april 2009 clay insider

It is mid-March as I prepare this column for the April issue. Currently, the Legislature is working on the state budget and I’m hopeful that by the time this article is published, we have completed that work and have agreed on a fair, balanced and on-time fiscal plan that will guide New York back toward fiscal stability and prosperity.

Sacrifices have to be made to get the economy back on track. It’s time for us to come together and make necessary spending cuts while ensuring the burden is shared by all New Yorkers – not just the middle class. In these tough times, we can’t lose sight of what’s important. We need to keep our commitment to lowering the tax burden for the middle-class and making Upstate New York more business friendly.

While I applaud the governor for submitting an early budget that addressed the fiscal crisis head-on, I disagree with the executive budget’s proposed

cuts to education. Solving the economic crisis will require shared sacrifice, but slashing state education funding not only hurts our children, it also asks local taxpayers to foot the bill. The executive budget included significant cuts to local schools, like a $4.9 million cut for the Liverpool Central School and $3.6 million cut for the North Syracuse Central School District.

Some of these cuts in education will be mitigated by the federal stimulus plan. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes $2.5 million for Liverpool Central School District, over $3 million for North Syracuse, $1.5 million for Baldwinsville and $1.4 million for Central Square. But while this funding will help, more needs to be done to ensure that our schools remain among the best.

Cuts in state aid for our local schools will force these districts

Ap

ril 2

009

Do you have news? Contact your editor, Melissa Renahan,

at [email protected]

LCSD Search...................Pg 2

Basketball Fever.............Pg 4

Inside Town Hall...............Pg 5

School News...................Pg 6

Liverpool Softball..........Pg 10

In Business.....................Pg 11

In Good Faith.................Pg 12

Viewpoints...................Pg 13

Out to Eat.......................Pg 14

Forward Finance...........Pg 15

Local Calendar.............Pg 16

Spring Activities............Pg 18

Classifieds....................Pg 19

www.clayinsider.com

IN THIS ISSuE:

Do you BlueBinIt?

Girlscouts in Troop 247 help OCRRA clean up for Earth Day last year. Join them this year!

See story on page 3.

Please see State Budget, page 17

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By Melissa RenahanThe town of Clay will be sponsoring

a unique program this year in honor of Earth Day. On April 18, the Chaos Canal Pirates will host a Canal Clean Sweep Day in order to inspire residents to “treasure your environment”.

The family event, which will start at 9 a.m. in the Three Rivers parking lot by the bridge (8885 Oswego Road in Clay), is part of the fourth annual New York State Canal Corporation’s Canal Clean Sweep project. Last year more than 60 groups throughout the Canal Corridor engaged in clean up and beautification activities. This will be Clay’s first year participating.

“We thought it seemed like a good program to join. And besides, if you have to pick up garbage you might as well dress like a pirate and have some fun doing it!” explained event coor-dinator and pirate enthusiast Chrissy Clancy. Her theatre troupe, called the Pirates of Chaos is often involved in town events and tend to add fun wher-

ever they show up.The clean up can involve picking

up litter and brush on lock grounds or in a local canal park, or helping to remove debris or restore a section of Canalway Trail. After the clean up is finished, pre-registered participants will then proceed to Lock 23 for a pi-rate-themed pizza party. After lunch there will be a personal tour of the antique pumphouse with Lock Master Pete and then the clean up will resume in the Lock 23 (Blackcreek) area.

To pre-register your family, call event coordinator Clancy at 652-3800, ext. 137. Registration deadline is April 15 and an adult must accompany anyone under 16 years of age. Participants need to bring their own heavy work gloves and have their own means of transportation. Garbage bags will be provided.

And don’t forget everyone is wel-come to dress like a pirate. Those run-ning the ‘ship’ certainly will be.

Clay joins Canal Clean SweepTown promotes Earth Day clean-up along its shores

By Al Stirpe, 21st District State Assemblyman

Miss Lori and Miss Colleen’s 4-year old class at UCC Nursery School celebrated wacky Wednesday during Dr Seuss’ birthday week in March. The school is now registering for the fall classes.

Silly, Seussical smiles for all

Clay Insider, 2 April 2009

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From left, Anne Costa, Nancy Anderson and Adele DelSavio represented Aurora of CNY at a recent lobby day in Albany. With members of the NY Vision Reha-bilitation Association, they visited with legislators to encourage the passage of laws that would permit licen-sure of vision rehabilitation therapists and orientation and mobility specialists.

The Aurora trio, who met with representatives of as-semblymen William Magnarelli and William Barclay, are pictured during a post-lobbying visit to the NYS Muse-um gift shop. Aurora of CNY, Inc. is the only non-profit that works exclusively with people in Central New York who are deaf, blind, visually impaired or hard of hear-ing. Aurora is a United Way agency of Central New York and Oswego and Cayuga counties. For more informa-tion, call Aurora at 422-7263 (TDD 422-9746).

Super search marches onLCSD board meets with consultant to discuss schedule

The search for a new superintendent goes on in the Liverpool Central School District.

The board of education held a work ses-sion with Dr. Jessica Cohen, superintendent of BOCES and search consultant, last week to discuss the process and set dates by which certain steps should be completed.

“We’ve sent out about 840 hard copies [of the application],” Cohen said. “Next week we’ll send out an electronic version.”

From that pool, Cohen and the board will select the new super for Liverpool schools. Cohen has conducted 15 superintendent searches in her career and she said this is the same procedure she has always used.

At this time, Cohen has received two com-pleted applications and 14 or 15 inquiries about the job. She expects to receive the bulk of the applications shortly before the April 10 deadline.

The process for selecting a superintendent will be as follows:The public input phase will take place

between March 25 and April 22. During

that time, the school board and Cohen will be collecting information from a number of focus groups, community meetings and questionnaires to determine what qualities the district is looking for in a superinten-dent. Cohen will present a summary of the data to the board by May 1.

The most important part of this step is the formation of the focus groups. There will be a total of seven groups: teachers, non-instruc-tional staff in the district, administrators, the superintendent’s cabinet, students, parents and community members. Each group will consist of 12 to 25 people, who will partici-pate by invitation only.

The community meetings will take place on April 22. This will be an opportunity for members of the community who were not part of the focus groups to give their input. Community members can also share their thoughts through a questionnaire, which will be available on the district’s website (liver-pool.k12.ny.us) until April 10. Paper copies

By Sarah Hall, Liverpool Review

Please see Search, page 9

April 2009 Clay Insider, 3

If you live in Onondaga County you have probably heard the catchy “BlueBinit” slogan and most likely have at least one of the aforemen-tioned bins in your garage. The Onondaga County Resource Re-covery Agency, or OCRRA, which was founded close to two decades ago, coined that term to help en-courage recycling among residents.

This February they also rolled out a new advertising campaign in print, on radio, and on televi-sion that focuses on increasing the amount of paper county house-holds recycle. The campaign, en-titled Save the World a Little Each Day, was inspired by the results from a 2005 Waste Quantification and Characterization study and a phone survey OCRRA conducted in 2008. When asked why recy-cling is important, the two most popular answers were “conserving natural resources” and “preserving the planet for our kids”. The pur-pose of the advertising campaign is to remind people how much they can help those two important causes through the simple act of re-cycling each day.

Apparently these marketing ini-tiatives and constant public calls-to-action are working.

The county boasts a recycling rate of 66 percent, which is above average, and translates into more than half of the waste-stream being comprised of recyclable material. In New York, and even through-out the Northeast corridor of the country, Onondaga’s recycling programs are seen as standard set-ters. Though there is no national standard to calculate the recycling rate, the standards can only vary so much. In 2007, the EPA estimated a 32 percent recycling rate nation-wide.

“The high rate [in Onondaga] is a testament to our community being aware and always wanting more information,” said Kristen

Lawton, OCRRA’s public informa-tion officer.

Funding explainedDespite being created by the

state legislature, OCRRA is a not-for-profit public benefit corpora-tion and does not receive any tax funding. Instead, 90 percent of their funding comes from tipping fees, which are monies paid per ton by the trash haulers to OCRRA to drop off their waste, and the sale of energy created at the Waste-to-En-ergy Facility in Jamesville. At this facility, the county’s trash is com-busted at high temperatures. This substantially reduces the size and weight of the trash and produces steam, which is then converted to energy and sold to National Grid.

Lawton said that residents are often unclear on what can be recy-cled in their blue bins. Most people know the basics of paper recycling: put your newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and junk mail in the blue bin. Plastics, however, can be very confusing.

“The main thing to remember is that only plastic bottles are re-cyclable in Onondaga County. Don’t worry about the number on the bottom. If it is a plastic bottle, put it in the blue bin!” Lawton said. OCRRA does ask residents to take special precaution with plastic bags, which are not recyclable in

the blue bin. “The bags get twisted up in the

machinery that the Material Recov-ery Facilities use to separate the re-cyclables,” she explained. “It slows the operations down quite a bit and so we recommend finding another use for the bags instead of throw-ing them away. Most local grocery stores have special collection bins for used plastic bags now.”

Things that cannot be recycled in the blue bin, like televisions and other electronics (from house-holds only), may be brought to the Community Collection Center, nicknamed C3, located on Court Street Road in Syracuse. C3 began accepting electronics from house-holds a year ago. Business materi-als are not accepted there, but you can find local companies who do recycle electronics for businesses at OCRRA.org.

In honor of Earth Day, OCRRA is sponsoring a Litter Clean-Up for any interested county resident. Last year the more than 9,800 volunteers collected over 117,640 pounds of roadside litter. To be a part of the project this year, visit their web site and complete the on-line registration form.

So after you read the Insider, remember to BlueBinit. Unless of course you collect them…even though we love the thought of that, recycling is a better idea.

By Melissa Renahan

Employees of the Onondaga Soil and Water District during last year’s Earth Day Clean-Up pose with their tangible efforts.

On OCRRA’s website (OC-CRA.org) there is a search box which allows you to look up which items get trashed or recycled, and the appropriate way to go about it. Below is an abbreviated list of some popu-lar items.

Things to recycle:• Cardboard (please flatten)• Newspapers• Magazines & Catalogs• Junk mail• Food boxes• Pizza boxes• Bottles, jars and cans• Milk & juice cartons• Foils

Things to trash:• Egg cartons• Paper towels and tissues• Paper plates and cups• Plastic containers that are

not bottles like to-go food containers, plastic cups, garden pots and butter tubs.

Why blue is the new greenHow OCRRA keeps this county recycling

Grace Covenant Church5300 Route 31, Clay NY

315-699-1551www.gracecovchurch.org

April 9: Maundy Thursday service 7 p.m.

April 10: Good Friday service 7 p.m.

April 12: Easter services 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

with continental breakfast between services.

EasterCelebration

Into the Blue Bin

Since I wasn’t raised in Syracuse and, in fact, have only lived here for less than a year, I was unpre-pared for what basketball season meant. My college had a team, and though they are Division I, at least during my tenure there, the seasons were nothing to write home about. I don’t follow the NBA and am pressed to name a person in my circle that does – they are much more inclined towards NFL, NHL and MLB.

Then November arrived and the world of ‘Cuse changed. I would go to the office and see people decked out in their orange and blue, hear them talk about park-ing and Dome dogs all day long and then arrive home to find all news stations focused on Jim Boeheim’s upcoming defensive strategy.

The majority of folks in the crowd and at home chanting for another 3-pointer did not attend Syracuse University. But the city, and all of its surrounding sub-urbs, is invested in this team in a way I’d never witnessed before. The people watching are having as much fun (if not more) as the people on the court. They are passionate, loyal and a little bit biased. But there are worse ways to go through life…and I think the constant stream of SU sports keeps a metro population of more than 700,000 smiling.

A few weeks ago we spent the night at our friends’ home in Bal-timore; it was a notable night dur-ing the Big East tournament when one particular team pulled out a win after six excruciating overtime periods. The wife, who is original-ly from Syracuse, spent the night growing more and more excited with each missed lay-up and I was impressed with the devotion of a true Orange fan. See, she is seven months pregnant and staying up

until the early morning hours to watch Devendorf try and close the game wasn’t even a choice.

I have felt that way about major league sports only and always thought you needed to attend a school in order to root for its ath-letes. However, I was wrong. The way people here follow this team is about more than just hometown pride; it creates common ground across social barriers, political dif-ferences and religious beliefs. In short, it does what everything else fails to: it unites.

Bleeding orange may sound weird semantically, but around here it’s more than normal…it’s mandatory. So maybe, as I have adjusted to the shopping mecca of the Carousel, the constant threat of snow and the fact that my mailbox has been hit more times than I can count by a plow this winter, I will start to embrace the Orange. I mean really, why not? Even though basketball is wind-ing down, I like lacrosse and those matches can be watched outdoors in the sun.

Recently I explained my outsid-er’s point of view to my boss and he laughed.

“It’s all about the basketball, it’s just the best season at SU,” he said but I only partially agree. Basketball may be the favorite (who doesn’t want a headband like Johnny Flynn?) but I promise that Orange fans follow other sports almost as closely, albeit with a little less hope.

At press time the boys on the court had just advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and I admit: I am driving the ‘Cuse bandwagon and am eager to see some Orange in the Final Four.

Hollie MillerSales Rep

434-8889 ext [email protected]

5901 Firestone Drive Syracuse, NY 13206

Fax 434-8883www.clayinsider.com

Melissa RenahanEditor

[email protected] ext 318


Paul NagleSales Rep


Heidi TylerSales Rep


Insider Babysitter ListRachel Shipley 699-6296 or 515-143216 years old, $5/hourAvailable Mon-Fri 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

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Denise Sakran 451-8586 Over 18 and Red Cross certified Can care for 2-3 children in my home.

To be on the list you must be at least 14 years of age and Red Cross certified. You may not own a child care business or operate a daycare service. If you are under 18 years of age we recommend that a parent be present when meeting the family looking to hire you. If you are in-

terested please send your name, phone number, availability and rates to [email protected]. We will publish and add to the list each month.

There is no charge for this listing.

By Melissa RenahanThe Clay Insider is currently delivered at no cost to the areas of Clay in the following zip codes: 13041, 13027 and 13090. If you are not in those areas and would like to receive

the Insider, please contact the editor at [email protected].

Announcements & correctionsIn last month’s paper we ran a caption on the front

page that misspelled Clay Town Supervisor Damian Ulatowski’s name. We apologize for any confusion and for the error.

Some hoops and heart in the ‘Cuse

I decided to embrace the energized environment that surrounds me here. Go Orange!

inside town hAll


By Florence Drago, Recreation Department

Although Bayberry is a part of Clay, with its approximately 1525 homes, it is large enough to be its own village.

Until the spring of 1955, this area along Route 57 was mostly farmland. Then Bayberry Properties, Inc. of Long Island acquired several hundred acres of land along Oswego Road. The well-known architectural firm of Mayer, Whittlesey and Glass was retained to design a planned residential community with community services. Plans included 1,250 single-family homes, green areas, parks, a school, churches and a shop-ping center. This was a new concept for Clay and Central New York.

On May 23, 1956, ground was broken for the sales office and by July 4 six model homes were on display and open to the public on Apricot Lane. They were Scholtz designed houses according to Sally and Tony Drago - pre-fabricated and ready to erect. They came with all appliances, air con-ditioning and landscaping. Roberta Battoe was the first to move in January 1957. By May of 1957, there were 50 homes in Bayberry.

The curvilinear street pattern was a new idea and proved to control traffic. It provided for all utilities including water, drain-age, sanitary sewers and lighting. All streets had concrete gutters and main thoroughfares had sidewalks. The Benfeys remem-ber how muddy the ground was during construction with equip-ment getting stuck. Dick Bandy loved watching the houses go up but there were some rules like not changing the color of the house. But as the need arose later, colors were changed with no problem.

In 1958 the Bayberry Women’s

Association was formed. The women, who didn’t work in those days, spent time together with their children, trading babysitting, forming groups for cards, crafts, bar-b-cues, painting, dramatics and fashion shows. They also acted as the Welcoming Committee for new residents providing them with kits with everything - from what to do in a nuclear blast to where to shop.

The Bayberry Community Association (BCA) was formed in May 1957 as a means by which members worked to-gether to achieve common goals. Members have served on the town board and plan-ning board. The BCA also has a Town Affairs Committee that attends Clay Town meetings when issues concern them.

The 1960s saw many addi-tions. Bayberry’s own school, Craven Crawford Elementary School, was opened in 1961. The BCA was instrumental in getting a new school. Tom Gaines remarked that when going to school, you were with your neighborhood friends – kids you grew up with and knew. It was such a feeling of security. Louise Benfey remem-bers the school and the eggs they hatched - from which she raised two chicks. She used to pull them around in her red wagon and the kids would feed them the crusts from their sandwiches.

*Information taken mostly from the DVD BAYBERRY, produced with funds from Senator John DeFrancisco’s Heritage Grant Pro-gram administered by the Cultural Resource Council. It is narrated by June Baycura, Bayberry His-torian. It may be borrowed or bought from the Liverpool Public Library. Also, many other facts contributed by June Baycura.

A look back at Clay history: Bayberry back story, part I

By Dorothy Heller, Clay Historian

The town of Clay Recreation Department is unique in its pro-gramming attitude. We have a permanent staff of four, made up of the Recreation Commissioner, Wayne Morris; Recreation Program Administrator, Florence Drago; Recreation Supervisor, Scott Pauld-ing; and Senior Citizen Coordina-tor, Chrissy Clancy.

The Recreation Department, not having a town recreation center of its own, entered into a partnership over 30 years ago with the Liver-pool and North Syracuse School Districts, which are both in Clay. This alliance was arranged to offer residents affordable programming with experienced, certified instruc-tors at the various school locations throughout the town.

So is it the strong partnership with the schools that makes the Clay Recreation Department unique? The answer would be yes, but that’s only one component. Our staff is made up of diverse individu-als with certified expertise that is reflected in the programming we offer. We do not just cater to the athletic children and adults, but offer many programs in the arts, such as art and clay, dance, drama, history and science programs, or specialty programs such as a new ‘Entrepreneurship’ and our popular Pre-K Safety Town. Then add in in-tergenerational programs like bowl-ing, golf, track & field events, swim lessons and tennis camps/leagues.

So is that all that makes us

unique? How about our Summer Playground Programs? Last year we offered 11 playground sites, rang-ing from pre-school play experience (for youth ages six to 13), arts and crafts, empower food & fitness, library and teen-centric programs. And that’s not all by a long shot! There is the free concert in the park series, our town fireworks, Pirate Day Festival, Pirate Canal Clean Up event, and the Penny Carnival. Or how about our agreement with the Liverpool and North Syracuse junior-varsity and varsity coaches to provide sport camps, held at the schools or on our own town athletic fields, from basketball to volleyball and everything in-between? That’s still not all; we also offer adult spring & fall softball, basketball and volleyball leagues.

Okay, now I am done…but I may have still left something out! Now if you are wondering how you can join in on all the fun, keep an eye out for our Summer Recreation brochure which will be out at the end of April and sent home with students in both districts. Registra-tion for most activities is ongoing until the first day of the session.

Then keep checking our web site for updated program information: www.townofclay.org under the Rec-reation Department header. Please contact me with any questions or to register for any of the activities mentioned above, at [email protected] or 652-3800 exten-sion 139.


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Six Liverpool High School seniors recently were named quarterfinalists during the 11th annual Chase Bank Young Playwrights Festival. Seated, from left, are Jonathan Miller, Jacqueline Peck and Danielle DePasquale. Standing, from left, are Cassandra LaBarre, Jacqueline Sivalia and Bethany Metallo.

Liverpool High School Greg Avel-lino is proud to announce that six Liverpool High School seniors recent-ly were named quarterfinalists during the 11th annual Chase Bank Young Playwrights Festival.

LHS seniors Jacqueline Peck (“High School IRL”), Jonathan Miller (“Oh What A Night”), Bethany Metallo (“The Bob Prince”), Jacqueline Sivalia (“The Psyche Link”), Cassandra LaBarre (“Valhalla”) and Danielle DePasquale (“Yggdrasil”) were among the top 40 percent of entrants in this year’s competition.

Students entering the competition could choose from one of two cat-egories: traditional 10-minute play (characters speak in dialogue within a set of given circumstances) and non-traditional performance writing (such

as monologues or slam poetry).Contestants will be notified if

they have selected to move on to the semifinal round prior to a workshop for semifinalists on March 28. At the workshop, the semifinalists will have the opportunity to meet with several theater professionals, work on their writing skills and get advice on how to improve their submissions. The students will then have the opportu-nity to revise their plays and resubmit them before the festival’s finalists are chosen.

The Chase Bank Young Playwrights Festival is an annual writing competi-tion for Central New York high school students. It is made possible through the joint efforts of Syracuse Stage, the Syracuse University Department of Drama and Chase Bank.

Worms and frogs are “the norm” when it comes to dissecting animals during science class. But how about dissecting a squid?

Seventy- f ive Long Branch Elementary sixth-graders recently had the opportunity to do just that with the help of an educator from the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. LBE and the center were able to team up for a video-conference through the efforts of LBE sixth-grade teacher Virginia Welcher and Liverpool Central School District Technology Specialist Lead Trainer and Distance Learning Coordinator Mary Ellen Montani.

Welcher said she visited the Alaska SeaLife Center several years

ago, and learned about the many distance-learning opportunities it offered. She then met with Montani to help plan a videoconference between the center and LBE.

The squid dissection took place in both Liverpool and Seward. LBE students followed the lead of the SeaLife Center educator during the dissection, and had the opportunity to explore many different parts of the squid, including its ink sack. The Alaska SeaLife Center is a non-profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation and public education.

LBE sixth-graders dissect squid with help from Alaska SeaLife Center

BCSD board documents available online

The Baldwinsville Central School District will be using the Internet to launch a new eGovernance initiative called BoardDocs. This web-based initiative, which will provide a basis for better communication with the public, is being put into effect as of the last board meeting in March.

Electronic distribution will not only save time and resources, it will also provide unprecedented public access to information that Board of Educa-tion members use to make decisions. Through the BCSD web site, the public can view Board of Education meeting agendas and the supporting documents associated with the meet-ings. This will allow interested parties to review and print the information prior to a meeting.

After the meeting, the individuals can review the agenda items and see what action the board took. All docu-ments associated with the meeting are automatically archived and can be ac-cessed by meeting date or by using the

comprehensive search feature.BoardDocs was developed in part-

nership with K-12 administration and board members to ease the process of assembly and distribution of board packets and supporting documents to board members.

In addition to meeting agendas, the BCSD will be using the same technol-ogy to publish the policies and proce-dures of the district online. Currently, paper versions of the manuals are dis-tributed and maintained at the school buildings. By publishing the policies and procedures online, the district will assure that personnel and the public will have access to the most up-to-date information. Online distribution will reduce the time and expense of dis-tributing policies and procedures.

You can access the new eGover-nance features via the district’s web site at bville.org. For questions re-garding the new eGovernance initia-tives, please contact Lynn Voutsinas, at 638-6043, ext. 1.


Guidance counselor Christopher Marciniak, along with students Adam Lauko, Claire Monnat, Stacy Tooke, and teacher Kristen Filipski, present Anthony Richmond (back), director of Coach-es vs. Cancer, with a donation of $1,200 from Durgee Junior High School in Baldwinsville. The school raised the money with a faculty basketball game that was held on March 6.

April 14 is closing in and for members of the Liverpool softball team it can’t come soon enough.

Fresh off a section final appearance for the eighth time since 1991, the Warriors look forward to opening day as they look to have another solid outing in 2009. Head coach Nick Spataro returns for his 20th year as coach and should continue to add to his impressive resume.

Under Spataro the Warriors have won over 300 games and went unbeaten in 2003. He has been named coach of the year and in the past has guided his team to three league championships. Assistant head coach Korey O’Malley, who is a former Liverpool student, also leads the team and is now entering her fourth year with the team.

Not only does the team have a solid coaching staff, they also have solid players. Liverpool is made up of mostly juniors and seniors, with seniors Kayln Howard and Abigail Romano being two of the key players on the field. Howard and Romano

both play the position of catcher and provide strong leadership to the team.

Having a talented group of players is pivotal when faced with strong schedule such as Liverpool’s. The Warriors were co-champions of their league last season and must win early this year if they hope to repeat previous success. They have several crucial non-league games against such foes as Rome Free Academy and Oxford Hills (FL) high school, and begin inter-league play April 21 against Fayetteville-Manlius.

The team has a long season ahead, with the combination of a hard schedule and heavy expectations, but they also have experience and success on their side. Liverpool is prepared year in and year out, and this season should be no different as the Warriors could possibly repeat as league champs.

Opening day will be an exciting day for the Warriors…but it’s certainly accompanied by a little nervousness.

By Paul Lyboult

Liverpool softball ready to swing for the fences

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One of the most anticipated events of the spring is the beginning of the Baldwinsville girls’ lacrosse season. The Bees opened the year March 27 against Saratoga Springs with hopes of continuing the success they have enjoyed in past years (score was not available at press time). The program has accumulated 260 wins along with regular top three finishes in their division since starting varsity play in 1990. Baldwinsville also won the New York State championship in 2000.

Bringing in a core group of hard working players every season has allowed the Baldwinsville girl’s lacrosse team to maintain a high level of play and winning tradition. Yet there is more to the team’s achievements than

some impressive statistics. Coach Doug Rowe attributes much of the team’s success to support from the Baldwinsville area.

“There is such a strong sense of community here, it’s incredible. Countless alumni and parents always give back so much, it’s amazing,” Rowe said. In recent years, the team has enjoyed an exceptional winning streak, winning at least 12 games a season in the past seven out of eight seasons. In fact, Baldwinsville has only finished out of the top 3 in their division once, in 2006. This season they expect nothing less. The Bees will continue to strive for their first state title in nearly a decade and as Rowe proclaimed, “we have no excuses as far as our players.”

Rowe has been in charge since 1991 and is largely responsible for the team’s success. Under him


The Insider is looking for more student writers!

If you live in the LCSD, NSCSD or BCSD and would

like to submit a piece about a local event, issues

affecting your school or life from a student’s perspective

please email it to [email protected].

After three long days of competition, the LHS Arctic Warriors Robotics team took first place at the Finger Lakes Regional Championship. The FIRST Robotics Program (FRC) is targeted at high-school-aged teams to provide an exciting, multinational competition that teams professionals and young people to solve an engi-neering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The first weekend in March, over 50 teams from the Rochester/Syracuse area went to RIT to compete in the regional event.

Liverpool, whose main sponsor was Carrier, was the first team to successfully defend its title at the Finger Lakes Regional. The school has won three regional titles in the past four years. In addition to winning the competition, the Arctic Warriors also received the Del-phi “Driving Tomorrow’s Technology” Award for their traction control system, Best Software Award and two team spirit awards.

Snobot’s drive team which consisted of drivers Andy Dodd and Jason Osborne, Payload Specialist Chris Torbitt and coaches Dan Wells, Chris Ryan and Eric

Nagy did an outstanding job throughout the two day competition.

Chris Torbitt, aka Cash Money, releases a moon rock in an attempt to score it in one of the trailers.

LCSD prepares for this month’s kindergarten registration

As spring approaches, the Liverpool Central School District is preparing for kindergarten registration for the 2009-2010 school year. Kindergarten registration packets will be mailed to prospective pupils and families with a child who is eligible to enter kindergarten (born on or before December 1, 2004) in early April.

Those families who do not receive an information packet from their elementary school of residence (the student’s home school) by April 23 are encouraged to call their school.

Every elementary school will hold kindergarten registration on Thursday, May 7.

Parents and guardians (with legal paperwork) must register students in their school building. When registering a child for kindergarten, please bring the following pieces of information:

• Birth Certificate (original); • Immunization Record from doctor (not transcribed in a record) - NYS Requirement • Proof of Residency (copy of signed lease, landline telephone, cable, signed purchase offer or electric bill) • Parent Photo Identification (parent must register child in person)Certain cases may require

additional documentation such as custody, IEP, DSS-2999 Foster Child form, or residency issues.

According to NYS law, children entering kindergarten participate in a brief exercise called “kindergarten screening.” It consists of several tasks for the child to complete. In Liverpool, students will be screened in June. Upon registration, parents will be notified of those dates.

Questions about kindergarten registration procedures should be directed to the Office of Elementary Education at 315-622-7177.

Artic Warriors take first place at championship By Melissa Renahan

Baldwinsville girls’ lacrosse aims high in ‘09By Paul Lyboult

Girls’ varsity lax spring schedule4/1 6 p.m. @ Fayetteville - Manlius Baker P/A Stadium4/3 7 p.m vs. Cicero - North Syracuse High4/7 6 p.m. @ Liverpool Baker P/A Stadium 4/9 6 p.m. @ West Genesee Baker P/A Stadium 4/15 12 p.m. vs. Monte Vista (Danville) Location: TBD4/17 12 p.m. vs. Berkeley BHS Turf4/21 4 p.m. Scrimmage @ Longmeadow Baker HS Field #74/23 7 p.m. vs. Oswego Oswego HS-Wilber Field4/25 1 p.m. vs. Auburn Holland Stadium4/28 6 p.m. @ Central Square SchoolBaker P/A Stadium

the Bees have won 249 games. He still feels that he is in great shape and sees no reason why he can’t coach for at least another decade. Rowe admits that on occasion he considers changing his coaching style and softening up a bit, but with all those wins it seems like he knows what he is doing.

It should come as no surprise that the players in such a successful program are routinely offered scholarships at major four-year lacrosse schools. This year is no different, as schools such as Richmond, Colgate, and Gennesseo have come calling. One of the most valuable players on the team, Quincy Spagnoletti, has committed to play Division 1 at Colgate in the fall. Spagnoletti had a super star season in 2008 with 43 goals and seven assists. A repeat of those performances this year will do nothing but aid the Bees’ title aspirations.

The start of this season could prove to be the most crucial as they follow Saratoga Springs with F-M, C-NS, Liverpool and West Genny. Rowe expressed much concern with the first five games, saying that winning or losing all of them was very possible. “It could easily go either way,” he said. After the beginning slate of tough games, however, Row expects the team to do well.


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The North Syracuse Dollars for Scholars spring phone-a-thon was a huge success. The C-NS Honor Society, C-NS Optimist Club and students from Mrs. Rice’s junior high math classes manned the phones and received pledges for $10,000. The funds from the phone-a-thon will be used towards Dollars for Scholars’ college scholarships.

Applications for the 2009 scholarships are now in the CNS guidance offices and Career Center. The deadline is April 7 and all students in the NSCSD are eligible. Scholarships will be awarded on June 9 at 7 p.m. in the C-NS auditorium.

The North Syracuse Dollars for Scholars committee is looking for adult volunteers. The next board meeting is Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Jerome F. Melvin administrative offices on Taft Road. Please contact president Bob Crabtree at 458-2396 for more information. Chris Caporuscio manned the Dollars for Scholars phones.

NSCSD phone-a-thon raises $10k

The North Syracuse Central School District will continue to offer Uni-versal Pre-Kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year. This program is funded by a state grant and is for chil-dren who will be four years old on or before December 1, 2009. Although preference is given to students who would be eligible to receive free and reduced lunch, all North Syracuse Central School District students can be considered for this program. The purpose is to provide all of our four-year-olds with the chance to attend a quality preschool program that pre-pares them for school.

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten program is a half-day program, which runs five days per week. Children are assigned to either a morning or af-ternoon session. The sessions run on the same time schedule as our present kindergarten program and follow our school calendar.

Registration for the program begins on May 1. You can regis-ter at the Jerome F. Melvin Ad-ministrative Offices between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon, as well as 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring your child’s birth certificate, immu-nization records, last physical, and proof of residency (National Grid bill, OCWA bill or phone bill). If you have any questions regarding the program, please call Dan Bowles at 218-2147.

The Cicero-North Syracuse Optimist Club recently held its annual oratorical contest. Club member Christopher Nelson acted as the chairperson this year and presided over 28 contestants who wrote essays with the topic of For me, optimism is… Six participants placed first through third for boys and girls respectively. All first place winners will next compete in the Zone I contest, hosted by the Liverpool Optimist Club. First place boys went to Daniel

Harbaugh and first place girls to Hailey Iverson.

The Optimist Club, which has been operating since 1919, is similar to a Lions or Rotary Club. They organize positive service projects that are aimed at providing a helping hand to kids. The club motto, “bringing out the best in kids” is clearly reflected through community outreach, positive attitudes and the goal of creating a better life for the kids of today.

The girls who wowed the judges. First place: Hailey Iverson, third place: Sarah Ziobro and second place: Maria LaMontagne.

Optimist Club creates smiles

On Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, the artistic and musical

accomplishments of students will be celebrated at the district’s Festival of the Arts. The event is free and open to the public. Student artwork, from grades 1-12, will be on display in select areas of the school. Musical performances by a wide

variety of instrumental, choral (grades 1-12) and winter competitive groups will be held throughout the afternoon.

will also be available at the Liverpool Public Library and the district of-fice.Applications are due by April

10. Between that time and May 1, Cohen and her staff will screen the applications, check references and conduct initial interviews.From May 1 to May 15, the

board will review applications and select four to six semi-finalists to in-terview. The board will also develop its interview questions during that time. Those interviews will be con-ducted between May 15 and 22, and the candidates will be culled down to two or three finalists.The interviews with the finalists

will take place between May 30 and June 15. Each finalist will be sub-jected to a full-day interview when they will tour district buildings, be interviewed by the focus groups and sit down for a formal interview with the board. The board will announce their se-

lection as superintendent by June 30.

Searchfrom page 2

“These partnerships are NOT about field trips,” said Ellie Peavey, head of the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Career Center. “They are about thinking and learning.” Her audience contains about 21 students who are seated in a conference room at Dumac Business Systems in East Syracuse. The company, which has been around for over six decades and operates in 46 states, is an industry leader in point-of-sale systems used in the grocery and restaurant sectors.

During the presentation that fol-lowed her warning, the students did something atypical of high schoolers: they spoke, actively participated and seemed to have an interest in what was being said.

“We cannot afford to lose custom-ers; and in these economic times the quick service restaurants are seeing more business. So we need to be at our best,” explained Steve Williams, VP of Quick Service Major Accounts. He hopes that the C-NS students he’s

addressing will be able to help. Du-mac currently provides its systems to over 12,000 restaurants across the country. Their systems track things like the time it takes for an employee to serve a customer, the traffic flow through drive-thrus and the amount

of stock needed on hand for any given time of day. Those assigned to work with Dumac will be specifically doing customer projections for quick serve traffic during different time periods of the day and year for brands like Wen-dy’s, Arby’s and Burger King.

“Essentially, we have challenged the students to apply what they have learned and to think ‘outside the box’ on how we can project sales,” said Tom Hahn, VP of Marketing and Human Resources. By predicting the sales, Dumac can help business owners bet-ter control their employees’ schedul-ing and the ordering of supplies and food.

The students participating in this run of the program are from two elev-enth grade math Honors classes at C-NS. In total there are 46 students who will work along with their parents, teachers and a member of the Career Education Advisory Council to meet, and maybe even exceed, the goal set up by Dumac’s staff.

The two teachers, Amy Furletti and Amy Baum, are excited to see what their students accomplish. Though this is not the first year either of these teachers has had a class participate in the Collaborative School/Business Partnership. Last year they worked with Ram-Tech Engineers of Syracuse, P.C. and will do a second project with that company later in the school year.

Additionally, Plumley Engineers, P.C. has signed on to do their own project. Regardless of the who the partnership is with or what the exact

assignment entails, students in these classes are learning how to apply the math they learn in the classroom to the career fields represented by these companies.

How things got startedOften a company will be looking for

some sort of community outreach and wind up at the Career Center’s door, but in this case it was more about proximity. Williams and Peavey are neighbors and one day during a ca-sual conversation they began discuss-ing the project. Peavey, who has been doing this type of collaboration for several years now with different com-panies and classes of students, thought Dumac’s business model was a perfect fit. After gathering some basic infor-mation, Williams presented it to Du-mac’s senior management, who felt it was worthy of the effort.

“We agreed to the partnership first, and foremost, as a way to give back to the community. The idea of help-ing young high school students learn more about the working world as well as to help them realize how to apply some of the things that they are learn-ing in school was important to us,” ex-plained Hahn. Thus far, at about the halfway point on the project, everyone at Dumac is pleased with the interest shown and the efforts put forth by both the students and their teachers.

“Our ultimate goal is to give them a glimpse of real work life. Hopeful-ly the experience will allow them to stretch their minds and think about different ways to accomplish things,” said Hahn.

Seems that just having this oppor-tunity is already bringing the real world into the classroom.

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By Melissa Renahan

C-NS honors math students and their teachers pose with Dumac Business Systems staff at a onsite meeting as part of the Collaborative School/Business Partnership program.

C-NS students tell Dumac “We’ll take care of it.”

Dumac, which has been in business since 1952, proudly displays an antique cash register as an example of where their industry started.

A pipe bursts. The toilet starts backing up. You want to upgrade your bathrooms. Who are you going to call? Flip through the Yellow Pages and you will find page after page of plumbers but how can you distinguish one from the rest? Are the people who are advertising actually licensed plumbers that you can trust? They may not be. What is a homeowner to do?

Peterson Plumbing, located in Liverpool off of 7th North Street, has been around since 1995. They service mainly Onondaga County and estimate that 25 percent of their business is from Clay. and emphasize that no job is too big or too small. Peterson Plumbing has worked all different kinds of plumbing jobs. From taking care of restaurants such as Denny’s, Friendly’s, Ruby Tuesdays and Applebees to installing water heaters for Chase Pitkin and Lowes to taking care of many residential plumbing issues, Peterson has a lot of experience. They installed all of the plumbing for the Texas Road House restaurant on Erie Blvd. and also put in the plumbing in much of the high-end new construction in Skaneatles.

Owner Craig Peterson grew up in Pompey and now lives in Cicero with his wife and two kids. When he was younger, Peterson’s friend asked if he wanted to learn a trade; he probably did not think it would lead to a lifelong, successful vocation. Sometimes that’s the way life happens. Fortunately for him it’s a business that is always needed.

Peterson is a master plumber and his eldest son works along side him in the business, along with seven other employees. There are different steps people have to go through to be a licensed plumber. They start off as apprentices, continue on to become journeymen, and finally wind up master plumbers. Along the way there are certain criteria they have to master to continue on, just like in other careers. The advantage (for the customers) of using a licensed plumber is that the county can be called in to check on their work. If it is not done right, they are legally obligated to fix it.

Despite the influx of big business, Peterson maintains that even the small jobs can be challenging. One time when he was snaking a toilet for a customer it seemed to be

taking a very long time, but he kept going so that the owner could avoid a costly repair. When he finally got the toilet unclogged, a Tonka truck came out. Another time a plumber in the company was snaking a toilet and a cell phone popped up and was still beeping. It’s this variety of experience and perseverance that keep his customers coming back, big jobs and small.

Even before he launched his own plumbing business, Peterson knew what he wanted. Earlier in his career, he would drive by and see the building where his business is currently located. He always thought to himself that it

was a great place for a plumbing business, his own business, and how he would put a giant sign on the building. Try as Peterson might to acquire the location, the previous owner of the building just wouldn’t give it up, even when he went out of business. Luckily for Peterson the owner eventually changed his mind and he got his building and put up a sign that can be seen when driving north on Route 81.

His work ethic and reputation are founded on some great advice he received from his father when he was starting out. He told him “Be fair and be honest.” What more can you ask for in a plumber?

in business

By Sue Lindsley


CMYK

Craig Peterson, above with his sidekick pup XXX, is ready to help you.

No problem plumbing

Home Power Systems, a Rochester-based back up home power company, has acquired Generation Power, LLC, Liverpool, in an merger/acquisition that was completed on March 6. Earlier this year, several companies were looking to acquire Generation Power, but Home Power Systems was the best fit and the perfect candidate to ensure Genera-tion Power’s existing customer base would continue to receive the level of service they had become accustom to. According to Jay G. Bernhardt, founder and former owner of Generation Power, “I needed to feel comfort-able that the company acquiring Generation Power would continue providing the excep-tional service our existing customers had grown accustom to and I felt that the offer and commitment that Home Power Systems brought to the table delivered that comfort.”

Generation Power was founded in May of 2004 and is the leader in sales and installa-tion of Guardian/Generac commercial and residential emergency back up generators for homes and business in Central New York.

Home Power Systems is a Premier Guardian/Generac dealer headquartered in Rochester and is the largest dealer in New York state.

Jim Swetman, President of Home Power Systems said, “We are very excited about the acquisition of Generation Power LLC and look forward to providing exceptional cus-tomer service to the existing customer base and acquiring new customers in the Central New York market.”

The newly formed company combines the number one and number two largest Guard-ian Dealers in New York state to form a com-pany that will be in the top five in the nation.

Generation Power Sales Manager, Tim Richardson, has remained with the company and will now oversee operations for Home Power Systems in the Syracuse market.

A new location in the Syracuse market for Home Power Systems/Generation Power will be up and running in the next few weeks.

For more information please contact Tim Richardson at 234-2451or via cell at 794-3957.

Peterson Plumbing proves to be a reliable choice

Home Power Systems acquires Generation Power

Shannon Wallace and Andrew King, students at Durgee Junior High School in Baldwinsville, will participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program this July, traveling to Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy and Germany.

The program offers students educational travel oppor-tunities to experience other cultures as well as to make new friends around the globe. Wallace and King will be traveling through Europe with about 45 other people for about three weeks.

Andrew King and Shannon Wallace will spend three weeks in Europe this July with the People to People Student Ambassador Program.

The Br idge i s cur rent ly assembling a “launch team” to help launch this new ministry to the Syracuse area. Bridge churches believe that all ministry flows out of relationships and are intently focused on the quality of ministry rather than how many or how large the church is.

“We are interested in the spiritual synergy that happens when people of like mind and heart attempt to do great things for the Kingdom of God. We believe in moving in freedom and for the Holy Spirit to have His way,” said Ranelle Bovenzi, Bridge member. This belief is part of the spiritual DNA of the founder of the Association

of Bridge Churches, John Paul Jackson.

Bovenzi and her husband Anthony, moved away from Syracuse eight years ago - motivated strictly by faith - to pursue their dreams. In doing so, they say, God opened their eyes to many things. During the summer of 2007, they were home attending a family wedding and the Lord specifically spoke to them to come home and help bring to this region the experiences and teachings they have received. After almost a year of prayer, pastoral counseling and seeking God in a deeper way, they moved home ready and open to whatever God wanted to use them to do.

They became convinced that this region needed more opportunities to experience God and learn of what God is doing across our nation.

Ideally, she explained, the Bridge Syracuse will help the people of this region find their God-given purpose, restore the awe of God to the church body and its ministries and provide a corporate setting where people sense the majesty and sovereignty of our Lord in His manifest presence. This could happen in any number of ways: through dream interpretations or prophetic words, prayer for healing and deliverance; igniting and training the younger generation to do the work of the Kingdom; supporting local and foreign missions; and going

outside the four walls of the church and evangelizing.

You can log onto www.thebridgeorlando.com for some more in format ion. Peop le can a lso ca l l 506-6727 or emai l at [email protected] to find out more. The church’s pastor, Bart Malone, will be flying in from Orlando on Friday, May 1 to hold a meeting for anyone interested in being a part of this exciting ministry. The meeting will be held at the Hampton Inn, 3948 Route 31 in Clay at 7 p.m.

“Come and bring your friends to find out how you can be a much-needed piece to what God is doing. We know that we are not the only ones in this region who have the heart to pursue God with everything!” said Bovenzi.


in good fAith

worship listings

Is your church, synagogue or place of worship in Clay missing? Send us the information at [email protected] and we will include it next month.

Congregation Ner Tamid5061 West Taft Rd., N. Syracuse315-461-9226 Sabbath services Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

Trinity Assembly of God4398 Route 31, Clay 315-652-4996Sunday Services: 10:15 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church8396 Morgan Rd., Clay315-652-9186Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m.

Our Lady of Walsingham Parish (Catholic, Western Rite)8573 Van Heusen Rd,. ClaySunday Service: 10 a.m.

Blessed Hope Church8791 Oswego Rd., Clay315-695-6710

Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran ChurchRoute 57 and Soule Rd., Clay315-622-2843Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m.

Liverpool 1st Presbyterian Church603 Tulip St., Liverpool315-457-3161Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m.

North Central Assembly of God7463 Buckley Rd., N. Syracuse315-458-0896Sunday Worship: 8 & 10:15 a.m.

United Church of Christ in Bayberry215 Blackberry Road, Clay315-652-6789 Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Grace Covenant ChurchStearns Rd. and Route 31, ClaySunday Services: 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Messiah’s Church (Reformed Presbyterian) 8181 Stearns Rd., Clay315-451-2148Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

Community Christian Reformed Church7823 Hicks Rd., Baldwinsville315-638-1664

King of Kings Lutheran Church8278 Oswego Rd., Liverpool315-622-2077Sunday Services: 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church4947 Route 31, Clay315-699-7268

Beacon Baptist Church4800 Route 31, Clay315-699-5900

Family Worship Center8480 Morgan Rd., Clay, 315-652-3491Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m.

Northminster Presbyterian Church7444 Buckley Road, North Syracuse315-458-0393

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints4889 Bear Rd., LiverpoolSunday Service: 9:30 a.m.

Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian ChurchDriver’s Village Conv. Ctr., E Circle Dr., Clay 315-652-5379Sunday Services: 10 a.m.

Each month the Insider will run an article about faith submitted by a Clay resident. It can be about anything related to your faith and is not limited to the religious aspects of faith. If you are interested in submitting an article, please contact the editor at [email protected]. This month’s article was submitted by Clay residents Anthony and Ranelle Bovenzi (as told to the editor).

A Good Friday production of “Re-quiem,” by Gabriel Faure, will be pre-sented at 7 p.m. at Plymouth Con-gregational United Church of Christ, 232 West Onondaga St., Syracuse. James O. Welsch, director of music ministries at Liverpool First United Methodist Church and assistant pro-fessor of music at Setnor School of Music, will conduct a combined choir with organ and chamber orchestra.

Vocalists from four area churches have prepared the music with their choir directors. They are: Liverpool First United Methodist, Welsch; Plymouth Congregational, Joseph Downing; the First Unitarian Univer-salist Society, Jonathan English, and University United Methodist Church, Martha Sutter. Downing will play the organ; the baritone and soprano solos will be sung by professional vocalists.

Comprised of seven movements, the “Requiem” represents Faure’s own selection of text that emphasizes themes of rest and peace for all souls after death. It offers praise and seeks mercy, beseeching the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver the souls of the dead from punishment and to grant them rest. The words, which will be sung in Latin, are prayers for God’s eternal light to shine on all souls and for the

angels to lead the way to paradise.The combined choirs will sing the

John Rutter 1984 edition, which at-tempts to honor the composer’s origi-nal intention to create a “petit Re-quiem.” The original score with four movements was composed in 1888, and Faure subsequently enlarged it by including additional movements. By1900, a performance at the Paris World Exhibition was done with full orchestration, a score that Rutter, in his preface, states was probably not the work of Faure.

Welsch said he suggested the choirs collaborate on this piece as a way for them to give a gift of deeply sa-cred music to the community during Lent.

“We have brought together several choirs that might not have the aspi-ration or resources to do a piece of this magnitude on their own. When joined with other choirs, however, they can prepare a work that is larger in scope and more demanding musi-cally than their usual fare,” Welsch said. “I see this as a spiritual quest for each individual as well as an experi-ence of collaborative outreach as we offer the music to the community.”

The presentation is free. For infor-mation, contact Welsch at 457-5180.

Combined local choirs to present Faure’s Requiem

New church “bridges” out to Clay


Viewpoints

Dear Readers,

As the town paper, we want to be your medium for voicing your opinions on all issues related to the town, local matters or any other topic you want to discuss.

Please send your editorial content to [email protected] and we will do our best to print it all each month.

Thanks, Melissa Renahan, Editor

I stepped outside today and went for my usual walk. However, this time it was different; with no vis-ible now, I wore sneakers. After a brisk walk around the neighbor-hood admiring the green lawns once again I wondered how long before flowers would begin to peak out.

Upon relocating to New York from Florida over a decade ago, I was told not to expect a “real” spring season. Spring in Central NY, they said, involved lots of mud and saturated lawns from the melting snow. Yet today, with the sun shining - mud or no mud - I decided it would be good to take the Christmas lights down. (A new record for me since Easter is still weeks away!) I removed the lights and picked up all the debris from the yard. While cleaning up the yard, I realized it was time to draft the spring to-do list…before the summer months call for me to relax.

It is time to bring the snow blower in for a tune up prior to retiring it to its place in the shed. I will move the lawnmower to the forefront of the shed as well as all the yard and gardening tools. Next, I will call the company for esti-mates on driveway and sidewalk

replacement and perhaps get some pricing on a new porch too. Then I will need supplies: new gloves, mulch, flowers, seeds…which re-minds me that I will also need to get the trimmers sharpened to use on that overgrown shrubbery.

But more than supply lists and gardening, spring brings the re-emergence of people. Soon I will have the pleasure of seeing neighbors again after our winter’s hibernation. To be working in the yard and wave to the neighbors, to meet them on their lawn, or to sit and chat while catching up on winter events. These are some of life’s little pleasures that I took for granted when living further south, in a state where the sun and warm temperatures were often present. Now I do not overlook the tiny crocus that begin to bloom shortly after the snow melts, or the usual subtle rise of temperatures or the sun shining above my head. The spring brings with it opportuni-ties to teach my grandkids how to make mud pies and jump in the puddles that come with the melt-ing snow.

For me spring is not just weath-er, it is a reawakening of life and spirit.

- Mary E. Mahoney, Clay resident

The family structure has changed in many ways when compared to the way it was over fifty years ago. In addition, the roles of parents have changed as it is becoming common these days to see both parents working while the children is in the care of someone else or attending day care. There are also cases where the mother has chosen to go to work while the father stays home to care for the children.

In my family, I am the one who goes to work while my wife stays home to raise the children. However, there are times when I take on the role of being a “stay at home dad.”

In my opinion, I feel that raising a child is the most important job that

one could take on. The nurturing and education provided to a child is an investment that determines a society’s health in the future. I credit my wife for taking on that job while I spend most of the week away at my job. When I become the stay at home dad, I realize the true challenge of being a parent around my children. It may be stressful at times but it can also be immensely rewarding.

The responsibilities of providing nourishment, care, love, and attention are great duties that define a parent. Everything from feeding the children, keeping the home clean, playing with them, giving them right amount of attention to each one of your children, reading to them, resolving conflicts between them,

disciplining them appropriately, giving them hugs, giving them kisses, showing them guidance and many other activities and events make up a typical day for a stay at home parent. It is hard work, but that creates the unique joy of being a parent.

All my friends and families who have seen their children grow up and move on in life all give me the common advice of spending quality time with your children because they grow up fast. My son and daughter are still in the toddler ages and it is exhilarating to see them achieve the early years’ development milestones. One of my hobbies is to take an abundance of digital pictures and videos of them because; we live in a time where storage cost is very

cheap. I am really appreciative of those moments I have digitally captured and I wish I had done more. I definitely try to make the most of my time with my children because life travels fast.

I can definitely see myself switching roles with my wife but, that is me and that is something I am comfortable doing. Each parent strives to contribute to the family in the best way possible whether they go to work or they take care of the children at home. The already large community of Clay will continue to grow and we’ll continue to see different ways parents contribute to their family. In the end, we are all parents that must give what our children desires the most from us, love.

- Murugan Pandian, Clay resident

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A pleasant Saturday night found us at Nestico’s on Route 11 in North Syracuse. Reservations for less than five are not available, but several empty parking spaces made us confident that we would be seated without a wait. We waited a few minutes for a booth, but we could have had immediate seating at a table. Nicely decorated with shades of tan and peach and large paint-ings by a local artist, Nestico’s is a welcoming, comfortable place with a fireplace often roaring. Tables are set with attractive plastic tablecloths and cloth napkins. The service is friendly and helpful; Julie, the owner, con-stantly roams the floor.

We began with a bottle of the house red, Foxhorn California Merlot, for a very reasonable $17. It was a light red merlot lacking body, but still quite pleasant. Warm garlic bread and whipped butter arrived

with an aroma that was truly ap-petizing. Having eaten here several times in the past, we can attest to the quality of Nestico’s fried cala-mari appetizer ($9 for enough to feed four) with hot pepper sauce on the side ($3). Though it is the best in the area, we decided to try something new. The Utica greens ($7.50) was enough to share and was properly bitter and garlicy, but there was no sign of the cherry pep-pers mentioned in the menu.

We also shared a large antipasto salad ($9) which was a large serv-ing bowl of mixed greens topped with tomatoes, provolone, capicolla, salami, artichoke hearts and olives. The homemade balsamic dressing on the side was a welcome touch and helps keep leftovers fresh. Our waitress boxed all the leftovers in the kitchen and even supplied a bag to take it all home.

The Italian entrees, which range from $11-16, include Julie’s Pasta Pie ($13) and seafood manicotti ($14). Chicken is available in six varieties and veal in four, including the night’s special of veal rollatini, as well as steaks and seafood ($13-26). She ordered Seafood Pasta Chi-oppino ($16), which was a heap-ing bowl of linguine, topped with scallops, clams, and lots of shrimp in a slightly spicy red sauce. It was delicious, with the seafood cooked perfectly, though slightly more al dente pasta would have been better.

He ordered the Cavatelli with spinach, broccoli and mushrooms in garlic butter ($12). Unfortu-nately, the pasta was overcooked to a mushy texture and was swim-ming in a watery broth. He asked to return it to the kitchen and our waitress apologized and offered a replacement. (We were not charged for the Cavatelli.) He then chose Penne in Vodka Crème ($11) which arrived quickly and was much bet-ter. The generous sauce was tasty, but the pasta was still too over-cooked for our taste. We learned in Italy that it should require biting, hence the term “al dente”…this was not the case here. However, there was enough sauce left over that by adding some extra penne, we can have a nice dinner during the week.

Desserts are homemade so we ordered wedges of lemon meringue and coconut cream pies ($4.50) as well as coffee ($2.10 per cup). The lemon meringue was properly re-freshing and the coconut cream was expectedly smooth and sweet.

Our pleasant dinner for two with wine, two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts and coffee came to $69.60 plus tip after a $10 coupon from restaurants.com. Nestico’s, with its delectable food and cour-teous service, is a treasure of the northern suburbs.

- Betty and Richard Wiese live in Clay and spend many of their weekends visiting local eateries.

Nestico’s makes it right any nightout to eAt

By Betty and Richard WieseBy Melissa Renahan

Warmer temps means watching out for stormwater ponds

As the weather warms and the remaining snow and ice melt, water will be abundant. Much of that, as well as rainwater, will go into stormwater retention ponds, which are located in many neighborhoods around Clay.

The ponds primary function is to improve the quality of the water and reduce the pollutants. Stormwater often carries contaminants like soil, pesticides, bacteria and household hazardous wastes. The shape of the pond allows for particles containing pollutants to settle and the plants surrounding the pond filter out nutrients that cause algae. Whether decontaminated or not, the stormwater will wind up as part of a lake, river, stream or wetland; which is why the health department needs residents’ help.

Russell Nemecek, water quality management program coordinator for the Onondaga County Health Department, urges citizens to be aware if there is one by their home and if so, to adhere to the tips and guidelines summarized here.

There are some things that can be done to keep the pond functioning properly:

• Only mow grass and other vegetation within 10 feet of the water’s edge twice a year, to a height of four to six inches. Proper mowing controls growth of woody vegetation and prevents erosion.

• Remove clippings near the pond after mowing to prevent nutrients from entering the pond when the grass decomposes.

• Do not throw clippings into the pond.

• Do not use excess fertilizer on your lawn that can wash into the pond, creating unsightly amounts of algae. Also, consider using zero or low-phosphorus fertilizer to protect water quality.

In many backyards there are also areas of low ground resembling ditches called swales. They are intended to safely move excess water to prevent backyard flooding and must be maintained by mowing the area often, picking up any excess debris and re-seeding any bare spots to prevent soil erosion.

“Gett ing th is informat ion out to citizens is the first and most important part,” explained Nemecek.

If you have any questions regarding proper pond or swale care, call the county health department at 435-6600.

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If you’ve just filed your 2008 taxes, you’re probably ready to put away the receipts and paperwork until later this year. However, if you start planning and preparing now, you could make a positive difference in your 2009 taxes. Here are some easy, tax-savvy suggestions to help you get ahead this year.

Did you contribute to your retirement plan in 2008?

You can make your 2008 IRA contribution after you have filed your 2008 income tax return, providing you make the contribution by April 15, 2009. Be sure you obtain a receipt if you mail your contribution or send it by traceable mail. Remember to write the tax year for which the contribution should be applied on your check. If you are self-employed, you also may make a contribution to your SEP IRA until the date that your business tax returns are due (typically, the final filing deadline is October 15, 2009) or until the deadline for any extension the business files.

Adjust your withholding exemptions

It’s a good idea to periodically review your exemptions and ensure you are on track. Ideally, you should claim the number of exemptions that will result in withholding as close to what you owe in taxes as possible. Consider completing a new W-4 form and submitting it to your employer if any of the following apply.

• Received a big refund last year • Owed over $1000 last year when you filed your taxes • Got married or divorced • Had a child or you can no longer claim a dependent that you claimed last year

Stay current with estimated taxes You may need to pay estimated taxes if you: are self-employed, expect substantial investment income, are selling property, don’t have enough taxes withheld from your paycheck to cover an influx of non-wage-related income (e.g., alimony or rental income), are making unexpected lump-sum withdrawals from your retirement account during the year or your IRA custodian does not withhold tax on your required

withdrawals.

Strengthen your system for keeping tax records and documents

Keep receipts, cancelled checks and other documents to back up all deductions in your tax files. Track and document your 2009 expenses for: car mileage and other costs associated with volunteering, moving related to starting work in a new location, adoption, education and charitable contributions.

Maximize your retirement contributions

For most people, the more you contribute to tax-deferred savings plans, the more you reduce your taxable income for that year. If you’re not yet participating in your employer-sponsored plan, find out how and when you can enroll. If you’re already a participant, ask about when and how you can boost your contributions.

Take advantage of lost deductions from other years

If you lost out on some deductions last year because your taxable income was not sufficient to absorb them all, you may be able to use them next year. Business and capital losses and charitable contributions are items that may be “carried over” to later years if they are not fully used for the year they occur.

Energy savings can mean tax savings

In 2009, you can receive tax credits for making qualifying energy-efficient improvements. You also may qualify for a tax credit if you purchase certain energy-efficient automobiles and trucks. (Contact ww.irs.gov or your tax preparer for more information on qualifying for these deductions.)

Frequently forgotten itemized deductions

C o m m o n l y o v e r l o o k e d deductions include: expenses related to tax planning, investment planning and tax returns; trust administration fees; legal fees for collecting taxable income or keeping a job; professional magazines, work-related education and licensing; points paid on the purchase of a residence; special

The onset of the negotiation process is usually the end of hours, days, even months of hard work for both the buyer and the seller. The work ahead requires skill in order to maintain a strong position.

Sellers lose their advantage if they do not counter an unacceptable offer. Buyers lose their advantage if the initial offer is insulting. In a perfect world the initial offer and counteroffers make both sides smile. However, this is seldom the case. The one thing we have to keep in mind is that each party wants to feel that they were treated fairly and neither party feels coerced.

If the buyer is interested enough to put an offer in writing, the seller should take it seriously. However, the seller is relying on information from their agent as to a fair price. Often times the asking price of a home has some wiggle room, but not as much as some buyers would like. If both parties are reasonable, it can always be worked out.

Donna Rausch is the Branch Manager of the Liverpool office of RealtyUSA. Donna is an Associate Broker, holds the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist designation as well as the Seniors Real Estate designation. Donna and her 37 experienced associates can be reached at 622-2111 x124 for additional information regarding any Real Estate Matter.

REAL ESTATE MATTERSby Donna Rausch

Offers & COunter-

Offers

Getting a head start on your 2009 taxes...really

By Doris Danchi

Please see 2009 Taxes, page 18

“A vibrant, compassionate, Christian presence.”

8278 Oswego Road, Rt. 57Liverpool, NY 13090

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE8:15a.m.; 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Phone: 315-622-2077Email: [email protected]

Web: kingofkings-ny.org

All are welcome!

King of Kings

PALM SUNDAY - Featuring Walter Wangerin’s “The Cry of the Congregation” (dramatic reading and liturgical dance ) at 8:15 & 10:45am services.MAUNDY THURSDAY - 7:30 service of Holy Com-munion includes children’s Handchime Choir playing “Go to Dark Gethsemane,” Adult vocal choir - “We Gather at the Table of the Lord,” recognition of 5th Grade Faith Stepping Stone as the Pastor washes the feet of each child, and then they help him strip the altar in preparation for Good Friday.GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE - (“Way of Sorrows”) - with Adult vocal choir singing Bach’s arrangement of “O Sacred Head Now Wouded” at 7:30pmEASTER SUNDAY - 8:15am service led by organ and Adult vocal choir singing two anthems; 10:45am features the Brass Ensemble with 5 preludes, including two trumpet duets (Handel & Corelli), Adult vocal choir singing two anthems, and Adult Handbell choir playing “Good Christian Friends Rejoice and Sing.” A full breakfast will be served from 9-10:15am. (free will donation). A special Easter service will be held at 6:00pm as well.

Please see Eco-friendly, page 19

Eco-friendly from A-ZA: Adopt Something An animal, a stream, a whale. There’s almost no limit to the number of environmental causes that need help.

B: Buy Products Made Of Recycled Paper Many have specific claims, such as “made of 100 percent recycled material.” However, some recycled packages don’t advertise this fact, although there are ways you can find out for yourself. For example, when shopping for cereal, cookies, crackers, and other groceries packaged in cardboard boxes, make sure boxes are made from recycled paper. If the underside is gray or dark brown, the cardboard is usually made of recycled material.

C: Change A Light Bulb By replacing a standard bulb with a compact fluorescent one you will get more light for less money and save a lot of energy.

D: Don’t Buy Aerosols There are environmentally better packages for most products. Aerosols can’t be recycled and some of their ingredients contribute to air pollution. Instead of aerosols, look for spray bottles, liquids, powders, and roll-ons.

E: Eat Organic Produce Organic produce contains far fewer chemicals than other produce. That’s probably better for your health, and it is definitely better for the

environment. All those chemicals get washed off of farmers’ fields into rivers and streams, where they pollute our water. In addition, many of the chemicals are made from petroleum and other nonrenewable resources.

F: Find Out How To Dispose of Hazardous Waste Nearly every household has some kind of hazardous waste: old paint cans, used motor oil and weed killers. If you dump these things down the drain, you’ll end up polluting the water supply. They should be disposed of in a site specially designed for hazardous or toxic wastes. Some cities and counties have monthly or annual pickups. Other areas have special drop-off sites. Call your city or county government to find out the proper way to dispose of such trash

G: Grow A Garden A garden provides flowers, vegetables, and environmental benefits. It can help to reduce soil erosion and may help to reduce some kinds of air pollution. Try to grow your garden using as few pesticides and chemical fertilizers as possible.

H: Hold On To Balloons Helium balloons--the kind that float up into the sky--are lots of fun, but if you let them fly away, they may harm fish and animals. Helium balloons eventually fall back to earth and can be blown by strong winds miles

upcoming eVents

The Count Basie Orchestra, led by Grover Mitchell, returns to Central New York for Liv-erpool High School’s 12th Jumpin’ Jazz Jam at 7:30 p.m. Thursday April 30 at the LHS Audi-torium, 4338 Wetzel Road, in Clay. The Count’s men will share the bill with two award-winning scholastic combos that night. Admission costs $10/general, $6/seniors and students; 453-1500, ext. 4427.

Chaos for teensA teen traveling theatre troupe trains for stage productions as well as festival and street theatre performances. Limited space. Meets Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Director permission for entry in troupe. If you are interested, contact Chrissy Clancy at 652-3800 x 137 or email [email protected].

Liverpool Library Events and ClassesPoetry Writing Observe National Poetry Month with Linda Loomis in a four- session workshop, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sargent Meeting Room, on April 6, 13, 20, 27. Registration is required and opens March 1. You can register online at lpl.org, in person or by phone at 457-0310.

Teen Library CouncilOn April 14, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Sargent Meeting Room. This program is for graded seven through 12. Tell us what you want for library programming, new books, and ways to improve the library. Council members must be available most second Tuesdays during the year. Applications are available at Teens LPL.org.

Easter egg huntThe Liverpool Masons will host an Easter egg hunt from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday April 11 in Johnson Park. For more information, call the temple at 451-7524.

Fiddler on the RoofApril 2 thru 4, at 7:30 p.m. and April 5 at 2 p.m. at Liverpool High School, 4338 Wetzel Road. Admission is $8 at the door.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Durgee Jr. HighThe student council is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on April 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. Tickets are $5 a person or $18 for four tickets and must be purchased in advance. All proceeds will be donated to Vera House and other organizations yet to be determined. The menu includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, dessert and a beverage. To order your tickets, please call the school’s library at 638-6082. Any leftover food to Meals on Wheels, and any uncooked pasta will be given to the Food Bank of CNY. Durgee Junior High School is located at 29 E. Oneida St. in the village of Baldwinsville.

NAMOW spring galaThe North Area Meals on Wheels will hold a Spring Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday May 1 at Bella Domani Hall in North Syracuse. The event features big band music, dinner and dancing. Admission is $30; all proceeds will benefit NAMOW. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, call Donna Barrett at 452-1402.

Walk for WishesThe fourth annual Tiffany Heitkamp Walk for Wishes will take place Saturday May 2 at Longbranch Park, Liverpool. The Walk for Wishes incorporates a non-competitive one-mile fun walk with refreshments and fun for the whole family. Registration starts at 8 a.m. The walk follows at 9 a.m. The walk will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York. Log on to makeawishcny.org to register or make a donation.


Have an event to list? Send it to [email protected].

Friends of the CanTeen present...

Benefit for the CanTeen

Sunday, April 261 - 5 p.m.

Cicero American Legion(Behind the Cicero-Clay post office)

Pre-sale tickets are available by contacting the CanTeen at 699-1391. If you are interested in donating an item, please contact Lori Lake-Toms at 699-0272 or [email protected].

The Onondaga Lake Skatepark will begin regular season operations at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 1. (The Skatepark will open earlier if dry, seasonal conditions allow.)

The 16,900 square foot concrete skatepark, featuring a Liberty Bowl, volcano, ledges, and funboxes, will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting. There will be three spring sessions per day. The hours of operation, and number of sessions will be extended as the season progresses. Each session is $3. For schedule details and skatepark updates check out the Onondaga County Parks web site at OnondagaCountyParks.com.

Skatepark passes can be purchased at the Griffin Visitor Center for monthly or seasonal use. Monthly passes are available for $29. Annual passes are available for $99. Passes make a great birthday or graduation gift.

Helmets and a signed waiver are required for all skatepark users. Children 5 to 10 years of age must wear full protective gear, including elbow, knee and wrist pads and be supervised by an adult. Skatepark users are reminded to bring their own safety gear.

For further information, call Onondaga Lake Park at 453-6712 or visit the web site.

Liverpool Public Library will be hosting a public information meeting on the proposed 2009-10 operating budget at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday April 1. Budget information will be available in the library beginning March 26 and the posted on the library’s website lpl.org.

Interim Library Director Jean Armour Polly and the Library Board of Trustees will answer questions and receive comments and

suggestions concerning the proposed budget. The meeting is open to the public and is an opportunity for voters of the Liverpool Central School District to learn about the budget and offer their input during the budget building process.

The budget vote will be held on May 19 when voters will also elect a library trustee and vote on the Liverpool Central School District budget.

LPL to hold April public hearing on budget

new federal tax credits that will help to offset the cost of college, buy a home, purchase energy-efficient appliances or buy a new car.

While some of the federal money can be used to close the state’s historic $14 billion deficit, we still have to make tough choices and real spending cuts to balance our budget. These days families are tightening their belts and it’s time for the state government to follow suit. Now more than ever we need to trim the fat and make New York government accountable to the taxpayers.


The Mission of Eagle Newspapers is Simple...

Connection!

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SPORTS: Girls’ soccer opens, blitz through field....

Volume 84, No. 36

Sept. 3 to 9,

2008

CNY VetsMeet edward

LeVeY, a worLd

war II Us arMY

aIr Corps MeMber

who Now haILs

froM baLdwINs-VILLe.

see page 5.

INFO

Home of the Sica Family

Families flock to ‘Harvest Festival’

FALL FUN: Where to go, what to do this autumn ... INSIDE

A supplement to Eagle Newspapers

Baldwinsville Messenger Camillus Advocate Canastota Bee-Journal Cazenovia Republican

Chittenango-Bridgeport Times City Eagle DeWitt Times Fayetteville Eagle BulletinHamilton and Morrisville Tribune Liver-

pool Review Marcellus Observer North Syracuse Star-News Skaneateles Press Solvay-Geddes Express Oneida Press

AutumnAdventures

Things

to doLooking for

seasonal fun?

Check out

the calendar

of events.

Where

to goArea fa

rms

promise to

get you in the

mood for fall.

A guide to fall fun in CNY

INSIDE:

Take a bite

out of fall...

Local apple farms offer

more than just a taste

of the season

Home sweet homePACB to move out of library

By Erin Smith

[email protected]

After 10 years of borrowed space, PAC-B TV finally has

a home of its own.

The Baldwinsville Public Access Channel recently

purchased a house on Mechanic Street right along the

outskirts of the Baldwinsville business district. While

the location is ideal, the home is in need of some restora-

tion, which needs to be completed before the station can

move in.“Right now the only peo-

ple working on it are the

board members,” said Wen-

dy Dryden, a member of the

PAC-B Board of Directors.

“There are only eight of us

and we have other commit-

ments in addition to PAC-B.

We’re really just looking for

some help.”

The station is currently

located in the basement of

the Baldwinsville Public

Library, where it has been

since its launch a decade

ago.“They’ve been very good to us, but they do want that

space back,” Dryden said about PAC-B’s space at the

library.

Board of Directors for

PAC-B inc.Andy Dryden, Chair

Jim Houghtaling, Vice Chair

Beverly Selby, treasurer

Wendy Dryden, Secretary

Lynn Campbell

Dave Arthur

John mcFall, Jr.

Sally Dayger

cnylink.com

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COMMUNITY: Salina approves senior housing project....Page 3

Volume 116, No. 36

Sept. 3 to 9, 2008

Home of Heather Weeks

Fair facesFor snapshots of

this year’s New York

State Fair, see pages

8 and 9.

EaglE hirEs

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FALL FUN: Where to go, what to do this autumn ... INSIDE





AutumnAdventures

Things

to doLooking for

seasonal fun?

Check out

the calendar

of events.

Where

to goArea fa

rms

promise to

get you in the

mood for fall.


INSIDE:

Take a bite

out of fall...



of the season

Back to

LCSD opens its

doors Sept. 4By Sarah Hall

[email protected]

It’s that time of year again:

new programs in its mission to

“be a leader in public education

by providing the best opportu-

nities for students to achieve

academic and personal excel-

lence.”

Universal Pre-K program

starts

the program. “We were able to

expand it into a full-year pro-

gram.”The Pre-K program will have

eight two-and-a-half-hour sec-

tions five days a week, four at

Liverpool Elementary and four

at Chestnut Hill Elementary,

and house 180 students from all

over the district. Students were

Rowleytapped for county jobMahoney wants Clay

supervisor for CFO

positionBy Sarah Hall

[email protected]

At a news conference last weekst

week, County Executive Joanie Ma-

honey announced that she was nam-

ing Clay Supervisor James Rowley

as her pick for the county’s chief

fiscal officer position.

The position is being vacated by

Joe Mareane, who has accepted a job

in Tompkins County.

Mahoney said she chose Rowley

for his combination of private sec-

tor experience - he has been CFO at

Polaris Systems in Liverpool since

2003, possesses an MBA from Syra-

cuse University and recently earned

his certificate of school business

administration - and time in pub-

lic office. Mahoney was especially

impressed with the way he handled

the police merger proposal earlier

this year.“I had known of Jim before, but

I never got to work with him until

school

cnylink.com

Star NewSCicero - North Syracuse 75 cents

Volume 85, No. 36

Sept. 3 to 9, 2008

Thank you for protecting us, Mark Atkinson!

COMMUNITY: Village’s new clock is in....Page 3FALL FUN: Where to go, what to do this autumn ... INSIDE





AutumnAdventures

Things

to doLooking for

seasonal fun?

Check out

the calendar

of events.

Where

to goArea fa

rms

promise to

get you in the

mood for fall.


INSIDE:

Take a bite

out of fall...



of the season

Fair facesFor snapshots of

this year’s New York

State Fair, see pages

8 and 9.

EaglE hirEs

nEw salEs

dirEctorEaglE nEwspapErs,

publishErs of morE

than 30 nEwspapErs

in thE syracusE and

albany markEts, has

hirEd matthEw grEEn

to bE its nEw cor-

poratE dirEctor of

.

Event coming to Clay this weekendBy Melissa Renahan

[email protected]

For Clay, being chosen to host the CNY “Parade of Homes” this year

can only be described as the icing on the cake. First came the positive

press surrounding the controversial police merger with the sheriff ’s

office, followed by the Money Magazine article that listed Clay as the

59th best small place to live in the U.S., and now this. Clay’s been given

the privilege of hosting an annual event that could bring as many as

22,000 people onto Caughdenoy Road and into the town, showing them

what residents already know – Clay is a great place to live.

Although it is the 17th largest town in New York, Clay is still being

ulation continues to grow each year. Ac-

Parade of HomesRowley tapped for county job

Mahoney wants Clay supervisor for CFO

positionBy Sarah Hall

[email protected]

At a news conference last week, County Executive Joanie Mahoney

announced that she was naming Clay Supervisor James Rowley as her

pick for the county’s chief fiscal officer position.

The position is being vacated by Joe Mareane, who has accepted a

job in Tompkins County.

Mahoney said she chose Rowley for his combination of private sec-

tor experience - he has been CFO at Polaris Systems in Liverpool since

2003, possesses an MBA from Syracuse University and recently earned

his certificate of school business administration - and time in public

office. Mahoney was especially impressed with the way he handled the

police merger proposal earlier this year.

“I had known of Jim before, but I never got to work with him until

January,” Mahoney said. “I got to see him in action, and I was very

impressed with the way he handled a very controversial situation. I’m

thrilled to have him join the county.”

Rowley said he was looking forward to the new position.

“I’m very glad to be taking this job,” he said. “I know I have some

very big shoes to fill, but I hope I can be seen as doing as good a job as

Joe did all of these years.”

Rowley still has to be confirmed by the county legislature. If con-

firmed, he will start Oct. 1. Mareane will stay on with the county

through that date as well.

“I made a commitment to the Clay town board, and I need to stay on

to help them through their budget process,” Rowley said.

Rowley also said he has discussed the matter with the other members

ry supportive.

Photo by Melissa Renahan

Homes like this one by Mark Antony Contracting, Inc. are on display at

the Parade of Homes, open off Caughdenoy Road from Sept. 5 to 21.

Home, sweet

Subscribe Today! For specials and added value information:

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to raise taxes in order to provide our children with the education necessary to compete in today’s economy. It’s crucial that we don’t place an even greater burden on property taxpayers when so many are already struggling to get by. These proposed cuts would only worsen their plight.

In addition to cuts in education funding, the executive budget included over 100 tax and fee increases on everyday necessities and services like clothing, movie tickets, gym memberships and electronic downloads. I fought against these ‘nuisance taxes’ from the very beginning and I’m happy that we have agreed to remove many of them from the budget. This past year we’ve already had to endure record-high gas prices, higher Thruway tolls and increased tuition costs – enough is enough. Nickel-and-diming the middle class wouldn’t have brought us any closer to solving the state’s problems. Now is the time to cut taxes for working families and the middle-class, not raise them.

The burden of the financial crisis needs to be shared equitably among all New Yorkers. Currently, families that earn $40,000 a year pay the same tax rate as an individual who earns $1

million annually - that’s $40,000 every two weeks. We need a more progressive approach to taxation that is fair and allows us to keep our commitment to lowering taxes for the middle-class and offset any drastic cuts to education, health care and other important programs families depend on.

I’m hopeful that the federal stimulus will be the catalyst we need to jumpstart our economy. Central New York will receive a share of the state’s $2.3 billion for infrastructure projects to help repair roads and bridges. Two Central New York projects already slated to receive stimulus money are the replacement of the run-down Barte l l Road Bridge in Brewerton and the resurfacing of I-690 in Syracuse. The Bartell Road Bridge serves as a link to the hamlet of Brewerton and the bridge’s replacement will no doubt help in the revitalization of the Brewerton area. These projects will put people to work while infusing money into the local economy.

The federal stimulus plan also includes several tax cuts and credits that will put more money in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. According to department estimates, a typical family will be able to see the effects immediately, taking home about $65 more per month. Seniors and disabled veterans in Central New York will also receive a $250 check in the coming months. I encourage Central New Yorkers to take advantage of several

Assemblyman Al Stirpe hosted a town hall at Driver’s Village in North Syracuse to discuss the state budget with area residents. More than 50 people attended the February 12 meeting. “These types of meetings, where I can hear directly from residents, really help me to better represent the views and concerns of Central New York families in Albany,” Assemblyman Stirpe said.

State budgetfrom page 1


It’s so nice to see the sun. Sometimes spring brings the feeling that we’re waking up and stretching after a long hibernation. It’s harder to get out in the winter, so we tend to really cherish the time when we get to watch the seasons change and the new nice weather arrive. Complacency can set in later in the summer and we take the sun for granted, but for right now there is evidence of just about everyone enjoying the change.

A drive through any neighborhood will give you a peek: people are gardening, raking, washing cars and watching dogs run and play. We all feel it, but celebrating it can be very different for families of different ages. Here are some suggestions for how to make the most of the season with your family.

Young Children:• Capitalize on the hunting

aspect of Easter and let them help gather sticks, leaves and acorns or pinecones to clean up the yard.

• Plan a trip to Beaver Lake to watch the geese land. Their water-skiing can be amazing for your children and it happens only a few feet away. Other birds and squirrels can be viewed from the observatory as well, and the walk is sure to make for a good bedtime!

• Share them. Plan a trip to an older neighbor’s house or a local retirement home just to meet and greet some older citizens. It’s good for everyone…just make sure there are no lingering runny noses from cold season.

Older Children/ Young Adults:• This group doesn’t want to

miss out on the hunt! Arrange a scavenger hunt featuring candy bars, peanuts, snack sized chips and beef jerky. Add some big prizes for an element of competition and watch them run.

• Go to the zoo. No, this is not in the wrong age category. We tend to stop doing this when kids reach a certain age, but everything is new again after a year or so. It’s a small

way to recapture childhood, if only for an afternoon. Don’t forget the picnic lunch!

• Plan a garage sale. Kids this age love to have money of their own (and we love to have the space they will free up by getting rid of old toys and clothes), and it will be a day outside. They also learn to talk to other adults, make change, and be polite.

Adults:• The outlet mall! Too many people

forget that it is less than an hour away, just waiting to be discovered in Waterloo. It is outdoors mostly, so you will enjoy a nice long walk as you collect bargains.

• Take a short walk after dinner. With the longer daylight hours, there is time to come home, have a nice dinner and then digest as you walk. The key is to do is several times a week. After a week or two, you’ll find yourself missing that walk if you don’t get it in, lengthening it… and maybe even liking what you see in the mirror a little better.

• Garden. It’s easy with work, chores and basic housekeeping to forget the simple joy in gardening. Plant perennials this year so that you can look forward to when they come back next year. You’ll be glad to see your familiar plants year after year, and will have a full and colorful garden by building it slowly while saving money. You can also swap perennials with friends to add to your collection for free!

Spring time, in many ways, is just about getting back to the basics and remembering all the simple things that we missed over the winter. Chirping birds, a fly in your car and even a brisk (but not subzero), sunny morning are cherished now and then overlooked in a month or two. Holding on to the wonder of these first few weeks of good weather is great - and making the most of them is even better. Enjoy the spring…and next time you hear a flock of geese, stop and look up. You’ll feel better.

- Christina Lackey lives in Clay with her husband and three children.

By Christina Lackey

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equipment installed in a home to provide a medical benefit; long-term care insurance premiums. (Contact ww.irs.gov or your tax preparer for more information on qualifying for these deductions.) A financial advisor can help with tax strategies as one important part of your overall financial plan.

This information is provided for informa-tional purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any par-ticular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation. Consult with qualified tax and legal advisors concerning your own situation.

- Doris Danchi is a Clay resident and financial advisor

at Schultz, Danchi & Associates.

2009 Taxesfrom page 15

Do you have financial questions? Ask the Insider’s financial writers and get answers! Just send your

inquiries to [email protected] by April 24 and we’ll use them in an upcoming article.

Walking the dogs without layers upon layers is enough to make you smile.


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away into the ocean. Some sea animals mistake the balloons for jellyfish. When an animal tries to eat a balloon, it can kill the animal. So if you have a helium balloon, hold on tight.

I: Insulate Your Home You may find a lot of energy being wasted right in your own home. After you’ve finished your energy audit, make a list of the things you believe should be done and get started!

J: Join An Environmental Group Ther are hundreds of good organizations around the country. Most of them have annual membership fees of $25 or less. Try to find one that focuses on something your are particularly interested in. Go to a meeting, event, or other activity.

K: Keep The Car At Home Automobiles are one of the single biggest sources of pollution. Most driving trips are under five miles, and you’d be surprised how many are under one mile. Try walking, biking or taking the bus.

L: Look At Labels Reading labels can tell you a lot of things. First, you can find out about a product’s ingredients and whether it contains anything that might be hazardous to your health or the the environment.

M: Make Scratch Pads Here’s a good way to recycle paper. When you use a piece of paper on only one

side, don’t throw it away. Instead, put it in a pile with all of the blank sides surfacing up. When you get a big pile, you can turn the paper into scratch pads. Then, staple small batches of paper together into “pads.”

N: Notify The Authorities Is there a company in your community doing things that are bad for the environment? Don’t think twice about reporting them to the local, state, or federal government. You will be doing yourself and your community a big favor.

O: Observe The Three Rs Refuse, Reuse, and Recycle. Whatever you buy, wherever you live, the Three Rs are the most important rules to live by, at least as far as the environment is concerned. The next time you go shopping think about the Three Rs every time you pull a potential purchase off the shelf.

P: Plant A Tree There are organizations in most communities that have set up tree-planting campaigns. But you don’t even need one of these. Visit a local nursery to find out what kinds of trees will grow best in your area. The nursery people might also help you find a good place to plant a tree.

Q: Quit Throwing Away Batteries Americans go through more than two billion batteries a year to power such things as radios, calculators, watches, flashlights, and computers. Unfortunately, batteries contain many hazardous materials, which leak into landfills when batteries are thrown away. Many of these dangerous chemicals get

into our water supply. Try to either use batteries that can be recharged over and over or find a company in your area that recycles batteries.

R: Reuse A Bag Some people believe that bags made of trees--paper bags--are less harmful to the earth than bags made of chemicals--plastic bags. The fact is, making both types of bags creates a lot of pollution, and both paper and plastic bags use a lot of resources. So neither is much better than the other. The best solution is not to use any bag at all, or to bring your own bag. Some people carry a canvas or mesh bag they can use over and over.

S: Stop A Leak Organize a Stop-the-Leak Day on which everyone in your family tightens, insulates, replaces, caulks, and does whatever else is necessary to make your home as “tight” as possible. Your local water, gas, or electric utility company may be able to provide help, or even instructions and supplies.

T: Turn Off The Lights This is such a simple thing to do, but sometimes it’s so hard to remember! Consider starting a Lights-Off Fund, to which each person must donate a nickel or dime every time he or she forgets to turn off the lights in your house.

U: Use Recycled Paper There’s just no reason why you shouldn’t buy recycled paper whenever it is available. In most cases, it is just as good as “virgin” paper. You can buy toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, writing paper and many other things made of recycled paper.

Eco-friendlyfrom page 15

V: Visit A Recycling Center Learning more always helps. Ask the people who run the recycling center what happens to all this stuff after it leaves the center.

W: Write a Letter You’d be surprised how much just one letter can do. Most companies don’t get many letters from customers, so when they do get letters, they read them very carefully. According to some experts, if a company receives just twenty letters on the same subject within a few weeks, they consider the subject high priority.

X: eXercise Your Rights You have the right to clean air and water, a safe environment, and the unspoiled beauties this world has to offer. You should speak firmly and loudly against those people and companies who threaten to take those rights away from you by polluting or by making decisions that encourage polluting or other wasteful behavior.

Y: Yell At A Litterer Well, maybe you don’t have to yell, but if you do see someone littering, you definitely should say something. Be polite, but state your case. Explain that littering not only costs us money (because we have to pay people to pick up the litter and dispose of it), it is also bad for the environment.

Z: Zero In On Specifics While a wide range of environmental problems and solutions exist, you can be most effective by choosing one or two specific problems to focus on. Don’t try to do everything at once.

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Fast cars and good timesClay Insider, 20 April 2009

What could be more fun than racing cars with your buddies? What about if you built that car (though it is handheld size) yourself?

This past month Cub Scout Pack 620 of the Oneida District held its annual Pinewood Derby. The 35-member pack had an evening of fun to mark the completion of hard work and healthy competition. The boys spent the last two months working with their respec-tive families to create a racecar from a block of wood. Each boy’s car is then entered to run in the derby, which took place this year at Soule Road Middle School.

The project helps the boys learn about design and tools, as well as providing them with a tangible sense of accom-plishment. During the competition the boys are encouraged to cheer for each

other and the focus is on good sports-manship.

“The Pinewood Derby is one of the many activities our boys participate dur-ing the year. It is a great family time be-cause parents, grandparents and siblings can all come to cheer on and support their scout,” said Brian Noll, Cubmaster for Pack 620.

The pack meetings are held the third Monday of every month at the Soule Road Complex in the cafeteria. The boys range in age from kindergarten to fifth grade and enrollment is continu-ous.

“I would take any at any time in my group so that the boys get the proper structure and not get in trouble social-ly,” said Den leader Jim Polakiewicz.

“Good things happen to good people with good values and goals,” he added.

Ben Perrine, Bobby Baker and Zach Dwyer of Pack 620 discuss the highlights of a good and fair race.

Pinewood Derby allows Scouts to build their own racing machines By Melissa Renahan

april 2009 clay insider

Documents

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