Week of July 10, 2024
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Official election results announced By Russ Tarby Contributing Writer In our report on the results of the June 18 village election which ran in last week’s editions, the vote totals were all incorrect. The numbers had been gathered on election night from an administrative assistant at the Onondaga County Board of Elections, who stipulated that those results were “unofficial.” On June 28, the BOE provided updated official results which also included absentee votes. Village voters chose to switch the annual village election from mid-June to earlyNovember by a vote of 300 to 196. So next year’s village election will be scheduled on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year, two Republican trustees – Matt Devendorf and Michael LaMontagne – ran unopposed for re-election. So did Village Justice Anthony LaValle, also a Republican. The BOE reported last week that LaValle tallied 368 votes, while Devendorf drew 311 and LaMontagne 294. Thirty write-in votes were cast for judge, and 57 write-in votes were cast for trustee.
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Working to raise autism awareness By Janelle Davis
The last time we spoke to Lauren Miter, special education teacher at Elmcrest Elementary in the Liverpool district, she was fresh off a journey to Kenya, Africa, for the Global Autism Project. Her time in Kenya lasted two weeks, during which she collaborated with team members, local educators, families, and children to build programs for children with autism. In special education for 12 years, Miter has been familiar with the Global Autism Project for a long time. “This whole opportunity was incredible. It was eye-opening, fulfilling, and I feel a new urge to continue to build upon what I have been doing in the Liverpool community,” Miter admitted. On April 16, she organized the first annual Liverpool Autism and Neurodiversity Night at Liverpool High School. Lauren has always desired to arrange such an event, and she admits that “her recent trip to Kenya with the Global Autism Project gave her the confidence to believe that she could organize such a big event.” Her experience in Kenya helped her to conquer thoughts of self-doubt and realize that she does have enough knowledge and experience with autism and neurodiversity to create an event. The event was open to anyone in the Liverpool area. Every person in attendance received three tickets to raffle items donated by Liverpool staff members, community members, the Liverpool Transportation Department, and the Liverpool Library Department. They had a sensory area filled with balloons, sensory toys, sensory lights, and bean
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Elmcrest Elementary special education teacher Lauren Miter traveled to Kenya, Africa, for the Global Autism Project. bag chairs. In the auditorium, there were large yard games, giant blocks, bowling, music, balloons, and coloring activities for students and siblings. Liverpool staff and high school students volunteered to watch the children, so their parents could go into the cafeteria and view the resource tables, which included information about local ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) clinics, practice dental appointments, home safety, reading IEPs( Individualized Education Program), sibling connection resources, and so much more. Outside, there were military vehicles from the 274th ASOS from Syracuse, as well as big trucks from the Town of Clay.
“I wanted to provide an event that catered to the needs of students with autism so everyone could enjoy a fun evening. Based on the positive feedback, I think we accomplished that,” Lauren shares. Next year, Miter plans to build upon the Liverpool Autism and Neurodiversity Night. “I hope to add more resource tables. My goal is to eventually build connections with local businesses to help prepare autistic young adults from the community for the workforce,” Miter said. Miter plans to travel again with the Global Autism Project. She is currently working on creating a series of trainings
that can be purchased to help families, caregivers, and teachers connect with neurodivergent and autistic learners. All funds will go directly to her SkillCorps® trips so she can continue to grow personally and professionally while creating new opportunities for the students she works with daily. If you are interested in supporting Lauren in future SkillCorps trips, you can donate to her Venmo @LaurenMiter. You will be able to receive a donation receipt with the SkillCorps 501(c)(3) status. “I feel fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and I do not want to waste the opportunities I have been given,” Miter said.
Liverpool Library plans a summer full of events By Kathryne Rakowski
From what organizers hope will be a fascinating walking tour of the village, to reading challenges and projects for the whole family, there will be something for everyone at the Liverpool Library this summer. A historic markers and monuments walking tour will take place on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants will be able to learn about local historic markers including the Salt Potato, Gleason House sign noting that it is on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Bicentennial Time Capsule Marker and a lamppost that was donated to Liverpool from Liverpool, UK as a symbol of friendship. “Liverpool has a diverse and rich history,” Cindy Hibbert, community engagement staffer at the library, said. “This includes not only the village which sits in the town
of Salina, but also the surrounding area including what we know as Galeville as well as north of the village in the town of Clay.” Guests will likely learn something new even about places they may pass by every day but might not know the history of, such as the horse tie on Sycamore Street, the Willow Barns that have been converted to garages, and the marker in Johnson that was planted in honor of the Haudenosaunee tribes. Registration opens on July 15 and is required. Spots are limited, visit lpl.libcal.com/ event/12180217 for more information or to register. All summer long there will be story time outside of the library in the Dinosaur Garden on Thursdays at 10 and 6:30 p.m. beginning on July 11. Guests can also take part in their Summer Reading Adventure, a reading challenge which runs until Aug. 18.
Children and adults can read books, log their progress, and then win prizes for doing so. New this year is a reading challenge for adults with disabilities. Edina Osmanovic, community engagement librarian and volunteer coordinator, is very excited about the new program, which was created with the idea of inclusivity and ease for patrons. “We want to get our patrons with disabilities to continue fostering their love of literature but at their own pace,” she said. The program runs until Aug. 17 and each week patrons will be asked to complete a minimum of three out of six activities, such as attending the Adults with Disabilities programs at the library, reading, crafting, or taking a trip. At the end of the summer, adults can bring their log sheets back in and be entered to win a prize. Visit the library’s website to sign up for
any of the groups or to get more information. Two yearly popular events are tye dye on the lawn and rock painting. On Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Dinosaur Garden one rock will be provided, along with paints and ideas, but people are encouraged to bring their own rocks. Guests can also create with tye dye on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The event will be held twice, once from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to noon in the Dinosaur Garden. Dye is provided, but participants can bring a shirt, hat, or bag to design. Both events are free, open to everyone, library card or not, and do not require registration. For a list of all of the events happening this summer, you can read LPL Connection at lpl.org/events/program-guide/.
Volume 131, Number 28 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.
CNYspca pet of the week: Charles needs a home.
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schools: MRM hosts Eighth Grade Awards Night.
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Calendar �������������������� 3 death notices ����������� 3 Editorial ��������������������� 4 history ������������������������ 5
letters ������������������������ 4 PennySaver ���������������� 6 Schools ����������������� 2,12