Cazenovia Republican Digital Edition Feb. 1, 2023

Sgt. Zaleski retires after more than 20 years of service

Jan.

By kAtE hill Staff

writer

On Jan. 27, after over 20 years of service to the Village of Cazenovia Police Department, Sgt. Karen Zaleski delivered her final radio sign-off and headed into retirement.

The department recognized Zaleski’s dedicated service and final moments on the clock with a ceremony attended by her family, friends, and fellow department members.

“This is a joyous occasion, but at the same time it’s a little sad because I’m losing my sergeant,”

said Chief of Police Michael A. Hayes. Zaleski joined the Cazenovia Police Department in March 2002 as a part-time police officer. She was brought on full-time in March 2003 and rose to the rank of sergeant in September 2007. She began her career in law enforcement in June 2001 when she was hired as a corrections officer for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. She then transferred to the road patrol as a sheriff’s deputy after graduating from the Little Falls Police Academy in 2002.

“I have found law enforce-

ment to be a most rewarding career, giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of Cazenovia,” said Zaleski. “As a police officer, I have met citizens in their worst moments, providing guidance and assistance to them for which some have expressed gratitude later. I like to think that I’ve made a difference in their lives and in the community.”

Zaleski added that throughout her career she has had the privilege of working with many law enforcement recruits and candidates, training and certifying them to become positive influences in their communities.

“I have enjoyed the camaraderie and support of the officers of the Cazenovia Police Department and other law enforcement agencies [whom] I’ve worked with over the years,” she said. “I wish them all long and safe careers as I leave the sergeant position here in Cazenovia.”

Leading up to Zaleski’s retirement, Hayes remarked that he has a unique perspective on the sergeant’s career as he was working

for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office when she started down the law enforcement path.

“[I] have had the privilege to watch her grow into an example of what a police officer should strive to be — compassionate and understanding yet hard enough to do what needs to be done and to go above and beyond to do it,” said Hayes. “Karen has been my right hand and my devil’s advo-

OCM BOCES, Marquardt Switches announce student technology program

Submitted pHotoS

On Jan. 19, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES announced the upcoming launch of a new, two-year engineering technology program that will allow high school students across the region to learn in an on-site classroom at Marquardt Switches, inc., and to work side-by-side with industry professionals at the company’s North American headquarters in Cazenovia. The program is scheduled to launch in September 2023.

By kAtE hill Staff writer

In September 2023, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES will launch a new two-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) Engineering Technology program that will allow high schools students across the region to learn in an on-site classroom at Marquardt Switches, Inc., and to work side-by-side with industry professionals at the company’s North American headquarters in Cazenovia at 2711 Route 20

East. According to a Jan. 19 press release announcing the partnership, Marquardt is a total solution provider for the automotive, offroad, and home industries, and it is expanding into the defense, aerospace, drone, and medical markets. It offers prototype development, testing services, equipment building and automation, product assembly, and supply-chain management — all under one roof.

Designed for juniors and seniors, the new engineer-

ing technology program is aimed at exposing students to engineering concepts and practices, preparing them for college and careers in the field, and generating a pipeline of workers for a rapidly expanding high-tech industry.

“At Marquardt, we aim to inspire the local students in our community to be the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers,” said Traci Schaumberg, marketing communications lead for Marquardt, U.S. “This partnership was started between OCM

BOCES and Marquardt as a way to help get students out of the classroom and gain real-life exposure to the latest technologies and processes that manufacturers use in the industry today. This provides students with an early look into the career paths that are available and that they may want to pursue in the future. Additionally, manufacturers can provide students with mentors who can offer valuable advice and guidance on how to succeed. Marquardt and OCM BOCES are working together to help bridge the gap between education and industry.”

Students in the program will spend half of their school day, about two and a half hours, at Marquardt five days a week during both their junior and senior years. The other half of each day will be spent in the students’ home schools. Students will be bused to and from the facility each day.

“The two-year program allows students to build foundational learning, as well as work within specialized areas of interest and active projects at Marquardt,” said Eric Comtois, OCM BOCES director of CTE and Innovative Education.

According to Schaumberg, the main focus of the two-year program will be a product launch for an electric vehicle company. As they work on the project, students will get to collaborate with several departments throughout Marquardt, including engineering, sales, program management, and operations.

“The students will get to experience the entire Product Engineering Process with a real-life product Marquardt is helping to develop and manufacture for an electric vehicle company,” said Schaum-

Kate Hill

On

27, the Cazenovia Police Department recognized the service of Sergeant karen Zaleski, who retired after more than 20 years with the department.

Local resident releases updated book on health, longevity

By kAtE hill Staff writer

Recently, local resident Phil Rose published an updated edition of his book, “The 120 Club – Living the Good Life for 120 Years: Health and Vitality in an Age of Transformation.”

The wellness, health, and longevity book centers on the idea that living 120 years is a very real goal for humankind.

“After conducting extensive research on aging and longevity, I developed my ‘10 Wisdoms,’” said Rose. “This is a comprehensive program on how to live a long and healthy life. It also makes an argument of why you should want to live to 120 in the first place.”

In the book, Rose presents the following 10 Wisdoms for living a balanced and long life: emotional healing and stress reduction; creativity and play; spirituality; diet; exercise; jobs, career, and money; politics and social transformation; friendships and significant others; Mother Earth; and Western medical doctors and alternative healers.

“The biggest hurdle for people to read such a hopeful book is having to look around us and see how those close to us are aging,” said Rose. “It’s not always so hopeful. But that should not stop us. We have more information and resources available to us [than ever] before in history to live a long and healthy life.”

The author has taught classes on his book at Onondaga Community College, Upstate Oasis, and the State University of New York at Morrisville.

“When I [met] people, they would ask me, ‘Are you 120?’” said Rose. “[Of] course, I would say, ‘Yes.’ We then would have a good laugh. One needs a good sense of humor to make it to 120.”

Rose is a member of the United Climate Action Network (UCAN) Steering Committee and the president of the Fenner Renewable Energy Education (FREE) Center.

UCAN is a grassroots group in New York’s 22nd Congressional District that advocates for environmentally sustainable policies and engages with business-

es, schools, and other local community organizations to advance environmental literacy and sustainable practices. The FREE Center is a grassroots organization formed in late 2001 to educate the public on the benefits of renewable energy and other sustainable practices. The center is located on Bellinger Road near the 30-megawatt Fenner Wind Farm.

Rose also has a private counseling practice with offices in Syracuse and Cazenovia.

He wrote the first edition of “The 120 Club” around two decades ago while in-between jobs. Fifty-nine years old at the time, he had just completed eight years as a literacy specialist for Laubach Literacy Action and was able to take a year off to write.

“I woke up one day and had what we might call a moment of clarity and enlightenment,” said Rose. “I said to myself, ‘Why should I limit the length of time I would be alive?’ It was a very liberating thought. It changed my life forever. From this idea, my mind started figuring out how to

make it to 120 and beyond. This is where my ‘10 Wisdoms’ came from. I needed to start now to avoid the crises of aging later in life.”

Rose recalled that he eagerly dug into all the literature he could find on aging and longevity, spending lots of time in both medical and public libraries.

According to Rose, 90 percent of the literature he read focused on diet and exercise with “a nod” to stress reduction through meditation.

“Yet, all those whose lives I read about and who lived very long lives had very full and complex lives,” he said. “I began to combine what I was learning from the scientists and specialists with my own experience and that of people who had lived a very long time.”

Last year, at the age of 76, Rose decided to update each section of his book with the knowledge he has gained since he first penned it.

“While the fundamental concepts remain unchanged, I’m older and wiser now and have fine-tuned my thinking,” said Rose. “What I have read or heard from others is interesting, especially the science, but I don’t agree with people who promote chemical or nutritional magic bullets on ag-

Police

Submitted pHotoS

Local resident Phil Rose recently published an updated edition of his wellness, health, and longevity book, “The 120 Club – Living the Good Life for 120 Years: Health and Vitality in an Age of Transformation.”

ing. While some of this is helpful, I have a more holistic approach to aging, especially when it comes to emotional healing as a path to ‘stress reduction.’ I’ve learned a great deal about this as a professional counselor. Now as a volunteer working on the climate crisis, I see the healing of the

l From page 1

cate all at the same time.”

According to Hayes, the sergeant’s responsibilities included supervising the patrol officers’ day-to-day duties, completing the department’s policy and procedure, conducting trainings, and ensuring that the department is following E-Justice guidelines.

“These are just a very small sampling of her duties as Patrol Sergeant,” said Hayes. “Karen will be missed and near impossible to replace.”

The chief noted that he and the Village of Cazenovia Board of Trust-

earth as connected to longevity. We can learn much from the earth.”

To learn more about The 120 Club, visit the120club. com

To join the club or participate in Rose’s seminars and workshops, email The120ClubRose@gmail. com

ees will work together to find a new sergeant for the police department.

“I have had the privilege of working with Sgt. Zaleski throughout my entire time serving the village,” said Mayor Kurt Wheeler. “Our community has been fortunate to have someone of her caliber who has devoted her whole career to serving Cazenovia, growing from a brand-new officer to a veteran leader. She will be dearly missed, but we wish her the best in all her future ventures.”

To learn more about the Cazenovia Police Department, visit villageofcazenovia.com/police/

Cazenovia Pride seeks Ally of the Year nominations

By kAtE hill Staff writer

Cazenovia Pride is currently seeking nominations for its “Amy Bradstreet Ally of the Year” award, which will be announced on Saturday, June 17 at Lakeland Park during the third annual Pride Fest Weekend festivities.

According to Pride Fest organizer Travis Barr, Cazenovia Pride is looking for local nominees who not only openly support LGBTQIA+ community members and youth but also serve as examples of kindness and compassion towards all.

During the first annual Pride Fest Weekend, the Ally of the Year award was posthumously presented to former Cazenovia community member Amy Bradstreet, who was killed at her home in 2014.

Bradstreet was the daughter of former Nelson Town Supervisor Roger Bradstreet and his wife, Bonnie. Barr created the award to honor Bradstreet and her family for the role they played in his youth and in shaping who he is today.

“Amy Bradstreet was a huge part

of my childhood and teenage years, and it was her kindness, compassion, and support that made me feel like the ‘coolest kid in school’ despite feeling like I was on an island as a gay youth in the 90s in Cazenovia,” said Barr. “Our goal is to highlight how easy it is to truly support people who may be different from you. [We hope to highlight] someone who is an example of treating everyone equally while also recognizing another person’s lived experiences.”

Last year, the award was presented to Cazenovia community member Casey Frazee.

Nominations for this year’s honoree can be sent to CazenoviaPride@gmail.com along with a few sentences describing why they would be the best person for this award. Direct messages can also be sent to Cazenovia Pride (“cazenoviapride”) on Instagram.

All nominees should live within the Cazenovia Central School District.

Cazenovia Pride is also looking for suggestions for its Youth Ambassador, a local student who interacts with other young people in an

Winter Festival is coming

Cazenovia’s annual celebration of winter is coming soon! This year’s Winter Festival, featuring snow sculptures, ice skating, a pancake breakfast, a talent show and much more, will be held Feb. 10-12.

Project CAFE is once again collaborating with the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce to schedule and publicize the calendar of events.

If your group has an event you would like featured on the WinterFest schedule or if you have a talent you’d like to share during the Feb 10 Talent Show, please email kurtwheeler13035@gmail. com or leave a voicemail at 315-655-9380.

The CCS Class of 2023 poses with their snow sculpture of the world during the 2021 Winter Festival. This year’s festival will be Feb 10-12.

Submitted pHoto

Submitted pHoto

Cazenovia Pride is currently seeking nominations for its “Amy Bradstreet Ally of the Year” award, which recognizes a local person who not only openly supports LGBTQIA+ community members and youth but also serves as an example of kindness and compassion towards all.

inspiring and engaging way.

“This person shows passion, enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment in supporting all young people in their journey through life

and especially at Cazenovia Pride Festival,” said Barr. According to Barr, this year’s Pride Fest has been scheduled for Father’s Day weekend, but the or-

ganizing committee is still in the early stages of planning. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

HAPPY MART CASe CLoSed, ReoPeNed

By kAtE hill Staff writer

On Jan. 24, Chief of Police Michael Hayes reported that the Village of Cazenovia Police Department’s investigation into the sale of illegal THC products at Happy Mart convenience store at 63 Albany St. has been reopened because some aspects of the case are still being pursued. The department originally closed the case on Saturday, Jan. 7.

On Oct. 13, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Happy Mart following a three-week-long investigation into the sale of illegal THC products.

The search warrant was issued by Village Justice D. Christian Fischer and executed by the Cazenovia Police

Department.

In an Oct. 13 press release, the department said it had received information that “look-alike products” were being sold at the store.

Hayes explained that such products look like familiar food items, such as gummies, candies, and cookies, but contain THC. For example, the THC- containing “Trips Ahoy!” cookies closely resemble the “Chips Ahoy!” brand.

Happy Mart has not been issued a license by New York State to sell cannabis products. Further, the Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees voted on July 1, 2021, to opt out of licensing and establishing cannabis retail dispensaries and cannabis on-site consumption establishments within its boundaries.

At the time the search warrant was

executed, the state had not yet issued any adult-use retail dispensary licenses.

“As we’ve said, there are currently no legal sales of adult-use cannabis in New York State, and any storefront that jumps ahead of the process will be shut down and risk losing the opportunity to operate in the legal industry,” said Daniel Haughney, director of investigations/enforcement for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, in the Oct. 13 press release. “We’re thankful for our partnership with the Cazenovia Police Department, which shut down the illicit sales at this storefront. All others should be on notice: illicit sales by unlicensed stores will not be tolerated.”

Happy Mart was temporarily shut down on Oct. 13 to allow for the proper execution of the search warrant and

then returned to its operators in “good working order,” Hayes said.

According to the police chief, the search yielded 1,869 THC products, including edibles, cannabis vaping products, and packaged pre-rolled blunts and joints dipped in cannabis oil for higher potency.

Later that day, Hayes reported that all the illegal THC products had been seized, pursuant to the search warrant, and would be processed and sent to the New York State Police (NYSP) Crime Laboratory for testing to determine if/ what criminal charges would be filed.

In a Jan. 23, 2023 update on the situation, Hayes announced that the case had been closed earlier that month because the NYSP Crime Laboratory said it was unable to conduct the testing. Therefore, the seized items would need

OCC to offer cannabis education program

Onondaga Community College recently announced it is offering a cannabis education program, giving students an affordable pathway into a growing industry that is projected to create up to 60,000 jobs across New York State by 2027. The program is offered in partnership with the Cleveland School of Cannabis.

This program offers a comprehensive introduction to the cannabis industry while focusing on cultivation, dispensary training, and extraction. Students can earn a workforce certificate in one or more of the following areas of study: Cannabis Cultivation Science – learn about horticulture, cannabis growth, pest remediation, and the science of the glandular trichome. Cannabis Dispensary Training – focus on dispensary operations, CBD, the history of cannabis, advocacy, and terpenes and cultivars. Cannabis Extractions – learn about edibles, mechanical extractions, ethanol hydrocarbon extractions, CO2 extractions, and post processing.

Classes are delivered entirely online and self-paced. There are no traditional start and end dates, giving students the ability to complete the program on a schedule which works for them. Instruction is customized to align with the rules and regulations of New York State.

The first five students who register for the program before Feb. 3 will receive 30% off tuition costs.

More information on the Cannabis Education Program at Onondaga Community College is available at sunyocc.edu/ cannabishub-occ

“The Cleveland School of Cannabis is recognized nationally as a leader in cannabis-related education. We are excited to partner with them and give our students an opportunity to learn what they need to know to begin their career in a rapidly growing industry,” said OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton.

According to the Cleveland School of Cannabis this is an important partnership,

“By expanding its education into the cannabis space, President Hilton and the OCC team are providing a bridge into a new frontier for those communities we as academic institutions have been called to serve. The cannabis industry is going to be enormous and well-educated employees are going to fuel the growth. We are honored to play such a significant role and help to deliver academic service where a need has been identified,” said Cleveland School of Cannabis President Tyrone Russell.

And those who have been through the program say it is a valuable educational experience.

“As a graduate of the Cleveland School of Cannabis (CSC), I was hired as the first Cultivation Manager at Certified Cultivators, one of Ohio’s top multi-tiered cannabis facilities. A year later, I was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing, and then to Production and Operations Manager in October 2022. Our employees take CSC’s asynchronous programs at their own pace as part of the onboarding process to develop the skills they need to enhance their work environment. Thanks to the convenience of online learning, they can complete their assignments anywhere with a computer.” Brendan Baumann, production/operations manager, certified cultivators

This is the fourth major announcement at OCC in Hilton’s first year as president.

The others are Micron’s decision to invest $100 billion in our region which includes construction of a high-tech cleanroom on our campus, Amazon’s selection of OCC as its community college partner in the Career Choice program, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s January 5 press conference here, announcing $2 million for facility upgrades in OCC’s School of Health

Manlius Police respond to Tops robbery

Last week the Manlius Police Department responded to a reported robbery in progress at the Tops supermarket in the village of Manlius.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the person who called 911 reported that a female suspect had attempted to steal merchandise from within the business at 119 W. Seneca St. and had started fighting against an employee who attempted to regain possession of the store property, police said.

Officers arrived on scene at approximately 9:30 p.m. and quickly detained the suspect, who had previously been trespassing on the property and was wanted on burglary and larceny charges

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid

PURPOSE: TEXT:

THE FILING OF NEW TARIFF AMMENDMENTS TO P.S.C. NO. 220 ELECTRICITY AND P.S.C. 219 GAS TO COMPLY WITH THE COMMISSION’S ORDERS DATED JANUARY 19, 2023, IN P.S.C. CASES 14-M-0565 AND 20-M-0266.

Notice is hereby given that Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid has filed new tariff amendments with the Public Service Commission to comply with the Commission’s Orders dated January 19, 2023, to become effective February 1, 2023.

Electric Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a

National Grid (“NMPC”) filed tariff revisions in response to the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) Order Authorizing Phase 2 Arrears Reduction Program (“PSC Order”). Phase 2 of Arrears Reduction Program provides automatic relief through direct bill credits to residential non-Energy Affordability Program (“EAP”) and small-commercial customers who have eligible arrears and who did not receive relief under the Phase 1 program, by issuing a one-time bill credit to reduce or eliminate accrued arrears through May 1, 2022.

stemming from a previous investigation, police said.

After witness interviews and evaluation of the physical evidence, Syracuse resident Victoria Shannon, 29, was arrested for robbery in the third degree, burglary in the third degree, and petit larceny. She was also charged with burglary in the third degree and petit larceny tied to the previous investigation.

Additionally, she had an outstanding warrant for her arrest issued by the Town of Geddes Police Department, police said. Shannon was processed and held at the Onondaga County Justice Center pending arraignment.

Notice is hereby given that starting on February 1, 2023, the AMP Surcharge will include recovery of Phase 2 program costs through customer bills and will be included in the Delivery line item. e AMP Surcharge Statement can be found on the Company’s website. For Residential customers: https://www.nationalgridus. com/upstate-ny-business/Rates/Rate-Statements.aspx and Business customers https://www.nationalgridus.com/upstate-ny-business/Rates/Rate-Statements. aspx.

Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at: http://www.nationalgridus.com.

GAS

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“NMPC”) filed tariff revisions in response to a New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) Order Authorizing Phase 2 Arrears Reduction Program. Phase 2 of the Arrears Reduction Program provides automatic relief through direct bill credits to residential non-Energy Affordability Program (“EAP”) and small-commercial customers who have eligible arrears and who did not receive relief under the Phase 1 program, by issuing a one-time bill credit to reduce or eliminate accrued arrears through May 1, 2022. e PSC Order also establishes the Arrears Management Program (“AMP”) Phase 2 Surcharge to recover costs of these bill credits effective February 1, 2023.

Notice is hereby given that starting on February 1, 2023, the AMP Phase 2 Surcharge will commence on customer bills and will be included in the Delivery Service Adjustment line. e AMP surcharge is located on the NMPC website. For Residential customers: https://www.nationalgridus.com/upstate-ny-business/ Rates/Rate-Statements.aspx and Business customers https://www.nationalgridus. com/upstate-ny-business/Rates/Rate-Statements.aspx.

Copies of the proposed revisions are available for public inspection and can be obtained on the Company’s website at: http://www.nationalgridus.com.

no

Submitted photo

OCC recently announced a cannabis education program the school will offer.

Going red

February, along with being a month where many are eagerly waiting the end of a long, cold winter, is a month associated with matters of the heart.

There is the more symbolic sense of this sentiment with Valentine’s Day and its cards, candies, hearts and Cupid images.

But there is also a more literal sense, in this is a month focused on heart health.

February is a time when the American Heart Association puts a great deal of emphasis on raising awareness about heart health, particularly for women.

According to The American Heart Association heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year, approximately one woman per minute.

There are other misconceptions about heart disease, particularly as it pertains to women.

Heart disease is commonly thought to be more common in men or that it is something older people have to be more concerned with.

According to The American Heart Association, for younger women, the combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20 percent. And while the risks do increase with age, things like overeating and a sedentary lifestyle can cause plaque to accumulate and lead to clogged arteries later in life. But even if you lead a completely healthy lifestyle, being born with an underlying heart condition can be a risk factor.

Factors like cholesterol, eating habits and smoking can counterbalance your other healthy habits. You can be thin and have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, or earlier, if your family has a history of heart disease and also keep an eye on blood pressure.

Women also need to be aware that their symptoms may differ from those commonly associated with heart issues.

Sixty-four percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. Media has conditioned us to believe that the telltale sign of a heart attack is extreme chest pain. But in reality, women are somewhat more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. Other symptom s women should look out for are dizziness, lightheadedness or faintin g, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen and extreme fatigue.

While the focus is on raising awareness on heart health for women, there are factors everyone should be aware and mindful of.

According to a recent study shared by the American Heart Association nearly half, 48 percent or 121.5 million adult Americans as of 2016, have some type of cardiovascular disease.

The report indicates high blood pressure has been a contributing factor.

Research shows approximately 80 percent of all cardiovascular disease can be prevented by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, along with adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors such as not smoking. The health behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight could have the most impact as they contribute to multiple conditions.

These numbers speak for themselves and may serve to motivate some to make some changes in their lives for themselves and for their loved one in order to live a longer and healthier life.

To learn more visit goredforwomen.org.

Two sides of winTer

The accumulated snow on my porch roof has all but obliterated our view of the street below. There is little room left in our driveway for the disposal of the snow that has drifted down in and over our cars. Why don’t I put the cars in the garage? A garage, one that you enter from the house … well, that is something that can only exist in fantasies that include Cary Grant, Robert Redford and the loss of 40 pounds. Each winter morning is a festival of snow removal and mutterings that include some rather creative use of the language. My spouse, and I don’t know what he is trying to prove, refuses to use the snow blower on the driveway apron, preferring to shovel the stuff while I keep my hand near the phone and 911. I can hear him now, declaring that the snow blower can’t handle the “heavy stuff”…and he can?

I am remembering our first year in the house. There we were, naively beginning to attack what was a very long list of problems-extraordinaire on the inside. We never gave a thought to the outside and what happens when winter comes, the roofs are covered with snow and some of it melts. Fade fast to a relatively young and very inexperienced homeowner on the roof of the back porch, with an axe (not a hatchet …an axe … a big one,) chopping the glacial ice that was melting into the house, frighteningly adding to the list of “must do’s” without any idea of what to do. How cold was it? It was so cold that year that the blood from a cut that I deftly procured from said ice actually froze. I didn’t even know

FROM THE MAILBAG

Why? To the editor:

Why? How sad that we enter each new year with violence.

Why, is a word that I use often.

Why, is it taught that everyone is created in the image of God?

Why, then is God not everyone, male and female, black and white, biologically and genetically?

Why, is humanity so separated? We are all God’s children or so it’s taught?

Why, are people categorized into Immigrant, color, sexuality, education?

Why, can’t we conclude that Jesus was an immigrant? That education came after trial and error or that one learned from doing?

Being a child of the 1930s Depression, my parents were immigrants that learned difficult lessons. If one needed food, one looked to the farmer. To keep a house intact, one needed a carpenter. If the lights went out, one called an electrical handyman. All, educated in what they performed but not necessarily from sitting in an institute of education.

Education, today, can be snobbery according to the letters that follow one’s name. But those who have not, are no less!

If the world were considered to be a puzzle, then think! Each piece contributes to the making! Each piece contains color!

Each piece holds forming shape!

Each piece fits!

At the end, the world puzzle is a whole! Each piece needing the other!

A peaceful functioning world!

Why not?

Ramblings from the empty nest

that I’d cut my hand until it defrosted.

GLORiA B. FERRARA deWitt

Thanks for your support

To the editor:

I am writing to thank Syracuse-area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project

Klaiber, jklaiber@eaglenewsonline.com

Sports Editor: Phil Blackwell, ext. 348, pblackwell@eaglenewsonline.com

Display Ads EB: Linda Jabbour, ext. 304, ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com

Ann Ferro

I shake my head at my innocence and sigh because we still have the same problem … even with an assortment of solutions that have included wiring the roof edges. The latter worked for one year. Then the squirrels found the insulation around the wires too tempting for their educated palates and the wiring stopped working. We have a roof rake. We’ve bought stuff that you throw on the roof that is supposed to open pathways for melting snow and ice, encouraging the results to drip harmlessly to the ground instead of inside of the house. The results of all of this are cautionary examples of futility.

Before I go on, I have to check and see if the family room door has defrosted. Yesterday I discovered that ice had locked the door into its frame … Where is that axe?

But there are other memories that show winter in another frame. I can so easily recall teaching my thentoddler first born how to build not only a snowman, but also a snow fort, hauling forth my best memories of one winter in Brooklyn when we had enough snow to build a similar fort between the cars on 55th Street. On First Street we built our fortifications around a bush that grew in the corner of our front yard. We made snow blocks, stacked them and then parged it all with a layer of snow. It was a fine fort that entertained us for days.

When the same little boy was four, his Dad took him to Toggenberg to learn how to ski. A four-year-old on skis - he’s never looked back! His

collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry is now sending nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide. Through shoeboxes—packed with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—Syracuse-area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Samaritan’s Purse delivered its milestone 200 millionth shoebox, which was packed on a country-wide tour and then hand-delivered to a young girl in Ukraine.

Across NY, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/ occ or by calling 518-437-0690.

Although local drop - off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 13 – 20, 2023, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

LizeTTe MiLLer

SAmARitAN’S puRSe

CAVAC responds

To the editor:

As regards the article “Madison County to Provide County-wide Ambulance Service” by Kate Hill in the Jan. 18 Republican: CAVAC is able to assure the residents of the local ambulance tax district it serves that over 95% of the calls received are answered by its crews. The purchase of a “county-wide ambulance service” is to augment weaknesses in other areas of

Display Ads CR: Lori Lewis, ext. 316, llewis@eaglenewsonline.com

Classified Advertising: Patti Puzzo, ext. 321, ppuzzo@eaglenewsonline.com

Billing questions: Alyssa Dearborn, ext. 305, adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com

Legal Advertising: Luba Demkiv, ext. 303, ldemkiv@eaglenewsonline.com

Publisher: David Tyler, ext. 302, dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com

Creative Director: Gordon Bigelow, ext. 331, art@eaglenewsonline.com

sister naturally joined in when she arrived at the right age. They both are experts on the slopes now. Their father, the shoveling spouse about which I’ve written, went skiing on Wednesday mornings until very recently. And the grandchildren are fearless on the slopes. You did notice that there is no mention of me on skis and there never will be.

I used to ice skate. I loved to skate and still have my figure skates hanging in the basement, but time and arthritis have sent that ship sailing into the big sea of exaggerated memory along with the ability to get down low enough to build snow forts with my grandsons. For some of us winter is an outdoor paradise, and for others, now only observers, winter provides other choices, mostly indoor involving cozy fireplaces and warm liquids. When the snow continues to fall along with the temperatures there are inside activities for those of us for whom the outside is something but to be endured. Among those inside possibilities are the corner of the living room loveseat, a good book and a cup of tea. The spouse has discovered pickle ball. No freezing fingers and toes, no possibility of being hauled to the ER for a snow related injury, no swearing at my driveway or weeping at the ice build-up on the eaves. Isn’t that equal to a day on the slopes?

Ann Ferro is a mother, a grandmother and a retired social studies teacher. While still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up, she lives in Marcellus with lots of books, a spouse and a large orange cat.

the county.

CAVAC is able to provide 24/7 care 365 days a year due to a dedicated staff of nine paid professional medics, a paid administrator and an assembly of approximately 80 volunteer EMTs, crew coordinators, and drivers. The size of its volunteer staff sets it apart from other local emergency medical organizations. It is worth noting that March 1, 2023 marks the start of CAVAC’s 49th year of service to the Cazenovia community, and it was wholly volunteer until 2002.

As with any volunteer organization, CAVAC always needs to replenish its staff. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit cavacambulance.org.

The CAVAC family wishes you all good health, safe travels, and thanks the community for its strong, continued support.

SARA MitChELL CAVAC pReSideNt

State should help save Caz College

To the editor:

Thank you for printing my letter Jan. 18, however I wanted to let your readers know that: I did spell McLaughlin correctly, there was no comma after would-be and the following sentence should have read: A difficult enrollment environment was made worse by the very real COVID19 crisis and is another good basis for outside help.

Nearly 50 years ago Cazenovia College was in a similar situation. An ad hoc committee was formed with mostly members of the community. They met with state officials and through various means they succeeded in saving the college. I am hopeful that our state representatives Joe Griffo and Al Stirpe will help this time around. If we can get the college back on its feet Caz’s many, many alumni could network students locally, from all across the country, and beyond, to increase the college enrollment.

Save Cazenovia College!

Kevin Kennedy eRieVille

thiS ONE huRt A LOt MORE

They trudged off the turf in Orchard Park, covered in snow and clad in blue – a color that perfectly captured their mood, plus the mood of most of the 70,000-plus souls exiting to their cars and toward their sorrows.

True, the Buffalo Bills’ season has ended short of a championship summit all other times in the Super Bowl era. Some were lost by October, others in January in the most public and excruciating manner.

This one? It just hurt, ached, a season of promise and plenty of accomplishment crushed by a far superior Cincinnati Bengals side who scored 14 quick points and never was seriously stressed.

For so many reasons, you wanted this team to win this title for this city and region.

Instead, all of us, as Bills fans, were left even more bereft, wondering if the best chance to turn all that heartache to happiness had slipped away.

It didn’t take long for the autopsy and recriminations to commence. Coaches, players, game plans – nothing was spared, every -

Phil Blackwell

thing was put into question, as if these men had not played a game, but committed a civic crime.

Sure, a good part of this is standard postplayoff exit operating procedure, which no one other than the ones hoisting the Lombardi in February escapes.

Yet here it seemed particularly excessive and egregious.

Not just because they were already feeling awful, but because of all….the….things they, and the area they played for, had to endure.

Hunger to atone for the way last season ended in Kansas City was acute enough for the Bills long before May 14, that awful Saturday when a hate-filled man walked into a Tops supermarket on Buffalo’s mostly Black East Side and killed 10 innocent civilians.

Both the Bills and Sabres were a big part of the “One Buffalo” response to the massacre, making personal appearances and raising funds for the victims’ families. Suddenly the season had a bigger purpose than was already present.

From September to mid-November, there were hiccups and the usual amount of injuries to key players,

but also some big wins at K.C., and Baltimore, and all looked on track for the Bills to state its championship case.

Then, a week before Thanksgiving, an obscene amount of snow, more than 6 feet in Orchard Park, made the Bills move a home game to Detroit. Now it would have to play 10 road games.

And while the Bills went 3-0 in a 12-day stretch, it lost Von Miller to a torn ACL. Miller was the difference-maker that was supposed to wipe away the past. Now he could only watch.

As if one snow disaster wasn’t enough, a Christmas blizzard paralyzed Western New York, stranded hundreds and killed nearly 40. Even as community members dug out houses and streets, they all looked to the Bills for some kind of respite and hope.

What they got was Jan. 2, that night in Cincinnati, Damar Hamlin collapsing and nearly dying on the field.

True, the Bills picked up millions of fans who wanted them to win it all for no. 3, but the scar tissue remained.

Between all the adversity, all the tragedy and all the physical and psychological challenges, by the

time they took the field to face the Bengals, as much as they wanted to do more….there just was nothing left to give.

Given all this, there are two options. One is to, like Dylan Thomas wrote, rage, rage against the dying of the light, and take out that rage on all those on the Bills, playing and coaching, who didn’t provide total deliverance.

The other is more novel in this era of hot takes.

To every Bills fan: consider, if you can, all that took place, a great deal of it far out of the control of mere mortals, and ask yourself how you could have handled trials and travails that would test any hearty soul.

It’s okay to feel sad, depressed, even shed tears, for how fate turned against the Bills once more. But remember that their pain is even greater, so instead of making it worse, pick them up, support them, and feel proud of all they did accomplish.

Champions? Maybe not. But you don’t need to win a title to be admired forever.

Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.

Years Ago in history

BY CiNDY BELL tOBEY

150 Years Ago – Jan. 30, 1873

Comments of the Press – The Canastota and Cazenovia Railroad, after a brief existence in the hands of the company which constructed it, has been sold for the non-payment of interest on the mortgage bonds.

The purchaser was Horace F. Clark, son-inlaw of Commodore Vanderbilt.

It will be operated, therefore, by the Central.

It is said that it will be extended to DeRuyter, the right of way having been secured and some the work done. – Norwich Telegraph.

A Bad Blow – By the recent sale of the Cazenovia and Canastota railroad, to satisfy the mortgage debt, it seems that the town of Cazenovia loses $150,000; Fenner, $20,000; and the village of Canastota, $60,000, the upwards of $40,000 individual subscriptions – Oneida Union.

125 Years Ago – Feb. 3, 1898

A gentleman with a taste for statistics has figured out that $75,000 has been expended in Madison county during the past year for the maintenance of canals and reservoirs, and he computes the total share of the $9,000,000 which the state has already expended for canal improvement, and the $7,000,000 more in contemplation to be sixteen times as much as the county will pay toward it.

It seems that the county has within its bor -

ders nine reservoirs, including natural ponds and lakes used for canal supply purposes; fourteen miles of one of the greatest arteries of commerce, and a mileage of feeders that almost requires three figures to denote its numerical volume.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent in constructing these public works, and the annual salary aggregate for their necessary care amounts to about $3,000.

100 Years Ago – Feb. 1, 1923

Dr. Halsey J. Ball, state sanitary supervisor for this district, will in a week or two retest the children of the Cazenovia Union and High schools who were given the Shick test last spring for the purpose of showing who were made immune to diphtheria.

At this time those who were not tested will have an opportunity of being tested and inoculated, if found necessary, against diphtheria provided their parents request it by signing the consent slips which will be given out at school.

From information gained by this work in other parts of the state it has been shown that from 85 to 90 percent of the children who have had the three injections of toxin antitoxin are made immune to diphtheria.

75 Years Ago – Jan. 29, 1948

For several weeks a group of public spirited citizens, including a committee composed of TenEyck Wendell, Joe Schwarzer, Robert

Constable, Edward W. Tremain, James Hole and John Homes, have been working on a proposal for a community youth recreational center for Cazenovia.

In a community this size the state each year would match up to $2,000 every dollar contributed by the community. Under that set-up, should the community contribute $2,000, the state would contribute an equal amount making available $4,000 each year for the project. A four-year plan is favored.

The first year it probably would be necessary to raise at least $2,000 in contributions to meet the community share but in subsequent years, when the center is fully operating, it is hoped that no more than $500 would have to be raised yearly as there would be receipts such as gate receipts from games, refreshment sales, etc.

It is proposed to enlarge Wright baseball field on Chenango street by utilizing a small piece of Lewis Ashby’s land on the southwest corner of the field, the use of which he has offered; and also some of the village land (on which wells were recently driven for emergency water supply) south of Wright field and south of the Jones property.

The plan envisions the development of the field to include, hard and soft ball fields, ice skating, general playground facilities and eventually tennis courts, the erection of a field house or heated shelter for skaters, bleachers, toilet and storage facilities.

315-766-6135

QUALITY TREE SERVICE Big Tak e Downs Experi ence d Lands caping, Shr ub s & St ump Re mova l F ree Es timat e OSHA Cert ifie d We Ac ce pt MC/ VI Dav id Lalonde 315- 751- 0370 or 315- 455- 5860 STEVENS TREE SERVIC E, BIG OR SMALL WE DO EM ALL Fa mi ly Owne d & Oper ate d Comple te Tre e Re mov al Se rvi ng CNY

*Re sident ial *Comme

Special Olympics NYS Winter Games returns to Syracuse

Volunteers needed to support the games

Nearly 500 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout the state will be in Syracuse Feb. 24 and 25 for the 2023 State Winter Games. Area venues will host competition in six sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding and Snowshoe.

Local officials, Special Olympics New York leaders and athletes are seeking 300 volunteers to support the event. They teamed up in a call for volunteers at a press conference recently at at the Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial, where some of the local figure skaters were practicing for the Games.

Volunteers are asked to register at specialolympics-ny.org. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to volunteers@nyso.org

No sports experience is necessary to volunteer. There are a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers and more.

“My teammates and I can’t wait for State Winter Games,” said athlete James Jewett, 38, of Chittenango, who will be competing in snowshoe. “The competition is always fierce at this level, and we always look forward to seeing our fellow athletes from throughout the state. Please come and volunteer. Thank you, Syracuse!”

“It’s great to be back in Syracuse, where competitive sports are a way of life and the community so clearly values the contributions of people with all abilities,” said President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Join us for State Winter Games and you’ll see why Special Olympics New York has a near 100 percent return rate of volunteers. Our athletes, coaches and fans have a magical way of bringing communities together.”

“I am thrilled that the Special Olympics

DukE NEEDS A hOME

New York State Winter Games will be back in Syracuse Feb. 24 and 25,” said Senator John W. Mannion. “We are a community that believes in excellence and inclusion, and we are ready to step up and make these games the best ever. I urge all Central New Yorkers to join me in supporting these games by volunteering and coming out to support these incredible athletes.”

“Onondaga County is proud to partner, once again, with our friends at Special Olympics New York. Nearly 500 of the best athletes, along with their friends and family, will compete in what will surely be the best Winter Games yet!” said Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II “I encourage our community to come out and support these amazing athletes and I wish all of them the best of luck.”

All Special Olympics New York programs, including State Winter Games, are provided at no cost to the athletes or their families. The games are also free for spectators to attend.

To support the games, either by volunteering or making a donation to help offset the costs of the games, visit specialolympicsNY.or/community/2023-winter-games.

On Thursday, Feb. 23, Special Olympics New York will host “A Night of Champions” reception to honor local Game Changers and raise funds to support the games. Discounted tickets are on sale in coordination with today’s announcement, at night-of-champions.org.

Area venues hosting the state Winter Games are: The OnCenter (Floor Hockey, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Highland Forest (Cross Country Skiing), Greek Peak Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding), Thornden Park (Snowshoe) and Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial (Figure Skating).

This is the second consecutive year that Syracuse will host State Winter Games. It will also return in February 2024.

BY DONNA NEWMAN photo pRoVided by the CNySpCA

if Duke’s life was a book, it would be called, “When Bad things happen to Good Dogs.” After living the happy life of a beloved dog, Duke found himself in the shelter when his family had a change of circumstances. Duke is almost six years old and has lived most of his life with one family. he’s lived with children and enjoys them. he likes to play and go for walks, but he also enjoys a good cuddle. When Duke first came to the shelter, he was overwhelmed and confused. Now we find that while he may be aloof at first, he warms up quickly and is very affectionate and playful. Duke loves tennis balls, toys, treats, and walks, and he’s the star in the shelter training class. he can be protective of his food bowl, so we would suggest a home with older, respectful kids. Overall, Duke is a staff and volunteer favorite, and once you meet this prince of a dog, Duke will be your favorite, too! For more information on adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@ cnyspca.org or click on cnyspca.org

Eagle Newspapers, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse NY 13206 by email lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com or call 315-434-8889 ext. 333

Theckla Ledyard

Former Cazenovia resident

Theckla Constable Ledyard was born in Syracuse, on Oct. 2, 1928 to Robert D. and Theckla Constable. She attended Edward Smith School until her parents moved the family to Cazenovia, where she entered the sixth grade in the Cazenovia Central School. Very early, a professor at the Syracuse University of Art used her in an article for Scholastic Magazine, where she discussed the effectiveness of paint by number as a teaching aid for children. In eighth grade Theckla was fortunate to have Merrill Bailey as her art teacher. Thus began her short interest in wild bird landscapes and her longer interest in copying, in oil, the various 14th century paintings with their fascinating treatment of fabrics. In the mid-forties she was a member of the Army Air Force Aircraft Warning Service, earning her wings spotting planes from the school roof. She was also a member of the Cazenovia Little Theatre group, taking part in several plays

In 1950, when she married Richard Fitzhugh Ledyard, a long-time friend, she had just finished the year course at the prestigious Katherine Gibbs business school in New York City, living at the Barbizon Hotel for women. She took the position of secretary to the assistant treasurer of the Bristol Laboratories penicillin plant, until the arrival of their son George, followed by the birth of two daughters, Theckla and Kimberly. At about this time she retired from Bristol, and started doing the billing

OBITUARIES

for the Willowbank Yacht Club and some secretarial work for the Secretary of the Sports Car Club of America, both of which she did from her home. For many years she carried on a small business making and selling hand rolled beeswax candles.

While in Cazenovia, she was cited by the Republican Women’s Club for outstanding enrollment. She enjoyed swimming and sailing and the winter activities offered in Cazenovia, and golfing with the Bristol lady golfers and was glad her children had been able to enjoy them too. When a transfer took them so far from Cazenovia that a return trip took five days, they also bought an RV so they could travel with their dogs for their annual trip back. They also kept a small vacation house there. She was never happy unless she did the driving and, as a result, drove across the country 52 times and would tell friends that everyone should do it once to get an appreciation of what our forefathers must have endured.

They lived in Montclair, NJ, twice, where she was treasurer of the Junior Women of St. James Episcopal Church, secretary of the Montclair Club Scout leaders, was elected Republican County Committeewoman by ballot, and volunteered at the Watchung Elementary School, taking the short course on the new ITA reading system and teaching the students how to use it.

Springbranch Newcomers Club. Moving to Beaumont, TX, she was chairman of arts and crafts for their Newcomer Club and served with her husband on the Mayor’s anti-litter committee. She worked one-onone with the local high school students who reached 12th grade, still reading at 4th, 8th and 10th grade level, and one day a week , updated the school card catalog; She was a board member of the Beaumont Federation of Republican Women, volunteer coordinator for the Beaumont Public Library and board member of Friends of the library. She was a board member of the Beaumont Symphony Women’s League, and enjoyed the many offerings of the Beaumont Art Museum, becoming a docent, taking art lectures to the high schools. She joined her husband as president and vice president of the American Field Service, enjoying visits and corresponding with a pair of very funny Japanese girls who stayed with them, and for several years a German girl, learning about her amazing, and difficult, education system there.

Happy Mart

l From page 4

to be sent to a private lab at the cost of $300 per item.

“Due to the large volume of illegal products seized by the police department, that would be very cost prohibitive,” Hayes said at the time. “Those items will be destroyed in the spring.”

A day later, however, Hayes announced that the case had been reopened and that some of the illegal products would be sent to the NYSP Crime Laboratory for testing to determine if the THC percentages are high enough to warrant criminal charges.

Hayes explained that the NYSP Crime Laboratory informed the police department after the case had been closed that it will test only the products containing cannabis flower such as joints, blunts and similar items — about half of the total seized products — but it will take some time.

“That is what has allowed us to reopen the case,” Hayes said.

According to the Hayes, it could take eight months to get the results back.

The Cazenovia Police Department has been conducting its investigation into the illegal activity at Happy Mart with assistance from the Office of Cannabis Management, the New York State Liquor Authority, the Madison County Department of Health, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, and with support from

BOCES

l From page 1

Classroom lessons will be taught by a certified OCM BOCES CTE instructor.

“The classroom is right inside Marquardt,” said Cazenovia Central School District Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio. “That makes this such a unique and exciting opportunity for students.

After moving to Houston, she volunteered in the Mother’s program, keeping the school libraries open. She was both a scout leader and cookie chairman for the Girl Scouts and board member of the

Mayor Kurt Wheeler and the village board of trustees.

On Jan. 27, the chief said that as far as he knows no fines for the THC products had been assessed, but the penalties are up to the Office of Cannabis Management.

Additionally, Hayes said that during the Oct. 13 search for illegal THC products, police also found 1,400 illegal nicotine vaping products. Those products, which were not within the scope of the search warrant, were documented but could not be seized.

A hearing with the Madison County Department of Health as to the fines related to the illegal nicotine vaping products is scheduled for Feb. 2.

According to Hayes, the New York State Liquor Authority has revoked Happy Mart’s license to sell alcohol.

“You cannot sell illegal products and hold a license to sell alcohol,” he explained.

On Jan. 23, Wheeler said that to his knowledge Happy Mart has voluntarily ceased operations for the moment as their legal process continues.

The Cazenovia Republican reached out to the Happy Mart operators for comment on whether they have plans to reopen but was unable to make contact by press time.

“As far as I am aware, nothing prevents the operators from reopening,” said Hayes.

For more information on the Village of Cazenovia Police Department, visit villageofcazenovia.com/police/

They will get to see what engineers do and even work with them on the process.”

Comtois explained that the OCM BOCES CTE instructor will be responsible for guiding students, teaching engineering theory, and serving as a liaison between BOCES and Marquardt.

“The teacher will facilitate learning that is relevant and aligned to the handson experiences available on-site,” he added. “BOCES will support resources and technology needs in collaboration with Marquardt. In partnership with Marquardt, the program design is to

In 1980 her husband retired from Graybar Electric Company and they, with their dog, moved to Bellevue, WA, where their three children and families lived. She volunteered with the City Probation Department for 17 years. Along the way she enjoyed bridge, tennis and golf, belonging to the Cazenovia Club, The Cazenovia Golf Club, the Bellevue Country Club of Syracuse, the Glen Ridge Club and the Tam O’Shanter Golf and Country Club of Bellevue, WA. She and her husband belonged to

Hugh B. Williams, 89, of North Syracuse, died on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Hugh was a former resident of Kirkville, N.Y. for 31 years. Born in New Castle, PA, he was the son of Reverend Rees T. and Jemima Williams. He attended Lafayette College and did graduate work at SUNY Oswego. He taught English in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District for 38 1/2 years before retiring in 1994. He coached high school track at F-M and East Syracuse–Minoa School Districts. Hugh was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957.

Hugh loved to sing. He was a tenor soloist at the First Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, a member of the DeWitt Community Church choir for 28 years and sang with several local choruses and chorales. He was a member of the DeWitt Community Church where he volunteered in various capacities. During his lifetime, Hugh was a Sunday School teacher, PTA Co-Chairman, and Minoa Library Board member. He also volunteered with the North Area Meals on Wheels for 20 years, serving as driver and a member of the Board of Directors.

Hugh positively impacted many people during his years of teaching, coaching, and volunteering. He was loved by his family, students, and community. Always present, Hugh was committed to supporting his children and grandchildren.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 59

build interest and passion in the evolving field of engineering, as well as provide students with authentic learning opportunities in a dynamic setting.”

According to DiFulvio, there are college credits associated with OCM BOCES CTE programs, but the exact colleges and number of credits have not been announced yet.

Comtois said that to maximize the opportunities for students in the first year of the program, around eight to 10 yearone (junior) students from across the region will be enrolled beginning next fall. The number of students from Cazenovia

years, Jean Van de Water Williams; sons, Michael (Anna) of Ashland, VA and Brian (Elizabeth) of Burlington, NC; daughters, Wendy (Dan) Bowles of Cicero and Nicole Kolmsee of Auburn; grandchildren, Rachel and Sarah Bowles of Cicero, Rees and Claire Williams of Ashland, VA, Savannah and Carley Williams of Burlington, NC.

A celebration of life will occur at the DeWitt Community Church, 3600 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt, NY on Saturday Feb. 4, 2023 at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Area Meals on Wheels 413 Church Street North Syracuse, NY 13212. Visit newcomersyracuse.co m

High School specifically has yet to be determined.

“We are currently gathering the number of students interested in enrolling in the program from all our component districts,” he said.

the club couples bridge group and for a few years ran the bingo for the club. Theckla belonged to the club’s bridge group and was responsible at times for its activity. Her husband died the day before the Covid virus was announced. Theckla passed away Jan. 2, 2023. She is survived by a son George (wife Genie), a daughter Theckla Roginski (husband Michael) and a daughter Kimberly McGee (husband Robert), eight grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Remembrances may be made to your local Humane Society or The Nature Conservancy. berg. “This includes having the students focused on several areas of development and engineering, the planning process, and finally seeing how we launch the product into mass production.”

On Thursday, Feb. 2, OCM BOCES and Marquardt held two open houses for prospective students and their families at the company’s Route 20 facility. Find out more about OCM BOCES at ocmboces.org. Learn more about Marquardt at Marquardt-Us-Partners.com (Cazenovia) and Marquardt.com/us (International).

Hugh B. Williams, 89 Army veteran, English teacher, coach

Hugh B. Williams

Theckla Ledyard

INdooR TRACK LAKeRS SeT FoR SeCTIoNAL PuSH

BY KuRT WHeeLeR

The Cazenovia girls indoor track team is gearing up for a run at their ninth sectional championship with athletes at or near the top of the Section III Class B-2 rankings in multiple events.

Leading the Lakers’ charge, the 4x400 and 4x800 relays are ranked number one in their class and the 4x200 at number two. Izzy Stromer-Galley, Grace Dolan and Meghan Mehlbaum and Reid McMurtrie all contributed to Cazenovia’s sectionleading time of 4:20.30 in the 4x400 with Maura Phillips also among their top performers.

Faith Wheeler, Maeve McGreevy, Sally Hughes and Julia Reff combined for the Lakers’ topseeded effort of 10:47.24 in the 4x800 meter relay with Dinah Gifford also among their leaders in the event this winter.

Reff (#3 in the 1,000), Wheeler (#4 in the 1,500)

and Gifford (#4 in the 3,000) are also among the best in individual distance events, with Zoey Gagne adding a sixth place effort in the 3,000.

The 4x200 team of Stromer-Galley, Dolan, Riley Knapp and Caitlyn Smithers are #2 in Class B at 1:53.16 with the potential to go even faster. Only Skaneateles is ranked ahead of them and the Eastern Lakers hope to match their mark at the upcoming league championship meet.

Knapp is also an individual leader for the Lakers with a mark of 7.75 seconds in the 55meter dash. Cazenovia has three of the top four in the section in the event with Smithers (7.80) and Dolan (7.84) close behind.

Dolan is also near the top of the 300-meter rankings, currently holding the second fastest time in Class B2 with her 44.24-second effort.

Cazenovia sprinters are dominating that event as

well with Stromer-Galley (44.93) and Susie Pittman (45.21) all among the top five.

Pittman leads the Lakers’ field event athletes with number one rankings in both the pole vault (8 feet 6 inches) and triple jump (33’4”) and number three in the high jump (4’10”). As with Cazenovia’s track events, she has plenty of company.

Wheeler and Smithers (7’6” each) are both ranked in the top four in the pole vault while Corinne Albicker has posted the third best triple jump at 32 feet. Her long jump effort was even stronger, earning the second best status among B2 jumpers at 15’4 ½”. Mehlbaum was among the top five in the high jump at 4’8”.

Maddy Rothfeld is also among the best for Cazenovia among Section 3 field event athletes, earning the third best weight throw this

Share your milestone celebrations!

Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.

The “Barnum & Bailey show” of golf

Last week I attended “ e Greatest Show On Earth” for PGA Golf Professionals, media and the general public at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida. e o cial name of the show is the PGA Merchandise Show. It was the 70th edition of the annual world wide golf industry get together that started in 1954. I have now attended 23 of them and am already planning my trip for next year.

Last years show, that followed the Covid in uenced all virtual show of 2020, featured just over 600 exhibitors but absent from the show were some of the biggest names in golf equipment and apparel including…Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway, Cobra Puma, Ping, Mizuno, Srixon/Cleveland, Peter Millar and Travis Mathew. As you may recall, I chastised these same companies and others who did not attend last years show for not supporting the show and the golf professionals of the PGA of America who have supported them from the beginning.

Although this years show attracted over 800 exhibitors, it was still far short of the over 1,000 who lined the 10 mile stretch of space between the isles of booths in 2020. e show was still great and I believe next year the number of exhibitors will approach 1,000 again. Many of the “hot” names in golf were there, such as, Butch Harmon, Jim Furyk, Matt Fitzpatrick, Zach Johnson, Lexi ompson, Brooke Henderson, Annika Sorenstam, Justin Leonard, Danielle Kang and Stacy Lewis. ere was also a new area called the Career Zone which gave college students and 2nd career professionals an opportunity to explore and connect with companies from all over the world. I did not attend any of the employerled panels and networking events but I

saw more 18-22 year old attendees than I have ever seen before. I believe the opportunities to work, travel and make a good living in the golf industry will continue to be available for at least the next 10-15 years.

My picks for the best booths at the show go to Titleist/FootJoy, Cobra / Puma and Callaway. For some reason Taylor Made chose not to attend again. Ok Taylor Made…you have lost me as a customer again…for another year.

What are my picks for the best new golf clubs for 2023? Let me express my thoughts this way, “I have never seen more innovation, technology, looks, feel and performance in golf clubs from ‘all’ of the club manufacturers than I have this year”. I will get tted before I make my decision. How about you?

I intend to start the 2023 golf season with a new set of clubs and I have at least four “solid” options. My mission is to nd the clubs that; “launch the ball higher, have more forgiveness, and those with the best distance control”. Please note that I have not mentioned “distance”. at’s because it is #5 on my priority list.

All of the new 2023 clubs, balls and accessories will be in pro shops and retail stores his week. I predict you will have a tough time picking your favorite but the best time you have ever had experimenting.

Scott pHillipS

From left, Sally Hughes, dinah Gifford and Faith Wheeler, shown in action in the 800 meter race at Colgate university have all contributed to Cazenovia top sectional ranking in the 4x800 meter relay.

Track l Page 13

BY PHIL BLACKWeLL

During the last full week of January, both of Cazenovia’s varsity basketball teams remained fairly busy, and were able to pick up victories.

On the boys side, the Lakers earned its third win in a row last Monday against South Jefferson, controlling the game’s middle stages to produce a 65-52 victory over the Spartans.

Cazenovia trailed 14-13 before it went out in front in the second, further reinforcing that margin with a 23-12 push through the third quarter that created a 53-38 edge.

Winter weather postponed last Wednesday’s game against Camden, which will get made up this Thursday at 6:30, three days after a rescheduled game with Homer that was originally supposed to take place on the road, but got moved to Buckley Gym.

Yet another change in the schedule came when a visit from Westhill, set for this Friday, was moved to Saturday afternoon, tipping off at 4:30.

Meanwhile, the Cazenovia girls basketball team was back on the court last Thursday night, hosting Phoenix and honoring its two seniors, Katie Rajkowski and Hannah Ruddy.

Then the Lakers went out and, against a 9-5 Firebirds side, put together a tremendous stretch of defensive basketball late in the first half that, along with Ella Baker’s production, proved decisive in a 36-30 victory.

Entering the second quarter,

ABoVe LeFT: Cazenovia girls basketball senior Hannah Ruddy and her parents were honored prior to last Thursday’s game against Phoenix, where the Lakers beat the Firebirds 36-30. ABoVe RIGHT: Cazenovia girls basketball senior Katie Rajkowski (24) was honored before last Thursday’s game against Phoenix. Rajkowski had six points in the Lakers’ 36-30 win.

Cazenovia trailed 10-7, but in those eight minutes the Lakers manageed to keep Phoenix off the board, a shutout that incldued suffocating defense that produced poor shots and turnovers from the Firebirds.

Caz ice hockey beats CBA/J-D, tops Fulton

BY PHIL BLACKWeLL

Only a strong finish to the regular season would allow the Cazenovia ice hockey team to improve its place in the Division I standings and its ultimate Section III playoff seed.

In the meantime, the Lakers continued to impress, especially in last Friday’s game against state Division II no. 12ranked CBA/Jamesville-DeWitt, where some history was made in a 6-4 victory over the Brothers.

When Jack Donlin scored twice in the first three minutes of the second period, he surpassed 100 career points, the first Cazenovia player to join that club since Connor Cannizzaro did so in 2013.

It also built upon a 2-1 first-period lead established when Donlin’s line mate, Forrest Ives, scored twice on breakaways, one of them short-handed.

Ives returned to complete his hat trick in the last minute of the period to make it 5-2, and Logan Hull tacked on an insurance goal in the third to go with his pair of assists. Jack Casey also had an assist.

As the game went on, CBA/J-D picked up its attack, but Ezra Stahlberg was able to pick up 31 saves to allow the Lakers to hang on and run its unbeaten streak to five. In its only league game last week, the Lakers went to Fulton and put up one of its best offensive performances of the season, pulling away to top the Red Raiders 8-3.

Fulton actually got on the board first before Ives tied it with his 13th goal of the season and Hull’s one-timed shot off a

Though not scoring that much on the other end, Cazenovia still took a 15-10 edge to halftime and, all through the second half, was able to answer every time Phoenix threatened.

This was largely due to Baker, who hit shots from the field along with seven free throws on her way to 20 points, adding seven rebounds, plus an assist, block and steal.

Rajkowski added six points as Bess Johnson and Olivia Ruddy had four points apiece. No Phoenix player scored in double figures as Sara Ruetsch, with eight points, led the way.

Boys basketball Bears beat Westhill again

BY PHIL BLACKWeLL

Home or away, high or low stakes, what’s become clear over the course of the last two seasons is that the Chittenango boys basketball team has gained the upper hand on its one-time nemesis.

Westhill, who denied the Bears glory so many times prior to the 2021-22 season, was again on the wrong end of things last Tuesday night when it visited Chittenango and saw the hosts take over late for a 71-55 victory.

This was close to what happened when these teams met exactly three weeks earlier at Westhill, a tense game broken open by the Bears and won 68-54.

Now, as then, it went back and forth throughout the early stages and was tight deep into the third quarter, Westhill even 40-40 with Chittenango.

But the Warriors never figured out how to contain the Bears’ brother duo of Ryan and Alex Moesch, who kept tearing through Westhill’s defense throughout the closing stretch.

By the time they were done, Ryan Moesch had 26 points and Alex Moesch 25 points, helped again by Ty Kelly, who poured in 18 points. Each of them were ahead of Westhill’s top scorers as Omar Robinson had 17 points, Kam Langdon got 13 points and Luke Gilmartin added 13 points.

From here, Chittenango went to Institute of Technology Central Friday and nearly doubled up the Eagles in an 82-42 victory to move to 13-2 on the season.

Here it was Alex Moesch leading the way with 25 points and Ryan Moesch close behind, getting 22 points. Kelly earned 12 points, while Brendon Barnard and Landon Martin had six points apiece.

Track

l From page 12

pass from Donlin gave Cazenovia the late for good late in the opening period.

But Hull was just getting warmed up, as in the second he struck for a natural hat trick to go with Ives’ second goal of the night that helped make it 6-2.

Casey and Jacob Grevelding awould both tack on third-period goals as Hull

with her distance of 27’1”. Teammate Karly Vaas is seventh in the shot at 25’11 ¾”. Cazenovia will be in action Wednesday at the OHSL Championship Meet as last year’s Class

would join Casey and Forrest Ives getting two assists apiece and Tucker Ives, in goal, earned 18 saves.

At 9-6-1 overall after the win over CBA/J-D, the Lakers host Ontario Bay Wednesday before a Friday-night trip to the Twin Rinks to face Cicero-North Syracuse.

Cazenovia forward Jack donlin joined the 100-point club during the second period of last Friday’s 6-4 win over CBA/Jamesville-deWitt. donlin is the first player in program history to reach that mark since Connor Cannizzaro did so in 2013. season. Her 30’4 ½” effort set a new indoor school record for the Lakers. She is also among the top shot put throwers earning fourth

B-1 champion Westhill and the defending B-2 champion Lakers go head-to-head for the 2023 league title. Then the Lakers will return on to SRC Arena on Feb. 8 to defend their sectional title.

While all this was going on, Chittenango’s girls team lost last Tuesday to Cortland 66-29, the state Class B no. 19-ranked Purple Tigers building a 40-19 edge by halftime.

Alazayah Smith finished with eight points, while Mia McReynolds and Abby Scheidelman had six points apiece. Cortland got 23 points from Valerosa Gamibtta and 13 points from Kendall Mack as Claire Turner added 12 points.

Chittenango was able to turn this around on Friday against Syracuse West, putting up lots of offense in a 6242 victory where it built a 36-24 halftime advantage.

A 19-7 fourth-quarter burst put the game away for the Bears as McReynolds was red-hot from the perimeter, hitting six 3-pointers to account for most of her 19 points. Smith had 14 points, with Hailee Foran adding 12 points as Persephone Rohner got eight points.

Caz wrestlers finish fourth in tourney

BY PHIL BLACKWeLL

Now the important work is at hand for the Cazenovia and Chittenango wrestling teams, who both traveled to last Saturday’s Onondaga High School League tournament.

With 221.5 points, the Lakers finished fourth, three spots ahead of the Bears (197 points) in seventh place as Marcellus, with 355 points, held off Phoenix (339 points) to earn the league title.

Evan Rutecki won at 110 pounds for Cazenovia, with Dan Mahle second for Chittenango. When they went head-tohead, Rutecki pinned Mahle late in the first period.

Up at 152 pounds, Broden Enders got to the front for Cazenovia, getting a first-period pin over Marcellus’ Chris Doshna in the finals as Quetin Mohamed got fourth place for the Bears.

Bryce Enders, at 138 pounds, got to third place, pinning Shane Byrne (Phoenix) for that spot in the consolation bracket final. John Fowler also was third, at 172 pounds, where the Bears’ Peter Schultz finished fourth.

Chittenango got a victory from Edward

Boys volleyball Bears win showdown with VVS

Geer at 145 pounds, Geer meeting up with the Lakers’ Gabriel Sanchez in the finals and able to prevail with a pin in the closing seconds.

At 215 pounds, Luke Martin was second for the Bears, reaching the title bout before falling to Hannibal’s Ethan Thibault. Jacob Ezzo got a third-place finish at 285 pounds.

Cazenovia hosted Liverpool last Tuesday and had a fair amount of success on the mats, only to get hurt by four forfeits and a string of Warriors pins in the higher weight classes of a 54-21 defeat.

Bryce Enders claimed an 11-7 decision over Lucas Smith, followed by Sanchez pinning Tyler Sharkey in the second period and Broden Enders getting a 93-second fall over Sam Benzinger.

Rutecki had Cazenovi’a’s other points, pinning Aiden Adams-Bovenzi in the second period, but Liverpool used five pins and four forfeits to get away.

This Saturday will feature Section III championship meets as Cazenovia goes to the Class C meet at Little Falls and Chittenango is part of the Class B meet at Central Valley Academy.

BY PHIL BLACKWeLL

All through its first five wins this season, each of them a sweep, the Chittenango boys volleyball team paid attention to the similar start put together by Vernon-VeronaSherrill.

And when these two sides clashed for first place last Tuesday night, it was the Bears getting the best of it, outlasting the Red Devils in four sets in their first encounter since last March’s Section III final.

For the first time this winter, Chittenango had to deal with real adversity, VVS able to snare a close opening set 25-22 and then threaten to win again in the second.

However, the Bears pulled it out, 25-23, and similarly won a nervous third set 25-22 before a fourth set where everything clicked and Chittenango closed it out 25-15.

With Cole Thomas earning 33 assists and

Lawson Pagorek getting 14 digs, a deep front line could function well as Landon Parks led with 11 kills.

Close behind Parks, Micah Alpuerto earned nine kills, with Thomas earning seven kills and Kyle Peryer getting six kills. Trevor Cole and Roger Mulholland had five kills apiece as the pair combined for 13 digs.

To lead VVS, Ryan Mumford had 18 assists and six kills, with Ryan Mitchell adding 10 assists and Nolan Robinson producing 13 kills. The Red Devils meet Chittenango again on Feb. 14.

Meanwhile, the Bears made it seven in a row Friday by sweeping Central Valley Academy as Thomas had 21 assists, four kills and three aces, while Alpuerto had six kills and four aces. Parks also got four kills as Quinn O’Brien earned three kills.

A Saturday-afternoon match with Little Falls

resulted in a 25-14, 25-8, 25-7 romp over the Mounties. Mulholland had five aces as Parks got eight kills. Thomas earned 19 assists, five kills and two aces as Pagorek amassed 14 digs. Two nights after this happened, Chittenango’s girls volleyball team suffered its second defeat in as many weeks, falling in five sets to East Syracuse Minoa.

After winning a close opening set 25-21, the Bears were in position to go up 2-0, only to have the Spartans pull out the second set 27-25 and then win a tight third set 25-22. Even though Chittenango was able, by that same 25-22 margin, to win the fourth, in the final-set race to 15 points the Spartans put itself out in front and held on, 1511, for the win, led by 44 assists from Natalie Peterson as Margaret Mading, Camille Mitchell (14 kills apiece) and Akuot Kuany (11 kills) worked in front.