Cazenovia Republican digital edition - April 24, 2024

or intermediate youth sailing programs and eventually move on to the Junior Fleet youth racing team, which practices and hosts regattas at WBYC, travels regionally to other regattas, and participates in the annual Junior Olympics in Rochester. WBYC also offers adult sailing programs for all skill levels, and it provides access to boat rentals for those interested in getting out on the water on their own. All sailing programs are open to members and non-members alike. Junior Fleet racers become junior club members to partici-

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

Last week, Henry Stocks, a first grader at Burton Street Elementary School, presented checks to Cazenovia High School students to cover four tuitions to the Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) Camp Oswegatchie.

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Located on 1200 acres of wooded land in the Adirondacks, Camp Oswegatchie reinforces those goals while enabling kids to create positive memories and forge friendships. Stocks raised the camp tuition money by selling “The Henry Project” (THP) t-shirts and hats to support the FFA and give back to his community.

The brainchild of photographer Robert Ketcham, THP is a long-term photographic documentation of Stocks growing up on a small farm in New Woodstock.

The four “campership” recipients are members of the high school’s Aggies FFA club. They applied for the funding by submitting a paragraph to THP describing why they want to attend Camp Oswegatchie this summer.

“We were going to originally fund three students, but four applied,” said Ketcham. “THP decided that they were all worthy and deserving of the award, so we offered to fund the fourth. The Caz FFA advisor and members agreed to pay the deposits, and THP would cover the rest for all four.”

According to Aggies FFA Advisor Mandi Millen, a total of eight of the club’s approximately 30 members are planning to attend Camp Oswegatchie the same week this summer.

Unfortunately, Millen noted, several FFA members who show dairy cattle won’t be able to attend that camp session because they have a show that week.

Six-year-old Stocks presented the tuition checks on April 17 outside Cazenovia High School’s agriculture classroom. He was accompanied by his parents, Bryan Stocks and Sarah Stocks, Ph.D., who are both agriculture professionals. Bryan is the senior director of membership with Dairy Farmers of America, and Sarah is a technical services manager at Novus International, an animal nutrition company.

April 17.

Before the check presentation, Bryan expressed that he is looking forward to his son getting the opportunity to join the FFA and attend Camp Oswegatchie when he is old enough.

“Ensuring that FFA exists within the Cazenovia school district for Henry when he gets to that age is one of those things that is very important to us,” Bryan said. “With budgets and stuff this year, I was very nervous as to the future [of the club], but luckily it sounds like things are going to be okay. [I was] in 4-H — they didn’t have FFA in my high school — and I think these programs are important to teach leadership as well as teach agriculture to kids who grew up in [it] or even kids who have no clue what ag is but want a better understanding of where their food comes

Submitted photo

Six-year-old Henry Stocks presented checks to Cazenovia High School students to cover four tuitions to the Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) Camp Oswegatchie. Stocks raised the camp tuition money by selling “the Henry Project” t-shirts and hats. the project is photographer Robert ketcham’s long-term photographic documentation of Stocks growing up on a small farm in New Woodstock. Stocks presented the checks to members of Cazenovia High School’s Aggies FFA club on

robert Ketcham

Submitted photoS

Willow Bank yacht Club’s revamped summer sailing program will give kids an opportunity to learn to sail while also gaining an understanding of Cazenovia lake and the importance of protecting local natural resources.

which

passes

towns of Cazenovia, Nelson, and Fenner. Next up on the CASA schedule is a Memorial Day luncheon at the Hampton Inn & Suites Cazenovia on May 23.

Local resident and military historian Frank Stritter will discuss the achievements of several Vietnam veterans following their military service.

CASA’s June monthly luncheon will be held outdoors, weather permitting, at the Brae Loch Inn on June 13 and will feature chicken pot pie.

The organization has also planned a June 19 group excursion to Clayton, NY for a Thousand Islands boat trip including

photoS

On March 29-31, 20 members of l imestone Creek Hunt participated in the Sedgefield Hunt Carolinas Foxhound Performance trials in Hoffman, North Carolina. Huntsman Doug Russell entered five of the club’s best hounds to compete with 12 other hunts from along the eastern seaboard. t his is a Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America (MFHA)-recognized competition, and hounds that place within the top ten are eligible for the championship in 2025. l imestone Creek Hunt was thrilled to have its hound “Jaybird” chosen both days as the “Huntsman’s Favorite” of the 60 participating hounds. Both “Jaybird” and “ lCH i da” qualified for the MFHA championship. lCH ended the competition with a fourth-place standing overall.

OBITUARIES

Michael P. Curley

loved restoring houses

Michael P. Curley went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2024, in a peaceful transition to heaven. He was a vibrant individual with a heart of gold who touched many lives and lived with eternity’s values in view.

Michael attended Westhill High School where he excelled academically and in sports. Mike went on to attend Dartmouth College where he was president of his fraternity, the Tabard. He studied abroad in Granada, Spain, for a semester. After graduating in 1981, he was interviewed by a local newspaper and said, “I’d like to do something artistic or musical, something creative. But I haven’t focused very well on what it’s going to be. And the time is getting near.” Those desires were fulfilled because Mike was multi-talented and his God-ordained path in life provided him with many different creative outlets. He performed as Sing-A-Song Sam on a children’s television show called Pappyland

Rev. Charles R. Rowe

loved God, his wife, family and friends

Rev. Charles Robert Rowe (Chuck) was born in Carthage, N.Y., on July 20, 1948. He moved to DeRuyter when he was two years old and lived there until he graduated from DeRuyter Central School in 1967.

He loved the country, camping down back with his brother or doing target practice on the pests (like woodchucks.)

Cedarville College in Ohio was his next step. There he met the girl he would marry, Carol Jenista, during his freshman year.

After a wedding in July 1971, Charles and Carol (a new nurse) headed to Grand Rapids, MI, for seminary. They had 12 years in Grand Rapids, adding three children: Steve (1973,) Cheryl (1975) and Debbie (1977,) along with many wonderful friends.

It was off to Tacoma, WA, in1984, where he pastored as an ordained Baptist minis -

CASA

Onondaga Coach.

On July 18, CASA will hold its annual meeting luncheon at the Hampton Inn.

Then, on Aug. 6, members will take a trip to see “Beauty and the Beast” at the Cortland Theater and have lunch at the Cortland Elks Club.

The remaining months of 2024 will include lunch at The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed in Erieville on Sept. 19, lunch at The Brewster Inn on Oct. 10, and a Thanksgiving lunch at the Hampton Inn on Nov. 14.

CASA will close out the year with its annual holiday luncheon at the Lincklaen House on Dec.12.

“My favorite thing about attending our events and luncheons is the opportunity to socialize,” said

which aired on PBS all across the United States and Canada, and even into South America. As a musician who could play piano by ear, he wrote 22 songs in three days for the show and then performed each song singing and playing the piano, guitar or banjo for accompaniment.

Mike was a self-employed contractor who owned Michael Curley Custom Builders for over 40 years. While he could build anything, his niche was historic restoration and he loved returning old houses to their former glory. He excelled at what he did and won the prestigious Cazenovia Preservation Foundation Award twice for his attention to detail and “Restoring 19th Century Character” to old homes. He even built his own beautiful home in 2002.

Mike was a man of God who could tell you the time and place he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. After that life-changing experience on April 2, 1990, he went allin to serve the Lord. Mike’s joy was teaching the Bible and often said, “I’m a shameless promoter of the word of God.” He taught over 50 classes at Abundant Life Church, as

ter for almost 40 years. He loved teaching God’s word and seeing people learn to trust God with their lives. To help make ends meet he painted homes.

In April 2022, God brought him and Carol home to DeRuyter permanently. It was from here God took him home to heaven on Dec. 15, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years (Carol) and their three children and families, including one granddaughter (Rachel) and three grandsons (Andrew, Alec, Beckett.) He leaves his brother, Glenn, and sister, Chris, and their families, as well as Carol’s extended family. His parents, Bob and Lavina, predeceased him.

With his parents gone, Charles assumed responsibility for “Rowe’s Peaches.” He loved providing yummy peaches every August, not just at the farm, but also in Caz, Manlius and Tully. Serving everyone brought him much joy.

Another pleasure was his daily restaurant breakfasts, sometimes studying his

CASA President Chuck Amos. “[However,] the plays we attend and the trips are extra special!”

CASA was formed in 2007 to address a recognized need in the community for an organization to provide services, such as recreational activities and social opportunities, to seniors. The group began operating a year later with assistance from the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce.

CASA receives funding from the Town and Village of Cazenovia, the Town of Nelson, and the Town of Fenner. “Our all-volunteer CASA board is motivated by the need to provide these activities for our senior population, and we continue to strive for expanded awareness of our programs within the three townships that help fund CASA,” said Amos. All CCSD residents ages

55 and older are automatically members of CASA. There are no membership dues because the costs are covered by event fees and by the support CASA receives from the three towns and the village.

Non-members can attend CASA functions for a slightly higher fee.

“We have brochures covering all our future events at each luncheon,” said Amos. “People can call our CASA phone at 315-8255710 and leave a message if they want to be added to our email list, and they will receive information regarding each event/luncheon.”

Registration and payment in advance are required for all events. Forms are available at the Cazenovia Public Library and in CASA emails. For more information on CASA and upcoming events, call 315-825-5710 or visit the CASA Facebook page.

well as ministering at Teen Challenge and other churches, and was an Ambassador for Christ everywhere he went. He recorded a CD called “Songs From Heaven,” which featured many beautiful worship songs which he wrote. He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel on Dec. 31, 2014, through Abundant Life Ministerial Association.

Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Theresa Curley, and theirs was a true match made in heaven. He is survived by his beloved father and mother, Harry and Carolyn Curley; his half-sister, Christine Evans; his brother, Daniel (Dina) Curley; his sisters, Karen Curley and Kristen (John) Houser. He had many nieces and nephews who are left with fond memories of fun adventures with Uncle Mike. It might have been a float trip on Fish Creek, searching for arrowheads, swimming, fishing, or playing the guitar and singing funny songs around the campfire. He was competitive in sports, hard to beat in Scrabble, vibrant and fun loving. He will be missed by all until we are reunited again on those streets of gold.

Services were held on Saturday, April 20, at Abundant Life Church, 7000 All Nations Blvd., E. Syracuse, New York. Calling hours were held from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and the memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to Teen Challenge, 124 Furman St, Syracuse, NY 13205. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit, newcomersyracuse.com.

Bible, or at other times just chatting with various friends who showed up.

In summary, Charles loved his God, his wife and family, his friends and his peaches.

His celebration of life will be Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at Open Door Baptist Church of New Woodstock. All are welcome.

Memorials in his name can be made to DeRuyter Historical Museum, P.O. Box 355 DeRuyter, N.Y. 13502.

Smith Funeral Home, DeRuyter, has arrangements.

Rev. Charles R. Rowe

Shaw of Morrisville and Shannon (Andre) Schokker of Cazenovia; his sisters, Sarah Shaw of Chittenango and Mary Fritz of Illinois; three grandchildren, Marcus (Leigh) Schokker, Kilian Crowley and Reilly Crowley; one great granddaughter, Marleigh Schokker, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Carl was predeceased by his siblings, James Shaw, Jack Shaw, Jill Emmons and Cindy Grovesnor. Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday,

for the Shaw family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com

Michael P. Curley

Carl S. Shaw

It’s road work season

As the weather 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 the roads around them.

With this in mind, National Work Zone Awareness Week was created

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 message of the campaign reminds drivers a temporary action behind the wheel, such as driving distracted by a cellphone for example, can have long lasting consequences.

The annual commemoration, promoted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, took place April 15 to 19 and marks the start of spring construction season, according to nwzaw.org.

The onset of spring means National Grid crews will begin performing necessary infrastructure upgrades along roads, and some may require roadway work areas, including 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, for example, go through extensive training on work zone safety. Crews on duty in work zones or near our 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

CONtEMPlAtiNG COMPEtENCE

Yes, I know. When someone who is of the mature persuasion offers what she considers to be a valuable insight into a current problem, the observer might note the rolling of the eyes of those not so mature. But, while I don’t offer any comprehensive vision for solutions to today’s perceived economic issues, I do have a point of view that deserves some thought.

My siblings and I were raised to appreciate thrift. I don’t mean stinginess, or that you would call us cheap, but we did have our priorities in place when it came to money and, extrapolating from that, our other resources. We emerged on this earth right after the Depression and in the midst of World War II, both lending a sense of circling the wagons when it came to earning and spending income. We weren’t poor. We owned our own house and a car - a 1942 Ford. In order to do these things, with a household of six and sometimes more, depending on what relatives sought shelter and sustenance in our home, we had to live close to the bone. Each of us had one new outfit every Easter and we always were gifted with new underwear and socks for Christmas, but most of our clothing originated in the bins at the Good Will on Third Avenue. Sometimes we wore the clothing as it came, sometimes made over by my mother or grandmother.

We never went hungry. We ate simple, nutritious

meals made from inexpensive ingredients. Who today eats kidney stew? Not even me. Or soup made from collected vegetable parings, onion ends and chicken necks and feet? Our bread came from the day-old bakery, our books from the public library on 53rd street. My mother’s one extravagance was the fresh squeezed orange juice that she made every morning.

The only thing that we owned on credit was our house. No one even considered obtaining something called a credit card, which in those days, were given out by individual stores rather than banks. Extras, treats and such were just that because they were so infrequent. There was always room for something “special” when those extras that are common today were not then.

I, being the eldest, energetically undertook my share of the chores, and for that my mother gave me 25 cents a week to spend however I wanted. I soon learned that spending made the money disappear and began saving my earnings in a blue Noxema jar that my father made into a bank by making a slit in the lid. Like all eighth grade females, I took a course called home economics. We learned how to budget our money and time; how to

MAD Ideas, the free lecture series presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County brings leading thinkers to Madison County to discuss topics such as agriculture, youth development, health, and ecological sustainability.

MAD Ideas is made possible through a partnership with the Upstate Institute at Colgate University.

Join us for the exciting conclusion of the MAD Ideas Lecture Series this spring, featuring Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, the Nancy Schlegel Meinig Associate Professor of Maternal and Child Nutrition and Director of the Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Program (FNEC)/New York State Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) at Cornell University.

In her lecture titled “Creating a Healthier Society by Improving Diet and Improving Diet by Creating a Healthier Society: A Whole

shop for nutritious and economical food, how to prepare things like soup stock, a stew, salad and, strangely enough, a tea-based punch. We learned to bake cookies, cake and bread.

We were taught basic clothing construction techniques and were required to prepare a fashion show of our creations with refreshments that we had budgeted, shopped for and prepared.

The boys in our class took something called industrial arts or shop, where they learned basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical and auto repair skills. Antediluvian in terms of separation of the genders, but useful no less. I am wondering what the world would look like if males and females both took home ec and shop?

I am thinking back to that home ec classroom in the basement of Carmel High School. It was always sparklingly clean, outstandingly organized and it provided the students with lessons that aimed for similar excellence. Of course that excellence was aspirational, but aspiring to excellence by precept and example is a good thing.

I remember the garment that I produced for the fashion show. It was a skirt, made of dark green corduroy. Corduroy fabric has what is known as a noticeable grain, that is, the fabric has a decided direction. If you ignore that, or in my case, forget that, the resulting product will look odd. Mine looked very odd with the grain of the wales going one way on one side of the

Person Approach for Achieving Population Health,” Dr. OdomsYoung will delve into innovative approaches to enhancing public health through better nutrition and community engagement. She will share insights on how informed dietary choices and supportive community initiatives can contribute to a healthier and more resilient society for everyone.

Odoms-Young’s research focuses on social and structural determinants of dietary behaviors and diet-related diseases in low-income and Black/Latinx populations. Her work centers on identifying culturally appropriate programs and policies that promote health equity, food justice, and community resilience.

With over 20 years of experience in partnering with communities to improve nutrition and health, Odoms-Young has authored over 200 academic publications, book chapters, and presentations.

She has served on numerous

FROM THE MAILBAG

skirt and the other way on the other side. But I aspired to something better.

And then there another lesson in aspiration vs. reality. I was the babysitter for our home economics teacher, and her home did not look like the home ec room. It looked like my house, with four children, and sometimes even worse.

Those kinds of classes don’t exist anymore. Why? Is there some unspoken belief that these skills are no longer important? Are today’s adults exempt from needing to dust, purchase food or fix a leaky faucet?

Basic living skills have been outsourced to whom?

There is an adult sense of control that comes with the ability to live your life with a measure of competence. As we scroll through the answers of “how to” on our computers, searching for the answers that were common to those who had home ec and shop, YouTube does seem to be the source of competence for newer generations.

But, YouTube or not, the concept of living within your means, of developing living skills that allow you to live within your means is not out of date and will, for those who follow that idea, provide the means to weather economic ups and downs.

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.

advisory committees and boards, including the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board and the Institute of Medicine committees for the National School Lunch Program/School Breakfast Program and the Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The lecture takes place at 6pm on Thursday, May 2 at the Hamilton Public Library, 13 Broad St. in Hamilton.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, health professional, or community member interested in improving well-being, this lecture offers valuable insights and practical strategies for creating a healthier society. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and connect with others passionate about public health and community wellness.

For more information on this lecture and for registration information, visit ccemadison.org/ event s or call 315-684-3001.

starts and how to create an escape plan.

While volunteers will focus on the Syracuse area on May 4, home visits in other local communities may be accommodated that day or will be scheduled for another date. liSA SMitH, ExECutivE DiRECtOR american red croSS central & northern neW YorK

If

MEEt PEANut AND liAM

By DONNA NEWMAN

Peanut and Liam are like the waves of the ocean; one ebbs, the other flows, but they’re intrinsically linked and cannot be separated. That’s what happens when you spend your entire life with another being. At five years old, this committed canine couple spend their entire lives as the beloved companions in a loving home. unfortunately, their family fell ill and is unable to care for them. liam is the male and weighs twenty pounds, and Peanut is the female and weighs eleven pounds. Both can be shy at first, but they’re so sweet and loving that very soon you’ll find them on your lap. They walk pleasantly on the leash, ride nicely in the car, and are crate-trained. Their family described them as friendly, playful, energetic, affectionate, curious, and gentle. Their original home had a fenced-in yard, and they hope to have one in their next home so they exercise their need to sniff and explore. Peanut and liam are wonderful dogs, but make sure you research on the JRt breed; they can be vocal, like to dig, and need regular exercise and enrichment. Peanut and liam are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. if you’d like twice the fun, twice the love, and twice the cuddles, meet Peanut and Liam today! In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. All adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations before they go home. the CNy SPCA is located at 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@ cnyspca.org or visit cnyspca.org.

OPINION

DANGER iN tHE ARMS RACE

Years Ago in History

By CiNDy BEll tOBEy

110 years Ago – April 23, 1914

After waging a fight before the Public Service Commission for a year or more, Clockville and Cottons residents will lose their stations on the Lehigh Valley Railroad on or before May 10.

Both stations will be abandoned, and trains will stop at milk station, about half way between the two, almost a mile from each. Last spring several residents of Clockville and vicinity presented a petition to the railroad asking the authorities to provide a shelter for its patrons in storm weather.

The railroad officials began taking count of the passengers received and discharged at Cottons and Clockville stops, and found the number so small that they refused to stop their trains any longer. The matter was taken to the Public Service Commission, with the results that Clockville and Cottons will have neither shelter nor trains.

90 years Ago – April 26, 1934

Lee Brown Coye, a Cortland artist, selected to paint four historical murals for the panels of the Cazenovia Central School auditorium, is now at the school completing the first painting which is 61/2 by 18 feet.

The story of the murals deals with the founding of Cazenovia by John Lincklaen, and agent of the Holland Land Company, who explored, bought and sold territory in this section.

The murals will also picture the sellers bartering, the making of maple syrup and other historical events.

Atlanta’s Spencer Strider won 20 games a season ago, led the National League in strikeouts and is just 25. Cleveland’s Shane Bieber won a Cy Young in the American League in 2020 and is not yet 29.

Both are gone for this season, as are so many other top-line pitchers who, for one reason or another, all were forced to undergo the “Tommy John” surgery to repair an elbow ligament that sidelines them for at least a year.

Other aces are out, too. Gerrit Cole, Jacob DeGrom, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer. Some in their prime, others older but still quite effective, all of them not on the mound.

While injuries to pitchers date back to baseball’s beginnings, perhaps not its long history has the sport, at all levels, dealt with the level of attrition seen now, with the urgency to address it only matched, if not topped, by the theories as to why it’s happening.

Start, of course, with the pitching motion. Greats like John Smoltz put it well – it’s the most unnatural act. Look at all those pictures of guys stretching their arms into places they’re just not designed to go to get maximum velocity along with the spin required to curve or break it beyond a hitter’s reach.

Arms ached and broke down long before this current crisis. It made Sandy Koufax retire at age 30. Others who were great in their teens or early 20s saw similar outcomes.

Then two big things happened.

Camp

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from.” Bryan added that he had the opportunity to spend a few days at Camp Oswegatchie last fall and see its “magic.” “We are excited that you guys will be able to experience that as well,” he said. “I know you will come away from there with even more friends and develop skills and leadership qualities that you will carry on for the rest of your lives.”

the Henry Project Ketcham has been photographing Stocks since he was five years old.

THP follows the young farmer as he cares for and shows cattle, completes his daily chores, and engages in other aspects of life on the family farm, which is home to both Simmental beef cattle and horses.

The photographer said he first heard about the Stocks family and their farm through a friend he met while briefly attending Cazenovia High School in 1978/79.

According to Ketcham, the friend, who still lives in Cazenovia, recounted a memorable interaction she had with Stocks on Christmas Eve when

Random Thoughts

Phil blackwell

First, the 21st century rise of analytics, used throughout the professional ranks, prioritized speed and power above all else. Rarely now does a reliever get to the big leagues without pushing 100 on the radar gun, and most of the starters are similar.

Long before that, though, the other contributing factor of specialization entered the picture. At a very young age, kids with pitching talent are often pushed to drop other sports and focus all their energy on the mound, long before their bodies are fully developed. Too much stress on an arm, right or left, without similar stress for the rest of the body can lead to trouble with that all-important ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL. It was repairing and replacing that UCL with another tendon in the body which spared the career of pitcher Tommy John in the mid-1970s and led to the surgery that bears his name.

Then again, Tommy John was in his early 30s. These days, far younger pitchers, even teenagers, have gone through the procedure with no guarantee that they’ll return to their previous form.

The current surge in arm injuries is leading to all kinds of consternation at the MLB level, some of it fingerpointing where the players’ union is convinced that management isn’t sharing all it knows and isn’t really interested in finding a solution.

he was five. “She arrived with an armload of presents and was asked by Henry, ‘What’s in the box?’” Ketcham said. “She replied, ‘Your presents, let’s go open them!’ Henry responded, as he pulled on his boots and gloves, ‘Nope, I am going to the barn to do my chores,’ and he proceeded out the door to tend the cows and horses. Hearing this story and details about Henry’s work ethic and dedication to ag life . . . got me thinking about a long-term documentation of this boy as he grows and faces the challenges of youth, farming, and cattle shows, to see where his interests take him. I want to photograph the wins and losses, watch the changes and growth, and see the reality of growing up in a small town in today’s world. This project is a time capsule of this boy’s life, but it’s also a broader story about youth in agriculture.”

Today, Stocks is a grand champion showman who proudly shows his cattle across New York State, including at the NYS Fair. Stocks said his favorite part of living on a farm is showing and caring for his cows. When asked to name his least favorite farm chore, he responded, “I like to do all of them.”

What isn’t in dispute is that the overall product suffers when the best hitters and best pitchers aren’t out there together battling one another.

Solving this will require everyone involved to put pride and ego aside. And it starts at the beginning with adults not trying to push their kids into a single sport unless they want to. It should be all about the kids, right?

Move to the teaching and coaching level, and as much time should be spent celebrating and emphasizing control and location rather than pure speed and power. Greg Maddux did so. His career turned out okay.

Ultimately, it lands on front offices who all want to win and feel like to do requires power pitching. Yes, there’s a place for it, but it’s not the only option, and if the emphasis on other factors is made at all the previous levels, you’ll have pitchers who are not just good, but durable.

Again, just as with football and concussions, basketball and knee and ankle injuries, hockey and broken teeth, you will never completely erase the limits of the human body. But you can mitigate them.

Sure, a pitcher throwing 102 is fun. What’s even better is having them on a mound, in a bullpen or in a dugout, not somewhere amid a long rehabilitation. Everyone in baseball understands this. They just need the courage to change

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

Outside of farm life, Stocks does a variety of activities, including hockey, soccer, karate, and swimming lessons. Ketcham, who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said that to continue telling Stocks’ story through his photographs, he tries to visit Cazenovia at least once a month or meet Stocks and his family at cattle shows during the summer. “Sharing Henry’s story is important because he may be the future of farming in America,” Ketcham said in an April 3 THP press release. “Or not. However his story plays out, Henry is a thoughtful, sensitive, and motivated boy with the world at his feet. I, for one, can’t wait to see where his journey takes him.”

Follow THP on Instagram @ just_a_boy_and_his_cows.

According to Ketcham, a few THP t-shirts and Carhartt baseball caps are still available and can be ordered via Instagram or Facebook. The money will help fund Camp Oswegatchie tuitions.

To learn more about Ketcham and his work, visit rjketchamphotography.com

For information on Camp Oswegatchie, visit oswegatchiecamp.com.

Panel one will be a composite background of Central New York history, depicting Hudson’s journey in the Half Moon, Champlain’s battle, and Lincklaen’s journeys through this territory.

Panel three will illustrate the importance of the old Erie Canal to this section, and panel four will show Central New York farm scenes.

70 years Ago – April 22, 1954

This week so far has been a most delightful one. Easter Sunday was a perfect day – warm and bright.

The temperature rose to 62 degrees in the afternoon. Many new Easter outfits were noted.

All the churches were beautifully decorated with flowers and services were exceptionally well attended. The past two days have been unusually warm for this season.

Yesterday the mercury climbed to 87 degrees in the afternoon, breaking the record for the date of 82 degrees set in 1931.

This morning the red showed 62 degrees at 8 o’clock.

All vegetation has sprung forward these last few days.

Hyacinths daffodils and jonquils are in bloom, the little yellow blossoms on the forsythia bushes are opening, trees and lilac bushes are showing a decided fringe of green and grass on lawns is becoming thick and ready for mowing.

50 years Ago – April 24, 1974

Efforts to arrange funding for a recreational facility in Cazenovia that would include ice skating and other sports are being made through the state Urban Development Corp., Richard Sheridan, president of the Cazenovia Young People’s Ice Education Program, Inc., said Saturday.

“We’ve had a series of meetings with UDC, following completion of development engineering by Stearns and Wheler,” Mr. Sheridan said, “and we’re seeking support in the community.”

According to John H. Fennessey of UDC, the agency could build the facility and lease it to the community during the 40-year bond loan.

At the time the bond is retired the facility would be turned over to the community.

The facility would be on four acres of land at Burton St., owned by the Young People’s Ice Education Program and will include a building 120 by 220 feet.

The total price tag is $450,000.

“The facility will make enough money with a full year-round youth program. An ice program could operate for five months of the year with tennis, basketball and other activities for the remaining seven months to retire the UDC debt at no risk to the community,” Mr. Sheridan predicted.

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pate in the program; in return, they get full use of the club and its boats.

The sailing program has five full-time, US Sailing-certified instructors and four junior instructors who are experienced sailors and trained to teach.

“The club has always been very dedicated to sailing and fostering a love of the sport, with a focus on families,” said Anya Woods, WBYC’s volunteer director of sailing. “The youth program is at the heart of that dedication, encouraging generations of kids to learn skills that will last them forever. When I was little, I took sailing lessons with my siblings, and it became a sport we all continue to enjoy today. I coached the WBYC program for five summers, and many of my students went on to sail in college and still sail today. Many of them are starting their own families and will likely pass the love of sailing on to them. So, that’s a really critical part of the mission of the club — to be very sailing-focused and very family-focused.”

Woods, who runs the youth and adult

learn-to-sail programs, raced in college and then afterward in Boston.

When she returned home to Cazenovia with her two children, she volunteered to help revamp the WBYC sailing program following a decline in enrollment and enthusiasm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We felt it was time to take a look at what we were offering and make sure it met the expectations and needs of today’s families,” Woods said.

One of the goals of the new program is to instill in participants a lifelong love of sailing.

“Lots of people enroll their children in Kindergarten Kick About, and they know that that could lead to playing more seriously and ending up on a team, traveling, playing in college, etc.,” said Woods. “But most people don’t think that way about sailing. In the past, kids would enroll for a week or two, get the hang of it, and then be done. But there’s so much more to the sport than that. So, we reworked the program to have a more stepwise structure . . .”

She explained that the step-based structure will give young sailors a sense of accom-

plishment as they progress through new skill levels, and it will continually give them something to aspire to and work towards, such as honing their skills, learning to sail competitively, beginning to race, becoming good tacticians, and then sailing competitively against regional teams.

“We will bring in guest coaches from collegiate teams and the local community so that [participants] can see that these athletes are performing at an even higher level as they get older,” Woods said. “So, the new program really focuses on the full breadth of sailing as a sport, rather than a one-off skills-based lesson.”

The new program is also focused on the importance of protecting the environmental and recreational sustainability of Cazenovia Lake.

According to Woods, WBYC Head Sailing Instructor Faith O’Toole has a bachelor’s degree in aquatic and fishery science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and she has developed similar curricula for other sailing programs.

“We plan to make lessons fun and relatable for our young audience and help them under-

stand the fish, plants, and climate that impact our lake and our sport,” Woods said.

WBYC is also partnering with the Cazenovia Lake Association to educate program participants about some of the specific challenges facing Cazenovia Lake.

“Sailing really brings you close to the lake and all its natural beauty, but the lake also faces challenges,” said Woods. “Our races were impacted by invasive weed growth last year, and we are facing new challenges with new invasive species that are becoming more prevalent in Central New York. We think it’s important that sailors understand the natural resources that make the sport possible and how to protect those resources in the future.”

Founded in 1948, WBYC is a private, family yacht club that promotes sailboat racing, sailing in general, and other water-based activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and power boating, in an active volunteer atmosphere. The club, which is located at 27 Forman St., also maintains a full calendar of organized social events.

To learn more about the WBYC 2024 sailing programs, visit willowbankyc.com/sailing-programs.

By PHil BlACkWEll

In a span of eight days, the Cazenovia girls track and field team introduced itself to everyone in 2024 and gained three separate victories.

Following an April 10 sweep of Skaneateles and Auburn, the Lakers piled up 146 points to top Clinton (96 points) and 17 other rivals at the April 12 Tully Coed Invitational and then overwhelmed Phoenix 125-16 last Wednesday afternoon.

Continuing her dominance that started in the winter indoor track, Susie Pittman cleared 10 feet in the pole vault at Tully to win the event and break a school record that stood for 22 years.

Five other Lakers, including Pittman, had topped 9’6”, a mark first established in 2002, but this was the first 10-foot clearance - dpne in windy, rainy conditions, no less - and it ranks Pittman ninth in the state according to ny.milesplit.com.

Pittman also won the 400 meter dash (1:01.55) at Tully and took second in the triple jump (34’3 1/4”) and high jump (4’10”) to help Cazenovia to its decisive victory, but she had plenty of help in all four events she competed.

Reid McMurtrie took third in the 400 (1:03.45), while Claire Marris was third in the triple (33’3 1/2”), Megan Mehlbaum placed fifth in the high jump (4’10”) and Sophie Reger took fifth in the pole vault clearing 7’6”.

Marris earned a pair of victories of her own as she captured the 100 meter hurdles in an exceptional early season time of 16.39 seconds and helped the 4x100 meter relay team of Audie Spring,

By PHil BlACkWEll

Each of the Cazenovia lacrosse teams had to confront a relentless slate of opponents, hoping, at the very least, it could keep up with them.

When the boys Lakers took a 3-1 record into last Tuesday night’s game at Westhill, it may have expected to offer a good challenge to the Warriors.

Instead, Cazenovia lost, 14-3, only managing two goals from Alex Kuper and a goal from D.B. Falge, with Finn Hagan able to pick up an assist.

Everything else got turned back by Westhill goalie Keller O’Hern, who made 11 saves. Tucker Ives had 11 saves, but watched Andrew Mondo (four goals, three assists), Charlie DeMore and Tom Pendergast (three goals each) lead the Warriors’ charge.

By PHil BlACkWEll

Any time the Cazenovia baseball team can send Jack Donlin to the mound, it feels like it can hold up against any kind of competition.

Donlin would pitch well again in last Monday’s series opener against Marcellus, giving up just two hits as the Lakers blanked the Mustangs 10-0.

A seven-run fourth inning helped the Lakers end it early due to the mercy rule, but by then Donlin had already accumulated 11 strikeouts in his complete-game stint.

At the plate, Donlin joined Joey Awald and Jake Hightchew in getting

Izzie Stromer-Galley and Dinah Gifford to first place in 53.37.

Elsewhere, Marris was fifth in the 400 hurdles behind Mehlbaum’s secondplace 1:15.15. Audie Spring returned to post a season best of 15’4” for fourth in the long jump.

Maddie Rothfeld was the other individual winner for the Lakers, achieving a huge personal best in the shot put with a throw of 35’3 3/4”, the 12 th best effort in the state so far this spring. She also captured second in the discus with a distance of 87’7” with Olivia Morse close behind at 78’9”for fifth.

Abbie Comeau led the team’s effort in the distance events with a third place finish in the 3,000 meter run (11:50.08), just ahead of Gifford’s fifth place effort (11:56.09). Zoey Gagne added a fifth in the 1,500 (5:38.17).

The Lakers’ relays contributed heavily to the team’s success with the Throwers 4x100 and the 4x800 claiming second place and the 4x400 posting a third place finish.

Cazenovia then dominated Phoenix last Wednesday, winning all 17 events during the meet. Pittman again had four first place finishes including a repeat of her 10 foot height in the pole vault and a career best of 27.6 seconds to win the 200. Rothfeld was a double winner for the Lakers, including a personal best effort of 91’11” in the discus. She also won the shot at 29’3 1/2” with Karly Vaas also posting a career best of 27’1 1/4” to score. Abbie Comeau was also a double winner, prevailing in the 1,500 in 5:25 flat and 3,000 in 12:15.1.

Wins also went to Stromer-Galley (100 sprint, 13.3 seconds), Caroline Mehlbaum (100 hurdles, 18.3), , Alyssa Wardell (400 sprint, 1:05.4) and Lily Kogut (800, 2:37 flat), with Wardell adding a second title in the long jump by going 13’8 1/2”.

Better defense was played by the Lakers Thursday against LaFayette/ Onondaga, but it still resulted in an 8-5 defeat to the Lancers as Cazenovia fell back to the .500 mark.

Kuper again scored twice, with Falge getting one goal and one assist. Owen Porter and Paul Mitchell also found the net, but everything else got turned back by LaFayette/Onondaga goalie Braxtin Jones, who made nine saves, one less than Ives’ 10.

It didn’t figure to get easier in Saturday’s rematch with Westhill, and indeed the Lakers were kept off the board until Kuper and Porter found the net in the fourth quarter of an 8-2 defeat.

Again, O’Hern turned most of the Lakers’ shot back, recording 11 saves, while Ives managed 19 saves. DeMore led Westhill with two goals and four

two hits apiece as part of an 11-hit attack. Izaak Gilbert, Carter Bowen, Taven Reilley and Dan Bliss earned RBIs to match Awald and Hightchew.

Things turned around a day later when Cazenovia lost, 11-1, to Marcellus, who scored twice in the first inning to go in front before Gilbert settled down and blanked the Mustangs over the next five frames.

Awald singled and scored in the top of the sixth to cut it to 2-1, but Marcellus erupted for nine runs in the bottom of the sixth to get away, led by Ethan Dilmore (three hits), Gavin Foy and Max Chapman (two RBIs apiece).

Still in search of its first win of the

assists as Pendergast and Josh Gratien also scored twice.

Moving to the girls side, Cazenovia, who started the week 2-3, welcomed Westhill to the new high school turf field, only to see the Warriors put on a scoring display as it beat the Lakers 21-4.

A 15-goal first half by Westhill settled matters, Kara Rosenberger leading the visitors by scoring six times as teammates Sophia Lasher and Aubrey Holowinski both added three-goal hat tricks.

When Cazenovia was able to convert, it came from Charlie Prior and Hayden Bubble, who had two goals apiece. Maddy DeAngelis tacked on an assist. Eliza Smith recorded seven saves.

Against Southern Hills two days later, it was far closer, Cazenovia getting

season, Chittenango tried to get it against Homer last Tuesday afternoon, only to take a 5-3 defeat to the Trojans.

In the bottom of the third, the Bears, trailing 1-0, struck for all of its runs, scored by Mason Corlis, Jake Wagner and Drew Thomas as Corlis finished with two of Chittenango’s four hits. Homer countered with four runs in the top of the fifth, the key blow Tristan Allen’s home run, and never let the Bears answer. Ryan Thousand, Alex Pappas and Reagan Poland each pitched 2 1/3 innings, with Pappas taking the loss. The second game of the series with

Manlius Pebble Hill awaited on Thursday at Drumlins as part of a three-team match with Skaneateles. Cazenovia shot 217, but that just trailed Skaneateles’ 214 and both were behind the Trojans finished at 207. Marris shot a 45, trailing only the

The Lakers compete in invitationals at Onondaga and Chittenango over spring break before returning to league action against Jordan-Elbridge on May 1 as it strives to add to its already-impressive efforts.

a chance to win in the latter stages but unable to take advantage of it in a 10-9 loss to the Storm.

Prior did all she could, carrying the Lakers’ attack and setting a career mark with six goals. The other tallies went to Bubble, Izzy Stromer-Galley and Wyatt Skidmore, with DeAngelis getting a pair of assists. Maddy Lund (three goals) and Mackenzie Loughlin (two goals, three assists) led a more balanced Southern Hills lineup.

Then, facing Marcellus on Saturday, Cazenovia lost 20-5 to the Mustangs, who got six goals from star sophomore Cece Powell and four goals and three assists from Claire Card. Prior did have a three-goal hat trick for the Lakers, the other goals going to Bubble and Tara Pratt.

Homer resulted in a 7-0 defeat, all of the Trojans’ runs coming in the first and third innings as it chased starter Kyle Peryer.

Thousand and Evan Tianello settled it down in relief, but the Bears got just one hit, by Eli Lefort, off Trojans pitcher Mitchell Earle, who struck out eight.

In Saturday’s action, Chittenango ran into Oswego and took a 19-1 defeat to the Buccaneers, who took charge with an eight-run first inning. Quinton Hilliker had the Bears’ lone RBI, joining Lefort and A.J. Valente in the hit column.

with a 57, beat out the 58 from Bella Fazio.

Cazenovia girls track and field star Susie Pittman broke a 22-year-old school record in the outdoor pole vault by clearing 10 feet in the April 13 tully Coed invitational, a height she matched in last Wednesday’s meet at Phoenix while winning three other events in the lakers’ 125-16 victory.

Send your events to Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@ eaglenewsonline.com. Notices must have the date, time and location of the event. The deadline for submissions is 10 a.m. on Friday for the following week’s editions.

FRIDAYS THROUGH JUNE 14

Memory Care Corral

$10 per person. This program provides the community with therapeutic equine assisted services for individuals with memory loss. Registration required: rebecca.schafer@ariseinc. org. www.memorycarecorral.org.

APRIL 22-26

April Break Camp

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jamesville Dewitt Middle School. $195 for residents, $225 non-residents. Field trips include the Fun Warehouse, Movie Tavern, Skyzone, and bowling. Campers need to bring a bagged lunch, snacks, and water bottle every day. selsey@townofdewitt.com.

Spring Break Talent Showcase

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ESM High School Auditorium. For grades 6-12. $145 per student. Cast members will learn songs, dances, and acting scenes from musicals, plays, and movies. Performance will be April 26. selsey@townofdewitt.com.

April Break Basketball Camp

9 a.m.-12 p.m. for Grades 4-7. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. for Grades 8-12. Jamesville Dewitt High School, Main Gym. This camp is for honing fundamental skills and fostering a passion for the game through instruction, games, and competition. selsey@townofdewitt.com.

APRIL 26-27

Community Tag Sale Friday: 6 p.m.-7 p.m. $5 preview sale. Saturday: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. free admission. Manlius Senior Center. Find jewelry, home decor, artwork, collectables, and more while supporting the senior center.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Free Document Shredding

8 a.m.-11 a.m. Buyea Rd. Residential Station, 6666 Buyea Rd., Canastota. Madison County residents can bring up to four filing boxes per vehicle. No magazines, junkmail, or photos. No business waste.

ONGOING

MONDAYS Story Time 11-11:30 a.m. East Syracuse Free Library, 4990 James St. Enjoy stories, music, and crafts. Mindfulness and Meditation with Ava 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans. This workshop will provide participants the opportunity to destress and learn about different techniques and skills.

TUESDAYS

Toddler Storytime 10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese

Ave. Continue to support your toddler’s language and social development with storytime with Miss Karen. Intended for ages 0-3.

Baby Storytime 10:30 a.m. Story Garden, Cazenovia Library, 100 Albany St. Bring your baby for a lapsit story time! Features interactive movement and singing. Children under 3 only.

WEDNESDAYS

Weekly Woodcarving for Veterans

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

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Join the Clear Path family for lunch!

Menu changes every week. Complementary, no registration required.

Music & Movement

10-10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St. Bring a blanket and join us for singing, dancing, and movement in the Greenspace.

Preschool Storytime

10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese

Ave. Listen to Miss Karen read stories! Children are invited to share stories and social experiences that continue to support literacy and learning. This program is intended for children

ages 2 ½-5.

Family Storytime 10:30 a.m. Cazenovia Library. Join Ms. Jenna for stories, songs, and fun!

Paws & Relax

3:45-5:15 p.m. every other Wednesday. Manlius

Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Feeling stressed?

Need a study break or a furry snuggle? Love dogs and want to relax? Stop by the library for canine stress relief! The Manlius Library has teamed up with Pet Partners of CNY to bring therapy dogs to the Teen Room. No registration is necessary.

MONDAY-FRIDAY Electronic Recycling

8 a.m.-3 p.m. LOJO Technology, 634 Birchwood Dr., Oneida. Free, year round electronic recycling. No appointment needed. Madison County residents only.

THURSDAYS Free ESOL Class

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

Preschool Story Hour

1 p.m. Cazenovia Library. Join Ms. Debora in reading books for preschoolers, with activities and a new theme each week.

Manlius Library Writers

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

FRIDAYS Friday Night Fire

4:30 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans. Join for a complimentary dinner and family friendly activities. No registration required. Open for the public.

Project Healing Waters

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

Tech Time

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

FriYAY! Make it Day

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

SATURDAYS Create & Connect: Art Therapy Open Workshop for Teens

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

As many of you know who have read my columns over the years, I like to compare historical tournament information with current tournament statistics and trivia to determine if there are any similarities or di erences between todays PGA Tour players to the greats of the past. I found a few I hope you will enjoy.

For starters…

* ere have been only three golfers in history to win THE MASTERS “twice”, at a younger age than Scottie Sche er (27)…Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Steve Ballesteros.

* Including Sche er, there is only one other golfer to win multiple Masters titles while ranked No.1 in the World…Tiger Woods.

* From his 1st tournament of the 2024 PGA Tour season, Scottie Sche er has not shot a score over “even par”.

If that’s not enough bamboozlement to comprehend, add this…

* He averaged 305.7 yards with his drives.

* He played the par fours…even par.

* He was two-under on the par 3’s.

* He shot nine-under on the par 4’s.

* He made nine birdies on the par 5’s.

* He hit 79% of the fairways.

* He hit 70% of his greens in regulation.

* He only putted 109 times in four rounds…average of 1.5 putts per hole…27 per round.

When you begin to combine all of Scottie’s stats and trivia over the last three years, it is easy to start comparing him to more than just a few current and past greats of the game. And when he readily admitted a er his Masters victory that, “ e game of golf is not my rst priority, it’s 4th a er our rst child that we are expecting in a few weeks, my wife and my faith”, you begin to realize this young man does have his life and priorities in the the proper order.

Refreshing, I would add.

I have been waiting a long time for someone like Scottie Sche er to play on the PGA

Tour. His character, integrity, temperament and constitution are being well received, not only by the players on Tour, but by his new fans around the world. I started talking about him in glowing terms last fall when he was the PGA Tour Money Winner for the second consecutive year, the ESPY Award winner for Best Golfer, the Byron Nelson Award recipient and the Vardon Trophy winner for lowest scoring average. Add the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2019 and you have the makings of a true “Superstar” for the game of golf that I believe is desperately needed at this time. Hopefully, he will continue to keep his “Top ree Priorities” in life true to his faith.

Here is what Martin Conway, professor at Georgetown University Sports Management has to say about Schle er…”Scottie Schle er is now equated to performance. Ultimately, he’s dependable and reliable. Performance day in and day out. He is a business machine and it is hard to overstate his dominance on the PGA Tour”.

e facts are mind boggling and clear. It is certainly a great time to be a good golfer. Over the past decade, the on course average for PGA Tour players has grown 57% to $1.6 million. at gure is pumped-up to an astounding 4,094% when compared to 1980, which was the rst publicly available data from the PGA Tour. What Conway is saying is that the potential money for golfers at the top of their

Lawn and Garden Open House

9am – 2pm

April 13th at Waterville • April 20th at Lowville