EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006/1
Home of Tristan Wiley Eye On
Observer Marcellus
Volume 176
No. 20
May 17 to 23,
2006 Local News
cnylink.com
75 CENTS
SPORTS:
POR
Children of
invention
Heffernan students named
national winners of
invention competition
BY DAVID TADDEO
Softball
Is there something in the water foun-
Mustangs tain? For the fifth time in the last six years
cool off Lakers in which the Marcellus Central Schools
participated in the Invent America! com-
Showing great petition, one or more student inventors
hitting prowess down from the K.C. Heffernan Elementary
the stretch, the School has been honored as a winner in
Marcellus softball team this national invention competition.
came from behind and Tristan
knocked off its biggest Wiley, who
rival, the Skaneateles was a kinder-
Lakers, in a 7-4
decision last Thursday
at Marcellus Park.
Looking sharp garten stu-
dent last year,
entered the
At one point, Cub Scouts in Marcellus Den One Pack 166 2005 Marcellus
Skaneateles enjoyed a Invention
2-1 lead, but the
recently learned how to tie ties for a Cub
Scout Wolf elective. Above, from left, are Convention
Mustangs erased that with his in-
by scoring three times the nattily dressed Scott Mathieson, Patrick vention,
in the fifth inning, then Crosley and AJ Tone. At right are Casey “Light Up Ski
adding three more P o l e s . ”
runs in the bottom of
Ezzo, Scott Mathieson, Lou Moran, Patrick
Cosley, AJ Tone, Ringo (the Den Dog) and Tristan be-
the sixth. All told, the came the kin- Tristan Wiley with the
Mustangs had 14 hits. Drew Moran displaying their work. dergarten “Light Up Ski Poles.”
Kelly Harris paced grade level
the Marcellus rally Winner and a
Superintendent to deliver
with a double and “Top 10 Win-
season-high four RBIs. ner” in the K-3
Lauren Fletcher and division of the
Catherine Scott also competition.
Memorial Day address
drove in runs. For As a result,
Skaneateles, Emma Tristan’s in-
Carro and Alexis vention was
Jones each had one submitted to
RBI.
See page 29 for
BY JAMES P. REAGAN ing briefly for flag raising in the old village cem-
the Invent
America!
more on this story etery, then proceeding on to Reed Street and First
competition
and for a complete Members of Ralph Share Post 297 of the Ameri- Street, and ending at veterans monument in the
by Sonya
sports wrap up. can Legion are making plans for the observance of center of the village. Jamie McLennan invented
Rocco, the in-
Memorial Day in Marcellus on Monday, May 29. A service honoring the deceased veterans of all “The Pillow Waker
vention con-
Dr. Craig J Tice, current Marcellus assistant su- wars will be conducted at the monument. The pub- Upper.”
vention coor-
perintendent for curriculum and instruction who lic is urged to come out and join in paying tribute
dinator and enrichment teacher for the dis-
CALENDAR .......... 2 will succeed retiring Dr. Timothy Barstow effec- to those who gave their lives in the service of coun-
trict. Tristan was recently named the kin-
CLASSIFIEDS ...... B1 tive July 15 as Marcellus superintendent will be try.
dergarten, second place winner in the 2005
the principal speaker at the Marcellus Memorial All service veterans are invited to participate in
EDITORIAL ........... 4 Invent America! Student Invention Com-
Day Ceremony. the Memorial Day observance. Transportation will
petition and will receive a $500 United
OBITUARIES ....... 14 A parade will form at 9:45 a.m. on Reed Parkway be provided for those who are unable to march in
States Savings Bond and an Invent
SCHOOL NEWS ..... 6 near the Driver Middle School. The parade will the parade.
America! award certificate.
begin promptly at 10 a.m. and follow the usual In the event of inclement weather, arrangements
SPORTS ............. 22 Tristan said in his Invent America! en-
route on North Street to Maple Street, to Orange have been made to hold the ceremony in the C.S.
try form that his “Light Up Ski Poles”
Street, to Main Street, to North Street again, paus- Driver Middle School auditorium.
served three purposes.
“When you ski, you can see in the dark,
Girls track out runs Solvay
plus it would make the mountain look
pretty,” he said. “It would help other people
to see you, too.”
After getting the idea for his invention,
200-meter title in 24.9 seconds. Tristan, with the help of his family, re-
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
Curt Bell was also a double winner, backing up searched using the Internet, and checked
his title in the mile (4:36.3) by roaring through 800 ski shops, to make sure that his invention
Competing twice in a span of three days, the meters in 2:07.4 to get first place there, too. Chris idea had not been invented by anyone else.
Marcellus track and field teams got just one vic- Stogsdill backed that up by taking the 3,200 in When he was satisfied that his idea was an
tory apiece. 10:26.7. original one, he went ahead with his inven-
The Mustangs had plenty of Bryan Kozlowski needed 19.7 seconds to prevail tion project by making a working model,
Eye On good efforts in last Monday’s in the 110 high hurdles, while Matt Weeks had a top and a wonderful display.
meet at Cazenovia, yet still lost triple jump of 37 feet 10 inches. Jamie McLennan was the first grade
on both sides - the boys by a nar- In the 4x800 relay, Bell and Stogsdill joined Hank winner and a “Top 10 Winner” in the 2005
row 73-68 margin, the girls by a Church and Joe Boskovski as they won that event Marcellus Invention Convention. Jamie
score of 84-57. in 9:00.2. was recently named first grade, honorable
Local Sports In the boys’ meet, Andy Wiley Over in the girls’ meet, Becky Zurek won both mention winner in the 2005 Invent
again swept the sprints, as he America! Competition and will be receiv-
took the 100-meter dash in 11.4 seconds and added a Please see ‘Girls track,’ page 8 ing a $100 U. S. Savings Bond and an Invent
09859 00012 Please see ‘Inventors,’ page 3
6 6
MORE SPORTS ON PAGE 22
2/ EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006
ObserverMarcellus
5910 Firestone Drive
Syracuse, NY 13206
DATEBOOK
Editor:
Ellen Leahy
685-8338
eleahy@cnylink.com
Sports:
Phil Blackwell
434-8889, ext. 348
pblackwell@cnylink.com
Display Advertising:
Xxxxx Xxxxx
434-8889, ext. XX
XXX@cnylink.com
(deadline: 5 p.m. Friday)
Classified Advertising:
Julie Galvin
434-1988
jgalvin@cnylink.com
(deadline: 5 p.m. Thursday)
EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006/3
COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF Marcellus veterans’ graves to be marked
Marcellus schools Members of Ralph Share Post is impossible to identify individual These activities will culminate the veterans’ care.
Number 297 of the American Le- graves of veterans buried there. with solemn services at the end of Poppy Day in Marcellus this
extend holiday gion will be placing small Ameri- Legionnaires or anyone else the month on Memorial Day. year is Thursday May 18. On that
The Marcellus Central can flags on the graves of veterans willing to help with the “flagging” One of the annual activities day members of Ralph Shane Post
School District calendar buried in the Marcellus cemeter- of the graves may meet at the Le- which has been going on since Number 297 of the American Le-
includes Monday, May 29 as a ies. gion rooms at 6 p.m. on that shortly after the end of World War gion will be on the streets near the
school holiday. Due to the fact The “flag- Thursday evening or proceed di- I is the sale of poppies. These center of the village from 6 a.m. un-
that there is still one unused ging” will be rectly to one of the cemeteries. small, bright red paper flowers are til around 10 a.m. This early hour
emergency closing day, the done on the Eye On In the event of inclement handmade by disabled veterans in makes it possible to make contact
Memorial Day weekend will be evening of weather, the “flagging” will be hospitals. They are distributed to with maximum number of people
extended by one additional Thursday May done on Friday May 26. American Legion posts and other as they are on their way to work.
day. Therefore, Marcellus 25 in the St. veteran’s organizations for sale The Legionnaires look for a small
Central School District will be Francis Cem- Poppy Day is May 19 within their own communities. donation in exchange for the
closed Friday, May 26 if no etery on both Local News May begins the activities of This program serves two pur- poppy. The poppy itself serves as a
additional emergency days are sides of New veteran’s organizations to com- poses: first, the making of the pop- reminder of the sacrifices of our
used prior to this date. Seneca Turnpike and in Highland memorate our participation in pies is occupational therapy for service veterans in time of war.
Cemetery further up the hill. A the battles for freedom and to the disabled veterans, and second, In the event of inclement
larger flag flies in the old village honor those who gave their lives the sale of the poppies provides weather, the poppy sale will be
cemetery on North Street, where it in the service of their country. funds to partially offset the cost of conducted on Friday May 19.
Digital audio books
now available Invention
Marcellus Free Library
patrons can now browse or
search for popular titles in
OverDrive Audio Book format
Good in the kitchen From page 1
America! award certificate.
from the comfort of home. Jamie McLennan invented
Select your favorite titles, “The Pillow Waker Upper.”
download and enjoy them on McClennan told Mrs. Rocco that
your own personal computers her invention solves both her
or MP3 players, or burn them mother’s and her own problem.
onto a CD and take them with “It wakes you up in the morn-
you! Just visit the Marcellus ing without waking everyone in
Free Library Website, click on your house,” she said on her entry
the link www.onlib.org, form. “The sound goes through
‘Catalog,’ and ‘Search the your pillow into your ears...The
Digital Catalog.’Follow the pillow has a built-in speaker...You
prompts for an exciting new can fall asleep to the music on
way to checkout books. sleep mode, or you can use it as an
Marcellus Free Library will alarm clock.”
be closed Saturday, May 27 After extensive research to
through Monday, May 29 for make sure her idea was new,
the Memorial Day holiday Jamie, with some help from her
dad, built a working model and
designed a great display.
Invent America! judges look for
unique ideas that are useful and
Kolb applauds gas cap solve a problem.
Assemblyman Brian Kolb Both students’ inventions
applauded the agreement to did just that. They also did an
cap the state sales tax on outstanding job of presenting
gasoline at $2 per gallon to their ideas and keeping de-
give motorists some relief at tailed logs with the help of
the pumps. Kolb maintained their parents, who transcribed
the state has been reaping a their words.
windfall over the past year The next Marcellus Invention
because, as gas prices rise, so Convention will be held in 2007.
does state sales tax revenue,
which is tied to the cost of
gasoline. Invent America! uses the
Since mid-April, Kolb and following criteria to judge
his Assembly Republican inventions that are submitted:
colleagues have tried to bring ✓ Originality/Usefulness: 50
gas tax reform to fruition. The DEB FOSTER.
points (Is the idea truly
Bill Stuart of Marcellus, left, and Joshua Pulver of Red Creek, right, volunteer as “chefs for a day,”
efforts include a losing vote on unique? Does it solve a real
April 11 of a GOP-sponsored
representing BPA-Harbridge, for Men Who Cook XVIII, an annual fundraiser for the Mental Health
Association of Onondaga County. BPA-Harbridge was a major sponsor of the event, and sent four problem or satisfy a real need?
amendment that would have Is it practical and marketable?)
capped the state sales tax on teams (eight amateur chefs) to participate.
✓ Written Description: 20
fuels at $2 per gallon. Minority points
members have since held press
conferences across the state Locals help make Men Who Cook event a success ✓ Research Performed: 20
points
demanding relief. They also ✓ Illustration: 10 points
started a statewide petition BY SARAH HALL
drive to build grass-roots crowded, there was enough food, and everyone was
support from the public. Now just really having a great time. We really felt proud
that a tax cap is close, Kolb The 18th annual Men Who Cook event at- to hear that.”
stated his conference will push tracted a huge crowd April 28 at LeMoyne Manor In addition, LeMoyne Manor shares a similar Books wanted for
for establishment of an in Liverpool, raising nearly $30,000 for the Men- mission with the MHA. The Manor also serves as
Alternative Fuel Incentive tal Health Association of Onondaga County, ac- a rehabilitation center for addiction recovery. library’s annual
Fund, a long-range plan cording to Executive Director Steven Butler. “People with addiction issues are often dually di- book sale
targeted at reducing the state “We expect to add $20,000 for use in our vari- agnosed,” Butler said. “Many, many, many people
and nation’s dependency on ous programs,” he said. with addiction issues have mental health issues.” The Friends of the
foreign oil. Butler and the volunteers involved with the This year’s Men Who Cook featured many more Marcellus Free
The fund would be financed event were thrilled with the turnout, as well as chefs than last year as well. Last year, the event Library are now
with state sales tax revenue on the huge number of volunteer chefs and the orga- was staffed by 40 two-person chef teams. This year
nization of the event. “This event was bigger and there were 60. “We had 120 chefs this year,” Butler accepting good qual-
the second dollar of each gallon
of gasoline. It would provide better than it’s been since at least 2001,” Butler said. “We were able to keep all the tables filled with ity, new or used
tax credits, grants, invest- said. “It’s the best event we’ve had in five years.” food.” household items for
It wasn’t just the money raised, which was Nor were the chefs, who donated the food as well
ments and other incentives to their upcoming
encourage ownership of hybrid greater than in the past. The event’s success can as their Friday evening, the only volunteers who
also be attributed to the venue. “LeMoyne Manor assisted at the occasion. Numerous others served fundraiser. The
and flex-fuel vehicles, and
construction of alternative is one of the few places that can hold as many as people and made sure things ran smoothly. drop-off day is Sat-
fueling stations and refineries. 60 tables,” Butler said. “People kept coming up to “That’s probably the one thing I’d do differently urday from 10 a.m.
me and telling me that this was the best event
to 2 p.m.
ever. The music wasn’t too loud, no one felt Please see ‘Men Who Cook,’ page 8
4/ EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006
OPINION
EDITORIAL Quotable:
Building fences “ W HEN Y O U SKI, Y O U CAN SEE IN THE D ARK, PLU S
IT WOULD M AKE THE MOUNTAIN LO OK PRETT Y ,”
MOUNTAIN OK PRETT
PLU
Fences do a number of things. They keep out things; – YOUNG MARCELLUS INVENTOR TRISTAN WILEY, ON HIS
they keep in things. They frequently monitor property AWARD-WINNING “LIGHT UP SKI POLES.”
lines and can be sat upon. They decide what is or what
is not a home run. And usually, they denote separa-
tion.
MARCELLUS MEMORIES
When it comes to keeping the dogs and horses in,
fences become quite necessary. And in these times of
Ramsden threw no-hitter, 40 years ago
opulent energy use, sometimes they are electric. Not a 50 years ago 1956 nounce the engagement of their
big shocker, just one to get the message across. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Bartlett daughter, Wilma Gene to Luke
As far as illegal immigration, fences are built to observed their 50th Wedding Mary Jane Murray Snell, son of Mr. and
keep the unwanted out. Such fences are mean by Anniversary with an Open
House at the Marcellus Method-
Domurat Mrs. Murray Snell of Marcellus.
The wedding is to take place in
nature. Suddenly, a free country that was built on ist Church on May 23rd. On May August.
visitation rights wants to be sealed up. How can there 23rd, 1906, a dashing young fellow Years ago
be lines of separation in such a free world? of 24 who was working for and 30 years ago 1976
Separation starts with neighbors not liking what boarding with James Miss Carolyn B. Taylor and
they’re doing next door. You don’t want to see his mess Woodbridge on Main Street took Paul R. Scott were married in the
the fatal plunge and married two or three ball games in a row, First Presbyterian Church of
so you build a fence to block his mess out. Why should
Fannie Engler, 19, daughter of or maybe it was just that the Marcellus. The Rev. Keith
you help him out with his mess? Why should anybody William and Martha Engler of brother act had to come into its Shinaman performed the cer-
help anybody out? Oswego Bitter. The knot was tied own. Maybe it was just Rick emony. Mr. and Mrs. George
Because you’re neighbors. Neighbors help each at the Engler home at Oswego Ramsden’s day. Whatever the Taylor of Marcellus and Mr. and
other out. Neighbors borrow and lend. Neighbors live Bitter. Flossie Engler and George reason, he pitched unbeaten Mrs. Peter Scott of Amherst are
together in the same village, town and hemisphere. Bartlett attended the couple. Marcellus Central’s first no- the couple’s parents. Mrs.
Neighbors share the water and air and time together. Through many years of thick hitter of the year overwhelming Marilyn Dillon was Matron of
and thin, the Bartlett’s lived in Jordan-Elbridge 9-0 on the Honor. Miss Mary Anne Taylor
Neighbors can actually get along, maybe even play Marcellus. Their children are J. Mustang diamond. Ramsden was the Maid of Honor. Miss
games together. Stanley, William J., Helen M. struck out 11 batters and had five Christine Pollock was the
Get off the fence and be big about it. Hit a home run. (Sherman) and Eleanor J. get on base, two walks, two bridesmaid. Dale Kutzback was
(Buffan). For 39 years Ed operated errors and catcher interference the Best Man. Ushers were Jay
a garage and automobile agency. and nearly watched his no-hitter Berge and Thomas Hibchweiler.
Among his other accomplish- go up in a smoking liner through Mr. Bond Shaw, chairman of
ments, Ed was Mayor of second base in the fourth, but his the art department at Marcellus
Marcellus from 1952 to 1954. second baseman, brother, Ron High School had an outstanding
Although Mr. Bartlett is now was there with a nice back- collection of relief paintings and
retired he has kept busy with handed stab to haul it in and the wood sculpture at the May
IN HISTORY various odd jobs. Fannie is active
in the WSCS and Sunday School
day was saved. The Mustangs Memorial Unitarian Church in
opened the scoring in the hitless Syracuse. Mr. Shaw, who has a
May 18, 1980 - Mount St. Helens, in Washington state, erupted after being at the Marcellus Methodist first inning with Gary Lobello bachelors degree in fine arts
dormant for 123 years. Church of which she and her coming home on Itch Kishman’s awarded by Syracuse University,
May 19, 1962 - Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday” to president John F.
husband are members. She keeps long fly to center. Seven more also studied in San Miguel,
Kennedy.
occupied otherwise keeping the runs came in the sixth, on four Mexico. He prefers not to explain
May 22, 1992 - Johnny Carson hosted the last episode of his Tonight Show.
home spic and span. walks, doubles by Steve Smith his work, but prefers rather to
May 23, 1911 - The New York Public Library, at the time the largest marble
structure ever built in the United States, was dedicated by President Taft in New Mr. and Mrs. George Reddick and Marshall Fike, a single by permit the viewer to interpret
York City after 16 years of construction. entertained at a party in honor of Kishman, an error and two freely in accordance with his or
May 24, 1844 - Samuel Morse transmitted the first telegraph message, in which their son George’s 7th birthday. sacrifices. her own feelings.
he asked, “What hath God wrought?” Guests included Bill Groeling, Miss Dale Douglas, daughter Mr. and Mrs. Hubert B. Hall of
Ricky Olley, John Stroke, Billy of William Douglas of Kasson Marcellus announced the engage-
Lang, Ken King, Michael Road was inducted into Sigma ment of their daughter Karen to
Olenych and Randy Warren. Lambda Delta, freshman Robert Presher, Jr., son of Mr.
women’s honorary society at and Mrs. Robert Presher of
40 years ago 1966 Syracuse University.The Rev. Marcellus. No date was set for the
Maybe it was caused by and Mrs. William G. Williams, wedding.
impatience at being rained out of Peterborough, Ontario, an-
Observer Marcellus
2 Fennell St.,
FROM THE MAIL BAG
The proposed Marcellus
Skaneateles, New York 13152
The town hall building was chosen by such a
Established 1879
group to be in the village so that the people would
USPS 328-920
Town Hall have easy access to conduct their business. At
Phone: 315-685-8338 ● Fax: 315-685-8338 To the editor: some point we heard the town hall facade would be
www.cnylink.com The articles regarding the controversy about incorporated into the new town hall - certainly an
the proposed new Marcellus Town Hall did not architect could have drawn plans to include that
Ellen Leahy, Editor state anywhere that anyone but the town board important part of the streetscape. Having the
Dan Govern, Advertising Representative members were involved in the planning of this building set back 100 feet does not make for easy
major project! Perhaps if they had invited town pedestrian access and is out of character with the
The Marcellus Observer is a unit of Eagle Newspapers leaders– ie: members of the numerous organiza- other buildings in the village.
Richard K. Keene, President and CEO, Ext. 302
tions such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, We hope the town board will be willing to listen
John McIntyre, Vice President and COO
Lions, Optimist, Library Board members and to their constituents.
David Grieves, Operations Manager, Ext. 311 ANNE AND BOB DINGMAN
David Tyler, Executive Editor, Ext. 340 volunteers, the Historical Society and other
Daniel Lovell, Managing Editor, Ext. 330 interested persons there would have been a MARIETTA
Tami Grashof, Corporate Advertising Director, Ext. 320 consensus of what was needed.
Geoff Stickel, Marketing/Circulation Director, Ext. 312
Sharon Doldo, Business Manager, Ext. 305
Julie Galvin, Classified Advertising Director, Ext. 324 LETTERS POLICY FROM THE MUSE
Office of Publication: 5910 Firestone Dr., Syracuse, New York 13206
The Marcellus Observer welcomes letters to the editor on
Periodical Postage paid at Syracuse, New York 13220 and additional mailing offices. “Retirement Schedule”
The Marcellus Observer serves the residents of the towns
subjects of interest to our readers. All letters must be
of Marcellus and Otisco signed and should bear a daytime telephone number. The Morning:
The Marcellus Observer is published weekly by Eagle Media Partners, L.P., 5910 telephone number will not be printed or released, and is for Prep time, duty free.
Firestone Dr., Syracuse, N.Y. 13206. Mail subscription rates: $25 per year in verification purposes only.
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outside New York state. Newsstands, 75 cents per issue. cation or to avoid obscenity, but ideas will not be altered.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Letters should be legible and no more than 500 words long. Afternoon:
The Marcellus Observer, 5910 Firestone Dr., Syracuse, N.Y. 13206 Letters used do not necessarily reflect the newspaper's Same as morning
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Eagle Newspapers is owned by Eagle Media Partners, L.P. and Eagle Media Inc., G.P., Edward S. Send letters to: Observer , 5910 Firestone Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. Then a nap
Green, chairman; David H. Northrup Jr., vice chairman; David Barclay, secretary/treasurer;
Richard Keene, president; and John McIntyre, vice president. 13206.
HERMON R. CARD
EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006/5
OPINION
Hair today GUEST COLUMN
“I love your hair!”
“The color is beautiful.”
Well, I have news for them. My hair is silver. While
my friends and associates have assured me that I look Preservation Community
The color of my new hair is the topic of some fine, I had the opportunity to see the new me in
conversation both here and at work. The underlying
question, whether I will color it again, is unspoken. I
several photos demonstrating the vast distance
between their assessment and my reality. My sweater
offers stand on town hall
keep looking in the mirror and wondering who that was violet, my jeans, black, and my face? My natu- BY MARY MORAN
pale faced woman is? rally pale skin seemed to blend seamlessly with my
Thirty some years ago, my hair to give the impression of a Many of you have become aware of a petition circling the
sister and I sat under the mango ghostly, ghastly appearance that community in an effort to save the town hall from demoli-
tree in our mother’s back yard in would be wonderful on my front tion. When we heard of the town’s plans to demolish the 100-
St. Petersberg and, under the Ann porch for Halloween. When your year-old town hall and replace it with a 22,000-square-foot
influence of too much sun and a rimless eyeglasses have more color institutional building we had to do something and we started
few gin and tonics, we colored Ferro than your lips, it’s time to re- the petition.
each other’s hair. My sister’s Ramblings evaluate the “You look great”? The village of Marcellus, fortunately, has retained much of
turned out a bit on the burnt statements. its quaint, small town feel; however, many of its once lovely
orange side and mine was inde- from the The medical community weighed structures have been left to decline and are in need of repair.
scribable unless you hang around empty nest in on this last Thursday. I was Recent efforts to restore, upgrade and re-tool many of these
the docks. So began a life of sitting in the radiation doc’s office structures have resulted in some charming enhancements to
deception and hair color, once every two months or (I am a part of a study about the effects of radiation our village. The churches of Marcellus are our greatest asset
so. on my quality of life). The nurse asked me if I were and now serve as the focal point of our village aesthetics.
“Color my hair? Why do you ask?” experiencing any fatigue. Before I could answer, “Not Construction of a 22,000-square-foot brick and glass building
Last year, on or about mid October, the chemical really,” she answered her own question. “You cer- would change that irrevocably.
cocktail of chemotherapy which made my finger- tainly look very tired. Are you sleeping OK?” As we delved into our efforts to save the town hall, we
nails stronger than steel, caused those pampered “It has to be my hair, I replied. She looked at me as stumbled across some disturbing issues. We approached the
locks to leave. I was prepared with my wig, which if I had somehow come unglued. historical society and were told they were interested in
one dear soul told me didn’t look like a wig. “Am I wearing lipstick? I can’t tell without a saving the building, but they also had been told by the town
“You’re kidding. That’s a wig? It’s so messy.” mirror.” board the building did not have status with the New York
“Exactly,” I countered. “Who would think that I “No,” she answered. State Historic Preservation Office and therefore SHPO was
paid for something so unkempt?” I mumbled something about the hair color making not interested in the building. We contacted SHPO directly.
I got used to wearing it. Besides cutting my hair me look like I had dark circles under my eyes. I could It was true the building did not have status, but it was
care down to a few seconds a day, it kept my head almost hear her thoughts about my mental state. I eligible for inclusion in the registries and if any state per-
warmer than it has been for many a winter. If you quickly grabbed my handbag, retrieved my lipstick, mits or funding were needed SHPO would in fact require a
think about it, I was wearing a hat, something I applied same and voila; no more tired. more extensive evaluation of the project. This was relayed to
never do because of the fear of hat hair. Can you “Amazing!” she said. “I need to color my hair.” the town’s architectural firm, QPK, in a letter dated Oct. 27,
believe how vain I am? This year my hair was my She seemed to understand. 2005 from SHPO. The question remains, was it appropriate to
hat. At least when my hair was of another, warmer proceed with demolition and new construction plans when
I looked forward to the last round of chemo color, my face didn’t disappear. On Friday, I hosted a the historic relevance of the building is still in question?
anticipating a return of my native locks. fundraising dinner for 300 or so. I had worked long The process to reconstruct the town hall began four to five
“It’ll grow back curly.” hours all week and felt justifiably tired, but I had to years ago. At that same time the library was looking to
Heard that from everyone. No one mentioned the make an acceptable appearance at the dinner. It is a expand and improve their facility. It was decided it would be
color. Talk about a slow response. My last infusion bummer to see one of the hostesses looking like cheaper to build one building than two. So, the library and
was on Nov. 3. I have not and still don’t need a hair Morticia Addams. I did find that with some extra the town became partners in the project to expand the town
cut. My hair has grown, maybe an inch, maybe an effort in the makeup department (read lots of eye hall. However, if including the library in the project with the
inch and a half. It is curly as predicted and grey to makeup and lip liner) and wearing a slinky, low cut town results in a building of this proportion and character,
gunmetal gray. I was calling it silver but was velvet number, I looked OK. There are, however, few we hope they understand our position of exploring other
admonished by those in the know that since I am opportunities to put that combination together in options including plans to expand the library at its current
spring, silver was a no-no. There are disquieting everyday life. It would raise a few eyebrows at site. We are also concerned about the significant increase in
consequences for springs who wear colors reserved Nojaim’s, St. Francis or at the Hilltop. And the high operational costs (staff, utilities, maintenance, etc.) associ-
for summer. This is worse than wearing white after heels would make gardening a challenge. ated with a facility of that size. What happens if the library
Labor Day, I have heard. Next week, the hairdresser. defaults on its commitment? What kind of control will the
town seek of the library operations? Are library functions
and town/court functions compatible?
The petition to save the town hall is simple in nature and
Results of task force report unveiled asks only that the town reconsider any option to save it. A
first installment was presented to the town board at its
For the past three years, the Assembly Republican offenders. Currently, only Level Three sex offenders regular meeting May 8. At the close of that meeting one
Sexual Assault and Violence Education Task Force have all their information posted on the site. Expan- board member made a comment regarding our “coming out
(SAVE-NY) has held public forums across New York sion would provide the public with access to all risk of the woodwork.”
to gather information from law levels and their information. I We would like to assure the board that had we been in-
enforcement officials, district cannot stress enough the need for formed of their plans sooner, or had the public been invited to
attorneys, advocacy groups, our communities to have this the process, we would have come forward from the onset. The
victims, parents and grandpar-
ents. The group’s report provides
Will information and educate themselves
and their children about the poten-
town board’s lack of initiative in seeking public input is
what has driven the timing of the petition, as well as the
a comprehensive account of the Barclay tial dangers these individuals pose. $60,000 misspent on plans that have a dubious hope of ap-
information gathered from these Finally, there exists a small but proval.
public forums and has helped From the extremely dangerous group of We are aware that on several occasions articles appeared
develop a legislative proposal, The where a statement was made that the board would be asking
SAVE-NY Child Protection Act of
violent predators who are
Assembly sexually offend again. New York
likely to for public input. However, we have not found where any
2006, which would strengthen has a responsibility to protect the invitation was extended to the public.
existing laws, create necessary public from sexually violent When the petition was presented the most significant
protections and close existing loopholes. predators and to provide care, treatment and roadblock to saving the building was cost. It was suggested
Earlier this year, we enacted legislation that control of these individuals at secure facilities. that an architectural firm estimated a cost of $1,5 million to
extends the duration of time a sex offender is listed Modeled after the Kansas statute, and upheld by renovate the building. Extrapolate that $1,5 million over the
on the state Sex Offender Registry. Now we must the U.S. Supreme Court, New York needs a compre- 3,000 square feet of the building and you get a whopping $500
close a loophole in the information provided by sex hensive framework for identifying, evaluating and per square foot for renovation. Should not estimates like that
offenders to the registry. This can be done by civilly confining sexually violent predators. Under flag the board to seek an alternate opinion?
uniformly requiring offenders to sign and return an existing law, sexually violent predators are re- Finally, in order to fully evaluate the cost effectiveness of
annual verification form regardless of whether there leased into our communities upon completion of renovating the old building one would need to compare it to
are changes in address. Currently, sex offenders who their prison sentences without the benefit of the cost of tearing down and putting up its replacement.
do not submit the verification cards are not found in treatment or care designed to address their unique Accordingly, the costs to construct the new building are
violation if they prove they have not changed their treatment needs. unavailable. So how do we know which is more cost effec-
addresses. This is unacceptable and circumvents the As always, please contact my office if you have any tive? We don’t.
main objective of Megan’s Law, “to confirm on an questions, comments or concerns regarding this or For those of you who may be concerned that this is the age-
annual basis their correct address.” any other matter. I can be reached by mail at 200 old village versus town rivalry rearing its ugly head, it’s not.
We also need to expand the sex offender North Second Street, Fulton, 13069, or by e-mail me at This is the democratic process at its best. It’s a community
subdirectory Web site to include information on all barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or call me at 598-5185. issue with a solution somewhere that brings the village and
town together with pride, history and accomplishment.
For more information or if you would like to get involved
Send them our way contact Diana Bird at 673-0774, Mary Moran at 673-3474 or
Got Maureen Curtin at 673-3660.
press-observer@cnylink.com
Opinions? Mary Moran is a village resident and a member of The Marcellus
Preservation Community.
6/ EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006
SCHOOLS
NEWS AND NOTES
Marcellus High School Select Choir and Skaneateles High School Select Choir perform together in concert
Marcellus Select Choirs participate in
Skaneateles concert
BY DAVID TADDEO
A very special thank you goes out to the Skaneateles Students performing from
School’s Music Department for inviting the Marcellus
High School Select Choir and the Driver Middle School Marcellus:
Select Choir to participate in the Skaneateles School’s
Select Ensemble Concert. The Select Ensemble Concert
was presented on Sunday, May 7 at the First Presbyte- Marcellus Middle School Select Choir
rian Church in Skaneateles and featured select music Kristin Peenstra, Director
groups from Skaneateles Senior High School and Middle
School as well as the guest performance from the Soprano Ellen Brooks
Marcellus School’s Select Groups. Alexa Ball Andrea Burrows
The concert showcased the Skaneateles Middle School Alivia Caldwell Jenna DeDonato
Select Choir under the direction of Mrs. Colleen Anna, Elizabeth Canne Bailey Donovan
singing “My Bonny Lass She Smileth” by Thomas Kaitlyn Colle Mary Kate Kelley
Morley. Cari Dutton Nicolette Nugent
The Skaneateles High School Madrigal Choir, under Rhianna Hickey Kelly Ryan
the direction of Mr. Michael Kringer, performed “O My Jodi Just
Love’s Like a Red, Red Rose,” by David Dickau, and Lindsay Malek Baritone
“Three Contemporary Madrigals” by Eugene Butler. The Rachel Sears Derrick Cosco
High School Women’s Chamber Choir performed “She Amanda Valletta Owen Dean
Sings” by Amy F. Bernon, “Hail Holy Queen” by Marc Dan Poorman
Shaiman and “La Luvia” by Stephen Hatfield. Alto Eddie Powers
The Skaneateles Chamber Orchestra, under the Katie Bishop Anthony Shoff
direction of Karen Veverka, was also highlighted at the
concert. The select string ensemble performed “Palladio”
by Karl Jenkins, “The Vivace-Allegro-Vivace-Allegro,” Marcellus High School Select Choir
from Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 2 by Corelli, Brian Ackles, Director
“Praeludium and Allegro” by Kriesler & Shiu, and “La
Muerte de Angel” by Astor Piazolla. Soprano
The Marcellus Senior High and Middle School Select Claire Britt
Tenor
Choirs were special guests at the concert. The Marcellus Lenora Garrison
Kevin Guenthner
High School Select Choir, under the direction of Mr. Caitrin Hickey
Brandon Martin
Brian Ackles, performed “The Lark’s Song” Alicia Hunt
George Ryan
(Lerchengesang) by Felix Mendelssohn, “Peace I Leave Caitlin Kelly
Chris Shoff
With You” by Rene Clausen, and “Matona, Lovely Casey Landerkin
Maiden” (Matona mia cara) by Orlando di Lasso. Mary Ryan
Bass
The Marcellus Middle School Select Choir, under the Kyle Blackmer
direction of Mrs. Kristin Peenstra, performed “Sing Alto
Josh Kratz
Dem Hern” by Michael Praetorius and then combined Carly Annable
Aaron Masters
with the Skaneateles Middle School to perform “Elijah Kate Ellen Dean
Jeffrey Riggall
Rock!” a traditional spiritual. Robyn Midgley
The culmination of the afternoon’s concert featured Joy Santangelo
the combined High School Select Choirs performing Alexandra Schoeneck
John Rutter’s majestic “Gloria,” with an ensemble of
organ, brass and percussion, made up of music faculty
and community members.
K. C. Heffernan celebrates senior citizens
K. C. Heffernan Elementary School held its created during the recent Beauty and the Beast
annual spring “Brunch” for Marcellus Senior storytelling residency at KCH. Brenda Buso’s first
Citizens on May 2. The Marcellus “seniors” were grade class sang for the attentive visitors. The
not only treated to a delicious brunch served by highlight of the brunch was a performance by
third grade students but were also entertained by a members of the Driver Middle School Elementary
variety of student performances. Janet Kringer’s Band under the direction of Carmen Costa, Jr. The
third grade class performed “Picnic Song” from performance showcased band instruments as well
their upcoming play “BUGZ.” Susan Benjamin’s as “I Am A Fine Musician.”
kindergarten students sang and danced to “If
You’re Happy and You Know It.” A variety of David Taddeo is the Public Information Consultant, Marcellus
storytelling third grade students told stories Central School District
EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006/7
Andrea Marrs
BUSINESS
Tara Brackley
Laramie Monroe
Cindy Gokey
Emily North
IN BRIEF
Meghan Kiniry
Rachel Darling
Ryan Fish
Lauren Long
Julie Kilcoyne
Ibby Wiles
Alec Synakowski
Andrew Wiely
Aleks Szymaniak
Steve Simone
Kayla White
Nicole Cardarelli
Matt Henderson
Catherine Scott
Kevin Clay
George Ryan
Aaron Masters
Instrumental Music Honors and Distinctions 2005-2006 were also recognized at the concert:
Greater Syracuse Honors Youth
Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band 2005 Lenora Garrison - Grade 12
Flute Curt Bell - Grade 12
Kayla Schmidt
Tara Brackley
Andrea Marrs
Amanda Stessen
1. INVENT AMERICA! Winners
Clarinet 2.
Deana Melnyczuk 3. May “Students of the Month”
Stephanie O’Rourke 4. “I Am A Fine Musician” photo
Deanna Legnetto 5. Audrey Cerrone tells the “Paper Bag Princess”
Tenor Saxophone
Kevin Guenthner
Trumpet
Alec Synakowski
Andrew Wiley
Tyler Mosher
Zachary Hancock
Marcellus Senior High School Spring Band Concert
Tuba in full swing
Rob Kronen The Marcellus Senior High School Concert Band and
Symphonic Band, under the
Oboe direction of Mr. Michael J. Cirmo, performed in concert on
Maggie Sugrue May 3, 2006 in the Groeling
Auditorium. The Concert Band performed “Thundercrest”
Bassoon by Eric Osterling, “Symphonic
Cindy Gokey Overture” by Charles Carter and “Toward the Sunrising”
by James Curnow. The Symphonic
Bass Clarinet Band performed “Symphonic Dance No. 3, Fiesta” by
Kristen Naczi Clifton Williams, “On A Hymnsong of
Philip Bliss” by David R. Holsinger, “Bugler’s Holiday”
Baritone Saxophone Leroy Anderson and “Finale from
Chris Stogsdill Symphony No. 5" by Dmitri Shostakovich. Trumpet
soloists Alec Synakowski, Andrew Wiley
French Horn and Aleks Szymaniak were showcased in “Bugler’s Holi-
Emily Schwartz day”. A special highlight of the Spring
Concert is the recognition, and farewell, to band seniors.
Euphonium Cirmo recognized the following
Kevin Clay senior band members:
Catherine Scott Amanda Stessen
Percussion
Jeff Drexler
Lauren Crosley
Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra 2005-2006
Clarinet
Emily North
Trumpet
Alec Synakowski
NYSSMA Zone 3 Junior High Area All-State Festival 2005
Trumpet
Zach Hancock
Percussion
Zach Barbaro
NYSSMA Conference All-State Festival, December 2005
Trumpet
Alec Synakowski
Senior High Area All-State - February 2006
Kristen Naczi Bass Clarinet
Emily North Clarinet
Kaelyn Madden Clarinet
Amanda Stessen Flute
Kayla Schmidt Flute
Emily Schwartz French Horn
Aaron Masters Percussion
Amy North Percussion
Andrew Wiley Trumpet
Lauren Longo Alto Saxophone
Alec Synakowski Trumpet
8/ EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006
From Syracuse to Seattle Ohio goes flat-literally-after The Pontiac transformed Back on the beaten path the
Across the country Cleveland and you have to use into a spacecraft as UFO next day, the road tapered due to
Charlie your imagination. I made up stories landed on night two’s the Rockies. Mountains sur-
in four days Schoeneck
Reith stories invisible hitchhikers travels under a pitch black sky round the car like stony blue
Following in the wagon might tell. I could feel the fixed in a starry-toothy grin bodyguards. Waving the Finger
tracks of gold rush prospectors, presence of thousands of faces and ready to swallow the car Lakes goodbye didn’t seem so sad
I traveled west two weeks ago,
Gimme in the landscape around, people whole. in the warm blanket of pines,
only to discover its national a break unaware of my existence. It was I made the acquaintance of spruces, firs and every variety of
treasures, and to hop a ferry ok; I was just passing through. most of Missoula, Montana’s evergreens lining the road.
headed for Sitka, Alaska where A few miles shy of Chicago, a population that evening. A kiss To tired and hungry travelers,
I’ll be working this summer. Over many rivers and big rig crossed over the yellow was my reward for playing the meals are sometimes the most
On April 27 I boarded a white through more than a few woods line, flinging a rock, which knight in shining armor to a memorable part of short motel
Pontiac Bonneville bound for even songs you dislike help cracked Kevin’s windshield. I drunken damsel in distress: I stopovers. A South Dakota diner
Bellingham, Washington, a sea- pass the time. As the sun went snapped digital pictures of the walked a tipsy, but charming offered rubbery pancakes and
hub-city just north of Seattle. down on the first of four nights trucker’s plate for insurance lass back to her apartment. well-done dry eggs I’d like to
After New York, Pennsylva- of ceaseless driving we told purposes, although Kevin Later, I wandered into a bar digest and forget.
nia was next in the parade of ghost stories under the new assured me it was a lost cause. with a band and no cover The majesty of the
states, followed by Ohio, moon. The only things missing In the windy city locals charge. A bluegrass group of mountainsides made way for the
Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, were a roaring campfire, beans directed us to the best deep dish siblings and friends coaxed the opposite of a mountain: a gorge. I
Minnesota, Wyoming, Mon- and franks, burnt s’mores and pie purveyor in town, but their audience into a barefoot boogie snapped so many pictures of the
tana, Idaho and finally, Wash- “Kum-Ba-Ya.” directions led to two hours of with their upbeat hillbilly Columbia River Gorge the
ington. In the wheat fields of the driving in circles, so we settled tunes. camera’s batteries died. But it
During the geography lesson Midwest I picked up the local for Uno’s. The pizza was like a I watched as the generation was worth it; these photos are
on wheels, I realized I forgot lingo: “How far you reckon we stomach paperweight, but the gap narrowed; a veteran coun- my favorites.
my state capitols in the in- gotta go after Toledo?” slice’s saving grace was the try dancer took the hand of a Seattle promised about 36
terim years after fifth grade. Towns brimming with fresh mozzarella under its girl half his age and showed her hours to recharge the camera
But luckily, Kevin Jakway, my people and deserted silo cities unadorned tomato sauce. the ropes and the time of her and my batteries. Laying rest to
coworker, who charted our illustrated the country’s Over the continental divide life. Soon, she was stepping in rest, I spent all Monday on foot,
course and piloted the Pontiac, variety. By divine disc jockey- in Montana, the Rocky Moun- time and keeping up with the exploring.
remembered a great deal of ing U2’s “Where the Streets tains made Big Sky Country quick old gent. I felt bad for More on my travels will
them “from traveling through,” Have No Name” pulsed through worthwhile. Somewhere in freeloading, so I passed the appear next week.
he said. He’s toured all but the speakers, giving a whole South Dakota we crossed the bartender a buck for my ice Carlie Reith is a freelance writer whose
three of the United States and a new meaning to the song. Bono halfway mark on our 2,800-mile water and walked to my hotel work appears frequently in the Marcellus
handful of foreign countries. must have been to the Midwest. trek. under fresh rain. Observer.
Girls track
From page 1
the 100-meter hurdles (17.5 sec-
onds) and 400 hurdles. Lindsey
Forte finished in a virtual tie with
Cazenovia’s Katy Vogl in the 100
(13.4 seconds) and was a close sec-
ond in both the 200 (28.8 seconds)
and 400 (1:02.2) as well, finishing
just one-tenth of a second behind
the winners.
In the 800-meter run, Emily
Garrant (2:35.6) had no one finish
in front of her, with Kaelyn Mad-
den winning the 1,500 (5:25.4) and
Carrie Carlton taking the 3,000-
meter run in 11:46.
Marcellus also prevailed in the
4x100 (53.6 seconds) and 4x800
(10:19.2) relays. Carlton, Madden,
Garrant, Forte, Zurek, Kayla
Schmidt, Jennifer Richmond and
Kim Fuller all took part.
In Wednesday’s meet against
Solvay, the Mustangs would find
better fortune, beating the
Bearcats 84-48.
Forte won both the 100 (13.3 sec-
onds) and 400 (1:03.3), and was one
of three doubles winners in this
meet.
Garrant backed up her 1,500-
meter title (5:19.6) by running 800
meters in 2:34.6. Carlton won the
400 hurdles in 1:13.6, and switched
to distance running as she won
the 3,000 in 11:43.0. Zurek won the
high jump (4 feet 8 inches) and
Richmond took the triple jump,
going 29 feet 1 inch.
Marcellus also swept the 4x100
(53.8 seconds), 4x400 (4:55.9) and
4x800 (10:51.0) relays, with legs run
by Forte, Zurek, Richmond,
Schmidt, Carlton, Garrant,
Fuller, Madden and Chelsea Allen.
Meanwhile, the Marcellus boys
team engaged in a three-way meet
with Solvay and Bishop Ludden,
losing to the Bearcats 111-30, but
beating the Gaelic Knights by a
score of 92-48.
Stogsdill would earn both of the
Mustangs’ victories, as he ran the
mile in 4:39.2 and covered 3,200
meters in a top time of 10:30.3.
Michael Grobsmith led the
Bearcats, sweeping the 100, 200 and
400-meter sprints.
Both Marcellus teams visit Jor-
dan-Elbridge in Wednesday’s regu-
lar-season finale.
EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006/9
Task force tries to bring youth TOWN OF MARCELLUS PARKS AND
movement to hunting and fishing RECREATION DEPARTMENT NOTES
Onondaga County task force chairman, said that about liability, but we are work- Summer programming is
right now schools often portray ing out ways to ease their con-
tops in state in per hunting in a negative light. “We
would like to see environmental
cerns, so that more land is avail-
able for hunting and fishing.”
underway in Marcellus
conservation or hunting safety The hunting and fishing indus- Summer is fast approaching in Hammondsport. The trip is $30/
capita fishing classes offered in schools.” try plays a vital role in the New and the town of Marcellus Parks person, which includes transpor-
and Recreation Office is ready to tation, cruise, lunch buffet, driver
BY KIM SCHNALL At a time when childhood obe- York economy. There are 15,000
sity is on the rise it is important residents who hunt, more than kick things off. The department gratuity and fun package. The
to promote and encourage young 850,000 who fish and over 490,000 has had many deadline to register is June 15. All
The Assembly Republican Eye On
people to get involved in outdoor who do both. phone calls in- adults are welcome to attend this
Hunting and Fishing Task Force
activities, Barclay said. According to Walt Zelie of Car- quiring about trip.
hosted a number of informational
“It would be nice to see more penters Brook fish hatchery the summer rec- Hoop Mania and Hoop Mania
forums across New York State in
youth getting involved in outdoor Onondaga County has the highest reation pro- Masters camps registration forms
2005 to generate ideas about how
activities and getting off their com- per capita resident fishing license grams. We are fi- are now available at the town hall
to enhance the outdoor sports in-
dustry. Most puters for a while,” Barclay said. sales in New York. $3.7 million dol- Local News nalizing every- and all school offices. Hoop Mania
Eye On The task force believes that by lars are spent on fishing in thing and the Camp goes from June 27-30 and
specifically
making hunting and fishing more Onondaga County alone each year. brochure will be out the week of Hoop Mania Masters Camp is
these forums fo-
easily accessible that they will be “Central New York is an un- May 22. Additional copies will be Wednesday nights June 28 and
cused on the
able to keep the traditions of these usual area because we have trout, available at all schools, the July 5, 12, 19 and 26. Sign up now.
need to gain
activities alive in New York. “It’s bass, warm water and cold water Marcellus Town Hall and the li- These camps fill up fast.
youth involve-
important for communities, fami- species. brary. Be on the lookout for some For questions or registration
Local News ment in fishing exciting new programs for this forms stop in or call the office. We
and hunting lies and New York as a whole that Assemblyman Barclay will be
the next generation continue to chairing another task force meet- summer. are located at 24 E. Main St.,
around New York.
participate in hunting and fish- ing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May On Tuesday July 18 there is a Marcellus. The phone number is
At forums held in Albany,
ing activities,” Barclay said. “We 18th at Montezuma National Wild- day trip aboard the Keuka Maid 673-3269 ext. 2.
Schroon Lake, Ilion, Blasdell and
Pawling, task force members know land owners are concerned life Refuge Visitors Center.
spoke with hunters, trappers, an-
glers, business owners, local gov-
ernment and tourist officials. To-
gether they are exploring ways to
make youth participation more
accessible by attempting to lower
the big game hunting age, creat-
ing programs that get youth in-
volved and by making schools
more “hunter-friendly.” The task
force is also focusing on making
it easier for tourists to obtain fish-
ing licenses, investing in fish
hatcheries and providing greater
access to hunting and fishing
land.
Assemblyman Will Barclay,
Men who
cook
From page 3
next year,” Butler said. “I’d want
to spend more time with the vol-
unteers before the event so that
their day goes more smoothly.
They do so much for us. It would
make sense if we spent more time
with them before that to make
sure everything goes well for
them.”
Butler noted that the MHA has
another fundraising event coming
in September. The MHA Clam-
bake and Community Service
Awards Ceremony not only raises
money for the MHA; it also hon-
ors members of the community
who improve, create or provide
access to mental health services.
The main goal of the Men Who
Cook event is to raise money for
the MHA’s programs. However,
the secondary goal is to raise
awareness of mental health issues
and encourage businesses and in-
dividuals to take their mental
health as seriously as they do their
physical health.
“It’s often overlooked,” Butler
said, “but mental health affects
businesses as well, with loss of
productivity and time off to care
for [onself or] a loved one. Team-
work is impacted. It’s important
for the business community to en-
courage employees to check in
with mental health and make sure
it’s okay.
“There are businesses who pro-
mote physical health, encourag-
ing employees to join gyms and
eat right. We want them to do the
same for mental health, because
we believe passionately that it’s
just as important.”
10/EAGLE NEWSPAPERS, MAY 17, 2006