2023-2024 Recipients

Meet Michael Eiffe

Michael Eiffe, a 1995 Central Square School District graduate and son of the late Daniel and Nancy Eiffe, was raised in West Monroe with three brothers, David ('91), Jason ('93), and Ryan Eiffe ('00). While a Paul V. Moore High School student, Michael participated in football, basketball, wrestling, and track.

After graduation, he attended Hartwick College, earning a B.A. in Secondary Education ('99), where he served as Sergeant at Arms of the Delta Beta Rho fraternity. Michael returned home, teaching high school social studies at his alma mater, where he coached Central Square youth baseball, basketball, and Pop Warner football, in addition to both freshman and varsity football.

After earning an M.S. in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oswego ('05), he furthered his education by obtaining an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ('07). After serving as interim principal of Millard Hawk Primary, Michael became the principal of Cleveland Elementary School in 2007.

Mr. Eiffe's leadership, strong support of character education, and commitment to academic excellence spearheaded the achievements of Cleveland Elementary as a 2010 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School and as a 2012 NYS School of Character, later to be named a 2013 National School of Character. In 2012, Michael accepted the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction position for the Chittenango Central School District.

In 2017, he was offered the role of Superintendent of Schools, where he currently serves. Under his leadership, Chittenango Schools earned distinction with Bridgeport Elementary as a 2015 NYS and National School of Character, Chittenango High School as a 2019 NYS Character School of Distinction, and Bolivar Road Elementary as a 2023 School of Character Promising Practices award winner.

Michael lives in Chittenango with his wife Christina (PVM '96) and their three children, Shamus, Sean, and Caitlin, where he has served as a Chittenango youth baseball, basketball, and Pop Warner football coach. Michael is an accomplished speaker, recipient of multiple leadership honors, including the 40 Under 40 award, a long-time NYS Council of School Superintendents member, and a volunteer at Clear Path For Veterans.

Meet Ronna (Kringer) Schindler

Ronna (Kringer) Schindler is a 1973 graduate of Paul V Moore.  She continued her higher education and earned a degree in diamonds. Together with her husband Kurt, they have five children, all graduates of Central Square.

Ronna's father taught her by example the importance of giving your time and talents to help others "a gift from the heart".  She has followed his example throughout her life.  From volunteering for the past 30 years to facilitate the children's program at the First Universalist Society of Central Square as director and teacher to donating time to the non-profit toy library in Bernhards Bay.  She sews hats and mittens for the Hastings Lions Club drive, worked with the Girl Scouts in Hastings and was an assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 700 in Constantia.

She donates her time to highway trash pickup in Central Square, collects eyeglasses for the Lions program and works with the Matthew 25: Ministries, a program for reusing medicine bottles.  She supports our veterans through participating with Honor Flight.  She is a member of the Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse where she donates her time working with the youth program.  Beyond our community she has participated in auction set for the United Way, volunteered for the Disability Mentoring program and makes continuous contributions to not-for-profit organizations including My Fathers Kitchen, Pure water for the World, the Heifer Project and Doctors without Borders.

2022-2023 Recipients

Meet Richard "Rich" Mercer

Richard ‘Rich’ Mercer is a 1992 graduate of Paul V Moore High School. Rich and his wife Lisa reside in Hastings, and are the parents of two children, Anna (2019) and Jack (2024). He is the son of the late Doris Stevens of Central Square and the late Ben Mercer of Goldsboro, NC. His stepfather, Kevin (Nancy) Walker, resides in Baldwinsville.

Rich has been a volunteer with the Hastings Fire Department for over 30 years. He joined as a junior member in 1990 while still in high school. In his 30 plus years as a member, he has held various line officer and executive officer positions, including Chief and Assistant Chief. Rich served as chairman of the Building Committee and oversaw the expansion and renovation of the station in 2015. Since 2020 Rich has served as Treasurer. Rich was recently recognized at the department’s annual banquet for the number of calls he responded to and drills completed. In addition, he was awarded the 2022 Firefighter of the Year award by his fellow members. Rich recently assumed a fire investigator position with the Oswego County Cause & Origin investigation team.

 Rich completed his Certified First Responder (CFR) in 1990 and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in 1992. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Onondaga     Community College in 2006 with an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology. Rich’s commitment to ongoing education has earned him certifications as a NYS Fire Instructor, Building Code Inspector and Fire Inspector. He recently completed both National and NYS Fire Investigator certifications.

After graduation, Rich went to work for Eaton Crouse-Hinds as a machinist. While there, he volunteered as a member of their Emergency Medical Response and Confined Space Rescue teams. In 2002 he joined the Town of Clay as Fire Marshal. Since 2010, Rich has been employed by the NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities as a Fire & Safety Representative where he acts as a fire safety resource to OPWDD staff regarding agency regulations, NFPA 101-Life Safety Code, Uniform Fire Prevention, and Building Codes. He assists with the development of the agency’s fire safety training and delivers annual training to over 3,000 staff members in the CNY region. He also acts as a liaison between local fire departments and state operated OPWDD program sites. Throughout 2020 and 2021 he held various roles at the Staten Island Covid Testing Facility as part of New York’s Covid-19 response.

In addition to his commitment to the fire service, Rich is a member of the volunteer cleaning crew at Divine Mercy Parish. He is also a frequent blood donor, having donated over eight gallons of blood. He has woven his passion for the fire service and volunteerism into a lifelong commitment which has brought personal satisfaction, professional success, and benefited his community.

Meet Michael "Mike" Hall

Michael “Mike” Hall is a 1975 graduate of Paul V Moore High School and is married to Dona.  He is an extremely proud father to his son, Michael, who is an EMT. Mr. Hall’s ancestors, perhaps, unknowingly laid the foundation of service and love of this community long before he was born.  His family roots are deep in the Central Square-Hastings-Caughdenoy area.  His great grandfather purchased and ran a general store in the Town of Hastings as early as 1853 and then it would eventually become part of the Lows Cash store in the village center of Central Square. His grandfather, Clyde Devendorf, would also be a part of Lows Cash stores' rich history.  His grandmother, Genevieve Devendorf, was instrumental in building the first library in the village of Central Square and in 1927 promoted the building of St, Michaels Church. Mike’s mother, Ruth, was a graduate of Central Square High school.  However, probably some of the biggest similarities can be found between Mike and his father, Oliver Hall.  Oliver was the owner of Hall’s Furniture & Appliance Store in Caughdenoy, served as a trustee on the Village of Central Square board, was a volunteer with the Central Square Fire Company and even played the trumpet in the Central Square Community band!  Now I don’t know if Mike can play the trumpet, but as I will share, he checks all the other boxes like his father.

After high school, Mike attended Northwood University with a major in automotive marketing. He then returned her to his hometown and started his career with Penoyer Ford and later was hired at Reymore Chevrolet as the body shop manager.

In 1996 he started a career in the insurance industry as an automotive estimator for State Farm Insurance, finally retiring from there after 23 years. Now, for anyone who knows  Mike, they know he is far from retired! 

Upon retiring from the insurance industry, he reopened Customs & Classics, where he does restoration and body work.  Like his father, he has served on the Village of Central Square board of Trustees. In addition, he was a past business representative on a CSSD advisory board.  He has been an assistant youth soccer coach too. 

Also, like his father, Mike has a passion for serving as a Volunteer Fireman with Central Square Fire Company No. 1.  He has proudly dedicated 43 years so far as a volunteer.  Most recently he is serving on the board as vice president. 

  Mike Hall has a deep-rooted passion for veterans as well. He shows such respect and admiration through his activities at the Central Square Fuller Taylor Post 915 where he is a member and finance officer with the Sons of the American Legion. Through that membership, he is extremely active by participating in the Trees for Troops program, chairing the SAL Golf Tournament Fundraiser and helping with the chicken BBQ’s to name a few. You can often find him serving on the post color guard for events in the community like Veterans Day, 9/11 and Memorial Day, as well as at funerals for our veterans. 

As if that was not enough, he provides an invaluable service to the post in his role as Bar Steward. In that role, he has the enormous responsibility of being in charge of the day to day operations of the postbar and kitchen, as well as building and grounds responsibilities. 

  Mike is an excellent example of a Paul V. Moore graduate who not only excelled as a businessman but continues, as his family before him had, to go above and beyond for the people of our community.  He is always there to lend a hand or lead the charge while asking nothing in return but the joy of serving his community.     

Meet Molly (Race) Buchanen

Molly (Race) Buchanen is a Paul V Moore class of 1988 graduate.  She is the daughter of Robert Race Sr and Gloria Wescott. No matter where she lived, Central Square was always her home.  After high school, Molly pursued a degree in Micro Computer Processing.  During that time, she found her love for graphic design. She was able to work for Service Liquor doing the thing she loved; design.  Once they downsized, Molly didn’t miss a beat, she created her own very successful business. In March 2006 she and the love of her life, husband William Buchanen, set their sights together on a new challenge. Taking over as the third generation owners of Buttercup Cheese in Central Square, they created the Buttercup we all know and love today. No child ever came through those doors without Molly giving them a cheesestick and a big smile!

No matter what challenges the business faced, Molly wanted to help the community.  She is the type of person who was considerate and always willing to put others first.    

Just a few of the organizations that were close to her heart were the Girl Scouts,  music boosters, Central Square Fire Company and the HUb. Through her annual Wine and Cheese Chicken BBQ fundraising event, a charity was chosen to benefit. One such project that she had a big hand in helping was Extraordinary Acres, an all-inclusive playground at VanLieu Park in Hastings.  If it was “for the kids”, she was all in 110%!  Through Buttercup Cheese, she also promoted small businesses unlike any other we have ever seen. She would reach out and provide shelf space to help promote local meat, wine, baked goods, hand crafts or just about anything else you could imagine. 

  Molly always took the time to help others who were not in a position to help themselves. Some of this was guided by her strong faith. It was not unusual to stop by the store and catch Molly listening, really listening no matter what she had going on to someone who might just need to talk or who needed a little inspiration.

  Her family can attest to this as well and would add that she would do everything she could to help them be successful. Sometimes it might have been talking them through hard times, being a shoulder to cry on, or she was not afraid of having the reality check they needed!

Molly was hardworking, would accept any challenge she met and gave unselfishly of her talents, time, and energies to help her fellow man, and was a valuable asset in our community.  Buttercup Cheese was one of the local businesses who participated in the job shadowing program for our school district.  It was always one of the most requested places to go and the students loved to help make the cheese curds.  She was a member of the Central Square Fire Company’s Auxiliary and Compassion International.  She could throw one heck of a softball, sing karaoke and have a smile for everyone she met. 

With her passion for all of these worthy causes and running a successful business, you may wonder how there could be more…but there is. Molly was spunky, had a great sense of humor, a strong faith in God, loved unconditionally, had a deep sense of compassion for children, animals and the military.

But first and foremost, it was always her family. She met life head on with her husband Bill by her side. She beamed with pride whenever she talked about her sons Josh and Cameron. I know she held the love of her infant daughter who passed, Amanda, in her heart as well. Her grandchildren, Xander, Robert and Lucas brought her so much joy and she was anxiously waiting for the arrival of her granddaughter in January 2023.   

She was always the optimist. One quote that I think sums up her life is “If people stopped looking for things that offended them and started looking for things that inspired them, what a wonderful world this would be”.

Molly passed away October 7, 2022…far too soon and left a hole in our community that still remains.  She continues to inspire and those who knew her will never forget her. In the words of her father, she was “good stock”.

2021-2022 Recipients

Meet Millard "Mudd" Murphy

Mr. Murphy was born and raised in Central Square where he still lives today with his wife, Linda. He has two (2) grown and married daughters, Deena and Charlene along with four (4) grandchildren. Growing up in Central Square, Mudd was a member of a Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 334. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society in scouting. He graduated from Paul V. Moore High School in 1960 and then attended SUNY Oswego where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a minor in History and Adolescent Psychology. He then went on to pursue a career in Construction Management, eventually specializing in heavy construction and mining equipment. Mudd started his own firm, Best Tractor in 1992 and it is still active.  He refined his interest even more by branching out to deal on the international market, along with performing in-depth appraisal analysis of construction equipment and gives sworn testimony as an expert witness.

Mudd has dedicated over 55 years into his business career and still found time to give back to the Central Square community. He has held various positions over the years in the Central Square community, among them being President of the Library Association, member of the Central Square Endowment Fund Community, and a Volunteer Fireman with Central Square Company #1, where he served as President for two terms. He currently is a board member of the Central Square Community Historical Society.  

Mudd’s dedication to his community doesn’t stop there. He has been elected Mayor for terms totally 12 years and as a trustee he has served 20 years. He is currently also serving as Executive Director of Oswego County Conference of Mayors, a position he has held for 8 years.

In 2013 Mudd started his own charitable event called “Tithe My Shoes.” Once a year around Thanksgiving time, Mudd puts out a flyer to collect new and used shoes, boots, and sneakers.  The used shoes are refurbished by his friend, Ralph Rotella and given to the Rescue Mission, to be distributed throughout New York State to anyone in need of good warm footwear.

Finally, Mudd enjoys public speaking, so for many years he has served the Central Square Community Church and the Methodist Church as a lay speaker. Another way that Mudd uses his public speaking skills is to visit the youth at the summer recreation program along with his friend, Billy Bob, to read to the children. 

He believes life is the greatest of all gifts, so why not use it to support and help others.  

Meet Katherine "Katie" Haberer

Katherine “Katie” (Humphrey) Haberer is a 1994 graduate of Paul V. Moore High School. She is the mother of two children: Angilee and Hunter. Katherine has lived all her life in Central Square.

For most of her adult life, she was a professional gymnastic coach. Through that profession she ran a competitive program for school aged children. In addition, she introduced additional options for State funded programs for children with disabilities. As part of that program, Katherine was responsible for developing and sustaining programming in Oswego, Onondaga, and Cayuga counties.

As her children became school aged, Katie continued to give her time and talents as a Vice President for Millard Hawk Elementary PTA and was nominated for a Regional PTA position.   For 25 years, Katherine has been an active member of the Girl Scouts. She has served as a Recruitment Director, and currently is Co-Leader of Troop 10871, Service Unit 108 recognition coordinator, service unit delegate representative and an advancement committee member. 

Katherine feels that community service has shaped her life and, in that spirit, continues to support youth in our community through the PTA, the high school volunteer services and scouting.

Her most recent role in scouting has led to her troop designing, installing, donating, and maintaining a 1000 ft Butterfly Garden at Goettel Park. This garden was donated in 2017 and is not only an attractive addition to the park but also helps to stop hillside erosion.  

More recently, Katie guided the troop to complete a Silver Award take-action project at Van Lieu Park. On August 8, 2021 Extraordinary Acres, an all-inclusive playground was unveiled.  Phase 2 is scheduled for completion this spring and will add an inclusive swing set and whirl.  The final phase, #3 is projected for Fall of 2022. That will round out the playground with a pickle ball net, trash and recycle bins, and an ADA-compliant restroom.  

With values first instilled while growing up in Central Square, Katherine continues to prove that together tangible change can be made by individuals of all ages who come together to make dreams a reality. Katherine’s dedication and perseverance not only supports that belief is proof of its truth.

Meet Richard "Rich" Matthys

Richard D. Matthys was a lifelong resident of Central Square and graduated from Central Square High School and the University of Buffalo College of Pharmacy. A dedicated pharmacist for 50 years, Dick worked at Upstate Hospital, LaFever’s Pharmacy, Harold’s Pharmacy and The Village Pharmacy in Central Square.

He served as a Boy Scout Troop leader and as a member of the Central Square Historical Society. As an active contributor to the Central Square Lions Club, Dick co-chaired the Christmas Basket program for over 20 years, going above and beyond to ensure a happy holiday season for the community he loved. As a member of the Lion’s Club, he maintained close ties to the school and established lifelong friendships with his classmates and colleagues. Dick raised three children in Central Square, in whom he instilled his love of community and spirit of generosity.

Meet Sharon BuMann

Sharon BuMann’s professional career as an artist began in 1977.  Being an artist was her dream job from an early age.  Sharon loves and is best known for her sculptural works.  Most notedly are BuMann’s public bronze monuments including the “Jerry Rescue Monument’ (Syracuse, NY), “Libba Cotton” (Syracuse, NY), “Dr. Mary Walker” (Oswego, NY), “Abide” (Alexandria, NY), “Madonna and Child” (Central Square/Auburn, NY), “The Mountain Goat” (Syracuse, NY), “Founders of Syracuse Homes” (Baldwinsville, NY), “Tex Simone” (Liverpool, NY) and more.  Additionally, she is acclaimed for her life-size butter sculptures produced for State Fairs across the country, annually for over 20 years.  One such sculpture won a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Butter Sculpture” (4,070 pounds) in Dallas, TX.  Today, Sharon continues to work in her home studio doing large works of art.

Upon semi-retiring from extensive travel in 2016, Sharon BuMann took on the resurrection of the Fort Brewerton Historical Society.  It was an organization near and dear to both her parents.  Instilled in BuMann as a child was the attitude that, “History is important to the future of us all and must be protected!”  That philosophy falls in line with her life-long learning and teaching motivations.

Sharon and her beloved husband, George (whom she met in high school) raised two children, George Bruce and Amy Beth.  George, his wife Jenny Golding and son, live in Gardiner, Montana (at the north gate of Yellowstone National Park).  George is a wildlife sculptor and naturalist.  Amy and her husband, Patrick Eustace and their four sons live in Hamburg, New York.  Amy is completing her Nurse Practitioner’s License and is currently employed at Erie County Medical Center as a nurse.  Both children were also graduates of Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square, Syracuse University and Virginia Tech., University at Buffalo and Daemen College, respectively.

Meet Irene Meyers

Irene Nellie Meyers was born March 15, 1929 to Catherine (Hellinger) and Stephen Rupracht of West Monroe.  Irene attended several one room school houses during the Great Depression, as the family moved often, wherever work was available.  In 1940 her parents purchased their own farm in Constantia.  Reflecting on her own life, Catherine swore “her daughter would never learn to milk cows, because if she did, she’d never do anything else”.   Irene graduated from Central Square High School in 1946 as Valedictorian, having served as Senior Class President and editor of the student newspaper “The Centralite”.

Upon graduation, Irene transitioned from part time to full time bookkeeper for the Goettel Corporation.  She met a young dairy farmer from Caughdenoy who came in to pay his feed bill.  She and Robert Meyers (CSHS ‘39) married in 1950. They bought a farm next to Bob’s parents, expanding the family operation. Irene helped when needed, but she never milked cows.  Irene worked for Goettel’s until she retired as their last employee, with a 10 year break to stay home with their young children.  All are graduates of CSCS- Cathy ‘71, Bonnie ‘73, and Steve ‘76.  Irene is blessed with 5 granddaughters, 3 great granddaughters and has two more great grand babies on the way.

Irene held several leadership positions with the Caughdenoy United  Methodist Church and was honored to be their Woman of the Year.  She was an active member of other community groups such as Home Bureau and Grange.  She taught secretarial classes at CS Adult Ed night school.  She helped lead Brownie Troop 78 and was a 4H leader for 25 years. As Hastings Town Historian and Central Square Village Historian, she gave presentations to many youth and social groups. She extensively researched and archived genealogical information, receiving requests from across the USA, and delved into her own extended family’s history.  She served as secretary of Fort Brewerton Historical Society.  She wrote 2 books:  “Where the Eel is Lying Down: Caughdenoy NY” and “Images of America: Hastings NY”.   She received recognition from the NYS Senate in 1985 for creating “Our Heritage Day”, a ceremony and self-guided tour celebrating the 160th Anniversary of the Town of Hastings.

First elected in 1981, Irene served 3 terms as Councilwoman  and 2 terms as Town Supervisor for the Town of Hastings. She was the first woman, and so far the only woman, to hold these positions.  During her tenure, she secured federal grants to build the Caughdenoy and the Fort Brewerton Sewer Districts. The present Town Hall was completed and her name and title are inscribed at the entrance.

Meet Bruce Rio

Birthdate: 5.12.61 Father “Russ” Rio (1 brother, 3 sisters), mother Sylvia (Matthys) Rio.
Schooling from CSCD – graduated 1979.  BOCES Program – Electronics 1979. 
Joined cub scouts 1969 – boyscouters – 1972, Caughdenoy Troop 709; Achieved the Adirondack 46ers Club 1975; Eagle Scout Troop 709 – 1978; Became Scout Leader 1980-1994 Troop 709
Married 1985 to Susan Church (Rio)
2 children – Mark Rio – 2001, Maeve Rio – 2004
American Red Cross CPR Instructor – 1982-1994
National Ski Patrol – Song Mountain 1984-1996
Employed Onondaga Cty. Instrumentation Tech 1981-1994
Developed Red Onion Grocery & Pizzeria, 1994 to Present
Became Private Pilot 1985, seaplane pilot 1999
Boy Scout Leader Troop 709 2013 to present
Town of Hastings Town Supervisor 2000-2006
Town of Hastings Republican Committee 1997 to Present
CSCS AFS Parents 2018 from Germany
CSCS AFS Parents 2019 from Germany
“Surround yourself with people who care” and have the motto, “I will try”
When you find yourself doing something challenging, just remember, “if it was easy everyone would be doing it”.

Meet David Daniel Eiffe

David is the oldest son of Daniel and Nancy Eiffe and grew up in West Monroe where he started his school career at Hastings Mallory in 1978. His brothers, Jason (95’), Michael (97’) and Ryan (00’) are all proud graduates of Central Square as well. During Dave’s time at Central Square, he played basketball as a middle schooler, baseball and golf in high school and participated in student government. He graduated from Paul V. Moore High School in 1991.

After graduation, he attended Onondaga Community College where he graduated in 1994 with an Associate’s Degree in Communications.

Dave grew up in a home where service to community was not just an option, it was the expectation. He watched both of his parents devote many hours of their lives to their community. Events at church, membership in their local fire department, coaching youth sports and assisting with other civic organizations were part of their everyday life. Wanting to follow in their footsteps, Dave joined his local Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16 and started what would be a 30 year career of service to community in the public safety field.

As a father of two children, daughter Delaney (18’) and son Braden (20’), he was committed to coaching youth sports and assisting with many community activities and fundraisers. His upbringing and his volunteer work with the fire service were the basis of what it meant to be responsible, to understand commitment and to see what empathy and caring meant to others. In his nearly 20 year career as a volunteer, he learned that the intrinsic satisfaction from helping others outweighed any tangible reward. As a volunteer, he rose from Junior Firefighter through the ranks and in 2006 ascended to the position of Chief of Department. He was the first Junior Firefighter in department history to do so.

The love and passion of his volunteer service propelled him to take the civil service exam as the first step in turning public service into a career.  In 1999 he was hired as a Firefighter in the City of Fulton Fire Department. Dave graduated at the top of his recruit class at the New York State Fire Academy and immediately knew that this was his purpose in life. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2006. In 2010 Dave was recognized as “Firefighter of the Year” for his involvement with saving a man from drowning in the Oswego River as well as his passion and motivation as a young lieutenant who was always pushing his department to be better. Throughout his career, he was recognized for multiple lifesaving awards, mayoral commendations and an American Red Cross Real Hero medal.

In 2012 he achieved the rank of Captain followed by a promotion to Assistant Fire Chief in 2015. In 2017, Dave reached the pinnacle of his career and was promoted to the rank of Chief of Department. This responsibility was an enormous one. He was responsible for the safe operation of a fully career fire department in a suburban city of 11,500 residents and 39 full time firefighters. During his time as Fire Chief he had many achievements to be proud of. Some of those included securing over $1 million in federal and local grants which helped secure the purchase of four new pieces of fire apparatus, new breathing apparatus, fire prevention programs and cancer prevention equipment.

He was also able to implement several new programs within the department that were completely designed to integrate the fire department with the citizens and community stakeholders. Dave always valued the partnerships his department was able to form during his time as Chief with numerous groups and stakeholders in the Fulton community including the Veterans, Rotary, Lions Club, Fulton Block Builders, Senior Citizen groups, and the City of Fulton School District. It brought him great pride to see his department and its members assisting these groups in ways that went beyond a response to an alarm; interacting with them in proactive, preventative and partnering settings. These programs and interactions were key to leading his department to be viewed as relevant, progressive, involved and valued by the Fulton and surrounding communities. Dave also belongs to many professional organizations and was always proud to represent the City of Fulton and its taxpayers as their Fire Chief at local and national conferences and events. He attributes his successful career as a Professional Firefighter to the values, skills and morals instilled in him by his family at home, his Central Square School family and his volunteer fire department family.

Dave retired from service as Fire Chief in December 2019 and now spends his time as a State Fire Instructor with the Department of Homeland Security where he is able to educate and mold the next generation of firefighters and newly promoted officers at the very same fire academy that he graduated from over 20 years ago. He still resides in West Monroe with his fiancé, Melanie Soluri, his children and Melanie's children Marissa (17’) and Anna (23’) Wheeler. 

Meet Deborah O'Mara

Debbie O’Mara is a 1974 graduate of PV Moore.  She married Mark O’Mara (Class of 74) in 1977 and they have four children, Erin, Kelly, Daniel (Amy), and Christopher (Chelsea) and two granddaughters Terra and Maeve. Living in Caughdenoy all her life she was involved with Caughdenoy UMC, Fire Department 4H and Girl Scouts.  As an adult her involvement took on leadership roles in each of these areas and expanded to include: Starting and directing Sunny Days Nursery School, Evolve Caughdenoy VFD Auxiliary into a Fire Department Support Group and serve as coordinator, led a local 4H Club and served as a County Judge for 4H.  Her work with Girl Scouts started as Brownie Leader and continued leading two troops for ten years, in addition she served as the CS District Coordinator for Girl Scouts for four years.  She also worked with Boy Scouts – first Cub Scout Pack then Boy Scout Troop 709 on committees serving as a badge counselor, trip planner and fundraising chair.  She assisted starting an Explorer Post with the Caughdenoy VFD and served as Committee Chair.  After her years of service at Caughdenoy UMC, she took on leadership roles at Wellspring Family Life Church, including parenting, and couples small groups and womens’ ministries.

She has been a long-time supporter of the Central Square School District beginning in 1982 with CSI PTA.  She served on many committees there and expanded her involvement over the years to start a PTA at the Middle School, PTSA at the High School, and the original Superintendent Parent Council.  She served on many district committees including Strategic Plan, where she was trained to be the internal facilitator under Dr. Doherty, and led the State mandated Shared Decision Making Team.  In 1993 she started the Student Government at PVM as a community volunteer.  By 1996 she was appointed the advisor of this group, as she began her employment with the Central Square School District.  In 1999 she started the Student Leadership Task Force as a need for a district-wide student leadership team was needed.  She served on the NYSCLSA Board for 15 years and the NYS Executive Director for 5 years, and was a member of NASC State Directors Board.

Some of the Awards she has received include: NYS CLSA Advisor of the Year sponsored by SANYS, NASC Region 2 Advisor of the Year sponsored by NASC/NASSP, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Advisor of the Year, Oneida Shores Rotary Club Citizen of the Year, Sage College Academy of Character Education Support Service Personnel of the Year Award.

Today Debbie continues to help guide today’s youth with Big Brother Big Sister serving as site based manager for the school-based program in Central Square. She currently is planning to add a new component matching high school students with community mentors.  She helps students find ways to volunteer in the community and share her love of giving back.  She works with students in the PV Moore Career Center helping to plan what they want to do after high school.  She continues as advisor of PV Moore Student Government and the CS Student Leadership Task Force.

Debbie loves her family, her students and her community and is thankful she is able to give back every day to the people who have supported her and her endeavors.  Her family is supportive and come along side whenever possible when the volunteer tasks she takes on are a little bigger than she anticipated, for that she is so appreciative. 

Meet Jesse Daino and Adam Williams

 Adam Williams and Jesse Daino co-founded Recess Coffee in 2007. Beginning with their flagship location in the Westcott neighborhood, Recess has created over 50 jobs in the Syracuse community. Adam and Jesse have grown their business to include three cafes, with a supplementary headquarters building that includes the roastery, kitchen, and offices. 

Charity and goodwill are core values at Recess. In addition to exclusively using fair-trade beans, Recess Coffee proudly offers support to local and national organizations, such as The Make A Wish Foundation, Malheur Rappel Crew, P.E.A.C.E., Inc., Meals on Wheels, and many more.