A gAme About the gAme itself

Sure, they will tell you, quite often and at quite a high volume, what’s at stake Sunday night in the Arizona desert when the Kansas City Chiefs meet the Philadelphia Eagles. They just might not tell you just how important is for the future of the NFL itself.

Too drastic an idea?

Not in the least. From the teams on the field to the network broadcasting the game, the very way we think about, follow and cover professional football is on the table.

Start with the combatants. Both are franchises that are sound and stable in their ownership, intelligent in their front offices, innovative with their coaching staffs and supported by loud, passionate and big fan bases. Those are common threads.

Where it differs in

History

Random Thoughts

Phil Blackwell

how they are perceived. Fair or not, the Chiefs, even with Travis Kelce and Chris Jones on hand, are tied to Patrick Mahomes and his wondrous gifts, which over the last five years have produced a steady stream of highlights, three conference titles, two league MVP trophies and one big ring. Move to the Eagles, and a different picture emerges. The reason Philly has blown out most of its opposition this season, including two playoff foes, is the sheer depth and quality of its roster, on both sides. Jalen Hurts is a fine quarterback, but few think of him as the reason the Eagles are here.

l From page 4 the proposal have been expressed. The Cazenovia Town Supervisor, Don Callahan, says it is an “ill-conceived land use plan that does not meet today’s planning standards.” Callahan appears to favor an earlier proposal for cluster housing that

This happens as teams across the NFL search for the elusive winning formula. Some are absolutely convinced that the “franchise quarterback” is essential and that all other considerations are secondary. Others take a different approach, certainly wanting a great QB, but not completely depending on it. They want to build strong rosters, top to bottom, which promotes strategic (not to mention salary cap) flexibility.

Both of those philosophies are on the field at Glendale. Kansas City hopes that having Mahomes is the differencemaker. Philadelphia would rather beat you in a comprehensive, physical manner with dominant play up front.

As always in the NFL, whatever wins a championship tends to get imi - would provide large areas of open land. He is concerned about the drainage and says that sewers for the development are a necessity.

20 Years Ago – feb. 5, 2003

This year the 12th annual Ice Fishing Derby will take place at Rosie’s Tuscarora Inn, Feb. 8 starting at 5 a.m. The event

Jamesville

tated, and how this game goes may determine just how would-be contenders act in their quests for glory.

This happens as the narratives built up before, during and after the season centers even more around superstar QB’s, which would be fine if that was the only way to win, which it isn’t.

Just the same, there’s no single “correct” way to televise this game, even if the ratings make it idiot-proof. A broadcast with diverse points of view and an ability to conceive multiple storylines is sorely needed.

And what do we have at this Super Bowl? Fox’s game analyst, Greg Olsen, just in his first year on the job but winning plenty of acclaim for the way he sees the game from a different perspective.

That’s because Ol - sen, heaven forbid, was a tight end. Hardly a glamor position or a glamorous angle, but absolutely necessary given the lack of depth seen on so many other networks and platforms.

Ah, but Olsen is already a lame duck. Fox sure isn’t paying him $375 million to be an analyst as they are with a certain 45-year-old quarterback who just (we think) retired.

Already the sport is flooded and inundated with QBs-turned-analysts who rarely see the game beyond the perspective of those under center. Thus, every big play, no matter who makes it, is centered around the same people we always talk about and put the cameras on all the time. And we learn nothing.

Taking all that into consideration, picture the scene at the end of has become a huge success, growing every year. Last year there were 250 people who participated in the event. The categories judged are longest walleye, heaviest walleye, longest perch, longest other fish (legal) and lucky fish. There are adult and under 16 years divisions. Early registration is recommended, but participants can register on the day of the event. The this game. Either redand-gold-confetti will blanket the turf celebrating Chiefs glory, or green confetti will honor the Eagles ascending to the throne. event was started 12 years ago by Rosie Bittel’s husband Jack. Last year’s winner of the big walleye of 23 inches and 31 /2 was Dick Thorn from Erieville. There are a group of people who organize the event, including Mark Nourse. Nourse won the biggest walleye division five years ago, which is mounted at Rosie’s restaurant for everyone to see.

If K.C. emerges on top, it will quickly turn into a coronation of one. Small hint – he’s in all those insurance commercials. If Philly does the same, there’s no ignoring just how great a team they were, start to finish.

Tens of millions will watch, rate the commercials, judge Rihanna at halftime, all the usual nonsense. Don’t ignore the game, though, and especially the lessons it will offer on just where this sport might head in the next 10 to 20 years.

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

Canalopticaltown

Send your events to Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@ eaglenewsonline.com. Notices must have the date, time and location of the event. The deadline for submissions is 10 a.m. on Friday for the following week’s editions.

THROUGH FEB. 24

Art Exhibit: “Garden Flowers in Bloom” by Martha Dorman New Woodstock Library. View a collection of handcrafted ceramic and glass dish flowers.

JAN. 14-FEB. 25

Carol Boyer: Fabric Artist Exhibition Manlius Library, 1 Arky Albanese Way. An opening reception will be held Sunday, January 22 from 2-4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Employee Learning Awareness Roundtable

8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Virtual. A roundtable to discuss the importance of highlighting employee learning and

Syracuse Winterfest runs Feb. 16-26

for sharing ideas on shining the spotlight on employee learning in organizations.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

The American Workplace: Blending Five Generation

8:15-10:30 a.m. CNY ATD will explore the lessons of blending five generations to bring success in the workforce. Interactive virtual program. CNY ATD Members - $25; Non-members - $40. Registration – https://cnyatd.org/upcoming_program2/. Contact 315.546.2783, info@cnyatd.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique

9:30-11 a.m The MOST, Syracuse. “Electricity and Circuits” Program is primarily for middle school students. Come early for a continental breakfast and then visit the MOST as our guest when the program is over. Free. Must RSVP at jrcafe@tacny.org.

ESM Bus Driver Job Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 7225 N. Central Ave., East Syracuse. Interested individuals can stop by and learn more about the position and available training. Call 315-434-3460 for more information.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14

Steeple Coffee House

7:30 p.m. United Church of Fayetteville, 310 East Genesee St. Featuring Jeffery Pepper Rodgers and Wendy Runsay. $15 includes the show, dessert, and coffee or tea. The building is accessible. $15 includes the show, dessert, and coffee or tea. The building is accessible.

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

CNY ATD Learn@Lunch

12-12:45 p.m. CNY ATD holds an informal conversation around current and emerging talent development topics. Topic – Talent Pipeline. 12-12:45pm. Complimentary virtual activity. Registration – https:// cnyatd.org/learn_lunch . Contact 315.546.2783, info@ cnyatd.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Lavender Treasures Workshop

10 a.m.-12 p.m. New Woodstock Library. Join Monica Cody of Farmstead 1868 for a free, fun workshop. Use lavender and natural materials to make a lavender sachet, small wreaths and more. For ages five and over. Space is limited. Call 315-662-3134 to register.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

FRIDAYS, MARCH 3-24

Yoga at the Barn

8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults of all skill levels. $48.

MONDAYS, MARCH 6-27

Homeschool Art Class: Two-Dimensional

Exploration

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For ages 8-12. $100 plus $10 materials fee. Any additional child gets a 30% discount. Register at www. cazarts.com.

MONDAYS, MARCH 6-27

Weaving 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults of all skill levels. $150 plus $35 materials fee. Register at www.cazarts.com.

TUESDAYS, MARCH 7-28

Drawing 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults of all skill levels. $120. Register at www.cazarts.com.

TUESDAYS, MARCH 7-MAY 9

Making a Quilt

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults beginning through intermediate levels. $185 and fabric cost. Register at www.cazarts.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

CNY ATD Coffee Chat 12 p.m. Virtual. CNY ATD hosts informational meetups for talent development professionals to socialize and learn from each other. Register at cnyatd. org/coffee_chat. Contact 315-546-2783 or info@ cnyatd.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Watercolor Spring Flowers

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults of all skill levels. $75. Register at www.cazarts.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique

9:30-11 a.m The MOST, Syracuse. “Blood Clots and the Circulatory System” Program is primarily for middle school students. Come early for a continental breakfast and then visit the MOST as our guest when the program is over. Free. Must RSVP at jrcafe@tacny.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique

9:30-11 a.m The MOST, Syracuse. “Animal Motion and Robots” Program is primarily for middle school students. Come early for a continental breakfast and then visit the MOST as our guest when the program is over. Free. Must RSVP at jrcafe@tacny.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 18

TACNY Sweet Science Series: Tour of the Onondaga County Dept. of Water Environment Protection Sewage Treatment Plant

5:30-7 p.m. 650 Hiawatha Blvd. West, Syracuse. The program is primarily for adults of all levels of technical understanding. For information and registration, visit https://www.tacny.org/.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique

9:30-11 a.m

The MOST, Syracuse. “Measurements and Math behind Sewing” Program is primarily for middle school students. Come early for a continental breakfast and then visit the MOST as our guest when the program is over. Free. Must RSVP at jrcafe@tacny.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique

9:30-11 a.m The MOST, Syracuse. “Nautical Times and STEM” Program is primarily for middle school students. Come early for a continental breakfast and then visit the MOST as our guest when the program is over. Free. Must RSVP at jrcafe@tacny.org.

Ongoing

MONDAYS

Jigglebugs

Every Monday at 10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Shake and move with Miss Windy! This program is intended for toddlers, but all ages are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Chair Yoga Class

10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Senior Center, 584 E. Genesee St. This class is for those who wish to feel healthy, remain active, and slow the aging process. Yoga moves can be done sitting or standing. The DVD class runs for 54 minutes and is free for all members.

Story Time seasonal fun comes to Downtown syracuse with the return of syracuse Winterfest feb. 16 through 26. on thursday, feb. 16, a treasure hunt begins. on friday, feb. 17 enjoy free ice skating at the NYS Fair Coliseum and fireworks at the inner harbor. on saturday, feb. 18, take a Culinary Cruise or check out the Martini Mix-off and Sangria Mix-off featuring local establishments. sunday, feb. 19 is full of activities, including human Dog sled Races, Winterfest family fun Day at the inner harbor, a Chili Cook-off, beer tasting and cornhole tournament. on friday, feb. 24, again enjoy free ice skating at the NYs fair Coliseum. on saturday, feb. 25 there will be a sandwich Stroll and a Magarita Mix-off and Cosmopolitan Mix-off. The last day, Sunday, Feb. 26, with feature fun for kids with Checkers the inventor, Bloody Mary Mix-off, Chowder Cook-off, Wing Walk, hammond Jammin’ XVii and team trivia finals. for more information and events visit syracusewinterfest.com.

CNY BEST Information Session

12-1 p.m. CNY ATD will hold an informational session regarding the CNY BEST Talent Development Program recognizing excellence in talent development and the awards application process. Complimentary virtual activity. Registration – https://cnyatd.org/cny_ best_information_sessions Contact 315.546.2783, info@cnyatd.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 28

Steeple Coffee House

7:30 p.m. United Church of Fayetteville, 310 East

Genesee St. Featuring Isreal Haggan.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

CNY ATD Orientation

8:30 a.m. Complimentary virtual activity. Registration – https://cnyatd.org/orientation. Contact 315.546.2783, info@cnyatd.org.

THURSDAYS, MARCH 2-30

Painting with Acrylics 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults beginning through intermediate skill levels. $165. Register at www.cazarts.com.

Expressions of Spring: Music, Meditation, and Movement Experience

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Carpenter’s Barn, Cazenovia. For adults and kids with supervision. $35.

SATURDAY APRIL 8

Monster Jam Stadium Championship

JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse. The most unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans in the world today returns to Syracuse for an adrenaline-charged weekend. Tickets will be available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

FM Old and Newcomers Group

12 p.m. Limestone Commons, 240 W. Seneca St., Manlius. Reservation required by April 16. Join the monthly luncheon group at The Daily Diner. A great way to meet new neighbors! Reserve a spot by emailing dltessier@yahoo.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

TACNY Sweet Science Series: Cyber Security

5:30-7 p.m. The program is primarily for adults of all levels of technical understanding. For information and registration, visit https://www.tacny.org/.

11-11:30 a.m. East Syracuse Free Library, 4990 James St. Enjoy stories, music, and crafts.

TUESDAYS

Toddler Storytime

10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave.

Continue to support your toddler’s language and social development with storytime with Miss Karen. Intended for ages 0-3.

Baby Storytime

10:30 a.m. Story Garden, Cazenovia Library, 100 Albany St. Bring your baby for a lapsit story time! Features interactive movement and singing. Children under 3 only.

WEDNESDAYS

Music & Movement

10-10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St. Bring a blanket and join us for singing, dancing, and movement in the Greenspace.

Preschool Storytime be finished Wednesday then MUST work Thursday to finish it. We have 6 papers so VERY CRITICAL the proper paper goes in proper delivery area. Keep track of returns on a log. Lifting of 40 lbs. Clean drivers license required. Please send resume to Lori Newcomb, Circulation Manager, Eagle Newspapers, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse NY 13206 by email lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com or call 315-434-8889 ext. 333 l From page 1 friendly Mardi Gras celebration on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Church Hall. There will be food, live music, children’s games, face painting and tattoos, a balloon artist, and more. All are wel- come to attend. A parish-wide Bible study on The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary will begin on Sunday, Feb. 26, and will run for five weeks through March 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Listen to Miss Karen read stories! Children are invited to share stories and social experiences that continue to support literacy and learning. This program is intended for children ages 2 ½-5.

“We will walk through these mysteries and seek a deeper understanding of what Christ went through in his passion and death,” said Green.

Soup suppers will take place on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. from March 1-29 and will feature about six different soup offerings each week, including at least one vegetarian option, plus bread, including a glutenfree option. There is no charge for the suppers, but donations will be collected that will go to a charity.

“The suppers will be followed by either Stations of the Cross, which is a beautiful way to reflect on Christ’s journey to Calvary, or someone speaking about their personal faith journey,” said Green.

The Lenten events are be- ing organized by the St. James Evangelization Committee.

All the events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the parish office by calling 315-6553441.

St. James is located at 6 Green St. To learn more, visit stjamescaz.org