Cazenovia Republican digital edition - May 15, 2024

Garden club shows support for lorenzo

On Saturday, May 4, 19 members of the Syracuse Garden Club, friends, and family joined the staff at Lorenzo State Historic Site to participate in “I Love My Park Day,” the largest single-day volunteer event in New York State. The group mulched newly planted fir trees, picked up tree limbs and branches, set up peony cages, and did other spring chores around the park.

Kate Hill

BY kATE HILL Staff Writer

On May 6, The Toast artisan bakery and cafe announced plans to close its Cazenovia location permanently and relocate to Syracuse to open Sugar Grove cafe and bakery.

Tonya Starkey and Kylie Gunnip, the business’ mother-daughter owners, shared the news in a post on “The Toast Cazenovia” Facebook page.

“This is a bittersweet announcement, but we are overall very excited for what is to come,” the post says.

“May 11 will be our last day in business as The Toast. . . . It has been an amazing journey the last nine years in business, and we have changed so much as people and as a business. We are thankful for everything and everyone that The Toast has brought into our lives, but [we] are excited to move and focus on what we love the most. More announcements to come so please stay tuned!

The dearest thank you to all of you who have supported us through the beginning, through every change, and here until the end. We love The Toast and we love you all.”

The Toast moved into Cazenovia’s Theophilus Cazenove building at 126 Nelson St. in 2020 after outgrowing its original Canastota location, which the business had called home since opening in 2015.

In addition to a large selection of pastries and other bakery items, The Toast has provided Cazenovia residents and visitors with breakfast and lunch sandwiches, plated breakfasts, soups, salads, coffees, and other drinks.

The business has also served as a wholesale bakery for other area restaurants and cafes.

On May 9, Starkey informed the Cazenovia Republican that neither she nor her daughter would be doing interviews about the move at this time.

Town board schedules telecommunications tower law public hearing

BY kATE HILL Staff Writer

On May 13, the Cazenovia Town Board scheduled a public hearing regarding the enactment of a proposed local law to amend the town code with respect to commercial mobile service facilities (telecommunications towers).

The public hearing will be held on June 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall.

According to the resolution adopted by the board, the local law is intended to “address the valid concerns and the interests the town board and town residents have in the aesthetic enjoyment of their homes and properties, while acknowledging the need, demand and national policy supporting the availability of commercial mobile services to the public.”

The commercial mobile service facilities local law was originally introduced in January 2024, and a public hearing was held the following month.

“We had a lot of public feedback,” said Town Supervisor Kyle Reger. “[Councilors Kelli Johnson and Sheila Fallon] have been working with some of the constituents that were involved with this, and after reviewing all that information, they’ve made some modifications, working with [Town Attorney John Langey’s] office, and we are now reintroducing the law.”

Reger added that the proposed local law, as revised and amended, would be posted on the town website on May 14.

According to the adopted resolution, the revisions “provide additional considerations involving the impacts of such uses on surrounding properties and residents, as well as tower height limitations.”

In other news

The board authorized the appointment of Kandice Fuchs to the position of “clerk, parttime” to assist with the administration of the town offices.

Her duties will include assisting residents in person and on the telephone with general questions, issuing dog licenses, issuing handicap parking tags, tax collection, issuing hunting and fishing licenses, issuing Madison County landfill punch cards, preparing building permit records for digitalization, organizing, indexing, and database entry. According to Reger, her start date is Monday, May 20.

“I was very grateful to be part of the interview process with [Town Clerk Connie Sunderman],” Reger said. “[Kandice] will be a tremendous addition to the team here.” Reger reported that the town plans to hold a public input meeting at the end of the month regarding the comprehensive plan update.

The Town of Cazenovia Comprehensive Plan Review Special Board hopes to present a draft plan to the board sometime this summer, Reger said.

He also stated that he is holding his next monthly office hours on Sunday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to allow community members to sit down with him and discuss any town issue.

At the end of the meeting, Reger announced that the board would be signing a proclamation for Terry Austin acknowledging his 50 years of service to the New Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department.

“That is just truly special for someone to give that much time of their life to serving others,” Reger said. “We are extremely grateful.”

The proclamation will be presented to Austin during a celebration on May 25.

The town board typically meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Gothic Cottage. For more information, visit towncazenovia.digitaltowpath.org or call the town office at 315-655-9213.

LEGONOVIA

BY kATE HILL Staff Writer

On Saturday, May 4, Cazenovia’s Community Resources for Independent Seniors (CRIS) filled Loka Leaf Tea Lounge for the organization’s first “Living Well in Retirement” program.

The seniors in attendance were given five tea and dessert pairings to enjoy while Loka Leaf owners Mark and Julie Biviano discussed the potential health benefits of each tea.

“The room was bustling with conversation and laughter,” CRIS said in a May 7 press release announcing its upcoming programs. “The tea lounge is a perfect place to hold educational events, wedding showers, baby showers, book clubs, [and more].”

CRIS is holding two additional programs for seniors in May and June. Both events will emphasize how to live well in retirement with healthy habits.

On May 22, Meg Tobin and Kelsey Sawyer will present “Mind and Movement.”

Tobin is a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Breathing Space Psychotherapy and Anam Wellness in Erieville.

Her work involves helping clients learn how to manage stressful emotions and live happier, more peaceful lives.

Tobin’s session will focus on enhanced well-being and inner peace. She will explore Emotional Freedom Techniques, also known as “tapping,” and other practical ways to calm the mind and ease distress.

“You’ll learn simple yet powerful techniques to [navigate] challenging emotions with greater ease and resilience,” the May 7 press release states. “Together, we’ll explore how to cultivate a sense of tranquility and balance in your daily life.”

Sawyer is a board-certified dance movement therapist and a certified yoga teacher specializing in grief.

Her private practice, Riverbend Grief Movement LLC, offers individual and group grief support services guided by movement, breath, and the body.

On May 22, Sawyer will teach participants how to use gentle movement and breath to connect with their bodies and enhance their physical and emotional well-being.

According to CRIS, the session is intended to create more space in the body for feelings of strength, alignment, and connection.

On June 10, Todd Marsh, founder of Home Microgreens, will share his expertise on growing small quantities of microgreens for home use.

Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny

vegetable and herb greens that can be grown in limited space and in a relatively short time.

Marsh’s workshop will cover the health benefits of growing microgreens and include a hands-on growing demonstration featuring multiple varieties of microgreens.

Each participant will receive a free starter kit provided by CRIS. Other supplies will be available to purchase.

“Mind and Movement” and the “Growing Microgreens at Home” workshop will be held at 10 a.m. at 10 Mill St., Cazenovia.

The programs are free, but space is limited. RSVP by contacting CRIS Director Karisha Solomon at director@cris-caz. com or 315-655-5743.

“Every year, CRIS provides educational programs based on the demand and input of what our seniors want to learn about,” Solomon said in the press release. “Last year, we had a fantastic turnout [for] every one of our speakers on death and dying, and we are having the same this year. It is wonderful to be able to provide experts [who] live in our community with a platform to share their knowledge. [It is also wonderful] for our seniors to be able to take home wisdom that can be implemented immediately. Our programs are educational, but we always have fun sharing and catching up.”

Submitted

CRIS

Beverly B. Sell, 94

Worked in real estate

Beverly B. Sell, 94, former resident of Thompson Road, Cazenovia, for 50 years, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024. She was born on April 30, 1929, in Syracuse as Beverly Ann Bogardus, the daughter of T. Elmer and Dorothy Fellows Bogardus.

Beverly dedicated several years of her life working at Clark Real Estate and Longley Jones Real Estate before retiring in 1994. She was predeceased by her husband Robert J. Sell. She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Sell-Thomas of Constableville, N.Y., and Wendy Sell of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

A future graveside service is planned in Fayetteville for close family. To read the entire obituary please visit doylefuneralhome.com

Remembering Hartwell P. Morse, Jr.

April 28, 1930 - September 22, 2023

Open House May 27, 2024

The Cazenovia Club

11:30 -2:30

4 Ledyard Avenue

Hart’s favorite day in Caz was the Memorial Day parade with ringing of the bell honoring each recently departed Vet. This year the bell will ring for him. Our family hopes all who knew him will join us in celebration after the parade.

Raymond C. Manning II, 78 army veteran

Raymond Charles Manning II (Rick,) 78, of Clark Mills passed away peacefully on Friday May 3rd 2024 at the V. A. hospital in Syracuse. He was with his son and grandson as he passed. Rick fought a long 8 year valiant battle with cancer.

Rick graduated from Cazenovia High School and Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. He was a member of the MENSA society. Also proudly served his country in the army from 1963-1970. In his life he wore many hats which included being a math teacher, insurance salesman, travel agent, Fox radio, prison guard and, most recently, a proud employee at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona.

Not only did Rick diligently compile and keep track of the family’s genealogy, he was an avid record (vinyl) and baseball card collector. Hobbies that let him meet

CRIS

l From page 3

community, and live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.

“CRIS is considered [the] center point for accessing information about events, services, and vendors of interest to seniors and their families in the community,” the CRIS website states. “CRIS also identifies, advocates for, attracts, and implements other services identified as wanted and needed in the local area.”

The organization provides direct services to seniors via various community educational presentations, the CRIS Cazenovia Area Transportation (CRIS CAT) program, and the Lend a Hand volunteer program.

and make many lasting friendships. Also notably he was a very loyal fan of the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. He even named his cat, Whitey, after his favorite player Richie Ashburn. Rick will be remembered as a tremendous man who was always willing to step in and help a friend when it was needed. He is survived by his sister Patrica Korell ( Roche Harbor, WA), brother Bob Manning (North Syracuse,) sister Shelli Van Brocklin (Crossville, TN,) son Chad Manning, granddaughter Risa Manning and grandson Rio Manning (Yokohama, Japan.)

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440. You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at nunnandharper. com

CRIS CAT is a volunteer program that provides free medical transportation to seniors. The Lend a Hand program enables individuals and organizations to submit requests for volunteer help to meet various needs.

Individuals interested in participating in either program are invited to CRIS’s yearly volunteer appreciation luncheon on June 12 to learn more. RSVP is required.

According to CRIS, its professional educational workshops for seniors are possible thanks in part to the 1886 Benevolent Society and community donations.

Contributions to the organization can be made at cris-caz.com or mailed to P.O Box 99 Cazenovia, NY 13035.

Beverly B. Sell

BY kATE HILL Staff Writer

Mother’s Day weekend is a significant time of year for Cazenovia resident McKenzie Houseman’s two small businesses, Cazenovia Cut Block and 20|EAST.

Cazenovia Cut Block is a woodworking company that designs and handcrafts oneof-a-kind pieces from wood native to New York State.

The 20|EAST farm store at 85 Albany St. is a one-stop shop for Cazenovia Cut Block items, gifts, local art, artisan products, fresh flowers, and New York State-sourced food items.

On Mother’s Day 2024, Houseman celebrated the 15th anniversary of Cazenovia Cut Block and the seventh anniversary of 20|EAST at its current location.

Houseman is also celebrating the recent makeover of the Albany Street shop.

“We just did the renovation last Monday,” Houseman said on May 6. “After COVID, people weren’t as comfortable being near each other. Our store was cozy, but it was too tight. We wanted a more open layout. We have just made better use of space. We moved things around to have a better flow and roominess throughout the shop. [Moving] our checkout counter [up] front is my favorite change. I can greet customers as they enter and as they leave. It feels so light and airy even though we have all the same inventory.”

The new layout was designed by Jennifer Hughes, the wife of Houseman’s late brother, Tim Hughes.

Tim, who passed away in 2015 at age 39, was a self-taught woodworker and the founder of Cazenovia Cut Block.

He was a lifelong resident of Cazenovia and graduated from Cazenovia High School in 1995. He attended Milford Academy and went to the University of Rhode Island on a full football scholarship, graduating in 2001.

Tim worked for his parents’ company, P.J. Hughes Distributors, before launching Cazenovia Cut Block at the Cazenovia Farmers’ Market in 2009.

“He was doing [woodworking] as a hobby and giving pieces away, but everyone said he should do it as a business,” said Houseman.

The siblings come from a family of Cazenovia small business owners, going back to their maternal grandfather, Grey Barr, who opened the popular Brae Loch Inn.

“[Tim] was very inspired by our grandfather Grey Barr,” said Houseman. “He was

always working away in his garage/shop. He caught the entrepreneurial bug.”

Soon after the business launched, customers started calling in the middle of the week to order items for pick-up at the farmers’ market. They also began requesting expanded offerings, such as custom countertops, tables, and butcher block islands.

Houseman was on hand to assist her brother with any aspect of the business except production.

“I worked the farmers’ market [and] handled customer orders, billing, and everything else it took to get the job done,” she said.

In 2010, the Cazenovia Cut Block showroom opened at 4157 Midstate Ln., just off Route 20 East, and in 2015, production moved to a warehouse at the same location.

In addition to cutting boards, bowls, wood islands, countertops, tables, and other custom pieces, the showroom started carrying other items produced by local artisans and craftsmen.

In 2017, Houseman opened 20|EAST on Albany Street and incorporated Cazenovia Cut Block into the retail space.

“I want to keep my brother’s legacy going for his children, the rest of our family, and the community,” Houseman said. “Everyone loves a Caz Cut Block. . . . All our boards are made by Neal Parker, [who] worked for us out of college. Ian Cornue also produced them for a few years to get us through.”

According to Houseman, examples of Cazenovia Cut Block’s work are the bar at Owera Vineyards, a cabinet housing a sword at the Brae Loch Inn, the Adirondack chairs at Windridge Estate, the coffee bean table at Dave’s Diner, the tabletops in the Seven Stone Steps, the map frame at the Lincklaen House, and a community table at Faegan’s Pub in Syracuse.

“The pieces are mostly in private homes,” Houseman noted.

Since opening in the village, 20|East has become a fixture in the Cazenovia community, and Houseman has demonstrated an ability to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of her customers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, she helped put many people at ease by filling her shelves with groceries from local producers, toilet paper, sanitizer, gloves, paper towels, and tissues rather than closing her doors. She also added curbside pick-up and home deliveries.

Today, Houseman’s diverse food offerings are particularly popular among customers.

“We do so well since COVID with all the

Submitted pHotoS

This Mother’s Day was the 15th anniversary of Cazenovia Cut Block and the seventh anniversary of 20|EAST at its Albany Street location. Mckenzie Houseman and her late brother, self-taught woodworker Tim Hughes, started Cazenovia Cut Block at the Cazenovia Farmers’ Market in 2009. Houseman opened the 20|EAST farm store as a one-stop shop for unique gifts, art, artisan products, fresh flowers, and New York State-produced food items.

fresh produce, bread, and to-go meals,” she said.

To view all the products available at 20|EAST, visit 20-east.com or stop by the

OuR vOicE

Teacher appreciation

For those of us who have completed our years of school, from elementary school on to high school and even through college, it is likely we have some perspective that lets us look back and think fondly of some of our favorite teachers.

Even for students who are still in the midst of their school days, there are probably teachers they have already created special bonds with or moments where they feel that their teacher has made a difference in their lives.

This influence can make a big difference.

It can come in any of the myriad things teachers do that resonate with a student.

Whether it is taking those extra minutes to listen when a young student has a story they are excited to share or taking that extra time to help work through a math problem or listening to a student’s ideas on the meaning of a classic book or showing appreciation for writing skills or fanning the flame for students with a love of the arts or music or encouraging them to go the extra mile on the athletic field, teachers have an influence that resonates.

In some cases it can even be this influence that helps us on our path to follow our passions and study harder, or push ourselves to explore new ideas in college or even helping us find our path in our adult lives with careers that were inspired by those little extra bits of encouragement we got from that teacher that we remember years later.

Needless to say the role teachers play in our lives is not one that is easily confined or defined by the strict parameters of the school day and can have a lasting impact on our lives.

According to pta.org, since 1984, the National PTA has designated one week in May as a special time to honor the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children.

Last week, May 6 to 10, was set aside as that week to stop and think about the educators in our lives and the lives of our children and to show our appreciation.

In recent years teachers have shown an incredible ability to adapt and keep working to offer the best possible education for students.

In 2020 as everything closed there was a great deal of uncertainty about so much, including how schools would function.

Teachers rose to the challenge of teaching remotely and adapting lessons to this new reality.

This was no small task and one that had to come together fairly quickly.

Even as schools returned to normal, teachers had to adapt to split schedules where students were present part of the time and remote other days.

And even now as schools have returned to normal teachers are still working to address the challenges that the past couple of years posed, often going the extra mile to help students who may need a little extra help.

This is all in addition to the many hours teachers put in on evenings, weekends and holidays to grade work, prepare lessons, make evaluations and numerous other tasks that cannot be done during the regular school day.

Many teachers even go above and beyond purchasing supplies and other needed materials for their classes with their own money.

For many of us the pandemic may have given us a little more insight into what it is like to be a teacher and a better sense of the work they put in every day.

For many of us this helped give us a deeper appreciation for the role educators play in the lives of our children and this has carried on even as things returned to normal and we see all the work teachers continue to put in for our children.

While the appreciation week has passed, like any other profession, extending courtesy and appreciation can go a long way.

It never hurts to reach out to your children’s teachers and have a conversation, ask questions and let them know the work they do makes a difference.

Or for other ideas visit pta.org to get some thought on ways to show appreciation for local teachers.

REAd WhAt YOu

Have I mentioned that I love to read?

I began my career as a reader at the Brooklyn Public Library on 53nd and 4th with Pearl Buck’s “Peony.” I was in the fourth grade and my teacher required that all of her students have a library card. My mother, who also likes to read, was not what you might call excited about my acquisition of a library card because she believed that library books carried germs. With four children who spent a good portion of any given time period in bed, sick, I can appreciate her anxiety, however mistaken she was. I became a regular in the children’s section located on the right-hand side of the first floor at the library. My joy at this access was only exceeded by obtaining a stack pass when I was a junior at Syracuse University. I really am passionate about reading both well written fiction and non-fiction. Authors that I admire are my heroes, creating a pantheon of names that have trailed along with me over the years. Admittedly, those who were heroes when I was younger sometimes don’t easily withstand the scrutiny of the years. What I enjoyed when I was less experienced in life is often not what I would select when I reread it now, but they were perfect for who I was then.

My house is filled with books, many left-over from college and teaching, dear in a way that is difficult to explain. I should get rid of them, but I can always find something else to do when the

FROM THE MAILBAG

A successful event

To the editor:

The Board of Cazenovia Heritage wishes to thank the Cazenovia community for its tremendous support and enthusiasm for the First Annual Legonovia event! Dozens of children were delighted to recreate some of our Town’s historic architecture in LEGO blocks on Sunday May 5.

Sponsors at the Leader, Conservator, and Restorationist level deserve particular recognition for their support:

Americu Credit Union

Chuck Amos

Tom Anderson

Ted and Barbara Bartlett

Caz Pizza

Cazenovia Jewelry

Bob and Bobbi Constable

Anne Ferguson

Scott Ferguson and Jeanne

Whitney Smith

First Presbyterian Church

Leigh Baldwin & Co.

Red Apple

Marc Schappell

Larry and Glenda Wetzel

These, along with the many supporters at the Sustainer and Protector levels, ensured that all had a fun-filled and educational afternoon.

Cazenovia Heritage is deeply appreciative of all the sponsors and the community’s engagement. We look forward to next year’s Legonovia to honor our historic architecture.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, ANNE B. FERguSON, PRESIDENT

Cazenovia Heritage

Letters l Page 7

idea pops into my mind. Yes, I have given many books away to friends, to charitable groups, to the library, and still many remain, waiting to be read, fortunately for me. To me, that is like having a freezer full of cheesecake and vanilla ice cream. What a glorious situation. There was a book club in my life. There were serious book lovers in that group and we looked at the books in ways that you wouldn’t normally examine something that you were reading. I miss that a lot. Because we scrutinized the book club selections from so many different angles, I found out that there was more than one way to get into a book. Some of my fellow book club members underlined, wrote in the margins, took notes and devoured the texts. I haven’t done that since I was in college or when I was teaching. I’ve limited my interaction to simply reading for my own pleasure and, in doing so, I’ve also discovered that it is not necessary to read every book that comes into your hands. Some just don’t pass my mind’s filter. I guess that I used to think of reading books in the same way that my mother urged me to eat all of the stuff on my plate … those “starving children” somewhere! Are there starving readers out there in need of books that I don’t want to finish? Failing to finish a book doesn’t go on my permanent record, either. Right now I have a deliciouslyfabulous favorite author. In fact you might say that I have a crush on him, though I doubt if I could pick him out at a cocktail party,

not that I attend many of such affairs or he would entertain attending any that would have me as a guest. Who is it? It is the superb historian, David McCullough, whose enormous tomes can capture my attention for weeks. I’ve finished “The Great Bridge” and “John Adams” and I am half way through “Truman,” but have stopped for a bit because my sister gave me a bag of Janet Evanovich books … the Stephanie Plum novels.

“Read these,” she said, “and be prepared to laugh.”

I like laughing but I put them aside until Norma, my endodontist’s mother, who only reads scholarly books about European history, confessed that she devours Evanovich. “Read them,” she said, “You’ll laugh out loud.” So I am reading them and laughing…out loud.

And then … there is the long list of books recommended by a little catalog, Bas Bleu. These are not great literature but the kind of books that substitute for therapy in a world where you are sometimes judged harshly for not reading tomes that examine weighty, often exhaustingly depressing topics. I buy most of them every year and then give them to my sister for Christmas with the hope that she will give them to me. It’s a win-win.

We both love to read.

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.

Years Ago in history

BY CINDY BELL TOBEY

90 Years Ago – May 17, 1934

A recently printed newspaper article speaking of a copy of The Madison Freeholder of March 12, 1809, printed in Peterboro, now in the possession of Elbert M. Kelsey, a town of Lincoln farmer, says that paper is believed to be the oldest existing copy of a Madison County publication.

However, there are older Madison County publications and still in a fine state of preservation.

The Cazenovia Public Library has complete files of The Pilot, which was established at Cazenovia Aug. 10, 1808, by Oran E. Baker and continued to be published for 15 years until August 1823.

These files are kept in a fireproof safe with other priceless early records.

There is some doubt as to which paper, The Freeholder or The Pilot, has precedence as being the first established in the county, both originating in the year 1808.

80 Years Ago – May 18, 1944

George W. H. Allen, chairman of the Cazenovia War Price and Rationing Board, makes the following announcement in connection with sugar for home canning: An Amendment to Revised Ration Order 3 sets two periods during which consumers may apply for canning sugar.

First period to start May 15, which is just prior to the availability of the early fruit crops in the Syracuse district, and is to continue substantially through such crop season.

Issuance during this first period is limited to ten pounds per person.

The second period will start July 1, just prior to the availability of the late fruit crop, and will continue through the crop season.

All applications for second period are to be accompanied by a statement as to the use of the earlier allowance of sugar.

70 Years Ago – May 13, 1954

The Madison County Council, Boy Scouts of America, has mobilized its entire membership of 1,005 boys and leaders at the request of President Eisenhower, Honorary President of the organization, “to perform a national conservation good turn” this year. An extensive educational and technical conservation program during this spring, summer and fall will engage the best efforts of 37 Cub Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Explorer Posts in the Madison Council.

One thousand Smoky Conservation Good Turn posters are being distributed throughout the county, appealing to prevent forest fires and conserve soil, water, forests, grass and wildlife.

Another thousand posters of the Outdoor Code are being distributed calling upon all Americans to use this code as a guide to their outdoor manners.

history l Page 7

Jennifer Wing, ext 340, jwing@eaglenewsonline com News Editor: Jason Gabak, ext 319, jgabak@eaglenewsonline com Reporter: Kate hill , ext 325, khill@eaglenewsonline com Reporter: Jason Klaiber, jklaiber@eaglenewsonline com Sports Editor: Phil blackwell, ext 348, pblackwell@eaglenewsonline com Display Ads EB: linda Jabbour, ext 304, ljabbour@eaglenewsonline com

Display Ads CR: lori lewis, ext 316, llewis@eaglenewsonline com

Classified Advertising: Patti Puzzo, ext 321, ppuzzo@eaglenewsonline com

Billing questions: alyssa dearborn, ext 305, adearborn@eaglenewsonline com

Legal Advertising: luba demkiv, ext 303, ldemkiv@eaglenewsonline com

Publisher: david tyler, ext 302, dtyler@eaglenewsonline com

Creative Director: Gordon bigelow, ext 331, art@eaglenewsonline com

Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro

RORY’S dECAdE OF BuRdEN

Rory McIlroy wasn’t waiting. Though he had the option to stop until the next morning, Rory pushed through, weather and darkness looming on an early summer evening in Kentucky, until he had secured his victory, a fourth major title. At age 25, McIlroy was poised to rule golf as the best player of his generation.

He’s still waiting for that fifth major.

In so many ways, the return of the PGA Championship to Valhalla Golf Club near Louisville carries immense symbolism, and most of it surrounds the young man from Northern Ireland whose triumphant procession has turned into something else far more complicated and challenging.

On one level, nothing is wrong. Rory is wealthy, successful, a husband and father, owner of more than two dozen PGA Tour titles. Few, if anyone, are better at explaining golf’s nuances and quirks in a way the common person can understand.

Ah, but the young McIlroy that left Valhalla with both the Wanamaker Trophy and the Claret Jug from the 2014 Open Championship in his possession has long passed. What’s there now is difficult to easily define.

Not getting another major largely defines him in the minds of the sporting public. A few close calls, yes –Augusta in 2018, St. Andrews in 2021 and Los Angeles

CC in 2023 – all great chances, all of them won by someone else. Within the golf world, though, it goes deeper. Fair or not, McIlroy was seen as the symbolic counterweight to the crushing force of money ushered into the sport by LIV Golf, the guy who stayed loyal while Phil Mickelson, Brooks Kopeka, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and others took the side of the Saudi-backed tour.

Except that even Rory, in his place on the PGA Tour’s policy board, could not prevent more LIV defections. Slowly, surely, painfully, he realized that he had little power to prevent the schism from getting worse.

This added to the weight McIlroy had to feel, having seen everyone’s expectations for him not reach the Tiger Woods-like levels his early career suggested, even if no one was ever going to play golf as well as Tiger did in the early 2000s.

All through these 120 months, and in the 36 majors played during that period, Rory has needed to talk at every pre-tournament press conference, and after every round, usually the same questions about when the major drought would end and, in recent years, the added concerns about whether the sport would ever unify at the top level again.

More and more, McIlroy’s trajectory resembles that of Seve Ballesteros, who climbed to the top in his early 20s but was

l From page 6

Five thousand auto stickers will be distributed throughout Madison County.

By accepting the Conservation Good Turn, auto owners and operators will agree to help preserve and

l From page 6

99 & 103 Albany Street

Project

To the editor:

The board and staff of the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) are writing to express our support for the proposed redevelopment at 99/103 Albany Street. As an organization committed to the protection of our community’s agricultural, natural, and architectural character, CPF is pleased that this project will enhance our community.

not the same after age 30.

Back then, Seve was partially weighed down by carrying European golf, both by himself and in the Ryder Cup he helped to revive.

But while criticizing Rory’s golf game is entirely fair, it’s ridiculous to put the sport’s questionable future in his hands, or in the hands of any single player who’d much rather focus on winning trophies than on spreadsheets.

The PGA Tour would rather lean on McIlroy,

Scottie Scheffler and

other stars than honestly address the factors of greed and arrogance that allowed for a challenger to emerge and, by doing so, shine an unflattering mirror.

No one, at this moment, quite knows where the PGA-LIV saga stands. For its part, the incumbents remain committed to keeping out LIV defectors as a possible starting point, while Greg Norman, in charge of LIV, has signaled a desire to talk and com -

cNYSPcA PET OF THE WEEK

promise – something less than the total victory Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour desires. McIlroy’s part in this? He has openly stated that some kind of world tour for the top players would be ideal. Ironically, that’s what it was like before the early 21 st century, with separate tours in each continent and an uneasy peace. One day, this will end, either with golf in public shambles or with the game’s best together again on a regular basis,

not just at the four majors that, fair or not, define careers and lives. Maybe then Rory McIlroy can stop worrying about everyone else wanting him to lead golf and instead, just play golf, like he did a decade ago, when all he had to do was walk in glory toward the darkness, not knowing all that lay ahead.

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

MEEt RICkY ANd BuBBLES

BY dONNA NEWMAN pHoto provided by donna neWman

Ricky and Bubbles are two parakeets who found themselves at the shelter when their family could no longer care for them. Parakeets are the smallest kind of parrots and are the third most popular pet in the world, after dogs and cats. Parakeets are known to be docile and easy to train. They’re also curious and intelligent and enjoy games, toys, and puzzles. Parakeets can live to be more than fifteen years old, and they need a special diet and a lot of attention from their people to be happy. Make sure you do your research before adopting parakeets or any other animal. In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up- to-date on their vaccines. All adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccines and flea treatment before they go home. The CNYSPCA is located at 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, mail frontdesk1@ cnyspca.org or visit cnyspca.org.

maintain the beauty of the American countryside and to preserve the beauty of the roadside by not throwing or scattering trash, cigarettes or refuse from the automobiles along our roads and parkways.

60 Years Ago – May 14, 1964

According to information reaching us, Empire

The site at 99/103 Albany Street has long awaited a project of this ambition and scope. The persistent vacancy and disrepair of this site has detracted from the beauty and cohesion of our downtown area and has been a detriment to our community for decades.

This proposal not only resolves these longstanding issues but also promises to add vibrancy to the heart of our walkable downtown through mixed-use functionality.

This project is a commendable example of smart growth, strategically leveraging existing urban space for new housing and commercial uses rather

State Airlines, a division of Flight Service Inc. of Syracuse, has started daily flights between Syracuse and Ithaca. Operations began this month, using seven passenger twin beech aircraft, which is ideally suited for third level service. T. R. Carpenter Jr. of West Lake Rd., Cazenovia, is president of Flight Service Inc., which is based at Hancock Field.

than encroaching upon our cherished natural and agricultural lands that surround Cazenovia.

We find that the proposed building’s design thoughtfully responds to the scale and character of the surrounding area. CPF appreciates the proactive efforts the developer has made to engage with the community, seeking feedback and support to ensure the project balances community needs and expectations with overall project feasibility.

We appreciate that the building’s adherence to modern building practices and codes will ensure that it is significantly more energy efficient than

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

other Albany Street infrastructure, and as plans progress, we encourage the developer to consider other sustainability features to the extent that such measures are feasible.

This project is a critical step forward in responsible community planning for Cazenovia.

We look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and appreciate the positive impact it will have on our community.

JEN WONg, ExECutIvE dIRECtOR on beHalf of tHe Cpf board of direCtorS

Caz boys track finishes unbeaten regular season

BY PhIL BLACkWELL

Another regular season for the Cazenovia boys track and field team concluded with the Lakers undefeated and well clear of all of its Onondaga High School League Liberty American division foes.

Further proof of this was offered last Wednesday afternoon, when Cazenovia went to Hannibal and breezed to an 111-30 victory with several different individual standouts.

Ethan Burry swept both of the throwing events, heaving the discus 101 feet 6 inches and getting a top shot put of 36’5”. Eliot Comeau cleared 5’8” in the high jump, with Caleb Gilmore topping 9’6” in the pole vault and Charlie Comeau going 37’8” in the triple jump.

Finn Worthington swept two sprints, taking the 100meter dash in 11.2 seconds

and the 200-meter dash in 23.3 while joining Braden Carnahan, Wyatt Scott and Charlie Comeau for a time of 45.6 in the 4x100 relay. In the 400, Scott, Comeau, Tristan Field-Bradley and Judah Ossont were victorious in 3:51.4, with Scott going 1:03.8 in the 400 hurdles and FieldBradley taking the 400-meter dash in 53.8 seconds. Carnahan won the 110 hurdles in 15.9 seconds.

Eliot Comeau would go to Friday’s Oneida Invitational and, in the boys 800, tear to a time of 2:00.46, which put him second behind the quick 1:55.92 put up by South Lewis standout Colin Stafford.

Chittenango had its own successful three-team meet last Tuesday, able to prevail over Homer and Living Word Academy. The boys Bears beat the Trojans 96-44 and the Lions 91-48, with Chittenango’s girls handling Homer 85-52 and LWA 111-19.

the Cazenovia boys track and field team completed an undefeated regular season last Wednesday when it defeated Hannibal 111-30. the Lakers had all of its meets on the road this season while its track was getting replaced.

But the work didn’t end there for the Bears, who went Friday to the John Arcaro Classic at Baldwinsville and put together a string of strong finishes on both the girls and boys sides.

In the girls 4x800 relay, Mariah Stewart, Ani McCarthy, Natalie DiGennaro and

Sophia DiGennaro put up a time of 10:10.89, second only to the winning 10:02.15 from Liverpool.

Hannah Wagner soon followed by earning third place in the 400 hurdles in 1:08.86, not far from the winning 1:05.36 from Cicero-North Syracuse’s Grace Murray.

Ava McLean got seventh in the 3,000-meter run in 11:58.50 as Laura Powers took eighth in the 1,500-meter run in 5:16.26 and Sophia DiGennaro was ninth in the 800. Natalie DiGennaro had an eighth-place triple jump of 30’1 1/2”. Over on the boys side,

Chittenango’s 4x800 team finished fourth as Bryce Edwards, Micah Granata, Sean Navin and Gavin Roach went 9:01.42. Robert Pierce added an 11th in the 400-meter dash in 54.37 seconds and Drew Toner cleared 9 feet in the pole vault.

Caz girls track extends league win streak to 32 meets

BY PhIL BLACkWELL

A long win streak, another school record broken, another regular season ended undefeated – all in less than a week for the Cazenovia girls track and field team.

The Lakers appear to be reaching a higher gear as as the regular season draws to a close, earning second place at the May 3 East Syracuse-Minoa Invitational and following up last Wednesday with a dominating 135-6 victory over Hannibal to capture the league title.

Cazenovia’s win over the Warriors capped their regular season at 6-0 and extended their dual meet win streak to 32 contests, with the last loss occurring in 2017. The OHSL LibertyNational Division crown was the Lakers’ 12th league title in 14 seasons dating back to 2010, during which time the team’s record is 85-3.

Susie Pittman led the Lakers to victory against Hannibal, winning four events, but the junior saved her best for the end. As darkness drew in, Pittman cleared 10 feet 6 inches in the pole vault.

Not only was it the best Section III vault of the season so far, it was yet another school record. Having tied the 20 year-old mark of 9’6” as a freshman, she broke the 10-foot barrier to

BY PhIL BLACkWELL

It did not sit well for the Cazenovia baseball team to get shut out by its Madison County neighbors from Chittenango in a 3-0 decision on May 4 – especially for Jack Donlin.

All that Donlin did, in the wild week that followed, was twice pitch complete games and, on a soggy Friday afternoon on the Lakers’ new turf field, hand 10-0 Phoenix its first defeat of the season.

Having dropped a 5-4, nine-inning epic to the Firebirds earlier in the week, Cazenovia had motivation enough. Better yet, it had an all-weather field on a day where so many other games were rained out.

set a new record in April and increased it by another six inches at Hannibal.

And Pittman did all this in a meet where she also went 35’5” in the triple jump, cleared 4’8” in the high jump and put up a career-best time of 26.6 seconds in the 200-meter dash, winning all these events.

Cazenovia’s youngest athletes also contributed heavily to the victory as freshman Caroline Mehlbaum won the 100 meter and 400 meter hurdle events and eighth-grader Abbie Comeau captured the 1,500 and 3,000 meter runs. The Lakers’ depth and range of talent was also on display as Audie Spring (first in the 100-meter dash in 13.3 seconds), Reid McMurtrie (first in the 400 at 1:02.4) and Alyssa Wardell (first in the 800 in 2:34.7) all added wins on the track.

Cazenovia also swept all three relays to help produce an 86-1 advantage on the track. Spring led Natalie Dolan, Avery Cashatt and Anna Reksc to first in the 4x100 at 54.8 secnds.

McMurtie anchored two relays to victory as Dinah Gifford, Olivia Ruddy and Ellie Morgan joined her to win the 4x800 and Meghan Mehlbaum, Alyssa Wardell and Maura Phillips added legs to the winning 4x400 in 4:23.8. Wardell (long jump, 15’3”) Maddy Rothfeld

Most of all, though, it had Donlin, who in seven innings quieted the Firebirds’ bats, giving up just one hit (a Cameron Dryer single) and three walks while amassing 14 strikeouts.

At the plate, Donlin walked twice, drove in a run and got a single, but was glad to see teammates help out, especially in a decisive five-run third inning. Ten different players scored runs, with Joey Awald getting a pair of hits and RBIs credited to Nico Segall, Robby Livingston, Cy Abbott, Izaak Gilbert and Taven Reilley.

Back on May 5, with an immediate chance to return to action after the defeat to Chittenango, the Lakers handled Solvay 11-1 in the first of Donlin’s gems.

Not content with a first-inning home run, Donlin returned in the sixth and, with the bases loaded, delivered a grand slam to end the game. In between, he added a single and finished with six RBIs overall.

Donlin also pitched a complete game, holding Solvay to four hits while striking out

(shot put, 31’1”) and Karly Vaas (discus 71’11”) added wins in the field events to help the Lakers to a 50-4 advantage there.

Five days earlier, Cazenovia took full advantage of the competitive 23 team field at the ESM Invitational to run some of their best times of the season.

A particular highlight was the 4x400 meter relay’s second-place finish in 4:07.28 to meet the elite standard for a second qualifier to the state championship meet. Pittman led the way with a 1:00.1 leg, McMurtrie adding a 1:00.8 effort, Mehlbaum a 1:01.9 and Wardell a time of 1:04.3.

Pittman also won the pole vault, clearing 10 feet to set up her record-breaking effort at Hannibal, and claimed the triple jump with 35’9”, just five inches from the school record.

Mehlbaum and Marris were also sensational in the 400hurdles, finishing second and third in 1:08.29 and 1:08.52, respectively, as each hit career bests in the event.

The Lakers returned to Hannibal for Monday’s OHSL Liberty division championships and have one final tune-up at the DeRuyter Invitational Saturday before they strive for their third consecutive sectional title May 22 at Adirondack High School in Boonville.

11. Livingston helped out with a pair of RBIs as Segall and Gilbert also drove in runs, with Danny Bliss and Jacob Genter both scoring twice.

The first game with Phoenix followed two days later.

Reilley gave the Lakers a 2-0 lead with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first. Phoenix cut it to 2-1 in the third, but Gilbert kept the Firebirds quiet over the next three innings, accumulating eight strikeouts.

Still, in the top of the seventh Phoenix got even, 2-2, Dryer singling home Matt Froio, but more excitement was to follow.

In the top of the eighth, the Firebirds pulled in front 3-2, but the Lakers tied it again in he bottom of the eighth when Donlin found the gap and didn’t stop running until he had crossed the plate for an inside-thepark home run.

went

in the 3,000-meter run in last Wednesday’s meet at hannibal, where the Lakers prevailed 135-6 to extend its dual meet win streak to 32 and wrap up another regular-season league title.

Somehow, Phoenix weathered this and got the game to the ninth, where it loaded the bases against Abbott. Chase Slocum, whose diving attempt to catch Donlin’s line drive led to the home run, walked to again put the Firebirds in front.

Corey, who went all nine innings, got the final three outs, having accumulated 15 strikeouts while limiting Cazenovia to five hits while also going three-for-five at the plate.

Not only did Cazenovia get even for this, it had enough energy a day later to go out and win a 3-1 rematch with Solvay.

In the top of the first, the Lakers struck for all three of its runs, Donlin and Segall credited with RBIs, and that was all Bliss would need as the Lakers freshman went the route, getting a season-best 11 strikeouts and limiting the Bearcats to four hits.

BY PhIL BLACkWELL

When neighborhood bragging rights were on the line in girls lacrosse, Chittenango got a jump on Cazenovia and did not let up in any way.

BY PhIL BLACkWELL

As the season wears on, the Cazenovia boys lacrosse team has continually shown itself to be a tough opponent to deal with, especially on the defensive side. Seven times in its first 12 games, the Lakers have held an opponent to single-digit goals, and it’s also managed four victories without getting to the 10-goal mark, too.

No less than five different Chittenango players earned hat tricks, led by Tomi Newkirk, who got to double digits in points by netting seven goals and adding three assists.

Caitlyn Sgambellone set a career mark with six assists to go with her three goals.

These two sides met last Monday night and it was all Bears, with an aggressive attack and solid defense that, put together, resulted in a 20-5 victory over the Lakers. Going into the game, their records were not that far apart – Chittenango at 6-5, Cazenovia at 4-8. Yet in every phase of the game the Bears were effective, especially on the attack.

Another example of this was last Tuesday night’s 7-4 win at Tully, where Cazenovia nearly replicated, right down to the score, its 7-4 victory over the Black Knights on April 11.

Start to finish, Cazenovia’s back line made sure Tully didn’t get many chances. All told, the Black Knights had 12 shots, eight of them stopped by Tucker Ives. When the Lakers were able to produce

Anna Lazzaro, Reese Ferstler and Gracie Brazell matched each other with three goals and one assist as Persephone Rohrer added one goal and one assist. Gabriella Feak also had an assist.

On Cazenovia’s side, Charlie Prior scored three times, with single goals going to Maddie DeAngelis and Wynslet Skidmore, but nothing else got past Bears goalie Abby Penfield, who stopped 11 of the 16 shots she faced.

goals, D.B. Falge was the focal point, finding the net three times for a hat trick and adding a pair of assists. Alex Kuper got two goals, with Paul Mitchell adding a goal and assist and Owen Porter also converting.

An even bigger test loomed on Thursday night at Hyatt Stadium, Cazenovia challenging state Class D no. 4-ranked Skaneateles – and almost getting shut out.

Skaneateles won this Laker duel 13-1,

Back home on Wednesday night, Cazenovia met reigning state Class D champion Skaneateles and took an 18-3 defeat in the clash of Lakers sides.

Goals by Prior, Sally Hughes and Hayden Bubble were all Cazenovia could muster, Skaneateles getting out to an 11-1 lead by halftime led by Anasaofia Cirincione’s four goals. Grace Marquardt and Paige Willard each had three goals and two assists.

only giving up a third-quarter goal to Kuper assisted by Falge, which came after the hosts built a 6-0 halftime advantage. Of the 13 shots Cazenovia took, 12 of them were stopped by Skaneateles goalies Jack Marquardt and Luke Logan. Meanwhile, on the other end Skaneateles was well-balanced as nine different players had goals, Landen Brunelle’s hat trick leading the way.

Cazenovia girls track and field runners Abbie Comeau (right), Olivia Ruddy (left) and haylee Stearns

1-2-3

Cazenovia softball rallies past Phoenix, beats Solvay

BY PhIL BLACkWELL

In last Tuesday’s game against Phoenix, the Cazenovia softball team was trailing by double digits early, but made it all the way back and, somehow, ended up with a comfortable winning margin as it defeated the Firebirds 21-14.

Any thought of victory seemed ridiculous when Phoenix erupted for eight runs in the top of the first inning. By the end of the top of the third, Cazenovia found itself in a 13-1 hole.

But the comeback began immediately, a tworun third inning followed by a fourth inning where it was Cazenovia’s turn to bat around, plating eight runs to reduce its deficit to 13-11.

A Phoenix tally in the top of the fifth was answered when the Lakers, with four more runs, grabbed a 15-14 lead, and then it again went around the order in the bottom of the sixth, delivering six insurance runs. Through it all, Madden Cobb was a focal points with a double, two sin -

gles, two walks and four RBIs. Caitee Fenton also reached base four times and drove in three runs.

Gianna Comino went three-for-five with three RBIS, runs also driven in by Cadence Walter and Layla Decker as Comino and Walter led the way scoring three runs apiece.

Great as this was, what Cazenovia did 24 hours later against Solvay was just as impressive, the Lakers prevailing 4-3 to pull off a season sweep of a Bearcats side that, after it lost the first meeting 9-6, had gone on an eightgame win streak.

Single runs in the second and third innings put the Lakers up 2-0. Solvay tied it in the bottom of the third, but a two-run rally in the fifth gave Cazenovia the lead for good.

Despite a Bearcats run in the fifth to cut it to one, Reilley was able to blank Solvay over the last two innings, only allowing seven hits overall.

Sophie Wilmot had a terrific day catching and also had a triple and two RBIs, with Comino also driving in a run.

School of Music and the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. Guarneiri is a member of Junior B

The rematch Thursday with Phoenix was a more conventional comeback. Trailing 4-1 through four innings, the Lakers went

in front with four runs in the top of the fifth, then got three more in the next two innings that accounted for the 8-5 winning margin.

Fenton reached base four times and scored a run on each occasion, adding a pair of RBIs, with Comino driving in

two runs and RBIs also going to Walter and Reilley. Willmot pitched five innings and held Phoenix to four hits.

Club plans annual learn to row event

Sharp and the American Guild of Organists, Syracuse Chapter, where he sits on the executive board. He works as the organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville. In the fall, Guarneiri plans to study or-

His name was “Chuck” Jonick…

ese are my thoughts about Chuck… With a few more from people you might know…

When I rst met Chuck Jonick, he was just one of the many people in the golf world I had met along my journey through golf and life. I was trying to convince him to buy a sponsorship on my radio show to promote his driving range. I thought it was going to be easy.

He immediately picked up on my loud, bold, competitive nature and responded with his own style of “negotiating” by using his knowledge, experience and self educated and well deserved “Doctorate in Psychology”, to foil a well meaning plot by a radio jock who was trying to pic his pocket for a few bucks of advertising. By the time I le his Pro-Shop, two hours later, I was waving the white ag of surrender. I had met my match! Every year, for the next 25 years, Chuck has been a guest on my radio show 3-4 times during the golf season because he earned my respect and admiration for the way he treated his customers, conducted his business, his life and expressed his passion for the game of golf.

Whenever I entered the front door (bell ringing) to the Pro Shop and he was there talking to a customer, he immediately looked to see who was coming in and proudly said, in his “Walter Brennen” style voice, “Hi Perry, I want you to meet someone”. His introductions became legendary in CNY, not because he remembered our rst and last names but because he also knew the names of our children and where we worked and played golf. He was a proud man and knew he had a gi for remembering names and couldn’t wait for the opportunities to show o that talent. Chuck Jonick knew who he was, better than the rest of us who thought we did. He was thankful and grateful that he was doing what he loved to do best…teach people how to play golf and respect the game. I have been fortunate to have had Chuck be part of my life. I will cherish every personal conversation I ever had with him.

I visited Chuck at Up-State Hospital on the evening before he passed away..early the following morning. He seemed restful and at peace with himself. I raised my voice to see if I could get his attention and detected a slight twitch in his le eyebrow. I honestly believe he heard me say I was bringing best wishes from all of his customers and friends. I also asked him if he could be a guest on my show on Saturday morning. My show that weekend was all about Chuck’s life and career in CNY teaching about 50,000 people how to play golf. I also had the honor of saying a few words about him at his “Celebration of Life” event on May 4th at his driving range where hundreds of his customers and friends gathered, along with his family, to share their stories about him. You might recognize some of the following names of people who knew Chuck that I asked to share their thoughts about him.

From: Coach, Jim Boehiem

“He was a great guy who loved to teach golf to all!! Young…old…men..women…good or bad golfers. He would work with them. A true teacher”.

From: Jim Yeager, PGA, Callaway Golf

“In the 30 years of working with Chuck, he never tired of seeing new products. He would tap them to listen to the sounds, inspect them from every direction and measure them with gauges while I waited for his thoughts and responses. He’d know in two minutes if we had a strikeout, a bloop single or a home run. When I met Chuck to talk business, he would inevitably want to check an order or ask about the cost of a club. He would li up 14 sheets of paper and instantly nd the post-it-note on the window shade in his o ce that he used as his lling cabinet. I have no idea how he kept everything straight but he never seemed to miss anything”.

From: Mark Larson, Former Sports Director, Spectrum, Channel 10

“Four years ago, in the height of the pandemic, I was looking for a truly unique character to be the subject of a story I was asked to produce for Spectrum News. I called the most unique character I’ve ever known, Perry Noun, to get his advice. Perry told me about this guy named Chuck Jonick who had a golf range out in Cicero and had given lessons to the likes of Jim Boehiem and Rick Pitino. Perry said he was a pretty unique guy…which turned out to be the understatement of the decade. Chuck Jonick was your best friend minutes a er meeting him. Chuck was warm. He was funny. He not only ran the range and shop, he was the place. We’ll all miss Chuck for who he was…An old school, down to Earth, salt of the Earth type guy who made everyone’s day a little better just by being in his presence. RIP, Chuck. And hit them well”.

From: Jim Lerch, Host, e Manchild Show with Boy Green, e Score 1260

“ e biggest reason I came to love the Cicero Driving Range was the presence of Chuck Jonick. Chuck signi ed humility, kindness and warmth. He never missed a chance to say, “Hello Jim”. His passion for teaching the game of golf to anyone and everyone was unmatched. When I went out to the range or inside his golf shop, it just felt like home. Chuck just loved to teach. I am forever in his debt and will always remember hearing him in his raised voice reminding me of the fundamentals he taught…’Jim, don’t bring the club back too far. Jim…don’t forget to nish. Jim…keep that front shoulder closed’. It’s safe to say I will never forget Chuck and neither will the thousands of golfers who were lucky enough to interact with him at the Cicero Driving Range. A place he surly called home. We all loved you Chuck…May you rest in peace.

Submitted pHoto