Cazenovia Republican digital edition - April 26, 2023

PreservinG a leGacy

le Moyne College to maintain Cazenovia College records; Caz library to house college collection

By kate Hill Staff Writer

When Cazenovia College closes its doors this summer, Le Moyne College will step in to help preserve the institution’s nearly 200-year legacy.

On April 19, the two colleges announced in a press release that they have executed several agreements whereby Le Moyne, a private Jesuit college in DeWitt, will maintain Cazenovia College’s student, alumni, and human resource records and dedicate space on its campus to commemorating the institution and its impact.

The records, which Le Moyne has agreed to provide continued student and alumni access to, will be trans-

ferred upon the completion of the academic year at the end of June, the colleges said.

Cazenovia College announced last December that it will permanently close following the spring 2023 semester due to financial difficulties.

As a legacy institution for Cazenovia College, Le Moyne will also dedicate space in its Noreen Reale Falcone Library to displaying the history of Cazenovia College, including artifacts and memorabilia such as yearbooks dating to 1881. Additionally, the school has agreed to create a Cazenovia-named garden near the library, have a named space in the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts to honor Cazenovia College’s commitment to the visual

arts, and maintain engagement and programming with Cazenovia alumni.

The press release explains that through the years, the two colleges have entered into agreements to establish academic relationships and have engaged in other collaborative initiatives in the past.

“Le Moyne and Cazenovia College have a long history of working together,” said Cazenovia College President David Bergh in the press release. “While we approach the college’s closing with sadness, we are pleased to have Le Moyne be the institution to maintain the records and legacy of Cazenovia College.”

Le Moyne is currently in the process of establishing

Caz College l Page 4

Cazenovia police help investigate antisemitic propaganda

By kate Hill Staff Writer

The Village of Cazenovia Police Department is currently helping to investigate a recent wave of antisemitic incidents within the local community and nearby municipalities.

On the night of Friday, April 21, Nazi and white supremacist recruitment propaganda with antisemitic and racist messages and symbols were distributed onto the lawns of about 75 properties within the Village of Cazenovia.

“The officers gathered them all up,” said Cazenovia Chief of Police Michael Hayes. “Saturday, my day shift did a neighborhood canvas trying to obtain video and whatever else we could. We’ve gotten statements from people that witnessed the vehicle — no license plate or anything.”

According to Hayes, the antisemitic messages, which were distributed in plastic bags with cat litter, included “a version of a swas-

tika and Nazi paraphernalia” attributed to the National Socialist Movement, a far-right, NeoNazi, white supremacist organization based in the US.

Similar messages were discovered in Chittenango, Canastota, Fenner, and Nelson.

The information gathered by the Cazenovia Police has been handed over to the New York State Police, which Hayes explained is acting as the lead agency on the investigation because the incidents have occurred in both Madison and Onondaga Counties.

“We will just continue to gather information and turn it over to the state police because they have been on this for about a month,” said Hayes. “We are just assisting them as much as possible. . . the New York State Intelligence Center is also part of the state police investigation, trying to coordinate all the events in the area.”

On April 23, Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler remarked that the distribution

of hateful propaganda that occurred Friday night was a clear violation of the community’s beliefs and values.

“I am grateful that the Cazenovia Police Department is working closely with the state police and agencies in other communities that were impacted to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice,” he said.

Friday’s incidents occurred in the wake of similar events earlier this month.

During the week of April 10, two Cazenovia residents reported finding on their properties plastic sandwich bags filled with stones and hate speech including antisemitic language, racist propaganda, Nazi symbols (swastika and flag), and recruitment messages from an organization that the Anti-Defamation League identifies as a “longstanding neo-Nazi group,” according to local officials.

Neither incident occurred within the village, so they were not within the Cazenovia Police Department’s jurisdiction to investigate.

Empire Tractor to close Route 20 location

By kate Hill Staff Writer

On April 28, Empire Tractor Inc. will close its Route 20 location, which was operated by the Lucas family as J.C. Lucas and Sons for more than a hundred years before merging with the company in 2001. Empire Tractor, which also has stores in Waterloo, Atlanta, Batavia, Cortland, Watertown, and Canton, is a full-service agricultural equipment dealer offering products from New Holland, Kubota, Kioti, Landoll, Kinze, Oxbo, SIP, Pik-Rite, Great Plains, Unverferth, EZ Trail, Woods, LandPride, Dixie Chopper, STIHL, and more.

Although Empire Tractor refers to its Route 20 branch as “Empire Tractor Cazenovia,” the dealership is actu-

ally in the neighboring Town of Nelson.

“Any time a business closes in a surrounding town it’s not good for the community,” said Cazenovia Town Supervisor Bill Zupan. “It’s been a multi-generational business, so it’s very sad to see it close.”

According to Empire Tractor President Tim Call, the decision to close the branch — which he said usually employs around 10 people — stemmed from supply chain issues, lack of inventory, the loss of Case IH tractors and equipment, and difficulty hiring and retaining employees, especially service technicians.

“Closing a store is never easy,” said Call. “After carefully analyzing the current circumstances of the dairy economy and the prediction of a recession in the farm economy, we couldn’t get the

sales and profits we needed to sustain the business. We will continue to cover that area out of the Cortland location.”

According to the Empire Tractor website, J.C. Lucas and Sons traces its roots back to William F. Lucas, who arrived in the Cazenovia area in the mid-1800s and, according to records, was selling farm equipment by 1891.

“Family story is my greatgrandfather W.F. Lucas sold a mower to the Marshall family two days after my grandfather J.C. Lucas was born in 1891,” said Jim Lucas, one of the store’s former owners/managers. “So, we say 1891, but it goes back [to even] before 1891. We have not researched it.”

The equipment dealership was passed down in the family through multiple generations and was taken over by Jim

and his brother, Bob, in 1979.

In 1980, after outgrowing its location on Maple Road, the business relocated to its present site, and in 1984, the Lucases opened a second store in Cortland.

“Bob and I acquired the International Harvester dealership in Cortland in 1984,” said Jim. “In 2001, our Cazenovia and Cortland stores were merged into Empire Tractor along with a New Holland store [Empire Tractor] acquired in Cortland.”

Jim said that in 2019, as he and Bob planned for retirement, they stepped down as owners of Empire Tractor to become employees.

Marty Carpenter, a longtime employee of Lucas Cortland and Empire Tractor, has managed the Route 20 store for the last year. He also manages the Cortland location.

On April 13, the Cazenovia Town Board and Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees responded to the reports with a joint letter to the editor of the Cazenovia Republican.

In the letter, the municipalities explained that similar incidents have occurred across the United States over the past few years and that while the distributed objects themselves are not a crime, their messages are threatening to whole groups of people and are intended as a recruitment tool.

The letter goes on to state that the town and village have each adopted similar anti-bias and anti-racist language into legislation through resolution, and that while words in a legislative document may not always reach those community members who feel at risk, Cazenovia’s elected officials are committed to acting against hate and providing support for vulnerable residents.

Also included in the letter is a protocol for Police l Page 2

Kate hill Empire Tractor on Route 20 in the Town of Nelson is scheduled to close on April 28, 2023.

“[We have] enjoyed the past 50 years plus of [our] lives serving the ag, lawn, and garden customers in the community,” said Jim. “With this closing comes the end of an era of 132 years of the Lucas family business in our community. We look forward to the next venture at our Route 20 facility, hoping that another business will soon come in and provide jobs and a viable service. We are very thankful for the support that our customers have given our family over the years.”

Nelson Supervisor Jim Cunningham said the news of the loss of one of Nelson’s longstanding communityminded businesses was sad and unfortunate.

“They have been a good partner and such a great business within our town for as long as I can remember,” he said. “. . . It really takes the wind out of my sails as I have personally purchased equipment and parts for many years there, and I have always been

Empire Tractor l Page 3

Pictured left to right: Cazenovia College Board of Trustees Chair Ken Gardiner, Cazenovia College President David Bergh, Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura, and Le Moyne Board of Trustees Chair Pete Dilaura.

H. Grey to debut ‘Grey Gallery’ exhibition

By kate Hill Staff Writer

This spring, Albany Street’s H. Grey will exhibit the artwork of former Cazenovia resident Sarah Tietje-Mietz as part of the store’s “Grey Gallery @ H. Grey Social.”

Tietje-Mietz is a selfdescribed artist, writer, and lover of old buildings. Her paintings depict streetscapes and architecture in quiet, nocturnal moments, each capturing the luminosity and intrigue created as night falls. While her work is deeply linked to her personal experiences of placemaking and memory, her paintings also invite viewers to imagine and project their own narratives onto them. She has shown her work in solo exhibitions at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod and the New Woodstock Free Library, and in group exhibits at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, the Roberson Museum of Art, the State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca, the Broome County Arts Council, the Gear Factory, and as part of the Cazenovia Art Trail. Currently based in Ston-

Police

ington, Maine, Tietje-Mietz works as a digital content editor for the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. She previously served as the director of the Hilltop House and Studio at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia.

According to Tietje-Mietz, the Grey Gallery Spring/ Summer Show will feature around 10 of her paintings, and there will be a mix of new work and some older pieces.

“My work has always been tightly linked to placemaking and memory, and with this seismic shift in my life — new job, new town, new community — I find myself more acutely examining my emotions in response to this,” said Tietje-Mietz. “I see this coming through as I paint, and the new work feels more sensitive and responsive to my internal questioning of place, self, and connection.”

All the featured paintings will be available for purchase throughout the season.

Tietje-Mietz will return to Cazenovia to open the show with an artist’s reception on April 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Handcrafted mocktails, espresso beverages, char-

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reporting hate incidents.

“We as town officials have condemned this kind of propaganda,” said Town Councilor Jimmy Golub in response to the recent incidents. “Those unanimous words coming from both the town and village are important. Anyone in our community that’s underrepresented can appreciate this. But this is where the con-

cuterie, and Jeni’s ice cream flights will be available.

“We are thrilled to showcase Sarah Tietje-Mietz’s captivating and intriguing work,” said H. Grey Cofounder Travis Barr in a press release announcing the exhibit. “Her paintings beautifully capture the essence of nocturnal moments, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own memories and stories. We are so excited to welcome everyone to experience her art.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

H. Grey Supply Co. is a modern-day general store and outfitter at 53 Albany St. in Cazenovia.

The store, which is focused on celebrating inclusivity, positivity, and community, offers clothing, accessories, bath and body products, skincare brands, makeup, pantry items, household necessities and décor, bar supplies, and more.

Last summer, the business expanded into the space next door at 55 Albany St., which previously housed the home furnishing retail showroom J.D. Hunter/home.

versation should start. We have an opportunity to have an honest conversation about where this kind of hate comes from and what is behind it. We need to learn about this and other forms of aggression so that when we see it, we can recognize it for the hate speech that it is.”

According to Wheeler, anyone with information that might assist with the ongoing investigation should contact the village at 315655-3041.

The expansion, called H. Grey Social, offers espresso drinks and handmade mocktails, comfortable seating, and curated products from independent brands and small-batch makers from around the U.S. The added space also enabled H. Grey to introduce a gallery component to the store.

“Our first [art] exhibit featured the works of Pam Steele, who coincidentally

was one of Sarah’s art professors,” said Barr. “During our first summer, we were approached to hang a few of Pam’s works for an artist event here in Cazenovia. After getting to know Pam and coming to understand the prestige of her international career, she suggested that with the expansion of our space last August, we utilize it as a gallery in addition to everything else we do at

H. Grey. With her support, we knew we couldn’t pass up bringing more amazing art to Cazenovia.” For more information on the upcoming art show and opening reception, contact H. Grey Supply Co. at 315-815-5016 or check the events page at hgreysupplyco.com/events.

Learn more about Tietje-Mietz and her work at sarahtietje-mietz.com or @ sareteej on Instagram.

Cazenovia Heritage plans for Preservation Month

Across the country during the month of May, historical societies, preservation organizations, businesses, and civic organizations will host programs to promote historic sites and buildings. These programs are known to instill national and community pride, promote heritage tourism, and demonstrate the economic and social benefits of historic reservation. This holds true for Cazenovia, as well.

Cazenovia Heritage will honor Preservation Month with various activities highlighting Cazenovia’s historic architecture, sites, and cultural resources.

On Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. a celebration of Cazenovia’s founding 230 years ago will take place at what is the approximate location of where John Lincklaen first set up camp.

This site is on the grounds of the Cazenovia Club which will host the event with Cazenovia Heritage.

Birthday cake will be served, and an architectural tour of the 1890s clubhouse will be conducted.

On Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m., Ted Bartlett of Cazenovia Heritage will lead a walking tour on the architecture of the downtown business district.

Unlike most events, this event will be on Sunday to minimize traffic noise. The tour will be held rain or shine.

Beginning May 15 through the 29, an exhibit of Art in Architecture, will be on display at the Cazenovia Public Library.

This unique exhibition will feature historic blueprints of the renovations undertaken at the Lincklean House over its nearly 200-year-old history.

All of the programs are free and open to the public.

For updates or more information, visit cazheritage.or g

On average, our Eagle Scouts alone (4% of all Scouts) are providing 190 community service hours to more than sixty other local nonprofit organizations each year!

If you would like to help recruit or support more Scouts in Madison County, please text the word LOCALSCOUTS to (844) 615-4269. LeatherstockingCouncil.org

Submitted photoS

This spring and summer, H. Grey is showing the artwork of former Cazenovia resident Sarah Tietje-Mietz as part of the store’s “Grey Gallery @ H. Grey Social.”

me keep my Farmall M tractor alive. They have done a lot for the community and will be missed.” Cunningham also acknowledged some of the challenges facing the broader local business community today.

“Our town lowered taxes by over eight percent last year; however, county, schools, and many other service districts continue to place pressure on local business, especially as recent inflation impacts budgets,” he said. “So many people these days have changed their shopping

habits, often sitting at home shopping on the Internet. I do not think people connect the impact of not shopping locally until we experience the loss of such a long-standing local business.”

To learn more, visit empiretractor.com.

a master’s degree program in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) to be taught by faculty coming from Cazenovia College.

Cazenovia introduced its own CMHC master’s program in 2019 as the college’s first graduate degree program.

“To provide for a seamless experience for Cazenovia students at the graduate level, Le

Moyne has submitted to the New York State Education Department’s Office of Higher Education a program proposal to offer a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” said Joe Della Posta, director of communications at Le Moyne. “If approved, students currently enrolled in the Cazenovia program will be able to matriculate at Le Moyne beginning this fall, with new cohorts recruited each year moving forward.”

Le Moyne is also one of the “teach out”

Fenner Clean Up Days

May 5, 2023 (Friday) • 12:00pm - 5:00 pm and

May 6, 2023 (Saturday) • 8:00am - 12:00 pm

Dumpsters will be available at the Fenner Town Office Building at 3151 Fenner East Road. Fenner Residents will be limited to 1 pick-up truckload of trash and 4 tires off rims.

Please NO household garbage, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, propane tanks, TV’s, Computers, or ag plastic will be accepted. All Ag plastic will be accepted directly at the transfer station or landfill.

Call 655-2705 with questions.

Web Page: www.townoffenner.com

Address to: townclerk@townoffenner.com Town of Fenner Residents Only

Rent the American Legion Post 88 Event Center

For Your Special Occasion

Room for Large & Small events:

• Wedding/Baby Showers

• Retirement Parties

• Birthday Parties

• Funeral Receptions

• Seminars

• Weddings

To reserve your date call: 315-655-2224

26 Chenango Street, Cazenovia cazpost88@gmail.com

partner institutions that have agreed to allow current Cazenovia College students to seamlessly transfer to their schools with credits and comparable financial aid.

According to Tim Greene, Cazenovia College’s executive director of communications and marketing, about 50 Cazenovia students have applied to Le Moyne, but the total that will be attending is unknown as the enrollment cycle is still in process.

Greene also reported that as of April 19, six Cazenovia College faculty members from a few different departments/programs will have positions at Le Moyne.

“Le Moyne is pleased to support and recognize the many contributions that Cazenovia College has made to the higher education landscape during its nearly 200-year history,” said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura in the April 19 press release. “We look forward to welcoming Cazenovia students to our campus this fall and engaging Cazenovia alumni in the coming years.”

Cazenovia Public Library & Museum

Within the Village of Cazenovia, another institution has also agreed to help preserve the legacy of Cazenovia College.

The Cazenovia Public Library & Museum (CPL) will also receive items from the college archives, including memorabilia, files,

pictures, and student ephemera. The library is planning to showcase those items in a May/ June lobby display, in its Cabinet of Curiosity, and eventually in a permanent museum exhibit.

CPL Interim Director Elisha Davies said Cazenovia College Archivist Kasey Sikorsky, who is a former CPL intern, reached out to her about the archives back in December after the college announced the closure. This semester, Davies and CPL Museum Educator Julia Shotzberger have been spending time at the college each week going through the collection and identifying which items should be transferred to CPL’s collection.

“Thanks to our 2021 archive renovation, we’re able to accommodate everything that we’ve identified as a ‘yes,’” said Davies. “We’re honored to be the caretakers of this collection. [Former archivist Dr. John Robert Greene], Kasey Sikorsky, and Cazenovia College students have done Cazenovia a great service gathering, organizing, and caring for the institution’s 199-plus history. Whether you want to learn more about the buildings, the teachers and faculty, events, or students, this collection captures it all and more. This acquisition brings opportunity — the opportunity to engage our history and to engage our community in honoring the college and its inextricable role in developing Cazenovia.”

is looking for an ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

PART-TIME 20-30 Hours/Week

Two or more years of college education required.

• Administrative work experience preferred.

• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office.

• Must possess excellent phone, written communication and

• interpersonal skills. Must have strong organizational skills and an independent

• work ethic. Must be able to handle confidential patient information in

• compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Applicants should email their resume to administrator@cavacambulance.org or mail to: CAVAC, 106 Nelson Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035

Cazenovia Public Library and New Woodstock Free Library

Morning Conversation with Our Local Authors and Illustrators

The Cazenovia Public Library and New Woodstock Free Library join together to bring you a panel discussion highlighting local authors and illustrators.

THE LOCAL AUTHORS PANEL WILL BE HELD AT NEW WOODSTOCK FREE LIBRARY on SATURDAY, MAY 6th 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

FEATURED AUTHORS:

Frank Martorana, Cazenovia; Phil Rose, Fenner; Kim Archer, Fabius; Rick Martinez, Auburn

ILLUSTRATORS HELD AT CAZENOVIA PUBLIC LIBRARY on SATURDAY, MAY 20th 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

FEATURED ILLUSTRATORS:

Caitlin Clonan, Cazenovia; Megan Baretta, Upstate New York; Jen Hooley, Cazenovia; Kim Archer, Fabius

For more information, please contact Renee Joseph, Cazenovia Public Library 315-655-9322 or Mary Bartlett, New Woodstock Free Library, 315-662-3134

New Woodstock

Thomas Driscoll, 69

Former town, zoning board member

Thomas M. Driscoll, 69, of Cazenovia, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 19, 1953, and spent his early years in Troy, N.Y.

Tom received his high school education from LaSalle Institute and was a graduate of Manhattan College.

Following graduation he met Lyle, his future wife as they were volunteers at St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany. Shortly thereafter, he began his long career in the packaging industry, most prominently as vice president of TimBar Packaging in Vernon, N.Y.

Tom and Lyle raised their family in Cazenovia, a community which he adored and gave back at every possible opportunity.

He served at different times on both the zoning board and as member of the town board.

Tom was an avid golfer, tennis player and enjoyed eating meals at various places around town seeing all his

OBITUARIES

friends and acquaintances. One of Tom’s biggest passions was the Catholic church of which he was an active member at St. James Church. He will be fondly remembered for being a board member and frequent lector.

Tom will be sorely missed but will always be remembered for his altruistic actions and constant proclamations of how lucky and grateful he was for the life he had been blessed with.

Tom was a devoted and loving husband of 44 years to his wife Lyle Burns. They have three sons, Brendan (Sarah) - Manlius; Will (Carolyn) - Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Thomas (Emily) - Indianapolis, IN. He was an adoring “Puppa” to his four grandchildren, Max (7), Lucy (5), Lilly (3) and Theodore (1). Tom was pre-deceased by his parents John and Helen Driscoll, and sister Nora McCarthy (James). He is survived by his brother John P. Driscoll (Annie) and their families.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at St. James Church, 6 Green Street in

Cazenovia. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held following his mass on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cazenovia Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. James Church in Ca -

zenovia: stjamescaz.org or to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: theaftd.org. Condolences for the Driscoll family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.

Thomas M. Driscoll

Road work season

As the weather gradually improves and spring turns into summer, one thing that we will see more and more of will be road work.

From roads being repaired and repaved to work taking place on electrical lines and other utilities, it is likely this will become a common site in the coming weeks and months.

While the large bucket trucks that lift people up to work on power lines and the orange safety cones and flaggers directing traffic are very visible it is still important for drivers to stay focused and pay attention to what is going on on the roads around them.

With this in mind, National Grid has shared some information and tips for drivers to keep in mind during this busy work season.

This effort started with a reminder for drivers to slow down when approaching work zones on roads and highways as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week.

The annual commemoration, promoted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, took place April 17-21 and marks the start of spring construction season, according to National Grid.

The onset of spring means National Grid crews will begin performing necessary infrastructure upgrades along roads, and some may require roadway work areas, which may include lane or shoulder closures.

Observing warnings is a matter of safety for both our crews and drivers. Slowing down and paying attention to your surroundings can ensure the well-being of all involved, according to National Grid.

Struck-by incidents are a leading cause of death among construction workers and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.

In 2021, 72 workers were killed, and 400 were injured in struck-by accidents in work zones, according to the most current data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

National Grid workers go through extensive training on work zone safety. Crews on duty in work zones or near infrastructure wear high-visibility garments, eye protection and hard hats.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers the following tips for driving safely through work zones:

Plan ahead: Research your route before heading out. When possible, avoid work zones and use detours when available.

Stay focused: Keeping your eyes on the road is especially important in work zones. Note all instructions on work zone signage, including speed limits, lane changes and shifts, and any closures. Keep both hands on the wheel and off your cell phone, radio, navigation device, and food and drink.

Slow down: Many states require drivers to reduce their speed in work zones and follow the posted speeds. Drivers in Massachusetts and New York face increase fines and other penalties for speeding in a work zone.

Move into the open lane: When lanes close, move over as soon as it is safe and possible. Pay attention to your blind spot for other vehicles. Massachusetts and New York each have “move over” laws that include fines for drivers that fail to move to an open lane when stopped vehicles with flashing lights, such as utility vehicles, are at work. Keep your distance: Rear-end collisions are very common in work zones, as cars wait until the last minute to change lanes or stop quickly. When driving, leave sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Never cut off a bus or large commercial vehicle, like a box truck or 18-wheeler, as those vehicles require more braking distance to reach a stop.

onE-STop SpoT foR DiSCovERy

Ihave loved the library ever since I was 8 years old and borrowed my first book, “Peony,” by Pear Buck from the Brooklyn Public Library on 53rd street.

There I was allowed to borrow books from the children’s collection that was just to the right of the front door. We moved before I was old enough to sample more than that. Our library on Maple Street in Marcellus has made up for that. But then, how do I share the “more” that I found there?

Let’s say, for the sake of opening this exploration, that you are planning a trip to one of the national parks. You will be driving and taking the family. Where would you start your planning? Why, at the library.

The Marcellus Free Library is a phenomenal access point for a trip. First, there are the books that open the doorway to sites along the way, histories of people and places that can add a richness to your travel, periodicals that feature travel points and tips and books of all sorts that those who are not driving might bring along to enjoy on the journey, books that will entertain the little ones, teens, young adults and all the rest of us.

Alternately, there are audio books that can provide a story along the way for everyone in the car or individual ones connected to mobile devices and earbuds.

Nothing like a good mystery to keep you occupied and to take away the “are we there yet?” comments.

Of course, you can also pick up your free pass to the national park of your choice at the library.

If you were planning a more local visit, there are free passes to the state parks at the library.

If you are the more adventurous type and are going somewhere called the “middle of nowhere,” you can borrow a hot spot from the library and stay connected with your mobile device.

You can even borrow a “tech pack” for three weeks which includes a device to create a WiFi network and a computer to use the network. My response to this is … wow! I mean, “who knew?”

Thinking of providing some entertainment around a camp fire or on a beach or your back porch?

Borrow a ukulele from the library.

Or, if you are bringing your favorite computer, you can borrow a Nintendo Switch game.

Sick of staying home?

How about a free pass to the Everson?

But let’s say you are staying home this time.

THE MAILBAG

A tired argument

To the editor:

It appears Rep. Brandon Williams, R-NY 22, has trotted out the same tired, illogical “argument” against serious gun safety legislation, a variation of, “If we outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns.”

Mr. Williams needs to be reminded that 77 percent of the mass shootings in this country since 1966 have been committed by people who purchased weapons legally.

The Tops massacre in Buffalo — legally purchased; Covenant Christian school in Nashville — legal; Walmart in El Paso — legal; Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas — legal. Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Orlando, and on and on.

What kind of pretzel logic is Mr. Williams twisting himself up in that he tells his constituents during town hall meetings that “only criminals” will have guns?

The facts dictate that the laws — or the lack of any with teeth — are

Display Ads CR: Lori Lewis, ext. 316, llewis@eaglenewsonline.com

Entertainment and education are yours, from the many publications such as NY State Commission on Rural Resources to more common and sometimes pricey if you subscribed at home, e.g. Country Living, Golf, Archaeology , newspapers, etc.

You can borrow books and periodicals and take them home or, as I did last Thursday, get comfortably seated in any of the armchairs and read without distraction. A vacation in itself…

One of the wonderful things about the library is how it opens its arms to you. Walking in the door, you are greeted by a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to help you navigate the library’s resources and programs or provide that special service that we all love … reference. You can be quickly seduced by the shelves of new books, fiction, mystery and non-fiction ... all with delicious slipcovers to entice you to take one or more home.

Need to use a computer for school or work? There is a bank of them awaiting your attendance. Have a computer or other digital device at home and find yourself flummoxed about how to use, fix, etc.? The library has professional technical help available for those of us who are happy to still remember how to use a rotary dial telephone.

Want to see a first run movie for free? Check the library’s monthly newsletter for the times and dates. These are so well received. Go to lunch with a friend in the village and then take in a fee movie! Bring a date.

Story time for the little ones, chair yoga (sponsored by the town,) book clubs for any genre with a few for specific interests, e.g. mystery and romance meet regularly – and books for these are available for all who want to participate. Offered are classes on topics from gardening to sign language and arts and crafts projects for all ages to engender inspiration and creativity.

I will be offering two classes in May-June. A beginning class for newbie crocheters and a filet crocheting class for more experienced crafters with an opportunity to design your own creation.

The Friends of the Library operate a book store within the library, The Book Nook, selling donated books and other genres at ridiculously low prices on everything from the printed page to DVD’s and games. Check it out. You never know what you can find … think gifts, an afternoon read for yourself or a rare and beautiful “find.”

Mondays are Trading Card

the problem. And the overabundance of guns, of course, which outnumber humans in the United States.

The weapon of choice these days, the AR-style rifle, is a version of what was originally designed to kill enemy combatants on a battlefield. So why are American civilians, including teenagers, allowed to buy them?

In Uvalde, Texas last year, a young man legally purchased two AR rifles just days after his 18th birthday, then massacred 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. A Texas state senator later said the murderer could have committed the same carnage with a baseball bat.

Wrong.

The police who failed to act that day wouldn’t have been afraid of a Louisville Slugger.

What kind of damage can an AR15 do to a human body?

Listen to a survivor of another mass shooting committed with a legally purchased weapon, the massacre of 26 parishioners ages 5 to 72 at

Game night in the Community Room. The Art Guild, a group of mahjong devotees, a senior exercise class, the Thumbstall Quilt Guild and others meet regularly in the library. Home schoolers can take advantage of Awesome Art, an art class designed for them. The library has a special section set aside for resources for homeschooled residents.

Genealogy buffs can use the access to Ancestry to do research with no fees attached.

Outdoors, the library has a friendly spot to eat your lunch, a bicycle repair depot and an absolutely charming amphitheater and gazebo for sharing stories, music and performances heard by the creek. What a treasure.

There is the local history section where you can find books like “Clark’s Onondaga,” a compilation of the location and description of both European and Native settlements. You can also find Marcellus Central School yearbooks. The latter are of special interest to someone like me who taught in the district and those who just want to see what we thought was a great hairdo at the time.

Access through interlibrary loan and on line borrowing of digital content is yours with your mobile device and a library card. Check the website: Marcelluslibrary.org.

Printing, copying, scanning and faxing services are available at reasonable prices.

Talking about price … Beyond the printing, etc. for which there is a cost, the other services are already paid for by you and me. Their value and there is so much value here is at least on two levels, the first being the ability to attend to individual interests and the second, the role of the library as a point of access for the entire community as a community to come together to share and grow.

It is a prime example of “it takes a village” from its earliest founders to all who have worked and volunteered for its continuation and development with a special shout out to the Friends of the Library who work tirelessly to provide support for those extras and must have that make this institution shine.

More information is available online at the website, but even more fun is to spend some time wandering the library, talking with the staff and discovering more of who you are, who you might be and can become.

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.

the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in 2017.

Parishioner John Holcombe, who lost his wife, his parents and three of his four children that day, said this to the Washington Post recently:

“The kids were just laying there piled up with their faces blown off. I couldn’t even see (my wife’s) beautiful face anymore. It was just a crater.”

A crater, Mr. Williams. His wife’s face was turned into a crater by a legally purchased firearm. And children’s faces were blown off.

Perhaps on your next visit to your native Texas, you should stop by Uvalde or Sutherland Springs and discuss your views on gun legislation with the families of the victims.

In the meantime, your constituents here in NY-22 want to remind you that we’ve had more than 160 mass shootings so far in 2023. What are you going to do about that?

JiM MCKEEvER Fayetteville

Jason Klaiber, jklaiber@eaglenewsonline.com

Sports Editor: Phil Blackwell, ext. 348, pblackwell@eaglenewsonline.com

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Ramblings from the empty nest Ann Ferro

FROM

Years Ago in History

100 Years Ago – April 26, 1923

Complaints having been made regarding the playing of ball in our streets, we wish to call the attention of such players to the following Village Ordinance 10: “No person shall play ball, pitch quoits, or fly kites on the public square, or in any street of this village, or engage in any other game or amusement therein to the hinderance or disturbance of any person passing along or through the same, under a penalty of Two Dollars for each offense.” Signed, Cazenovia Village Board.

75 Years Ago – April 29, 1948

In the village of Cazenovia the public library has always been a place of unique importance, a source of special joy. For 28 years Miss Elizabeth Spencer Jackson had been its able and beloved librarian.

She has distributed its treasures among the entire community.

That is why the word of her sudden death on April 18 brought sadness to many hearts. Miss Jackson was devoted to the library and had built up its book collection and circulation to a high rating. On Miss Jackson’s desk there was always a bright bouquet of flowers, even in winter.

The whole village has enjoyed the Christmas season at the library, a time of spicy evergreens, a little manger, candlelight, a blue-gowned Madonna.

The New York State Library Department at Albany knows about Miss Jackson’s work in Cazenovia and on many occasions had given her words of highest commendation.

50 Years Ago – April 25, 1973

A proposal to lease a computer for the mathematics-science computer program was presented to the Cazenovia School Board by Barry Parker, who helped develop the computer course at the high school.

The computer presently used operates through a teletype connected with Griffiss Air Force Base. Only one student at a time can use it and therefore only 15 students per semester have access to it. Mr. Parker said that the present system cannot accommodate the great student interest in the program from seventh grade on up. He proposed the purchase of a small computer which would remain in operation 24 hours a day and allow eights students at a time to use it.

When asked about the advantages of a computer, Mr. Parker replied, “It has infinite patience.”

He explained any type of student can use it at any pace of learning. The cost was estimated at $11,000 over a five year period, with an additional $1,000 for each extra terminal which could be added at any time in the future.

25 Years Ago – April 29, 1998

Burton Street Elementary Third graders in Tammy Slocum’s class have found some new pen pals half way around the world.

The class has begun corresponding with Navy personnel aboard the USS Independence, which is currently stationed in the Persian Gulf.

The project was initiated by Tom Davies, who volunteers as a parent in Slocum’s class. He got the idea from a television talk show which was broadcasting from the ship.

About 14 students have sent letters to the service men and women on the ship. Davies said the project helps the students reinforce their reading and writing skills.

The students have already received responses from their first letters and are working on sending some more. Davies said they have also received patches, stickers and mugs from their new found pen pals.

MEET Enzo

A SAluTE To nuRSES

By DonnA nEwMAn photo provided by the CNySpCa

Enzo doesn’t look Italian, but he’s a doggy Don Juan who’ll add some spice to your life! Enzo is about four years old, and came to the shelter as a stray over a year ago. Over a year! That means that 25% of his life has been spent in a shelter. Enzo is athletic and energetic. He can jump and catch toys on the fly, and he’s also part of the doggy playgroup. He would do best in an active home with no kids or cats. Enzo recently went on an outing with some of his volunteer friends, and he did great – he road nicely in the car, walked politely on the leash, and was a friend to everyone he met. If you’re looking for a canine Casanova who’s a little saucy and very sweet, look no further than Enzo! For more information about adoption, call 315454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca.org, or click cnyspca.org.

Know a nurse deserving of a shout-out for his or her service to others? We want to hear about these community heroes! In May, Eagle News will publish our first-ever Salute to Nurses and we’re looking for great local stories to share with the communities we serve. Contact Managing Editor Jennifer Wing at jwing@ eaglenewsonline.com with information about nurses making a difference in Central New York.

What’s in a name change?

Liverpool, Westhill, Canastota, Weedsport, Hannibal, Fulton, Clinton, Morrisville-Eaton, Utica Proctor, Whitesboro, Hannibal, Indian River, Oriskany, Sauquoit Valley, Waterville, West Canada Valley.

Put together, they make up nearly 20 percent of the schools in Section III and contain a good chunk of the history of area high school athletics, excelling in every sport imaginable.

And they’ll all need a new nickname soon.

Effective May 3, the New York State Department of Education has asked each of these schools to move away from the monikers they have held which, directly or indirectly, had Native American roots.

To say this won’t be easy might understate things.

Nothing stirs up a community more than a government entity telling them that the way they’ve done things for generations must change, and soon. Add to it the pride and passion of high school sports and, well, you’ve got a chance at a real tempest.

We’ve seen how this plays out. Go to the Buffalo area, where the Lancaster School District, in 2015, decided to eliminate the ethnic slur it used as a nickname for more than 60 years.

The controversy included protests, a school walkout and plenty of community outrage. Within a few months, though, the name “Legends” was settled on, and….life went on.

So it has gone at all levels for more than half a century. Colleges and universities were the first to walk away from these stereotypes, Stanford and Dartmouth doing so in the early 1970s and many more, from St. John’s to Marquette to Colgate, altering their names or, in the case of Syracuse and Illinois, discarding mascots.

It’s proven tougher in professional sports. Washington’s NFL team held on for a long time before sponsors bolted and, magically, minds were changed. Cleveland’s baseball team resisted, too, but now they’re the Guardians. Others – the Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Chiefs – hang on, but for how long?

Here at the high school level, there are several issues at work. One of them is, of course, the way schools are tied to their hometowns at a deep emotional level, which includes the nicknames. To surrender them, willingly or unwillingly, guarantees to stir up arguments about pride, respect for others, and coercion.

Another, only complicating matters, is that schools like Liverpool, Westhill and Canastota had already moved away from Native American mascots, believing that terms like “Warriors” or “Raiders” could be interpreted multiple ways.

Above it all is that a change like this will cost money. And we are talking about public school districts with budgets and taxpayers to which they answer.

Even if, as almost always in these situations, school colors remain the same, new uniforms with new nicknames carry a price tag. Thus, it would be helpful if state officials make these changes more palatable by tying them to increased funding that covers these extra charges.

Generally, it’s good to promote a more tolerant culture, at schools and everywhere else. If there’s even the slightest chance a student with indigenous roots feels uncomfortable because of a nickname, it’s probably best to get away from it.

Those that will decry these changes will let you know how they feel day and night. It’s their right to stay true to what they love, even if some don’t like it or society goes in a different direction.

Ultimately, though, we must evolve. If schools only belonged to those who were here before, they could never learn, never grow, and never realize their full potential in a way that makes all the people who attend them proud.

Perhaps the best thing these school districts can do is something that might not be popular –namely, educate their communities on both the roots of their nicknames and the legitimate reasons why some found them offensive and why it’s important to address it in a decisive manner.

Would that cause some anger? Would it stir up some serious rows? Likely, yes, for change of anything is painful, but especially when it comes to things that affect the legitimate and vast memories older alumni have of their alma maters.

Yet history tell us that, once pain is absorbed, healing can follow. Anger can turn into understanding. Remember that as, in this moment, the loudest voices battle a tough but necessary move.

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

Wild Carp Classic comes to Syracuse

The American Carp Society is proud to announce that they will be hosting the 2023 Wild Carp Classic in Syracuse, May 9 - 13. With a $50,000 potential State Record purse and over $40,000 in payouts, there will be close to 100 anglers traveling from ten different States to participate in this prestigious event.

Forty teams consisting of

some the very best Carp Angler’s in the USA will be fishing both the Seneca River and Onandaga lake for a continuous 76 hours of trophy carp fishing.

The American Carp Society hosted the 2005 World Carp Championships on the St. Lawrence River and are looking to make the Wild Carp Classic (Championships) an annual event that will put

Syracuse on the map.

“We invite the public to visit during the tournament, ask questions and watch some incredible trophy sized carp being captured and safely released, “ stated Sean Manning, Co - Founder of the Organization.

For more information on The American Carp Society visit americancarpsociety.com.

CnySpCA pET of ThE wEEK

Random Thoughts

Phil Blackwell

SUPPORT COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

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Hello Neighbor:

We hope you enjoy your subscription to the Eagle Bulletin, Cazenovia Republican, Baldwinsville Messenger, Star Review or Press-Observer. Each week, we do our best to provide our readers with timely, accurate community news, as well as coverage of education, features on interesting community members, and the best high school sports coverage around. We see it as our role to highlight the good things that are happening in our community, and to shine a spotlight on the many wonderful volunteers and organizations that might otherwise go unrecognized.

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A Basic Subscription to Eagle Bulletin, Cazenovia Republican, Baldwinsville Messenger, Star Review or PressObserver remains free, but if you see the value and have the ability, we are asking you to provide Enhanced Support with a contribution of $26 (50 cents per week), $52 ($1 per week), or any other amount you feel is appropriate. Regardless, we really need your support to keep publishing this newspaper!

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Sincerely, David Tyler Publisher

Joan l. Smith, 76

Retired teacher

Joan L. Smith, 76, of Cazenovia, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023. She was born Aug. 8, 1946, in Syracuse to Sidney and Ruby Price and was a graduate of North Syracuse Central High School.

OBITUARIES

Joan l. Smith

Joan continued her education by earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Buffalo State and her master’s degree in special education from Syracuse University. Joan was a special education teacher for the Cazenovia Central School District for 27 years until her retirement in 1987. She then accepted a position as the disabilities coordinator at Madison County Head Start where she was employed for 20 years. She was an active member of her church group and served others by volunteering with many community organizations. Joan en-

joyed riding with her husband on his motorcycle, camping, quilting and spending time with her family.

Joan is survived by her husband of 53 years, Stewart “Butch” Smith; her daughter, Julie (Rick) Schall of Ashburn, VA; her sister, Jeanne (Steve) Maddox of North Syracuse; her grandson, Luke as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023 with services to follow at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to CAVAC, 106 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences for the Smith family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.

Lois E. Spitzer Devoted to public health, ecumenical

ministry

Lois Elaine Stuber Spitzer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 12, 2023.

Born in Clifton Springs, N.Y. on March 26, 1932, she lived most of her adult life with her husband of 67 years, Kenneth, in Fayetteville. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bates College and met Ken while she was working for the Visiting Nurse Service in NYC. She was devoted to public health and ecumenical ministry and among her many activities, she volunteered for UNICEF, Refugee Resettlement and provided nursing assistance in an inner-city daycare.

Lois also accompanied Ken

on mission trips in India and Africa. For her accomplishments, she was named the 1980 Woman of Achievement in Citizenship by the Post Standard. She and Ken travelled extensively to bird watch, attend opera and, of course, watch SU basketball often accompanied by her in-laws, Dick, Sally, Bob and Barbara Spitzer. They also loved spending time with family at their summer home in Southport, ME. Lois was a member of the church choir everywhere she lived and met life with a smile and a song for every occasion. She is survived by her husband, Ken; her daughters Kathryn, Susan, Anne and Leslie;

their partners

Pe -

ter Kim, Todd Alford, Andrew Rutz and John Cole; eight grandchildren Michael, Jeremy, Alex, Ryan, Raechel, John, Cade and Nix; one great-granddaughter, Alma Lois; her sister, Sylvia Heap of Watertown; and a devoted extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother, Roscoe.

Calling hours were held at Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel. A service was held at the United Church of Fayetteville In lieu of flowers we suggest you consider a donation to UNICEF or One Great Hour of Sharing.

For guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.

Lois E. Spitzer

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PROPOSITION

student transportation vehicles including necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto and expend a total sum not to exceed $633,132, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $633,132, shall be issued?

PROPOSITION III (Board of Education Members) To elect two (2) members to the Board of Education for three (3) year terms (7/1/236/30/26). The seats are presently held by Meghan Kelly and Dr. Jan Woodworth.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that the hearing on the proposed school budget for the 20232024 school year will be held on May 9, 2023 at 6:30 P.M., in the High School Auditorium, 31 Emory Avenue, Cazenovia, New York.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that qualified voters of the District may obtain applications for an absentee ballot from the office of the Clerk of the District. Completed applications must be received by the Clerk of the District no later than 4:00 P.M. on May 15, 2023, and must be received no later than 4:00 P.M. On May 9, 2023 if the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter.

Completed applications received after 4:00 P.M. on May 9, 2023 will require the

appear at the office of the Clerk of the District to receive an absentee ballot. A listing of all persons to whom an absentee ballot is issued will be available for inspection by any qualified voter in the office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00

A.M. and 4:00 P.M. during each of the five (5) days prior to the election, except Sundays, and shall also be posted at the polling place at the election. NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that military ballots

Cazenovia baseball readies for Westhill clash

By PHil Blackwell

All the work the Cazenovia baseball team had done for the last 10-plus months has geared itself toward ultimately upending Westhill and, by doing so, perhaps assuming the top spot in the area Class B ranks.

These two powers are set to clash, weather permitting, on Thursday afternoon.

In the lead-up, Cazenovia had two other games against OHSL Liberty division rivals, starting last Tuesday with a visit from Solvay and quick work done in the chilly conditions to beat the Bearcats

11-1. Despite Solvay’s 4-1 record, the Lakers struck for five runs in the first inning against pitcher Cameron Capotta, added a run in the third and put together a fiverun fourth to extend the margin.

Aside from his complete game and eight strikeouts, Jack Byrnes also went three-for-four with a double and two RBIs. Jacob Grevelding, Taven Reilley and Nico Segall also drove in a pair of runs, with Izaak Gilbert scoring twice as Dan Bliss and Jacob Szalach contributed RBIs.

It was warmer two days later when Skaneateles arrived for a Lakers show -

down that turned into yet another Cazenovia showcase, especially for Donlin, who was the central figure in a 7-1 victory. Not only did Donlin pitch 6 2/3 innings and keep Skaneateles off the board until the seventh inning, he also smashed a home run, added a single, scored twice and got three RBIs.

Building a 6-0 lead through four innings against Skaneateles pitcher Nate Shattuck, Cazenovia also saw Grevelding get two hits as Gilbert and Jacob Cox added one RBI apiece.

Meanwhile, Chittenango returned to the diamond on Thursday and, hosting

Phoenix, prevailed 8-2, the Bears getting away with three-run rallies in the third and fifth innings.

Ben Welch and Ed MacAlpine led Chittenango, each getting two hits and two RBIs. Ty Kelly also had a pair of hits as Zailor Calas scored three runs, Carlos Torres-Carman pitched 5 1/3 innings, striking out six and limiting Phoenix to five hits before Quinton Hilliker worked the last 1 2/3 inning in relief. Even more impressive was Saturday’s 23-5 win over Canastota, where the Bears piled up 11 runs in the first inning and six runs in the second on the way to 20 hits overall.

Cazenovia boys track victorious at Utica meet

By PHil Blackwell

Once again, the Cazenovia boys track and field team rose to the top, this time against a substantial field composed of large and small schools.

The occasion was last Friday’s CookDeStefano Track and Field Invitational at Proctor High School in Utica, where the Lakers, earning 65.5 points, edged Whitesboro (63 points) for the top spot as 17 schools competed in all.

Contending in the 400-meter dash, Cazenovia had Jaden Kaplan finish second in 51.75 seconds and Dan Raymond

third in 53.57, only behind the 51.42 from Whitesboro’s Jack Towns.

Branden McColm ran 800 meters in two minutes, 5.73 seconds and was runner-up to Waterville’s Logan Baker (2:00.80) and, in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, McColm got to third place in 11:32.25 as Eddie Comeau was sixth in 12:33.38.

In the 4x100 relay, Kaplan, Connor Frisbie, J.P. Hoak and Wyatt Scott finished in 45.90 seconds, which put them second behind Whitesboro’s 44.89.

Cazenovia took third in the 4x400 as Raymond, Judah Ossont, Tristan

Field-Bradley and Eliot Comeau posted 3:41.80, while Caleb Gilmore, Will Austin, Jake Woolbert and J.D. Dolly were fifth in the 4x800 relay in 9:20.64.

On his own, Woolbert, in 11:14.65, was third in the 3,200-meter run, edging teammate Chris Kelly, who was fourth in 11:14.85. Comeau cleared 5 feet 6 inches in the high jump for fifth place, with Killian Blouin topping 10’6” in the pole vault and also finishing fifth. Frisbie, seventh in both the high jump (5’6”) and the triple jump with 38’2 1/4”, took sixth in the 110 high hurdles in 18.40 seconds as Sam Wilcox (19.79)

was ninth. Finn Worthington was fifth in the 200-meter dash in 25.43. Hoak went 12.43 in the 100-meter dash for 10 th place.

Owen Woodworth took part in the five-event pentathlon and made his way to fourth place with 1,842 points, doing best in the 1,500-meter run, where he was second among competitors in 5:08.14.

Will Austin ran 1,600 meters in 5:07.09 to earn eighth place as Dolly was 12 th in 5:18.39. Connor Hopper took 10 th in the 400 hurdles in 1:13.63. Jonathan Sweet had a ninth-place discus throw of 93’1”.

Cazenovia girls lacrosse goes 1-1, tops Mexico

By PHil Blackwell

Having already played in all kinds of weather conditions against all kind of opposition, the Cazenovia girls lacrosse team hopes to take all it has learned and channel it into improved play in the latter half of the regular season.

The Lakers were 2-3 going into last Tuesday’s game at Mexico, but reached the break-even mark again with a 16-9 victory over the Tigers where it steadily worked its way to 9-4 advantage by halftime.

Pulling further away late, Cazenovia saw Julia Reff score four times to lead a deep, well-balanced attack where Riley Knapp and Madison DeAngelis each

scored twice and got a pair of assists.

Charlie Prior and Hayden Bubble equaled each other with two goals and one assist. Maren Smith chimed in with a goal and three assists as Katie Rajkowski, Izzy Stromer-Galley and Sally Hughes also found the net.

On Saturday, Cazenovia tried to get above that .500 mark when it met Southern Hills, the new team formed by a combined group from LaFayette, Tully and Onondaga.

But the Lakers lost, 18-12, to the Storm, who built an 11-6 halftime advantage and thwarted every comeback attempt, led by Kensington Keane’s five goals and three assists.

In defeat, Cazenovia got three-goal

hat tricks from Reff, Knapp and Rajkowski, with Prior scoring twice. DeAngelis added a goal and two assists as Smith also had an assist.

Chittenango , still without a victory in 2023, was kept off the board last Tuesday in a 16-0 defeat to Westhill. Abby Penfield made 12 saves, but couldn’t keep everything out as Adelaide Lowery led Westhill with five goals and two assists.

There was vast improvement by the Bears in Thursday’s game against unbeaten Whitesboro, who came into the game with a 4-0 record, but found itself tied, 4-4, at halftime.

Unable to keep up all the way to the end, Chittenango lost, 11-7, but not be -

fore Brooke Walters had netted a threegoal hat trick and Caitlyn Sgambellone had scored twice.

Cara Kielbasa added one goal and one assist and Penfield once again finished with 12 saves. Maria Stuhlman (four goals) and Kaelyn Barry (three goals) led Whitesboro.

A closer game followed on Saturday, but Chittenango still lost to Carthage 9-6, watching the Comets break out of a 3-3 halftime tie despite Sgambellone and Persephone Rohrer getting two goals apiece and goals from Alazyah Smith and Sequoya Roberts. Isabelle Wormwood gave Carthage three goals and four assists.

Cazenovia boys tennis defeats Skaneateles, 3-2

By PHil Blackwell

Once all the cold, wet weather cleared out, the Cazenovia boys tennis team was able to head to the court for last Thursday’s Laker duel against Skaneateles.

And Cazenovia won it by a 3-2 margin, getting points both in singles and doubles.

Traian Cherciu, in first singles, beat Max Karpinski 6-0, 6-3, and by those exact same scores Gabe Reagan got past Asher Kozub as Garret Lounsbury took a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 loss to Jake Salzhauer. In doubles, the clinching point came when Ethan Camp and Evan Molloy handled Kevin Torrisi and Evan Wingfield 6-4, 6-2, with Cy Laurie and Max

Reger falling to Peter Salzhauer and James Lovier 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).

Chittenango also played on Thursday afternoon and was successful, the Bears defeating the Onondaga Tigers 4-1.

Though Logan Brommer lost in singles to Jon Massaro 6-3, 6-3, Micah Alpuerto got a 6-0, 6-2 win over Ev -

elynn Loan and Seth Boulter shut out Caleb Fowler 6-0, 6-0.

Both doubles sides won for Chittenango as Kyle Wehrlin and Ian Baldwin blanked Melissa Sanborn and Maggieann Morris 6-0, 6-0, with Seamus Gardner and Vinny DiNatale handling Faith Taylor and Callisthene Vonderweidt 6-0, 6-2.

Cazenovia, Chittenango girls golfers get underway

By PHil Blackwell

When the Cazenovia and Chittenango girls golf teams were able to start their 2023 seasons, it did not resemble the summer-like heat of the previous week.

Instead, temperatures were closer to the freezing mark when the Lakers

faced Manlius Pebble Hill in last Tuesday’s season opener, and able to earn a 220-240 victory over the Trojans.

Over nine holes at Links at Erie Village, Grace Probe shot a 49 and Claire Marris added a 52. Both were able to overcome the low round of 43 from MPH’s Amitees Fazeli.

As for the Bears, it went to Camillus

Golf Club and lost, 247-257, with Kaelyn Rudd shooting a 63 as Abby VanDee and Emma Stanek both posted 64. Alea Morris earned a 66, while the top two scores came from Westhill’s duo of Charlotte Roth, with a 54, and Samantha Burkett, with a 59. Chittenango then was third, shooting 260, in a three-team match Friday

at Woodcrest involving unbeaten Christian Brothers Academy (188) and MPH, who shot 242.

VanDee shot a 62, leading the Bears, while Stanek shot 63. Sybrina Schultz had a 67 and Alea Morris a 68 as they all trailed the 43 from Catalano and 42 from the Trojans’ Amitees Fazeli.

Cazenovia boys lacrosse gets big win over Westhill

By PHil Blackwell

With its newly combined forces, the Cazenovia boys lacrosse team is poised to move up to Class C for the Section III playoffs, where its task may involve trying to dethrone defending champion Westhill.

If that proves the case, the Lakers will go in there with a whole lot of confidence stemming from last Tuesday night’s impressive 12-3 victory on its home turf. Westhill entered this game sporting a 5-1 record, but ran into a dominant Cazenovia defense that managed to shut out the visitors for the entire first half.

Tyson Fredericksen, Jed Olkowski, Cole Frazee and others never let Westhill get comfortable, and when shots were taken, Tucker Ives grabbed them, eventually getting 10 saves.

Meanwhile, the Lakers grabbed a 6-0 advantage by halftime and kept going largely due to the duo of Brendon Barnard and Forrest Ives. Barnard scored five times, while Ives had four goals and one assist, also grabbing seven ground balls.

D.B. Falge chimed in with a pair of goals and Tom Navin converted, too, while Bryson Weaver was able to win six of the 16 face-offs he took.

Now Cazenovia would challenge itself Saturday against Class A’s Cicero-North Syracuse, whose only defeat this season was to reigning state Class A champion Baldwinsville.

In this game, the Lakers had a host of opportunities, but could not quite capitalize on all of them, resulting in an 11-8 defeat to the Northstars.

More than half the shots Cazenovia took got stopped by C-NS goalie Leyton Sullivan, who made 15 saves, even as Forrest Ives got three goals, with Barnard and Alex Kuper getting two goals apiece and Barnard adding four assists.

The only other goal went to Falge, who added an assist. Despite nine saves of his own, Tucker Ives watched as C-NS’s Ian Leahey (five goals, one assist) and Mason Ciciarelli (three goals, one assist) carried that side to victory.

Cazenovia has also added a game to its schedule, hosting Chenango Forks Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at the Sean Goggin Sports Complex. Of far bigger importance, though, was Tuesday’s attempt by the Lakers to upend undefeated (8-0) Marcellus as a stretch of six straight road games continues Saturday at Central Square.

Caz girls track roars to victory over Chittenango

By kurt wHeeler

The Cazenovia girls track and field team displayed both athletic talent and mental toughness as it overcame two foes in each of their meets this week.

First, the Lakers prevailed over both Chittenango and frigid temperatures last Wednesday and, two days later, and overcame powerful winds to achieve outstanding performances at the Utica Invitational.

Susie Pittman led Cazenovia to their second decisive win in a row against Chittenango as she won three events and placed second in a fourth to pace the team’s 113-28 victory over the Bears.

Pittman cleared 8 feet 6 inches to lead a sweep in the pole vault with four Lakers clearing the sectional height of 7’6” or more. She also cleared 4’8” in the high jump to lead a sweep there and earned a season best in the triple jump (32’11”) to top the team’s 1-2-3 effort there.

Corinne Albicker (15 feet) topped Pittman by two inches in the long jump with the duo leading yet another sweep in that event. Maddy Rothfeld (tops in the shot put at 28 feet) and Olivia Morse (discus winner at 69’3”) led Cazenovia in

the throws once again and capped an overall advantage of 49-5 in the field events.

Albicker and Riley Knapp paced the Lakers on the track with two individual wins each. Albicker earned season bests in both hurdle events as she won the 100 meter race in 17.7 seconds and the 400 meter distance in 1:14.4, both exceptional on a day where the temperature never climbed out of the high 30s and the real feel was often in the 20s.

Knapp was also exceptional, hitting 13.0 to win the 100 meter dash and 27.1 to take first in the 200. Caitlyn Smither and Izzy Stromer-Galley were close behind for a sweep in the 100 while Grace Dolan matched Knapp’s time of 27.1 for second in the 200 with Smithers third.

Dolan earned a win of her own in the 400-meter dash with an incredible early season time of 1:01.0, her all-time best. Reid

McMurtrie also earned a career best time at 1:02.5 with Stromer-Galley third for the sweep.

Also, Dolan, Knapp, Stromer-Galley and Smithers combined for a remarkable time of 51.5 seconds in the 4x100 relay, 1.4 5 seconds under the state qualifier standard and unprecedented in the

cold weather. In total, the Lakers blanked the Bears 32-0 in the sprint events.

Faith Wheeler led Cazenovia’s distance effort, capturing second in both the 1,500 (5:29.9) and 800 (2:39.1) while Zoey Gagne took second in the 3000 (12:45.8).

Dinah Gifford led the 4x800 relay to victory with a 2:49.1 leg while McMurtrie led the 4x400 to victory with a 1:04.9 split as Cazenovia took all three relays. Even with the cold conditions, the Lakers achieved 43 new season best performances during the meet.

Then the Lakers were back in action at the CookDeStafano Invitational hosted by Utica Proctor Friday.

Despite persistent 25 mile per hour headwinds down the finishing straightaway, the girls achieved multiple sectional qualifying performances and placed fourth among 19 teams.

Albicker led the team with career best 1:13:39 for second in the 400 meter hurdles. McMurtie led off Cazenovia’s other silver medal performance with a 1:03.5 leg with Maura Phillips, Meghan Mehlbaum and Alyssa Wardell also contributing to the 4x400.

Rothfield earned ca -

reer bests in both the shot (29’6 1/2”) and discus (75’1”) while Wheeler (800), Gagne (2,000 steeplechase) and Olivia Ruddy (1,500) all earned new sectional qualifying times in their events. Skye Stanford placed sixth in the grueling pentathlon event to cap the Lakers’ scoring.

Cazenovia will host Hannibal Wednesday as it strives to remain undefeated and travel to the Onondaga Invitational on Friday to follow up on their 2022 victory at that meet.

Cazenovia girls track and field star Susie Pittman cleared 8 feet 6 inches to win the pole vault and added wins in the high jump and triple jump during last Wednesday’s 11328 win over Chittenango.