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Olympiad at the ‘Pool
Submitted photos
The Liverpool Central School District hosted the Olympiad at the ‘Pool on Thursday, May 29. Held at Liverpool High School Stadium and Tennis Courts, the event was formerly known as the Special Olympics. More than 160 Liverpool student-athletes participated in activities including softball throw, bean bag drop, standing broad jump, running long jump, 50-yard dash and sensory activities. There were also bubbles, face painting and cornhole for participants.
Summer concerts start June 9 with the Stan Colella Orchestra By Russ Tarby Contributing writer
The 39th iverpool Is The Place Summer Concert Series gets underway on Monday, June 9, with a performance by the Stan Colella Orchestra, a mainstay on the Central New York music scene. Stan passed away in 2002, but the orchestra plays on. Now under the leadership of Stan’s son, trumpeter Len Colella, the big band will perform tunes from its recent disc, “Just For Fun,” at 7 p.m. Monday, June 9, at Johnson Park.
Whiting sits in
“Just For Fun” celebrates the orchestra’s 50 years of entertaining audiences at countless concerts,
conventions, festivals, weddings and dinner dances across New York State. Though its title suggests a less-than-serious session, “Just for Fun” shines like a carefully faceted jewel, a thing made beautiful by meticulous attention to detail in both performance and production. Guest singer Joe Whiting kicks off the set by crooning a hook-laden original, “Do It Yourself,” arranged by young Nick Colella, followed by the R&B standard “Let the Good Times Roll.” That latter tune is right in Whiting’s wheelhouse as are “Teach Me Tonight” and “Route 66,” which come later. Whiting will sit in with the big band on June 9.
Baker croons too
The orchestra’s regularly featured lead singer, Dave Baker, pays homage to the Great American Songbook with his straight-ahead versions of “Please Don’t Talk about Me When I’m Gone” and “(Up a) Lazy River.” Several Liverpool-area musicians make notable contributions, including saxophonist Jim Spadafore blowing leads on “Do It Yourself ” and “Blues for Sale,” and trumpeter Rob Robson wailing away on “Route 66” and the disccloser, “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me.” The Liverpool Is The Place Committee will continue to stage the free concerts at Johnson Park from 7 to 9 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 13.
Liverpool observes Memorial Day Revolutionary War soldier portrayed by Gian Assante, Syracuse Mets mascot Scooch and Liverpool Mayor Stacy Finney strike a pose at the village’s revived Memorial Day Parade on May 26. Enlivened by an absolutely gorgeous, sunny spring day, hundreds of villagers and visitors applauded the paraders and paused in reverent silence at the cemetery. “The weather cooperated big time,” said Mike Romano, the chairman of this year’s parade committee. “It was a great day all around.”
“We’re still seeking sponsorship to support this concert season,” said LITP Chairperson and Treasurer Colleen Gunnip. To donate, contact Gunnip at colleen.gunnip@ gmail.com, or call the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce at 315457-3895.
2025 Liverpool Is The Place Summer Concert schedule
All concerts 7 to 9 p.m. at Johnson Park in Liverpool. Free admission; liverpoolistheplace.com; 315457-3895. Monday June 9: Stan
Submitted photo
Trumpeter Len Colella will conduct the Stan Colella Orchestra at Johnson Park.
St. Paul’s music director, organist Mary Lohr, retires after 57 years By Russ Tarby Contributing Writer
Scripture repeatedly advises us to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” It’s advice which has guided Mary Lohr through her entire life. The longtime music director and organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Liverpool will retire following services there Sunday, June 8. Her career in sacred music began when nine-yearold Lohr, whose maiden name is Gustke, began singing in St. Paul’s junior choir back when the church was located at 600 Oswego St., at the corner of Vine. Ever Director l Page 2
Submitted photos
Colella Orchestra. Big band swing. Wednesday June 11: DoyleWhiting Band. Rock’n’roll. Monday June 16: Soul Mine. R&B. Wednesday June 18: Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble. African dances. Monday June 23: Mood Swing. Classic rock. Wednesday June 25: Born to Run. Springsteen tribute. Monday June 30: Liverpool Community Concert Band. Patriotic tunes. Wednesday July 2: Latin Groove Connection. SamConcerts l Page 12
Submitted photo
Retiring St. Paul’s music director Mary Lohr at the keyboard of the church’s Bozeman organ.
Volume 132, Number 23 The Star-Review is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 2501 James St., Suite 108, Syracuse, NY 13206. Periodical Postage Paid at Syracuse, NY 13220, USPS 316060. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Star-Review, 2501 James St., Suite 108, Syracuse, NY 13206.
schools: Air Ambulance lands at Liverpool High School.
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sports: C-NS baseball advances in sectional playoffs.
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death notices ����������� 9 Editorial ��������������������� 4 history ������������������������ 5 letters ������������������������ 4
Obituaries ���������������� 10 PennySaver ���������������� 6 Sports ����������������������� 11