Opinion

Most electable without winning — Howie for President

In last November’s election perennial Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins established a unique status among seekers of public office. With his name written-in for a myriad of races, he earned a place in political urban mythology as the Person Most Electable Without Winning.

EDITORIAL: DA Fitzpatrick showcases law and disorder

Grandstanding is not becoming of any political power, especially not in a position that was created to bring justice and fairness — which is why Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick’s behavior over the past few months is so troubling. This isn’t to say Fitzpatrick hasn’t helped victims of crimes — in recent years he helped to bring justice to Jenni-Lyn Watson’s family, he helped bring Stacey Castor to justice. There’s no doubt Fitzpatrick has been an effective district attorney in thousands of cases.

Library Focus: Tax help, movie night and leadership challenge offered this week

Meet your everyday challenges and discover your potential for leadership right here in beautiful downtown B’ville.

No school districts served by ‘competitive’ state aid policy

Last week, we told you what we thought were the good points of the executive budget presented by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as presented in Syracuse Feb. 8, including SUNY reform, a focus on infrastructure and Medicaid relief. But we have one major bone to pick with the governor.

Local violinist sweetens ‘Caroline’

When a Jewish child and a black maid bond during the waning days of Jim Crow in St. Charles, Louisiana, musical magic ensues. Even the washing machines and dryers sing like archangels! So you can imagine the width and breadth of the musical genres in “Caroline, or Change” the unconventional musical by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori now playing at Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee St., down city.

COLUMN: Volunteer Connections

Servers, cooks needed for Beaver Lake pancake breakfast

Every Saturday during March, Beaver Lake Nature Center will hold their pancake breakfasts from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Volunteers are needed to help between 8:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 to set up, serve and clean up.

How tough is too tough?

Random Thoughts

In December, Jerry Wilcox, a fine and well-respected basketball coach for more than three decades in the Syracuse area, was fired at Liverpool, a single bad incident in a game at West Genesee cited as the reason.

A voice that could move mountains

When Whitney Houston’s death was announced on Feb. 11, my thoughts flashed back to one of the best concerts I’d ever heard, and I’ve attended thousands.

EDITORIAL: Until next Caz WinterFest

While snow was late to the party, residents of Cazenovia were right on time for 2012 Winter Festival celebrations.

LETTERS: Manlius Mayor reflects on Whitney Houston's ‘generous spirit’

To the editor: I have been blessed to be able to build a career on a God-given talent that gives me great satisfaction every day as an artist, graphic designer and now as the Mayor of Manlius. Since 1982, I have been drawing and presenting portraits to celebrities across New York State commemorating their performances or appearances.

Synthetic marijuana: Anything but safe

Marijuana has been a hot topic in the news recently with the debates over whether or not to legalize the drug, but who has heard of the already-legalized synthetic marijuana?

Thank a Service Member makes us mindful of sacrifices made

The organization called Thank a Service Member gave a ceremonial send-off to soldiers from the 444thEngineer Company of Oswego as they prepared to deploy to Afghanistan recently.

The future not only calls, it pirouettes

Community Columnist

When ballet class is over, my daughters call my wireless — but I don’t answer, because I don’t have or want one. I’m not saying I long for the old rotary-dial dinosaurs of the 60s or the privacy of booths in days of yore. I just happen to think this current cell phone craze will pass and suffer the fate of the Sony Betamax and New Coke.

All-star band sweetens ‘Caroline’ at Syracuse Stage

Downtown After Dark

When a Jewish child and a black maid bond during the waning days of Jim Crow in St. Charles, Louisiana, musical magic ensues. Even the washing machines and dryers sing like archangels! So you can imagine the width and breadth of the tunes’ genres in “Caroline, or Change,” the unconventional musical by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori now playing at Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee St.

F-M Superintendent: An SRO will further improve school climate

By now you’ve likely heard that the Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education in January approved hiring a school resource officer to serve the school district.

Ellington