If you’ve made a late-night visit recently to the Sunoco station at 500 Oswego St. for a pint of brew or a gallon of gas, you’ve probably met clerk Dom Fratto. The big, dark-haired dude invariably wears a wide smile and possesses a decidedly gregarious personality.
Dom’s innate ability to connect with his fellows will serve him well in his true life’s vocation as a novelist. The young man’s well on his way to a literary career, having already self-published an impressive 120-page book titled “Under Ironclad.”
With a hint of science fiction and a lot of international intrigue, “Under Ironclad” tells the story of Ethan, an unlikely protagonist fighting against the realization he’s but a pawn in a chess game waged by the political elite.
Inspired by books such as Daniel Abraham’s high fantasy novel “The Dagger and the Coin,” Dom creates characters who must overcome their own flaws before confronting society’s slings and arrows.
While the story keeps you turning the pages, it’s Dom’s dazzling descriptions of people, places and situations that make the reading such a pleasure. The guy has a way with words, especially when it comes to dialogue. The book overflows with impossible conversations that will stun and astound you.
Mark my words. Dom Fratto has what it takes. Someday soon we’ll all be buying his books on Amazon.
Creole Soul leaves Route 11
Sorry to report that Creole Soul Café has closed its location at 315 N. Main St. (Route 11) in North Syracuse. Owners Darren and Vinita Chavis also operate the original Creole Soul Café at 128 E. Jefferson St. downtown, but they just couldn’t draw enough new customers to the North Syracuse shop.
Meanwhile, have you noticed that Holly Koenig’s Crooked Little House antique shop at 221 First St., here in Liverpool, has also closed? Not sure if the property has been purchased yet, but it would make a great location for some down-home Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Lawyers buy historic building
The law firm known as Sheats & Bailey will purchase the historic Hicks home, the cobblestoned and columned building at 609 Vine St., on the corner of Aspen Street, here in the village.
One of the most spectacular 19th century buildings still standing here, erected by Liverpool businessman Jonathan Hicks in 1854, the two-story Hicks house is a Greek Revival-style structure notable for its unequally spaced Ionic columns. Four large columns stand on the principal portico, while seven shorter columns wrap around the hip-roofed porch on the house’s southwestern side. The irregular spacing gave proper framing to both the main entrance and the porch door.
The village planning board acknowledged the law firm’s application for a site-plan review and sign permit for the property, which will likely feature a law office on the ground floor and apartments on the second floor.
The building had most recently been home to of Advocates Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with developmental disabilities.
Longtime villagers recall that Dr. P.B. Schoolcraft maintained an office and residence there in the 1950s and ’60s, along with his father, Earl Schoolcraft.
Crafters with a mission
A spring craft fair project is being planned at Liverpool’s First Presbyterian Church, for Saturday, May 19. That is the same day as Old First’s annual plant sale for the Friends in Faith group. The friends hope to present the event outdoors, weather permitting.
If you’re a crafter and would like to join in the fun, start making and saving up your handiwork (all types welcome excluding edible or topical items, as they don’t want any allergy issues. Each crafter will price and sell their items during the show, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. show, featuring homemade cards, jewelry, knit and crochet items, watercolor paintings, handmade soaps, paper crafting, quilted items, tote bags, zippered pouches and more. Organizers hope to add some woodworkers, metalworkers and photographers. Cost is $20 per table.
If you have questions, please contact Joan Halsted at [email protected] or Lisa Bricault at [email protected] or Coleen Clapper at [email protected]). Table reservations are due by early March.
Last word
“We are here and now. Further than that, all knowledge is moonshine.” — H.L. Mencken.
Contact the columnist at [email protected].
