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.

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

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.

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