CoStCo ConSiDERAtionS

It was a busy morning. On the schedule were a doctor appointment practically before the sun was up that required fasting, a long visit with the tax man, some business stuff that needed attention and a short, at least that was the plan, shop at Costco for plastic wrap and bacon bits. Just two items, an “in and out.”

Of course, the quick shop and the fast in and out were as close to fantasy as a quick trip to Mars. Has anyone ever just gone into Costco and bought only what they intended? If there is such an individual, they should be put in charge of important stuff, like world peace and the state budget. These heroes might be able to explain why printer ink costs more than enriched uranium.

My shopping cart included my two planned items and a bag of cashews, a big sleeve of double A batteries, paper towels, a jar of Kalamata olives that could hold the house down in a strong wind, an enormous container of steak

FROM THE MAILBAG

seasoning, a humongous bag of something called onion flavored rings and a rotisserie chicken. Did I mention that my spouse was with me on this expedition? Guess which items he put in the cart. So, we checked out and since it was now well after 1 p.m. and neither of us had had breakfast, let alone lunch, the draw of the $1.50 hot dog and drink (with refill) was enticing. While I found a table and guarded our loot, the spouse purchased our gourmet fare and we settled in for a bit, me enjoying both the “every-once-in-a-while” hot dog and the pleasure of people watching.

I so enjoy people watching. Each person gives up clues about who they are and, if you are a story kind of watcher, you can fill in the blanks with your interpretation. Take the two gentlemen who were checking out not one, not two, but four stacked-high Costco shopping carts. The first thing that came to mind was how they managed to maneuver the carts around the

Swans ‘heart of the village’

To the editor

The unfortunate and shocking events that occurred this week at the village of Manlius Swan Pond is beyond incomprehension.

As the mayor who brought Faye and Manny to Manlius, thanks to the generosity of Michael Bean, and was appalled by the loss of their first clutch of eggs by malicious, wanton vandalism in 2012, I am deeply saddened that a magnificent symbol of our village should meet such a coldblooded, cruel and violent death.

To add insult to injury are the callous comments comparing the dietary habits of other cultures to the loss of Faye or worse yet comparisons to poultry raised for human consumption.

The swans represent the very heart of the village of Manlius and all its inherent goodness. Faye and Manny were tended to by a caring, dedicated village DPW staff and a vigilant Michael Bean.

There is no confusing an adult swan for a “large duck.” The minute these immature, ignorant, teenage cowards climbed over the fence into Faye’s nest, shrouded in the secrecy of night, they were driven by nothing but malicious and murderous intent.

Loss is loss.The cygnets, though now safe, are crying for their mother. Manny has lost his mate. And we are grieving for Faye.

Once again the village of Manlius is called upon to demonstrate its inherent strength and unshakable resolve, just as it has always done during difficult times since 1813.

Our hearts may be broken but never our spirit.

Faye will live on through her cygnets and in our collective memories for generations to come.

MARk-PAul SERAfin

Former mayor oF manlius

Vote June 20

To the editor:

Please take time to vote in the Village of Cazenovia elections on June 20 from noon to 9 p.m.

The polls are located at the American Legion Post on Chenango Street.

We are fortunate to have two dedicated store. I have trouble with that one. And then what will they do with all of the stuff, which from my vantage point was mostly food items? And lastly, where would they store all of this? Were they shopping for an event? For a group home? Planning on lasting through some climatic disaster? Take your pick, but even more … how are they going to get these carts out to their vehicle? The latter answer came with three additional people who came running to the cash register with other items in their arms to add to the total. My interpretation? A family reunion to take place tomorrow. Why tomorrow? Where would you put all of this food, some of it perishable, unless you were going to use it quickly? Of course, they could be shopping for an institution that has storage space and coolers, but that was too pedestrian. There was the family with three very energetic children accompanying a cart that contained two boxed kayaks. I don’t know citizens seeking the two trustee seats that are up for election. Cindy Bell is currently serving as a trustee and running for reelection and Tom Tait is a former trustee and active public servant stepping up to run again. I will also be seeking one more term as mayor to assist with the many challenges we face in the wake of Cazenovia College’s closure. Thank you to Trustee Justin Fuchs for his service to the community over the past two years as he completes his term on the board.

Local governance becomes more challenging every year and this is especially true here in Cazenovia as we strive to adapt and seek the best path forward for the college campus. Thank you to Cindy and Tom for being willing to devote their time on behalf of our community. Please show them your support by voting on June 20.

kuRt WhEElER Village oF CazenoVia mayor

Not immune

To the editor:

As I look out the window of my home and see the haze and smell the smoke from fires burning in Canada it is clear that CNY is not immune to the impact of climate change.

Wildfire smoke produces particles less than 2.5 microns that once inhaled can affect lungs and heart and cause serious health problems. You need an electron microscope to see them. Infants, young children, women who are pregnant, the elderly and those with respiratory and cardiac issues are most at risk

Years of higher temperatures in the North country have dried out the Canadian boreal forest. The “chickens are coming home to roost” as the number of fires and amount of land burned measured in thousands of sq. miles increases from year to year.

Canada is experiencing one of the worst fire seasons ever recorded with over 6.7 million acres of forest already burnt in 2023, according to federal officials and summer is still two weeks away. Many of the hundreds of fires still burning are out of control.

The science is simple. Increase the CO2 concentration from man made burning of fossil fuels and the planet warms. Call it climate

Ramblings from the empty nest Ann Ferro when and where they were going, but I distinctly could see, in their future, laughter and shouts of “put your life jacket on.” change, global warming or anything you want this science is indisputable and goes back over 150 years. If you don’t believe in science that is another matter.

I especially enjoyed watching a lady who had four items in her cart. There were two gallons of ice cream, a big bottle of chocolate sauce and an equally big container of whipped topping. I thought of following her home.

I continued in my short reverie of imagination and hot dog satiety pondering what another people watcher would have concluded viewing me and my cart. Would they consider that I can’t remember when was the last time that I bought steak?

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 good news is that the technology to slow down and over time reverse the impact of climate change is available now. We have the “cure.”

Renewable energy sources such as solar work fine in CNY and are one of the lowest cost producers of energy. Cold climate electric heat pump technology that can heat and cool our homes in CNY and even farther North have been available for years and continue to improve.

It is really a question of political will.

* Will we be shortsighted and unwilling to spend a few dollars more on the front end in new construction.

* Will we be unwilling to learn about new technologies and continue to install gas furnaces because that is what we are used to.

* Will we be unwilling to see solar farms and say “not in my backyard.”

If we are to slow down and eventually reverse climate change we need to embrace nonfossil fuel energy. Either that or get used to hazy, smoke filled, dangerous skies with air quality that will shorten our lives. PEtER WiRth FayetteVille

Supports Manlius drive-through

To the editor:

First, let me state that I have no commercial interest in this project.

I support the approval of a special use permit that would allow the construction of a new restaurant with drive-through service at the old, vacant Manlius firehouse. It is proposed that the firehouse be razed and a new structure be erected.

Many factors have driven the move to reduce restaurant footprints and provide fast efficient drive-through operations. Lack of workers and inflation have made operators think about how to maintain margins and keep costs competitive. Parents with kids do not want to unload and reload with both safety and convenience in mind. Everyone is multi-tasking and may need to continue a phone conversation while they wait.