Nature-Based learNiNG
Cazenovia
educators interested in spending extended periods of time in nature with their students.
By kate Hill Staff Writer
Cazenovia native Amy Butler has spent over two decades partnering with teachers, community members, and families to help create opportunities for children to connect to the natural world.
Earlier this year, Cornell University Press published Butler’s book documenting her success in implementing nature-based education in Vermont public schools.
According to the publisher’s website, the book, “Educating Children Outdoors: Lessons in Nature-Based Learning,” is a resource for educators interested in spending extended periods of time in nature with their students. Its pages offer curricular guidance on nature-
based lessons that align with K–12 education standards and build on children’s innate curiosity and wonder for the natural world.
The book features 25 lessons broken down into five units of study aligned with the seasons. It also includes appendixes that offer templates for learning.
“You’ll find a whole unit on stick play that includes mathematical thinking and visualizing-verbalizing,” said Butler. “One unit is how to learn with fire, and the winter unit includes lessons on tracking and exploring properties of matter through the melting of snowballs.”
According to Butler, who graduated from high school in 1992, her Cazenovia upbringing impacted her connection to the natural world and the value she places on learning outdoors.
“I grew up riding my bike with the neighborhood kids on Pompey Hollow Road, catching turtles in Limestone Creek, and playing hide and seek in the cornfields,” she said. “It was undoubtedly a different time when kids ran freely with little to no adult supervision. Later on, when my family moved to the village, I sought out the same wild places along Chittenango Creek and, of course, swimming at the pier. All these experiences and living in the bucolic setting of Central New York only further supported my relationship with the natural world.”
After high school, Butler studied forestry and environmental science at Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks. She went on to study social ecology and early childhood education.
Houseboat on Caz Lake partially sinks
By kate Hill Staff Writer
Midafternoon on Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Town of Cazenovia and multiple local agencies responded to numerous calls regarding a houseboat that appeared to be sinking on Cazenovia Lake.
The registered vessel, which has been on the lake all summer, was situated north of the Cazenovia Rowing Club dock at the south end of the lake.
At the time of the response, one side of the houseboat was submerged in the water and stuck in the mud.
Town Supervisor Kyle Reger, who monitored the situation with Highway Superintendent Bryan Smith aboard the lake’s weed harvester, estimated that the houseboat was in about six or seven feet of water.
“As soon as we learned about this incident, we reached out to all the proper agencies,” Reger said. “The Cazenovia Fire Department, the Cazenovia Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [(DEC)] Spill Response Team responded im-
Boat l Page 3
Submitted photo
On tuesday, aug. 13, authorities responded to a situation involving a partially submerged houseboat on Cazenovia lake.
By kate Hill Staff Writer
Frank T. Stritter, Ph.D., of the Cazenovia American Legion Post 88, will present his annual military history lecture at the Cazenovia Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Betsy Kennedy Community Room.
His presentation, titled “D-Day was 6 June 1944,” will explore the Allied invasion of Normandy, France during World War II.
“2024 marks the 80th year since American, British, and Canadian forces landed at Normandy, France in the largest recorded invasion in history,” said Stritter. “D-Day, or its codename Operation Overlord, marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany and Hitler’s Third Reich.”
During his talk, Stritter will briefly review the invasion and its results. He will also “interview”
participated in the invasion in different ways.
“I have organized [my presentation] so
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Submitted photoS
in March 2024, Cornell university Press published Cazenovia native amy Butler’s book about her success implementing nature-based education in Vermont public schools. the book, “educating Children Outdoors: lessons in Nature-Based learning,” is a resource for
Submitted photo Frank t stritter, Ph.d., will present his annual military history lecture at the Cazenovia Public library
Lecture
On Saturday, Sept. 14 at 10
a.m. the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Madison County will host this year’s STEPtember for Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Remembrance Walk at Chapman Park in Bridgeport.
This annual event takes place in September, which is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
The coalition has been organizing annual walks in Madison County to bring awareness to suicide prevention since 2013, marking over a decade of local walks in honor of those lost to suicide.
According to the CDC, more than 48,000 people died by suicide in the US in 2021, or one death by suicide every 11 minutes. 12.3 million adults considered suicide in 2021 and in Madison County, according to the Teen Assessment Report, in 2022, about 18% of youth in grades 7-12 in Madison County have seriously considered suicide.
Madison County, a predominantly rural area, has one of the highest rates of suicide among NYS counties.
The disparity in rural areas is attributed to many factors, including social isolation, barriers accessing mental health services, and high gun ownership.
These statistics reflect a tragic loss of life and the need for prevention and postvention efforts in the community.
The STEPtember for Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Remembrance Walk is open to anyone and everyone.
Registration is open for the month of August and participants can also register onsite starting at 9:30am on the day of the event.
The walk will be held rain or shine. The cost to register is $30 which includes a Walk remembrance gift and lunch provided by Kelsey’s Catering.
All proceeds and donations will remain local and fund
Send your events to adearborn@ eaglenewsonline.com.
The deadline for submissions is 10 a.m. on Friday for the following week’s editions.
THROUGH AUG. 30
Art Exhibit New Woodstock Free Library. View the mixed media art of Richard Marchant, including oil painting, pen and ink, and clay.
SUNDAYS THROUGH SEPT. 1
Gerrit Smith Estate Summer Sunday Sessions
1 p.m. 5304 Oxbow Rd. Larn about a different historic topic relating to the Gerrit Smith Family of Peterboro and the crusade for human rights.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
Good Music and Good Candidates
is OK to have open conversa-
suicide prevention, education, and awareness initiatives.
This year the coalition is focused on bringing to Madison County school districts a youth-led, evidence-based program, called Sources of Strength, which empowers youth as leaders to care for themselves and others.
Additionally, the coalition is focused on building LOSS (Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Teams to assist family and friends in times of loss and to help build connections
4 p.m.-8 p.m. Hops Farm Brewery, 5024 Bear Path Rd., Munnsville. Featuring local music and 2024 candidates. Food and beverages available for purchase. Hosted by the Eaton and Madison County Democratic Committees.
down the various assault beaches — Omaha, Utah, Sword — and talk to [the individuals] I meet, each of whom has a completely different role,” Stritter said. “I ask them to describe what
FRIDAY, AUG. 23
Teen Murder Mystery After Hours
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Community Library of Dewitt and Jamesville. Work together to solve a mystery. Pizza provided. Registration required.
ONGOING
MONDAYS Mindfulness and Meditation with Ava
12 p.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans. This workshop will provide participants the opportunity to destress and learn about different techniques and skills.
Dungeons & Dragons
6 p.m. New Woodstock Free Library.
TUESDAYS Baby Storytime 10:30 a.m. Story Garden, Cazenovia Library, 100 Albany
they are doing and have quotes from as many as possible in return.”
Stritter added that he aims to depict the horrors of the invasion as well as its critical role in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.
The program is free and open to the pub-
to resources and supports.
The coalition holds monthly meetings, trainings for the community on suicide prevention, and a monthly support group for survivors of suicide loss.
For more information on getting involved in local efforts, please call 315-6973947.
A “reading of the names” ceremony and moment of silence is held each year at the walk in honor of loved ones lost to suicide.
St. Bring your baby for a lapsit story time! Features interactive movement and singing. Children under 3 only.
WEDNESDAYS Weekly Woodcarving for Veterans
Community organizations will be tabling at the event with resources for the community.
“The STEPtember Walk is important to me because it not only allows me to honor loved ones I have lost but it is a way I can help to raise awareness in our community and show support to others,” Kari Simchik, a walk participant, said. “We need to continue to work to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and remind everyone that it
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Meet in the woodshop for woodcarving and camaraderie overseen by a volunteer. Canteen Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Join the Clear Path family for lunch! Menu changes every week. Complementary, no registration required.
Family Storytime 10:30 a.m. Cazenovia Library. Join Ms. Jenna for stories, songs, and fun!
lic.
Stritter is a Cazenovia native and a professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He retired in 2003 after 32 years.
He holds an undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University, a master’s from Colgate University, and a doctorate in education from Syracuse University.
Stritter served in the United States Army active reserve from 1959 to 1961 and from 1963 to 1968. He served on active duty in the US Army, US Seventh Army in Germany from 1961 to 1963. He separated from the active reserve as a captain.
Today, Stritter is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8866 in North Carolina, where he lives for part of the year, and the American Legion Post 88 in Cazenovia.
“In North Carolina, I generally organize and am master of ceremonies of the Veterans Day program every Nov. 11,” he said. “I also organize a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day program every Dec. 7 and a Vietnam Welcome
THURSDAYS Preschool Story Hour
1 p.m. Cazenovia Library. Join Ms. Debora in reading books, with activities and a new theme each week.
FRIDAYS FriYAY! Make it Day 11 a.m to 12:30 p.m. New Woodstock Free Library, 2106 Main St. Create projects like sand bottles, Cricut crafts, and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Home Day on March 29. In Cazenovia, I was the master of ceremonies for the Memorial Day program in Memorial Park on May 27. [These] are a few of the things that I do to try [to] help veterans and their important days be recognized. I believe that [their service] to our nation is important to recognize.”
Stritter became an amateur military historian after retiring from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He delivered his first presentation on the controversial figure General George Armstrong Custer and then gradually developed a library of other lecture topics.
He now presents to audiences ranging from veterans’ organizations and history discussion groups to senior organizations and high school students.
Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 has sponsored his military history presentations at the Cazenovia Public Library since 2017. For more information on Stritter’s upcoming presentation, visit cazenoviapubliclibrary. org or call 315-655-9322.
Cazenovia Heritage offers driving tour of historic barns
The public is invited to take a self-guided driving tour to view the exteriors of historic barns in the town and village of Cazenovia, from now through Sept. 1. The tour is intended to highlight how the architecture of barns correlates to the agricultural purpose of barns over the years, as well as how barns reflect the place, time, and lives of the people who built them.
On the final day of the tour, a threshing barn of the late 1790s will be open for the public to view its interior.
The map of barn locations can be downloaded from the website of Cazenovia Heritage, cazheritage.org
In Cazenovia, there were three driving purposes and resultant styles of barns: Threshing, dairy, and horse barns.
Coming from New England, Cazenovia’s early settlers’ preferred style was a single-story, three-bay “English” threshing barn.
These buildings were rectilinear, typically 30 x 40 feet, with a gabled roof and wagon doors on the long side, leading into the center bay.
The tour showcases two of these “Early Settlement” barns.
The Erie Canal (1825) and railroads (1860s and 1870s) changed agriculture to market-driven, commercial farming.
Dairy farming replaced crops, and the threshing barns were converted into dairy barns.
This was accomplished by raising the entire barn one story and creating a basement below to house the cows.
However, larger herds demanded more room, and dairy barns began to be built larger, taller, and with concrete foundations.
Dairy barn architecture underwent an evolution from the 1850s to the 1960s when corporate agri-business and pole barns began to dominate.
The tour highlights five in this evolution of dairy barn architecture.
Whether in the village or the town, almost every family had a horse barn, often called the carriage house.
This was a two-story building with stalls and room on the ground floor for the carriage, buggy, or sleigh.
This first generation used hand-hewn timbers and often mortise-and-tenon construction. These farms of 100- and 150-acre lots produced hay and grain crops, primarily for sustenance and local consumption.
thomas e. Walters, 86 Avid sportsman
Thomas Edward Walters, 86, of Cazenovia passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle.
Tom was born Aug. 22, 1937, in Syracuse to Edward R. and Margaret V. Walters and was a graduate of Cazenovia High School in 1955.
He had been employed as a driver and trainer for harness racing at Vernon Downs for several years.
Tom retired as the manager from the Decker Motor Car Company in 2002 after several years in the automobile sales industry. He was also an employee at Win Gurney Pontiac for a period of time.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed
l From page 1 Boat
mediately. We wanted to have all the right agencies involved to ensure the safety of the people involved as well as the health of the lake.”
According to Reger, a DEC officer removed all batteries and gas tanks from the vessel and checked for leaks.
By mid-morning on Thursday, Aug. 15, the houseboat was sitting flat on the
Hay or grain was stored on the second floor.
Residents relied on horse transportation well into the 1920s and as a result, many horse barns are still present today, though converted to garages with the advent of the automobile.
There are two such examples on the tour. All of the barn owners on the tour have agreed to par-
ticipate for exterior viewing only.
Each location has a sign posted.
On the final day of the tour, Sunday Sept. 1, a threshing barn of the 1790s will be open from 2 to 3 p.m. for public viewing of its interior.
Under threat of demolition, this barn was dismantled, relocated, and re-assembled at Meadowood Farm at 5157
OBITUARIES
training bird dogs, hunting and fishing.
He taught his grandsons how to be skilled hunters and sharing memories with them was a special part of his life. If he wasn’t working, hunting or at the track, you might find him at his favorite poker table.
Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon (Goodfellow) Walters of Cazenovia; his three daughters, Michele Riedl, Heather Szlamczynski and Susan (Tim) Marshall all of New Woodstock; two brothers, Edward (Janice) Walters of DeRuyter and Dean (Joy) Walters of Fayetteville; 10 grandchildren, Brad O’Brien of Florida, Joseph Szlamczynski of Syracuse, Ryan (Lizzie) Marshall of New Woodstock, Alex (Cassie) Szlamczynski of South Carolina, Shali (Rob) Ashlaw of Long Island, Cory (Amber) Marshall of New Woodstock, Nicholas (Angela) Szlamczynski of Ohio, Kayla (Chris) O’Brien of Lincklaen,
bottom of the lake with several feet of the structure still visible above the surface.
That evening, Reger reported that the houseboat owner was attempting to have the vessel removed, and a DEC agent was expected to arrive on the scene shortly.
“We are continuing to collaborate with the agencies involved, and we will be working together until this is resolved,” Reger said.
By 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 15, the houseboat owner had moved the vessel close to shore
Ridge Road in Cazenovia. It remains in active use today.
“These barns and their associated farms contribute to both the economy and character of Cazenovia. They are the cornerstone of our cultural landscape, providing a visual history of agriculture and settlement,” said Anne Ferguson of Cazenovia Heritage. “We hope that folks take
Shawn Szlamczynski of Nelson and Riley Fitzsimmons of New Woodstock; four great grandchildren, Kinley and Colby Ashlaw of Long Island and Sophie and Bowen Szlamczynski of South Carolina; his niece, Darlene Norris of Cazenovia and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Edward R. and Margaret V. Walters. There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Pheasants Forever, Inc., 1783 Buerkle Circle, St. Paul, MN 55110 or online at pheasantsforever.org or to the Community Memorial Hospital Foundation, 150 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY 13346 or online at communitymemorial.org/foundation.
Condolences for the Walters family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
using their own equipment. The following morning, Reger report-
the tour and pause at each stop to appreciate this essential history.”
Cazenovia Heritage is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization that advocates for the protection of historic buildings, sites, and objects in the Cazenovia area.
For more information and to become a member, visit cazheritage.org.
ed that the owner planned to remove the houseboat from the lake later that day.
Monday - Men’s (5 man teams) League meeting August 26, 7pm
Tuesday - Men’s (5 person teams) League meeting August 27, 7pm
Wednesday - Women’s (3 woman teams) League meeting August 28, 7pm
Submitted photo
Cazenovia Heritage is hosting a self guided barn tour through sept. 1.
thomas e. Walters
OuR vOicE
At the fair
Is it the rides? Or maybe it is the food? Or maybe it is the live entertainment? Maybe it is the cows, sheep, chickens and other assorted animals? Maybe it is something else all together? Or maybe it is a combination of all of the above and many other things that aren’t even on this list?
Whatever the reasons are many of us and thousands of others from across the state and even from out of state will be spending some time at the Great New York State Fair over the next few weeks
The fair is a long running tradition that has been enjoyed and shared for generations.
And while many of us don’t like to see summer coming to an end, the fair is a staple, a tradition, that marks this time of year in Central New York.
A tradition that for many that marks the last weeks of the summer season and it gives us the opportunity to enjoy a number of attractions and activities and highlight some of the best things our state has to offer, from food and entertainment to agriculture and everything in between.
The fair has a long and rich history and it has become New York’s largest annual event and tradition for hundreds of thousands of families from all corners of the state.
The first fair took place in Syracuse in 1841 and by 1890 had made Syracuse its permanent home.
It is the oldest and one of the largest state fairs in the United States, with nearly one million visitors annually and more than a million in 2018 when attendance hit about 1.2 million people.
The idea of the fair goes back a few years prior to its official start when in February of 1832, the New York State Agricultural Society was founded in Albany by a group of farmers, legislators, and others to promote agricultural improvement and local fairs.
The nation’s first state fair was later held in Syracuse from Sept. 29 to 30, 1841. Attendance was estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 and features included speeches, animal exhibits, a plowing contest, and samples of manufactured farm and home goods.
In the ensuing years prior to 1890, the fair moved to various cities across the state.
The second New York State Fair was held in Albany in 1842. Between 1842 and 1889, the fair traveled among 11 different cities: Albany, Auburn, Buffalo, Elmira, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, Utica and Watertown.
In September 1890, the Syracuse Land Company donated a 100-acre tract of land in Geddes to the Agricultural Society.
Crossed by railways that facilitated exhibit transport, the Onondaga County location became the fair’s permanent home.
In the late 1890s, The Agricultural Society turned to state government for relief from debt due to the construction of permanent buildings on the site. The state purchased the grounds in 1899, and assumed management of the fair the next year, creating an 11-member State Fair Commission appointed by the governor.
Over the next few decades, changes took place that helped shape the fair and fairgrounds as we now know them with the addition of structures like the Center of Progress Building and the Dairy Building and most recently more changes took place beginning in 2015 and highlighting the Expo Center.
But as the fair and its grounds have changed and grown, the mission has remained largely the same, highlight and share the best of New York State.
So whether it is a concert or bringing the kids for a day of rides and games or a night out to enjoy some drinks and food, take some time to safely enjoy the Great New York State Fair.
kiNd WOrds liVe ON
As time goes by, you are in so many ways, the changed by of all of your relationships, some that are beneficial, some that are less so. And there are relationships that are fleeting - a breeze that caught your attention on a warm day. Then it was a call from a cell phone that kept dropping off so that the conversation had many twists and turns trying to reconnect. It lasted no more than 10 minutes.
It was a few weeks ago that an anxious me had been referred to an attorney for some specialized legal advice.
The secretary in the office gave my name and number to the gentleman in question and he contacted me while he was on the road. I’m fairly sure that someone else was driving. In any case, I outlined the reason for my referral and he responded with pointed queries.
We went back and forth question and answer several times as the cell reception was lost and regained and I had to contact his office to reconnect. It was a bit complicated but that’s how the 10 or so minutes played out.
The conversation was professional but warm and friendly, the attorney pointing out that my situation was not one to cause me any concern. Basically, it was “Go in peace” advice.
Now, being who I am, I always like to know something personal about people with whom I interact. I made note of the fact that he began law school at Syracuse University the same year that I graduated from SU. (I had googled him prior to calling his office) He laughed a deep throaty chuckle and said that we were of the same vintage, perhaps looking at the world a bit differently than others.
I thanked him for his time and asked how I could compensate him. He laughed again, and said there was “no charge for someone as ancient as he was.”
“How about some cookies … homemade cookies,” I asked. You could almost hear him smile. He agreed to accept my offer and I promised to bring him a
dozen or so next week. It was the least I could do for someone who had made my day so much better. My intent was to make the cookies over the weekend and then deliver them on Monday, but life got in the way and I put off making the cookies until late on Thursday night. I wasn’t feeling well at all that evening, but a promise is a promise. On Friday, I packed up some ricotta cheese dainties and headed to Fayetteville, thinking that a week had passed since our conversation and the attorney might have forgotten my offer. I rang the bell and met one of the administrative assistants who, when I explained why I was there, called another gal to join us in the hall.
I again explained about my promise, when one of the women touched my hand and said, “He passed last night.”
Nothing could have surprised me more. Sure, I know that, at my age, dying is not a surprise, but it only seemed right that so generous a soul who would spend even a few moments with a complete stranger, assuaging her anxiety that he should receive some kind of
Years Ago in History
By CiNdy Bell tOBey
150 years ago – aug. 20, 1874
Last Saturday, the Baptist and Methodist Sabbath Schools of this place held a picnic in Mr. Benton’s grove, about a mile south of the village.
The day was beautiful, the attendance was unusually large, the refreshments excellent and abundant, croquet sets numerous, and a swing for the children.
Earlville band furnished music for the occasion and were paid for it.
They undoubtedly have a great interest in Sabbath School work.(?)
One party, after playing croquet until four o’clock, were not satisfied with the results so they “had it out” in the village afterwards.
125
years ago – aug. 24, 1899
The drouth which was checked by the rain which fell Monday evening has extended over a large part of the state.
The crop of sweet corn which is grown for the canning factories of Rome and vicinity and is quite largely of an early variety is reported as being only half a crop.
The beans, tomatoes and cucumbers also grown for similar factories have suffered likewise. In the northern part of the state forest fires, said by old woodsmen to be the worst ever seen, have been raging for about ten days.
Though the largest of them are now under control it is thought they will not all be entirely extinguished till snow comes. Several such fires have started along the Lehigh road near New Woodstock and DeRuyter and burned over a considerable amount of land.
From every village in the county, comes the complaint of wells being dry, reservoirs low, and of restrictions placed upon the uses of village water.
The pastures in this vicinity are very brown and the demand for milk in the village has almost exceeded the supply, while the milk production has been kept from shrinking no further, only by feeding the cows in the barn.
Just how much the crops have suffered and just how much relief the rain has brought time will show, but the shower has been refreshing, to say the least.
100 years ago – aug. 21,
1924
New cars registered in Madison County during the month of July were as follows: Buick 21. Chevrolet 18, Chrysler 2, Dodge 13, Dort 1, Essex 3, Ford 91, Franklin 1, Gray 1, Hudson 2, Hupmobile 1, Jewett 5, Jordan 1, Maxwell 6, Nash 1, Oldsmobile 2, Overland 9, Packard 1, Rickenbacker 1, Star 5, Studebaker 5, Willy-Knight 4. Figures furnished by Buell’s Registration Service, Albany. How do you interpret these figures?
75 years ago – aug. 18, 1949
Mrs. Grosvenor Allen, Madison County chairman of infantile paralysis states:
“Because polio is now in epidemic form in several states throughout the nation, Madison County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis feels that the people of this locality should know that we are fully prepared to meet any emergency, should one occur.”
March of Dimes funds, to which many have contributed time and money, have furnished specialized training for two doctors, Dr. Philip Besancon, Cazenovia and Dr. Ernest Freshman of Oneida.
Nearby hospitals in Syracuse and Utica will take patients in the acute and recuperative stages.
“There are available two respirator’s, one in Morrisville, owned by Madison County American Legion and one in Oneida owned by Rotary Club.
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… what can I call it? Compensation? Payment? Good karma? … I don’t know.
“Please eat the cookies in his honor” I said to the women, unexpected tears breaking the words.
And so, this graduate of the Wharton School of Business and the Syracuse University School of law, who practiced that law for 57 years and led a good and productive life, left someone to remember him who never even saw his face. He remains anonymous here because there have been no public notices of his passing and I suspect that may be just as he wished. He never got to taste the cookies. I hope that intention counts for something. I have kept him in my prayers and, with this column, have now shared a few thoughts about his kindness in a sometimes not-so-kind modern world.
Requiescat in pace advocatus.
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.
A bigger threat
To the editor: Congressional Budget Office states growing government debt is bigger threat to economy than climate change!
The interest payments we have to make on our debt are close to the single biggest expense in our country’s budget. This is, and for a very long time has been an ugly sleeping giant in our midst.
Congress, both parties, have continued to kick the can down the road and have stuck their heads in the sand to avoid confronting or even discussing this growing crisis.
Unless America stops spending like drunken fools we will soon be heading to bankruptcy court and then our economy as well as our country will collapse.
No person or entity can continually spend more than the income they are taking in without dire consequence.
The solution will call for some painful belt tightening from all of us. It requires certain budget cuts that will take true statesmen with guts in Congress to legislate what is right for America and may not be popular with many voters.
If you want our country to survive, demand that your representatives do what is right for America by reducing our debt.
GeOrGe radFOrd fayetteville
Ramblings from the empty nest
Ann Ferro
a sMall Part OF a larGer stOry OPINION
By ourselves, we are very small, very insignificant. Especially compared to what is out there.
This proved the ultimate lesson of the longest trip of my lifetime, thousands of miles across four time zones and a continent to experience something truly special.
At the heart of it was seven days spent out at sea, from Seattle’s vast port up Puget Sound and ultimately along the northeastern coast of Alaska, a place where breathtaking beauty
Random Thoughts Phil blackwell
understates the case. But the first serious awe-inspiring sight was the cruise ship itself. Having never gone on one of these excursions before, absolutely nothing prepares you for turning the corner and getting the initial glimpse at a behemoth of a boat.
Hundreds of guest rooms, 19 floors, elevators that move quickly
yet sometimes make you wait long enough to want to take the stairs, along with long, long hallways. You never feel like you’re on the water unless you look out the windows.
Oh, and what you get when you glance out of those windows? Gorgeous vistas that began with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier and only got better once Puget Sound was left behind.
Start to finish, Alaska was a show far better than anything inside the ship. Above all, you get
blown away by the fact that, from the water, the land rises thousands of feet, up into glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Few places on Earth have this feature, and it helped that the sun shone at every Alaskan stop.
All I could do was marvel, especially in the trip from Skagway up the Klondike, riding a train and then a bus on tracks and roads literally blasted out of the mountains with very little else except trees and a series of gorgeous lakes and waterfalls.
That same sense of
awe was found in the water, too. Even amid a lot of fog, you knew there were times when the boat was the only object in site above the water’s surface. Occasionally birds flew in and out and, yes, a couple of whales showed up in the distance (or at least their tales did), but it still was humbling.
Combined, the land and the seas offered a loud reminder, even amid the quiet, of what we have on this planet – that is to say, so much natural wonder which should never, ever be taken for granted.
A vast majority of the land we saw in Alaska, along with British Columbia and Washington State, has rarely seen humans on it. It should stay that way. What’s better, what’s more conservative, than actually conserving these places so that they’re still pristine and precious generations from now?
This remarkable spirit carried over onto the ship, too. Since this was a cruise, it meant there was plenty of indulgence going on. Big meals, a chance to get lots of
phil blackWell
a pair of photographs taken during the author’s trip to alaska.
Alaska l Page 11
PENNY SAVER
Cazenovia Heritage adds two board directors
Cazenovia Heritage, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Cazenovia’s historic resources, has announced that two
new members have joined its board of directors.
Jeanne Whitney Smith is part of a five-generation Cazenovia family and a lifelong summer resident
of Cazenovia who became a permanent resident last year with her husband, Scott Ferguson. She began her career as a community organizer in various levels
of government and was recruited by the U.S. Peace Corp as a business volunteer in north Macedonia. On her return, she worked for the internation-
District secures funding for facility upgrades;
With the assistance from Assemblyman Al Stirpe, the Cazenovia Central School District will receive $300,000 in state aid to help cover some future facility upgrades, including improvements to Hazel’s Path at Burton Street Elementary School.
Before the path was completed in 2023, adaptive playground equipment installed by the PTA was inaccessible to people with limited mobility due to mulch chips. The handicap accessible concrete pathway was requested by Hazel Shaw’s family.
Hazel, 13, was a Cazenovia Middle School student. She died in 2021 before the project was completed and it was named in her memory.
“We were excited to see this project become a reality, but ended up
running into new issues with the path. One being it isn’t wide enough for some wheelchairs. It’s important that we get it right to ensure our school grounds are accessible to everyone. That’s the proper way to honor Hazel. We’re thankful this funding will help us do that,” said Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio.
Those that worked closely with Shaw are also excited to see these improvements made.
“I think it’s really important that we get Hazel’s Path fixed so we can make the playground as inclusive as possible. That’s what Hazel’s family wants. That’s what Hazel would have wanted,” Speech Language Pathologist Lea Greene said. Some of the additional bullet aid
will be used to re-coat and line the tennis court. Plans are in the works to add pickleball lines so physical education classes can use it as part of their evolving curriculum. It would also be accessible to the community outside of when it is being used by students.
“I appreciate the relationship we’ve been able to build with Assemblyman Stirpe and that he cares about our community and student needs. These projects will benefit so many people for years to come,” said DiFulvio.
State bullet aid is money distributed by the assembly, senate and governor to individual school districts, libraries and other non-profits, based on resolutions approved by the legislature.
Newspaper Delivery (Surrounding Syracuse)
al organization Peace Links and then became the executive director of the National Peace Foundation.
She holds a B.A. degree from Allegheny College
in political science and an MBA from Brenau College. Her interest in historical preservation was furthered Board l
Delivery of newspapers/magazines -- Part time – approx. 9-15 hrs/week -- (flexible) MUST work EVERY Wednesday starting at 8:00 a.m. $16/hr. -- MAIN DUTY is to drive company van usually 1 day a week (3 or 4 days at end/beginning of month) making newspaper/magazine exchanges.
We have 6 papers so VERY CRITICAL the proper paper goes in proper delivery area. Keep track of returns on a log. Lifting of 40 lbs. Clean drivers license required. Contact Lori Newcomb, Circulation Manager, Eagle Newspapers, 2501 James St., Suite 101, Syracuse NY 13206 by email lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com or call 315-434-8889 ext. 333
Submitted photo
With funds secured with the help of assemblyman al stirpe, the Cazenovia school district will work on improvements to Hazel’s Path.
l From page 9
while working as a board member and officer of the Lincoln (Virginia) Preservation Foundation, where she was actively involved in the restoration of a historic AME Church.
Mark Smith is a central New York native by birth, who became familiar with Cazenovia while studying for his
M.A. in international studies at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University in the 1980s.
He previously received his B.A. in politics and government from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
He purchased a 19th century Cazenovia house around 2012 and began its restoration. After being here part-time, he returned to the region in 2020 and took up residence in Cazenovia full-time.
“We welcome both Mark and Jeanne to the Board,” Anne Ferguson, president of Cazenovia Heritage, said. “Both
After working in university administration, he joined law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he works in knowledge management and currently is a senior analyst and non-legal researcher.
bring a skill set and experience that complement the Board’s strengths. We look forward to their contributions in the years ahead.”
Cazenovia Heritage is a 501 c-3 nonprofit organization that advocates for the protection of historic buildings, sites, and objects in the Cazenovia area. For more information and to become a member, visit cazheritage.org.
Meet sParet
By dONNa NeWMaN
s paret the gerbil came to the shelter when his family could no longer care for him. He’s very curious and social and loves eating out of your hand. He enjoys arranging his nest of newspaper, and his favorite treat seems to be seeds. Gerbils are quiet animals, but like all pets, they have daily needs and special dietary guidelines. r emember to do you research before bringing any pet home! i n order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. a ll adopted cats and dogs (but not gerbils) are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations before they go home. t he CN y s PC a is located at 5878 e ast Molloy r oad, s yracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk2@cnyspca.or g , or visit cnyspca.or g
l From page 1 Nature
“All these disciplines brought me to teaching environmental education, and later I integrated this into my teaching practice as an elementary school teacher,” she said. “Nature-based education became my sole focus when I became the director of education at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, Vermont.”
Butler was drawn to Vermont by the skiing opportunities, mountains, and an eagerness to “explore more wild places.”
For 15 years, she worked with the same 10 schools to help them create nature-based programs that get students outdoors every week to learn with and in nature.
In 2020, Butler was offered a contract with Cornell University Press to write a book about their success.
The book’s lesson plans were co-created by Butler and the teachers and nature center staff she worked with.
“We spent hours observing what children were drawn to do and learn about in wild spaces, and then [we] turned those curiosities into standardized lesson plans,” Butler explained. “This was a very different approach as the lessons are not [as] much teacherdirected as they are coming from the inquiries of the children themselves.”
“Educating Children Outdoors” was published this past March and is available through Cornell University Press or any large retail book outlet.
l From page 5
alcohol, swimming pools, a jacuzzi, movies on deck, stores and sit-down restaurants on the lower floors, all within reach.
These things were nice and we were pampered many times over, but what was far nicer, and far more meaningful, was what the crew brought to this experience.
Since this is an international company, it only figured that the crew hailed from more than 50 different counties. So many people from so many lands drawn to a large shared experience which, in the wrong hands, could prove miserable.
Instead, it was something close to divine. Their continual kindness and consideration, regardless of the situation, offered a not-so-subtle lesson which many of our so-called leaders could use.
In short, this is a big planet full of people with big hearts and beautiful souls. Why are some so intent on driving them away or, if they still want to be here, making them forget or suppress their culture, heritage and background?
These are the reasons why I want to cruise again someday. Part of it is seeing other superb destinations and scintillating views. More of it is stepping away from an insular existence to truly experience our remarkable world. Whether it’s walking along a coast bracketed by water and tall peaks or just watching someone fling a fish at Pike Place Market, our trip left us exhausted yet exhilarated and, above all else, humbled by what we witnessed and who we met along the way.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
Chittenango HS releases fall sports schedule
By PHil BlaCkWell
Chittenango High School’s 2024 fall sports schedule, with all dates and times subject to change.
Football
Sept. 6: Bishop Ludden/ SAS, 6:30
Sept. 13: at Carthage, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20: Oneida, 6:30
Sept. 28: Homer, noon
Oct. 4: at Westhill, 6:30
Oct. 11: Syracuse ITC (at PSLA-Fowler), 6 p.m.
Oct. 18: Indian River, 6:30
Oct. 25: at Fulton, 6:30
Girls s occer
Sept. 5: Hannibal, 5:30
Sept. 9: at Canastota, 4 p.m.
Sept. 10: Cazenovia, 5 p.m.
Sept. 12: at Phoenix, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18: at Mexico, 5:30
Sept. 20: at Auburn, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24: Phoenix, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27: Canastota, 4 p.m.
Sept. 30: at Cazenovia, 6:30
Oct. 3: CBA, 7 p.m.
Oct. 5: Syracuse City (at Nottingham), 11 a.m.
Oct. 8: at Hannibal, 6 p.m.
Oct. 12: Westhill, 2:15
Oct. 15: Cortland, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at CBA, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19: at Vernon-VeronaSherrill, noon
Boys s occer
Sept. 5: at South Jefferson, 5 p.m.
Sept. 7: at Fulton, noon
Sept. 10: CBA, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12: Phoenix, 5:30
Sept. 17: at Cortland, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: at Phoenix, 7 p.m.
Sept. 24: Cazenovia, 5 p.m.
Sept. 27: Solvay, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1: at Homer, 6 p.m.
Oct. 5: Oneida, 1:30
Oct. 8: Cortland, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: at Cazenovia, 4:30
Oct. 12: at Whitesboro, noon
Oct. 15: at Solvay, 5:30
Oct. 17: Canastota, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19: Lowville, 11 a.m.
Boys, Girls Cross Country
Sept. 7: at Mount Markham Mustang Invitational, 10 a.m.
Sept. 18: at Solvay (w/Skaneateles, Mexico), 4:30
Sept. 21: John Izzo Classic at Letchworth State Park, 9 a.m.
Sept. 25: at Homer (multiple teams), 4:30
Sept. 28: at Rochester McQuaid Invitational, 9 a.m.
Oct. 2: at Phoenix (w/ Westhill, Jordan-Elbridge), 4:30
Oct. 9: Cazenovia (w/Cortland, Solvay), 4:30
Oct. 11: Chittenango Twilight Invitational, 4 p.m.
Oct. 23: at Solvay (w/CBA, Phoenix), 4:30
Oct. 30: OHSL Championships, 4:30
Nov. 9: Section III Championships at Mount Markham, 9 a.m. Nov. 16: NYSPHSAA Championships at Queensbury
Girls tennis
Sept. 4: Manlius Pebble Hill, 4:30
Sept. 6: at Pulaski, 4:30
Sept. 9: at Oneida, 3 p.m.
Sept. 12: at Skaneateles, 5 p.m.
Sept. 13: Marcellus, 4:30
Sept. 16: at Cazenovia, 4:30
Sept. 18: Phoenix, 4:30
Sept. 20: Cortland, 4:30
Sept. 24: at CBA, 4:30
Sept. 25: at Homer, 4:30
Sept. 26: Westhill, 4:30
Oct. 1: Mexico, 4:30
Boys Golf Home matches at Rogues Roost Golf Course
Aug. 29: CBA, 3:30
Sept. 4: Westhill, 3:30
Sept. 6: at Cazenovia, 3:30 Sept. 9: at Phoenix, 3:30
Sept. 11: Homer, 3:30
Sept. 12: Mexico, 3:30 Sept. 16: Tully, 3:30 Sept. 17: at Cortland, 3:30 Sept. 18: at CBA, 3:30 Sept. 23: at Westhill, 3:30
Sept. 24: at LaFayette, 3:30
Sept. 25: Cazenovia, 3:30 Sept. 27: Phoenix, 3:30 Sept. 30: at Homer, 3:30 Oct. 2: at Mexico, 3:30
Oct. 4: Cortland, 3:30 Oct. 8: Section III Small School Fall Tournament at Beaver Meadows, 9 a.m.
photo provided by the cNySpca
