Cazenovia Republican Digital Edition - March 1, 2023

oF the Gala

CCP plans annual fundraiser at the Lincklaen House

By kate hill Staff writer

On Saturday, March 4, Cazenovia Community Preschool (CCP) will present its Annual Fundraising Gala at the Lincklaen House at 79 Albany St. from 7 to 11 p.m.

Presented by the CCP Board of Directors in partnership with Berkshire Bank, the event will feature an hourlong open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, live music by Mark Zane, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

According to CCP Board of Directors Chair Lindsay Maine, it has been four years since CCP’s last gala and five years since the gala was held at the Lincklaen House.

Founded in 1969 and operated out of a retrofitted house at 49 Burton St., CCP is a not-for-profit, comprehensive preschool with a mission to provide well-rounded and nurturing learning experiences for children in the Cazenovia area, regardless of ability or family income, with the goal of supporting the full development of each child’s potential. The curriculum emphasizes language, cognitive, social, physical, emotional, and creative development.

The gala, which is CCP’s largest annual fundraiser, will benefit the school’s tuition assistance program for families

Pewter Spoon supports earthquake response efforts

By kate hill Staff writer

Pewter Spoon Café and Eatery in Cazenovia is planning a weekend fundraiser to benefit Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural and human-made disasters, and exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries.

Located at 87 Albany St., Pewter Spoon is owned by Pat Carmeli and managed by her daughters Ava and Dana.

The weekend fundraiser will begin with a “latenight” kickoff event on Friday, March 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. and will run all day Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5.

“On Friday, our kitchen will be open later hours (6 to 8 p.m.) and we will host Francie, our ‘joe’y’ coffee alternative sales represen -

BOE discusses next budget

Principals report on learning opportunities

By kate hanzalik

During the Feb. 27 Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education (CCSD BOE) meeting, Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio presented budget options for consideration for the upcoming academic year.

According to DiFulvio, the current year-end balance is just under $1 million.

“The reason this number is so high is because of the amount of money we have from the COVID relief fund offsetting what we’re spending as a district right now,” DiFulvio said. “As you know costs are going up. We had some discussions about how much our budget has gone up, but I think our district has done a really nice job of being fiscally responsible.”

DiFulvio added that the balance does not yet offer a complete picture as the district is awaiting details on enrollment numbers, staffing needs, and health insurance increases, to name a few.

“As costs go up, I just want to let people know that we have been tightening our belts as a school district,” DiFulvio said.

DiFulvio said the school eliminated one of its Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) curriculums and wants to replace it as well as curriculums for K8 Math and English Language Arts (ELA), but these would not be included in a roll-over budget that maintains the status quo.

“Just to maintain our current operations and our current curriculum we’d be looking at, with no [appropriated] fund balance, we would be at [a] 9 percent [budget increase], which is about [the] average [for] what other businesses are looking at, with the rate of inflation over the past year-and-a-half,” DiFulvio said.

DiFulvio noted concerns such as students not reading on grade level, the need for professional development, more attention paid to facilities, cybersecurity, and funding that can be used for remediation opportunities for high school students. He pointed to possible budget options with additional funds, acquired from tax levy increases or appropriated fund balances, ranging from $555,000 to $855,000.

“What I’m recommending on behalf of the district is that we need to make curricular change,” he said. “I’ve heard that over the past yearand-a-half. I’ve heard families. I’ve heard it from staff. Our teachers are ready to make curricular changes. We need professional development coaching in order to be able to do this and we also need the funds to purchase the curriculum.”

The discussion concluded with plans to schedule a budget workshop with the board.

in other news

CCSD K-12 principals updated the board on experiential learning opportunities during the month of February.

tative, who will provide a free joe’y tasting during those hours as well,” Dana said. “For customers who

enjoy their tasting and decide to buy a joe’y beverage from the barista on Friday [night], we will be donating

20 percent of those sales to [MSF].”

According to Dana, 15

Kara May, principal at Burton Street Elementary School, reported on a mobile planetarium from BOCES that was used to enhance students’ learning about outer space

Boe l Page 2

and that will return in May to help students learn about myth making by observing Greek myths in the sky. For Black History Month, Burton Street teachers and librarians took a variety of approaches for engaging students.

“It’s important to note that our students are continuously encouraged to check out books surrounding cultures and people who may not look like them or believe in what they believe,” May said. “It’s been our library’s mission I think not just at Burton Street but across the district, to build our collection of multicultural books, to make sure not just that all students are represented, but that they are exposed to texts, cultures, and practices, and people that are different from their own. We don’t encourage this just during one month of the year but throughout the year, knowing that again Black history is American history.”

Amy Getman, principal of Cazenovia Middle School, reported that students are celebrating Black History Month in a number of ways, such as reading articles that spotlight the contributions of Black leaders such as Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King, watching “Can Kids Change the World?” which examines the trials and tribulations of young people attempting to make communities more inclusive, and reading Refuge and the graphic novel Unwanted, both of which

Earthquake

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percent of all other sales made during the kick-off event and throughout the weekend will also be donated.

The Carmeli family decided to support MSF after hearing the news about the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria and feeling compelled to help in some way.

“We know the small but mighty community we’ve built through the Pewter Spoon would be a great resource to tap into and help raise funds during a time

examine the complexities of affecting social change. Students have shared their own stories and met authors with stories to share.

“We’ve been committed to giving our students experiences with different racial and cultural perspectives so we’ve specifically chosen literature that gives exposure to these different areas,” Getman said.

Molly Hagan, principal of Cazenovia High School, reported on Career Technical Education initiatives and the use of digital technology to promote Black History Month and Black American poetry.

“Each month during our faculty meetings our staff has been engaging in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) activities focused on creatingawelcomingandaffirmingenvironment,” Hagan said. “We often discuss those conversations amongst our staff about how our building creates both windows and walls for all students. It’s something we’ve been working on in terms of being inclusive and reflective during the holidays and celebrations including Black History month.”

For additional updates about Cazenovia CSD, read the Quarterly Update Newsletter Cazenovia CSD, which can be found at smore. com/upbf5

CCSD BOE meetings are usually held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Meeting dates are on the district website and the school calendar. For more information, visit cazenoviacsd.com/board-of-education

of crisis,” said Dana. “The magnitude of the loss in Turkey and Syria is just unimaginable, with death tolls growing higher each day. The newest earthquake that hit on Feb. 20 just made a difficult situation that much worse. The recovery for those regions will be long and arduous, but medical care for its victims is needed immediately. MSF is a highly reputable organization [that] provides tangible medical care to victims of natural disasters and war all over the world. Because they’re a nongovernmental organization, they can

Submitted photo

Cazenovia Community Preschool will present its annual Fundraising Gala at the lincklaen house on March 4.

l From page 1 CCP

in need.

“CCP provides tuition assistance to every family that applies and qualifies,” said Maine. “We do not limit the number of families that can receive assistance or the amount we distribute each year. We budget approximately

provide relief to regions incredibly fast, without all the barriers sometimes left by bureaucracy. For example, MSF was especially quick to respond in northwest Syria because they already had an active presence in the region.”

Pewter Spoon held its first weekend fundraiser several years ago. Since then, they have raised money for multiple organizations, including UNICEF, the International Rescue Committee, and Campaign Zero, a project of the nonprofit organization WeTheProtesters.

The café’s most recent and most suc -

Cazenovia F&M Lodge 616

Fundraiser

Saturday, March 4, 2023

11am til gone

$10,000 a year toward our tuition assistance program, but the amount fluctuates each year depending on the current needs of our community.”

For additional information on the gala, contact director@cazenoviacommunitypreschool.co m

To learn more about CCP, visit cazenoviacommunitypreschool.co m

cessful weekend fundraiser was held in February 2022 to support MSF.

“We raised $571 that weekend, so our goal this year is to raise $600,” said Dana. “As usual, we will have a pot on the counter for customers to add any personal donations. Those will be collected and donated on Monday along with the business’s donation.”

To learn more about Pewter Spoon Café and Eatery, visit pewterspooncafe.com

Learn more about Médecins Sans Frontières at doctorswithoutbor d e rs. or g

(Includes 1/2 chicken, cole slaw & salt potatoes)

We will be cooking no matter the weather! 2836 Route 20 East, Cazenovia

(We are located next to Automatic Utilities)

To learn more about us, please check out our website: http://cazenovia.cortland-madison-masons.org

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Students compete in Lego robotics regional competition

By kate hill Staff writer

On Feb. 18, a group of Cazenovia Middle School students competed in the First Lego League (FLL) Finger Lakes Regional Competition in Buffalo.

FLL is a guided, global robotics program aimed at inspiring youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning and robotics.

“The [FLL] program challenges teams of students to design, build, and program autonomous robots using Lego robotics kits to complete a set of missions on a playing field,” explained Middle School Librarian Deborah McHugh, who has advised Cazenovia’s Lego League club since its formation during the 2021-22 school year. “The teams also conduct research on a real-world problem related to the year’s theme — renewable energy [this year] — and develop an innovative solution using science and technology.”

McHugh added that the program encourages the development of important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. It also helps build STEM skills, promotes creativity, and builds confidence.

This season’s Lego League team consisted of the following 15 students ages 10-14: Jayce Hyatt, Nolan Campagna, Jacob Burch, Nora Berg, Kallie D’Mello, Connor Woodcock, Charlie McGraw, Audrey Henry, James Dougherty, Sam Bouffard, Phoebe Maggio, Eddie Hollman, Emma Palmer, Oliver Revette and Tyler Pratt.

According to McHugh, 11 of the team members were available to participate in the regional competition, which brought together a total of 42 teams of students ages 8-14.

The multi-part competition was judged based on a robot game, an innovation project, a team interview, and demonstrated “core values.”

“FLL does not provide an overall ranking for teams, so we don’t know how we did [except for] the robot game where we placed eighth with a score of 220,” said McHugh. “This was an increase of 50 points over our robot game at the qualifier on Jan. 21.”

To qualify for the regional competition in Buffalo, Cazenovia’s Lego League team had to put their skills to the test at the second annual First Lego League competition on Jan. 21 at Pine Grove Middle School in the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District. The local competition was organized through the Model Schools team at OCM BOCES, which supports districts in their use of instructional technology.

According to the OCM BOCES website, the “Super Powered” event challenged students to design, build, and code a robot that could improve how renewable energy is stored and distributed within the community.

Teams from several local elementary and middle schools built their robots in advance of the competition. At the event, each robot had to complete a series

of missions called “energy journeys.” A robot earned points based on how it collected and delivered energy to and from various sources during each journey. Robots had to push, pull, and lift or perform a combination of those movements. Judges evaluated the robots and the research behind each project. Each team also spent time explaining their project during the presentation portion of the event.

By

Only five of the 15 participating teams qualified for the regional competition in Buffalo. In addition to qualifying, Cazenovia’s team also received the “Motivate Award,” awarded to “A team that embraces the culture of First Lego League through team building, team spirit, and displayed enthusiasm.”

To learn more about First Lego League, visit firstlegoleague.org.

NOTICE - Parents of students attending Non Public School

Pursuant to Section 3635 Education Law:

Residents of the Cazenovia Central School District - it is necessary to request transportation to NON PUBLIC SCHOOLS each school year. The request is to be in writing by April 1, 2023, to the Cazenovia Central School District, for the 2023-2024 school year.

The request must include the full name of the student, the residence address, including street or road name and house number, date of birth of the student, grade level of the student, name of the school to which attendance is requested. Most non public schools provide forms for this purpose.

Requests should be mailed directly to the Cazenovia Central School District, Transportation Department, 31 Emory Avenue, Cazenovia, NY 13035 post marked by April 1, 2023.

Cazenovia Central School District

Karen Cowherd

Transportation Supervisor

Email: kcowherd@caz.cnyric.org

Phone: 315-655-1326 Fax: 315-655-1368

Submitted photoS

on Feb. 18, Cazenovia Middle School’s lego league team competed in the First lego league Finger lakes Regional Competition in Buffalo.

Going blue

With numerous issues and ill nesses that deserve public attention, it seems each month of the year is dedicated to multiple topics, each with their own color to help raise awareness.

In the month of March through the efforts of organizations such as the Brain Injury Association of America and the Brain Injury Association of New York, one of the featured colors of the month will be blue and the emphasis will be placed on raising awareness about brain injuries.

For more than three decades, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has led the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month by conducting a public awareness campaign in March of each year.

The theme for the current campaign launched in 2021 and running through 2023 is “More than my brain injury.”

The #MoreThanMyBrainInjury public awareness campaign provides a platform for educating the general public about the incidence of brain injury and the needs of people with brain injuries and their families, according to the BIAA.

Through this campaign, BIAA and the New York organization have established several key goals for March and beyond.

During Brain Injury Awareness month, the goals include destigmatizing brain injury through outreach within the brain injury community, empowering those who have survived brain injury and their caregivers and promoting the many types of support that are available to people living with brain injury.

According to the BIAA brain injury is unpredictable in its consequences.

Brain injury affects who we are and the way we think, act, and feel. It can change everything about us in a matter of seconds.

According to BIAA the effects of a brain injury depend on factors such as cause, location and severity

A person with a suspected brain injury should call 911, go to the emergency room, or contact a physician immediately.

After an impact or injury to the head, an individual can experience a variety of symptoms.

Common symptoms of a brain injury include: spinal fluid (thin, clear liquid) coming out of the ears or nose, loss of consciousness, dilated (the black center of the eye is large and does not get smaller in light) or unequal size of pupils, vision changes (blurred vision or seeing double, not able to tolerate bright light, loss of eye movement, blindness), dizziness, balance problems, respiratory failure (difficulty breathing), paralysis, or difficulty moving body parts, weakness, poor coordination, slow pulse, slow breathing rate, with an increase in blood pressure, vomiting, lethargy, headache and confusion among other symptoms.

After sustaining a brain injury, an individual may experience difficulty performing his or her job safely and operating in their daily lives as they once did.

By raising awareness, organizations like BIAA hope to instill several key points.

The most important things to remember according to BIAA are a person with a brain injury is a person first. No two brain injuries are exactly the same. The effects of a brain injury are complex and vary greatly from person to person. The effects of a brain injury depend on factors such as cause, location, and severity.

To learn more visit biausa.org.

TWO TREATS in OnE WEEk

Typically, when our offspring asks us what happened in the previous week, as they often do, we find it hard to list anything beyond a grocery shopping event, maybe two wash-and-dries in the cellar, vacuuming, etc., and, for my spouse, a game of pickle ball. They look at us as some kind of slackers when it comes to having interesting lives. I guess the explanation should include some kind of footnote indicating that, when we were their age, we did do more interesting things. Now an interesting thing is a nap.

But, this week, we had something beyond our so-mundane existence to share. Two things, actually.

The first is difficult to categorize and so I will share it in story form.

It was early evening, I had retired to the family room to watch the news on PBS. While I was intent on absorbing the information being shared by Goeff Bennett, I felt a light push on the end of my right foot. And … how do I put this and capture my delight … there was an opossum sniffing my shoe. This has never happened to me. To be more specific, I have never actually seen an opossum except on TV let alone had one in my house. It took its time to gather whatever olfactory information in needed, looked up and walked away toward to the other side of the room. I was happily surprised and charmed by this fellow or gal’s appearance. I worked on finding the right level of voice to call my husband, who was in the kitchen, so not to startle my visiting marsupial. By the time he got the message, the little visitor was happily eating cat food, sharing a dish with one of the cats. No fuss at all. As the spouse approached

Future of Cazenovia College

To the editor: Open letter to whoever owns/ runs Caz College at this point or in the near future…

I - and I’m sure many other Caz College employees, alumni, and students - read with genuine interest in this paper and at least one other news outlet that there is now movement afoot by a group of Caz locals to explore the potential taking on of the bond, etc. and future of the campus. My interpretation of what I read is that the goal would be to identify and pursue an educational purpose consistent with the zoning of the main/ core campus block (and beyond?). Coupled with other brain-storming sessions among officials from the college, village, town, CACDA, etc., this is potentially excellent news for everyone who lives in or near Caz.

One of the main challenges, of course, will be to somehow create a use that even remotely comes close to mimicking the $55M/year economic impact of the college: hundreds of undergraduates spending money and working in local businesses, their families and alumni packing every available room on numerous weekends every year, employment of over 200, and more. Well…

Here’s the pitch. If an alternative use cannot be identified that meets the criterion above, then I would boldly suggest that we work together to re-envision,

the two, the opossum, looked up, and made the decision to walk …not run, but walk, quickly past him into the kitchen and down the stairs into the basement, where there are a zillion hiding places.

We went downstairs and made a cursory search, knowing that it was basically futile, given the accumulation of nooks and crannies, boxes and such. You could hide an elephant down there. Really.

How did the little opossum get in? And, given the fact that it knew to go into the kitchen and down the stairs to the basement, how long had it been in the house? The opossum most probably got in through the cat door, but when was a question we couldn’t answer.

Opossums are docile, quiet animals. They will fight if threatened. I will fight if threatened, too, but since I wasn’t threatened, I had no intention of threatening the creature. I was basically feeling elated that it had chosen to spend some time with us, but knew that it could not stay in the house.

Many people have domesticated opossums, training them like cats to use a litter box. I had no intention of doing this since I struggle each day to deal with the idiosyncrasies of six cats, half of which live under the love seat in the living room and only come out to eat and use the litter box, except late at night when they hold rodeos on the first floor of the house.

The opossum appeared at around 5:30 p.m. the next day to eat and drink water. He took his version of a passeggiata around the family room and the kitchen before heading back down into the basement, where my spouse watched him head into the laundry room. So, in that room, we set a “have a heart” trap

reinvigorate, reinvent the college. Perhaps…“Cazenovia College 200+” if you will.

I have a list of ideas on how to help make that happen, and I ask you to reach out to me with an open mind, putting aside what you’ve read and heard in the past about the college. None of the ideas are actually “mine” but rather simply reflect the results of listening to others and substantial research into what a number of other small, independent, nonprofit, educational institutions have done in the past – in CNY and elsewhere - to get themselves on a solid financial footing, even in the face and aftermath of COVID.

ThAD YORkS Cazenovia On

I-81 decision

To the editor:

As a municipal participant in the Renew 81 for lawsuit, we are pleased with the judge’s decision requiring the New York State Department of Transportation Department complete further environmental reviews before tearing down the I-81 viaduct through Syracuse; I have personally advocated that action for 10 years.

The judge astutely recognized that by limiting the study area for the past decade to the 1.5-mile stretch of elevated highway within the city, NYS DOT failed to identify the many impacts to DeWitt residents and businesses in converting Route 481 into Route 81 and rerouting traffic through our community.

and closed the door for the night. In the morning, the little guy or gal was safely enclosed in the trap and my heroic spouse then brought the trap and opossum outside, releasing it to the area where we knew that he was most probably living.

Investigation told me that opossums find winter very difficult. They are not blessed with thick fur coats and their little hand-like paws have no fur at all. They are wonderful in the garden, eating small rodents and insects, especially ticks. They are harmless and helpful. And, so, our next effort will be to build a shelter out of some Styrofoam boxes and straw that Roy and Barb Thompson gave us for that purpose.

Was that interesting enough?

And what was the second thing of note last week? I learned how to make a chocolate martini. I tell you this last lest you think that consuming this so-delicious intoxicant rendered me delusionary.

Here’s the recipe for a chocolate martini (serves 2):

Ingredients

1/4 cup Godiva chocolate liqueur

1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream

1 cup vodka.

Shake over ice and serve.

Expensive, strong, fattening and entirely and without guilt, luscious.

If you make this cocktail and see an opossum, please know that there is no cause and effect relationship between the two. The two are separate occurrences, both delightful.

The cat door is closed. This week, it is back to laundry, shopping, putting a cat tree together and taking naps.

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.

NYSDOT never performed a regional transportation study, invariably the case with a project of this size and cost.

As such, the current environmental impact statement (EIS) does not properly address the impacts of an increase in traffic of up to 60,000 – potentially hundreds of thousands – of vehicles traveling through DeWitt on a daily basis, should Route I-81 be eliminated.

As a result, the highway, secondary roads, neighborhoods and commercial corridors in DeWitt will experience increased road maintenance costs, increased commuting times, delays – decreased productivity – greater gasoline and diesel fuel costs and consumption, noise pollution, carbon dioxide generation, and toxic gas emissions.

Specifying these impacts in a supplemental EIS is a critical first step towards developing strategies that will minimize the overall effects to the citizens of DeWitt.

As an environmental professional for the past 40 years, I can attest to the fact that the existing NYSDOT plans for Route 481 are woefully inadequate.

In addition, many of our neighboring communities will also be negatively impacted –economically and socially – by the community grid only plan. Moreover, the discourse has become exceedingly negative and divisive.

As Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon summarized

Letters l Page 5

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legal advertising: luba demkiv, ext. 303, ldemkiv@eaglenewsonline.com

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Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro

FROM THE MAILBAG

By donna nEwMan phoTo proviDeD by CnySpCA

Valentine’s day is over, but

Jemma’s still waiting for love!

Jemma is a Pitsky – a pit/husky mix. Pitskies are known for their friendly personalities and physical prowess. She has the eyes of a husky and the body of a pit. at seven years old and forty-seven pounds, callie came to the shelter when her original family was un-

Green Lakes hosts Special Olympics

able to care for her. She gets along well with most dogs, but no cats for Jemma! Jemma is patient, loyal, and affectionate and would do well in a home with respectful kids. if you’re looking for a designer dog who’s beautiful inside and out, Jemma’s the girl for you! For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org

Caz musicians selected for All-State ensemble

The Cazenovia High School Music Department recently announced that two students were selected for New York Conference All-State Music Ensembles. The students rehearsed with esteemed conductors and other top student musicians from throughout New York State during the annual Winter Conference of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) held from Dec. 1 to 4 in Rochester.

Senior vocalists Ethan Coburn and Elijah Gebers were both selected to perform in the Mixed Choir.

Coburn is a member of Cazenovia’s High School Orchestra, String Ensemble, Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. Gebers is a member of the Orchestra, String Ensemble, Con-

cert Choir, Chamber Choir & Jazz Ensemble.

The All-State experience begins with a music teacher, his or her student and an accompanist spending countless hours preparing a NYSSMA Level VI solo which must be selected from repertoire lists in the current NYS manual. Last spring, over 6,500 sophomores and juniors from across the state of New York prepared for All-State evaluations in the hope of being selected.

The concerts were held in the magnificent Eastman Theatre at the University of Rochester which has been Rochester’s preeminent performance space since its opening in 1922. This historic space has hosted the world’s greatest musicians and conductors.

DAviD Tyler

this past weekend, nearly 500 athletes from across the state came to the Syracuse area to participate in the Special olympics winter Games. on Saturday, the games stormed the beach at Green lakes State Park in Fayetteville, where athletes braved a driving snowstorm to give it their all in the snow shoeing competition. After each race, the Special Olympians were guided to the medal podium where they were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals for their achievements. other events held throughout the weekend included skiing and snowboarding at Greek Peak, floor hockey at the OnCenter and figure skating at the war Memorial. all Special olympics new york programs, including State winter Games, are provided at no cost to the athletes or their families.

l From page 4 Letters

well in her recent resignation announcement regarding the brutality of politics, “Statements and decisions that should not be controversial at all, quickly become so. Issues that are controversial, end up almost irrationally so.”

Those of us who oppose the community grid only plan base our opposition on data, common sense, and comprehensive analysis of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the plan (townofdewitt.com/news_detail_T10_R34.php).

Nonetheless, in anticipation of the Community Grid only plan coming to fruition, the Town of Dewitt will continue – as we have been for the last 18 months – to press for the mitigation measures critical to secure the quality of life of our com-

munity.

Those measures include: an additional traffic lane throughout DeWitt, re-configuration of the entrance/exits ramps at Kirkville Road and East Genesee Street, direct truck access into and out of the CSX railyards from the highway, sound and air pollution attenuation for our neighborhoods, and necessary trail and greenspace enhancements including berms, trees, and storm water controls.

As the supervisor of DeWitt – the steward of my community and an environmental professional – it is my duty to object to a plan executed in the city that will so negatively impact the quality of life of the people and businesses of DeWitt.

Ed MichalEnko, Ph.d SuperviSor, Town of DewiTT

Ethan coburn and Elijah Gebers

WRESTLing ChAMP

bears’ bailey wins division ii title

BY PhiL BLACkWELL

Just one wrestler in the history of the Chittenango program had ever climbed all the way to a state championship – at least until last weekend.

Now Andrew Bailey joins Connor Fredericks in the highest of honor rolls in Bears wrestling lore, having claimed the 189-pound title during last weekend’s’ New York State Public High School Athletic Association meet at Albany’s MVP Arena.

“It feels amazing,,” said Bailey right after winning the title in an overtime battle with Wellsville’s Shane Davidson. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, but once I celebrate with my family and friends it probably will (a bit) more.”

In order to equal what Fredericks accomplished in 2018 at 182 pounds, Bailey, in the 189-pound division, had to survive three elimination matches that were decided by a single point or in overtime.

“It was just about digging deep and fighting hard for every point.” said Bailey.

This was Bailey’s second state tournament appearance, having not placed in 2022, but he entered it sporting a perfect 34-0 record that included the Section III Division II title earned two weeks earlier.

In the opening round last Friday afternoon, Bailey did not wait too long, pinning John Glenn’s Carmine Gerbino in just 30 seconds, but from there everything was close.

Facing Oneonta’s Mateo Goodhue in the quarterfinals, Bailey managed only a single escape, but that point was enough to pull out a 1-0 decision and advance.

The semifinal match on Saturday afternoon pitted Bailey against Granville/Fort Ann’s Brent Perry. This, too, involved a pitched battle for every single points, but again Bailey got the upper hand and held on by a 2-1 margin.

So it was on to the championship round and Shane Davidson, who had risen from a no. 5 seed and had pinned top seed Troy Austin (Whitehall) in the

MAn AT ThE TOP: Chittenango wrestler Andrew Bailey won the 189-pound state Division ii championship last Saturday in Albany, defeating Wellsville’s Shane Davidson in overtime in the championship bout to join

semifinals.

The final reflected the previous two rounds, Bailey able to get some points but Davidson matching him through the six minutes of regulation, which ended 3-3.

Later, Bailey said that his biggest strength was, in his words, “having the best gas tank in the state” and wear out an opponent.

Plenty was left for the OT period, where Bailey spun around Davidson’s

grasp, performed the takedown and nearly pinned Davidson, though the takedown was all he needed for the 7-3 victory and the state crown. Bailey joined three other Section III wrestlers

as tate champions, all in Division II. Homer’s Sam Sorenson repeated at 215 pounds, Central Valley Academy’s Sixx Cook won at 152 pounds and Copenhagen’s Chase Nevills prevailed at 118 pounds.

Bears’ title run ended by Westhill in semis

BY PhiL BLACkWELL

About the only missing when the Chittenango boys basketball team broke it 45year championship drought in 2022 was a Section III playoff win over Westhill, who had caused so much post-season heartache in the past.

The 2023 sectional Class B tournament would offer an opportunity at just that kind of moment as, on Sunday afternoon, the Bears and Warriors did get together at SRC Arena in the sectional semifinals.

Yet here, like so many

times before, a Chittenango title dream was dashed by the Warriors, who took what it learned from previous encounters with the Bears and used it well to record a 61-55 victory.

Chittenango had plenty of confdience going into this game, having won both of its January meetings with the Warriors by scores of 68-54 on the road and 71-55.

From those games, Westhill learned that the best way to contain Chittenango’s potent attack was focus on senior Alex

Moesch, who had 53 total points in those two previous games but would meet with all kinds of double teams on this day and never find a level of comfort.

Moesch had just nine points, something the Bears made up for early when Brendon Barnard hit six 3-pointers in the first half to help Chittenango take a 37-34 lead to the break.

But Westhill controlled the third quarter, holding the Bears without a 3-pointer and seeing Shawn Mayes earn a good chunk of his 17 points. Eventually, the

Warriors built a 52-45 lead early in the final period.

Then it was Chittenango’s defense cracking down, shutting out Westhill for more than five minutes and tying it, 52-52, even as it was missing crucial free throws all through the second half.

Charlie Demore’s basket broke the Warriors’ drought with 1:30 left. Then, with the score 54-53, Kam Langdon hit a corner 3-pointer that spread the margin to four, and Chittenango never recovered.

Ryan Moesch did put

OPINION

up 16 points, but had to work hard for them, while Ty Kelly was held to two points as Jack Lamphere got eight points.

Langdon, who had keyed Westhill’s attack in the early going, finished with a team-high 20 points as Omar Robinson had 15 points, including the clinching free throws.

Chittenango got to this point by handling Camden 71-47 in last Wednesday’s sectional quarterfinal, an instance where the Bears’ defense was able to earn some of the attention.

All through the game, Chittenango made consistent stops, which, combined with hot early shooting, produced a 42-21 edge by halftime.

Ryan Moesch hit the 30point mark for the second straight post-season game, adding four steals, three rebounds and three assists.

Alex Moesch got 18 points, eight reobunds and seven assists, withBarnard matching Kelly’s total of nine points and the pair combining for 11 rebounds.

WiLL WE gET inTO MARCh?

When it turns from February to March, typically my soul starts to stir.

College basketball is entering its month of decision, and all the parts of it, from conference tournaments to the ups and downs of the ensuing Dance, provides enough excitement and emotion to fill the rest of the calendar.

Now, though, it doesn’t feel as thrilling or fun, but there’s no single reason for the malaise.

Yes, I’ll admit that part of it is seeing Syracuse play itself out of NCAA consideration for the second year in a row. Knowing, in the past, that the Orange would have a small or large part in this spectacle always added to the enjoyment of it, not to mention all the uncomfortable questions about the program’s future.

Mostly, though, it’s the thorough way in which everything about this month has turned into a string of cliches or, worse yet, the insertion of folks who think it is all about them when it most decidedly is not.

It starts with the brackets. Not the real one that shows up on Selection

Random Thoughts

Phil blackwell

Sunday, mind you, but the steady, relentless stream of mock brackets that starts before the season and goes on and on, reaching an insufferable peak right about now.

What it results is turning every game featuring potential tournament teams into a referendum not on the teams themselves, but on where they fit into the machinations of self-appointed bracket gurus who absolutely knows what winning or losing these games will mean – they’re in, they’re out, over and over.

All of which covers up the inconvenient truth that the only bracket that counts is the real one a committee puts together and releases on the second Sunday of March. And even then, we hear about the important stuff from the bracket crowd – hey, I got 67 of 68 right! Who cares, except your ego?

This leads to another annoying, overused trope of this time of year – bubble. It was cute the first time around. Do it 30,000 times a week and you forget what you are talking about.

Among other side effects of this incessant focus on material found in baths

is analysts getting up in arms when a team gets into the tournament that they didn’t think belong. As if their opinions were the only viable ones. Ever since VCU, who got that criticism in 2011, reached the Final Four, it’s easy to dismiss these gripes.

Once you get past all that nonsense and actually get to the games, it’s a constant, 24/7 parade of cliches and terms that might amuse casual fans but drives the others to drink if they weren’t alcoholics.

Any shot that wins a game in the last seconds turns into a buzzer-beater even if time was left on the clock and it’s a horn, not a buzzer. If someone is crying, you just know the cameras will catch it, unleashing inevitable social media mockery.

And if a lower-seeded team pulls off a surprise win or two? Then every single sentence said or written about them will somehow feature a certain fairy tale.

Folks, UMBC in 2018, Abilene Christian and Oral Roberts in 2021, Saint Peter’s in 2022 – each of them are fascinating and complex stories all by themselves. You can actually tell them without drowning the narrative with

the same tired label given anyone outside the game’s hierarchy.

Basically, we insert ourselves, and all the tried-and-true tropes of the tournament, into an event that doesn’t need any of them to be special and memorable.

Add to it the NCAA monetizing and trademarking so many of the terms associated with the tournament, and what should be a celebration of the sport turns to an indictment of all the ways greed and self-enrichment can get in the way.

Maybe this is all idle talk and, the moment something quirky and compelling takes place, we’ll all get transfixed again, remembering the good qualities that made the NCAA tournament arguably the best annual event in American spots.

But the easiest way to make sure this happens is not to get drawn into the cynical haze of trite words and trite structure and remember that this is about players living their dreams. Which is the best story of all.

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

Connor Fredericks (2018) as the only state champions in Bears program history.

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 MARCH 15

Fossil Exhibit

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Great Swamp Conservancy, Canastota. This immersive experience includes real fossils, visual displays, and archeological activities for kids. $3 per person. Reservations required. Call 315-697-2950 or email greatswampconservancy@gmail.com

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.

Town Hall

6:30-8 p.m. Cazenovia Library. Assembly Stirpe will discuss the state budget. Constituent survey available at www.nyassembly.gov/stirpe

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Navigating Markets in Uncertain Times

7 p.m. Catherine Cummings Theatre, Cazenovia. Presented by Cazenovia Forum. Financial expert Rick Regan will talk about what is likely to happen concerning recession fears and the 2022 bear market. Free. Reception to follow at the Luchlaen House. More information at cazenoviaforum.com

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.

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 meet-ups 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

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 1

Maker Faire Syracuse

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lemoyne College Athletic Center. An opportunity to celebrate all creative types. Email shostap@ lemoyne.edu to learn how to participate.

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/.

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.

SUNDAYS (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

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

Weekly Woodcarving for Veterans

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Meet in the woodshop for woodcarving and camaraderie overseen by a volunteer.

Canteen Luncheon

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Join the Clear Path family for lunch! Menu changes every week. Complementary, no registration required.

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

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.

Family Storytime

10:30 a.m. Cazenovia Library, Creekside Park (alternate location: story garden). Pack a blanket and join us for story time at Creekside Park! Storytimes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows.

Paws & Relax

3:45-5:15 p.m. every other Wednesday. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Feeling stressed? Need a study break or a furry snuggle? Love dogs and want to relax? Stop by the library for canine stress relief! The Manlius Library has teamed up with Pet Partners of CNY to bring therapy dogs to the Teen Room. No registration is necessary.

THURSDAYS

Free ESOL Class

10 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Practice your English skills for free in the library’s Community Room. Adults of all nationalities and skill levels are welcome. No registration is necessary.

Art Group 10:30 a.m. Parnell Hall, Fayetteville Senior Center, 584 E. Genesee St. Join for an informal get-together to work on art, projects, and hobbies with others. Please call 315637-9025 to RSVP.

Poetry Group

1 p.m. Fayetteville Senior Center, 584 E. Genesee St.

Write, share, and listen to poetry. You do not have to have any experience to write or participate. Call 315-637-9025 to RSVP.

Manlius Library Writers

3:30 p.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Join other writers to share your work, get feedback, talk about your practice, and more. All genres and experiences are welcome!

FRIDAYS

Project Healing Waters 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Learn the basics of fly tying and fly fishing. All instruction overseen by volunteers.

Great Minds series continues March 15

Cazenovia College will present the third talk of the Wheler Family Great Minds Lecture Series entitled A Poet for Troubled Times on March 15 at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Grazyna Kosaczka, professor of English and director of the All-College Honors Program, will present a selection of writings by Nobel Prize-winning Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska, as well as look at her whimsical and humorous collages. The lecture will be held in Coleman Hall, rooms A and B at Cazenovia College. It is free and open to the public.

Kozaczka has been a member of the faculty at Cazenovia College for over 30 years. During this time, she has taught a variety of classes from academic writing to English specialty courses, including American Literature, American Ethnic Literature and Methods of Inquiry. Born and raised in Krakow, Poland, Kozaczka began her educational journey there and continues to travel back to Poland regularly.

Known for her research as well as her teaching, Kozaczka has published two books and numerous articles. She has done extensive research and writing about ethnic and women’s literature. As underrepresented areas, Kozaczka’s work is very important to the field.

Kozaczka also holds many honors including the 2016 Outstanding Pole of the Year award, which is given every year by the Polish Scholarship Fund to honor individuals for their contribution to Polish American communities. She is a past president of the Polish American Historical Association which honored her in 2017 with a Distinguished Service Award. She is also a member of the Polish Institute of

Let’s Sing

10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Senior Center, 584 E. Genesee St. Join for a piano accompanied sing-a-long followed by lunch at 12 p.m. Lunch will cost $5. Call 315-637-9025 to RSVP.

Tech Time 11 a.m. Manlius Senior Activity Centre, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Do you need help with your iPhone, laptop, or kindle? A librarian will be at the Senior Center every Friday to answer your tech questions. Call 315-682-6400 to make an appointment.

Have you ever played golf with an adult who has ADHD? Do you know an adult who has ADHD? Do you have ADHD? Do you know the de nition of Adult ADHD? Do I have your attention? I must admit, when I rst read the story connecting ADHD with adults and golf, I was curious. I always thought the disorder was 100% related to children. I admit, I don’t know much about the disorder in adults, therefore, let’s explore this topic together…

According to the American Psychiatric Association, adults with Attention-de cit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience poor self-worth, sensibility stemming from higher levels of criticism throughout life (golf career?). Most of us are aware that children with ADHD are diagnosed early in their life and are treated for the disorder throughout their adult years. However, sometimes a diagnosis of ADHD is missed during childhood. Unfortunately, this means that many adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder. Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination. Behavior strategies, such as ways to minimize distractions and increase structure and organization and support from immediate family members (& golf family?) can also be helpful.

Case history:

Katie Dawkins is an Advanced PGA Professional and has been a golf coach for over 20 years. Her passion is training golfers, “on-the-golf-course (playing lessons). She writes articles for Women and Golf and TeeTimes magazines. Katie is also a quali ed Titleist Performance Pro (TPI) and has extensive knowledge in nutrition. She has the distinction of being trained by Butch Harmon. Sounds like Katie has it all together and is enjoying her life. Well, not so fast. Top 50 Coach Katie Dawkins recently discovered something about herself that, “made everything make sense”. She wrote an article last month about how ADHD can a ect our golf games and life. In the article she spoke of her inability to e ciently get stu done and how “newer tasks and immediate deadlines o en took priority”. As a child she said, “I struggled with con dence, was a high achiever and the tiniest bit of criticism oored me”. She said her mind was messed up and social situations caused her to panic and say quirky things. She was labeled a weirdo and was bullied.

“Golf was my safe place” she said, “where I could be me”. She loved pressure situations and always seemed to play well when she was challenged, “in the moment”. But When she had to plan for a big competition, she found herself trying to ignore it or to nd a way to back out. “I was a capable player but I o en lost focus on what I was doing”. When she started working and getting busier, she found herself frustrated because she felt she was moving sideways rather than forward. “I became overwhelmed”, she

Arts and Sciences of America, The Jozef Pilsudski Institute of America, and the Modern Language Association. Szymborska’s poetry is recognized for offering readers a key to understanding our chaotic and dangerous world and our own place within it. Her writings were shaped by her experiences during World War II and communist rule in postwar Poland. Szymborska was awarded several prizes throughout her lifetime including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1996 and Poland’s highest merit honor, Order of the White Eagle in 2011. In this presentation, Kozaczka’s background and experience will bring a unique perspective to Szymborska’s body of work.

FriYAY! Make it Day

11 a.m to 12:30 p.m. New Woodstock Free Library, 2106 Main St. Create make-and-take projects like sand bottles, Cricut crafts, and more. All are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

SATURDAYS

Art Therapy Open Workshop for Teens

12:30 p.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Stop by for a drop-in art workshop led by a New York State licensed creative art therapist. No art experience required. All are welcome.

said, “because I was unable to focus on one task for long enough to complete”.

In her article, Katie described a relatively recent business meeting with her business advisor and mentor Beverly Poole. Katie said “a massive light bulb was switched on”. Totally surprised, Beverly asked her, “Have you ever been tested for ADHD”? Katie said, “Pah, no! ADHD is something little boys have who can’t sit still, right”? About 5-8 % of the global population have ADHD and it is di erent in everyone. Others who have su ered from ADHD include; Bubba Watson (PGA Tour), Nicola Adams, Olympic Gold Medallist (boxing) and Liz Harwood, founder/owner, Famara (golf brand).

“ e more I learn about ADHD, the more it makes my life make sense. If this resonates, I’d urge anyone to take the test then follow it up with a quali ed psychiatrist. I’m not for one second saying everyone has it because they don’t. Life is busy and this can create so many problems and characteristics highlighted by my experiences. ADHD isn’t a disease, it isn’t a weakness. Understanding it can unlock some serious super powers - well, that’s what I’m hoping anyway”. Katie Dawkins

According to the Centers For Disease Control, approximately 4% of American adults have been diagnosed with attention-de cit disorder(ADD) or attention-de cit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, Robert Garrigus, former PGA Tour player and winner, says, “that percentage may be much higher among the best players in golf”. When asked in an interview with Golf Magazine, how many of the Top 125 players on the PGA Tour have diagnosed or undiagnosed ADD or ADHD, he said, “AboutHalf”, including me”. “Golf is the ideal ADD sport”, says psychologist Edward Hallowell. He went on to say, “Whenever you nd the combination of structure, novelty and motivation, the mind tends to focus. When you set up to a golf shot, you’ve got all three”. While ADD o en has negative connotations in society in general, Dr. Hallowell believes, “golfers perhaps succeed…because of…rather than in spite of - the disorder…with players especially equipped to focus in situations of extreme pressure”. anks for bringing the topic to our attention Katie…It’s “food-for-thought”.

*Registration fee includes a CYSA game T-shirt and a soccer ball. Scholarships are available and kept strictly confidential. Open to kids in the Cazenovia School District. This is being distributed as a community service, and is not in any way affiliated with Cazenovia School district.

*Must be in Kindergarten or eligible to enter for the 2023/2024 school year.

For More Information, Email Bill Dolly At: wadolly@yahoo.com

Dr. grazyna kosaczka

Brandon J. Schmidt, 31 loving father, hard worker

Brandon J. Schmidt, 31, of Manlius, died unexpectedly on Feb. 17, 2023. Brandon was born on July 25, 1991, in Beaumont, Texas.

He is survived by his parents, Jeffrey and Ellen Schmidt; daughter, Xiomara Schmidt; son, Rupert Schmidt; uncle, Albert Jacobs; aunt, Lynne Hendrickson; and uncle, Brad Schmidt.

Brandon was predeceased by his grandparents, William Schmidt, Jacqueline Wells, and Albert and Mary Jacobs.

Brandon was an amazing person with a very big heart. He attended Fayetteville-Manlius High School. He was an abstract artist and loved music. He was a Cub Scout, played the

Dr. Edward g. hixson, Jr., 81 avid mountain climber, canoer

Dr. Edward George Hixson, Jr., M.D., age 81, of Upper St. Regis Lake, N.Y., died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at his home.

Born in Oneida, N.Y., on November 11, 1941, he was the son of Dr. Edward and Doris (Cumings) Hixson, Sr.

Dr. Hixson married Karen Rightmyer on June 13, 1981, in Saugerties, NY.

He graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, where he was a competitive cross country ski racer, turning down a chance to try out for the Olympics to attend the University of Vermont School of Medicine, as well as doing his internship and residency there as well. A memorable summer was spent as a surgical resident at the Grenfell Mission in Newfoundland. Almost 50 years later he returned to the Mission during a camping trip through Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Dr. Hixson served as a battalion surgeon in the Army, and then later in the Vermont National Guard Mountain division, retiring as LTC. He was a member of the American Legion. He moved to Saranac Lake in 1974 and practiced surgery sometimes at all three hospitals in the Tri Lakes all in the same day. He served as a medical director for the medical advisory commit-

Wilma Brownback enjoyed the company of friends and family

Wilma Lorraine Grunert Brownback died peacefully at home on Feb. 16, 2023.

Born in Ithaca, N.Y., on April 6, 1931, to her loving parents Helen Case and Frederick Karl Grunert, Wilma’s wonderfully long life is a story with many chapters.

As a girl, she and her family resided in Ithaca, Phelps and Syracuse. After graduating from Nottingham High School in 1949, she attended William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y., graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

As a young college grad, she embarked on her first career adventure, traveling cross-country by train to market home products for Procter and Gamble. Eventually she settled in Philadelphia and enjoyed city life with roommates that became lifelong friends. While working at an advertising agency, she met and married Russell J.

OBITUARIES

tuba, ran with his father and was proud they ran a marathon. Brandon loved hiking and nature. Brandon was a hard worker. He has worked as a commercial printer, quality control technician and a line cook.

Most of all, Brandon was a loving father and loved his two children very much.

Calling hours were held from 4 to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Road, Manlius. The service followed the calling hours at 6:30 p.m. Burial was at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Manlius Village Cemetery on Military Drive in Manlius. Contributions may be made to the Food Bank of CNY or the Rescue Mission. For guest book, please visit scheppfamily. com.

tee to the U.S. Nordic ski team, was Vice Chairman for Medical Services at the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid being instrumental during the 1980 Winter Olympics, served on the Saranac Lake Medical Staff, the Saranac Lake Medical Society, and the Lake Placid Sports Medicine Society. He also directed a clinic at Whiteface Mountain. He was instrumental in bringing the practice of sports medicine to the area. During his time in Saranac Lake, he practiced with the Adirondack Surgical Group and Adirondack Health, bringing many new procedures and techniques to the medical community.

His experience in the Boy Scouts shaped his love and passion for the outdoors, being an avid mountain climber and canoer, as well as achieving the level of Eagle Scout. Multiple expeditions either as the “doc” or just for fun, including Mount Everest three times “almost” reaching the summit, expeditions in Alaska, Peru, Pakistan, Tibet and Nepal. His canoeing expeditions ranged across the United States and Canada, and he was part of the first kayak descent in Bhutan. He won multiple medals in canoe races across New York, New England and Canada. Family vacations almost always were atypical to say the least, usually a canoe trip anywhere from 50-350

Brownback, Jr. The newlyweds moved to suburban Malvern, PA, and later welcomed Lydia Anne and Russell J. III.

In 1974 Wilma relocated with her children to Cazenovia, where she navigated the challenges of single motherhood. In the late 1970s she worked at Morrisville College as a tutor for special-needs students, and in the early 1980s she began working at Ridge Associates in Cazenovia, where she was an editor for the rest of her career. She thrived during her 19 years at Ridge, immersed in the company’s warm and collegial culture and forming friendships that lasted for the rest of her life.

After retirement, Wilma was active at Eastern Hills Bible Church in Manlius and enjoyed the company of dozens of dear friends and her cherished family. She particularly loved doting on her four precious grandsons.

Wilma deeply loved Cazenovia and her home on Lincklaen Street, where she lived for 43 years. She was passionate about genealogy and was an authority on her fam-

trudy Rasimas, 96 Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother

Trudy Gruneis Rasimas, 96, of Fayetteville and Apalachin, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Jan. 22, 2023, with her family at her side. She was born in New Haven, CT, on Nov. 4, 1926 to her parents Emil and Emma (Treftz) Gruneis. Trudy was predeceased by her parents, husband John, infant son Richard, grandson Paul and brother Emil.

She will be dearly missed and always remembered by her surviving family: four children: John Rasimas, Jr., (Kathy,) Susan Rasimas, Dawn Hertel (Alan) and Priscilla Moyer (Michael,) her sisters Erna Clausen, Claire Johnson, Sandra Pavkov, her grandchildren: Heather, Jennifer, Rebecca, Emily, Carolyn, Stephanie, Sarah, John and Peter, 12 great-grandchildren and extended family.

miles. Staring down a grizzly bear on the Thelon River in northern Canada was a highlight. It is impossible to recount all his tales and adventures, as he had so many. He was the author of several journal articles, sports medicine chapters and was in the process of completing a book about his “Long Path to Bear Pond,” which will be completed posthumously. He was active on the boards of the Friends of the St. Regis Fire Tower, the Adirondack Health foundation and the Upper St. Regis Lake Property owners.

He is survived by his wife Karen, his brother Dr. F. Peter (Kathy) Hixson of Cazenovia his sister Jane Fuller of Cazenovia, his step sons Sam (Tammy) Bockius of Maui, HI, Kelly-Dave (Susan) Bockius of Hood River, OR, son Eric (Terri) Hixson of Hood River, son Peter (Janet) Hixson of Hood River, OR, daughter Heidi (Bill) Stevenson of Bend, OR, son Edward (Jessica) Hixson of Greenville, NY, son Christopher Hixson of Flower Mound, TX, grandchildren Roxanne, Pearl, Sailor, Winter, Hailey, Sascha, Nina, Tate, Reece, Cormac and Brynleigh, as well as his former wife Ellen Hixson of Hood River, OR, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Sara-

ily’s Cazenovia lineage, which dates back to 1803. As the unofficial family historian, she was the go-to for long-forgotten details about everything.

Most of all, Wilma will be remembered for her humble kindness and gift of encouragement. Everyone she encountered left her presence feeling just a little bit better about life and about themselves. Her gentle strength served as an example to her children and grandchildren and significantly shaped the lives they live today. Her memory will be cherished forever by all who knew her.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jerauld Grunert and Frederick Grunert of Cazenovia. She is survived by her children Lydia Brownback and Russ (Lisa) Brownback; four grandsons, Jamie, Sam, Drew, and Max Brownback; two sisters, Shirley Beckeman of Jamesville and Susan Ross of Hilton Head, SC; and beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Private graveside services will be held in Evergreen Cemetery in Cazenovia.

Calling hours will be held at Vestal United Methodist Church at 328 Main St., Vestal, N.Y., on March 18 from 3 to 4 p.m., with a funeral service following.

More information about Trudy’s life can be found at Colemananddaniels.com.

nac Lake. At Dr. Hixson’s request there will be no public calling hours. A celebration of life will take place at a later date, to be announced. Family and friends wishing to remember Dr. Hixson may make memorial contributions to the Adirondack Health Foundation, or to the Friends of the St. Regis Fire Tower, in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories online at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com

Contributions in Wilma’s memory may be made to CazCares, 101 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035. Condolences for the family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com

Dr. Edward g hixson

Wilma Brownback

trudy Rasimas

Brandon J. Schmidt