Silly StrinG cElEbrAtion
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c icero Elementary School celebrated its best year yet for Kids Heart c hallenge fundraising, with a total of more than $23,000. c icero Elementary is the top fundraising school in o nondaga c ounty and n o. 15 in n ew york state. Heart disease survivor n ora tees on Wednesday, May 21, got to hit
Principal Melissa o ’Donnell with silly string to celebrate the Kids Heart c hallenge program. t he Kids Heart c hallenge is rooted in proven science which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. i n addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression. bresnahan
bookcases coming to libraries
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When the Bresnahan Book Award was created by Liverpool Central School District library media specialists in 2014, one of their goals was to add a teal bookcase in each elementary school library as well as one at the Liverpool Public Library.
The bookcases would showcase each award winner as a special way to remember former LCSD library media specialist Lori Bresnahan.
That goal will become reality soon with the help of Liverpool High School sophomore Jack Walsh.
Walsh has designed and is building nine bookcases as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. Each completed bookcase will be painted teal, which was Bresnahan’s favorite color.
The community had the opportunity see the
Trustees hear about code violations at Second Street residence by
tArby
ruSS
Contributing writer
At its monthly meeting on Monday, May 19, the Liverpool Village Board of Trustees heard from two village homeowners who were upset with village Codes Officer Bill Reagan.
Both of the disgruntled residents suggested that Reagan, who has been enforcing codes here for nearly 20 years, should be fired.
One of the homeowners, Steve Nichols of 104 Tamarack St., was escorted out of the village board meeting by two police officers.
Nichols claims that Reagan has failed to cite an adjacent property owner at 612 Oswego St. for damage done to his driveway.
Reagan maintained that Nichols is “exaggerating,” and he provided records showing that he had repeatedly monitored the driveway problem ever since Nichols bought the house at 104 Tamarack eight years ago.
Mayor Stacy Finney said that the village has informed Nichols that this is a matter between his homeowner’s insurance and the homeowner’s insurance of 612 Oswego St.
“The village has taken all steps necessary to keep cars off his driveway,” she said. “In addition to this, Onondaga County repaired his driveway in 2020.”
Before Nichols addressed the board during the public comment period, the trustees assessed Reagan’s detailed report on property owned by Paul Blundell at 714 Second St.
Complaints from neighbors led Reagan to obtain a search warrant signed by Liverpool Judge Tony LaValle which allowed him into Blundell’s home on April 7 to check for possible code violations.
At the meeting, the trustees – Melissa Cassidy, Rachel Ciotti, Matt Devendorf, Mike LaMontagne and Finney – conducted two public hearings regarding Reagan’s findings.
One focused on an unsafe lean-to structure attached to a garage, while the other more serious situation, declared the residence at 714 Second St. as “unfit for human occupancy.”
To substantiate his findings, Reagan provided the board with 25 pages of documents and more than three dozen photographs from the property in question.
“One 20-lb. container of liquid propane being used for heating purposes inside the residence was confiscated as evidence by Liverpool Police officers,” Reagan said.
The codes officer also found evidence of rodent infestation, inadequate plumbing facilities, an improperly installed water heater, public water access disconnected and substantial electrical system hazards.
“As a result of the dangerous conditions,” Reagan wrote, “the residential structure situated on the property is deemed unsafe, detrimental or dangerous to the public health, safety or general welfare to the public, in accordance with Chapter 140 of the Village of Liverpool Code.”
Speaking at the public hearings, Blundell denied that his home is unsafe.
“My home is safer than when I bought it,” he said.
In April, Blundell said, Reagan “invaded my home...He personally objects to me and I personally object to him.”
Last November, Blundell finally removed a gazebo he was building after Reagan had monitored its sloppy construction for nearly five years.
The trustees voted unanimously to give Blundell until June 23 to address the long list of code violations. If the unsafe lean-to is not removed by June 23, the village will hire a contractor to deal with it. If the various problems in the house are not ameliorated by that date, the case could end up in State Supreme Court.
“We are hopeful that Mr. Blundell can repair his home,” Finney said. “But if not, we can now take steps to protect both him and his neighbors.”
Five DWis in April
Police Chief Jerry Unger reported via memo that his officers made 426 traffic stops and issued 416 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws in the month of April.
Five arrests were made for driving while intoxicated last month.
Officers stopped 17 tractor trailers in the village in April, and they wrote 14 local law traffic tickets for being overweight.
Eleven accidents were investigated here last month and nine parking tickets were issued. Officers made 26 residential checks and 266 business checks last month, while responding to a total of 924 incidents and calls for service, an average of 30.8 calls per day. The LPD arrested 96 individuals last month on 123 criminal charges.
Bookcases l Page 2
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the bookcases will showcase each bresnahan book Award winner as a special way to remember former lcSD library media specialist lori bresnahan.
Friends of noPl plan book sale June 5
t he Friends of no P l b rewerton will hold its annual used book sale June 5 through June 7. t housands of items will be available for purchase, including adult, young adult/teen, and children’s fiction, as well as a wide range of nonfiction titles. DVDs, c Ds, and audiobooks will also be for sale. n ew this year, the event will feature thousands of music c Ds, many in their original packaging. t he book sale is a fundraiser held by the Friends of no P l b rewerton, a volunteer group that supports programs and services at n orthern o nondaga Public l ibrary. i t will take place at b rewerton Fire Department, 9625 b rewerton r oad, b rewerton. A pre-sale is set for t hursday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. ($5 entry fee, individually priced items). t he sale continues on Friday, June 6, from 9 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 7 from 9 to 3 p.m., with a $5 bag sale on the last day. t he sale accepts cash or check only.
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Salina l ibrary recently announced the opening of its new c ommunity Fridge and Pantry. t he fridge is open to anyone who needs help accessing perishable food or pantry items. l ocal partners include Aldi. t he fridge and small pantry are now open inside the library at 100 b elmont St., from Monday to Saturday during regular library hours. n o registration or signup is required to take food or to donate. All donated food must have a valid use-by date. n o unlabeled food is accepted except for fresh produce. Donations are accepted when the library is open. Do not place donations in the book drop. For more information on what to donate or to donate via the library’s Amazon wish list, visit salinalibrary.or g or call 315-45-4524.
One of Bresnahan’s great passions was sharing books with children, and the district’s library media specialists decided that there was no better way to keep her love of literature alive than by creating a book award in her honor. The LCSD library media specialists also have established the Lori Bresnahan Memorial Scholarship through Liverpool Dollars for Scholars. Those interested can donate to the scholarship fund online by visiting the Liverpool Dollars for Scholars Web site at liverpooldfs.org, or by sending a check to Liverpool Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 32, Liverpool, NY 13088. Please make sure you state that your donation is earmarked for the Bresnahan scholarship.
Salina library announces June events
For more information or to register for programs, visit salinalibrary.org or call 315454-4524.
For adults
Salina library’s Adult Summer Program
Begins Monday, June 23 at 10 a.m. |
Read books, watch movies, listen to music, complete activity sheets, and attend programs; all will enter you into weekly raffles. Ice Cream Social August 12 for more giveaways and prizes! Pick up a packet at the desk. For adults 18+.
let’s Eat
Tuesday, June 3 at 6 p.m.
Share in the joy of cooking! Participants make a snacking cake (think fruits, veg, nuts, etc.) then taste everyone’s dishes. Registration required. Crafts for Seniors Friday, June 6 at 11 a.m. Craft and chat with other seniors. We’re making bag charms. For adults 50+. community bingo
Monday, June 9 at noon. Socialize and have fun playing bingo! Bring a new item under $5 for the prize table; it can be anything from a candy bar to a bar of soap. Use your imagination! For adults 18+. Registration is required.
Art reception
Monday, June 9 at 7 p.m.
Meet artist Ken Nichols at the reception and view his work displayed throughout June. Mr. Nichols creates paintings and pottery representing Universal Energy. His wish is for people gazing at his work to come away with positive energy. neurodiversity Meetup
Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. Neurodivergent adults can meet new people in our quiet room with low lighting. Bring a snack and a drink, or even an item to talk about. If you like, you can bring a person along who helps ease any anxiety. For adults 18+. circle of Friends
Friday, June 13 at 1 p.m.
Adults with disabilities, along with a mentor or family member, can meet up at the library to socialize, play games, or eat lunch together. Microwave available. 1-3p.m. . For adults 18+. trivia night
Friday, June 13, doors open at 6 p.m. Test your knowledge at trivia and your team might win a prize. Teams are up to 4 people. If you don’t have a team you can join one. Potluck appetizers and desserts are welcome. Mocktails provided. Registration required. For adults 18+ late night library
Friday, June 13, 6-8:30 p.m. Use the library, computers, or Wi-Fi outside of regular library hours. For adults 18+ create
Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m.
Create a Danish paper cutting hanging. For adults 18+. Registration required. bingo for Adults with Disabilities
Wednesday, June 18 at 3 p.m. Socialize and have fun playing bingo! Bring a new item under $2 for the prize table; it can be anything from a sticker to a pack of gum. Use your imagination! For adults 18+ with disabilities. Please register. Salina Writer’s Group
Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. Hone your writing skills. Facilitated by Debbie Stack, local author, editor, and TV scriptwriter. Get feedback and share questions and ideas. For adults 18+. Please register.
Dance Party
Friday, June 20 at 11 a.m.
Dance for an hour with your friends, or sit and enjoy the music and the company! For adults with disabilities 18+, along with a mentor or family member. Please register.
rainbow Meetup
Monday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. A safe place to gather with other LGBTQIA+ adults, ages 18+. Socialize, play games, and share crafts, skills, and interests. Bring a snack to share. Please register in Stitches Monday, June 23 at 6 p.m. Whether you like to knit, crochet, or do other needlework, it’s more fun to do it together. Bring your projects and work while we chat.
tech Help
Do you need help with your laptop or tablet, using email, downloading an eBook, or applying for jobs online? Tech help appointments are available for these topics and more. Appointments last up to 1 hour. Check the events calendar or call 315-454-4524 to register.
Games
Game night
Monday, June 2 at 6 p.m. Play Flip 7:A fastpaced, addictive card game that’s quick to learn!. For adults 18+.
Jackbox Games
Monday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Jackbox Games is best known for party games like Quiplash, Fibbage, Drawful, Trivia Murder Party, and more! Gather at the library to play lots of different games. You’ll need a smartphone to use as a controller. For adults 18+. Please register.
Games for Seniors 50+
Mondays at 10:30 a.m. Qwirkle, Farkle, Triominos, Rummikub, Dominoes, Cribbage, and more! Bring your own games or play one of ours.
Mah Jongg
Tuesdays at noon. Want to learn mah jongg? Already know how to play? Join us for weekly play. National Mah Jongg rules. Not a tourna-
ment. For adults 18+.
Mah Jongg
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Are you an experienced player? Join us for weekly play. National Mah Jongg rules. Not a tournament. For adults 18+.
Puzzles for Seniors 50+
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Work on a puzzle together! The puzzle can be rolled up and worked on again the following week. book clubs
Monday Mysteries
Monday, June 2 at 4 p.m.
A mystery lovers meet up! We’ll discuss Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. tiny book club
Monday, June 16 at 5 p.m.
Don’t have time to read in your schedule? Join the tiny book club! This month we’re reading The Silence by Don DeLillo. For adults 18+. Please register. on the Same Page: Aurora’s café
Saturday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. Meet at Aurora’s Café in Northern Lights. Tell us what books you’ve liked, or haven’t liked, lately. Learn about new books and enjoy a tasty treat, too! For adults 18+. Page turners book club
Tuesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Take part in our monthly discussion; new members are welcome! The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood Please register or use the Zoom link on the website events page. True Tales: Nonfiction readers Discussion Group Wednesday, June 25 at 6 p.m. Add your voice to our lively and engaging discussion of Our Moon by Rebecca Boyle. Please register. For children and teens color our World: 2024 Summer reading Program June 23-Aug. 10. Salina Library offers kids and teens weekly opportunities to win prizes and join in fun activities as part of our Summer Reading Program: Color Our World! Registration begins June 23 for kids in grades PK-5 and Teens in grades 6-12. Register online at salinalibny10.readsquared.com, through the ReadSquared app, or in person at our circulation desk and start reading and recording the time you spend reading each day. Early learners Story time Tuesdays, June 3, 10, 17, 24 from 11 a.m.–noon. Make learning fun! Your child will learn early literacy and social skills with stories, rhymes, and songs. For ages 2-4 years old.
Salina teen Warriors Tuesday, June 10 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Teens, pick up an application at the front Events l Page 12
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Pamela Anastasio, 51
Pamela Gray Anastasio, 51, of Onondaga Hill, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Oct. 16, 1973, in Skaneateles to Robert and Valerie Gray. Pam graduated from Skaneateles Central Schools in 1991. She went on to graduate from LeMoyne College in 1995 with Gertrude Joss, 88
Enjoyed puzzles, bingo
Gertrude DeVaul Joss of Cicero died May 14, 2025, at Syracuse University Hospital. Gert was born in the town of Sullivan June 23, 1936, daughter of the late Henry DeVaul and Florence Chawgo DeVaul.
Gert partnered with her husband Raymond on the Joss Farm in Cicero until his death in 1970 and later worked as a parts clerk for Syracuse Diesel for many years.
She married the late Raymond Joss on May 27, 1954, at the North Chittenango Methodist Church.
Gert was a great enthusiast of assembling difficult puzzles and enjoyed attending luncheons and bingo at the Cicero Senior Center.
Gert was predeceased by sister: Marion (2018) and brothers: Herbert (1996) and Leon (1995); nieces: Rose (2011), Tami (2020), Cheryl (2022); nephews: Ronald (2021), Herbert Jr (2021), Edward (2023).
Gert is survived by son, Raymond Tim and daughter-in-law, Cathy. Granddaughters: Kimberly McKnight and Maria Phinney (Mike) and Grandson: Raymond Tim Joss Jr. Great-grandkids: David Phinney, Ashleigh and PJ McKnight. Two sisters: Jane Fanning (Jim) and Millie McNeely (Rick). Several nephews and nieces.
Celebration of Gert’s life will be held at a later date TBA. Arrangements by Traub Funeral Home, Bridgeport NY. Burial will be in North Syracuse cemetery.
a degree in elementary education. Pam would later add a master’s degree in reading from SUNY Oswego. Her teaching career started with a short stint at Holy Family in Fairmount and DeRuyter Central Schools. She was thrilled when given the opportunity to go back to her home district of Skaneateles to teach at Waterman School. She would become a staple of the Waterman hallways for 20-plus years.
While at LeMoyne, she met her husband, Gary, and a 30-year love story began. Pam and Gary enjoyed golfing at Tuscarora Golf Club and attending Syracuse football and basketball games at home and on the road. During the cold winter months, you would find Pam watching “Golden Girls” reruns or any of the Vacation movies on repeat.
In 2004, Pam and Gary welcomed their first child, Tyler, followed by a daughter, Laura, in 2009. Family was central to all that Pam did in her life, and she made sure to never miss a sporting event, concert or musical if it involved T-bone or LJ.
Pam and Gary cherished their annual trips to Hilton Head and Orlando with
their children, along with Pam’s parents, sister Kristin, and brother Rob.
She was a ray of light in every room she entered. She touched the lives of hundreds of students and dozens of colleagues. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.
Pamela was predeceased by her father, Robert Gray. She is survived by her husband, Gary; her children, Tyler and Laura Anastasio; her mother, Valerie Gray; sister, Kristin Gray; brother, Rob Gray (Leanne) and their children, Robby, Connor and Matthew; Gary’s parents, John and Jean Anastasio; and Gary’s brother, David Anastasio (Holly) and their children, Mayde and Emily.
Calling hours were held on Monday, May 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church with a reception following. Burial was private family only at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Waters Center for Children’s
Cancer and Blood Disorders - Upstate Cancer Center, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210. To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
by DonnA nEWMAn photo by donna newman
Everyone needs a “Frank” in their life – someone a bit little older but a lot of fun. Someone who makes you feel special. Someone who makes you believe that there’s no place he would rather be than with you. that’s Frank the dog! Frank came to the shelter as a stray. He’s ten years old and has lived a life - if only dogs could talk! How he ended up here is anyone’s guess, but he’s a good sport and old soul and makes the best of whatever situation he finds himself in. He’s affectionate and loves attention. He enjoys kongs, bones, and treats. He’s friendly with other dogs, but because of his age, he would prefer a doggy friend who’s more on the mellow side. there’s something very trusting and vulnerable about Frank. He looks at you with resignation but also a twinkle of hope that you’re the one who will give him what he wants the most – a second chance at a loving home. Meet Frank for yourself and you’ll see what a special guy he is. In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. All adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and upto-date on their vaccinations before they go home. the cny SPcA is located at 5878 East Molloy road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk2@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org
or call
CNYSPCA PET OF THE WEEK
Gertrude Joss
Pamela Anastasio
DEATH NOTICES
OuR vOiCE
It’s grilling season
While many Central New Yorkers would contend that winter is no reason not to cook outside on the grill, for many summer is the traditional season for many when it comes to grilling and other forms of outdoor cooking.
Whether it is burger and hotdogs, smoking ribs or brisket for hours, whipping up a more complicated dish or cooking up seafood, vegetarian options like Portobello mushrooms or newer meatless alternatives, many would agree there is just something about food that has been cooked on the grill.
There is a flavor that many look forward to enjoying during these long summer days spent with friends and family enjoying an afternoon or evening outside relaxing and sharing good food together.
But whether it is a high end outdoor kitchen arrangement, a gas grill, charcoal or even roasting some hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire, it is important to keep certain safety measures in mind as these fires cause an average of $37 million in damage annually to properties, structures, and possessions, including gazebos, sheds, and lawn furniture. And thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year because they’ve burned themselves while grilling.
According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) emergency departments nationwide have seen a significant rise over the past decade in the number of visits from grilling injuries, with an 18% rise in patients being treated in emergency departments for grilling-related injuries over the past 10 years. NFPA data shows that from 2014-2018, fire departments responded to an annual average of 10,600 home fires annually involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues. This includes 4,900 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires. These fires resulted in an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.
Some basics of grilling safety include keeping a fully functioning fire extinguisher close by and making sure you know how to use it in the event it is needed.
It is also good to get into the habit of keeping your grill or other cooking surfaces clean.
The build up of grease and fat can cause flare ups that might not only ruin your food but may lead to a potentially more serious fire.
It is also important to remember to grill in a well ventilated area.
The potential for carbon monoxide to build up, particularly with charcoal, can pose a potential health risk.
AAA has shared a number of other tips to help ensure you and your guests are safe when cooking outdoors.
Before grilling, read and follow the owner’s manual.
Place your grill at least 10 feet away from walls and deck railings to prevent fires from igniting buildings. Keep your grill away from decorations, such as hanging plants and umbrellas.
People should also never leave a lit grill unattended.
If the flame on your grill goes out, turn the grill and gas off. Wait at least 15 minutes before relighting and always make sure your grill lid is open before igniting.
Maintenance and storage are also important considerations.
When setting up at the start of grilling season, check grill hoses for cracks, holes, and blockages. Blockages caused by food drippings or insects can be cleared with a wire or pipe cleaner.
Run a soap solution – one part liquid soap, one part water – along hoses and at connections. If the solution bubbles, then there is a gas leak that needs repair.
Store propane tanks outside and away from your home. Always check to ensure that valves are turned off.
AAA also recommends being aware of what is covered by insurance should a property owner have an accident.
Following the tips above may help prevent a grill fire from spreading to your home, but if a fire does occur, a standard homeowners policy typically covers the following: Damage to the primary residence; Damage to personal possessions, such as tables or lawn chairs; Damage to insured structures on your property, such as sheds or gazebos; and Injuries to a guest, under the liability portion of the policy, according to AAA.
By taking a few minutes to ensure you and your grill are being as safe as possible, it will help to make sure you and your guests can enjoy your time together enjoying good company and good food this summer.
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tHE GiFt oF MuSic
This week’s column began with exploration of how language is a two-edged sword, the vehicle by which we communicate through time and space with gigantic limits created by confused meanings generated by time and space, but then .. I went to Cazenovia Central School’s Choral Festival, a tour de force of communication without limits - far better and far more interesting than what I had written.
It began with the evening’s paper program, handed to me by excited, smiling adults who knew what was soon to happen. I have attended hundreds of events that have professionally printed programs and I can attest, without reservation, that this program was the most relevant if not the most vibrantly beautiful. Inside its student designed cover art, it offered not only the proper listings of the performers and performances but more examples of vibrant student art. It was a wow!
But nothing could have elevated my spirit more than the performances themselves, from the sixth grade’s rendition of “SiSi Sote” to the evocative beauty of the final piece, the combined choirs from that sixth grade, Junior High Chorus, the Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, Men’s Chorus and the Concert Choir which filled the stage and the proscenium with the soul satisfying “You Will Be Found:”
Even when the dark comes crashing through
When you need a friend to carry you
And when you’re broken on the ground
You will be found
So let the sun come streaming in
‘Cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again
Lift your head and look around
You will be found
Oh, my! Cane and all, I was on my feet cheering for those young voices and the brilliance of the music department that put this evening together.
Beyond the exquisite sounds was a choreography of choirs that began with the Chamber Choir’s first piece sung from the balcony, quickly followed by one group after another entering either on stage or from the audience without a break. It was a movement, a dance of choirs that added to this stellar evening. And still beyond that, my teacher heart told
Ramblings from the empty nest
Ferro
Ann
me, as I have often commented, that the arts are the quintessential way in which we demonstrate the validity of education.
In performance, particularly when that performance involves groups, the goals of education shine. The lesson is in the singer and the song.
When students learn that their individual voices, blending in harmony or disharmony, create a sound that none of them can produce by themselves.
It is the basic concept that underlies our human civilization. In school, music encourages students of all levels of ability to learn, grow and blend with each other. There are no exclusive lunch tables for performance art…all are welcome. The individual shines and the group takes that shine and polishes it.
Teaching, learning, practice, evaluation, authentic evaluation are hallmarks of performance. The individual parts of that package being important, as one professor of computer science told me, in learning the way to organize a mind for better things.
A few students will become professional musicians, but all will carry what they have learned and experienced with them, a way of interpreting reality, of expression and communication… education for now and their futures, sometimes sweet memories of a spring night.
And last night there was - and you could feel it in the delight of the audience - a sense of transcendence in a world that is far too stressful, that so often demonstrates the idea that the bottom line determines all … a contrast to the splendid effort of those students and their teacher which soared above that base line and made us feel something very good.
Last night, Maggie Dougherty, the director, gave her students and their loved ones a gift of music, created in the moments of preparation and performance, built on hard work, practice and dedication, a treasure, a true treasure. Bravo! Bravo!
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.
Kramer’s humorous debut novel is double trouble
After 35 years as a newspaperman, Jeff Kramer has abandoned non-fiction in favor of fiction. In his darkly humorous debut novel, he has crafted a clever story about fictitious former reporter Woody Hackworth who’s writing an online environmental thriller loosely based on his in-laws’ sand-andgravel business.
In that business, concrete is known colloquially as “mud,” hence Kramer’s title. Woody’s title is “Fear as Mud,” and in it he suggests that his father-in-law is illegally covering carcinogenic materials with concrete before dumping them at industrial sites. Woody’s posting chapters on social media as he goes, drawing a dedicated cadre of readers.
two books in one
So Kramer’s debut is actually two books: the one Woody is writing and the one in which Woody Hackworth reflects on his literary progress and the effect his novel has on his family. Turns out, his in-laws want to sue him for defamation. But his online fans loudly cheer him on.
Kramer employs dif -
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Livin’ in Liverpool
Russ Tarby
ferent tones, fonts and tenses to help keep the two books apart. Woody writes primarily in past tense, for instance, while Kramer writes in the present.
So it takes some effort to keep the stories straight, but after a few chapters the reader slides comfortably into the narrative as Kramer picks up the pace.
He does so with an undeniable flair for dialogue, offbeat scenarios and a well-wrought cast of varied characters.
Social media miasma
It’s no surprise that Kramer has a knack for dialogue. After all, he already has three fulllength stage plays under his belt. So he knows how to enliven his characters with witty talk peppered with pop and literary allusions and plenty of 21st century slang.
In fact, the siren’s call of social media permeates both books in the form of texts, Instagrams, TikTok, Facebook and endless emails. The novel’s
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unusual structure and its reliance on social media make it a bona fide postmodern achievement.
Both novels roll relentlessly forward toward a dramatic, action-packed climax in which the long-gone glory days of newspapers are celebrated in the dark confines of an offset pressroom.
A native of Seattle, Wash., Kramer now lives in DeWitt with his wife, Leigh, daughters Miranda and Lily, and one rescue dog, Greg.
Kramer will be signing books at a Syracuse Mets game at NBT Bank Stadium on July 10.
Syracuse = icarus
In Kramer’s new novel, leading man Woody Hackworth lives in an upstate city called Icarus. Nearby locales such as Ithaca and Utica are mentioned, but fictional Icarus mirrors real-life Syracuse.
Kramer makes several opaque references to the Salt City. For instance one of his characters is Lee Gumpman, a publicity-driven scrap-metal king. Sound familiar?
Woody recalls a courts reporter who enrolls in law school, which actually did happen at the old Herald-
Journal. In one of his best sequences, Kramer/Woody covers the State Fair, here called the Great Northern Expo.
“Icarus enjoys the distinction of hosting the Great Northern Expo,” Kramer writes, “a sprawling miasma of craft booths, chainsaw art, legacy rock bands, imprisoned livestock and culinary explorations such as deep-fried nacho tubes and locally sourced winesicles…the carnies were a tough bunch, with their homemade tats, smokers’ coughs and dental impairments. It took a level of estrangement from society to trick kids into throwing dull darts at half-filled balloons. But that’s part of what makes carnies interesting.”
Such vivid writing lifts Kramer’s novel to desired heights of humor. Along the way, Kramer takes the muck of mud and transforms it into gold.
last word “[‘Mud Season’] is a riotous exploration of ambition, passion and greed.”
Christopher Smith, theater critic, The Orange County Register.
The historical marker at 4335 Oak Orchard Road that is up near Schroeppel Bridge tells the story of the lock that used to be there 185 years ago. The house in the picture belongs to Tim Downing. Tim and his family have owned the house about 80 years and it still looks the same as it did in the 100-year-old picture. The house was originally built in 1840 when the lock was built. The house had many owners over the years and was used as a general store, tavern and businesses repairing boats and manufacturing cigars. Some notable people that lived in the house over 100 years ago were members of the McArthur family.
The story of the Oak Orchard lock started in 1809 when surveys of the Oneida River started. By 1829, the New York state canal commissioners wanted good navigation from Three Rivers point to Oneida Lake. The difference in elevation from Oneida Lake to Three Rivers Point is about a 12foot drop. The river rapids at Caughdenoy and the shallow area at Oak Orchard were perfect places for a dam and locks.
Oak Orchard’s lock and dam was completed in 1840 and 1841. The dam style constructed was a wing dam which helped to maintain a depth of four and a half feet. Caughdenoy’s lock was completed in 1842. A picture of the Oak Orchard dam is shown with the date 1909 when the picture was taken. The picture of the lock house with the date 1910-12 is the approximate the year. If you look closely at the picture, both walls of the lock are still standing. The picture labeled 1913 is the year the canal system had a steam shovel take down the dam and lock to widen the river for the new section of the Erie Canal. This changed the river course in many sections to allow boats easier paths of travel. A new lock was created near Black Creek Road which is called Lock 23 today. The lock allows the drop in elevation from Oneida Lake to Three Rivers Point.
Only one lock wall is visible today at Tim Downing’s house as shown in the three pictures. The river view picture was obtained with permission from the web site tug44.org. Tug44 has other pictures of the house (Tim’s home) and the Oak Orchard lock wall. Tug44 has many other pictures of the Erie Canal for everyone to look at. Tim Downing provided the other pictures and let me take the river view pictures at his property. Other information was obtained from the previous historian - Dorothy Heller, eriecanal.org and Historic Erie Canal on Facebook.
For more information, suggestions or article requests, please visit the Clay Historical Association’s Google page. Any questions can be directed to historian@townofclay.org. The Clay Historical Association meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Clay Historical Park. Those interested in attending, inviting others to join, or sharing historical photographs are encouraged to reach out.
PENNY SAVER
HooPS Glory Will rEturn
Inside and outside Madison Square Garden the buzz was evident.
From up in the rafters to courtside, from concourses to fans on Eighth Avenue, all the talk was of hoops. New York City, home of important basketball late in the spring. At last.
Yet this was not the only spot of renewal.
The NBA’s entire final four is full of refreshing faces.
Someone will celebrate a basketball championship for the first time in a long while.
We know the deal with the Knicks. No championship since 1973.
From Bernard King to Patrick Ewing to Carmelo Anthony, two generations have passed without Spike Lee and friends celebrating a title in the Garden.
You might not be
aware of the others, though. Indiana has never won an NBA title at all, the franchise’s only crowns earned when they were still in the ABA in the early 1970s.
Minnesota has never seen its Timberwolves even reach the championship series in its 36year history. The Twin Cities only knew roundball glory when the NBA was in its infancy, the Lakers still had a geographically correct name in Minneapolis and George Mikan ruled the paint.
Oklahoma once had a basketball dynasty…..in college, when Henry Iba was coaching at Oklahoma State when it was still Oklahoma A&M at the end of World War II.
Send your events to adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com. Notices must have the date, time and location of the event. Deadline for submissions is 12 p.m. Friday. No calendar item can be guaranteed for placement in the papers, nor run for multiple weeks, unless it is a paid announcement. All free placement is on a space-available basis. Event information may be subject to change, so be sure to contact the event organizer to confirm the details.
SATURDAY, MAY 24
North Syracuse Family Festival
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Village of North Syracuse with vendors, food trucks, music, raffles, inflatables, and a historical display. Visit www.facebook.com/northsyracusefamilyfestival.
SUNDAY, MAY 25
Bones East Memorial Day Concert
2 p.m. Marcellus United Methodist Church, 1 Slocombe Ave. Patriotic music from an all trombone ensemble. Free. Donations encouraged.
MONDAY, MAY 26
Memorial Day Parade
8 a.m. Village of Liverpool. The parade returns to Liverpool with a new route and more!
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Superfoods: How to Grow and How to Cook
Them
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. NOPL Cicero. Spaghetti Dinner
3 p.m.-sold out. Brewerton United Methodist
That was 80 years ago. Now the Thunder might win it all, but don’t ever bring up that topic in Seattle.
All of this speaks of an unusual situation. Never has the NBA produced seven different champions in seven years. Toronto, the L.A. Lakers, Milwaukee, Golden State, Denver, Boston…and whoever is victorious this June.
This league was built on dynasties in Boston Green and Lakers Purple and Gold, on megastars from Bill and Wilt to Kareem to Dr. J to Magic and Larry to Jordan to LeBron.
It almost was a requirement to either win for several years or topple someone who had in order to get your crown.
A combination of factors, from a harder salary cap to the structure of contracts to the discouragement of building
Church, 5395 Orangeport Rd. Homemade spaghetti and meatballs, sausage, salad, Italian bread, and dessert. Eat in or take out.
Pride Month Kick-Off Party
9 p.m. Gilded Club, 415 South Clinton St., Syracuse. A high energy party featuring local DJs and drag performers.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1 Bones East Concert
2 p.m. St. Marianne Cope Parish at St. Cecilia’s Church, Solvay. The trombone ensemble will perform a composition honoring retired director, Bill Harris.
JUNE 14 & 15
CNY Folksmarch
Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland. Registration 9
a.m. to Noon on June 14 and 1 to 3 p.m. on June 15. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch.wordpress.com/ or https:// www.facebook.com/folksmarch
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Clay Historical Association: Author Lee E. Hickey
1-3 p.m. Clay Historical Park, 4939 NY 31. Hickey will discuss her book, Girl in the Glass House: Tonkin Affair, the true story of the tragic death of Virginia Tonkin, 10.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Clay Historical Association’s Open House
1 p.m.-3 p.m. Clay Historical Park, 4939 NY 31. All buildings will be open and manned by volunteers. View exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia.
superteams, has made this possible, and if you follow the Association in any serious way, you’ll hear about it, in decidedly negative terms.
Current players are just about tired of former players and commentators getting paid boatloads of money to complain about how everyone was better and tougher in their day. It’s a lament as old as sports, but it grates on several levels.
Among other things, would we have these gripes if the Celtics or Lakers were winning every year?
Or if a big city like Chicago or a glamorous city like Miami were part of the current championship conversation?
No, these contenders sprang from small markets in the Midwest.
From Oklahoma City, where they once had Kevin Durant, got close
JUNE 20-28
Off the Dock Chamber Festival
to a title, saw it all taken apart and then rebuilt it through a pile of draft picks finding a young, dynamic roster. Also from Minneapolis and Indianapolis, not exactly the first destination free agents think about.
Which brings us back to mid-town Manhattan.
The exasperation and prayers offered by Knicks fans has nearly gone on as long as it did for New York Rangers before 1994, and once they gave the Stanley Cup to Mark Messier we’ve never heard the end of it even though the next-doorneighbor New Jersey Devils have won it three times since.
Say the Knicks do make it past Indiana and, once in the NBA Finals, find a way past OKC or Minnesota. In the moment the celebration will be cathartic, a chance at last to add to the glory Willis Reed,
Skaneateles. Enjoy classical, jazz, opera, and musical theater concerts. www.offthedockchamber.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “STEAM Challenge Accepted!”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
Salt Potatoes, the Irish, and the Erie Canal
1 p.m.-3 p.m. Clay Historical Park, 4939 NY 31.
Jordan village historian Elaine Peters will discuss the salt potato’s journey from humble staple to State Fair food.
MONDAY, JUNE 23
Canton Woods Senior Center’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament
9 a.m. Battle Island State Park Golf Course. $80 includes golf, cart, and lunch.
JULY 25-27
47th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show Friday: 3 p.m.-dusk. Saturday: 9 a.m.-dusk. Sunday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Clift Park, Skaneateles. Enjoy more than 80 antique and classic boats and mortars on display, concerts, boat parade, photo-shoot cruise, children’s activities, and more. Free.
ONGOING
THURSDAYS
Family Storytime
10 a.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane. Join Miss Raena for Thursday morning storytime to enjoy stories, songs, and fun! Registration is required; call 315-699-2032 or visit nopl.org.
Adult Exercise: Chair Yoga
9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Marcellus Free Library. $25 for 8-week session.
Hello Central New York…my name
is Scottie Sche er. I won the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Greensboro, North Carolina last week. A golf writer from your area contacted me the day a er I won and asked if I could share some facts about my life and golf career that not many people know. It was sort of a strange request but he seemed to be a decent guy and besides, I didn’t want to see the Pronoun get on his knees and beg, which is what he threatened to do if I didn’t agree to help him with his golf article this week. He claims he has been doing a golf show on the radio for 26 years and wrote an article about me a few months ago comparing my record with some of the all time great golfers in history and predicted if I avoided serious injuries, I would become one of the wealthiest golfers of all time. at’s good to hear. He also wants to interview me on his radio show sometime in the near future. I wouldn’t object to that. Here are a few things you might not know about me…
I was born on June 21, 1996 in Ridgewood, New Jersey and raised Catholic. e sponsor for my con rmation was Rocky Hambric, who is founder of Hambric Sports, the Sport’s Management company I have used since I turned professional. I am very fond of Rocky. I consider him my “Godfather”. My agent is Blake Smith, who is the son of my swing coach, Randy Smith. I met my beautiful wife Meredith in high school and married her in 2020. Our rst child Bennett, was born on May 8, 2020. Meridith is a Director of “Behind Every Door”, a Christian Nonpro t organization that provides support to low-income areas in Dallas. I spend time with my caddy Ted Scott at Bible Study because I “really wanted to work with a Christian”. As you may remember, Ted was Bubba Watson’s caddie for 15 years. at’s how I try to live my life. In addition, my close friend Sam Burns and
Walt Frazier and Bill Bradley attained.
Something else will happen, though. Similar to the Rangers in ’94 and the Boston Red Sox 10 years later, they will go from lovable to annoying in a hurry, drowning out other teams who end long title droughts. Such is the power and selfglorification of the New York media machine. Then we might end up annoyed about the Knicks similar to the way we are about the Yankees or anyone else who calls the five boroughs home.
Everyone loves you until you beat them and the love turns into hate. What’s cool now about the NBA’s championship chase might depend on who ends up holding the trophy.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
Register at 315-673-3269.
Read, Sing, Play Story Time 10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Can’t sit still? No problem! Join us for stories, songs and movement. For ages 18 months to 4 years. Bingo
4 p.m. Fingerlakes Mall Conference Center, 1570 Clark Street Rd., Aurelius.
Yoga with Becca
6 p.m.-7 p.m. Brewerton Center for the Arts, Rt. 11. Registration and information: 315-920-8121 or www.yogosnacks.org. All levels welcome. Baldwinsville Rod & Gun Club
7 p.m. First Thursday of each month. 1405 Kingdom Road, Baldwinsville. Learn about the workings of the club and help us run the organization. For more information, visit bvillerodandgun.com.
FRIDAYS
B’ville Cardio Ball Drumming
9:30 a.m. Canton Woods Senior Center, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville. Onondaga County Healthy Schools and Communities has provided cardio ball drumming kits for workout classes led by senior volunteer Arlette Folckemer. This fun cardio workout is set to upbeat music and folks can participate and enjoy the class seated or standing. For more information, call Canton Woods at 315-638-4536.
Clay Cardio Ball Drumming
10:30 a.m. Clay Senior Center, 4948 Route 31. Gwen McCarroll leads this one-hour class. Free with a Town of Clay Senior Center Membership and Safety ID badge for admission. Drop-in; no entry after the day’s class begins. Equipment provided on a first-come, first-served basis for ball and basket setup. For more information or to sign up for a membership and ID badge, contact Chrissy Clancy at 315-6523800 ext. 137 or cclancy@townofclay.org.
I co-host an annual retreat with members of the College Golf Fellowship, a faith based ministry. I appeared in a sports documentary series called Full Swing, which premiered on Net ix in February 2023. I also made a cameo appearance in the 2025 lm Happy Gilmore 2, a sequel to Happy Gilmore (1996).
You might also be interested to know I was only about 5 . tall as a freshmen in high school but experienced a large growth spurt to just over 6 . tall soon a erward. While at Highland Park High School, I won individual state titles three years in a row to match a record set by Jordan Speith. In 2014 I was the top ranked Junior Golfer in the country and made my 1st PGA Tour debut as a 17 year old amateur at the HP Byron Nelson Championship with my sister as my caddie. I made the cut and ended up in 22nd place. I was ineligible for the $60,000 payout due to my amateur status. You probably know about the wonderful season I had in 2024 but did you know that I became the rst player since Tom Watson in 1980 to have won “5” times on the PGA Tour before the US Open. Two weeks later I won the Traveler’s Championship for my sixth win of the season since Tiger Woods did it in 2009. My total earnings for 2024 was “62”
Random Thoughts Phil blackwell
Liverpool’s Barrett earns sectional tennis title
by PHil blAcKWEll
No boys tennis singles player in the area high-school ranks has proven able to make Liverpool standout Justin Barrett stress too much this spring.
Undefeated and a top seed going into the sectional Division I singles tournament, Barrett made sure it remained that way easily earning the title and emerging as a favorite for the sectional state qualifier early this week.
Barrett got going with a 6-1, 6-0 romp over Fayetteville-Manlius’ Andrew Hoehner, topped Brett Hockey (East Syracuse Minoa) 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals before another 6-1, 6-0
decision in the semifinals, this against Baldwinsvlle’s Eric Ventura.
Challenged by F-M no. 2 seed Dan Manta in last Tuesday’s final, Barrett made it through a tough opening set 6-4 and then blanked Manta 6-0 in the second to earn the sectional title.
Cicero-North Syracuse had three singles players in the Division I bracket including no. 4 seed Michael DeGroat who, in the round of 16, was two games from victory before Watertown’s Riley Morrison rallied to beat him 1-6, 7-5, 6-34.
In that same round both Parker Cook and Alex Kling were beaten, Cook by Manta and Kling by B’ville’s Nathan
Smith, each of them beaten in 6-0, 6-1 decisions.
Liverpool’s Finn O’Toole fell in a single-set first-round match 10-8 to Cook, with Patrick Clancy falling to Central Square’s Thai Ruyun 10-6.
Moving to doubles, Liverpool had John Iaonnidis and Daniel Hayes emerge from a no. 19 seed with a 10-9 win over Caleb Hale and Peter Jennings (Watertown) and then met C-NS’s no. 3 seeded duo of Austin Fosberg and Zarin Liangsri in the round of 16.
It ended up in a third-set tiebreak but Ioannis and Hayes stunned Fosberg and Landrisi 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) putting them in the quarterfinals where the run
was ended by F-M’s John and William Miller 6-1, 6-2. Aydan Presley and Greyson Valente, with the no. 7 seed, also had to win two matches to reach the quarterfinals and also went through a third-set tiebreak in their round-of-16 match against a C-NS opponent, taking it 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) over Jackson Dufort and Drew Errante.
F-M’s Jon Sul and Ian Sul beat Presley and Valente 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals, while Kasey Maher and Joey Ciotti won 10-1 over Jheyson Ricardo and Nathan Ardnt (West Genesee) but lost 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to Syracuse City’s Agoth Athian and Adrian Cuellar.
C-NS girls lacrosse set to defend state Class A title
by PHil blAcKWEll
A season where only a couple of local opponents were able to even stay close with the Cicero-North Syracuse girls lacrosse team now is ready for its most important chapter.
With the Section III Class A playoffs at hand, the Northstars are after nothing less than another sectional and state title, and little which has happened recently indicates otherwise.
This included the pair of near-identical wins C-NS pulled off against Baldwinsville four days apart, first a 19-9 decision at Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium and then a 19-7 win in the rematch last Monday at Bragman Stadium.
Elizabeth Smith led the way, pouring in five goals, while Sophia Nesci gained
four goals and four assists and Miabella
Gates scored three times for a hat trick.
Sophia Graham and Ella Grotto both converted twice, Graham adding two assists. Viviana Beardsley had a goal and assist and single tallies went to Natalie Wilson and Kaelin Prentice.
Only Peyton Dyl scored three times for the Bees, though Raegan Ratliff had two assists to go with her pair of goals.
The other two goals went to Jaya Madigan and Gisella Trouesdale as Lea Otts earned a pair of assists. Allison Spoto made five saves in an extended stint in goal after replacing Jilly Howell.
A day later, Liverpool witnessed some history in its game against Fulton as Red Dragons standout Mya Carroll earned her 400th career goal and fin-
ished with a hat trick helped by Alison Mainville’s four goals.
Yet the Warriors still won 11-8, Ava Eicholzer recording nine saves as Caitlyn Guilfoil, who had missed most of the season due to injury, returned to form with four goals.
This seemed to free up the reset of the attack, too, as Lyric Noel cashed in with three goals and Gianna Carbone scored twice. Single goals went to Maya Michaud and Lana Alampi.
In boys lacrosse, C-NS found itself up against B’ville, too, and lost last Tuesday’s game by a score of 15-8 with the ends of each half the decisive factor.
Out for revenge after the Northstars won the first meeting 12-11, the Bees closed each half on 4-1 runs which
accounted for most of the eventual margin. Quinn Empey’s four goals accounted for half of C-NS’s production, Adrian Sweeney adding two goals as Luke Deinhart and Blake Fefee had the other goals.
Liverpool broke out a day earlier in a 21-8 victory over Auburn in its regular-season finale, jumping out to an 8-1 lead by the end of the first quarter and continuing to add to that margin the rest of the way.
Chris Matott had six goals and three assists. Brady Michaud and Brendan Caraher matched those three assists as Michaud scored five times and Caraher three times.
Danny Dunn added four goals and two assists, single goals going to Dylan Ling and Nick Scholz.
Liverpool track hosts late-season invitational meet
by PHil blAcKWEll
Less than 48 hours after they competed for Salt City Athletic Conference Metro division honors the Liverpool and CiceroNorth Syracuse track and field teams were together again – or at least some of them were. It was all part of Liverpool’s annual invitational meet, held May 17 at LHS Stadium with plenty of top honors going to the Warriors and Northstars by the time it was done.
Again Liverpool sprinters stood out such as Mia Wright, who took the 100-meter dash in 12.78 seconds beating the 12.90 of C-NS’s Selena Moreno, with Stephanie Todd (13.23) beating Faith Graham (13.56) for fourth place.
Mikayla Greene added a 200-meter title in 26.26 to the 26.47 put up by the Northstars’ Aaliyah McDonald, and Wright and Greene, paired with Jack Monroe and Brayden Smith, won a mixed 4x400 relay in a time of 3:43.10.
Then there was Taylor Page winning the 1,500-meter run going 4:42.29 with the Northstars’ Kennedy Jones third in 4:59.61. Maggie Sherlock, in 11:42.21, got third in the 3,000-meter run as Rose Piorkowski was fourth. And in a 1-2 sweep of the high jump Audrey Jenkins cleared 5 feet 3 inches beating out the 5’2” cleared by Georgia Jwaskiewicz.
Addison Ziegler got second place in the 2,000 steeplechase in 7:55.13, with Kailyn Barth sixth as June Piorkowski got second in the 100 hurdles in 16.41 seconds. Katie Martin ran 800 meters in 2:23.30 for second place and Chloe Ryan was third in 2:23.95 ahead of C-NS’s Grace Scoville (2:25.33) in fourth place.
Jahnaysia Jordan got fifth place in the 400-meter dash going 1:01.84 but helped Liverpool to second in the 4x400 relay in 4:12.84 as Alainees Leon cleared 8’6” for second in the pole vault behind East Syracuse Minoa’s Elise Mancini.
C-NS would have Grace Murray, in 1:03.29, go 1-2 with McDonald (1:04.09)
in the 400 hurdles, where Liverpool’s Emily Aiello was fourth in 1:09.06. Moreno emerged victorious in the long jump going 16’8 1/2” with Maddie Devendorf (16’3 3/4”) fourth.
Murray, Moreno, Tood and McDonald went 48.37 seconds in the 4x100 relay to beat Liverpool’s 48.91 though only Nahla Battle-Crenshaw and Devendorf were among the Warriors’ regulars in that event here. Todd added a fourth in the triple jump.
On the boys side for C-NS Dante Melfi was victorious in the 800 posting 1:58.63 as Rhett Andrews finished fourth in 2:04.54. In the 1,600, Joe Massett prevailed in 4:36.22 chased by Dominic Petrera (4:39.28) in third place.
Matt Freeman recorded a second-place triple jump of 41’5”, with teammate Andrew Bethea sixth. Andrew Potter, in 15.88 seconds, beat out Liverpool teammate Taj Ryan (16.02) and Achilles Widger for third in the 110 hurdles.
Ryan Anonye gave the Warriors a fifth
in the 200 in 24.28 and Potter was fifth in the high jump as Ryan took fifth in the pole vault by clearing 9’6”. Prodiggy Shepherd was third (20 feet) and Zuriel Dickerson fourth (18’11”) in the long jump.
Liverpool’s Ade Adefashola cleared 5’8” for third place in the high jump. He also helped Liverpool to a near dead-heat with Clinton in the 4x100, the Comets’ 44.399 a mere one-thousandth of a second ahead of the Warriors’ 44.440. Also Liverpool took third in the 4x800 and fourth in the 4x400.
Ty’Kere Jones threw the shot put 41’9” for third place, Potter finishing sixth. Kolin Toxey contended in the discus and finished fourth with 117’4”.
Cooper Kohanski made his way to second in the 3,000 steeplechase going 10:55.4, with C-NS’s Tyler Kondrik fifth and Michael Hoey sixth for the Warriors. Brady Petrella took third in the 3,200 in 10:25.49 and Jackson Allen was fifth as Brian Juston and Mason Dineen were fifth and sixth, respectively, in the 1,600.
C-NS, Liverpool baseball work through homestretch
by PHil blAcKWEll
One more week of baseball for Cicero-North Syracuse and Liverpool meant trying to get in as many games as possible before heading into the Section III Class AAA playoffs. In C-NS’s case, it meant a twogame series against SCAC Metro division front-runner and defending sectional champion West Genesee, and the opener was a pitcher’s duel that the Wildcats took by a 2-0 margin.
Good as Lucas Aiello was for the Northstars throwing a one-hitter with seven strikeouts, he twice allowed Austin Glowacki to reach base and he scored both times.
One run was all WG pitcher Ryan Tabaczyk needed. He threw a onehitter of his own, the only hit com -
ing from Jaden Zimmer as C-NS constantly made contact which led to easy outs.
Tuesday’s rematch in Camillus also was close, also was low-scoring – and also resulted in C-NS taking a defeat, this time by a 3-2 margin in a game that stretched to nine innings.
Colin Crinnin mirrored Tabaczyk in that he shut out the Northstars through his first six innings and got two runs of support in the bottom of the third when Colin Straub and Nick Meluni walked and eventually scored.
It was still 2-0 when, in the top of the seventh, C-NS finally got to a Wildcats pitcher. Jaiden Gunnip drove home a run and then it was Zimmer drilling a single which brought the tying run home. Aiello and Kyle Kulikowski scored those
runs. Now in extra frames, the Northstars worked through a scoreless eighth, Clark Whalen and Jeremy Palmer both effective in relief after Kaden Kalfass went the first five innings, striking out six.
But in the bottom of the ninth, WG’s Nathan Quirk got into scoring position and then raced home with the winning run when Straub singled to center.
Liverpool , who split two games with C-NS the previous week, met with some frustration last Monday at East Syracuse Minoa as it took a 1-0 defeat to the Spartans.
From the outset the game belonged to the pitchers as ESM’s C.J. Fleet quieted the Warriors, giving up just two hits in five innings before Luke Liedka worked two innings of one-hit relief. Nico Leone, Gra -
ham Hoppe and Colin Avery earned those hits.
Chris Monahan was nearly as good for Liverpool, only making one decisive slip in the bottom of the third when Braylen Grimes singled, one of his two hits on the day, and was driven home by Trey Borkowski.
If there was frustration Liverpool took it out the next day on Oswego, bashing the Buccaneers 16-8 as it scored in every inning except the fourth and netted 11 total runs in the fourth and sixth innings to get clear.
Leone went four-for-four, doubling twice, scoring three runs and getting a pair of RBIs. Cayden Nappa’s pair of doubles led to three RBIs as Hoppe and Michael Murphy also drove in two runs. Avery, Bailey O’Connor and Leo Sharpe each scored twice.
