CElEbrAtinG Community
Caz Chamber introduces ‘ezra Greenleaf Weld awards’
by kAtE Hill Staff Writer
On Oct. 29, the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) celebrated the local community during a special version of its Annual Meeting and Fundraising Dinner.
For this year’s “Spooky Soirée: A Community Celebration,” the chamber’s Caz Life committee replaced the traditional formal sit-down dinner with a “mix and mingle” cocktail party at the Lincklaen House.
The festive evening featured live music by The Jess Novak Band, complimentary tarot readings by Renee Joseph from the Cazenovia Public Library, a photo booth, raffle baskets, a live auction, food stations, and the introduction of the Ezra Greenleaf Weld Community Awards.
Ezra Greenleaf Weld (18011874) was a photographer and an operator of a daguerreotype studio in Cazenovia. He and his family were also important
Submitted photoS the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce and Caz life introduced the community’s new Ezra Greenleaf Weld Awards during a “Spooky Soirée” community celebration at the lincklaen House on oct. 29. Chamber l Page 11
Village eyes billing practices for police safety services
by kAtE Hill Staff Writer
On Nov. 4, a sizeable crowd of AntiRacism Coalition of Cazenovia (ARC-C) representatives and supporters attended the Nov. 4 Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees meeting to request that the village withdraw an invoice of $900 sent to Cazenovia Pride for police services provided at the organization’s June 15, 2024, Pride Parade.
The charges were billed to Cazenovia Pride President Travis Barr-Longo on Aug. 20, 2024.
ARC-C presented the reasoning behind its request in an Oct. 16 letter to Cazenovia Chief of Police Michael Hayes, Mayor Kurt Wheeler, and Police Commissioner/ Trustee Jennifer Lutter.
The letter states that Cazenovia Pride “diligently communicated” with the village and other involved entities, received the necessary permissions, and adhered to all regulations when planning and executing the parade. It also asserts that the organization was not notified before the event that there would be a charge for police safety services. In previous years, no such costs were imposed.
Additionally, ARC-C’s correspondence states that when Cazenovia Pride sought clarification from the village regarding the billing policy for nonprofit events, the responses received were inconsistent and contradictory, making it difficult for the organization to understand the rationale behind the village’s decision.
“Pride events like Cazenovia Pride are not just celebrations; they are acts of visibility and resistance [to] marginalization,” the letter says. “They create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people and allies can come together, express themselves openly, and build supportive networks. Charging Travis [Barr-Longo] for police services — without prior notice and inconsistent with previous years — reinforces feelings of inequity and bias that LGBTQ+ people often face, contributing to the larger patterns of exclusion that these events seek to dismantle. By waiving this invoice, the village would send a powerful message that it values the contributions of all community members and recognizes the vital role events like Cazenovia Pride play in bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and fostering inclusivity. These events not only celebrate diversity but also connect our LGBTQ+ community, youth, and families with crucial resources — from
CLA highlights health of lake at annual summit
by DAviD tylEr
At the 17 th annual Cazenovia Lake Summit, held late last month, the Cazenovia Lake Association and a variety of other stakeholders provided the community with an update on the health of the lake and a variety of efforts to protect the lake from invasive species and other potential negative impacts.
“It’s clearly our top priority,” CLA’s Bob Crichton said of invasive species prevention, adding that $1.25 million has been spent mitigating the impact of milfoil on the lake since 2008. “If we allow things like hydrilla or gobies into the lake, that number will be significantly higher. So, we have to be diligent, otherwise we’re fighting a real uphill battle.”
Earlier this year, the new boat cleaning station was installed at Lakeside Park, where four boat stewards are employed to ensure that any boat launched
there is clean before entering the lake. The village also put tighter restrictions on contractors who enter the lake by boat, said village Trustee Tom Tait, who serves as the village’s CLA liaison.
“Just having the presence of that unit there and having the stewards there shows that we’re serious about invasive weeds,” said town of Cazenovia Councilor Jimmy Golub, who serves as the town’s CLA liaison. “We’re way ahead of most of the lakes around here.”
Earlier this year, the lake was treated with ProcellaCOR to temporarily wipe out milfoil, with very good results.
“This past year, by any measure, we had a phenomenal year for milfoil control,” Golub said. He added that the effects of treatment should still be reasonably good for 2025, but the weeds will likely become a nuisance again in 2026. “That’s where the harvester will come into play.
The next herbicide treatment is
vETERANS DAY: American Legion invites vets to program. PAGE 2
planned for 2027.
t he Fishery
Because the lake has limited access and most of the people who fish the lake regularly practice catch and release, the health of the lake’s largemouth bass population is exceptional, said Bill Snyder, of SUNY Morrisville, who conducted three fish samples in the past year.
This is the second year Snyder has sampled the lake, and the results of the 2024 sample confirmed what he originally thought might have been an anomaly from the 2023 sample – that the number, size and distribution of largemouths is “phenomenal.”
“The technical term for the fish that you have here are ‘chonks,’” he joked.
“These are well-fed fish.”
In most lakes, he said, once the bass reach 12 inches in length – the legal size to keep a largemouth in New York
– most end up being caught and harvested. That’s not the case in Cazenovia.
“To see a bass fishery with extremely low or no harvest is exceptionally rare,” he said. “You guys have one heckuva bass fishery out here.”
t he m ill Street Dam
In high flow conditions, water flowing from upper Chittenango Creek backs up into the lake through the outlet at the lake’s southeast corner, bringing with it sediment and nutrients from the 36-square-mile watershed of the creek, said CLA’s Emmet Owens, in a recorded presentation. That backup can be attributed at least in part to the Mill Street Dam, which was built in the middle of the 19 th century to help reserve water for use in the Erie Canal, Owens said.
By eliminating that backflow issue,
David Rezak named Norman Odell Citizen of the Year
by kAtE Hill Staff Writer
On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Town of Nelson and the Erieville-Nelson Heritage Society (ENHS) presented David Rezak of North Lake Road, Erieville, with the Norman Odell Citizen of the Year Award.
The award is given annually to a Nelson resident who has made outstanding contributions to the town and its residents through volunteer work.
During a ceremony at the Erieville Fire Hall, Rezak was recognized for being a caring friend and neighbor and a dedicated champion of the area’s lakes, especially Tuscarora Lake.
Rezak serves on the Town of Nelson Watershed
Management Committee and is a member of the NYS Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA), a not-for-profit coalition of lake associations, individuals, and corporate members dedicated to protecting and restoring New York lakes.
He is also active in the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program, a volunteer lake monitoring program directed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in collaboration with the NYSFOLA.
As a member of ENHS, Rezak has spoken to the society about Tuscarora Lake and its history and written for the ENHS newsletter, “Hills and Hollows.”
Additionally, he has been involved in community events such as an annual
spring clean-up around the lake and an educational night focused on harmful algal blooms.
“I’ve been on North Lake Road for 74 years,” said Rezak, who attended the ceremony with his wife, two daughters, and two of his grandchildren.
“In 1950, my folks [rented] a tiny cabin for the season. [We] pumped water by hand from the lake, we had an outhouse, kerosene lights, kerosene stove, and we loved it. We are now four generations deep on North Lake Road — not long relative to the Lyon or Stearns families but long enough to worry about our legacy.
The lake has changed since 1950, and not for the better; there is more muck, lakes fill in naturally, [and there are] weeds and harm-
legion invites vets to veterans Day program
All Cazenovia area veterans and their families are invited to a lunch served after the Veterans Day program at the American Legion Post 88 Post Home located on 26 Chenango St. at noon on Veterans Day Reservations are not necessary. Please join us at 12:00 noon..
American Legon Post 88 will recognize all Cazenovia area veterans in its annual observation of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Cazenovia Memorial
l From page 1 CLA
Owens said, the CLA could narrow its focus to the 8.7-square-mile lake watershed, rather than the entirety of the creek’s watershed.
Currently, the village is awaiting the results of a study commissioned with the Gomez & Sullivan engineering firm
Park.
Veterans Day recognizes and thanks all veterans who have served honorably regardless of where or when they served. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first celebration of Armistice Day, the predecessor of Vet-
Legion l Page 3
the Cazenovia American legion will host a veterans Day program on nov. 11. Submitted photo
to determine whether the removal of the dam would eliminate the backflow issue and have any impact on possible flooding downstream. Pending those results, the CLA is advocating for removal and considering plans for how returning Chittenango Creek to its natural state would open up additional rec -
Kate hill
Erieville resident David rezak was recently named the 2024 norman odell Citizen of the year by the town of nelson and the Erieville-nelson Heritage Society.
ful algae blooms. [My family members] all love this community, so I am doing what I can to be sure our watersheds and natural beauty survive for them.”
During Rezak’s introduction, Nelson Town Supervisor Jim Cunningham highlighted the economic importance of Tuscarora Lake and Eaton Brook Reservoir to the community and remarked on Rezak’s role in helping to ensure their sustainability.
“I give a lot of awards
reational opportunities on the stream while also improving the health of the lake.
New wetlands definition
In 2022, New York State amended its wetlands definitions in an effort to dramatically expand the acreage of wetlands that would fall under the protection of
the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Because the new definitions now include certain species of aquatic vegetation that are common in Cazenovia Lake, the CLA is concerned that large portions of the shoreline could be subjectively labeled wetlands by the DEC, which would create regulatory hardships for lakefront property owners and potentially degrade property values, said CLA President Dave Miller.
“It’s about 90 percent of the lake that could potentially be a wetland,” Miller said. “The definition of what a wetland is, in our opinion, is not correct.”
The DEC bears regulatory control over anything within 100 feet of a wetland, which would include many of the homes around the lake if the DEC determines that much of the shoreline is a wetland. And while the local DEC regional director has assured the CLA that the new definition won’t have an impact on Cazenovia Lake, Miller said the definition is so broad that future DEC regulators could hold a different opinion.
The CLA has advocated for a carve out in the wetlands law for navigable waterways, but that has faced an uphill
climb in the state legislature and is unlikely to be signed by the governor, Miller said.
In the meantime, Cornell University is in the process of creating wetlands maps using the state’s new criteria. Those maps are expected to be released Dec. 1, but they are advisory, and the DEC is not required to implement them.
As they await more information, Miller said he encourages CLA members to continue to pressure legislators to amend the definitions in the wetland regulations to ensure lakes like Cazenovia aren’t negatively affected.
POSITION AVAILABLE VILLAGE OF CAZENOVIA VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR
The Village of Cazenovia is seeking an experienced and energetic individual to fill the full-time position of Village Administrator. This position offers an annual salary of $85,000 to $100,000 depending on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive public benefits package. A full job description and statement of minimum qualifications and application procedures is available upon request from the Village Clerk via email at clerk@villageofcazenoviany. gov Applications are due no later than November 22, 2024. This position will remain open until filled. The Village of Cazenovia is an equal opportunity employer.
Citizen l Page 8
John E. Davis, 69 Veterinarian, founded four animal clinics
John E. Davis, DVM, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Cazenovia on Oct. 25, 2024.
A graduate of Skaneateles High School, he studied at Cornell University and the University of Perugia in Italy and completed internships in Guelph, Canada, and Utah before earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts.
John loved his family and animals very much.
He was smart, funny, compassionate, hardworking, and generous with everything he had. John cared deeply for animals and took great joy in his work as a vet-
Stephen A. resnick, 82
Prominent ephemera and rare book dealer
Stephen Allan Resnick, a resident of Cazenovia for almost 50 years, died peacefully at home on Oct. 27, 2024, at the age of 82.
He was born on May 27, 1942, to Irene (Gabowitz) and Alec Resnick of Gardner, MA, where he graduated from Gardner High School in 1960.
He earned a degree in commercial art from Massachusetts College of Art and met Carol Frances Mancini while working at Giardini/Russell Advertising in Boston. They married in 1966 in Rockport, MA.
Legion
l From page 2
erans Day.
Nov. 11, 1918, was the day that the armistice had been signed ending all fighting in World War One, “the war to end all wars.”
That first observation was in recognition of those who had died fighting in that terrible war.
In 1938 Congress passed a resolution that made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day then
erinarian, founding four animal clinics in Cazenovia and Clay, including Ridge Animal Hospital, Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital, CNY Veterinary Services and Country Critters Veterinary Clinic. He loved the New York Yankees, Syracuse Basketball and the New York Football Giants, and often took his family on trips to see games together. He also enjoyed being in nature and hunting, practicing Quality Deer Management on his land in Cazenovia.
John is survived by his heartbroken family, including his wife and partner-in-everything, Kathy Yates Davis; his children, Tom Davis (wife Melissa) of Camillus, Kim Persse (husband Jason) of Skaneateles and Ashley Fey (husband Eric) of Telluride, CO; his grandchildren, Drew Davis, Ella
Stephen and Carol returned to Carol’s hometown of Syracuse, where, after serving in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War, he became an art teacher in Syracuse public schools.
After moving to Cazenovia in 1976, Stephen transformed his lifelong interest in stamps and historical memorabilia into a burgeoning business.
His professional life was guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and strong sense of responsibility to his family.
Stephen and Carol became prominent dealers in ephemera and rare books over the following decades as founding members of the Ephemera Society of America and associates of prominent insti -
was primarily a day on which all veterans of World War I would be honored, not just those who had died fighting it.
In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War had added many more veterans to the military rolls; Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” Nov. 11 thus became a day to honor all American veterans who had served honorably without consideration to when or where they had served.
American Legion Post 88 has commemorated Veterans Day ever since.
The master of cer -
Davis and Bode Fey; his sister, Luana Robinson of Camillus, and twin brother, Steven D. Davis, DVM, of Pembrooke Pines, FL; and all his animals.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Keith Davis (Skaneateles), and his sister, Linda Underwood (Endwell, N.Y.)
Calling hours were held from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John’s name to Wayward Paw s (Wayward Paws, Inc. 9048 Delphi Falls Rd. New Woodstock, NY 13122) or Forever Friends Animal Rescu e (174 Gristwood Rd. Pennelleville, NY 13132).
To send condolences, please visit michaelebrownfuneralservices. com.
John E. Davis
tutions across the US.
After amassing a collection of Cazenovia ephemera, he donated it to the Cazenovia Public Library Museum in his late wife’s name.
Stephen is survived by his daughters, Elise Resnick of San Diego, CA, and Alexandra (Alex) Poterack of Providence, RI and his grandson, Oren Poterack.
He will be buried in Evergreen Cemetery and a memorial service will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ephemera Society of America.
Condolences for Stephen’s family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
Stephen A. resnick
emonies at the Cazenovia event will be long time American Legion member and retired US Air Force Colonel Fritz Koennecke.
Music provided by the Village of Cazenovia will salute all veterans with military march music and the Armed Forces Medley.
The address saluting and thanking all area veterans for their service will delivered by Kyle Reger, newly elected supervisor of the Town of Cazenovia.
All residents of the Cazenovia area who would like to honor veterans for their military service should plan to attend.
Celebration of life for Philma “Flip” kennedy (tremblay)
Family and friends of Flip Kennedy are invited to celebrate her life on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 2-5 p.m. at the Lincklean House. Please join us as we gather to share memories and favorite stories of Flip, our mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who will be missed.
Safety check
This past weekend saw our clocks make the seasonal change to fall back an hour.
While this annual change is one that many do not enjoy and many also think has become outdated, for now it is something we still have to contend with.
But it can serve as an important reminder to check off a few things around the house.
According to the Firefighters Association of New York (FASNY), this is a good time to check batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
FASNY says alarms with removable batteries should be replaced while alarms with sealed in batteries should be tested to ensure they are functioning properly.
Any detector that is 10 or more years old should be replaced according to FASNY.
FASNY reminds people that working smoke alarms could make the difference between life and death in a home fire.
According to the National Fire Prevention Associatio n , the risk of dying in a home without working smoke detectors is 55% higher than in a home with fully-functioning alarms. Additionally, three of every five home fire deaths are in residences without working smoke alarms.
In 2019, New York State enacted legislation that required all new smoke detectors sold to contain 10-year, nonremovable batteries that discourage tampering. If you’re not sure when you last replaced the batteries or bought a smoke alarm, FASNY encourages purchasing a new one.
According to FASNY, when New York State enacted the state’s first smoke alarm laws in 1961, fire-related deaths fell by half. However, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, New York State is currently third in the nation with 98 residential fire deaths as we head into the colder months. Sadly, New York has been at the top of the national fire death list several times in recent years. This time of year typically brings an uptick in home fires due to issues with home heating equipment, portable space heaters, cooking, smoking, unattended open flames, holiday decorations and winter storms. FASNY wants to remind New Yorkers to be vigilant and follow home safety advice to prevent accidents during this fall/winter season.
Smoke alarms provide critical minutes to escape the home in an emergency. Another vital tool is a carbon monoxide detector, which can warn of a silent but deadly gas build-up in the home. As the weather gets colder and snow begins to fall, New Yorkers should conduct a home safety check to ensure that CO detectors are functioning.
Safety Tips Provided By FASNY and the National Fire Protection Associatio n (NFPA) include: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound
Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (three meters) from the stove.
People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
DiGEStivE DiStrESS
My digestive system has never really worked all that well. Can you envision a 17year-old girl at the doctor’s office complaining of stomach rumblings, pain and nausea? In those days, those medically misogynist days, the doctor pronounced my complaint as being generated by stress. Sure. I guess that was as good an answer as any.
My dad’s family was known for its digestive distress. Uncle Joe actually carried a cobalt blue bottle of Gelusil in his coat pocket, swigging some down before and after meals. Same for my dad, although he kept the medication in the medicine chest. My Aunt Lucy had a list of foods that caused her distress but, like her male siblings, she would rather dose herself with antacids than pass up a glass of beer and a sandwich of liverwurst and pumpernickel bread.
And so it came to pass that I was diagnosed with GERD, gastroesophageal reflux caused by a very weak sphincter at the bottom of my esophagus, most probably hereditary. I, like my Aunt Lucy, had a list of forbidden foods which I ignored. I paid the price many, many times. Mylanta, Maalox, Gaviscon, Tums… you name the OTC preparation and I had a container of it on hand. Then came proton pump meds which helped tremendously, but they, like many drugs, had untoward side effects. So, I tried to adhere to the restricted diet that forbid citrus, chocolate, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic, tomatoes, spicy foods, carbonated beverages, etc. I added the etc. because there was always the added proscription to avoid anything that particularly made digestion difficult. Even fresh greens caused
me trouble. Did I say that I tried? There was always the hope that somehow I could escape the consequences. That rarely occurred. I mean, what is left to eat? It was about two months ago that my gastroenterologist’s PA told me that I was scheduled for not only an endoscopy (upper GI) but also a colonoscopy based on my list of digestive complaints. Saying the words and writing the date and time in my appointment book was easy. So is writing a list of to do’s that includes, “reorganize the closets”… looks good, but the reality is way off from the writing.
Now, I’ve had both an endoscopy and a colonoscopy before. The procedure itself is easy mostly because you are, as they say, “sedated,” which translated means that you are out, if not cold, close to it. You present yourself to the office at the time and date appointed. The staff is cordial, helpful and professional. You are given a gown, wait your turn, are fitted with oxygen canula, EKG thingies, given something through the IV and then you wake up and it’s all over, except …
The event is nothing compared to the preparation for it. In the past, my preparation took one day. One day. Not this time.
Let me tell you that the draconian tortures of the Middle Ages don’t even come close to what it means to do a two-day prep for twofer. The instructions for preparation came in the mail in a large envelope. If I were waiting to hear if I’d been accepted at Harvard, a large envelope would have been something to celebrate. For endoscopy/colonoscopy prep, the large envelope was less than celebratory.
Inside the envelope, there were forms to fill out and
Years Ago in History
by CinDy bEll tobEy
55 years Ago – nov. 5, 1969
Invitations have been sent out by the Cazenovia Central School Board of Education to selected residents of the district to serve on an advisory committee for planning a new school.
The school board met in executive session after its regular October meeting last week to decide on names of persons who might be willing to serve on an advisory committee.
Board President Roland A. Briars said Sunday night that various criteria had been used to make up the invitation list.
“We didn’t just try to get a group which would agree with the board,” Mr. Briars said. Criteria included geographical representation, interest, specialized training, and persons who voted both for and against the proposed school bond last June. Also, the board felt “there should be a teacher or two” on the committee, Mr. Briars said.
45 years Ago – nov. 7, 1979
McDonald’s Corp. plans to build one of its fastfood restaurants in Cazenovia village between Tincknell Ford and the Town and Country Plaza on Rt. 20.
Mayor Robert Mansfield said that he had met “informally” with the architect and a regional director of McDonald’s and that McDonald’s representatives would appear at the Village Board meeting Nov. 5.
“I foresee no problems, except for signs,” Mayor Mansfield said. The McDonald’s signs are larger than the village zoning ordinance permits and if they are to be erected, the village planning board will have to grant a variance.
The planning board recently refused a variance to
instructions, five doublesided pages of instructions. Five pages? Where was my highlighter? I read them over carefully and started to underline. Then, as the day grew closer, I added yellow sticky notes to my calendar to remind me of what had to be done on which day.
One week out my diet could not include any fresh fruit or vegetables, nut or whole grains. “Low residue” was the goal. On about the fourth day of that week I absentmindedly ate three pecans. Had I messed up the whole prep? The doctor’s office said no, but to be more diligent in following orders. Was I a tad bit anxious? You bet.
The second part, two days out from the procedure, began with a double whammy of fasting with the exception of clear liquids and a dosing of Dulcolax and Miralax accompanied with an admonition not to stray too far from the loo. What an understatement.
On the day before and continuing into the day of the procedure, I was to consume 128 ounces of a liquid that defies description when it comes to texture and taste. Taste could be compared to liquid Styrofoam soaked in old socks and the texture resembled a really cheap olive oil used to fry fish. The instruction said to drink eight ounces over 10 to 15 minutes until half was consumed. The second half was to be imbibed at 6 a.m. on the day of the event. Previous experience solidified the admonition to stay close to the water closet. So, there we were, stuck on 690 in traffic on our way to East Syracuse where the procedure was to take place, worrying that we would be late and what the consequences would be. It was now two and one half days of fasting. I had not
had anything to eat with the exception of some orange Jello. I was empty and concerned. Did you ever notice how many food commercials there are on TV?
When we arrived at the doctor’s office, we found out that a glitch in the heat and hot water had put the surgeon’s schedule behind and my 1 o’clock procedure would be pushed to later in the afternoon. Did I want to proceed? Are you kidding? You would have had to drag me out of that office. I was in a state of readiness that I did not want to prepare for any time again. As expected, the staff was great, the procedures went as planned and I went home with instructions not to do any driving, heavy lifting, laundry, vacuuming, cooking or using sharp objects. I also had two sheets of paper that included pictures of the interior of my esophagus and colon and the lovely words that said that I wouldn’t have to do this again. Heck, I am 84. Why would I want to do this again?
And yes, that doctor that said it was stress when I was 17, was wrong. I do have GERD and the list of forbiddens hasn’t changed. But, as one of the nurses said, as I was drifting off into fentanyl oblivion. You are 84, live your life. I am trying.
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.
allow Tincknell Ford to erect an oversized Ford sign.
35 years Ago – nov. 8, 1989
The fate of the First United Methodist Church of Cazenovia, built in 1872, is yet to be decided according to the Rev. Frank Halse, the pastor.
A majority of the congregation has voted to build a new church, but it is not known at this time where the new location will be or at what cost.
The new building would be the third the Methodists have built in Cazenovia. The Methodist congregation in Cazenovia was established in 1811.
The first church, a stone structure, was built in 1832. It was torn down in 1872 to make way for the present building. The church is within the historic district and the church officials asked the Cazenovia Preservation Committee for advice about the church’s status.
Inquiry was also made about renovation funding, but found there was no money available. Arriving at the decision to build rather than renovate took the Long Range Planning committee one year, according to Rev. Halse.
15 years Ago – nov. 4, 2009
The Chameleon Gallery recently announced a new panoramic photographic post card of Cazenovia’s Business district by Syracuse University Professor Roger De Muth. Each panoramic image is made up of 30 individual photos carefully stitched together showing the entire North and South sides of Albany Street during the past years’ holiday season.
De Muth’s photographs were selected for the 5th Annual Syracuse Film Festival Award, and are included in the 2008-09 International Association of Panoramic Photographers traveling exhibition. He will have an exhibit of his photos at the Cazenovia Public Library in March.
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OuR vOicE
HoW tHE DoDGErS DiD it
pitcher Walker Buehler, starter-turned-temporary reliever, struck out Alex Verdugo. Really, though, you just knew it ended five nights earlier across the continent in Chavez Ravine the moment Freddie Freeman swung at Nestor Cortes’ first offering and sent it halfway up the right-field bleachers.
It came at the exact same time, 8:38 PST, from the same side of the plate and toward the same spot in the stands, as another rather famous home run in the first game of a Fall Classic sent 36 years earlier the last time the Dodgers won it all in a full season.
Oh, and Freeman was also hobbling through an injury, though not to the degree that Kirk Gibson was, and unlike Gibby he stuck around for the rest of the series to go deep three more times, produce 12 RBIs and one of the easiest MVP selections this side of Brooks Robinson in 1970.
In this era of 12 playoff teams it’s rare for the team with the best record to go all the way. None of them had
LGBTQ+ safe and affirming healthcare providers to mental health professionals — [and] services that are not readily available here but are deeply needed.”
In addition to requesting the withdrawal of the invoice, the ARC-C representatives at the meeting asked for a clear explanation of the village’s current billing practices for police services, and they encouraged the board to work with ARC-C to write a new, transparent policy developed within an equity framework.
“We are asking the village to work with ARC-C on new policy and not to charge Pride or any other [organization] providing a critical civic (e.g., public health) role in our community to keep our community safe, healthy, and thriving,” an ARC-C handout distributed during the meeting states.
ARC-C Steering Committee member Laura Reeder was one of several individuals in attendance who expressed concern that the village’s treatment of Cazenovia Pride regarding the charges seems unfair.
“The Anti-Racism Coalition wanted to meet because we feel that while the chief has been incredibly supportive in actually helping Cazenovia Pride, and the commissioner and the mayor were very accepting of the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings, we felt that the situation around Travis receiving a bill for Cazenovia Pride has just a slight possible appearance of bias,” Reeder said. “ . . . There is no logic around the rationale for why the bill happened and why, when we asked to have a meeting about it being rescinded, our community leaders came back and said, ‘Well, we will just charge you half for the same invoice.’ That [response] wasn’t actually accepting an opportunity to talk and craft policy together.”
After hearing some initial public comments, Wheeler described the village’s unwritten policy and explained why Cazenovia Pride was charged this year but not previously.
According to Wheeler, the village does not charge for police services for the Memorial Day Parade, the July Fourth Race, and the July Fourth Parade, all of which have been community traditions for over half a century and are essentially sponsored by the village.
done so since the 2018 Red Sox, and up until this year these Dodgers were better known for tripping up once they got to October.
Since the COVID-shortened title of 2020 L.A. had only known pain in the fall. An NLCS defeat to Atlanta followed. Worse yet was two Division Series exits at the expense of San Diego and Arizona.
So the pressure was on in 2024 even before the Dodgers shelled out more than half a billion for Shohei Ohtani. That seemed to work out well.
Still a championship is never, ever won by one player, especially in baseball, and the big reason these Dodgers were able to get to the summit was because they took care of all the smaller details.
This was especially true on the mound. In years past the sort of rash of injuries the Dodgers pitching staff went through may have led to a postseason implosion.
Not here, though, as even with no Clayton Kershaw or Tyler Glasnow to start the other starters, from Buehler to Yoshnobu Yamamoto to Jack Flahterty, all stepped up. And the relievers
For every other event, there is no charge if the police department can cover the event with an on-duty officer and, therefore, without additional expenses to the taxpayer.
“At a lot of small events, you are able to do that,” Wheeler said. “The officer is already on duty, and instead of just doing routine traffic patrol or being on call, they are tasked to that event, and as long as there is not a crisis, they are good. In past years, Chief Hayes volunteered his own time to come in and provide extra coverage, and in a couple of instances, I think he was able to pull an officer from another detail that was already scheduled. . . . And up until this year, as you know, the parade route was much simpler and shorter, and [it was] easier to maintain public safety.”
According to Wheeler, Hayes could not volunteer his time again this year due to a family obligation.
Wheeler also remarked that, although he was not present during the discussions and planning of this year’s parade, it was his understanding that Hayes “clearly indicated” that because the 2024 route was more complicated and maintaining public safety would be more difficult, there would be a cost.
Barr-Longo contended that there had been no communication with Cazenovia Pride regarding the $900 charge before the invoice was issued.
“To not have been [told] that, when we are a group of basically two or three people, and everybody here gives a couple of bucks for us to make [this event] happen, is completely wrong,” Barr-Longo said. “This isn’t a party we are having. This is about well-being, mental health, and celebrating marginalized people and letting them know they are supported and cared for in a community that is viewed as a place that doesn’t do that.”
Wheeler then stated that when the board reviewed the situation during its recent work session, it became clear that there had been a miscommunication and that it was a mistake for the village not to have its policy in writing. According to Wheeler, the board agreed to reduce Cazenovia Pride’s invoice by 50 percent as a compromise.
“Our goal is to serve every member of the public equally,” Wheeler said. “We are essentially volunteers in village government. We are here to do our very best to administer the community effectively and [be good stewards]
did even more.
Never was this more the case than in the Division Series, the only real Dodgers crisis point of this postseason run. San Diego led 2-1, had a possible clinching Game 4 at home and all that manager Dave Roberts, criticized so much in years past, had was a “bullpen game” where he had to string relievers through nine innings and hope.
Well, those relievers blanked the Padres. Then Yamamoto did the same in Game 5. Then came another shutout in Game 1 of the NLCS against the previously red-hot Mets, 33 scoreless innings in a row. Crisis averted.
Also look at the lineup. While the front three of Ohtani, Freeman and Mookie Betts get the accolades, everyone in the batting order seemed to do something important, from the Hernandez duo of Kike and Teoscar to Tommy Edman, unknown to most but his many big hits helped him secure MVP of the NLCS.
In short, the Dodgers were complete, which it had to be to weather all the injuries, rally against San Diego and then, in the World Series, exploit
of the taxpayer’s funds, and we want to treat everybody fairly. [Where] the breakdown has occurred is that this is a small town, and a lot of things are done on goodwill and good faith; you have a conversation, you shake hands, and you go about and do your business. . . . Lesson learned. We are going to put it in writing, and we will be crystal clear about what the policy is and how it’s implemented. And to be double sure, when someone fills out an application for a parade or public assembly, all the rationale and the formula for any potential charges will be there. If something crazy happens, the cost could differ from the estimate, but we will give everybody a good faith estimate of what those charges will be.”
Lutter added that once the new procedure is in place, the village will not approve an event until both parties have agreed to the terms and signed a written document.
During the discussion, multiple community members questioned whether the invoice to Cazenovia Pride is valid if the village did not have a clear billing policy in writing or paperwork stipulating specific costs when it was issued.
One of the ARC-C representatives proposed arranging a small-group meeting to discuss the finer points of the charges billed to Cazenovia Pride.
Wheeler replied that either he or Lutter and Hayes would be happy to schedule a meeting with a couple of the people directly involved in the 2024 Pride Parade planning process.
“The reality is that the village expended $900 to bring in a number of officers to conduct an event,” he said. “That’s what we will sit down and discuss in a smaller group. We have a responsibility to all of you, but we also have a responsibility to every taxpayer.”
On behalf of the entire village board, Wheeler apologized for the miscommunication between the village and Cazenovia Pride, stressing that the intention was never to treat anyone unfairly or unequally.
“We are, in good faith, trying to do a lot of things for a lot of people, and if we screw up occasionally and things are not clearly communicated, there is no intention to treat anyone badly,” he said. “We really do our best to do a lot of things with a very, very small staff. We are human, we are happy to have people reach out and communicate when we are not
every single Yankees mistake, of which there were many.
That five-run fifth inning which turned around the clincher symbolized the effort, running hard on the bases to force mistakes and then delivering the clutch hits to pull even. Even in the eighth inning it was not home runs but a couple of sacrifice flies once they loaded the bases with nobody out. Southern California in general, and Los Angeles in particular, is defined by glamour, glitz and superficiality. How ironic, then, that the team perhaps most associated with L.A. had to master the basic parts of baseball. Yet there was nothing basic, or ordinary, about the defining moment of this 2024 post-season. One glorious swing from Freddie Freeman turned a possible Game 1 loss into a victory for the ages, capping all of the work the Dodgers did to get here and allowing it to do the rest and get the three other wins it wanted the most.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
meeting the expectations, and we will be happy to work with you and any other groups in the future to continue to try to do better.”
Seasonal reminders and other news
The Cazenovia Police Department reminds everyone that there is no overnight parking from 2 to 6 a.m. year-round on public streets, municipal lots, and village parks. Any vehicle parked overnight will be issued a parking ticket. If the plows or sanders are out during the colder months, the vehicle will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
The village offers paid overnight parking on Riverside Drive. Contact the Village Clerk at 315-655-3041, ext. 2 for more details. It is illegal under NYS VTL 1219 to plow, shovel, or blow snow into the roadway. The fine for the first offense is a maximum of $150 with a $93 surcharge.
Village residents with privately owned trees and shrubs are asked to trim all branches hanging over the sidewalk and street to accommodate the snowplows and optimize visibility.
Questions regarding parking or snow removal can be directed to the Cazenovia Police Department at 315-655-3276.
Evergreen Cemetery and the bathrooms at Lakeland Park and Lakeside Park are closed for the season. Any kayaks remaining at either launch location should be removed before it snows.
Brush pickup has ended, but the village will continue collecting leaves until the snow arrives.
Residents and visitors are reminded to clean up after their pets.
The village created a new “village administrator” position in the village code to replace the “public works administrator” position. A help wanted advertisement went out last week. The village is hoping to receive all applications by Nov. 22.
TheCazenoviaAmericanLegionPost88will recognize all Cazenovia area veterans during its annual Veterans Day observance on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at Cazenovia Memorial Park.
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.
PENNY SAVER
out [to] a lot of really great people, but this is such a pleasure because Dave is really, really a great person,” Cunningham said. “When [I started as supervisor], I said, ‘We’ve got to do something for these lakes to keep people really engaged and keep the lakes in good shape, and we need a leader, we need a champion.’ Guess who [shows up]. Our champion. Dave said he would run this watershed management committee we put together, and he has just been awesome. . . . He is a bulldog; he just keeps the thing going all the time. We are just so fortunate as a town [and] as a county to have Dave.”
Professionally, Rezak had a long and effective career as an agent, promoter, and founder of DMR Booking Agency.
He was also the founding director of the Bandier Program for Recording and
Entertainment Industries at Syracuse University. The program’s David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series is named in his honor.
Rezak was inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMYs) Hall of Fame in 1999 and awarded the SAMMY Music Educator of the Year award in 2015.
“In retirement, we look for ways to be useful,” Rezak said. “I focused on active lake stewardship. Stabilizing our lakes and streams is my goal. My ongoing learning curve is steep, [but] the ugly truth quickly becomes obvious: our lakes and watercourses are struggling, and humans on the waterfront must follow best practices to [ensure] water quality. Fortunately, there are a lot of like-minded folks working on water quality in Nelson, and timing is everything.”
Established in 1996, the Norman Odell Citizen of the Year Award is named in honor
of longtime Nelson resident Norman Odell, who served as a town planning board member, the Nelson historian, and a volunteer fireman. His widow, Helen Odell, was named Citizen of the Year in 2008.
Each year, the award program solicits nominations from town residents throughout August and early September.
The nominations are submitted to the town office or an ENHS member. Each submission is accompanied by a brief biography of the nominee, including information about their volunteer contributions.
A committee consisting of a non-voting chairman and three voting members — a Nelson town board member, an ENHS representative, and a Town of Nelson citizen — meets in late September to determine the most deserving nominee.
The winner receives an award plaque, and their name is added to a plaque hanging
in the town hall.
“I deeply appreciate being recognized by the ErievilleNelson Heritage Society, but what makes Nelson great is that we all find ways to make our town better, not for an award, not for gratitude; folks just want to be helpful,” said Rezak “. . . . People who care make this community better. [We] won’t agree about everything, but every day in Nelson, positivity seems to prevail. The beauty of our natural surroundings is only rivaled by the beauty of folks improving life for one another, like Norman Odell. Thank you all for recognizing my work, I salute yours.”
Formed in 1984, ENHS is dedicated to discovering, collecting, and preserving historical records and other data relating to the Erieville and Nelson area and to making the information available to the public. To learn more, visit facebook.com/ErievilleNelsonHeritageSociety/
Caz, Chittenango girls both win at OHSL meet
by PHil blACkWEll
It proved quite a successful Onondaga High School League Liberty division championship meet for the girls cross country teams at Chittenango and Cazenovia last Wednesday at Marcellus Park.
All the Bears and Lakers did was go 1-2 overall, with Chittenango’s 55 points just ahead of the Lakers’ 68. What’s more, they won their respective divisions to bring home more honors.
In the Liberty National division it was Cazenovia with 29 points to Skaneateles’ 42 led by Lily Kogut, who finished fourth overall and second in the National division race covering the 2.85 mile Marcellus Park course in 18 minutes 10.6 seconds. Only Skaneateles’ Lucy Fleckenstein (17:39.8) did better as she was also the overall race champion.
Abbie Comeau continued her strong freshman season taking third in the division and seventh overall in 19:11.1. Maeve McGreevy was 15 th in the race and sixth in the division in 20:17 flat as Izzy Stromer-Galley (21:09.3) and Avery Cashatt (21:27.1) also were in the top 10 of the Liberty National race ahead of Haylee Stearns (21:27.7) and Gwen Livingston (21:38.4).
Yet it was Chittenango topping all teams in the field and winning the American division with 36 points to runner-up Westhill’s 55 with its depth behind top runner Nata -
the Cazenovia girls cross country team earned the team title at last Wednesday’s onondaga High School league liberty national division championships at marcellus Park and was second in the overall race behind Chittenango.
lie DiGennaro, who finished sixth overall posting a time of 18:56.8.
Five of the top 11 runners in the Liberty American race came from the Bears, with Mariah Stewart eighth overall in 19:26.4 and Ani McCarthy getting 10 th place in 19:35 flat. Ava McLean posted 20:02.3 for 13 th place overall and Emily Judd (20:56.4) sneaked inside the individual top 20 leading Kyra Congden (21:32.8) and Karlee Paone (22:18.1).
All this followed the boys
OHSL Liberty race where Cazenovia was within a single point of the National division title, its 49 points one behind Marcellus’ 48 in an exact reversal of the one-point win the Lakers got over the Mustangs in the regular-season finale exactly one week earlier.
Jake Woolbert’s time of 15:25.6 put him third in the individual race, not far from the winning 15:01.9 by Marcellus’ Liam Eldridge, while Kooper
Wilmot was 14 th overall and fifth in the division in 16:37.8.
Nolan Campagna posted 16:53 flat for eighth place in the National division race, while Evan Molloy (17:27.3) was just ahead of Will Galton (17:33.2). Gavin Wagner (17:49.6) and Henri Mongeau (17:50.6) also broke the 18-minute mark.
Chittenango, meanwhile, was second both in the American division and in the combined standings, trailing only Mexico as the Bears had 97
overall points to the Tigers’ 50. Bryce Edwards, in a clocking of 16:17.2, was seventh overall and third in the American division, with Zach Driscoll going 16:23.8 to finish just outside the individual top 10.
Dan Mahle got 21 st place overall and 13 th in the American division in 16:57.8, with Logan Rogers (17:09.7) behind them and Gavin Roach (17:24.8) edging Ethan Lavier (17:25.7) for the final scoring spot. Sean Navin finished in 17:54.1.
Caz volleyball tops Phoenix in sectional match
by PHil blACkWEll
All of the battles the Cazenovia girls volleyball team waged during a tough 2024 regular season would lead to a group of players ready to tackle the Section III Class B playoffs. Hosting Phoenix in last Friday’s sectional quarterfinal at Buckley Gym, the no. 4 seed Lakers got off to the quick start and never got caught, defeating the no. 5 seed Firebirds in four sets.
These same two teams had met a month earlier and it was Phoenix getting the four-set victory, taking over in the third and fourth sets despite 26 assists and 18 digs from Lucy Bliss along with 14 kills apiece from Alyssa Wardell and Olivia Pirkl. Now it was Cazenovia who seized the early initiative, going out in front in the opening set and winning it 2519 before a second set where it played even better and prevailed 25-17.
Phoenix, for a moment, appeared ready to make up all the ground when it rolled through the third set 25-14, but Cazenovia resumed its top form in the fourth and by that same 25-14 margin closed out the match. Defense was the main reason for this win, starting with 19 digs from Bliss and continuing with 14 digs from McKenzie Warman as Jocelyn Szalach got seven digs and McKenna Weismore had six digs.
Most of the 22 assists Bliss recorded went to Pirkl, who earned 16 kills. Caitee Fenton tacked on nine digs and Sofie Reger had three kills as Weismore and Fenton had three aces apiece. Now Cazenovia would challenge top seed and defending champion Westhill in Tuesday’s semifinal round, the winner to travel to Phoenix Friday at 5 p.m. for the championship match against Marcellus or Homer.
Football Lakers go to playoffs, get even with Lowville
by PHil blACkWEll
Just the idea of the Cazenovia football team undertaking a revenge tour is something alien to most of its history.
Yet that is exactly what it would take for the 2024 edition of the Lakers to get to the JMA Dome and play for the Section III Class C championship.
Simply put, Cazenovia had to avenge two earlier regular-season defeats – and got the first part of it accomplished last Friday night when it went to Lowville in the opening round of the sectional playoffs and beat the Red Raiders 34-21.
Back in those dark days of September on that same Lowville turf, the Lakers lost 46-24, before everything turned around in October with a three-game win streak that produced another sectional playoff berth.
The rematch would see these two sides trade early touchdowns. Bobby Livingston threw 17 yards to Paul Mitchell for a score
by PHil blACkWEll
In different circumstances and against different opposition, it’s quite possible the Cazenovia and Chittenango boys soccer teams make their way to a pair of Section III championship games held last Saturday at East Syracuse Minoa.
But as no. 4 seeds ramming straight into powerful, top-seeded foes, the Lakers and Bears were both turned back, a couple of wins short of what they ultimately wanted.
Cazenovia’s task as the no. 4 seed in Class B was quite formidable in its sectional semifinal at Mexico – try, if it could, to contain and shut down top
and Carter Bowden added the extra points, while the Red Raiders countered with a big play as Cole Zubrzycki went 67 yards for a touchdown and Devin Swiernik had a go-ahead two-point conversion.
Swiernik scored from three yards out early in the second period, but now it was Cazenovia on the front foot as, from near midfield, Livingston went deep and again found Mitchell, the TD covering 45 yards.
Though it trailed 15-13 at the break, Cazenovia was gaining confidence, and its offense would take charge in the second half, again going through the air to deliver the go-ahead score.
Seeing that he could throw deep on Lowville’s secondary, Livingston did so again and found Danny Bliss for what turned out to be a 53-yard TD.
Now 19-15, a cushion was established when the Lakers moved to the Lowville seven-yard line and, with 10:22 left, Bobby Livingston found Paul Mitchell in the end
seed Westhill, who was no. 1 in the state rankings and a state Class A final four team a season ago.
And the Warriors proved too much, jumping well out in front early and not letting up until it had put away the Lakers by a score of 5-1.
Steady attacks led to a trio of unanswered goals in the first half. Trailing 3-0, Cazenovia would get a goal from Jaden Kaplan in the late stages assisted by Eli Royer, but Westhill still added to its margin.
Making eight saves, Jack Casey watched as Eric Holstein led the Warriors with two goals and one assist. Jackson Goodness, Tom MacLachlanand Mariusz Sobotka also
zone for his fourth TD pass of the night.
The Red Raiders immediately answered with Swiernik dashing 84 yards for a TD to cut it to 27-21, but Cazenovia countered with a long march and sealed the victory when Livingston scored on a 17-yard scramble with 2:22 to play.
For the night, Livingston went 16-for22 for 232 yards through the air and gained 60 yards on the ground. Mitchell had six catches for 103 yards and Bowden seven catches for 67 yards.
Of Bowden’s seven tackles on defense, three were for losses, including a sack, and he recovered a pair of fumbles, too. Bliss and Jeff Streator each got four solo tackles, Streator adding three assists as Ed Moskovich also had a fumble recovery.
And now comes another chance at payback in the sectional semifinals to take place Saturday at Fayetteville-Manlius Stadium at 2 p.m.
There, 4-4 Cazenovia faces 9-0 General
converted, Westhill earning a sectional finals berth against Skaneateles.
Later that night, Chittenango, holding the no. 4 seed in Class A, found itself meeting its own top-seeded foe, New Hartford, and would not even get on the board in a 5-0 defeat to the Spartans at Phoenix.
This was an instance of New Hartford gradually imposing its will on the Bears, not doing so early since the margin was just 1-0 at halftime. Already, though, the Spartans’ defense had ably contained 34-goal scorer Gavin Karwoski.
A four-goal second-half settled matters, New Hartford seeing Soren Stevenson convert twice and two others,
Brown, whom it lost to 47-26 in the firstever game on the new turf at Buckley-Volo Field in September, in this weekend’s sectional semifinals. The Lions got away in the second half to beat Marcellus 59-29 in its sectional opener, and the winner here gets Skaneateles or Bishop Ludden/SAS in the sectional final.
Chittenango was part of the sectional Class B playoffs, but had a daunting assignment last Saturday as it faced undefeated New Hartford in the opening round.
As it turned out, the Bears never got on the board in a 42-0 defeat to the Spartans, who advanced to face Institute of Technology Central in the semifinals as Chittenango’s season concluded with a 4-5 record. Jake Garcia scored a trio of first-half touchdowns to lead New Hartford, who gained a 28-0 edge by halftime. All told, Garcia had 217 yards on 24 carries, with John Vitullo throwing a pair of TD passes to Peyton Way and Sal Weller.
Ashton Giambrone and Noah Partenza, each get one goal and one assist.
Chittenango concluded a 13-3-2 campaign that restored a large part of the program’s former glory. Now Karwoski departs, as does goalie Logan Bronner and the likes of Landon Touchette, Seth Boulter, Ryan Thousand, Jackson Blaszkow and Jake Wagner, leaving lots of work next fall for the Bears’ returning cast.
Meanwhile, Cazenovia finishes 15-4 but having a strong senior class that includes Kaplan, Jack Coburn, Alex Coburn, Nat Gale, Finn Worthington, Francis Ryan, Braden Carnahan, Max Clancy and Basil Sayre graduate, even if standouts like Casey, Royer and Alex Dolly return in 2025.
figures in the abolitionist movement.
Weld’s legacy is tied closely to the Fugitive Slave Law Convention of 1850, an abolitionist meeting held in Cazenovia on Aug. 21–22, 1850.
The convention was organized in opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated that federal marshals actively capture and return escaped slaves to their owners, even in free states, and established significant fines and penalties for individuals who assisted runaway slaves, essentially forcing ordinary citizens to aid in their capture if needed.
The gathering, the largest of its kind, reportedly drew more than 2,000 attendees, including prominent figures such as Gerrit Smith and Frederick Douglass, along with nearly 50 fugitive slaves.
The meeting opened at the First Congregational Church of Cazenovia — now the theater on Lincklaen Street — before relocating to an orchard on Sullivan Street to accommodate the crowds.
In the orchard, Weld captured a now-famous image of the historic event and its leaders.
“Weld’s famous daguerreotype . . . remains a powerful testament to the courage and resolve of those who fought for freedom and justice,” the Caz Life website states. “Weld’s commitment to using his art to document and influence social change is a source of inspiration for the awards that bear his name. Each year, the Ezra Greenleaf Weld Awards will honor those who have made unique and lasting contributions to our community. These individuals share a love for Cazenovia’s natural beauty, its vibrant businesses, and the wellbeing of its people. They
are dedicated to preserving the town’s heritage while enhancing its future.”
The “Visionary Persistence” award celebrates those who imagine a Cazenovia that has yet to be realized, look beyond existing norms, and work tirelessly to turn their visionary ideas into reality.
The “Professional Excellence” award honors individuals whose professional endeavors contribute significantly to Cazenovia’s success and quality of life, and the “Unsung Heroics” award recognizes those who work quietly and selflessly for the betterment of the community. Ezra Greenleaf Weld Community Awards recipients
This year’s Visionary Persistence award winner is Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler.
Former real estate developer and local visionary Bob Hood presented the award. His remarks highlighted Wheeler’s ongoing role in the strategic planning for the future of the former Cazenovia College campus, his leadership of the student-directed nonprofit organization Project CAFÉ, his involvement in introducing a comprehensive plan for the community, and his sacrifices throughout his years as mayor.
“I think of three things when I think of Kurt and visionary persistence — leadership, vision, and empowering other people,” said Hood. “No matter how talented a person is, without other people involved, you’re not going to get much done. . . . I was reminded the other day of a phrase that represents Kurt’s philosophy, ‘If you don’t care who gets the credit, an awful lot can get done.’”
The Professional Excellence award was presented to Jen Wong, executive director of the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF), president of the CazCares food pantry and
clothing closet, and founder of the new organization Cazenovia Female Executive Directors.
“Jen has a talent for bringing people together and creating networks and partnerships, which are so important to get anything done,” said Cazenovia Area Community Development Association Executive Director Lauren Lines, who presented the award. “It has been a joy over the past five years to watch Jen lead CPF in, I think, a new and wonderful direction. She has brought enormous leadership skills, boundless energy, and, importantly, a new generation’s perspective to CPF, which I think has been wonderful and needed.”
This year’s Unsung Heroics award recipient is Dan Kuper, owner of the Lincklaen House and the Hampton Inn & Suites Cazenovia.
Kuper has also coached Pop Warner and, since 2007, served the Cazenovia Fire Department. He currently holds the position of first assistant chief.
20|EAST & Cazenovia
Cut Block Owner McKenzie Houseman presented Kuper’s award and read a statement from his son, Alex.
The statement acknowledged Kuper’s leadership, quiet strength, unwavering commitment to those around him, and dedication to his community.
“For as long as I have been in the [fire] department, he has responded to the most [calls] per year,” wrote Alex, who also serves the department. “Whether it’s broad daylight or the middle of the night, he will be there. To this day, I can only count one fire call that I have been to without him being there. Honestly, if it wasn’t for visiting me [at college], he would probably make 100 percent of the calls. . .
. Despite being a dedicated father, husband, friend, business owner, fire chief,
and [much] more, he still finds time [to be available] in any situation you need him. Many people ask, ‘When does your father sleep?’ I honestly don’t really know the answer.”
Each award recipient received a piece created by the artists at Cazenovia Artisans.
“It seems fitting that we would name these awards after an ordinary person doing extraordinary things here in Cazenovia,” said Caz Life board member Judith Hight, owner of J.S. Hight & Sons Fine Wines & Spirits. “. . . As we reviewed the nominees, we found they shared
some significant qualities with Ezra Greenleaf Weld.
Like Ezra, our nominees work tirelessly to improve their communities and even impact their nation. They love the people, the natural resources, and the lifestyle of Cazenovia. They are motivated to do good and create a legacy that they will be proud to pass on to future generations.”
Caz Life is the events and marketing committee of the GCACC. Its members work to foster local business development, promote tourism, and implement effective marketing strategies to enhance the
I believe 50% of all golfers would say that it is “Not Important” to go to the driving range. I say this because I hardly ever see them pounding balls before their round of golf. Furthermore, they don’t have a handicap and don’t care about a handicap or the rules of golf. ey play purely for the recreational value golf provides and are not aware of the long term health bene ts of golf.
I believe 30% of all golfers would say it is “Important” because they are more knowledgeable about the game and the rules and recognize the importance of practicing more than once a month to improve their game. Many of them play in leagues or play for a few dollars against their buddies once or twice a week and play in a few tournaments a year. ey are well aware of the long term health bene ts.
I also believe there is a hard core 15% of “us” who would say it is “Very Important” because we have incorporated the driving range into our pre-round routine to loosenup our muscles and joints as we prepare our mind and bodies for the competitive match or tournament we are about to play. is group belongs to a golf club, have a handicap, do some type of stretching routine before they play and enjoy playing in competitive golf tournaments as o en as possible. ey are also aware of the longevity bene ts golf provides.
e remaining 5% of golfers consider the driving range “critical” to their golf game and believe missing a range session as a violation of their “oath” to their golf game. e vast majority of this group are elite amateur golfers or professional golfers. e game of golf has become an obsession or a job. ey work out on a regular basis, walk when they play golf the majority of the time and expect to live 5-7 years longer than those that don’t play golf.
e facts are clear. Although the calories you will burn at the driving range in one hour are less than while actually playing golf, it is still exercise that is bene cial to your well being. e website, CalorieLab.com explains that a person weighing 150lbs burns about 170 calories per hour while gol ng with a power cart and 238 calories per hour when walking. A person who weighs 200lbs burns 228 calories riding and 319 walking.
vibrancy and economic growth of the village. Proceeds from the Spooky Soirée will support Caz Life community events and local business promotion.
Caz Life’s next event, “Caz Night Out,” will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Downtown stores will be open late and offer special deals and promotions. Shoppers are invited to finish the evening with food and drinks at the Brae Loch Inn. To learn more about Caz Life, visit cazenovialife. com. For more information on the GCACC, visit cazenovia.com.
Nothing I have mentioned above is as important as what I have uncovered recently about hitting “range balls”. Gene Parente, President of Golf Laboratories, conducted tests using one of his 50 RO-BOT machines to measure the “distance and accuracy” of range balls when using a driver and 9 iron. e tests were conducted using a premium, Titleist ProV1 golf ball vs. an average quality range ball. As we all know, there is a big di erence with the quality of range balls vs. premium balls. What surprised me was how much the di erence really is. e results of the Golf Laboratories tests concluded:
* e “ball speed” o the face of the driver was 6 mph faster with the ProV1 ball than with the range ball.
* e “carry distance” of the ProV1 was 16 yards farther.
* e “total distance” of the ProV1 was 13 yards farther.
* e “ball speed” o the face of the 9 iron was 10 mph faster with the ProV1 ball than with the range ball.
* e “carry distance” of the ProV1 was 15 yards farther.
* e “total distance” of the ProV1 was 13 yards farther.
e numbers don’t lie. e facts are clear. ere is “NO” signi cant bene t to hitting range balls to develop our strategy on the golf course that day. Because the quality of range balls varies appreciably, each of us has to interpret the RO-BOT conclusions and determine how we apply the information and incorporate it into our routine when we start using the range next year. I am already planning to “adjust” my range time routine and use it more like a warmup session rather than to draw any conclusions about my game. How about you?
Hours: Tues/Wed 11-4:30
Send your events to Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@ eaglenewsonline.com. Notices must have the date, time and location of the event. The deadline for submissions is 10 a.m. on Friday for the following week’s editions.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
Widow’s Bereavement Group Morrisville Community Church. No July or December meeting. Call 315-655-8471 for details.
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
Book Talk
6 p.m. Cazenovia Public Library. Author Amy Godine will discuss The Black Woods: Pursuing Radical Justice on the Adirondack Frontier.
NOV. 7, 8 & 9
Cazenovia Junior High Drama Club Presents Newsies Jr.
Thursday: 4 p.m. Friday: 7 p.m. Saturday: 2 p.m. Cazenovia High School, 21 Emory Ave. www.cur8. com/projects/cazenoviahs.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8 Holiday Craft Fair
12 p.m.-4 p.m. 1301 Nottingham Rd., Jamesville. Loretto Nottingham presents a holiday craft show! Shop art, jewelry, crafts, baked goods, decor, plants, books, and more. Crafternoon Cafe
1 p.m. Cazenovia Public Library. Make 3D snowflake ornaments for the December holiday display.
NOVEMBER 9 & 10
CNY Folksmarch Meadowbrook, Syracuse. Registration 9 a.m. to Noon on Nov. 9 and 1 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 10. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/folksmarch
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
Turkey Supper
4:40 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Jamesville Community Church, 6300 E. Seneca Turnpike. Menu includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, cranber-
ries, and pie. $15 for adults, $6 for children, and free for ages 5 and under.
MONDAY, NOV. 11
13th Annual Veterans Day Dental Care
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastwood Dental Office, 2326 James
St. If you are a veteran from any branch of the military, receive a free cleaning, filling, or extraction. Walk-in. First come first serve. Bring proof of service. 315-438-3333.
TUESDAY, NOV. 12
The Civic Social Club
12 p.m. Barbagallo’s Restaurant, 6344 E. Malloy Rd., Syracuse. Lunch offered followed by this month’s guest speaker, Bridge Street’s Iris St. Meran. For reservations, call Betty at 315-656-2859.
DECEMBER 7 & 8
CNY Folksmarch
City of Auburn. Registration 9 a.m. to Noon on Dec. 7 and 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8. $4 for adults, $1 for kids ages 5 to 18. Active military and veterans walk for half-price. First timers walk free. For more information visit https://folksmarch.wordpress.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/folksmarch
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Open Data Management in Syracuse”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
Silverwood Clarinet Choir Concert
2 p.m. Fayetteville Free Library. “A Musical Journey” offers something for every music lover from classical to contemporary. Free.
MONDAY, NOV. 18
Indoor Walking Program
10 a.m.-11 a.m. Community Room, Cazenovia
Public Library. Join exercise host Leslie Samone’s “Walking for Health” videos. Wear sneakers and bring water. Registration required.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
Eagle Newspapers is here to help readers share their milestone celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline to submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305. Share your milestone celebrations!
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Con-
tinental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Crush Course on Clinton’s Ditch”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, JAN. 18
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Eco-Conscious and Eco-Friendly Production and Consumerism”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Exploring Packaging Science and Engineering”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Physics of Dimension and Perspective”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
6 p.m. New Woodstock Free Library.
TUESDAYS
Toddler Storytime
10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Continue to support your toddler’s language and social development with storytime with Miss Karen. Intended for ages 0-3.
Baby Storytime
10:30 a.m. Story Garden, Cazenovia Library, 100 Albany St. Bring your baby for a lapsit story time! Features interactive movement and singing. Children under 3 only.
WEDNESDAYS Weekly Woodcarving for Veterans
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Meet in the woodshop for woodcarving and camaraderie overseen by a volunteer. Canteen Luncheon 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans, Chittenango. Join the Clear Path family for lunch! Menu changes every week. Complementary, no registration required.
Music & Movement
10-10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St. Bring a blanket and join us for singing, dancing, and movement in the Greenspace.
Preschool Storytime
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Climate Change: a Focus on Carbon Footprints”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “Secret Messages with Encryption”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
TACNY Junior Café Scientifique
9:30 a.m. The MOST, Downtown Syracuse. Continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. “STEAM Challenge Accepted!”. Following the program, attendees are welcome to explore the museum. Free.
ONGOING
MONDAYS
Story Time
11-11:30 a.m. East Syracuse Free Library, 4990 James St. Enjoy stories, music, and crafts. Mindfulness and Meditation with Ava 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Clear Path for Veterans. This workshop will provide participants the opportunity to destress and learn about different techniques and skills. Dungeons & Dragons
10:30 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Listen to Miss Karen read stories! Children are invited to share stories and social experiences that continue to support literacy and learning. This program is intended for children ages 2 ½-5.
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m. Cazenovia Library. Join Ms. Jenna for stories, songs, and fun!
Paws & Relax
3:45-5:15 p.m. every other Wednesday. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Feeling stressed? Need a study break or a furry snuggle? Love dogs and want to relax? Stop by the library for canine stress relief! The Manlius Library has teamed up with Pet Partners of CNY to bring therapy dogs to the Teen Room. No registration is necessary.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Electronic Recycling
8 a.m.-3 p.m. LOJO Technology, 634 Birchwood Dr., Oneida. Free, year round electronic recycling. No appointment needed. Madison County residents only.
THURSDAYS
Free ESOL Class 10 a.m. Manlius Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave. Practice your English skills for free in the library’s
