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Week of Aug. 9, 2023 Home of The Riposo Family
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Micron partners with American legion Local stars
take part in hoops fest
By Kathryne Rakowski
Members of the Cicero American Legion Post 787 family gathered on Aug. 1 to welcome Micron to their community and celebrate Micron’s commitment to the legion and community as a whole. The community gathered for the dedication of six flag poles to the legion; a pole for each flag of the six branches of the military. The project was made possible by Micron’s new partnership with the legion, which is the largest post in New York State. “This project was in the works and our community reached out to Micron to see if they would be willing to support it,” American Legion Commander Bruce Dauer said. “They graciously accepted and provided the funding for the six poles.” Chief People Officer for Micron, April Arnzen, spoke at the dedication, pledging the commitment of Micron to the community, and the importance of supporting the veterans in the area. “We appreciate and are so grateful for your sacrifice,” she said. “This is one very small way we can thank you.” Arnzen went on to express Micron’s eagerness to get involved in the CNY area. “This community is very important to Micron and we know how important helping the community is,” Arnzen said. “We look forward to doing that and getting to know more of you.” A small reception and meeting followed the ceremony. Baldwinsville native and Army Veteran Paul Kulba attended the event with his wife, Kathy. They shared their excitement for the partnership with Micron and the new flags displayed. “I think it’s an honor that they put the flags here at the legion and that Micron is getting so close to our community,” Paul Kulba said. The flags can be viewed in the Veterans Memorial Park outside of the legion. This is just one of many events and outreach efforts Micron has hosted recently. Over the summer Micron supported a Chips
by Phil Blackwell
Kathryne Rakowski
Micron hosted a series of events to start August including showing its support for veterans with a ceremony at the Cicero American Legion Post 787. Camp at Onondaga Community College, giving children an opportunity to learn and take part in hands out activities giving them insight into the work Micron does. The first days of August were also filled with activity. On Aug. 1 Micron introduced “DECONSTRUCTED: Semiconductors and Other Secrets Inside Everyday Technology,” a new permanent exhibit at the MOST. Micron also hosted the most recent in a series of open houses to discuss the environmental review process and seek community input. The event began with opening remarks from Micron and officials from Onondaga County and the Town of Clay. Following a project overview presentation from Micron, the public had the opportunity to engage directly with Micron staff at various
booths and discuss a range of topics and issues. Aug. 2 also saw Micron hold the inaugural gathering of the Micron Community Engagement Committee a the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central. The committee met for the first time to discuss the community priorities document and conducted small group discussions. Also on Aug. 2 at the North Area Family YMCA a gathering was held to share an update on Micron’s commitment to early childhood development and daycare. According to a press release from Micron, the company believes having accessible, affordable and high-quality early childcare options is vital to attracting and retaining talented employees. Joined by local leaders, Micron discussed the company’s initial exploration of these options in Central New York.
In what’s turned into a midsummer tradition, a group of top area high school boys and girls basketball players represented the Central region at the Basketball Coaches Association of New York Summer Hoops Festival. Held in Johnson City, near Binghamton, the event draws teams from across New York State for a threeday tournament that includes four round-robin games, semifinals and finals, along with 3-point and dunk contests. Central’s girls team, coached by Phoenix’s Troy Washington, had 12 players from 12 different high schools, including Liverpool, a sectional and regional champion last winter represented by A’briyah Cunningham, and Cicero-North Syracuse, who had Kat McRobbie-Taru. Going 2-2 in pool play, Central nearly upended host Southern Tier in the July 28 opener, but lost 64-62 and followed with a 65-51 defeat to Rochester. Recovering a day later, Central edged North Country 66-61 and battled past Buffalo 57-47 to get to the semifinals on July 30, only to fall 6741 in a rematch with Southern Tier before finishing third. On the Central boys team, Bishop Ludden head coach Gallagher Driscoll led a side that included Liverpool standout Freddy Fowler, who helped the Warriors reach last Hoops l Page 2
DeSantis Orchestra features Liverpool saxman Joe Riposo on Aug. 14 By Russ Tarby Contributing Writer
Prominent Syracuse bandleader Mario DeSantis died March 26, 2020 at age 91, but the band plays on. Under the direction of his vocalist daughter, Maria, the Mario DeSantis Orchestra is celebrating its 76th anniversary this year. Mario had first formed the ensemble in 1947 at Syracuse’s Central High School. The 12-piece big band -which performs a wide variety of jazz standards, show tunes and popular dance numbers -- will play a free concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Johnson Park. The performance is part of the 37th annual Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series. That night, the orchestra will feature saxophonist Joe Riposo -- who lives in Liverpool -- on his new arrangement of “Body and Soul,” one of the most popular jazz standards in history. Composed by New
York City conductor Johnny Green in 1930, the tune was famously recorded by tenor saxman Coleman Hawkins in 1939. “I asked Joe to write a feature arrangement of one of my favorite pieces,” Maria said. “That remarkable Coleman Hawkins arrangement had always been one of my dad’s favorites as well.” One of the reasons Maria focused on Riposo is because the lifelong musician and educator marked a milestone birthday on Aug. 5. “He’ll only say that ‘age is just a number,’” Maria reported. “He simply won’t say his age!” A quick Google search, however, reveals that Riposo was born in 1933. In any case, Riposo’s new arrangement of “Body and Soul” will likely echo Hawkins’ pioneering work. The 1939 version is unusual in that the song’s melody is barely hinted at in the recording. Hawkins’ two choruses of improvisa-
tion over the tune’s chord progression constitute almost the entire take. That approach clearly presaged the dawn of be-bop. Riposo is writing the instrumental arrangement for the DeSantis Orchestra featuring his own horn, the alto sax. “Body and Soul” will join two other arrangements in the orchestra’s repertoire which feature Joe’s sax work, Bobby Shew’s “Blue” and “Nadelin.” Another Liverpudlian, vocalist Keith Condon, is in his 45th year with the DeSantis Orchestra and will sing some his favorite Sinatra classics Monday including “Luck Be a Lady,” “All The Way” and “Night and Day.” “Keith skillfully covers Concert l Page 2 Alto saxophonist and arranger Joe Riposo, a member of the Mario DeSantis Orchestra who will be featured at a free concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Johnson Park. Submitted photo
Volume 131, Number 32 The Star-Review is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Periodical Postage Paid at Syracuse, NY 13220, USPS 316060. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Star-Review, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.
events: Sunset Paddle held Aug. 10.
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library news: Liverpool Public Library to host themed community nights.
death notices ����������� 3
library news �������������� 2
Editorial ��������������������� 4
Obituaries ������������� 3,11
letters ������������������������ 5
PennySaver ���������������� 6
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AUGUST 14-20, 2023 Next Year: August 12-18, 2024