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Week of Sept. 18, 2024 Home of The Giamartino Family
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Blessings in a Backpack Tales by candlelight plans Sept. 21 event By Kathryne Rakowski It is estimated that suburban poverty affects over 16.4 million people across the United States and that 9 million children across the country are at risk of going hungry. Feeding these children is vital, and so 1 in every 8 children benefit from their school’s free and reduced meal program to keep them fed. But, the question has been raised about what these children do when they go home for the weekend. BlessingsinaBackpack,non-profit organization that serves over 950 elementary schools in the United States that are part of their school’s free and reduced meal program, works to address that question. They make sure that any child who qualifies for this program leaves school on Fridays with kid-friendly, nutritious food in their backpacks. This way, the children will not go hungry over the weekend. Keeping children fed doesn’t just support their physical health, but it also supports their mental wellness, social development, promotes better test scores, and leads to better attendance at school. The Liverpool Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, which has been running for 10 years, serves the elementary schools of Liverpool, Long Branch,ChestnutHill,DonlinDrive, Elmcrest,MorganRoad,WillowField and Soule Road. John Meyer is the program coordinator and shared how effective the program is. “Our main goal is to lessen food insecurity and make sure that these kids have the same opportunities as other children,” Meyer said. Meyer shared that in the families they help, parents often must make
a choice between paying rent or paying for groceries. To keep their home and family together, parents will often go without the food they need. “Sometimes parents will do that to keep the family together in their home,” he said. “We’re helping out the whole family and making it possible for them to stay together.” You can help Liverpool’s Blessings in a Backpack by helping them to Fill-a Bus on Sept. 21 from 10 to 5 p.m. at the Walmart on Rte. 31. A yellow school bus will be present and people are encouraged to come and fill the bus with the food needed. “We’re hoping to fill the whole bus,” Meyer said. “We’re very grateful to all who can contribute.” Foods needed are ready to serve soups, macaroni and cheese microwavable cups, any variety of Chef Boyardee, nut free fruit and grain breakfast bars, 100% juice boxes or pouches, applesauce cups, fruit cups and StarKist Lunch To-Go packets. “We only take very high quality foods that have been approved by a nutritionist,” Meyer said. You can also give a donation of any amount. If you can’t make it on the 21st, you can drop off food anytime at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Liverpool First Presbyterian Church, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Liverpool First United Methodist Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, all located in Liverpool. For more information, you can go to their website at blessingsinabackpack.org/liverpool-ny-donate/orvisit their Facebook page at facebook. com/donate/889330904579960/?_ rdr.
Meyer medals in senior games
Submitted photo
Pictured are cast members of The Great Northern Artists Collaborative upcoming production of “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight.” Kneeling from left are Jessie Dobrzynski and Adeline Flood. Standing from left are Alyssa Santiago, Monica Coles, and Liz Ladd.
GNAC announces new production The Great Northern Artists Collaborative (GNAC) recently announced its upcoming production of “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight,” an enchanting theatrical experience that promises to captivate and spook audiences this fall. Featuring a collection of delightfully eerie tales including classics like “Sleepy Hollow,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Turn of the Screw,” this spellbinding event will run from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5 at the GNAC Theater, 8396 Morgan Road in Clay. Set in a uniquely atmospheric environment, “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight” invites
audiences to journey through a world of whimsical hauntings and chilling narratives, brought to life under the flicker of candlelight. This production is designed to immerse theatergoers in a richly atmospheric experience, blending gothic charm with the thrill of classic horror literature. Performance Dates and Times Sept. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at matinee at 2 p.m., Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase now at ticketor.com/gnac. For more information or to purchase tickets directly, call the GNAC Box Office at 315-4640328. The Great Northern Artists Collaborative is dedicated to creating immersive and imaginative theatrical experiences that engage
and inspire audiences. “Phantasmagoria’s Tales by Candlelight” is a testament to this mission, offering a blend of suspense, intrigue, and theatrical flair that is sure to be a highlight of the fall season. For more information about the production, ticket sales, and GNAC’s upcoming events, please visit greatnorthernarts.com or call 315-464-0328. The Great Northern Artists Collaborative (GNAC) is a vibrant community of artists committed to fostering creativity and artistic expression through innovative theatrical productions and cultural events. Based in Clay, NY, GNAC is a non-profit dedicated to bringing high-quality, engaging performances to local audiences and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents.
Friends of NOPL Cicero to host book sale
Submitted photos
Friends of NOPL Cicero will host their book sale Sept. 20 and 21. Submitted photo
Bill Meyer, former Legislator and Cicero Town Supervisor, recently won medals running in the Rhode Island Senior Games. The games have been held in Rhode Island since 2004. “It was great being with runners from eight states,” said Meyer. Hundreds of competitors gathered this year in the Providence RI area competing in pickleball, golf, track & field, table tennis, basketball and bowling.
Hundreds of low-priced books, DVDs, puzzles, and books-ontape will be offered at the Friends of NOPL Cicero annual book sale on Sept. 20 and 21 at the Northern Onondaga Public Library in Cicero barn (NOPL). This annual event hosted by vol-
unteers raises funds for educational programs, musical performances, fixtures, furniture, and special community events for the library. There will be a preview night on Friday, Sept. 2o from 4 to 6 p.m. with a $5 admission fee for first selection (books are individ-
ually priced). On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9:30 to 3 p.m. items can be purchased by the bag for $5 (bags provided). The NOPL Cicero barn is located behind the library at 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero.
Volume 131, Number 38 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.
sports: Liverpool football routs B’ville, aims toward C-NS.
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From the Clay Historian: The Log Cabin.
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death notices ����������� 3 Editorial ��������������������� 4 history ������������������������ 5 letters ������������������������ 5
Obituaries ������������������ 3 PennySaver ���������������� 6 Sports �������������������� 2,11