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Week of Dec. 4, 2024 Home of The Backus Family
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Dr. Jerome F. Melvin, 90 Longtime superintendent left a legacy at Liverpool, N. Syracuse schools
ugly sweater 5k held in l’pool Lori Newcomb
Local runners came to celebrate the transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season at the 10th Annual Syracuse Ugly Sweater 5K that was once again be held Nov. 30 at Onondaga Lake Park under the Lights on the Lake. All race participants had the option of receiving a custom Ugly Sweater 5k long sleeve shirt, a unique winter headband (Team Santa or Team Grinch) and custom finisher medal. A postrace awards ceremony and party was held at the Cobblestone Pub in Liverpool. There were awards for the overall and age group winners as well as prizes for best in dress. In addition, prizes were awarded for best, most creative and funniest ugly sweater. All donations, both financial and in-kind, went to the Syracuse Rescue Mission this year and participants were asked to bring lightly used winter clothing donations to the race.
Jerome F. Melvin, Ph.D. Dr. Jerome F. Melvin, the longtime superintendent of both Liverpool and North Syracuse school districts, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21 with his children at his side. He was 90 years old. Melvin, who served as a school superintendent in four states over 40 years, came to Liverpool as superintendent in 1978, remaining in that role until December 1992 when he assumed the North Syracuse position. After first retiring as North Syracuse school superintendent in 2000, he was employed as an educational planner by a regional architecture firm, and later served as an interim high school principal as well as the interim school superintendent for five school districts. In 2005, Melvin returned to North Syracuse as its superintendent of schools, where he served until 2011, finally retiring at 77 years old. He loved being a superintendent of schools, which was evident not only in holding the position over parts of six decades, but in his constant dedication to students, teachers, administrators, and board members. He was especially known for encouraging and inspiring teachers and administrators to maximize their talents and advance their careers. He was a true gentleman with a keen sense of intellectual curiosity who held himself and others to high standards and expectations. In 2000, the North Syracuse School District named its district office building the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building. Last week, the North Syracuse district issued a statement offering condolences to Dr. Melvin’s family and praising his dedication to the district and its students. “During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion and an unwavering commitment to student success,” the statement read. “He guided the district through challenges and opportunities with a steady hand, creating a collaborative environment where staff, students and families thrived.” Melvin was born on May 29, 1934, in Providence, RI, the son of the late Edward G. Melvin, M.D., and Veronica Melvin. A graduate of La Salle Academy, Providence, RI, he received a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA; a master’s degree from Boston College; and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. Following graduation from Holy Cross, he served on active duty with the United States Marine Corps. Prior to coming to New York, he was school superintendent in Wallingford, CT; Exeter, NH; and Turners Falls, MA. He earlier served as an Assistant Superintendent, Melvin l Page 2
Volume 131, Number 49 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.
library news: NOPL holds mitten, food drives.
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municipal news: Board mulls revising American High special permit.
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Calendar �������������������� 8 death notices ����������� 9 Editorial ��������������������� 4 movers & shakers ����� 3
Obituaries ������������������ 9 PennySaver ���������������� 6 Sports ����������������������� 11