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Local author to host book talks Lifetime achiever Forger recalls his days with L’pool bands
By Anna Edwards
On Sunday, March 23, the Liverpool Public Library will host a distinguished author visit by Meredith Ireland, a New York Times bestseller living in Upstate New York. Ireland will read from her books, discuss her writing experience and answer questions from the audience. Ireland writes for both adults and children, using the pen name Mai Corland when writing for adults. This is done to separate her adult fantasy novels from her young adult and middle grade literature. Her recent release, “Four Ruined Realms,” was written under her pen name. The event will include a visit for both children and adults. Meaghan Reilly, the librarian coordinating the event, said this will allow the author to cater to both groups. “She writes for adults and children. And so we wanted to highlight all of those areas, because they’re so incredible… So we decided, well, let’s cover both of these things, since they’re both so great,” said Reilly. The first event will be aimed at more adult audiences. It will last from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will include a reading from “Four Ruined Realms” as well as a Q&A. This book is the second release in the Broken Blades trilogy, following “Five Broken Blades,” which was released last year. The author will discuss her experience in the writing and publishing world as well as her love for storytelling. This event will take place under Ireland’s pen name, Mai Corland. “The timing is perfect. The second one just came out. At that event, we really want to talk about reading and writing and storytelling and what it’s like to be a professional author- how you go from having an idea to getting it down on
By Russ Tarby Contributing writer
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Upstate New York author Meredith Ireland will be at the Liverpool Library March 23 to discuss her works as a writer for younger readers as well as for adults. paper to revising and working it out and then trying to get it published,” said Reilly. Reilly said the event will be perfect for anyone who has read the books or who has an interest in writing professionally. Reilly said “romantasy” (the combination of romance and fantasy) is very popular right now and many patrons of the library are excited to meet an author in the genre. “It’s very exciting. We have a wide group of readers at our library that love fantasy, especially with some romance,” she said. The second part of the visit will focus on children and will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The author will read from her book “Emma and the Love Spell” and answer questions about the book. She will explain her love for storytelling and tell kids about what an author does. Reilly said face-to-face time with a published author could help kids learn what the field is like. She hopes the event will motivate children to want to write. “It’s just a way to inspire
these children to love reading, love writing, and just get excited about being creative and storytelling. It’ll be so fun for the kids to meet a real-life author,” she said. “Emma and the Love Spell” takes place in Upstate New York. Reilly said it was nice to see a book reference a familiar area. “It’s maybe familiar to a lot of kids living in our area, as opposed to maybe a grand fantasy adventure that takes place somewhere else,” said Reilly. The event will also involve a cookie-decorating activity because “Emma and the Love Spell” is based around a cake that makes people fall in love. Ireland said she is looking forward to the opportunity to talk with readers and share insights into her work and process as a writer. “I’m really looking forward to talking about world-building and characters. I love talking about craft and sharing my experience as an author from Upstate New York,” she said. Ireland said she works hard to showcase representation in her books. “Emma and the Love Spell”
has been named to the American Library Association Rainbow Book List, which presents a selection of books featuring significant LGBTQIA+ content. Ireland said her books feature Korean characters because she wants people like her reflected in literature. “It’s really important for me to write diverse characters to reflect the diversity in the world. When I was growing up, I didn’t see myself in anything I was reading, so I wanted to make sure that kids don’t have that feeling,” she said. Reilly said she is excited to bring the magical elements of the books to the local library. “My dad managed the Brooklyn Public Library so library events and awards are very dear to me,” she said. The Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool will be selling signed copies of the books for readers that attend the event. Ireland will also be bringing some free copies of her young adult and middle grade books for the kids who attend the event. To sign up for the events, visit lpl.libcal.com.
Library reading group focuses on ‘Voices and Votes’ By Janelle Davis
The Liverpool Public Library and Onondaga Historical Association are joining forces to offer local residents a chance to deepen their understanding of democracy through a special reading and discussion series tied to a prestigious Smithsonian exhibition. The three-part “Voices and Votes” reading group will complement the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibition of the same name, which will be displayed at the Ska-nonh Center from April 18 through May 30. The exhibition, developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, explores the ongoing evolution of democracy in America. “We’re very fortunate,” said Cindy Hibbert, community engagement at Liverpool Public Library. The collaboration came about when the Onondaga Historical Association was selected to host the traveling exhibit and sought partners for related programming. Given Liverpool Public Library’s proximity to the Skanonh Center (formerly the Salt Museum) and its track record of community engagement, the partnership was a natural fit. The reading selections were carefully curated by a team from both organizations. The first discussion in March will feature
Alexander Keyssar’s “The Right to Vote: The Contested History of Democracy in the United States,” facilitated by Barbara Slater, a retired educator from the Syracuse City School District. In April, participants will explore Native American perspectives on democracy through Bruce E. Johansen’s “Debating Democracy: Native American Legacy of Freedom” and portions of “To Become a Human Being: The Message of Tadodaho Chief Leon Shenandoah” by Steve Wall. This selection was recommended by Phil Arnold, who has previously collaborated with the library. The May discussion will be on “The Reverend J.W. Loguen, as a Slave and as a Freeman: Narrative of Real Life,” written by J.W. Loguen himself, providing a powerful firsthand account relevant to voting rights history. According to Hibbert, “The series aims to provide a deeper knowledge of voting and civic engagement.” By connecting historical struggles with contemporary challenges, the discussions will strive to foster meaningful conversations about democracy’s development and encourage greater civic consciousness among participants. In addition to the reading discussions, the collaboration includes two public lectures, a guided field trip to the exhibit, and an opening reception at the Ska-nonh Center.
The reading discussions are limited to about 20 participants who commit to all three sessions, the lectures and other events will be open to the wider public. Voices and Votes is a Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and is based on an exhibition by the National Museum of American History. It has been made possible in New York State by the Museum Association of New York, with support from the United States Congress and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Liverpool’s programming extends beyond the book discussions to include two lectures, the opening reception, a field trip to the exhibit for the library’s 55+ group, a library card signup day at the Ska Nonh Center, and a series of youth programs. For information about the youth programs, interested parties can reach out to Joellyn Murry at Joellyn.Murry@lpl.org. Interested participants can register for the reading series by visiting the Liverpool Public Library website or calling the library directly. Materials for the March discussion are available for pickup at the information desk starting March 1. With participants already registered, those interested are encouraged to sign up promptly.
Studio recording engineer Matt Forger, who hails from Liverpool, has Matt Forger earned the Syracuse Area Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award for his lengthy career at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles. There he worked with such musical luminaries as Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and former Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. But when he accepted the award Thursday evening, March 6, at the Middle Ages Beer Hall in Syracuse, the spotlight was on the early work he did running sound with such bands as Garrlynd, Kane and Alecstar. The prestigious Sammy Award was presented to Forger by his old friends and colleagues, musicians Lou Segreti and Tony Masterpol. Both were members of Garrlynd and Kane. “Those were the best days,” Masterpol told Forger l Page 2
LCSD to hold vote on capital project reauthorization
In March 2022, Liverpool Central School District residents approved the Education 2020 Capital Project which included renovations and improvements to five LCSD buildings - Liverpool High School, Morgan Road Complex, Wetzel Road CTE Academy, Long Branch Elementary and the Transportation Center. The project was reauthorized by voters in May 2023. As everyone has experienced, prices for just about everything, including construction items and services, have escalated. After discussing its options and making significant changes to the project, the district was informed that an additional $17.8 million will be required in order to complete all phases of the capital project. The district plans to raise those funds by using $4.25 million from the District Capital Reserve Fund 2022 as well as $13.5 million in state building aid. There would be no additional tax impact for Liverpool CSD voters, but the district must ask the community to approve the additional funds. To that end, the district will hold a Capital Project Reauthorization vote on March 27, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the District Office Board Room (195 Blackberry Road). Please note that this is a new location due to renovation work taking place at the Wetzel Road CTE Academy. A public hearing to discuss the proposed project will be held on Monday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m., in the District Office Board Room. Additional information will be shared in a special edition of the School Bell to be mailed to families later this month.
Autism & Neurodiversity Night planned
The Liverpool Central School District will host its second Autism & Neurodiversity Night at Liverpool High School on March 25. Join district families and staff for this free event, which will take place in the LHS Auditorium and Cafeteria, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn about different resources and programs available, as well as speak with professionals in the field of special education. There will be activities with supervision by LHS students so parents, caregivers and guardians can visit the informational tables. The event also will include snacks, sensory areas, quiet spaces and raffles baskets.
Volume 132, Number 11 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.
sports: Liverpool girls hang on to sectional AAA crown.
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A&E: ‘Steel Magnolias’ coming to local stage.
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