Near-record voter turnout at lone polling place
Well, shut my mouth!
I and dozens of other residents of the village, of Galeville and of Pitcher Hill had been loudly complaining about the Liverpool Central School District’s sudden decision to limit voting to a sole polling place way out in Clay, rather than the usual five polling places scattered around the big district.
But when voters turned out May 18 to approve the 2010-11 school budget and the 2010-11 Liverpool Public Library budget, they did so in near-record numbers, myself and plenty of other naysayers included.
Some 3,704 voters pulled levers that Tuesday at the lone location in the gym at Liverpool High School.
That’s the highest turnout since 3,760 residents voted in 2002, According to figures provided by LCSD Assistant Superintendent Kevin Nuzzo. The next-highest budget-vote totals were 3,571 in 2008 and 3,209 in 2004.
Last year, 2,953 votes were cast, 2,568 in 2007, 2,149 in 2006 and 2,523 in 2005.
The lowest turnout over the past 11 years was in 2003, when just 1,452 voters pulled the curtain behind them.
The February 2009 special referendum to approve renovation of the high-school stadium drew nearly twice the annual average for May budget votes. With the stadium proposition on the ballot, 5,158 voters came out
Civil War vets remembered
When you follow the Memorial Day Parade to Liverpool cemetery Monday, make sure to check out the new headstones being installed for veterans of the Civil War. Former Town of Salina Councilor Jim Keib — who’s fascinated by the War Between the States — is coordinating the effort here to honor that’s war’s local vets.
Cheese-steaks and cheesecake!
And if your stomach starts rumbling at Monday’s parade, hop over to Pizza Villa at 409 Tulip St at the corner of Oswego Street. Val Scordo and her staff now serve desserts as well as delicious subs, slices, garlic knots and calzones.
Pizza Villa’s new confections include New York-style cheesecake, haystack brownies, lemon-burst macaroons and triple-berry crumble, for just $2.95 each; 451-4200.
Shiny new floor at American Diner
Next time you’re enjoying an omelet at American Diner at 214 Oswego St. make sure to glance down at the floor. It’s so new, it fairly sparkles.
Earlier this month, owner Mike Tassone installed a brand spanking new oak wood floor. Seriously, it looks clean enough to eat off of!
The diner’s makeover will continue with kitchen and rest room renovations, Tassone said.
American Diner was formerly known as Choo-Choo Chessy’s because it’s right on the edge of the railroad tracks. For many years before that it was The Liverpool Diner.
Open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., American Diner serves breakfast daily and lunch Monday through Friday, and everything’s available for take-out too. Check out the menu at americandinerny.com; 451-4416.
Patio performances underway
It’s time to while away these warm evenings listening to live music on the patio at The Retreat. Restaurant manager John Rodriguez has booked no less than 77 performances which started May 24 with Mike Crissan who returns Tuesday, June 1. FabFive Paul plays Wednesday, June 2, followed by Common Taters Thursday, June 3; One of CNY’s top tunesmiths, guitarist Jamie Notarthomas appears on Saturday, June 5. All performances at The Retreat run from 7 to 11 p.m.; 457-6358.
Mark your calendars
Onondaga County’s Parks & Recreation Department has alerted the village of Liverpool about this summer’s closures of Onondaga Lake Parkway.
That stretch of Route 370 will be closed Tuesday evening, June 22, for the annual Corporate Challenge foot race.
Traffic will also be banned during morning hours for Parkway Sundays from July 11 through Aug. 29. And during the annual Syracuse National vintage vehicle week, the Parkway will close in favor of a cool car cruise on Thursday, July 15.
Another summer event you won’t want to miss is American Legion Post 188 Field Days in Washington Park, Aug. 19-21.
