Cazenovia Republican digital edition - May 29, 2024

HonorinG tHoSE wHo SErVED

St. Peter’s to close The Key after over

six decades

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

On May 21, voters in the Cazenovia Central School District (CCSD) rejected a proposed $38,826,826 spending plan for the 2024-25 school year.

The proposed budget, which the CCSD Board of Education (BOE) unanimously adopted on April 15, represented a 6.29 percent increase in spending over the 202324 budget.

In a budget newsletter released in advance of the vote, the district said its proposal would maintain academic and support programming while closing this year’s budget gap with an estimated 5.84 percent tax levy increase, the use of $1,641,005 in fund balance, some restored state aid, and $399,295 in spending cuts, including the use of attrition and restructuring of several BOCES services.

“This strategic approach not only bridges the current financial gap but also positions the district for enhanced stability in the future,” the newsletter said. “Importantly, this budget preserves our commitment to excellence in academics, fine arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The budget is equitable and responsive to continued challenges presented by New York State education mandates and funding processes.”

Voters rejected the budget proposal with a vote of 1,164832, which is a 58 percent approval. Because the proposed 2024-25 tax levy increase exceeded CCSD’s calculated tax levy limit of 4.02 percent, a supermajority of voters — 60 percent or more — was needed for the budget to pass.

CCSD announced the results of the vote in a May 22 press release, which states that the district exceeded the tax cap in an effort to balance the budget without making significant program and staff cuts.

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

The Key consignment shop, which has been part of the Cazenovia community since 1960, will close permanently on July 31 due to financial challenges.

A ministry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the shop offers residents a place to purchase affordable, gently used clothes and household goods and to consign items.

Originally, The Key’s profits were used to fund the ministries of the women of St. Peter’s. Items were brought in and sold in the parish hall on Sundays.

Today, the shop is located at 66 Albany St., and its profits are put directly back into the community through grants for local organizations such as CazCares and Vera House.

“I was executive director of The Key for about [a year],” said Lorie Riedl, who held the position until December 2019 and now sits on the St. Peter’s vestry. “It was a wonderful, fulfilling experience as we were serving the community and St. Peter’s on several different levels. . . . Our 40-plus loyal volunteers created a caring and supportive atmosphere for our customers and consigners. Our

Over time, the project’s purpose evolved, and its location changed multiple times.

consigners were able to make some money and also support a number of community organizations and St. Peter’s through the sale of their goods. Volunteers developed friendships that extended past their hours at The Key.”

St. Peter’s announced its decision to close the shop in a letter to the community signed by the church’s rector, Reverend Rebecca Roberts; Senior Warden McEwan Van der Mandele; Junior Warden Suzanne Evans; and vestry members Cynthia Curtin, Betsy Moore, Tim McCay, Tim Galbreath, Rick Lounsbury, and Riedl.

“We arrived at this difficult decision after much

prayer, listening, and discernment,” the letter states.

“. . . Unfortunately, and despite our best efforts, The Key has been operating at a loss for several years. This has created significant financial strain on our congregation, a reality which was only exacerbated by the pandemic.” According to the letter, The Key could not afford to hire a new executive director after its last director resigned in early 2023, so the shop was left with only a manager and a part-time assistant manager.

“The deficit budget of The Key meant that we had to borrow from our church’s endowment to

According to New York State law, a BOE has three options when a proposed school budget is rejected at the polls. The board can choose to put the same budget up for a vote a second time, put a revised budget up for a vote, or go directly to a contingency budget.

If voters reject a budget proposal a second time, the board must enact a contingency budget without a tax levy increase.

According to the district’s budget newsletter, the contingency budget for the 2024-25 school year is $37,541,975; therefore, CCSD would need to cut all non-contingent expenses, totaling $1,284,851, from its spending proposal.

“I think it is important for the community to know that if we have to go to a contingency budget, the district will be forced to recommend cuts to academics, extracurriculars, fine arts, and athletics,” Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio said in the May 22 press release. “A contingency budget could also require the district to charge all community groups for facility use or close facilities for any outside use. I am disheartened by the outcome of the budget proposition. Administrators plan to put together a revised proposal for the board of education that continues to put students first.”

According to the press release, the administration and

Kate Hill the Cazenovia Central School District Annual Budget Vote & Board of Education Election was held on May 21. Voters rejected the proposed 2024-25 budget, elected three candidates to the school board, and passed two other propositions.

Voters l Page 2

Kate Hill on Monday, May 27, Cazenovia observed Memorial Day with a parade led by the American legion Post 88 Color Guard and a program at Memorial (Cannon) Park honoring and remembering all those who have served in the military and gave what President lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion” while defending the United States. During the ceremony, retiring Post 88 Commander Gene Gissin delivered a presentation titled “what Memorial Day Means to Me.”

Cazenovia junior to serve as New York State FFA treasurer

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

Andrew Curtis Szalach, a Cazenovia High School (CHS) junior and Cazenovia Aggies FFA Chapter member, was recently selected to serve as the 2024-25 treasurer of the New York FFA Association.

FFA, formerly the Future Farmers of America, is a youth leadership organization dedicated to making a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Cazenovia Central School District (CCSD) announced Curtis Szalach’s achievement in an article on the district website.

According to the article, he was formally elected on Friday, May 3 at the FFA State Convention in Buffalo; he will officially take office on July 1.

The selection process began in April with interviews, speeches, tests, and video submissions detailing candidates’ public speaking abilities, agricultural knowledge, and FFA experience.

Eighteen candidates from across New York ran for six positions on the New York FFA Officer Team.

As state treasurer, Szalach will

serve on state and national committees to advocate for agricultural education, facilitate FFA chapter visits, host conferences and leadership workshops, and teach leadership classes during summer camp at FFA’s Camp Oswegatchie in the Adirondacks.

At CHS, Szalach has been an Aggies FFA member since seventh grade and has served as the chapter’s president for the past two school years.

According to the CCSD article, he has led his chapter to new heights with increased membership, participation, and competition success following the pandemic.

“[It] has been a pleasure to watch Andrew grow and evolve as a leader in his classes and as a chapter officer,” said CHS agriculture teacher Mandi Millen, who advises the Aggies FFA. “He has been very diligent at improving his public speaking skills [and] presentation skills, and [he] even took on the task of mentoring some younger members who were participating in their first leadership competition earlier this year. Andrew has a passion for agricultural education and FFA, and I know he is looking forward to sharing his passion with fellow members throughout the next year.”

Szalach was raised on his fam-

BOE will meet to determine which of the three options will be taken, and the district will continue to provide the community with updates as the process continues.

The statewide school budget re-vote day is June 18.

BoE election

Three seats on the school board were up for election this year.

The candidates on the ballot were Ron Luteran and JoAnne Race, who were both seeking reelection, and Travis Barr-Longo, who ran to fill the open seat left by David Mehlbaum.

ily’s seventh-generation dairy farm, Cedarcut Farm, in Cazenovia. He said his main motivation for running for state office was the deep connection he has al-

Although the three candidates were unopposed on the ballot, they were challenged by write-in candidate Paul McMurtrie, who missed the deadline to appear on the printed ballot but announced his candidacy shortly before the election.

Ultimately, Luteran received 1,556 votes, Race received 1,528 votes, and BarrLongo received 997 votes to defeat McMurtrie, who received 958 votes.

Barr-Longo is the co-owner of the modern-day general store and outfitter H. Grey Supply Co. on Albany Street and the president of Cazenovia Pride.

According to his May 2 candidacy announcement, his platform emphasized the importance of representation, equitable

ways

“[It

policies, and fostering a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of background or identity.

Luteran, Race, and Barr-Longo were elected to the BOE for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2024.

Bus purchase and library funding approved

Voters authorized CCSD to borrow the funds to purchase three replacement school buses at a total maximum cost of $533,102, which will be offset by transportation aid. The vote was 1,326 to 659.

Voters also authorized the levy of a library tax to support the Cazenovia Public Library in the amount of $515,181 and the

New Woodstock Free Library in the amount of $192,055. The district has no authority over either library budget; it is required under state law to place the library proposition on the ballot for the amount requested by each library. The library proposition passed by a vote of 1,478 to 511.

To learn more about CCSD, visit cazenoviacsd.com.

Anyone not directly affiliated with CCSD can also sign up for the ParentSquare Community Group to receive newsletters and other information. Sign up at parentsquare.com/community_ signups/94dc9c19-0570-4ecd-bd7a-868cb499bc46/new.

Come in and discover our new services now o ered on the

Events

June 1 - Garden Club’s Spring Perennial Plant Sale, Sat 9am-2pm. At the Caz Farmers Market.

June 8 - Walks ’n Talks Birding Series: Bobolinks & Meadowlarks, Sat 8:30 - 9:30am.

June 10 - 26th Annual Hospice Golf Open, Monday 10am-5pm. Fundraiser at the Calvary Club, Troop K Road, Manlius, NY.

June 10 - Growing Microgreens at Home, 10-11am. Presented by CRIS at 10 Mill St., Caz NY. Learn about the health benefits of growing sprouts at this free hands-on demonstration!

June 13 - Friends of Lorenzo Garden Gala, 6-8pm. Cocktails, appetizers, raffles, Mansion tours and more! Purchase tickets online at Friendsoflorenzo.org.

June 15 - Walks ’n Talks Fishing Series” Learn to fish/fly fish, 9am-1pm. At Fenner Conservation Pond, Cody Rd, Cazenovia. Join CPF and Trout Unlimited at this clinic for all ages!

June 15 - Summer Solstice Bonfire & Food Truck Rodeo, 12-9:30pm. Critz Farms family friendly event with live music, food trucks, lawn games, an animal area and a blazing bonfire!

June 15 - Caz Pride Fest, 12 - 4pm. Parade starts at 11:30 behind the Library and goes through the village, ending at Lorenzo where the festival will be held from 12-4

June 15 - Artist Reception: Among Stones with Beth Dubois, 2-5pm. Check out Beth DuBois’ gorgeous jewelry and meet the artist herself at Cazenovia Artisans!

June 29 - Meet Lorenzo’s guest Curator Elisabeth Genter and take a guided tour of the 2023-2024 exhibit: What We Leave Behind. 1-3pm, Admission is free.

Cazenovia High School junior Andrew Curtis Szalach has been

york FFA Association treasurer.

Cazenovia’s Cherciu wins sectional tennis singles title

By PHil BlACkwEll

Already with an undefeated regular season, a Section III Class C team title and a berth in the state Division II tournament secured, the Cazenovia boys tennis team went for more – and got it.

Traian Cherciu blazed his way to the singles championship in the sectional Division III tournament, while two Lakers doubles teams would also earn berths in the state qualifier to take place later in the week.

Entering as the top seed, Cherciu blanked Tucker Guerrina (Marcellus) 6-0, 6-0 in his opening match, followed by a quarterfinal where he turned back Skaneateles’ James Lovier 6-2, 6-0, this after Lovier had defeated Gabe Reagan in straight sets.

The semifinal was another 6-0, 6-0 shutout,

Cherciu handling Holland Patent’s Jeff Dewar, setting up a final with Westhill’s Shay Smyth. A close first set proved the key, Cherciu taking it 7-5 and going on to roll through the second set 6-2 to win it.

Garret Lounsbury wanted to join Cherciu at the state qualifier, handling Cooper Graham (Phoenix) 6-0, 6-1 in his round-of16 match but then losing a three-set quarterfinal to Dewar 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. Meanwhile, in doubles the teams of Evan MolloyMax Reger and Ethan Camp-Cy Lurie also earned berths in the state qualifier, with Molloy and Reger making it all the way to the Division III final.

Molloy and Reger, from the no. 2 seed, won each of its first three matches in two sets, not dropping a set as, in the semifinals, they beat Ryan Mitchell and Lincoln Pelc (Vernon-

meet operating expenses,” the letter states. “Declining numbers of volunteers meant that we were trying to operate with a fraction of the required people to help the store run smoothly. The financial challenges we are facing have made it impossible to continue.”

The letter concludes by expressing that St. Peter’s looks forward to discover-

ricultural education as well as a positive role model for students across the state. I think the time commitment is large, but I believe that as long as I am following my passion and making a positive impact, it’ll

Verona-Sherrill) 6-2, 6-2.

Camp and Lurie also won their first two matches in straight sets from a no. 4 seed, then challenged the Skaneateles duo of Jake and Peter Salzhauer in the semifinals, only to get beat 6-2, 6-1.

Now the Salzhauers faced Molloy and Reger, and both sets would prove close – but it was the Skaneateles duo emerging with a 7-5, 7-5 victory.

Over in Division II, Chittenango had a successful meet, getting two of its doubles teams to the state qualifier.

Vince DiNatale and Seamus Gardner were the no. 2 seed and, in a tense opening-round match, got past Jamesville-DeWitt’s Jacob Price and Furqan Hasan 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, then beat Adam Gutowski and Owen LaShure (Whitesboro) 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

As the no. 5 seed, Ber-

ing new and impactful ways to serve and strengthen the Cazenovia community.

The church plans to honor the community and The Key’s staff and volunteers at a closing celebration. The details of the event have yet to be announced.

“It is never easy to say goodbye to something that has been a significant part of our church and community for so long,” Roberts said in the letter. “We are deeply grateful for the countless hours of service

make it all worthwhile.”

As for life after high school, Szalach said he plans to study agricultural equipment technology and ag education at a four-year school in hopes of becoming a vocational agriscience teacher. To learn more about the New York FFA Association, visit nysffa.org.

nardo Bortovski and Cole Thomas had an easier time of it in the early rounds, winning 6-0, 6-1 over Whitesboro’s EdinHadzimujic and Noah Dow before a 6-4, 6-0 quarterfinal win over New Hartford’s Abraham Khan and Ohm Patel.

Both sides would get beat in the semifinals by teams from J-D as Bortovski and Thomas fell 6-0, 6-1 to Carson Souser and Shreyank Bhatt, while DiNatale and Gardner lost to Dean Bratslavsky and Kian Sarmast 6-1, 6-0.

In singles play, the Bears’ Logan Bronner had a round-of-16 defeat to Clinton’s Rafferty Pitman 7-6 (7-4), 6-0, while Seth Boulter fell to J-D’s Will Sharlow 7-5, 6-1 and Noah Edwards had a first-round defeat, 10-6, to Clinton’s Isaiah Beauchamp.

and the unwavering support from our volunteers, staff, and community members. While this is the end of an era, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for St. Peter’s. We remain committed to our mission of sharing God’s love through car-

We need your help to continue the great tradition of July 4th fireworks. Last summer, the community really pitched in. More than 500 families contributed to the Fireworks Fund! The results were spectacular - our most exciting fireworks ever! Again this year We are counting on your help. Like last year, your contributions will be used exclusively to cover the cost of the fireworks show. In short, it’s up to you! We need support from your family to keep

the great tradition of July 4th fireworks! Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 83 Cazenovia, NY 13035 All Contributors Will Be Printed in the Cazenovia Republican

Cazenovia boys tennis senior traian Cherciu won last week’s Section iii Division iii singles tournament, defeating westhill’s Shay Smyth in straight sets 7-5, 6-2 in the finals and not dropping a set in any of his four matches.

OuR vOicE

Grilling season

While many Central New Yorkers would contend that winter is no reason not to cook outside on the grill, for many summer is the traditional season when it comes to grilling and other forms of outdoor cooking.

Whether it is burgers and hotdogs, smoking ribs or brisket for hours, whipping up a more complicated dish or cooking up seafood, vegetarian options like Portobello mushrooms or newer meatless alternatives, many would agree there is just something about food that has been cooked on the grill.

There is a flavor that many look forward to enjoying during these long summer days spent with friends and family enjoying an afternoon or evening outside relaxing and sharing good food together.

But whether it is a high end outdoor kitchen arrangement, a gas grill, charcoal or even roasting some hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire, it is important to keep certain safety measures in mind as these fires cause an average of $37 million in damage annually to properties, structures, and possessions, including gazebos, sheds and lawn furniture.

And thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year because they’ve burned themselves while grilling.

According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) emergency departments nationwide have seen a significant rise over the past decade in the number of visits from grilling injuries, with an 18% rise in patients being treated in emergency departments for grilling-related injuries over the past 10 years.

NFPA data shows that from 2014-2018, fire departments responded to an annual average of 10,600 home fires annually involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues.

This includes 4,900 structure fires and 5,700 outside or unclassified fires.

These fires resulted in an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 160 civilian injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.

Some basics of grilling safety include keeping a fully functioning fire extinguisher close by and making sure you know how to use it in the event it is needed.

It is also good to get into the habit of keeping your grill or other cooking surfaces clean.

The build up of grease and fat can cause flare ups that might not only ruin your food but may lead to a potentially more serious fire.

It is also important to remember to grill in a well ventilated area.

The potential for carbon monoxide to build up, particularly with charcoal, can pose a potential health risk.

AAA has shared a number of other tips to help ensure you and your guests are safe when cooking outdoors.

Before grilling, read and follow the owner’s manual.

Place your grill at least 10 feet away from walls and deck railings to prevent fires from igniting buildings. Keep your grill away from decorations, such as hanging plants and umbrellas.

People should also never leave a lit grill unattended.

If the flame on your grill goes out, turn the grill and gas off. Wait at least 15 minutes before relighting and always make sure your grill lid is open before igniting.

Maintenance and storage are also important considerations.

When setting up at the start of grilling season, check grill hoses for cracks, holes, and blockages. Blockages caused by food drippings or insects can be cleared with a wire or pipe cleaner.

Run a soap solution – one part liquid soap, one part water – along hoses and at connections. If the solution bubbles, then there is a gas leak that needs repair.

Store propane tanks outside and away from your home. Always check to ensure that valves are turned off.

AAA also recommends being aware of what is covered by insurance should a property owner have an accident.

Following the tips above may help prevent a grill fire from spreading to your home, but if a fire does occur, a standard homeowners policy typically covers the following: Damage to the primary residence; Damage to personal possessions, such as tables or lawn chairs; Damage to insured structures on your property, such as sheds or gazebos; and Injuries to a guest, under the liability portion of the policy.

By taking a few minutes to ensure you and your grill are being as safe as possible, it will help to make sure you and your guests can enjoy your time together enjoying good company and good food this summer.

Years Ago in History

By CinDy BEll toBEy

85 years Ago – June 1, 1939

The observance of Memorial Day at Cazenovia was carried out in accordance with the program announced in last week’s Republican, Cazenovia post, American Legion, being in charge of all activities. The streets in the village section were lined with folks to watch the parade. Included were the Legion band, Red Cross, Junior Red Cross, girl scouts, boy scouts, drum corps, cub scouts, cub bugle corps, fire department, Central School band, school children, village and town officials and local clergymen in cars, fire apparatus. Following the parade there was a patriotic program in the Central School auditorium including a play, “Boys in Blue,” produced by the Central School Dramatic Club. Many people took advantage of the perfect weather to visit cemeteries which were lovely.

65 years Ago – May 28, 1959

The Great Outdoors - Now is the time to go fishing. We have 5,000 trout in the streams around Cazenovia. Some of them were real dandies, 14 to 15 inches, but most of them were small. I guess they had a bad winter at the hatcheries, with ice around two feet thick. We also put a million pike fry in the lake. Have you seen the walleyes that have been caught offshore at night? I have caught a few nice ones around five pounds or better. I used to go north every year to catch pike and bass, but lately I have been staying at home and getting better fish. There isn’t a

better eating fish anywhere than the walleyes we have right here in Cazenovia lake. Bullheads have also been biting good until the last few nights. There have been quite a few deer seen around Cazenovia. That’s good news to us deer hunters. Also there are a few pheasants around too.

40 years Ago – May 30, 1984

Members of the Cazenovia First Presbyterian Church and friends of the Rev. Benjamin J. Lake are invited to celebrate the pastor’s 30th anniversary of ordination June 3 at the regular 10:30 worship in the sanctuary. Twenty-three years of service and achievements in the Rev. Lake’s Cazenovia pastorate will be recognized. The Rev. Lake’s ministry through music, art, and language are revealed in the Cazenovia sanctuary where appropriate new light fixtures, a wooden cross and a new organ have been installed during his pastorate. A memorial library recently completed contains books, paintings, and porcelain with religious themes from his personal collection. The multi-purpose Wendell House houses a refugee Cambodian family of six, adapting to the community, and into church life. His ordination into a life of service took place in 1954 at the Church of Palisades in Hudson Presbytery, where the Rev. Lake was a student pastor, and received his first call.

40 years Ago – May 28, 2014

During its May 12 meeting, the Cazenovia Rotary Club presented the “Service Above History l Page 12

CPF to celebrate National Trails Day

Throughout the day on Saturday, June 1 the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) will celebrate National Trails Day with the dedication of four trail kiosks followed by guided hikes on several local trails.

At 4 p.m., all are invited to gather at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company at 33 Rippleton Road, to swap trail stories and enjoy a buyone-get-one draft special.

CPF posts educational materials, maps, trail use guidelines, and event information on kiosks at each trailhead to help orient visitors to the trail. Sponsorships of the kiosks support the maintenance and upkeep of CPF’s publicaccess trails and properties. On National Trails Day, CPF will acknowledge: an earlier dedication of the Bennet Family who sponsored the Gorge Trail kiosk in memory of their mother, Barbara Settel, then meet with a CPF volunteer crew to learn about a trail improvement project; design and manufacturing company, Knowles Precision Devices, who sponsored the Fairchild Hill Trail kiosk in memory of Kirk Wardell, an advocate of protecting the natural environment; Cazenovia residents Chuck and Gyata Stormon who sponsored the Fairchild Hill Connector kiosk in memory of Chuck’s brother John C. Stormon, an outdoor enthusiast and conservation activist; and, Syracuse-based Rockbridge Investment Management, LLC, a long-time CPF supporter and sponsor of the Burlingame Trail kiosk.

During 2023, a team of CPF volunteers led by Cazenovia community member Ken Reger, worked to build new kiosks, designed by Tietsch-Kent-Fay Architects, P.C., to welcome visitors to the popular 13-plus miles of CPF trails in and around Cazenovia.

CPF trails are maintained by committed board members, staff, and volunteers who trim vegetation, remove dead trees, fill holes, spread gravel, eliminate invasive plant species, hang trail markers, and more.

From April through October, CPF hosts Trail Work Thursdays and Saturday Volunteer Workdays.

After the work is done on Trail Work Thursdays, volunteers are invited to meet CPF-Board hosts and other volunteers for refreshments and friendly conversation at one of Cazenovia’s local establishments.

CPF encourages and welcomes all who are interested to volunteer. For details, visit cazpreservation.org/events.

Currently, CPF has seven additional kiosks sponsorship opportunities available. Sponsor names are featured on the kiosks for a period of three to 10 years, depending on location, and current sponsors are given the first option of renewal at the end of the sponsorship period. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring a kiosk can contact CPF at ad-

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

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

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

min@cazpreservation.org.

For a map of trail kiosk locations and parking options, visit cazpreservation.org/trails. All National Trails Day participants can join the last hike of the day on the Burlingame Trails to Meier’s Creek Brewing Co., or meet up with the group at 4 p.m. Participants from any of the kiosk dedications or hikes can show their CPF wrist band to get a BOGO draft special. For more information about CPF and its programs, visit cazpreservation.org/

National Trails Day schedule:

Hike 1

Location: Gorge Trail—Clark Street Entrance (near Burton Street Elementary)

Start time: 9 a.m.

Distance: 4 miles; easy, flat gravel trail, along Chittenango Creek Hike 2

Location: Fairchild Hill—Main En-

trance (intersection of Rt. 20 & Rt 92, behind the brown building). Please note: Park ONLY in the indicated trail parking area. If that area is full, please park at Lorenzo State Historic Site or Meier’s Creek Brewing Co. The trail system connects through Lorenzo.

Start time: 1 p.m.

Distance: 1.25 miles; moderate, grass/ gravel path

Hike 3

Location: Fairchild Connector (base of Fairchild Hill at the Lorenzo Connector Trail). Parking options are the same as Hike 2. Follow signs to Fairchild Connector Kiosk.

Start time: 2 p.m.

Distance: 1 mile; moderate; grass/gravel path with some off-trail to view a waterfall Hike 4

Location: Burlingame Trails (Burlingame Rd., less than a mile west of Rt. 13)

Start time: 3 p.m.

Distance: 2 miles (one-way to Meier’s Creek Brewing Co.); moderate; gravel/ dirt trails in woodlands and meadow. Participants can hike there and back or partner with friends to stage a car at each location.

Happy Hour at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company Location: Join us on the back lawn of Meier’ Creek Brewing Co., 33 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia, NY.

Start time: 4 p.m.

MinnESotA’S MoMEnt?

Minnesota evokes many different thoughts.

Lakes, including one that sources the Mississippi River. Mary Richards throwing her hat up in the air. Home of Bob Dylan and Prince. A state that sent Eugene McCarthy to the Senate and Walter Mondale to the Vice Presidency, yet also elected Jesse Ventura as governor. That Jesse Ventura. The Body. From wrestling and movies.

But Minnesota as the sports focal point of the nation? Unlikely, but it did happen.

Disappointed

To the editor:

From May 1991 to April 1992, a Stanley Cup final, U.S. Open golf championship, World Series, Super Bowl and men’s basketball Final Four all took place in or near the Twin Cities and we got an up-close glimpse at just how passionate sports fans are, while never once getting obnoxious.

Then the moment passed.

Within two years, the North Stars were gone, to Dallas, leaving the State of Hockey without professional hockey at the

by the candidate.

Brandon Williams, the Congressman for our area, held a town hall for our district on Monday evening, May 20.

Such meetings should be of mutual benefit to both the citizenry and candidate; they are intended to inform the candidate of the desires and needs of the constituents and inform the voters of the actions and thinking of the candidate prior to the next voting day.

In this instance, the event was consistently controlled by the candidate.

The sources of the questions asked of the candidate were not disclosed; the questions were presented to the Congressman and audience by an ill prepared student of the school, and, for this attendee, poorly answered

highest level. The Twins, after adding a title to go with its unlikely 1987 run, have never gone back to the Fall Classic and went 21 years without even winning a postseason series. And the Vikings. Oh, the Vikings. From the agony of missed field goals to the further agony of an ill-timed Brett Favre throw to Tracy Porter to watching, in its new stadium in February 2018, the same Philadelphia Eagles who handed the Purple Gang another NFC title game heartache

Mostly, Congressman Williams intended to convey that he is bright, a nice guy, and “don’t worry, he’s ‘got this’” Such a performance does not serve the electorate nor bode well for the future.

I understand that emotions and stakes can be high leading up to such a meeting, but my hope and expectations were that the design and preparations for the meeting would promote dialogue furthering mutual knowledge of the candidate and his constituency.

At its best, politics is tricky business, but this town hall appeared to be cynically prepared: the auditorium uncomfortably cold, the questions poorly posed, perhaps cynically constructed, and the people managed.

then beat the almighty Patriots to win it all.

All the while, they played NBA basketball in Minnesota. It just wasn’t good. The Timberwolves had a moment in 2004 where, with MVP Kevin Garnett, it got to a conference final. But the ShaqKobe Lakers snuffed it out. Worse yet, Garnett went to Boston and won a ring four years later.

More losing followed, but finally the Wolves are snarling again. A proven veteran in Karl-Anthony Towns. A budding su -

All in all, it was an instructive evening that promoted, in this attendee, anxiety and disappointment that a congressman might believe he should treat his electors with such transparent cynicism.

H. Al A n S M it H Cazenovia

Spend more time in Cazenovia

To the editor: Brandon Williams held a town hall on May 20 in Morrisville.

I was hoping that he had figured out how to be effective in these settings, but from the beginning it was clear he hadn’t: he required that questions be submitted ahead of time; while insisting that he wanted a “dialogue”, he didn’t allow follow up questions or

perstar in Anthony Edwards. The nerve to rally from 15 down at halftime to win a Game 7 on the road at Denver against the champion Nuggets.

Best of all, it’s another chance to discover the unique passion Minnesota has for all of its sports, something that isn’t limited to a single (cold) season. Oh sure, hockey gets most of the love, deservedly so. From 20,000 in St. Paul to watch high school championships to the college game in Duluth, Mankato and

comments’ to correct his misstatements. So, I will correct just a few of the many incorrect comments: He joked that there are no Republicans in Cazenovia. If he visited, he’d learn that Republicans outnumber Democrats 36% to 33% (the rest are uncommitted, independents, or small parties).

He said he is trying to bring money to Cazenovia for an Emergency Room for “Cazenovia Hospital”…but there is no hospital in Caz.

He said we shouldn’t worry about losing the right to contraception in NYS because NYS protects it. But if a Federal law passed, NYS would have to follow it.

He does not support cuts to Social Security but he on the Republican Study Commit-

other stops to the Wild, it still sets the standard for the sport this side of Canada.

Don’t forget about the other big sports, though. Whether it was the Golden Gophers early in the 20 th century to the Vikings now, they take football seriously, even if it’s not as completely religious as, say, Ohio or Georgia or Texas. Look what happens every time Minnesota hosts a big golf event. Whether it’s a PGA Champion -

tee that recommended income adjustments for payments and increasing the retirement age.

He said he has “done everything possible to make the Micron project work”…yet he wrote an opinion piece in a local newspaper saying it was “foolish”.

He said that crime is “out of control in NYS”. If he looked at the statistics in Madison County, he would have seen that violent crimes have been steady for decades (and yes, any violent crime is bad)… and property crimes have decreased by about 50% since the early 90s.

Mr. Williams: if you spent more time in Madison County, maybe you wouldn’t make these kinds of mistakes.

MAUrEEn ZUPAn Cazenovia

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Caz track teams sweep to sectional B-2 titles

By PHil BlACkwEll

Though it took a bit longer than planned, the end result for each of Cazenovia’s track and field teams was the same – and quite satisfying.

The girls and boys Lakers routed the fields in the twin Section III Class B-2 championships at Adirondack High School, started last Wednesday and concluded a day later after rain and lightning caused a 24-hour halt.

When all of it was done, the Cazenovia girls had 192 points, well clear of Lowville’s secondplace 118, and the boys Lakers had 148 points, nearly double that of Solvay, in second with 82.

Continuing her season-long domination of field events, Susie Pittman won the pole vault when she cleared 10 feet with fewer misses than Clinton’s Georgia Deep, Sofie Reger getting fourth place with 8 feet and Maura Phillips topping 7 feet.

In the high jump, Pittman cleared 5’2” to win, part of a 1-2-3 sweep as Meghan Mehlbaum was second with 4’10” and Reger third with 4’6”. In the triple jump, Pittman was fourth with 33’4 ½”, Reger taking seventh place with 30’11 ¼”.

Claire Marris got away in the 100 hurdles, her 15.88 seconds more than a full second ahead of the field as Caroline Mehlbaum (18.28) was sixth and Becca Brooks (18.69) ninth. Then Marris finished fourth in the 400 hurdles in 1:07.83, while Mehlbaum (1:11.52) was seventh as Marris took fifth (32’3 ½”) in the triple jump.

The Lakers went 1-2 in the 400-meter dash, Izzy Stromer-Galley winning in 1:02.07 over the 1:02.73 of Alyssa Wardell as Ava Eno was sixth in 1:05.41. This came after Stromer-Galley was third in the 100-meter dash in 13.38 seconds, with Audie Spring seventh in 14.02, Wardell also getting third in the long jump with 15’5 ¾”.

Susie Pitman got her turn in the 200-meter dash, prevailing in 26.87 seconds to the 27.47 of Lowville’s Taci Smith, while in the 4x400 relay Wardell, Phillips, Reid McMurtrie and Meghan Mehlbaum tore to victory in 4:12.76, more than

nine seconds ahead of the field.

Cazenovia also won the 4x400 relay. Earlier, the 4x800 quartet of Reid McMurtrie, Olivia Ruddy, Maura Phillips and Lily Kogut was second in 10:11.25, just behind Adirondack (10:09.99) as Marris, Spring, Stromer-Galley and Avery Cashatt got a close second (52.04 seconds) to Lowville (51.84) in the 4x100.

McMurtrie got second in the 800-meter run in 2:25.95 and Maura Phillips was third in 2:28.62. Kogut, seventh in the 800, added a fourth in the 1,500-meter run in 5:08.62, while Abbie Comeau (5:26.92) edged Zoey Gagne (5:26.95) for eighth place. Ruddy took eighth place in the 800.

Angela Moskovich had 1,702 points and Skye Stanford 1,552 points to get second and third, respectively, in the pentathlon behind the 1,827 of Clinton’s Eliana Bentley. Maddie Rothfeld threw the shot put 31’ ½” for fifth place.

The best illustration of Cazenovia’s depth on the boys side was the fact that it swept all three relays, starting in the 4x800, where Jake Woolbert, Eliot Comeau, Tristan Field-Bradley and Caleb Gilmore went 8:46.02 to Adirondack’s 8:52.17.

Then, in the 4x100, it was Braden Carnahan, Charlie Compeau, Wyatt Scott and Michael Harris going 44.99 seconds ahead of Holland Patent’s 45.62. Finally, in the 4x400 Harris, Comeau, Field-Bradley and Gilmore paired up and, in 3:35.98, topped Adirondack’s 3:38.02.

Comeau ran the 800 in 2:00.38 to beat Skaneateles’ Tritan Boucher (2:00.43) by five-hundredths of a second and, in the high jump, clear 6 feet to win over Judah Ossont’s second-place 5’8”, Ossont adding a fourth in the triple jump with 39’ ¼”

Field-Bradley got a win of his own in the 400 sprint, edging Adirondack’s John Hennessey, 52.69 seconds to 52.75, with Ossont (55.52) seventh before a 400 hurdles where Scott won in 59.77 to Carnahan’s 1:00.28, with Nolan Campagna seventh in 1:04.72 to go with a seventh

(37’10”) in the triple jump. Woolbert contended in the 1,600-meter run, taking second in 4:51.60 to the 4:48.67 of Hannibal’s Noah Melita, with Gilmore fifth in 5:01.54 and Will Galton (5:12.20) ninth. A day later, in the 3,000 steeplechase, Woolbert finished third in 11:15.10 and Campagna fifth in 11:46.44, with Galton seventh.

Carnahan, in 16.90 seconds, was second to Solvay’s Giovanni Cilani (16.59) in the 110 hur-

dles as Wyatt Scott was third in 17.19, Carnahan adding a third in the long jump with 19’11”. Harris took fifth in the 200-meter dash in 24.39. Ethan Bury, throwing the shot put 39’4 ¼”, finished third, adding a fourth in the discus with 109’2” as Jonathan Sweet was seventh with 101’7”. Matt Tugaw was seventh (1,769 points) and Connor Hooper eighth (1,611) in the pentathlon.

Cazenovia baseball tops Skaneateles in playoff opener

By PHil BlACkwEll

A single afternoon was all it took for the Cazenovia baseball team to not just make its stamp on the Section III Class B playoffs, but to see its path to a possible championship open up in a big way.

Taking care of its own part, Cazenovia, assigned the no. 4 seed, put away no. 13 seed Skaneateles 9-2 on the same afternoon that top seed Holland Patent was stunned at home by no. 16 seed Jordan-Elbridge 2-0.

With ace Jack Donlin on the mound, Cazenovia quickly gained a 3-0 edge through two innings on a Skaneateles side it beat in a 6-3, nine-inning epic just four days earlier.

Trying to battle back, Skaneateles cut it to 3-2 in the top of the fourth with a walk, double and error, but four runs in the bottom of the fourth and two more in the fifth took away any upset concerns.

Donlin allowed two hits and, with 13 more strikeouts, raised his season total to 109, a single-season school record, all in 56 1/3 innings. Taven Reilley picked up four RBIs, with Danny Bliss getting two singles as he drove in three runs and Bobby Livingston adding an RBI. Nico Segall scored twice.

Chittenango , holding the no. 13 seed in the sec -

tional Class A playoffs, hoped for its own surprise when it traveled last Tuesday for its opening-round game against no. 4 seed Westhill, but as turned back in a 7-0 defeat to the Warriors.

Five quick runs in the first two innings off Bears pitcher Kyle Peryer put Westhill in command as Mike Madigan singled, doubled and drove in two runs, with Luke Pickett adding two hits and RBIs also going to Ryan Campbell, Trey Dillobaugh and Peter Stroman. Zawadzki, who added an RBI of his own, allowed just two hits in four innings, but Madigan was even better, striking out eight of the nine batters he faced in three innings of work.

In defeat, Chittenango only picked up two hits, one each by Eli Lefort and Drew Thomas, while Ryan Thousand and Andrew Kielbasa picked up walks.

For more Cazenovia baseball playoff coverage, go to eaglenewsonline.com

ACE StrikES AGAin: Cazenovia baseball pitcher Jack Donlin had 13 strikeouts and only allowed two hits in a 9-2 win over Skaneateles in last tuesday’s opening round of the Section III Class B playoffs, his 109 strikeouts for the season a new single-season school record.

Caz boys, girls track both win at DeRuyter meet

By PHil BlACkwEll

In between the OHSL Liberty division small-school championships and Section III Class B-2 championships, each of the Cazenovia track and field teams found time to squeeze in another meet - and another victory.

During Steve Camelbeek Invitational at DeRuyter High School on May 17, the boys Lakers picked up 173 points and the girls Lakers had 196 points, each of them finishing first well clear of their respective fields.

Eliot Comeau led the Cazenovia boys, winning the 800-meter run in two minutes, 2.04 seconds to edge Vernon-Verona-Sherrill’s Jordan Wingert (2:02.67) as Caleb Gilmore got fourth place in 2:05.28. In the high jump, Comeau cleared 6 feet, second to the 6’1” of Morrisville-Eaton’s Dylan Prentice, with Judah Ossont fourth and Michael Harris fifth.

Braden Carnahan claimed the 110 high hurdles in a season-best 16.27 seconds, ahead of Charles Wilcox (18.73) was third before Carnahan, Harris, Wyatt Scott and Charlie Compeau claimed victory in the 4x100 relay in 45.74.

Scott was the only competitor to break the one-minute mark in the 400 hurdles, winning in 59.22 as Wilcox got fourth place in 1:07.42. A long jump of 18’10 1/2” got Scott in second place, with Ossont third going 17’9 3/4”, a season best, but improving to second in the triple jump with 39’7 3/4” as Nolan Campagna (35’10”) finished fourth.

Tugaw, Jack Macro, Jonathan Sweet and Aidan Jurgens won a special 4x100 for throwers in a quick 49.20, no one else breaking the 54second mark as Sweet later took fifth (106 feet) in the discus and Macro (98’2”) was fourth.

Tristan Field-Bradley gained second place in the 400-meter dash in 53.45 seconds, with Finn Worthington second in the 200 in 23.43 as Carnahan (23.97) was fourth and Compeau sixth. Jake Woolbert, in 4:47.31, took second at 1,600 meters, ahead of Will Galton (5:11.24) in fourth place.

Gilmore, clearing 10 feet, was second in the pole vault, with Wilcox third and Jack Cochrane fourth, each topping 8’6”. The Lakers were also third in the 4x800 relay in 9:31.58 as Campagna went 11:27.20 in the 3,200-meter

run for fourth place and Harris took fifth in the 100-meter dash in a season-best 11.97 seconds.

Cazenovia’s girls continued to dominate field events, where Susie Pittman again cleared 10 feet in the pole vault to beat the 8’6” from second-place Sofie Reger and also won the triple jump by going 36’4” to edge the 36-foot attempt by VVS’s Ananya Bismark. In a 1-2 high jump, Reger and Skye Stanford both cleared 4’6”, but Reger took the top spot.

Also, in the shot put Maddy Rothfeld threw it 32’7” to pull away from a field that included Karly Vaas (26’4”) in fifth place, but Vaas improved to third in the discus with 71’2” as Olivia Morse finished fourth.

Elsewhere, Izzy Stromer-Galley beat the field in the 100 sprint in 12.92 seconds to the 13.01 of Bishop Grimes’ Telhia Hosea as Audie Spring (13.47) finished fifth. Stromer-Galley added a second in the 200 in 27.90 to Hosea’s 27.58 right before she paired with Pittman, Audie Spring and Claire Marris to win the 4x100 in 50.97, nearly three seconds ahead of the field.

Only Cazenovia ran the 4x800, where Reid

McMurtrie, Alyssa Wardell, Lily Kogut and Olivia Ruddy posted 10:09.15 as, in the 4x400, Pittman, McMurtrie, Marris and Meghan Mehlbaum won in 4:05.40. McMurtrie won the 800 in 2:30.52, ahead of Delanie Dowling in fourth and Lauren McLean in fifth place. In the 4x100 for throwers, Rothfeld, Morse, Vaas and Alayna Benson prevailed in 1:02.80 to Westmoreland’s 1:04.18.

Abbie Comeau got second in the 3,000-meter run in 11:35.51, with Dinah Gifford third and Haylee Stearns fifth, while in the 1,500 Kogut finished third in 5:19.19, with Ruddy fifth and Zoey Gagne fourth. Becca Brooks took second (18.83 seconds) and Angela Moskovich fourth (19.37) in the 100 hurdles, where Stanford finished sixth. Mehlbaum was third in the 400 hurdles in 1:10.42, with Eleanor Mongeau fifth and Brooks sixth. It was similar in the 400 sprint, Ava Eno getting third in 1:06.61 with Wardell fifth and Margaret Huftalen sixth. Spring was fourth and Haylee Stearns sixth in the long jump.

Cazenovia softball picks up first playoff win in six years

By PHil BlACkwEll

Having endured plenty of ups and downs and got used to home games on an artificial surface, the Cazenovia softball team were ready for the pressure and expectations of the Section III Class B playoffs.

And when the Lakers fought past Phoenix 3-2 last Tuesday afternoon, it recorded the pro-

gram’s first post-season victory since 2018.

Cazenovia was the no. 6 seed despite a 5-7 regular-season record, helped by a points system that rewarded the team’s tough schedule. Now it faced a no. 11 seed in Phoenix that it beat by 21-14 and 8-5 margins two weeks earlier. In this third encounter, Cazenovia pushed across single runs in the first and second in-

nings, which nearly proved enough for pitcher Paige Reilley as she did a far better job containing the Firebirds’ lineup than in the previous two games.

Reilley gave up five hits and four walks, but recorded nine strikeouts and held Phoenix to a pair of runs as the game went into the bottom of the seventh tied at 2-2.

A small-ball rally won it, the Lakers mov-

ing a runner into scoring position and then seeing it race home on a bunt play and a high throw that was the Firebirds’ third – and most costly- error of the game.

Cazenovia won despite getting just two hits, one each by Cadence Walter and Cailee Fenton. Three others – Emma Falso, Sophia Wilmot and Madison Weeks – were credited with RBIs.

Cazenovia’s boys and girls track and field teams were both victorious in the Section III Class B-2 championships at Adirondack High School, the boys finishing with 148 points and the girls earning 192 points to cap a season where all of their meets took place away from home.

Caz, Chittenango girls lacrosse fall in playoff openers

By PHil BlACkwEll

Barely a day after they both found out where they were assigned for the Section III playoffs, the Cazenovia and Chittenango girls lacrosse teams saw their seasons conclude.

In the Class D opening round, the no. 8 seed Lakers were at home, facing no. 9 seed Vernon-Verona-Sherrill, but found itself unable to contain the Red Devils in a 17-6 defeat.

A relentless pace on a warm, summerlike evening was just what VVS wanted as it steadily built a 7-4 advantage by halftime and then, in the last two periods, pulled clear.

On the Lakers’ side, Sally Hughes did get a three-goal hat trick, with Charlie Prior scoring twice and getting an assist as Hayden Bubble had the other goal. Maddie DeAngelis had two assists and Izzy Stromer-Galley a single assist.

Still, the Red Devils proved over-

Boys lacrosse Lakers’ season ends in sectional defeat

By PHil BlACkwEll

Whether it was roster transitions or home

transitions, the Cazenovia boys lacrosse team has dealt with plenty of change and upheaval during this 2024 season.

What the Lakers hoped for was that, at the very least, it could win one Section III Class C playoff game so it had another shot at the Marcellus side it lost to 19-0 on May 116.

Playing at no. 4 seed General Brown in last Wednesday’s sectional quarterfinals, Cazenovia was, one more time, betrayed by its struggles on the offensive end as it lost, 9-5, to the Lions.

Seven different times this spring, the Lakers netted five goals or fewer, all of them

defeats, and it was trying to turn around a three-game skid which had closed the regular season.

For the most part, Cazenovia had another solid performance on defense, never letting GB put together many sustained runs as goalie Tucker Ives stopped 20 of the 29 shots he faced.

On the other end, though, only Alex Kuper netted multiple goals, scoring twice. Jaden Kaplan had one goal and one assists, with D.B. Falge and Finn Hagan getting the other goals.

Led by Nolan Ganter (four goals) and Luke Dupee (two goals, four assists), the Lions would issue the challenge to Marcellus as Cazenovia finished with a 6-9 record.

Lakers’ Marris advances to golf state qualifier

By PHil BlACkwEll

Girls golf teams from Cazenovia and Chittenango would compete once more when they went to Kanon Valley for last Tuesday’s Section III Division II team tournament.

And the big standout was the Lakers’ Claire Marris, who over the course of 18 holes shot a 107 to tie for 11th place and easily advance to the sectional state qualifier at Cedar Lake Club.

A day later, two Cazenovia boys golfers who had strong fall seasons returned for their sectional state qualifier, not having to travel far since the event took place at Seven Oaks in Hamilton.

Nico Segall and Will Guider both played for the Lakers, who went 7-4 in the 2023 fall season. Neither were able to join the top 20 scores that advanced to Friday’s final round.

Chittenango track fifth at sectional B-1 meet

By PHil BlACkwEll

The Chittenango track and field teams took part in last Monday’s Section III Class B-1 championships, finishing fifth in the girls division with 51 points as the host team, Westhill, won with 133.5 points.

Hannah Wagner led the Bears, second in the 400-meter hurdles in one minute, 8.54 seconds to the 1:06.55 of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill’s Lacey Simmons as she also took third in the 100-meter dash in 13.02 seconds. Sophia DiGennaro, Natalie DiGennaro, Ani McCarthy and Jule Voelk were second in the 4x800 in 10:42.35. Later, Natalie DiGennaro went 8:14.13 in the 2,000meter steeplechase for third place and Sophia DiGennaro got fourth in the 400-meter dash in

1:01.87 as Ava McLean went 12:01.15 at 3,000 meters for fourth place.

Mariah Stewart did well in the pentathlon, finishing third with 2,005 points as Alex Scheidelman was sixth in the boys pentathlon earning 2,074 points. Taylor Velardi rose to third in the high jump, clearing 4’10”. Laura Powers was fifth in the girls 1,500-meter run in 5:22.59, with McCarthy seventh in the 800 and the Bears sixth in the 4x400 in 4:33.23.

For the boys Bears, the best finish came in the 4x800 as Micah Granata, Gavin Roach, Sean Navin and Bryce Edwards were fifth in 8:54.84. Robert Pierce finished seventh in the 200 in 23.83 seconds and eighth in the 400. Drew Toner was 10th in the pole vault, clearing 9 feet 6 inches.

whelming, Sophia Sherwood and Carmella Garcia both netting four goals and Sherwood adding three assists as Alslinn McNamara got three goals. The Lakers’ season finished with a 4-12 record.

Chittenango found itself in a similar situation in the Class C sectional tournament, only it was a no. 9 seed facing a no. 8 seed, Whitesboro, but the result was the same.

The Bears lost, 11-8, not quite able to turn around the 12-6 defeat it took to this same Whitesboro side just nine days earlier.

Here, much of the margin was built in the first half, Whitesboro limiting Chittenango to a pair of goals while getting

I believe golf leagues are the best way for beginners and all golfers to improve their golf game because it commits an individual to play at least once a week, instead of once a month or even less o en. It also challenges them to practice more because they want to play their best on league night. Are their additional bene ts of joining a league? Of course. Check these out from Matthew Woods, a Golf Blogger.

Bene

ts:

Social…Leagues are a wonderful way to meet new people and make friends.. many remain life long friends.

Networking…Golf leagues allow you the opportunity to build relationships that can bene t you both on and o the course.

Fun…Playing in a golf league simply provides pleasure and enjoyment with memories that can last a lifetime.

Mental...Golf improves con dence, self esteem, prevents anxiety and dementia.

Health...Walking a golf course is one of the healthiest activities to extend longevity.

ere are di erent types of leagues you can join to match your own own unique interests. ey include:

Men’s Leagues…Typically open to golfers of all skill levels, usually by handicap, and into divisions based on ability.

Women’s Leagues…Similar to men’s leagues and typically meet once or twice a week.

Mixed Leagues…Open to golfers of all genders and by handicap. ey can be a great way for men and women to meet and play golf together.

Senior Male or Female Leagues… Usually open to golfers who are 55 years of age or older and by handicap. Great way for seniors to stay active and socialize.

Corporate Leagues…Organized by businesses for their employees to enjoy some friendly competition.

out in front and then answering every time the Bears tried to catch up in the late going.

Tomi Newkirk led with three goals and one assist. Persephone Rohrer and Anna Lazzaro both got one goal and one assist, while Gracie Brazell, Reese Ferstler and Sequoya Roberts converted and Caitlyn Sgambellone added an assist.

Whitesboro pulled through with three-goal hat tricks from Jillian Davis and Kaelyn Barry, plus two goals from Danielle Lachacz and Abigail Dicks to advance to a quarterfinal against top seed Indian River as the Bears concluded an 8-9 season.

Tournament Leagues…Are usually organized around a series of tournaments where players earn points based on their nish in competitions. ese leagues are for players who have higher ambitions.

Social Leagues… ese leagues are strictly for people whose objective is to have “fun” and meet “new” people.

Nothing wrong with that.

How do you nd a golf league?

Go to the Pro Shop of your local public golf course and ask about their leagues.

Read articles in your local newspapers and golf magazines. Also look for advertisements.

Search online directories for location, type of league and other criteria.

Use social media to nd leagues who promote themselves.

Ask your friends, family, and other golfers if they need new members.

Tips for playing in a golf league:

Practice regularly to improve your game. It will improve your scores and help your team to win.

Be prepared to play in di erent conditions, including rain, wind and cold weather.

Have fun…try to relax…

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Enjoy the journey.

Your golf skills will improve dramatically faster if you take a “series” of lessons from a CNY PGA Golf Professional. I took the liberty of adding a few here and there to compliment Matthew’s list.

From page 4

Self” award to Teresa and Bruce Campbell for their years of dedication to music in the community. “We at

l From page 5

ship or Ryder Cup at Hazeltine or the relatively new PGA Tour event, the crowds are enormous and full of hearty golfers who probably have played a round or two when there was snow on the ground.

Cazenovia Rotary are delighted to be able to recognize a couple of the area’s most outstanding members for their contributions to make our community a wonderful place to live and work,” said Cazenovia Rotary President-Elect

We haven’t forgotten about soccer, either. Not with an MLS team getting established, Minnesota United FC, at a stadium which hosted a U.S. World Cup qualifier in 2022 against Honduras – in February, when the temperature was in single digits. Of course it sold out.

And the fact that the Timberwolves are threatening NBA glory is really a full-circle narrative. The league’s first-ever dynasty originated in Minneapolis, led by George Mikan, whose teams won five titles in six years from 1949 to ’54. They were the Lakers.

Judson Ames. Terry is Cazenovia Choral music director and has inspired her K through 12 students to love and enjoy music in their lives. Terry also directs the High School Drama Club’s spring musicals. Terry’s husband,

What, you thought that name came from L.A.?

Current fans have experienced pro basketball glory, though. They came from the Lynx of the WNBA, who from 2011 to 2017 won four championships, and they’d love to experience it again with the Wolves.

Those who have trav-

Bruce Campbell, is Cazenovia College and Community Choral director. Prior to that, he was the Fayetteville-Manlius High School choral director for 35 years. He also has led many area church choirs.

eled to Minnesota have long commended the quality and hospitality of its people. “Minnesota Nice” is a real thing, a byproduct of hearty people who endure plenty of extremes but still manage to get things done. So wouldn’t it be great if these fans who’ve long smiled and watch others celebrate sports titles get a chance to smile and celebrate one of their own teams winning the ultimate prize? You betcha.

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