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Reposted by SeanKirst

Justin @justintyper1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

it's that time of year again, cleanup in my old neighborhood.

SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

We'll hold our annual community peace cleanup Saturday morning in Elmwood - followed by nearby Syracuse 'Marketplace Mile' - in honor of Jim Gifford, guy lost to violence who lived out neighborhood ideals. My column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-j...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: Jim Gifford's life equaled faith in Elmwood. Saturday's cleanup, in his memory, nurtures that spark.

An annual gathering in honor of a guy, lost to violence, whose everyday world represented full neighborhood commitment, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Father Jim Mathews, legendary pastor of St. Lucy’s on the near West Side of Syracuse, at the sunrise Mass on Easter that became a Syracuse tradition: Mathews will say Sunday Mass about a dozen more times at St. Lucy’s before he retires on Jan. 1, at 89. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Many readers reflected with admiration on two Mike Greenlar images that ran with my column on St. Lucy’s parish honoring Father Jim Mathews, who retires (just before turning 90) on Jan. 1. Images show Mathews walking with support of church maintenance mainstays Snake and Vinnie. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

The great Mike Greenlar, brilliant Upstate photojournalist working with me on my column for today, hoped patient wait until the end of long event would result in beautiful image of 89-yr-old Father Jim Mathews leaving surprise tribute in his honor. The result:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

For 35 years, Rev. Jim Mathews, now 89, has led tireless outreach to hurting families in Syracuse around St. Lucy's Church. With his retirement coming up on Jan. 1, his parishioners decided it was time to make a statement. My column, with Mike Greenlar images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-f...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: For three more months, at St. Lucy's, cherishing 'Father Jim's Way'

A community surprise was unveiled last Thursday for a legendary priest, renowned for his outreach, who is set to retire on Jan. 1, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

At birth, doctors told Dave Murray’s family: Chances are he won’t make 5. He had cystic fibrosis. Spent his youth assuming he was dying soon. Double lung transplant later, he just hit 70. He sells TVs, loves it. And there’s nothing like first cup of coffee in morning. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Dave Murray: An extraordinary moment of communion with the late Yogi Berra underlines how grateful Murray, who received a double-lung transplant, is for each new day. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Dave Murray, familiar Syracuse presence on floor of legendary Ra-Lin’s, spent a lot of his life thinking cystic fibrosis would take him while he was young. A double-lung transplant later, he has some observations. My column, with images by Mike Greenlar: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: At birth, the doctors said Dave Murray might not live to be 5. A double lung transplant later, he just turned 70.

Born with cystic fibrosis, time and struggle taught Murray one especially vital key to daily life: Listening.

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Reposted by SeanKirst

Nick Veronica @nickveronica.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

🚨 Josh Allen is now in the top 20 in rushing touchdowns in NFL history. 81 career rushing touchdowns. Amazing.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

In this weekend of reflection - 25 years after nearly 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 - Mark Morabito, who lost his wife Laura Lee that morning, keeps thinking about a seemingly small decision they made the night before. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Mark Morabito has spent 25 years grieving the absence of his wife, Laura Lee, a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 who died on Sept. 11. If Morabito finds any one lesson for all of us in the pain of so much lost, for so many, he summarizes it in the three-word final line of my column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On Sept. 11, Mark Morabito - who lost his wife Laura Lee a quarter-century ago, this morning - has a few simple suggestions about what he sees as the best way to show her honor. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-t...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: To honor a wife lost on Sept. 11, a guy who never forgets understands how the simplest moments mean everything

Twenty-five years later, Mark Morabito sees the greatest lesson in his life as following through on quiet things that matter most.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Heath Hill, a member of the Oneida Nation and assistant superintendent of the Haudenosaunee Village at the state fair: His parents met 60 years ago this week at the village, where Hill said he first learned the traditional dancing that changed his life. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Here you go, @iddybud.bsky.social: These are among the beautiful hoodies included in Heath Hill’s line …

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Goodbyes are difficult every September at the newly-named Haudenosaunee Village at the @NYSFair - but organizers aready looking with excitement toward a 2028 centennial. My Central Current column, including some beautiful Mike Greenlar images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: At newly-named Haudenosaunee Village, state fair goodbyes softened by all that's coming next

Organizers say pride and a new name opens the door to the potential of a 2028 village centennial, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

My longtime colleague when I wrote for @buffalonews.com, Matt Glynn, with well-earned promotion into WNY running Valhalla:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The enduring story and legacy of Michael Feldman, who would have turned 34 this week: Given every reason to descend into bitterness, he chose another path. At a time when The Buffalo News has lifted its paywall, my 2018 column on Michael:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

“If you put hate out there, or you put love out there, it’s just that much more hate or love to dip into." - In same weekt Michael Feldman would have turned 34, my 2018 column for The Buffalo News (paywall down for weekend) on unforgettably magnificent human being: buffalonews.com/opinion/colu...

buffalonews.com

Sean Kirst: To the end, Michael Feldman sticks with the plan

I got into Syracuse late the other night, right around midnight. That timing left me sure I had missed my chance to see Michael Feldman, who had gone into hospice

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I’ve heard from many wistful readers who speak to the quality of work done by ‘Dr. Mark,’ longtime throwback roadside lawn mower repair guy in Syracuse who was killed in a 2024 automobile collision. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Almost 25 years ago, for $45, I bought used lawn mower from throwback small engine repair guy called Dr. Mark. This week, when mower finally went to the curb, I wanted to reach Dr. Mark and thank him. His life ended in sudden heartbreak - but his legacy is quiet, joyous triumph:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

I bought a used lawn mower for $45 more than 20 years ago from small engine repair guy called Dr. Mark. That mower lasted until this week though the throwback shop had long disappeared. My column on what I learned when I tried to seek him out to thank him: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-u...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: Until its last gasp, a second-hand lawn mower honored work of Syracuse small-engine wizard 'Dr. Mark'

Sean Kirst writes of his fond memories of a throwback repair shop — and its memorable regulars — on Grand Avenue.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

“The ‘ka’ is a female pronoun meaning it/she has much strength,” he explained. “‘Nyatar’ is the root of ‘lake’ (and) ‘iyo’ is the suffix adjective meaning good/beautiful.” - Mohawk linguist Tehahenteh on ‘Kanyatariyo,’ the Indigenous word that in English evolved into ‘Ontario.’ My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

More beautiful Mike Greenlar images of Lake Ontario that appeared with my Central Current column on Tehahenteh Frank Miller, deeply accomplished Mohawk linguist who explains the original sweep, meaning and power of the Haudenosaunee word that became Ontario:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

In the words of a revered Mohawk linguist, the Haudenosaunee roots and meaning behind the name of Lake Ontario. For those who know and love the lake, why the feeling you get at that lake is reflected in its name. My Central Current column, images by the great Mike Greenlar:

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Reposted by SeanKirst

Justin @justintyper1.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

another great story from Sean about the name Ontario and why my people named it that thousands of years ago. i wish we learned more language when i took native American classes in elementary and jr high.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Beauty, power, goodness in a feminine entity: A revered Mohawk linguist, Tehahenteh Frank Miller, explains the original and lasting Haudenosaunee meaning of 'Ontario' in my Central Current column, with stunning Mike Greenlar images... centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-t...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: To Indigenous elder, what you feel at Lake Ontario is in the name itself

A Mohawk linguist says the essence of the lake — a female entity within his ancient language — is intertwined with the origins of the word "Ontario."

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Declan Sommer, head editor of The Dolphin - independent student news site at Le Moyne - comes out of the gate before September is even here with a staggering piece about the most profound and spiritual of teachers. The column: thedolphinlmc.com/columns/2026...

thedolphinlmc.com

A Teacher Whose Name I Never Knew: The Anatomy of a Thank You

I didn’t see her face until the day I said goodbye. For an entire semester, it stayed beneath a piece of cloth. I knew what was underneath her skin before I knew what she looked like. I knew the place...

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Latest chapter in the benefits of working alongside great photographers: More images from Mike Roy of the court-naming ceremony to honor longtime youth sports coach and coordinator Dennis Bardenett, at McChesney Park. To read my Central Current column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

As always, beautiful work by photographer Mike Roy for my Central Current column on Dennis Bardenett - coach who’s changed countless lives in Syracuse on modified or youth league level, reflected by hundreds who showed up to see him honored at McChesney Park:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

For almost half-century, Dennis Bardenett has been kind of coach in Syracuse whose work in modified and youth leagues gathers no headlines - but directly changes lives. Thursday, hundreds gathered at to say thanks. My column with beautiful Mike Roy images: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: At McChesney Park, a court named for Dennis Bardenett, a coach who 'always sees the gold'

A packed house honors a Syracuse coach and educator whose warm nature and support have lifted up thousands of city children.

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Reposted by SeanKirst

Justin @justintyper1.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I've only been working 40 years and i cannot wait for that feeling lol even though i have plans for a small business to retire into.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

A truly great take on retirement: Jean Singletary, now 93, spent much of her life working long shifts at difficult and often backbreaking jobs. She makes sure she often talks about years of long and tiring shifts, she said, so she never loses this sweet feeling countless retirees can appreciate …

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Another example of stunning gift of working with great photographers: A Mike Greenlar portrait for my column today on Jean Singletary, 93, an indomitable spirit after lifetime of relentless work - now contemplating one last move after 67 years at Pioneer Homes, slated for demolition in coming years.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

At 94, retired after lifetime of relentless work, Jean Singletary contemplates one last move after 67 years at Pioneer Homes - one of nation’s oldest public housing complexes, but one set for demolition in next couple of years. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: After 67 years at Pioneer Homes, Jean Singletary hopes her last great move equates to staying there

Nearing 94, Singletary is a witness to many decades of daily life in the state's oldest and soon to be demolished public housing complex, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Twenty-five years ago this week, this is how I began column about Common Councilor Van Robinson’s great dream in The Syracuse Post-Standard. Plenty of people - so many people - laughed and said Van was dreaming. Removing I-81 from Syracuse would never happen. Next year, it will.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Twenty-five years ago this week, a lot of people laughed when late Van Robinson laid out case in one of my columns for why Interstate 81 bridges should come down in heart of Syracuse. That lonely argument was not lonely for long. My column today on that moment and where it led:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Twenty-five years ago this week, I remember the incredulous response when the late Van Robinson told me for a column how the moment was finally right to bring down the I-81 bridges in Syracuse. Today? Van’s dream is happening. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-w...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: What seemed impossible then is about to happen. It's 25 years since Van Robinson made a public call to pull down I-81

In 2001, Robinson saw forces coming together that would allow his longtime dream to become a 2026 reality, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

When I was a kid in WNY factory family, my mother used to daydream about how nice it would be to spend time in Finger Lakes. Never happened. Sixty yrs later, gather my family there for a few days every summer - which was good setting when Aiden McGuire asked me to list 5 points of inspiration:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

We were away for a few days in the Finger Lakes, stop that has become annual joy, respite for my family, when Aiden McGuire asked me to identify five things that inspire me each day for his Instagram spot. It was good reminder, something I should always contemplate: www.instagram.com/p/DbLRmmekaR...

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

One last thought on my column on Capt. Glenn Leak and 1st Lt. Nora McFarland, WWII surgeon and nurse from Buffalo who married at war: Heard from several medical historians who emphasized Dr. Leak’s importance in postwar cancer medicine, as noted in address by Dr. Douglas Tyler…

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Central Current, new nonprofit news site in Syracuse, has assembled staggering photojournalist lineup with major paper experience. Example - Images by internationally honored Michelle Gabel for my piece on Mary Ward and her parents, surgical team married near front lines in WWII:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Their World War II romance, surgeon and nurse from military hospital who married while at war, was front page story in Buffalo when they came home. The couple died all too young of cancer, causing orphaned daughter, now retired teacher, to make lasting and precious gift last week. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Mary Ward’s parents were American WW II physician and combat nurse from Buffalo. Her mom’s 1945 wedding dress in France was made of silk from Luftwaffe parachute. They died young. Mary was orphaned. Last week, she lived out their last great lesson. column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-o...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: Orphaned at 11, a Manlius woman's World War II journey in 'footsteps' of Buffalo parents she dearly missed

Until last week, Mary Ward owned her mother's wedding dress made of silk from a German parachute, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Janelle Kraus, president of the Syracuse Inner-City Rotary, with Kirk Park bench that will be dedicated at this morning in memory of Al Turner, quiet guy who lifted up the lives of countless young people in the heart of Syracuse. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

An update: Funeral Mass for boxing legend Tom Coulter scheduled for Aug. 10. Details in my column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Theardis Marino, a founder of Inner-City Rotary in Syracuse, was passionate about creating memorial for Al Turner, his cousin and tireless volunteer. Saturday, that will happen in Al's memory - and crowd will also think of Marino, who died before he had chance to see it happen. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Saturday, in gratitude and appreciation, a crowd will gather at Kirk Park in Syracuse for dedication of bench to honor Al Turner, whose dedication to community was so intense his friends say his spirit will still be around. My Central Current column: centralcurrent.org/sean-kirst-a...

centralcurrent.org

Sean Kirst: A Kirk Park gathering Saturday to unveil memorial for Al Turner, 'who got the soul of it' in community he loved

Whether it was On Point for College or the Inner-City Rotary, a guy who did the quiet civic work that matters most, writes Sean Kirst.

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

If famed newscaster Irv Weinstein had skipped past extraordinary want ad, buried in back pages, in 1971 - written by Buffalo guy in hard spot involving need to buy mismatched shoes - one of most impossible and beautiful of friendships might never have come to be. My column:

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SeanKirst @seankirst.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

A sand castle recreation of the late Jim McCormick’s feet by his children and grandchildren, one foot four sizes larger than the other, a condition going back to infancy that became the centerpiece of an extraordinarily beautiful 55-year friendship. My column:

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