MAkE tHE CALL, Go FuLL-tIME

Yes, James Bradberry admitted it.

Third down, under two minutes to play, Kansas City 35, Philadelphia 35. Patrick Mahomes throws for the end zone, but it’s out of the reach of JuJu Smith-Schuster and for a split-second, it appears the Super Bowl will head for a crashing climax even if the Chiefs kick a go-ahead field goal.

Then we see the flag on the turf. Defensive holding.

Bradberry said later that, yes, he held, he just hoped it wouldn’t get called. After all, not a single holding penalty was issued by this officiating crew the previous 58-plus minutes. But this one was.

As you’d expect they would, the Chiefs burned most of the remaining clock, Harrison Butker converted a chip shot, and soon enough redand-gold-confetti was flying, instead of the green-and-white type.

By the absolute letter, it was the correct call. If Bradberry held, you flag it, whether it’s the first minute or the last minute. Makes no difference, right?

Tell that to tens of millions of viewers who, for 3 ½ hours, had seen the Chiefs and Eagles battle back and forth and were ready to proclaim this an alltime Super Bowl…only to have it sputter to the conclusion, rather than sparkle.

It sure seemed, to them, that the black-and-white stripes had inserted themselves into the drama at the absolute worst possible moment, strictly on a judgment call.

This does not mean the Eagles go on and win, with the time left along with a single time-out. It merely gives Philly a chance to do so, leading to an outcome that, pleasure or pain, fans can at least accept.

Exactly one Super Bowl ago, the Bengals got flagged for a similar borderline call, prolonging the Rams’ gamewinning drive, and the same nagging sense of what-if was left behind.

Sure, Roger Goodell can stand up at a podium and say officiating in the NFL is better than ever. However, it is still not as good as it can be, partially because it is not a fulltime job

Most NFL officials work other jobs during the year before traveling to games on the weekends – or Thursday nights or Monday nights or whatever other time the league wants its ratings cash cow parked.

That made sense in earlier decades when the season was shorter. Now, though, from pre-season games in August to a post-season that now stretches deep into February, that’s seven months of work.

Such a long campaign now inches closer to what we see

From The Mailbag

Dugouts

To the editor:

I recently read the article, “Town lends support to softball dugouts,” and was very disappointed in the angle that was presented by the softball program to the Skaneateles Town Board.

The article states that research was accomplished indicating “the baseball fields were given preference over the softball fields.”

Let me provide the real history on the work that was done to the youth ball fields in 2014.

My son and many others played baseball and softball on the youth fields and at the time many of the parents expressed disappointment in the condition of all the fields, particularly the field that currently has the brick dugouts (also known as Sims Field).

At the time, 2013, Sims Field was not even useable, overgrown, rutted, with no real dugouts. The other fields held standing water, had worn out baselines, and in general disrepair. A group of parents chose to take on the project to improve “all” the fields in this part of Austin Park, North Field, South Field, and Sims Field. Two of our primary advocates among oth- in the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball, where officials are full-time employees. Granted, they work many more games, but there’s also a tighter connection between those leagues and those officials, and less real controversy once championship season rolls around.

To be certain, this isn’t a question of money. The NFL has so much of it that it can easily afford pouring more resources into having crews work year-round and, by putting the time into it, emerge as better officials.

And you know who would like this most? Players, coaches and executives whose very careers are sometimes affected, or defined, by the way games are officiated.

Everyone associated with this sport, or any other sport, will tell you that they just want consistency. Call it, don’t call it, but just keep it the same from beginning to end. There’s a far better chance to achieve this rare equilibrium if officials work at it on weekdays and weekends.

cNYSPcA PET OF THE WEEK

MEEt CALLIE

BY DonnA nEwMAn pHoto By donna neWMan

A “tail” of two Callies! there’s a Callie that you meet at the shelter, who’s shy, timid and a bit shut down. then there’s the Callie that you would meet in a home setting, who’s friendly, confident, playful and full of joy. Callie came to the shelter as a stray, overwhelmed and lacking confidence. Her foster family reports that she loves training, she loves playing with her toys, she’s rides nicely in the car and she’s a pleasure to be with. she looks like a puppy, but she’s about two years old, and at 30 pounds, she’s the perfect size. she’s a sensitive soul and she takes treats very gently. And those ears! once she’s comfortable with you, she’s your friend for life. If you’re willing to take the time to build a relationship based on trust, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful companion in Callie! For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@ cnyspca, or visit cnyspca.org.

ers, at the time, were Mary Sennett, the town supervisor, and Susan Murphy, the parks manager.

We all worked together to raise substantial funds which included charitable contributions, Duke Schneider Foundation, Skaneateles Lakeshore Baseball and Softball, engraved brick fundraiser, and many businesses and companies that contributed time, work, and materials.

The scope of the work included putting in drainage for all three fields, scraping and resurfacing baselines, making fields dual use for little league baseball and softball, painting and fixing fencing, putting stone down where needed, edging all baselines, new moveable bases, and the biggest project was the revitalization of Sims Field with the showcase dugouts.

It was decided to place the dugouts here due to the fields proximity to the facilities for restrooms and concessions as well as it’s visibility, allowing for many to see their names and others that gave so much to the revitalization of the three youth fields.

Never was there ever a priority given to one sport over another, male over female, or any other social issue you want to use as an influence to gain the public’s interest.

This is why what happened with Bradberry and Smith-Schuster went beyond a social media argument. NFL officials will gladly tell you how difficult it is to try and catch infractions in real time, and nothing will change that reality.

Indeed, players say that there’s holding on close to every single play. It won’t get flagged every play, but catch it enough times, at least they know what to expect from a crew in a specific game.

The way it was going be-

Random Thoughts

Phil blackwell

tween the Chiefs and Eagles, no wonder Bradberry thought his jersey tug would slide – for that’s what had taken place all game, officials observing and not throwing that yellow flag. Say a full-time official, and not a part-time one, makes that call. Eagles fans will still seethe and Chiefs fans will still rejoice, but all might find peace with it.

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

We as a community continue to support the growth of all Skaneateles programs, particularly for our youth which are the future of us all.

roB GADjo SkaneateLeS

Share school aid increase and property taxpayers

To the editor: The governor’s 2023-24 executive budget proposal includes a large increase in state aid for public schools. Under this proposal, the Baldwinsville School District is in line to receive a $9,330,929 increase in education aid over the 2022-23 fiscal year.

The improved investments in public education from the state must be used above all to help enhance the quality of instruction and student support.

Paying superintendents not to work and hiring acting/interim superintendents, in my opinion, do nothing to improve teaching and learning in the district.

Moreover, Baldwinsville school administrators and its board of education must remember another stakeholder in the system - district property owners who have always funded pub- lic education via the taxes they pay annually. roBErt L. jokAjtYs BaLdWinSviLLe

Let me say the quiet part out loud: Lysander and Van Buren will not participate in the annual NYS reappraisal - reassessment for 2023. Consequently, assessments will remain at the 2022 values unless a property has physical improvements that have been added to the parcel. Not changing assessments is no guarantee that property tax bills won’t increase because taxes depend on how much local schools (and governments) spend. Assessments simply divvy up the bill among taxpayers. Don’t be surprised if school tax bills go up despite flat assessments.

I urge the Baldwinsville School District to have as its goal not to hike the 2023 - 24 tax levy. Frankly, the increase in state aid to the district should prompt district leaders to lower the 2023-24 tax levy from its 2022-23 level.

Keeping school property taxes in check is especially vital these days as inflation puts heavy stress on household budgets - especially for older residents on fixed incomes.

To attain this goal requires the district’s buy-in; I hope the district joins in its support.

Estate Auction

To settle the estate of Auburn Native Mr. Emmanuel (Manny) Ferrara 5 Easterly Avenue, Auburn, NY

Mr. Emmanuel Ferrara, “Manny” to those who knew him, was unmarried and died at the age of 90 years. A lifetime resident of Auburn Manny was the director of The Cayuga Home for Children. Manny was a friend to many, a Navy Veteran, an accomplished pianist, a lover of cinema, a true collector and a connoisseur of finer things. Estate Consultants are honored to handle the sale of Manny’s personal property. With selected additions including from St. Paul’s Church (all proceeds from the sale of these items will go to support the work of St. Paul’s) THIS IS A HUGE AND DIVERSE COLLECTION !

FINE 18th, 19th and 20th

FURNITURE, Very Large 18th through 20th CENTURY FINE

COLLECTION, ORIENTAL RUGS, JEWELRY, COINS, FIREARMS,

Obituaries

Gerald Montmoran, 63

Wonderful son, brother and uncle

Gerald “Jerry” P. Montmoran, 63, passed away after a long illness on Feb. 7, 2023. Gerald was born in Syracuse, and grew up in Baldwinsville.

He was a loyal employee of the Bryne Dairy Company for 40 years. He enjoyed spending time with family, playing games – Friday night trivia, and had so much fun playing Bingo and video games during holiday time.

His favorite pastime was golf, which he played for most of his life. Jerry also was a big sports fan – loved keeping up on football, hockey and basketball.

In his younger years he loved having clam bakes and going out on his boat. He also loved going go cart rid- ing – it was a fun family outing for him.

Jerry is known for his big heart and generosity. He always wanted to help when he could.

Jerry moved to Florida in 2021, where he moved into his “dream home” in The Villages. He loved having people come visit him in his new home.

Gerald P. Montmoran

Jerry also had a love for music. He enjoyed a variety of music and always wanted to know what other people enjoyed.

He is survived by his parents: Mother, Janice and Father, Robert – siblings – Robert Jr., Bette (Doug) and Mary (Timothy). Also five nephews, Joshua (Alyia), David, Matthew (Laura), Timothy, and Thomas and one niece, Kristen (Jim). Great-

Newspaper Delivery (Surrounding Syracuse)

nieces and nephews, Lukas, Alice, Carolyn, Molly, Joey, Harrison and Benjamin. Jerry was a wonderful, gracious son, brother and uncle who will always be in our hearts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Montmoran, please visit hiers-baxley.com.

Death Notices

Dolores M. Brillo, 84 registered nurse

Dolores M. Brillo, 84, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 16, 2023. Born in Syracuse to the late John and Kathleen Conley, she was part of the first graduating class of West Genesee High School in 1956.

Juanita F. Greene, 81, of Memphis (Jacks Reef) passed away Feb. 10, 2023. The Bush Funeral Home of Elbridge has charge of arrangements.

Lellean Newman, 92, of Liverpool, passed away Feb. 10, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, Baldwinsville, has arrangements.

She went on to receiver her RN degree from O.C.C. then worked at Auburn Memorial Hospital. Dolores loved to spend time in her flower gardens, going on cruises and her beloved animals.

She is survived by her three sons Peter, Joseph (Barbara) and Eric (Theresa), the joys of her life her grandsons Jacob, Joshua and Joey. Besides her parents she was predeceased by Joseph P. Brillo and brothers Robert and Donald Conley. Services will be private for the family. Memorial donations in Dolores’ memory may be made to your local SPCA.

To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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

Penny Saver

In 2016, I wrote an article about the “Masters” tournament and a young kid who just joined the rank-and- le of the PGA Tour. His name was…and still is, Bryson DeChambeau, although some might argue he is considering changing it because of what has happened to him since bolting the PGA Tour to sign on with LIV Golf, the new Saudi backed Professional Tour. Bryson became the darling of PGA Tour fans, including me, who couldn’t get enough of his theory about playing with irons that were all exactly the same length and grips that were “jumbo plus” size. We also watched him hit golf balls higher and farther than we had ever seen before. As you know, Cobra was the club manufacturer who bene ted most from signing him to a contract to play their clubs. Bryson certainly added credibility to their brand that resulted in increased sales. It was a match made in $$ heaven $$. Let’s fast forward to February 2023…

Adam Schupak, a wonderful golf writer for Golfweek and a guest contributor many times on my radio show, wrote an article about Bryson on February 9th that got my attention. In it, he informs us Bryson was in Arizona a few weeks ago, the same week of the Phoenix Open, according to “multiple sources”. Most of us were looking forward to watching Bryson play in the Phoenix Open but he has been banned from playing any events on the PGA Tour since he signed with LIV Golf. Well, if he wasn’t allowed to play in the Phoenix Open, what was he doing in Arizona? Schupak says he was at Ping Headquarters with his swing coach, Chris Como (aka…Tigers Coach) checking out Ping’s new clubs at their F.O. C. A. L. Lab (Fast. Optical. Capture. Analysis). Now everything makes sense because Chris is also a Ping Ambassador. Adam also informed us that Ping spokesperson, Pete Samuels con rmed the visit and said, “Chris o en brings his players into our Lab to analyze swing dynamics from a coaching standpoint. at was the primary reason for the visit, but Bryson did test Ping products as well”. So…..If Bryson is at Ping Headquarters, how does Cobra feel about that, since they have been negotiating with him in good faith for at least 3 months? “Not good”, according to Schupak, who tells us Bryson has also been tinkering with Taylor Made clubs. It’s a mess folks! In fact it’s so bad, Ben Schomin, Cobra’s PGA Tour rep, who has been at Bryson’s beck and call and has bended over backward to accommodate his every request said recently, “It was an asinine statement, especially for a guy who is perceived to be all-knowing when it comes to science and physics”. Bryson told a reporter he, “needs a driver that can be hit anywhere and everywhere across the face and nd the fairway”. Schomin followed that be saying, “With increased speed, it demands increase precision. He thinks there is a magic bullet out there. He’s looking for a unicorn”.

I don’t have a clue which golf club manufacturer Bryson will sign with in 2023, but you can be sure of one thing, although all of them would like Bryson to play their brand, his value as a Golf Ambassador for a club manufacturer has been greatly reduced because of his recent public statements as well as his lack of exposure on TV because he le the PGA Tour.

If you were Taylor Made, Callaway, Titleist, Cobra or Ping, would you sign Bryson DeChambeau to a multi-year contract today? Not I…says the Pronoun. How about you?

Final thoughts….

Many thanks to Adam Schupak for his brilliant detective work to bring us the facts so we can make up our own minds about a uniquely talented professional golfer who is not as popular as he was just two years ago. Too bad!

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid

PURPOSE: TEXT:

Electric

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.

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.

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.