Cazenovia Republican digital edition - Aug. 8, 2024

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

On Wednesday, July 31, representatives of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Town of Nelson joined community partners at the Nelson Town Hall Park Pavilion to announce the completion of the Chittenango Creek Boardwalk, an accessible trail project through the Nelson Swamp Unique Area. The DEC’s 979-acre Nelson Swamp Unique Area is home to more than 400 cataloged plant species, including several species of orchids, and over 100 species of breeding birds.

The trail and boardwalk traverses low-lying wet meadows, deciduous woods, dark groves of cedar and pine, and Chittenango Creek as it meanders north to Lake Ontario.

Extending from behind the Nelson Town Hall at 4085

Trail l Page 3

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

During routine sampling of permitted bathing beaches on

state Department

Cazenovia Lake late last month, Madison County Public Health (MCPH) identified elevated levels of fecal coliform in the swimming areas of Willow Bank Yacht Club

CazArts students show their work in library gallery

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

On Thursday, Aug. 8, the Cazenovia Public Library (CPL) Gallery will host a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. for the opening of an art exhibition titled “CazArts’ Painters.” The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The exhibition, which runs through Aug. 30, showcases the work of talented area artists who participated in CazArts classes taught by former Cazenovia College art gallery director Jen Pepper.

CazArts is an alliance of artists, cultural organizations, and supporters dedicated to nurturing a community that promotes the creation and appreciation of the arts. Its classes are held at the Carpenter’s Barn arts hub at Lakeland Park in Cazenovia.

“There are approximately 45 acrylic on paper and canvas [paintings in this show],” said Pepper.

the Cazenovia Public library will host an opening reception on Aug. 8 for an art exhibition titled “CazArts’ Painters.” the featured artists are Anna Chernobai, Caroline liquori, Jim Marsch, Erin Milin, Giovanna Urist, and Caroline wazer. they

their works in Jen Pepper’s CazArts painting classes at the

Lyman St. residents speak on proposed one-way street

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

On Aug. 5, the Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees held a public hearing to consider a proposed local law to amend the village code to designate Lyman Street as a one-way street in a direction of travel from west to east beginning at Lincklaen Street and ending at Farnham Street (NYS Route 13).

The change was proposed during the board’s July meeting in response to concerns regarding pedestrian safety. Lyman is narrow, does not have a sidewalk, and has houses on the north side with front doors that open onto the street.

During last month’s meeting, Mayor Kurt Wheeler and the trustees discussed several ideas for short- and long-term pedestrian safety measures. In addition to making Lyman one-way, the board proposed potentially designating part of the street as a walkway and eventually installing a sidewalk on the south side.

After the public hearing was opened, Cazenovia Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Dan Kuper voiced his concern that making Lyman one-way would empty all the traffic down onto Route 13, a major road with a lot of truck traffic.

He also stated that a sidewalk would narrow the street and make it impassable for the fire department’s ladder truck.

Additionally, Kuper suggested that before changing Lyman Street, the village should wait to see how the 99-103 Albany Street development project on the corner of Center and Albany streets impacts traffic patterns.

Gil Hodges, who has owned a house on Lyman Street for 26 years but now primarily resides elsewhere, said he has never witnessed an issue on Lyman.

“There is lots of walking traffic, but if a car comes, they simply move to the side,” he said. “I think if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, and I think there are other things in the village that could probably use the tax money . . .”

He also stated that he did not believe making the street oneway would slow traffic.

Nathan LeMesurier, who has resided on Lyman for the past seven years, said living there has become increasingly unpleasant in recent years.

He stated that the street was quieter when he first moved in, but there is now a significant amount of cut-through traffic.

“There are a lot of people going very, very, very quickly,” Village l Page 5

Submitted photoS

created

Carpenter’s Barn arts hub.

KaTe Hill

the New york

of Environmental Conservation and the town of Nelson announced the completion of the Chittenango Creek Boardwalk, an accessible trail project through the Nelson swamp Unique Area.

and Lakeland Park. According to Village of Cazenovia Public Works Administrator Bill Carr, the village posted signs

Students l Page 10

Swimming l Page 12

Cazenovia students take part in Boys, Girls State

The Cazenovia School District recently had seven incoming high school seniors participate in the annual New York State Boys’ State and Girls’ State sponsored by the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary.

Boys’ State was held at SUNY Morrisville from June 28 to July 3, and Girls’ State at SUNY Brockport from June 30 to July 6.

The 2024 Boys’ State delegates were Jaden Kaplan, Nathaniel Gale and Gabe Sanchez. The 2024 Girls’ State delegates were Sophia Gaff and Edith Rodriguez. These delegates were nominated, interviewed, and selected based on their outstanding qualifications in academic achievement, leadership, character and citizenship by a committee comprised of Cazenovia Post 88 American Legion members and Legion Auxiliary members.

The week-long event teaches over 1,000 young men and women from across New York State about the organization of city, county, and state gov -

ernment.

The delegates established a mock government and ran for elected office.

Here they performed official duties to include proposing bills, casting votes, and passing legislation. They also participated in physical fitness, teamwork, sports, music, and other activities under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines.

“Girls State was a great opportunity to learn more about our government, meet a group of welcoming people, and helped me become more confident as a leader,” Gaff said.

“It was an experience whose lessons and friends will last my lifetime,” Kaplan said.

The overall mission of the Boys’ and Girls’ State programs is to teach young men and women the practical aspects of government and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government.

Cazenovia students recently took part in Boys and Girls state. Submitted photo

Caroga Arts Collective Concert

Thursday, August 15, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm at Lorenzo State Historic Site 17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia

Caroga Arts Collective, founded and directed by cellist Kyle Price, will return to our front lawn for a second year. Comprised of top professional musicians from around the country, performers may include School of Music faculty, and members of America’s leading orchestras and chamber groups. Last year’s playlist included Mendelson, Gershwin, Oscar Peterson, Taylor Swift, and the Eagles! Bring your own seating and picnic.

*Admission is free*

Gary l. Gamlen

Vietnam veteran

Gary Llewellyn Gamlen passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on July 22, 2024.

He was born in the town of Lennox, New York on Oct. 10, 1944, to the late Helen Marie (Snyder) and Llewellyn Gamlen.

He graduated from Cazenovia High School in 1962 and went on to serve our country during the Vietnam War.

After his time in the army, he established a career specializing in interior wall covering and painting. He continued this work into his early 70s.

Gary enjoyed “tinkering” with anything he could use his tools for, especially his 1948 Dodge Power Wagon that was his father’s. He spent many happy hours custom rebuilding the Dodge.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory one sister Ann (Gamlen) Quinn, four children, Karen Gamlen, Frederick (Tammy) Gamlen, Stephen Gamlen, and Natalie Faltyn, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one niece, one great-nephew and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 2-4 p.m. at 4675 Michigan Road, Cazenovia, NY 13035.

Clarification

In the July 31 edition of the Cazenovia Republican, an article appeared entitled Junior Firefighter receives scholarship that was compiled from information provided by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY). That article included some misleading information regarding Fletcher Litera’s role in the Cazenovia Fire Department.

Litera is a firefighter/EMT-B with the department who served more than 2,500 service hours during his high school career. Although Litera is one of the top responders in the department, he was not the top responder in 2022 and 2023 as the article states.

He will attend Syracuse University in the fall, not Nazareth College. We apologize for the errors.

Gary l. Gamlen

Nelson Rd. to the sidewalk on Route 20, the 0.5-mile walkway is now part of a 1.3mile loop trail.

Pedestrians can start at the town office building, walk through the swamp to Route 20, and then take the sidewalk back downtown to the Nelson Hamlet businesses.

“I am pleased that a new accessible trail and boardwalk in the Nelson Swamp Unique Area has been completed,” NYS Senator Joseph Griffo said in a July 31 DEC press release. “This project will enhance access to existing outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities in Madison County while also improving connectivity and expanding access to local businesses, natural resources, parklands, and other attractions in the region.”

The DEC press release emphasizes the department’s commitment to offering recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

“Recently, more than $5 million in state accessibility projects were completed to expand recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers to enjoy,” the press release states. “DEC’s newly launched Accessible Recreation Destinations Map displays 266 destinations across New York State with wheelchairaccessible outdoor recreation opportunities.”

During the July 31 dedication ceremony, DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance commended all the people involved in the Chittenango Creek Boardwalk project for creating an outdoor recreational opportunity suitable for everyone, including toddlers, babies in strollers, runners, seniors with walkers, and wheelchair users.

“You can get offline and spend some time outside together, connecting,” Glance said. “The boardwalk is also such an amazing way to [experience] nature and not disturb it at the same time. . . . You can see [it], take pictures, [soak in] the sights and sounds, and not disturb it. It’s really just the best of both worlds. [Not] only is it for recreation but also for connectivity and to get you into the main drag of Nelson. . . . This wouldn’t have happened without strong partnerships.”

Project history and partnerships

Before the official trail ribbon cutting, Nelson Town Councilor Jennifer Marti provided an overview of how the project came about and was brought to fruition.

Marti explained that in the summer of 2016, the DEC informed the Nelson Town Board that it was launching an initiative to increase public access to state land.

In response, John Dunkle — the town planning board chairman at the time — pulled together a group of community members to form the Nelson Swamp Trail Committee. Its mission was to determine the optimal location for a walking trail through the swamp.

By mid-July, the group had begun exploring areas on the south side of Route 20.

“We had a couple of adventures on that side,” Marti said. “One location was better than the other, but we weren’t quite convinced, and as the summer progressed, we had a hard time getting back together.”

According to Marti, the group eventually reconvened in September. Before that meeting, she suggested that the committee turn its attention to the land behind the town hall.

“I had told the group about my history of walking in this part of the swamp when I lived in a house [in the hamlet],” she said. “Back then, snowmobiling was what everyone did, and the trail was accessible all year round because the local snowmobiling club had built two bridges so we could get over the creek easily. Even in the summer, that trail stayed walkable. I told the group of my experience, and we all collectively [thought], ‘We need to go look at that portion of the swamp as well.’ [We] managed to get across the creek, and then we essentially followed the creek to Route 20. It was obvious that this was going to be the right spot for us.”

At that point, the Nelson Swamp Trail Committee handed off the project to the town board and DEC to work out the logistics.

In 2018, the NYS Department of Transportation determined that the hamlet needed sidewalks and traffic calming measures.

“They initially planned on ending the sidewalk at the last house on the west side of the north side of [Route] 20,” said Marti. “[We] asked if they would consider extending the sidewalk to the proposed site of the trailhead, [and] they graciously agreed.”

Per its agreement with the DEC, the town initiated a project to construct a boardwalk to gain access to the DEC land.

With help from Lauren Lines, executive director of the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association, the town secured two grants — one from the Fields Pond Foundation and the other from the Central New York Community Foundation — by the end of 2019.

By the summer of 2021, the town’s boardwalk was complete.

The DEC then worked with the Town of Nelson, the Nelson Swamp Trail Com -

mittee, and the Nelson Streetscape Committee to design its section of trail and boardwalk.

“During that whole time period, we also worked with SUNY ESF professors and students, who used our project as a platform for their own projects, which gave the students real-world experience planning and presenting their recommendations,” said Marti.

Construction began in 2023, and the full 0.5-mile Chittenango Creek Boardwalk was completed in February 2024.

According to the DEC’s July 31 press release, the state’s portion of the boardwalk project cost $760,600 and was funded through NYS’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The EPF also supports the state’s 30x30 initiative, which commits to conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.

“Eight years is a long time to wait for something, but the words ‘If you build it, they will come’ have never [rung truer],” said Marti. “I literally am awestruck by the countless conversations I have had with countless people of all different stripes who have intentionally sought out our trail or just happened upon it [on] their drive. Public access to the DEC land has indeed been increased exponentially in Nelson. The members of this community are grateful for the opportunities within our hamlet that our partnership with New York State, and the DEC in particular, has provided.”

The Town of Nelson recently completed a land transfer to the DEC that expanded the Nelson Swamp Unique Area by 7.5 acres. The donation included the 0.2-mile section of trail and boardwalk that the town completed in 2021.

“The town’s tax-exempt land that the trail was constructed on was donated to the state to help with the cost of maintaining the town’s portion of the trail,” said Nelson Town Supervisor Jim Cunningham. “The board approved [this] a few years ago; however, the legal process was just completed a few months ago.”

Following the July 31 trail dedication, Cunningham thanked the DEC and the town’s other partners for their tireless efforts and positive impact on the boardwalk project and the community.

“There is just no easy button for trail construction through a protected wetland,” he said. “This unique trail is not just a collection of paths and markers, but a testament to the beauty and diversity of the Town of Nelson. Thank you to Town Councilor Jennifer Marti for your vision and persistence [through] a pandemic, winters that would not freeze the surface, finding funding, and years of planning. . . . Thanks go out to our entire town board, past and present. Special thanks to John Dunkle for volunteering your engineering skills.”

Mad Cow 5k

On Saturday, Aug. 3, the Nelson Swamp Boardwalk Trail was incorporated into the 15th annual Mad Cow 5K race.

Runners started in the hamlet of Nelson, proceeded up Nelson Road, and then looped down Putnam Road to Route 20, where they had two path options. To reach the finish line at the Nelson Town Hall, participants took either the traditional Route 20/Nelson Road route or ran the final stretch on the boardwalk trail through the swamp.

To learn more about Nelson Swamp Unique Area, visit dec.ny.gov/places/ nelson-swamp-unique-area. For more information on the Town of Nelson, visit townofnelson-ny.co m

OuR vOicE

Friendship Day

Throughout our lives we create many connections and hopefully many meaningful and lasting connections that become important friendships.

These are relationships we value and cherish with people we can relate to, share our lives with, people we look to when we face challenges and people we look to share important milestones and celebrations with.

A lot has been written about the benefits of having meaningful friendships for our mental and physical health as well.

According to the Mayo Clinic good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also increase your sense of belonging and purpose, boost your happiness and reduce your stress, improve your self-confidence and selfworth, help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one and encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). In fact, studies have found that older adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections.

With the importance of friendship in mind a few days have been established as days to celebrate friendship.

Aug. 4 was recognized as National Friendship Day.

In 1935, Congress declared the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day.

The idea of a day to celebrate our friends is not just an American one. Friendship Day is celebrated all over the world. It is an especially big event in India, Asia, and parts of South America.

An International Friendship Day was also recently recognized July 30 with countries around the world honoring the day.

In 2011, the United Nations recognized July 30 as the International Day of Friendship. The UN General Assembly proclaimed this day believing that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

According to the United Nations website, un.org, our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses among many others that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world’s peoples.

To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms the simplest of which is friendship, according to the UN.

Through friendship by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good.

The UN resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peac e as a set of values, attitudes and behaviors that reject violence and endeavor to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems. It was then adopte d by the UN General Assembly in 1997.

Whether it is a specific date or any other day, we hope Friendship Day gives you a chance to recognize those important connections in your life.

iN sUNliGHt AND sHADE

The oak is old; it could be older than any of the oldest camps that line the eastern edge of the lake.

Its expansive branches provide shade to the deck and much of the northern part of the cottage.

In the spring, just as its leaves are in bud, the area surrounding it is full of early life.

Ramps run wild to be joined in high summer by wild onions, wood sorrel, plantains and such, each absorbing what sun peeks through the leaves of this ancient tree.

A wild patch of lilies of the valley that has grown without plan perfumes the side of the deck with a marvelous scent that brings me back to the days when I danced the night away in crinolines and cotton sundresses where the music was saxophone forward and all things were possible.

I see that bottle of Muguet des bois on my long ago dresser - an adolescent vision of life, so honest yet full of that romance that comes with youth.

All this conjured by the shade of an oak?

One of the oak’s branches hangs, shading the redwood picnic table which we inherited with the camp.

Then it only had one bench. It still only has

the one bench, but it has, in the sweet shade of the oak, been the place on hot summer days and nights where we could fix large jars of iced tea or Kool Aid to be dispensed into colorful plastic cups that were premiums from a gas station.

It was the board on which we could lay out a picnic of my Mom’s potato salad, sweet corn, pickles and whatever we cooked on the grill. It’s a sturdy table that requires only a once-ina-while restaining. The oak carries on without our attention.

You can divide the cottage surroundings in two. The one held in the embrace of the oak and the other offering the possibility of sunlight.

I worked so hard to turn that possibility into a garden that would do the little cottage proud and come close to my mother’s garden. Some things grew and some didn’t.

There were roses that climbed a trellis with an almost reluctance since they were on the edge of the oak’s shadow. Their blooms were hesitant, without scent and short lived.

But the day lilies bloomed with gusto,

Cazenovia Community Yard Sale returns

To the editor:

In 2023, a few members of the Cazenovia community felt that there was a need to assist others in the greater Cazenovia area that are in need of housewares, furniture, books, electronics and other home and outdoor items but could not afford to purchase new items.

Likewise, there was a group of Cazenovia area residents that have these items in abundance and are interested in downsizing.

It seemed logical to solve two problems with one solution and the idea of a greater Cazenovia community yard sale was born.

The yard sale functions by members of the greater Cazenovia community donating their good reusable items to the sale on the first day and on the later days other community members make a cash donation to purchase these items.

All proceeds from the yard sale would be donated to local and international charities.

The first year for the yard sale was a great success due to the generosity of the local citizens and we are now preparing for an even better second year.

The yard sale will be located on the south side of Route 20 just east of the village of Cazenovia.

Community donations of good usable items will be accepted on Friday August 9 from 8am to 8pm and the sale will be Aug. 10, 11 and 12.

Any individuals who would like to help with the sale can contact Tom Green at 315655-3655 or they can arrive at the sale site at the times they are available to help.

Any local charity who might be interested in partnering with us to run the yard sale can also contact Tom Green.

We are not able to accept clothing, mattresses, or large pieces of exercise equipment at this sale.

Sorry but we are unable to accept donations prior to Aug. 9.

toM GREEN Cazenovia

5

while the echinacea and marigolds didn’t fare well.

You could watch the transplanted marigolds get smaller every day, finally disappearing in a green mush.

From time to time, we found the beginnings of wild black raspberry vines, but they never expanded to what we hoped for.

The hostas did exceptionally well as did the vinca minor. And the wild sweet peas were an annual invasion.

We had flowers in that garden, but only according to the mysterious whim of mother nature.

I accepted the ebb and flow of the gardens. It was then, and continues to be, a learning opportunity.

As I learned, and sometimes watched plants wither away for some unknown reason, I always had my redemption - my impatiens.

Each spring under the newly leafed oak, I would plant flats of impatiens in 10 window boxes, six along the front of the deck, one under the kitchen window and three below the bedroom windows that are always in the shade of the roof overhang.

They would start as the tiny plants, slowly growing and filling in as the days lengthened until the calendar says

that it is August, when they reach their peak of glory. Neither deep shade or bright sun or whatever else mediates what grows interferes with these. They make me smile even as I acknowledge that, with the beginning of August, the summer song at our cottage changes. There will still be iced tea and grilled food, wet towels and lazy afternoons, but along with these things comes the knowledge that nature brings an ending to them.

It’s been eons since I danced in summer frocks on lantern-lit floors, years flying by as my children have grown and given us grandsons, who in their times will dance in their own ways in their summers to come. Still, the years all connect as the summer wanes the way it always does. And, as always, the venerable oak has something to contribute, showering us with memory prompts in the form of acorns, the delight of my youngest grandsons and the reminder to those of us who know, summer will soon be over.

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 – Aug. 9, 1934

The lake last Thursday was a wild turmoil of the elements, with the wind approaching hurricane proportions.

The commodore (still minus his headgear) tried to go sailing in the morning, but only succeeded in ripping his sails, and gave it up as a bad job.

Where upon he decided that the lake was no place for anyone that day, so he issued a proclamation prohibiting all persons from attempting to sail. But it seems that Dudley Hartt thought he was a better sailor than the commodore, or maybe it was his sister Ellen.

At any rate they put to sea that afternoon with Connie Burns for crew in the Hartt’s “Chinook.”

The wind hadn’t weakened any, but they went scudding along in fine shape for quite a while without any mishap.

On shore, Ben Stebbins remarked to bystanders, “They’ll tip over.”

His optimism was almost immediately rewarded. They did.

70 years Ago – Aug. 5, 1954

A fire which started around 1 a.m., Monday, Aug. 2, and did damage estimated from $40,000 to $80,000, has closed down business operations of Buyea’s store on lower Albany Street.

Apparently starting from an over heated compressor unit near the cold storage locker the blaze swept back from the front of the store, where the grocery items are located.

Prompt action by both of the village fire companies, who battled the fire until 4 a.m. averted the spread of the fire to an adjoining building and restricted the actual fire damage to the front half of the store.

The local fire department was assisted by New Woodstock department.

Mr. Buyea plans to continue operations at his present location as soon as the damage has been repaired and the store renovated, which will probably take about two months.

5

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Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro

Athletic greatness is not just here

To no one’s real surprise, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky added to their record Olympic medal haul in Paris, further solidifying their place among the best their respective sports have ever seen.

Of course it’s doubtful you ever heard the word “among” when describing their feats.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of times as Biles and Ledecky competed we were reminded that there was absolutely, positively, no one who ever better than they were. Superlatives upon superlatives, stacked to the heavens.

It’s as if history disappeared. No one was as good before. No way anyone, ever, could reach such heights in the future. And if they were born in another country –well, don’t even talk about it.

This constant need to reinforce one person’s standing in the all-time ranks might feel good, and might even prove accurate. It just does something else that, while unintentional, damages the very sports they’re supposed to elevate.

We’ve already seen this in the Olympic pool. All through the swimming competition there was a constant focus on why Americans weren’t winning more gold

Random Thoughts

Phil Blackwell

medals, even while accumulating far more total medals than any other nation.

Nothing really went wrong here. It’s just that terrific, talented and exciting swimmers have emerged from elsewhere, whether it’s Summer McIntosh from Canada, Ariarne Titmus from Australia or, on the men’s side, France’s Leon Marchand, who won three times to top all other individuals.

In no way did it lessen the drama and fun of the competition, either. In fact, you could argue that it proved more interesting to see the spotlight spread around than just on a single person, as it was when Michael Phelps was in his prime.

Such a thing will happen in gymnastics, too. Get ready for it.

Simone Biles proved all that she needed to prove after the much-publicized events in Tokyo in 2021 by again displaying her unbeatable, groundbreaking style on her way to more Olympic gold, both for herself and hear American teammates.

What’s happened, though, is that in elevating Biles

he said. “It does not feel safe to walk on. Oftentimes, there are cars coming in both directions. It is not uncommon to have a car parked along the side of the road and then to have a car come around them. In terms of walking down the street and moving to the side, there is nowhere to go. It’s already a narrow street. There is nothing separating us [walking] on it from the cars going through. People go through and are not paying attention, [and] they are going quickly. I’m honestly surprised no one has gotten hit there. I have had a number of instances where I felt like I could have easily been hit.”

Wheeler commented that after working with Public Works Administrator Bill Carr and an engineer to begin exploring the feasibility of a sidewalk, he realized it would be “a heavy lift.”

“It is a difficult street for snow load already,” he said. “One of the things we are already kind of foreseeing is that [being able] to remove the snow from the street and the sidewalk would [be a challenge].”

When Wheeler asked whether LeMesurier thought making the street one-way would be effective, LeMesurier responded that it would be the easiest thing to do and a big step in the right direction.

“Long-term though, ultimately if it [remains] the way it is, I have no intention of staying on that street,” LeMesurier said.

Wheeler then summarized a letter submitted by Lyman resident Lori

beyond the realm of mere athletic superiority we’ve managed to make it almost impossible to provide historical context or make room for whoever comes next.

There were great gymnasts before 2016. Really.

So when we get to 2028 and Los Angeles, will we cast our eyes on the gymnasts inspired by Biles and determined to make their own mark? Or will we endlessly gaze back, burnishing the legend but crowding out the rest?

This is not restricted to sports who gain status every four years. Golf became entirely about Tiger Woods early this millennium, and while TV ratings soared whenever he played, the sport fell in participation numbers because we only looked at the summit and forgot about the grass roots.

Tennis has also seen its fair share of struggles despite the presence of recent legends. All the accolades given to Serena Williams during and after her career assures that current and future stars will fall short in comparison, and the men’s game might have it worse in the postFederer/Nadal/Djokovic world.

In each instance, the lessons are the same. You really can pay your respects to the

Lewis, whose front door opens directly onto the street. According to the mayor, Lewis has concerns about children stepping out of her house into traffic, and she supports the ideas of a painted pedestrian zone and a one-way from Lincklaen down to Farnham.

Village Attorney Jim Stokes said he planned to give the board his advice regarding a painted pedestrian walkway during a private executive session at the end of the meeting. Amanda Bury, who lives next to the 99-103 Albany Street project site, suggested that the village attempt to reduce traffic speed on Lyman by using temporary speedbumps that could be removed in winter to allow for plowing.

Trustee Kathy Hahn said that she has witnessed people increasingly taking Lyman as a cut-through from Route 13 to Lincklaen to bypass the light when traffic backs up; they are less likely to cut through from Lincklaen down to Route 13. Therefore, she suspects that making the street a one-way going west to east would reduce the traffic flow.

Trustee Cindy Bell, a former New York State Department of Transportation employee, shared her views on the issues a sidewalk might present.

She said she suspects the street would not be accessible to fire trucks and was unsure if the snowplows, garbage trucks, or school buses could make it either.

She also noted that the snow storage would be eliminated; residents might not be able to back into their driveways; and because the sidewalk would need to be on the south side, traffic would be

great ones while still leaving plenty of space and time for others who made their own marks on the sport and will do so after all of us are gone.

Many all-time legends already understand this. I constantly evoke what Jack Nicklaus said when he surpassed Bobby Jones’ record of majors won, that all an athlete can do is be the best of their own time, and that the rest is highly subjective and judgmental.

In other words, just because someone you happened to witness accomplished things which were unprecedented doesn’t mean that they didn’t have heroes and role models, or that the next legends live among us, seeing what they are doing and wanting to emulate it for themselves.

The exciting part is that, in sports, stories don’t end and history is continual.

Simone Biles andKatie Ledecky have altered what we think is possible in their sports. That’s significant enough, but it only means something bigger if their trail is picked up and young women all over the world aspire to the same – or more.

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

pushed even closer to the houses on the north side.

“[Additionally,] the gas and the water would be under the sidewalk, so any breaks in them would now [require digging] up the sidewalks,” Bell added.

She concluded by stating that, at this point, she would start by installing signage indicating that Lyman is a local street for local traffic only and no through traffic.

Trustee Tom Tait remarked that, as a past fire chief, his biggest concerns are fire safety related, and he believes the village should make it as easy as possible for response teams to navigate the neighborhood in the event of an emergency. Therefore, any measures that might inhibit their access will require serious consideration.

“There is a lot to think about,” said Wheeler. “There is a positive goal here, which is to make everyone safer [but] not create new problems. We are trying to solve for a number of different variables here. We will do that in earnest, and we appreciate everybody’s input.”

The board closed the verbal public hearing. Written input can be sent to the village office or any board member until next month’s meeting.

The Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees typically meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the village municipal building at 90 Albany St.

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the September regular meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5.

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

45 years Ago – Aug. 8, 1979

The crumbling sagging Gothic Cottage is like a dear little old lady in need of a face lift.

There’s plenty of life in the old girl, and all she needs is a helping hand from her friends to keep on being a special part of Cazenovia.

The Gothic Cottage is a first-class example of Hudson River architecture, turrets, chimneys, porches and all, but the years have not dealt kindly with this little gem, built as a honeymoon house for early Cazenovians.

The house, with its multitude of stained-glass windows and pretty fireplaces, is nicely placed on Cazenovia’s main street.

It is used as the town offices, and if you’ve ever bought a fishing license, a dog license, or a wedding license, you’ve been there.

It’s not a brick and mortar municipal building, it’s an airy, comfortable home that has found a new life serving not just a family, but a whole township.

20 years Ago – Aug. 4, 2004

Few sports today rely on the forces of gravity quite like street/classic luge, gravity bike and downhill skateboarding do.

Over the weekend of July 31 and Aug. 1, the town of Stockbridge and village of Munnsville played host to gravity racers from all over the country, competing on an approximately 1.2-mile course that wound through a steep section of East Hill Road.

With hairpin and “S” curves nicknamed “Widow Maker,” “Mind Bender” and “Gut Check,” racers achieved high speeds using only gravity and push power to propel themselves down the course.

David Dean has been racing since 1999 and has plans to organize more races in the Midwest and to break the 100-mph barrier on the street luge.

Opposing bill S8461B

To the editor:

We are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed bill known as the Sporting Range Good Neighbor Act, specifically New York Bill S8461B. We believe that this legislation, ostensibly aimed at protecting the environment, is misguided at best and potentially seeks to overregulate and endanger the fate of shooting sports in New York.

Our primary apprehension stems from the lack of compelling evidence supporting the assertion that traditional lead core ammunition has a detrimental impact on our local environment. Proponents advocating for the prohibition of lead-based ammunition have not substantiated their claims with rigorous scientific findings. As cited by the National Shooting Sports Foundation: Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland answered questions in a Congressional hearing and was open about her lack of evidence behind decisions to prohibit traditional ammunition. Rep. Wittman (R-Va.) used time in a House Natural Resources Committee oversight hearing to press Secretary Haaland on the science and data behind the Biden administration’s actions that banned traditional ammunition on some wildlife refuges. After asking her for the evidence and scientific studies used to determine the decision, Sec. Haaland demurred, stating, “I can’t cite those for you at the moment.”

Furthermore, it cannot be understated how much the role that the practice of target shooting sports plays in conservationism. Again, according to the NSSF: [As of 2023] … firearm and ammunition manufacturers [have topped] $17 billion in excise tax contributions to the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund since its inception in 1937. The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson fund, is funded by excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers on their products, as well as archery equipment manufacturers.

Given these considerations, we strongly oppose Bill S8461B. We urge readers to write to their elected officials and tell them to oppose this proposed legislation which not only threatens participation in shooting sports throughout New York, but also the rights of responsible gun owners throughout our state.

MAtt CAMBARERi, PREsiDENt board of direCtorS of fayetteville manliuS outdoorS Club

PENNY SAVER EMPLOYMENT

Wednesdays at 7pm.

SKANEATELES HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICE ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION ($17/hr, 10 hours/week)

Under Direction of the Executive Director

The mission of the Skaneateles Historical Society is to conduct and encourage historical research and to collect, preserve and exhibit historical material in connection with the Town of Skaneateles. The Office Assistant has the following responsibilities:

General office work: filing, standard correspondence, phones

Gift shop clerk: greet guests, record sales

Copy/distribute member mail correspondence and marketing material

Update social media and event schedules

• Bank deposits

• Update/maintain member, donor and volunteer

• databases

Assist in preparation for and execution of fundraising

• and community events

Send cover letter and resume to Board of Directors at searchskaneateleshistsoc@gmail.com

2501 James St., Suite 101, Syracuse NY 13206 by email lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com or call 315-434-8889 ext. 333 SKANEATELES HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

($22/hr, 25 hours/week)

The mission of the Skaneateles Historical Society is to conduct and encourage historical research and to collect, preserve and exhibit historical material in connection with the Town of Skaneateles. The Executive Director has the following responsibilities: With the Board develop and implement a sustainable • 5-year strategic plan of service with mission-centered goals and objectives

Work with and direct the Office Assistant to efficiently • run daily operations

Manage the Museum buildings and grounds, open • hours, financials and oversee, recruit, train and schedule volunteers

Actively engage with and energize Board members, • volunteers, partner organizations, funders, donors, and other stakeholders

Lead development of the annual calendar of events, • exhibits, programs and related outreach materials based on strategic mission and vision developed collaboratively with the Board. Oversee volunteers working in these areas

Oversee the collections and archives volunteers to • ensure that the archives and collections are maintained, properly cataloged, and made available to researchers

Identify grant opportunities and work to develop and

• administer grants to support the operations of the Museum, including events such as the Annual Fund Drive

Identify and participate in relevant associations and

• educational activities to keep abreast of the latest developments in museum and nonprofit management

Process research requests and oversee the volunteers

• assigned to them

Send cover letter and resume to Board of Directors at searchskaneateleshistsoc@gmail.com

“Most are from observation; some are copies from Edouard Manet’s 19th-century still lifes. The works in the exhibition have all been created under my direction in my CazArts painting workshops. They have each completed some fantastic works!”

The featured artists are Anna Chernobai, Caroline Liquori, Jim Marsch, Erin Milin, Gio -

vanna Urist, and Caroline Wazer. Urist said she signed up for Pepper’s acrylic painting class last fall. At that time, she had a lot of experience with art but had never painted regularly or with acrylics.

“I recently had a baby, and it was the most wonderful reason to get out of the house, spend time with other amazing people in my community, and expand my creative toolbox,” she said. “Jen Pepper meets every student exactly where they are

Last Monday I was trying to arrange my practice schedule to prepare myself to play in six golf tournaments during the month of August. e rst tournament was on ursday, August 1, 2024 at Lakeshore CC. I had just spent 5 long, hot hours Sunday a ernoon at Lakeshore both practicing and playing and decided to take Monday o . As I was looking at my e-mails, I noticed one from Jerry Frare and Bruce Altieri, Co-Commissioners of the Tuesday Tour of America (TTA) group reminding me about their “FRIENDS” event on Tuesday morning at Fox re GC. Usually Jerry and Bruce arrange the foursomes so that the players in the league get a chance to play with di erent people every week during the Summer. Last Tuesday players were allowed to pick their own foursomes.

My desire to play in a competitive event got the best of me so I decided to call Ron Ajemian, to see if he was available. If he wasn’t, I probably would have planned to practice and play 6 or 7 holes on Tuesday. As it turned out, he was available and suggested I call Father Jim Mathews to join us. As we continued to discuss playing the next day, the name Walt Knych was mentioned. Ron gave me their numbers and I embarked on my mission to not only invite them to play, but to hopefully convince them to play. I had not seen nor talked with Father Mathews or Walt for several years so I was looking forward to talking with them. My conversations with both gentlemen turned into a “seems like yesterday” chat and they both agreed to play.

I am sure many of you have attempted and have been successful at arranging similar golf outings with your friends, but probably not for a golf tournament and probably not for the next day…correct? ere are a few things about the three gentlemen I played with that you may already know but just in case the names don’t sound familiar, let me inform the rest of you about a few things you should know about them and about the signi cance of our foursome in the TTA event at Fox re:

* Ron is the former owner, along with his brother Richard (deceased) of the Liverpool Golf & Country Club. Ron was one of the nest amateur golfers in CNY as evidenced by his participation on the Mitchell Cup Team.

* Father Mathews has served at seven

Aug 18 - Dr. Jim Marshall

“Horses I’ve Known”

Sep 15 - Dr. Christina Michaelson

“Are You Happy?”

Oct 20 - Mary Sorrendino

and helps them grow as artists. I learned so much and took more of Pepper’s classes because of how much fun they were and [how] I improved as a painter.”

Urist added that in addition to pushing everyone to become better artists, Pepper incorporates art history into her classes and introduces her students to different artists — current and long-gone — to expand their artistic knowledge.

“I’m so grateful that CazArts is a vibrant part

churches throughout the Syracuse Diocese. He began his work in suburban churches but had a desire to reach those in the heart of Syracuse. He was assigned to St. Lucy’s in 1990 and served there until his retirement in 2023. He also won the Post Standard Amateur Championship.

* Walt Knych was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. A er an outstanding college golf career at St. Lawrence, he became one of the top golfers in CNY. Walt is the only golfer in CNY to qualify and play in the U.S. Open and two Senior Opens. In addition to his “5” Herold Amateur Championships, he nished runner-up “5” times and also won two Herold Senior titles. I do not have enough room in this article to list his other signi cant accomplishments. Go to syracusehof@gmail. com if you want to nd out.

* It is the rst time the four of us have ever played together in a tournament.

* e combined age of our foursome - 349 years. You gure it out.

* All four of us shot our age or better.

As we were about to tee o on the 1st hole at Fox re, we were pleasantly surprised by Don and Tom Christian who stopped by to say hello and re-new old acquaintances with their long time friends and fellow competitors Ron, Father and Walt. I called Don Monday night to tell him we were playing. And yes, we have a photo Don took to prove it happened.

If I had to pick three golf legends in CNY to play with in a golf tournament, it would be the three gentlemen I played with in the tournament.

ank you Ron, Father Mathews and Walt for a wonderful day of golf, friendship, and memories I will never forget.

SOMETIMES THINGS JUST WORK OUT!

“Cognitive Therapy - A Spiritual Connection

Prior to every lecture this season: Free Mental Health Therapy at the Farm 11am-noon (right before the lectures) with Mary Sorrendino,

Marshall Farms Foundation, Inc.

New Boston Road, Chittenango,

of my community, and I’m excited to exhibit alongside my fellow artists,” Urist said.

Pepper is a Canadianborn independent curator and visual artist who works in two- and threedimensional media. She has exhibited in solo and group shows internationally since 1990. Her work has been reviewed in “Sculpture” magazine among other journals, and she has been an artist in residence at institutions worldwide.

Pepper holds a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and an MFA from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. She was a faculty member at Cazenovia College from 2003 until the institution’s permanent closure in 2023. In addition to directing the college’s Reisman Hall Art Gallery, she was a studio art and art history professor and program and foundations director.

Pepper was awarded a 2023 Impact Award hosted by LeMoyne College in recognition of her teaching and gallery work at Cazenovia College and her contributions to Central New York communities through arts and culture.

After Cazenovia College closed, she spent one year as a visiting professor and gallery coordinator at Pratt Munson College of Art & Design in Utica, NY.

“Currently, I am enjoying being a full-time artist myself,” Pepper said. “I just closed a solo exhibition in Binghamton. In September, I will [have] another one-person exhibition in Utica called ‘Seeing through Yesterday.’”

In addition to painting classes, Pepper teaches drawing and mixed media, weaving and fiber arts, and sculpture through CazArts.

Registration for CazArts’ fall classes and workshops is now open at cazarts.com.

Starting in September, Pepper will teach painting on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. and drawing and mixed media on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

“I took art classes throughout high school and college, and signing up for Jen’s class helped me get back into painting,” said Milin. “For me, taking a class and having [a] community that met weekly was really important. Jen is an amazing artist and teacher. Taking her class was an incredible opportunity [to] learn from her and obtain her feedback. I loved how she brought her knowledge of the art world into our class. She is a supportive, fun, and encouraging teacher. I feel really excited and proud of the work that I’m doing.”

CPL is located at 100 Albany St., Cazenovia. The gallery is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 315-655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org. To learn more about Pepper and her work, visit jenpepper.co m

Cazenovia

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

MacKinnon Liquors in Cazenovia’s Town & Country Plaza has new own

ers and a new name.

Michael Romano and Jess Amidon, the new proprietors, have renamed the store “Cazenovia Wine & Liquor” and plan to expand some of its offerings based on industry trends and consumer needs.

Romano has spent over 20 years managing and tending bars. He also owned an ATM business for several years.

“His business background [and] history in bar service is a great combo for serving this industry,” said Amidon, who has owned and operated Caz Cans on Route 20 for about 15 years.

Amidon said she plans to continue to run her bottle and can redemption center while her husband manages the wine and li -

quor store.

The couple purchased the shop at 75 Nelson St. from longtime owner Tracy McKinnon, who, according to Amidon, decided to retire and is happy to pass along the business.

“We’re excited for this opportunity,” Amidon said. “We’re hoping to continue the legacy set before us and maintain customer relationships by providing great products in an inviting atmosphere.”

A grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22 through Saturday, Aug. 24

“We are trying to plan different tastings through the weekend, [and] we will have some snacks and raffles,” said Amidon.

Michael Romano and Jess Amidon recently purchased Mac k innon l iquors from longtime owner tracy Mc k innon. t he business has been renamed “Cazenovia w ine & l iquor.” Submitted photo

prohibiting swimming on Saturday, July 27. They were removed on Wednesday, July 31 after officials were notified of results within acceptable limits.

“MCPH does not normally conduct sampling at non-

The town posted a “No Swimming Allowed” sign on Monday, July 29.

“Gypsy Bay, while not tested and not a regulated bathing beach may contain elevated levels of fecal coliform,” the sign stated. “Shallow water samples collected at regulated bathing beaches on Cazenovia

permitted beaches; however, the department decided it was in the best interest of public health to sample the bacteriological levels at Gypsy Bay,” said MCPH Deputy Director Erica Bird. “While waiting on the test results, MCPH informed the Town of Cazenovia that shallow water may contain elevated levels of fecal coliform, and the town posted the signage to reflect the information.”

Lake indicate higher than allowed fecal coliforms. Swimming, diving, or wading in water contaminated with fecal bacteria can result in gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), respiratory illness, and other health problems. . . .”

The sign was removed on Thursday, Aug. 1 after the town was notified of the low

results that morning. “MCPH would like to remind residents that permitted swimming beaches are designed to protect the health and safety of residents by monitoring bacteria [levels] and ensuring lifeguards,” said Bird. For more information on MCPH, visit madisoncounty. ny.gov/3007/Public-Health.