22, 2025… 8AM-2PM…..PING
Friday, March 28, 2025……. 2PM-8PM…..CALLAWAY/ODYSSEY
Saturday, March 29, 2025…. 8AM-2PM…..CALLAWAY/ODYSSEY
Saturday, March 29, 2025…. Noon-4PM….COBRA
Friday, April 4, 2025………… 2PM-8PM….TITLEIST
Saturday, April 5, 2025……… 9AM-3PM….TAYLORMADE
Sunday, April 6, 2025……….. 8AM-Noon…TAYLORMADE
Friday, April 11, 2025……….. 3PM-7PM…..CLEVELAND/SRIXON
Saturday, April 12, 2025……. 9AM-3PM…..MIZUNO
You have a great opportunity over the next four weekends to not only get a customized tting, you can also work on your golf game at any one of the 25 golf simulators that were recently installed at the indoor driving range in the Sportsplex…for the best price “East of the Mississippi”. ere is still time. Just do it!
Henry Beck
are properly registered to vote.
Residents who are not registered with the district can do so on Thursday, March 20, at the District Office (195 Blackberry Road in Bayberry) between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Anyone unable to register on Thursday, March 20, can visit the Onondaga County Board of Elections Voter Registration Web site (onondaga.gov/elections) to learn how to register to vote by
mail.
Those who currently are registered to vote with the Onondaga County Board of Elections also may vote in school elections with no further registration.
However, those who are not also entered in the school district register of voters may experience a slight delay at the polls because they will be asked to execute poll records for the district voter file before they will be permitted to vote.
Qualified voters who wish to vote early, will be away from home, or are other -
wise unable to vote in person may vote by absentee or early ballot.
After March 20, residents must pick them up in Room 29 of the District Office. To obtain an absentee or early ballot application, or for more information, contact the Office of the District Clerk at 315-622-7191 or download the applications online (https://tinyurl.com/kxp3b5v4.)
The District Clerk must receive absentee or early ballots no later than 5 p.m. on the Liverpool Central School District Capital Project Vote Day (March 27.)
torical Association,” Facebook page “CHA history news” or email me at historian@townofclay.org if you have any questions. The Clay Historical Association meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Clay Historical Park at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to attend or invite anyone to join the Clay Historical Association.
