MEEt BARt Teacher raises funds for St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Dave Sampson’s hair has power — and a small army behind it. Sampson is a teacher at Innovation Tech, a high school in Syracuse administered through OCM BOCES. The army is his entire school, with about 120 students and staff who wanted to raise money for the popular teacher and his annual “Shave Dave” effort to fight childhood cancer through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

In Syracuse, the fundraiser culminated at Kitty Hoyne’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Armory Square. In exchange for donations, participants agree to get their heads shaved in front of a large and boisterous crowd. This year, the hair-shaving hoopla was set for Sunday, April 2.

Sampson has been drawing attention to the effort by growing out his salt-and-pepper hair and beard to match. He has his own fundraising page on the St. Baldrick’s website.

By DONNA NEWMAN

CnyspCA

They say still waters run deep, and that’s the case with Bart. On the outside, Bart doesn’t look like much; just another homeless dog in a shelter. But there’s a reason why everyone who knows Bart, loves him. Bart came to the shelter as a stray, so he’s something of a mystery, and he’s full of contradictions. We know he’s sixty-pounds, and we think he’s about seven years old. We know he walks nicely on the leash and is part of the doggy playgroup. We also know that he’s very food-motivated and is a volunteer favorite. Now the contradictions; he can be energetic, but he also loves to cuddle and relax. He gets along with other dogs, but he’s very happy to be the only dog, as well. We think he would do well in a home with respectful kids, but he’d be happy to be in an all-adult household, too! Bart’s very sweet and loving and easy to please, but when you first meet him, he may seem independent - until he gets to know you! All of these characteristics make Bart the unique boy he is! If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind companion who’ll make your days brighter, look no further than Bart! Call 315-454-4479 or email frontdesk1@ cnyspca.org.

At Innovation Tech, students want to raise as much money as possible for Sampson, a man they describe as “an Innovation Tech icon.”

Through an in-house challenge, students are competing as family groups, or teams, to bring in money and win points.

The winning family group gets to “pie” the lowest-ranking family group with whipped cream pies.

To bolster that effort, students expanded their fundraising efforts into the larger community. In a recent multimedia marketing class, students learned about journalism and the process of writing a formal press release in hopes of getting more people outside their school to donate to the cause.

Innovation Tech teachers Emily Iven and Alex Starr-Baier, who cofacilitate the multimedia marketing class, brought in an experienced journalist to conduct a formal interview of Sampson.

Juniors in the class observed Chris Iven (Emily Iven’s husband) as he questioned Sampson and drew out his motivations for the fundraiser.

The students also asked questions and created a video to share the story.

“Sampson is known for his goofy sense of humor and different teaching styles,” one draft news release said. “He always comes into work with a smile on his face and tries his best to spread positivity.”

Through the interview, students discovered that Sampson’s participation in St. Baldrick’s stems in part from a desire to sponsor a local child, Archie, who is in remission. He has

Katherine Shepard, 82 researcher, educator, author

Katherine Frieda Shepard, PT, PhD, FAPTA, passed away on Feb. 9, 2023, after a brief illness. She was 82.

Born in Auburn, New York, to Frieda (Porten) Shepard and Edward Shepard, she spent her early life in Skaneateles and in New Smyrna Beach, FL.

Kay graduated from Skaneateles Central High School and earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology (Hood College) and physical therapy (Ithaca College).

She then attended Stanford University and earned two master’s degrees - one in sociology and one in physical therapy - and went on to receive a PhD from Stanford.

At the time she received her PhD in the late 1970s, Dr. Shepard was among the 1% of physical therapists in the United States to hold the degree.

During her career as a researcher and educator, Dr. Shepard authored or co-authored more than 60 papers, book chapters and textbooks.

She served on the faculty at Stanford until 1985 and then found her way to Temple University in Philadelphia where she served on the faculty and as the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies

Death Notices

Paul J. Yatsonsky, 91, of Liverpool, passed away March 23, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home, Inc., Liverpool, has arrangements.

Suzanne J. Sargent, 90, of Liverpool, passed away March 23, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home, Inc., Liverpool, , has arrangements.

Yoshitake Sawade, 74, of Liverpool, passed away March 22, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Inc., Liverpool, , has arrangements.

Peter E. Dromms, 77, of North Syracuse, passed away March 25, 2023. Ferg-

Obituaries

at the College of Allied Health Professions. She made remarkable contributions through her accomplishments across all areas of practice, education, research, publication and service for which she was recognized both nationally and internationally.

In 2007, Dr. Shepard received the Mary McMillan Lecture Award which is described by the American Physical Therapy Association as “the most distinguished honor an active APTA member physical therapist or life member can receive.”

Kay is survived by her devoted life partner of 42 years, Rosalie Lopopolo PT, PhD. Kay and Rose traveled the world and did everything together as one – their love for each other is everlasting.

She is also survived by her beloved younger brother Norman Shepard and his wife Jackie.

She was pre-deceased by her sister, whom she adored, Barbara Shepard Feigenbaum (Martin Feigenbaum, MD).

Kay is also survived by her niece and nephews: Dr. Amy Ringue and her husband Alan November and their children Christopher and Eleanor; the Hon. Judge Bryan Feigenbaum and his erson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements. wife Wendy and their children Vivi, Jake, and Ginger; and Dr. (Capt.) Matt Feigenbaum and his wife Kathy and their children Kasey (and Kevin), Sam (and Laura), Colby (and Derek), and Austyn (and Ashton). Among Kay’s adored close family relatives are Sue (Porten) and Robert Reichel, Michael and Jan Porten and family, Wilma and Dan Kehoe and family, Sister Ellen Kuhl, William Kuhl, and Carol Soules and family.

Lowell R. Hachmann, 84, of North Syracuse, passed away March 24, 2023 Maurer Funeral Home Inc., Liverpool, has arrangements.

James J. Walsh, 65, of Liverpool, passed away March 27, 2023. Maurer Funeral Home Inc., Liverpool, has arrangements.

Gary F. Thomson, 88, of Brewerton, passed away March 28, 2023. Fergerson Funeral Home, North Syracuse, has arrangements.

All were greatly loved by Kay, as were her physical therapy colleagues across the country and around the world.

Kay loved nature in all of its glory, in particular birds, butterfly gardens, and seashells.

She loved living in California, Philadelphia, the Adirondacks, and the beaches of Florida.

She was unpretentious, wise, caring, humorous, and touched the lives of all those who knew her. She was the embodiment of the Golden Rule.

She will be greatly missed, and words can’t express the loss that we feel.

William J. Bathgate, 78 active in his church and community

William James Bathgate went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the age of 78 years old.

He was the son of the late Mildred Winfield Bathgate and Emmanuel Bathgate, and the loving husband of Jeanette Spearing Bathgate for 59 years.

William served in the Air Force for four years as an interpreter for the military.

He was a member of Zoar United Methodist Church in Greer, SC, and he belonged to Zoar’s woodworking group where he made memory boxes to send to the Children’s Home in Duncan, SC.

He was very active in the church and his community. He will be dearly missed.

In addition to his wife, William is survived by his sons, Joseph Bathgate and his wife Mindy, James Bathgate and his wife Christina, and Jon Bathgate and his wife Leslie; his brother, Robert Bathgate and his wife Gretchen of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, William is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Bathgate.

Plans for a celebration of Kay Shepard’s life, to be held on her much-loved Sanibel Island, are being developed.

Those wishing to celebrate her life are encouraged to make a donation (online) to The World Central Kitchen.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Zoar United Methodist Church, 1005 Highway 357, Greer, SC 29651. The service will be officiated by Pastor Michael Cheatham.

The service will be broadcasted on Facebook live on the Zoar UMC Greer Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zoar United Methodist Church at PO Box 333 Greer, SC 29652. Interment will be held in New York.

Steven R. Mueller, 73 Husband, father,

grandfather

Steven R. Mueller, 73, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully at home, on March 26, 2023, with his wife Diane by his side after a short illness.

Steven was born in Syracuse on June 1, 1949, and grew up in Central New York.

He graduated from West Genesee High School in 1967, enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1971.

He then went on to earn an associate’s degree in business administration from Auburn Community College.

He worked as east coast sales representative for Welch-Allyn and Tri-Mech Solutions for many years.

Steven was predeceased by his parents Albert and Virginia, his brother Larry and nephew Joseph.

He is survived by his wife Diane, the love of his life and her children Peter (Melinda) Hawley, Anne Hawley, and Rachel (Jason Updegraph) Hawley, who affectionately called him “Stevie-Gee.”

His survivors include his grandchildren Skylar, Eve, Petra, Jaxon, Elise, Quinn and great-niece Amelia who so loved her JaJa.

He also leaves behind his brother Jim (Wendy) Mueller, sister Wendy Mueller and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Steven was an avid fisherman and hiker. He loved Skaneateles Lake and the Adirondacks.

As a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club, he adopted

Steven R. Mueller

a lean-to on Cranberry Lake; keeping it clean and litter free for others to enjoy.

One of his proudest accomplishments was the solo completion of the Northville/Placid Trail.

Steve loved the music of the blues and could be found at many live music venues around the area.

He often traveled far and wide to see his favorite blues guitarists.

He enjoyed listening to John Hammond, John Prine, Albert King and Robert Johnson, to name a few. He was a big Stevie Ray fan.

Calling hours for Steve will be held on Monday, April 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Robert D Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Steve’s name to the Mottville Fire Company, 4149 Frost Street, P.O. Box 9, Skaneateles, NY 13152, or CNY Cat Coalition, P.O. Box 6182, Syracuse, NY 13217 Attention: Skaneateles Cat Rescue.

To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

l From page 3 been doing it for six years. This year, he was even more passionate about the cause because his wife is going through her own struggle with cancer.

In their practice news releases, students described Sampson as an “Innovation Tech icon” because he has taught at the school since its inception in 2014 and at OCM BOCES for about 20 years.

At Innovation Tech, a school that is part of the national “New Tech” Network, students collaborate on projects, drive their own learning, connect with their communities, and work on authentic, real-world projects.

“Shave Dave” has now become one of those projects. Sampson is grateful for their compassion.

“St. Baldrick’s is a great celebration of giving,” Sampson said. “It’s my favorite organization to support.”

In another draft press release, students wrote: “While the schoolwide goal is $1,000, we want to aim higher than that. We believe in the power, kindness and compassion of our community to spread the word about St. Baldrick’s and childhood cancer.”

To learn more visit stbaldricks.org/ participants/mypage/1115346/2023.

Life lessons for better golf…

As I was browsing YouTube for a few words of wisdom for this column, I stumbled upon the following sayings from an unknown author that made me think about how I could take advantage of the knowledge and experience the author was sharing with us when he wrote…”Life Lessons For A Better Life”.

As you know, I o en write about life and golf and the special relationship avid golfers have with a game we can literally play for as long as we have the desire to do so. I decided to take the liberty of applying my personal thoughts to what the unknown author had to say that might make sense to those of us who have had to endure the process of learning how to establish our own unique relationship with golf. And, for those of you who don’t play golf, do not underestimate the wisdom in what the author has to say about your relationship with life. e word’s “Life” and “Golf” are synonymous throughout this article and therefore, the thoughts are interchangeable. Admittedly, this article is more about “Life” than “Golf” but as golfers, it is important that we learn as much about ourselves as possible in order to accept who we are and why it is critical for us to, as the author says, “Learn To Be Alone”.

e Unknown Author, with contributions from yours truly…

* It is always the ones who know the least about our golf game who judge us the most.

* Don’t compare yourself with any other golfer. If you do, you are insulting yourself.

* Play every round of golf as if it were going to be your last….one day you are sure to be right.

* A real golf friend is one who “walksin”, when the rest of them, “walk-out”.

* One of the greatest mental freedoms is truly not caring what anyone else thinks about your game. ank you “unknown author”. I am trying to pick my favorite. How about you? Which one strikes that mental cord we look for in every golf article we read that has the potential to save us a few strokes during our next round of golf? All “11” are wonderful thoughts and lessons about “life” and “golf”. I believe the longer we live, the more we will appreciate every one of them.

* I would rather be alone with dignity than in a relationship that requires me to sacri ce my self-respect.

* Do things for other golfers not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.

* Prayer without faith is not answered.

* Learn to be alone because not everyone will stay.

* No one knows how you treat yourself, but it is the most important relationship you have.

* Rejection is a common occurrence. Learning that early and o en in your golf career will help build up the tolerance and resistance to keep going and keep trying.

I have made my decision…my favorite is:

PLAY EVERY ROUND OF GOLF AS IF IT WERE GOING TO BE YOUR LAST…ONE DAY YOU ARE SURE TO BE RIGHT.

What’s your favorite?

Making a difference

Many local communities are served, especially at times when they are needed most, by those who give their time to their community as volunteer firefighters.

This is a service that is anything but a nine to five situation and volunteers give their time at all hours of the day and night, responding to all kind of calls from medical situations to accidents to, of course, fires.

According to the Firefighter Association of New York (FASNY), these volunteers save not only lives and property, but also billions in taxpayer dollars. According to an economic impact study released by FASNY these dedicated volunteers help New York taxpayers save $4.7 billion annually through their services.

FASNY goes on to report volunteers play a critical part in safeguarding New York’s communities and helping to save lives. The 80,000 volunteer firefighters in the state provide vital protection and services during emergencies and contribute significantly to their communities through continuous training, outreach, and fire safety education. They also play a critical role in the statewide response plans to major emergencies and natural disasters, according to FASNY.

On the economic side, the report, prepared by Resolution Economics (ResEcon), the “Economic Study of The Tax Savings Generated by New York’s Volunteer Fire Service” is the second study in the past decade to examine the economic impact of New York’s volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters keep local taxes and expenses low by eliminating the need to pay career firefighters wages, benefits, and related costs. New York State relies heavily on volunteer fire departments, and a conversion to paid departments would cause a severe economic burden and require a massive increase in property taxes.

“This report underscores the importance and value of the volunteer firefighting service to New York,” said FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr.

“Without the dedication and service of the brave volunteers throughout the state, local taxpayers would face a significant financial burden to fund the type of emergency response they are accustomed to. Our volunteer firefighters train extensively to be able to respond to their neighbors in a time of need, and we are proud to do our part to keep this great state safe and taxpayer costs for fire protection low.”

Among the findings in the report: Fully paid career departments would cost New York taxpayers $4.7 billion annually in pay, benefits, operating, maintenance, and capital costs; 31,058 fulltime paid firefighters would need to be hired; Of New York State’s 1,640 fire departments, 93.2% are all-volunteer or mostly volunteer.

If NYS switched to an all-paid fire service: Local government property taxes would rise an average of 28.4% absent volunteer firefighters (taxes would increase between 5.8% and 133.8% depending on the county); and There would be a one-time cost of $8.17 billion to acquire existing structures, vehicles and equipment, according to FASNY.

As critical a service as they provide, volunteer fire departments are facing challenges with recruitment and retention.

Departments are comprised of older members and often find it difficult to find and retain younger members.

According to FASNY, the past several years have been challenging for volunteer fire departments throughout New York, and many are faced with decreased membership and increased call volume. It is estimated that there are 20,000 fewer volunteer firefighters than there were 20 years ago, and it has become increasingly challenging to recruit new firefighters and retain existing ones due to the turbulent economy, busy lives and schedules and other factors.

But departments across the state will be hosting events to try to inspire more people to consider volunteering.

Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open their doors to residents Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, as part of the 14th annual RecruitNY weekend.

RecruitNY is a major initiative of the Firefighters Association of New York (FASNY) designed to help increase volunteer membership in local fire departments, according to FASNY. Individuals looking to find out if their fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit recruitny.org/participation-area/

For more information, contact your local volunteer fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website and if you have ever considered serving, this is a good opportunity to learn more about the volunteer fire service.