Creating an environment for cultural expression
Local dentist invests to bring community the Baldwinsville School of Music
John Damiano has combined his passion for music with his savvy business smarts to bring the Baldwinsville School of Music to the community.
Santa Claus is coming to town
PEACE wraps up annual Christmas giveaway
Nearly 40 children received a little Christmas early last Thursday when Santa Claus stopped by PEACE Inc.
Christmas is in the Air
Christmas in the Village, a holiday celebration organized by the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, took place this past Saturday, Dec. 1.
Syracuse Vocal Ensemble to perform ‘Mystical Christmas Pie’ in B’ville
St. Mark’s will host an audibly edible event next Sunday when the church welcomes the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble to the congregation for its Mystical Christmas Pie performance.
B’ville Optimists annual tree sale fundraiser underway
Eagle candidate gives back
Sam Stone, a 15-year-old sophomore at Baker High School, recently renovated the Baldwinsville Optimist’s Christmas Tree Sale trailer for his Eagle Scout project. Just in time, too, as the tree sale began Saturday, Dec. 1, next to the Rite Aid on Downer Street.
Christmas in the Village - B’ville tree lighting event scheduled for Dec. 1
Take the family out for a festive evening in the village this Saturday.
Kiwanis Turkey Trot launches successful new 5K course
Once again, the Baldwinsville Kiwanis saw record numbers for the club’s annual Turkey Trot held Thanksgiving Day. The 44th annual event drew 2,670 participants.
No change in Paper Mill Island rental rates
After reviewing Paper Mill Island revenues and operation costs for the 2012 season, village officials have decided the rates and regulations will remain the same for the 2013 season.
B'ville code enforcement officer helps with assessment efforts in Long Island
As part of Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR), a program administered by the New York State Division of Code Enforcement Administration, Gregg Humphrey traveled to Long Island Nov. 3 where he worked with a team to provide rapid assessments of homes damaged from the storm.
B’ville shares services with Van Buren
Baldwinsville officials have entered into an intermunicipal agreement with the town of Van Buren to share the services of comptroller Greg Maxwell. The village Treasurer, Anna Custer, plans to use Maxwell as a resource.
Seasonal vehicle storage discussion continues
Prior to the Nov. 15 village board meeting, Baldwinsville officials held an informational meeting regarding a proposed change to the village code dealing with storage of seasonal vehicles such as boats, RVs and snowmobiles.
Lysander seeks resumes
Lysander officials are seeking resumes
Beaver Lake’s new children’s room honors memory of Gretchen Snedeker
On April 10, 2008, 24-year-old Gretchen Snedeker was driving through the city of Oneida when she was hit head on by a vehicle traveling at 55 mph. The driver, a mechanic whose license had been suspended seven times, survived. Gretchen did not.
Repair decision made for Cold Springs bridge
Officials have opted for the safest plan for the Route 370 bridge repair, which also reflects cost savings for the state.
‘Homelessness can happen to anyone’
Nine girls recently spent the night in a cardboard box – no phones, no music and, most importantly, no food or drink.
Lysander, Van Buren approve 2013 budgets
Despite facing increased expenses and shortfalls in revenue, both Lysander and Van Buren were able to hold the line on next year’s budgets and neither municipality exceeded the 2 percent tax cap imposed by New York State on the tax levy (amount raised through property taxes).
Oktoberfest donates proceeds
At a recent village board meeting, Oktoberfest committee members Kim Presley and Jim Jones presented donations to local organizations and projects.
Lysander approves fire protection contracts
The Lysander Town Board recently approved two one-year contracts with fire protection districts.
Van Buren approves snowplow contract
The Town of Van Buren will plow Onondaga County roads within the town for a rate of $6,600 per mile for 2013.
B'ville reduces sound penalty
Village officials recently reduced a penalty fee imposed upon Hollerback Productions.
B'ville to hold seasonal vehicles informational meeting
dwinsville residents are encouraged to attend an informational meeting being held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at the village hall (16 E. Genesee St.), which will focus on language in the village code regarding seasonal vehicles in relation to the nuisance vehicle code. During this meeting, the village board will hold a work session to discuss possible changes to the law.
Marching band scores Carrier Dome win
Bees hit the road for NYC competition this weekend
The Baldwinsville Marching Bees “stomped” competition during the 2012 Field Band Championship Show held Oct. 28 at the Carrier Dome.
Company B combines music, crafts for unique experience
The holidays are quickly approaching. Get a head start on your shopping at the Company B craft show all while supporting Baker High School’s vocal jazz ensemble.
COLUMN: Coffee with Baldwinsville’s Mayor
Mayor Joe Saraceni kicked off the conversation responding to a question about Tri County Mall. He said the larger of the two buildings was scheduled for demolition, an effort made by the current property owners and owners of Golden Legacy Apartments. However, the demolition will be delayed because asbestos was found in the building.
Highway superintendents remain elected positions
Lysander and Van Buren residents have spoken loud and clear – they value every vote including that for the position of highway superintendent.
Au Chocolat returns to B'ville biz district
Sweet treats and special promotions await you.
Lysander proposes decrease in spending, increase in tax levy
Despite a 17.8 percent decrease ($306,570) in revenue, Lysander officials have presented residents with an 8.9 percent decrease ($420,613) in spending for the proposed 2012-13 budget. In order to balance the proposed budget, however, the tax levy (amount raised through property taxes) will increase 4.6 percent ($221,457) from $1,914,128 in 2012 to $2,136,585 in 2013.
Magnarelli to run unopposed for 120th district
NYS Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli is running unopposed in the 120th district, which represents residents of the city’s Northside, Westside, Eastwood, Strathmore and Valley areas of the City of Syracuse, as well as the towns of Geddes and Van Buren. Magnarelli has served on the NYS Assembly since 1998.
Two vie for Onondaga County Court Judge seat
County residents will have two candidates to choose from when filling the vacant seat on the Onondaga County Court bench, which consists of three judges. Judge Anthony Aloi and Judge Joseph Fahey currently hold the other two seats on the bench, which has jurisdiction over the fifth judicial district. The third seat was left vacant after Judge William Walsh resigned.
Two vie for Onondaga County Clerk seat
County residents will have two candidates to choose from when filling the Onondaga County Clerk seat left vacant after County Clerk M. Ann Ciarpelli resigned in July after four terms in office.
Two vie for Onondaga County Family Court Judge seat
County residents will have two candidates to choose from when filling the Family Court Judge seat left vacant after Family Judge Bryan Hedges retired in April.
Highway Superintendent referendum discussed
Lysander and Van Buren residents will both have the chance to choose whether they want to see the position of highway superintendent changed to an appointed position or remain as an elected position within each town.
Two vie for Lysander Councilor seat
Lysander residents will have two candidates to choose from when filling the town councilor seat left vacant by Brian May in January after May became an Onondaga County Legislator.
Two vie for Lysander Highway Superintendent seat
Lysander residents will have two candidates to choose from when filling the highway superintendent seat left vacant by Bruce Reeves earlier this spring.
PEACE food drive a success
PEACE, Inc. recently reached out to the Baldwinsville Central School District to participate in a Fall Frenzy Food Drive. Terri Liedka, a social worker at Reynolds Elementary, responded. She contacted the Baldwinsville Teacher’s Association, which took quick action, donating approximately $750 worth of non-perishable food donations to the County West Family Resource Center food pantry, which is a part of PEACE, Inc.
Lysander schedules public hearings including budget hearing
A public hearing regarding the tentative town budget will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Lysander Town Hall. Officials are currently reviewing proposed budget presentations from each of the town’s department heads during budget work sessions. The proposed budget is available for the public to review in the town clerk’s office. Officials anticipate approving the budget either at the Nov. 8 or Nov. 19 town board meetings.
Route 370 bridge options discussed
Lysander officials recently met with NYS Department of Transportation officials and Sen. John DeFrancisco to discuss the Route 370 bridge (over the Seneca River) closure.
Jones Road traffic light is temporary
A traffic light has been temporarily installed at the intersection of Jones Road and 690 West (Exit 2) for the purpose of upcoming construction on the Exit 39 Thruway bridge, which travels over 690. All traffic exiting the Thruway from Exit 39 will take the 690 East exit. Traffic traveling north on 690 will take the Jones Road exit then circle around to the 690 North entrance on Jones Road.
B'ville: Informational meeting regarding highway superintendent referendum
An informational meeting regarding the appointed highway superintendent proposition will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Baker High School auditorium, 29 East Oneida St., B’ville. Lysander Supervisor John Salisbury and Van Buren Supervisor Claude Sykes will lead the discussion and answer residents’ questions.
Ride on the BLT: New transportation program aims to keep seniors independent
Senior citizens are excited about a new bus transportation program provided in Greater Baldwinsville. “Where I was before, they always had a bus,” said O’Brien Road Senior Apartment resident Mary Revette, who participated in the new program known as Baldwinsville Local Transportation, or BLT.
Coffee with Baldwinsville's Mayor: South Shore East Trail
Baldwinsville Mayor Joseph Saraceni met with Messenger Editor Erin Wisneski last Tuesday at Big Mama’s Restaurant to chat about what’s new in the village. Steve Darcangelo, the village’s newly appointed engineer, and Michael Randall, a 60-year resident of Baldwinsville, joined them for coffee and a discussion focusing on the South Shore East Trail.
Defamation lawsuit dismissed; Charges filed against town will go to court
A $200,000 defamation lawsuit filed against Lysander Town Councilor Andrew Reeves has been dismissed while a lawsuit against the town of Lysander will continue in court.
Nantucket Cat moves to larger facility
The Nantucket Cat held a ribbon-cutting event last Wednesday, Sept. 26, marking the cat-theme gift shop’s move to a new location at 49 Oswego St. in the village business district.
Handbags for Hope silent auction returns to Cottage Designs
Cottage Designs invites everyone to name their price – for a handbag, that is.
Coffee with B'ville's Mayor - Infrastructure
Baldwinsville Mayor Joseph Saraceni met with Messenger Editor Erin Wisneski last Tuesday at Cottage Restaurant to chat about what’s new in the village. Michael Randall, a 60-year resident of Baldwinsville, joined them for coffee and a discussion focusing on village infrastructure.
Y Metro Board still considering Timber Banks recommendation
The YMCA’s Greater Syracuse Metro Board is still considering a recommendation from the Greater Baldwinsville YMCA regarding the Timber Banks location for the Northwest Family YMCA, which was made earlier this month.
Van Buren trash haulers operating without license
Supervisor Claude Sykes announced during the Sept. 18 Van Buren Town Board meeting that two trash hauling businesses serving the town of Van Buren are operating without a license, Tribute Trash and Superior Waste.
Nantucket Cat to host grand re-opening
The Nantucket Cat will hold a grand re-opening ceremony complete with ribbon-cutting and unveiling of new logo and signage from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the new location, 49 Oswego St., Baldwinsville. Renown
B’ville’s Oktoberfest keeps crowd dancing
Reminiscent of the festival held at Tri County Mall decades ago, Fritz’ Polka Band was moved from the amphitheater stage on Paper Mill Island to under the tents during Friday night’s down pour.
Educational materials to be distributed regarding referendum
Van Buren officials have approved an expenditure not to exceed $2,000 to cover the costs of printing and postage for a public education mailer regarding the appointed superintendent position, which will be on the ballot in November. This will provide educational material regarding the referendum to the 4,800 households in Van Buren.