CASA wraps up 2024 events, looks forward to 2025
SubmITTEd phoToS
The Cazenovia Area Senior Association held its annual holiday luncheon at the Lincklaen House on Dec. 12.
BY KATE HILL STAFF WRITER
On Dec. 12, the Cazen-
ovia Area Senior Association (CASA) presented its annual holiday luncheon at the Lincklaen House.
The event included carols by the Cazenovia High School Chamber Choir and a holiday trivia game before
lunch was served. On Dec. 10, CASA President Chuck Amos reported that the organization had
School board discusses grant application for comprehensive merger study
BY KATE HILL STAFF WRITER
During the Dec. 16
Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education (CCSD BOE) meeting, Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio announced that the district is preparing an application for a grant to help fund a merger study to be undertaken jointly with the Morrisville-Eaton School District (MESC).
The BOE passed a resolution authorizing DiFulvio to pursue a comprehensive merger study — including the engagement of appropriate consultants, the collection and analysis of relevant data, and collaboration with stakeholders from both districts — during the board’s Sept. 16 meeting.
The resolution explains that CCSD is committed to exploring all avenues that may improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for its students. It also states that the BOE recognizes the potential benefits of a merger, including enhanced academic programs, increased extracurricular opportunities, and potential cost savings.
“[The] board has received a recommendation from the superintendent of schools, Christopher DiFulvio, to explore the feasibility of a merger with the Morrisville-Eaton School District; and [it] is in the best interest of the Cazenovia community to fully understand the po -
tential impacts, both positive and negative, of such a merger,” the resolution states.
According to DiFulvio, the grant that the district is pursuing would cover about $40,000 — $20,000 for CCSD and $20,000 for MESC.
“It’s a tight timeline for not as much money as people would think it is,” he said. “Originally, I think we thought we could get $100,000; well, that’s if you have five districts involved. . . . What is interesting is that we get more points [for the grant] if we have a [reorganization] plan, but part of the district plan really should come from the study.”
He noted that the tentative plan he and MECS Superintendent Gregory Molloy have been working on is the “merge and stay the same” concept that Molloy originally pitched to his community. It would involve consolidating district offices, transportation, and central services while maintaining current building operations.
According to DiFulvio, he and Molloy have been meeting at SUNY Morrisville for the last eight or nine months with representatives of multiple municipalities to brainstorm different things they can try to do for kids.
One of the group’s discussions centered on utilizing Sherburne-Earlville’s pool to teach kids to swim.
“We’ve got a lot of kids, believe it or not, who can’t
swim,” DiFulvio said. “I know people say, ‘Oh, we have a lake;’ well, depending on how you grow up and the culture you come from, a lake can be very scary to some, whereas a pool has controlled conditions. One of the things we are talking about with our different municipalities here and Morrisville’s municipalities is a six-week program for students that would be at SherburneEarlville. We are trying to figure out how we could get aid and different ways to cover this for kids . . . I don’t have an official number, but we estimate that one in four of our students can’t swim.”
DiFulvio also reported that during the meetings at SUNY Morrisville, many officials recommended that he and Molloy hold merger questionand-answer sessions in the community. The purpose would be to provide people with information, not to sway them one way or another.
The application for the merger study grant is due in January, and the districts will hear if they have been awarded the funding sometime around the end of the school year. The study itself will take about a year to complete.
According to DiFulvio, MESC put out a request for proposal for the merger study, and he requested some quotes, which came back higher than hoped for.
DiFulvio also informed the board that he has
CNYspCe pet of the week: Meet Spanky, the curious couch potato. PAGE 3
reached out to legislators regarding some bills that would eliminate the need to go through the grant process and have merger studies paid for in other ways.
“We’ve encouraged legislators to just push these bills through,” he said.
DiFulvio emphasized that at any point during the study, the CCSD and MESC school boards could decide “they want out” of the merger discussion based on information revealed through the process.
BOE President JoAnne Race said that just because the grant application calls for a preliminary plan, it does not mean that that plan is binding.
“This preliminary plan is just for criteria,” she said, “The grant funder needs criteria to base their decision on whether to fund a grant to these particular two school districts or these three over there.”
CCSD BOE meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend. Meeting dates are listed on the district website and the school calendar. For more information, visit cazenoviacsd.com. To contact the entire board, email boe@caz.cnyric.org
Anyone not directly affiliated with CCSD can sign up for the ParentSquare Community Group to receive newsletters and other information. Sign up at parentsquare.com/community_signups/94dc9c190570-4ecd-bd7a-868cb499bc46/new.
126 reservations for the event, and he was pleased that Mayor Kurt Wheeler would be among those in attendance.
“The CASA Board and I are very committed to providing social and educational opportunities for our members,” said Amos.
The holiday event followed a successful 104guest Thanksgiving luncheon on Nov. 14.
“During the November 2023 luncheon, we had the theme ‘Thankful for our first responders,’” said Amos. “Rick Macheda CASA l Page 5
“The social events are especially important during the holidays as CASA provides an opportunity to celebrate with friends; [this] particularly benefits members with no local family members.”
New real state agency formed
SubmITTEd phoTo
Eric Burrell and Sean Hagan standing in front of their new office in the old Pro-Tel building at 95 Albany St.
Limestone Creek Properties, recently announced their formation of Upstate New York’s premier local owned, and operated, real estate brokerage.
What started literally, as an idea on the back of a napkin, is now up and running and already listing properties in the local area.
The company is lead by Sean Hagan a lifelong resident of Cazenovia, a 12 year veteran of the real estate industry and one of Central New York’s top producing licensed brokers with over $92M in sales.
He is joined by Eric Burrell, retired CEO of Pro-Tel and owner of Pro-Tel Properties.
Burrell has managed the purchase, sale and/or lease of multiple residential and commercial properties for ProTel Properties for the past 25 years.
Burrell is a licensed real estate salesperson.
Hagan and Burrell are also recently joined by Kevin Dewan, a Cazenovia native and licensed associate real estate agent with over seven years of industry experience and over $21M in sales.
Limestone Creek Properties will focus on residential and commercial sales in Madison and Onondaga Counties as well as surrounding counties.
Limestone Creek Properties is located at 95 Albany St. Call 315- 655-0303 for more information.
holidaYs: ‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.’ PAGE 6
Peter G Gianforte Farmer,
Peter G Gianforte’s
Born to Addie and Joe Gianforte of Manlius, he spent his childhood working in his parents Chase Pitkin Garden Store, spending time with Joe in his stone carving shop and getting into trouble with a myriad of friends in high school along with his brother, Jay Gianforte.
While attending college at Morrisville to study horticulture, Pete started out raising pigs. He loved animals, having raccoons and crows and more over the years, so being a pig farmer didn’t last long. He soon bought land in Cazenovia and started grain farming instead. He had many friends and mentors who joined in with all the different projects and adventures over the years, his brother Jay along his side through everything. He continued to expand and build, cultivating fields, creating wetlands and spending lots of time in the woods as a master forest owner.
He met his wife, Judy Gianforte, through a mutual friend while in Alaska. Soon they got married and Judy joined the farm. They had two kids, Luke and Piper Gianforte, who grew up helping their dad on the farm, riding with him in the tractor, delivering grain, getting breakfast at diners, fixing equipment and having camp -
Anthony M. Ciferni husband, father, grandfather
Anthony M. Ciferni passed away Saturday, Dec.. 7, 2024, in Venice, FL, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
Born on June 23, 1944, he leaves behind his wife Beverly Ciferni, daughters Julie (Joe) Walsh, Jill (Peter Coleman) Pitts, son James Ciferni, grandchildren Grace, Anna and Molly Walsh, Jordon and Devin Ciferni, Anthony and Grayson Pitts, sisters Carol (Ray) Perotti, Andrea (Rudy) Campbell and many nieces and nephews. Tony was loved by many for his humility, kindness and great sense of humor.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Syracuse.
fires in the woods. When the kids were young, Pete transitioned to organic farming, once again diving into something new to both him and many others in the farming community, with fierce determination to be great.
For many years, Pete and Judy took advantage of quiet winters on the farm and took the kids in a camper down south, volunteering with the Nature Conservancy – conducting controlled burns, building bridges, rehabilitating sea turtles and more. Pete also volunteered, driving an ambulance for CAVAC in Cazenovia, always looking to find ways to use his big heart, for both nature and people.
After college Luke returned home to run the farm with his dad, something they both had always wanted.
They worked hand in hand for many years, with immense mutual respect – truly the perfect partnership.
Luke married, and Anika Gianforte joined the family, bringing so much joy to Peter’s life, and soon the addition of two grandkids, Monzo and Jed Gianforte.
Pete held himself and others to the highest standards, both one of his most admired and frustrating traits. He was the hardest worker you’ll ever meet, was exceptionally intelligent and had a charisma everyone who met him was drawn to. You couldn’t help but love Pete. For someone who considered himself anti-social, he had a wide community of friends he saw and
spoke with often, the driveway to the barn always busy with visitors stopping in to see him and what he had built. He had immense pride in his work and was one of the rare ones that wholeheartedly loved what they did.
Pete struggled with his mental health, with years marked by ups and downs, but tried his very best to make it his superpower. His passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of his family and friends, but we know his presence will be seen and felt everywhere he’s been and within everything he’s created.
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” - James A. Michener
To the man that got to play his whole life – you are everything to us, and so loved. Love you, see ya.
Karen Wilkinson Clark ran home care business
Karen Wilkinson Clark was born in Denver, CO, and a love of the Western mountains was planted in her heart. Growing up with her parents, Robert and Marilyn Wilkinson, and her sisters Randa and Holly, they moved to Idaho, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. After graduating from St. Lawrence University, Karen left the cold and followed her heart to Nevada and then California where she met her husband. She raised her three gifts from God, Kyle, Taralyn and Cody as they enjoyed life in Vancouver BC, Rescue, CA and Lafayette, CA.
flowers, we ask you to donate in his name to an organization of your choice, for a cause that Peter would love.
Alberding Endowment Fund for Caregivers of Geriatric Patients at Upstate University Geriatricians. To contribute to this fund, donations can be made to the Upstate Foundation at 750 E. Adams Street Syracuse, NY 13210 or online at upstatefoundation.org.
Following her divorce, Karen and her children moved near her mother and stepfather in Cazenovia. There she launched her children and discovered her own calling. Her professional training as a CNA allowed her to work in nursing homes and Crouse Hospital, as well as running her own home care business. Finally, she returned to school to earn her master’s degree in social work at Roberts Wesleyan College where her eyes were further opened to the joys and challenges of serving the aging in this world, under the tutelage of the master of social work, Jesus Christ. She was provided the opportunity to delve more deeply into that period of life, simultaneously caring for her elderly parents and learning from leaders in the field of geriatrics as part of the team at Upstate’s University Geriatricians.
Karen’s life and ministry on this earth were ordained and blessed by God as she attempted to follow the path of her lord, Jesus Christ. She joined her parents in his presence on Dec. 7, 2024, and awaits the day when her children and their families will be reunited with her. Karen leaves her children, sisters, their families and her friends to continue fulfilling their own ministries on this earth.
To continue the work she began and to honor the legacy she leaves behind, Karen created the Karen W. Clark and Marilyn C.
A memorial service honoring Karen’s life will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at Eastern Hills Bible Church, 8277 Cazenovia Road, Manlius, NY. The family will greet friends at a reception in the church following the services. Condolences may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength to do His work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve Him…God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus…All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the Eternal King, the Unseen One Who never dies; He, alone, is God! 1 Timothy 1:12-14
The family will share further details around a celebration of Peter’s life, to be held in summer 2025 at the farm. In lieu of
Peter G Gianforte
Anthony M. Ciferni
Karen Wilkinson Clark
The play of a lifetime
Meet Spanky, the curious couch potato
BY ELENA SELTHuN
phoTo by ScoTT EngEl
They might gather once more in 2074, old men with a lifetime of adventures and accomplishments, careers they have built, families which have grown and moved away.
Phil blackwell
And even 50 years down the road, what transpired just past 10 p.m. on the first Saturday night of December 2024 inside the JMA Dome will remain fresh, vibrant and right at the front of their collective minds.
Everyone knew it right away, from one group of players celebrating on the field while their fans jumped up and down in the stands to the other contingent of players and fans who were frozen in shock or forced into instant mourning.
Sure, other football games at other levels, including some pretty famous ones, got decided on long, desperate passes that were caught in the final seconds or after time ran out.
But having a state championship game get decided this way?
to say, it may Random Thoughts
Spanky is a spunky, curious cat who has (somehow) been at the shelter since June, which is way too long! He is 1.5 years old, so he’s in his rambunctious teenage phase, and it is so fun to watch him chase laser pointers and bat at toys with his big, soft paws. He’s a playful guy, but he can also be totally laid-back. He loves to lounge and enjoys head scratches and treats. He can almost always be found chilling on top of the cat tree or another high point in Mitzi’s Room, our community cat room. Spanky loves to look through the windows and watch people and animals go by, and we suspect he would love a birdwatching perch too. He just wants to be part of the action! Spanky can have a bit of an attitude with other cats, so he should be the only cat in the household. We are not sure what experience he has with dogs, so he would have to meet any potential dog siblings first. In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. All adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations before they go home. The CNY SPCA is located at 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse. For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontoffice2@cny
spca.or g , or visit cnyspca.or g
Christmas In Cazenovia
Isaiah 9:6
For
7
9
STREET
Vincent Guarneiri, Director of Music/Organist Sunday Morning Worship 10:00am
Sunday December 22 10:00 am
Fourth Sunday of Advent The Candle of Love Lit
Traditional Lessons and Carols Service
Leading Worship: Rev. Kenneth B. Wonderland
Tuesday December 24th 8:00 pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
String Quintet Presenting Corelli Christmas Concerto The Christ Candle Lit
Leading Worship: Rev. Kenneth B. Wonderland and Rev. Susan Faye Wonderland
CRIS takes part in senior fair
Community Resources for Independent Seniors collaborated with Community Living Advocates and the Madison County Office for the Aging again this year to host the Madison County Senior Fair in a bag event.
This year they stuffed 300 bags to reach homebound seniors or seniors who could not make it to the physical Madison County Senior Fair that was held by the Office for the Aging in October.
This event brings together businesses and organizations to provide information about what services, programs or products that are geared towards the 55+ population.
CRIS had 30 volunteers from these businesses, organizations and community members to help stuff the bags and put out the information on the table and stuff each bag.
The bags were distributed to locations such as the Madison County Meals on Wheels program, Kinney medication delivery, Community Memorial in Cazenovia, Crouse Apartments in Morrisville, Cazenovia and New Woodstock libraries and Office for the Aging.
The bags include items like candy, tea, mints, calendars, chip clips, jar openers, stress balls, magnifying bookmarks, pens, notebooks, reusable bags, handmade cards, and information from each vendor.
The bags were donated by TruCare and Tops and Community Bank helped financially with the cost of the lunch that CRIS provided to the volunteers after the event.
The vendors this year included limited to: Community Resources for Independent Seniors, Community Living Advocates, Reflections Care Management, Madison County Office for the Aging, Elite, The Grand, Alzheimer’s Association, Nascentia Care, Crouse Community Center, Madison County Weatherization,
ARISE, Hearing Life, Hospice and Palliative Care, Community Memorial Hospital, Aging Advocates, Bridges, EPIC, Velocity, Sage, Madison County Rural Health Council, Kinney Drug, Silver Fox, American Red Cross, MVC Law firm, Wellcare, Aetna, Bankers Life Insurance Company, New Woodstock Library and Ballard and Associates.
CRIS does not have any more bags from this event but anyone who is 55+ and they do not leave their home they or a caregiver can contact CRIS so they can be placed on CRIS’ list.
CRIS does local outreach to Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson during the winter months with goodie bags and will distribute at least 200 more bags this winter.
This event was started during COVID to reach homebound seniors.
It provided information but also a way to check in and say CRIS is here for you.
The feedback as been so great that we have continued it because not every senior can go to the in person fair.
CRIS ended this event with a luncheon and the Madison County Senior Networking Group.
This group is open to any business or organization that serves seniors.
It is a way to network and collaborate with each other in the industry to help our seniors in Madison County.
The group meets every month at the Loka Leaf Tea Lounge and anyone is welcome to join.
Email director@cris-caz.com for more information
“This year we have noticed a change in the ability for organizations to sponsor our events,” Karisha Solomon, executive director of CRIS, said. “We are sending out our appeal letter soon hoping to make up for the difference. It is important that we continue to receive support from the
community to allow all of our programs to be free. We have events like this to benefit the homebound seniors, but it also allows us to network with 30 + people who also serve the senior population. Staying up to date on what services/businesses are available in Madison County is imperative for our information and referrals. We are available by phone or email to ask any questions related to aging. This is very unique and special to our community members.” CRIS is a not-for-profit organization that provides information and referrals, educational programs, medical transportation, Lend A Hand and to help keep our seniors at home and in the community for as long as possible but also active and engaged. For more information or to make a donation visit cris-caz.com or P.O. Box 99 Cazenovia NY 13035.
Wayward Paws Fundraiser!
We are taking donations of food, treats, bedding and toys for the animals at Wayward Paws now through Christmas. Please drop your donation off anytime in December! We will also have a cash donation jar inside. Thank you!
from the Cazenovia Fire Department and the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps spoke about rescue operations and common-sense safety measures. At the November 2024 luncheon, we had Connie Hasko from the Cazenovia Garden Club talk about the [club’s work] during the year [to] beautify our community. She also discussed fundraising activities, including the spring plant sale and the sale of holiday items during the annual Christmas Walk last Friday. We plan to continue the theme of learning about the role and importance of volunteerism in our community.”’
CASA has already planned a full schedule of events for January through June
2025. On Jan. 16, the senior organization will present a Chinese New Year event with lunch followed by bindoat the Hampton Inn & Suites Cazenovia.
The group will return to the Hampton Inn on Feb. 20 for a pre-Mardi Gras celebration lunch and bingo, March 13 for a Saint Patrick’s Day lunch with entertainment, and April 17 for a spring lunch, trivia, and a spring basket door prize.
On April 30, CASA will travel to Syracuse for lunch at Phoebe’s Restaurant followed by “Sense and Sensibility” at Syracuse Stage.
Seniors are invited to a belated Cinco de Mayo celebration lunch at the Hampton Inn on May 22. The event will also feature a Memorial Day presentation titled
“Ghost Army” by local military historian Frank Stritter.
On June 12, CASA will take its monthly luncheon outdoors on the lawn of the Brae Loch Inn, weather permitting.
About CASA
CASA was formed in 2007 to address a recognized need in the community for an organization to provide services such as recreational activities and social opportunities to seniors. The group began operating a year later with assistance from the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce.
CASA is led by an all-volunteer board and receives funding from the Town and Village of Cazenovia, the Town of Nelson, and the Town of Fenner.
All Cazenovia Central School District
residents ages 55 and older are automatically members of CASA. There are no membership dues as the costs are covered by event fees and the support CASA receives from the three towns and the village. Non-members can attend CASA functions for a slightly higher fee.
Brochures featuring CASA’s upcoming events are distributed at each luncheon/ event.
Individuals who want to be added to the organization’s email list to receive event information can call CASA at 315825-5710 and leave a message. Registration and payment in advance are required for all events. Forms are available at the Cazenovia Public Library and in CASA emails.
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Gather round the Christmas tree Tree troubles
bination of resentment and sadness.
With Christmas fast approaching, for those who celebrate, we hope you have found the perfect Christmas tree and it is in the stand, which can be an aggravating challenge in and of itself, and the tree is now decorated and trimmed, and you can take your time to sit back and enjoy that tree in the days leading up to and following Christmas.
As you and your family are enjoying that tree, and all the lights and ornaments and holiday memories, there are still some safety measures you should keep in mind.
According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Christmas tree fires may not be common, but when they do occur, they are more likely to be extremely serious and cause a lot of damage.
Fires involving fresh Christmas trees tend to be more common than artificial tree fires.
That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home; a driedout Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.
Fire departments responded to an annual average of 160 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees between 2016 and 2020, resulting in two civilian deaths, 11 civilian injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage.
With New York State leading the nation in home fire deaths according to the U.S. Fire Administration, FASNY urges residents to stay vigilant and hydrate all natural Christmas trees.
Also to take the extra steps needed when decorating and properly using seasonal and holiday candles, menorah candles, decorative lighting and electric cords to ensure your ‘winter wonderland’ doesn’t turn into a devastating house fire.
“As we enjoy the holiday season, FASNY urges all New Yorkers to take the extra steps when decorating to ensure their homes, offices, schools, and other gathering spaces are safe and free of preventable fire hazards,” said Edward Tase Jr., president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer and merrier.”
FASNY recommends the following tips:
For a fresh tree, cut 2 inches (5cm) from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Add water daily to keep the tree well hydrated.
Trees should be placed at least 3 feet (1m) away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, such as a door or window.
Ensure that decorative lights are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Also, the latest statistics from NFPA on Christmas tree fires in US homes include these key findings, reflecting annual averages between 2016 and 2020: Christmas tree fires are more common between 3 p.m. and midnight, accounting for one-half of associated fires. Another 26 percent of fires occurred between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Approximately two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den.
Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in more than one-third (34 percent) of Christmas tree fires. In one-fifth (20 percent) of Christmas tree fires, some type of heat source was placed too close to the tree. For more information, visit fasny. com.
HHOW CAN WE HELP?
lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com
ow often do we wander through busy lives, trying to do the best and leaving those we love somewhere behind? If there were a magical Christmas during which we could bring people back for one day, whom would we ask, what gifts would we give?
If I could call forth someone for one more Christmas, to share a few more moments with me, who would it be? Would it be my mother, my selfless, giving and unappreciated Mom? Would I have some of her favorite candies under the tree, a few romance novels wrapped up in my love?
Or would it be my Dad, the man that my siblings and I still refer to as Daddy, who will always be my Daddy? Would I find some tool that would delight him, a sweater, a tie? Or would I be content to show him the grandchildren he never met?
Or would it be my sister Kathleen, the loving, generous, courageous sister that died on Christmas day. What could you give to someone who demonstrated courage beyond anything I have ever known?
Would it be Richie, my once annoying younger brother whose musical talent was only outshone by his fantastic ability to build or repair anything.
My grandmother would be on the top of the list; the woman who taught me to be present to life. A kinder more loving woman never existed, save perhaps her daughter. What could I possibly put under the tree but, as for my father, an introduction to her great grandchildren? What wonderful gifts these introductions would be for my children.
But there are others, still inhabiting this earth that I would love to have there too. Old friends with whom I spent much time carving out both a present and a future, friends who have been lost in the calamity and business of our lives. People who were friends, but for many reasons have drifted away, some because of attrition, some because of the peccadilloes of life that separate us from one another. I would reach across whatever has separated us to touch their hands and tell them how much I care for them, how, despite the breach of time and whatever pulled us apart, I keep them in my heart.
How often in our lives do disputes occur between folks that are equally absurd. We dispute ideas; we dispute concepts, not relationships, but unfortunately the personal always enters, the ego is bruised and the fences go up, on each side a com-
So I would add those that stand on the other side of the fences that have been built in my life and hope that Christmas would be a way through.
In truth there are no gifts that I could give those who have passed. I would trust that the life I have lived, the one I am living with all of its mistakes, faults and so forth would make them proud on some level at least the one that has something to do with trying.
I would hope that they would feel the love that I have for them, how I hold them in the highest esteem; that I hope to be only fractionally as good as they were.
I would offer the idea of Christmas, the joy of my childhood and that of my children and grandchildren, of the work that I have done and am doing. I would point out all of the wonderfully generous, kind and talented people who populate our world and my life and remind them, if that is needed, that they are the models against which I appraise all others.
And for my friends, those who still are and those who were, I have only myself, flawed and decrepit, but still able to enjoy a funny story or tell one, still able to see the glass (with the help of spectacles) as half way full and aching to reconnect and
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun newspaper, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials and on posters and stamps. The text below is taken from Newseum.org.
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?” Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street
VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great
universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees
The Night Before Christmas
According to historians, Clement Clarke Moore wrote his immortal poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “The Night Before Christmas,” for his family on Christmas Eve 1822. He never intended that it be published, but a family friend copied it and submitted it to the editor of the Troy (New York) Sentinel, where it made its first appearance in print on Dec. 23, 1823. The poem then began to be reprinted in publications across the country, with the first appearance in a book in The New York Book of Poetry in 1837. Moore did not acknowledge his authorship of the poem until 1844, however, when he included it in a book of his verses. Today, “The Night Before Christmas” remains the most-published, most-read, most-memorized and most-collected book in all of Christmas literature. The poem below was reprinted from poetryfoundation.org.
A Visit from St. Nicholas
BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
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When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of
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each little hoof.
Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Ramblings from the empty nest Ann Ferro
Years Ago in History
BY CINDY BELL ToBEY
120 Years Ago – Dec. 15, 1904
Ten young men from the Oneida community, near Kenwood arrived at the Lincklaen House, Saturday afternoon, having walked from Morrisville station, a distance of 12 miles.
At noon the party stopped in a grove by the road, built a bonfire and cooked a dinner of beefsteak which they carried with them.
After dinner they layed around the fire for a time, told stories until they were rested then resumed their journey to this village.
They remained here Saturday night and Sunday morning walked to Syracuse, 19 miles in four hours and a half, and after dinner at the Yates the party took the 5 o’clock train to Oneida.
The majority of the pedestrians are members of the Kenwood Golf club and the purpose of the expedition was for pleasure and exercise.
90 Years Ago – Dec. 20, 1934
At the taxpayers’ election held Tuesday, it was voted that the village buy Lakeland for a park.
This is a very large vote, probably the largest ever cast as a taxpayers’ election in the village.
The title to this property will be given Cazenovia by Henry Burden.
The purchase price is $20,000.
Lakeland was built in 1814 by a revolutionary officer, Major Foreman.
Old records show he was a friend of John Lincklaen and both were members of the Holland Land Company of Philadelphia, which settled this area.
Later, about 1850, Lakeland was sold to Jacob Ten Eyck who filled in the west lawn to the second row of giant willow trees.
It was inherited by his son, Henry Ten Eyck, and later passed on the Mrs. Fairfield Carpenter.
Her husband improved the lawn by filling it out into the lake to the third row of trees in 1890, using earth, the excavation of which made Carpenter’s Pond.
60 Years Ago – Dec. 17, 1964
The annual Christmas tree sale has begun at the Cannon. Members of the Optimist Club delivered several hundred trees and set up the sale last Saturday.
The trees this year are of exceptional quality and shape. All were freshly cut during the past month in the area of Cazenovia.
The spruces, very well shaped, as a result of proper pruning range in size from 5 to 7 ft. Scotch pine, the other variety for sale, are fresh and full. Prices range from $2.50 for the smallest to $6 for the largest.
30 Years Ago – Dec. 21, 1994
A group of Cazenovia High School social studies students are experiencing a unique opportunity to learn some civics lessons first hand through an independent study program directed by Bob Gregg, head of the district’s social studies department.
One of the student groups is participating in the Madison County Government Intern Program in Wampsville.
Students participating in this project include Liza Bailey, John Cummings, Joan Siegenthaler and Charlene Yousey. Another group of students is spending time at the Lorenzo State Historic Site as part of their independent study project.
These students, who are under the direction of Sharon Cooney, include Alyssa Conover, Tom Dougherty, Kim and Kelly Morse, Julie Nicholson and Joan Stoker.
l From page 6 Tree
live a life as God has ordained, fully human … the melding of the strengths that we have and those we don’t … an understanding that we must both give and receive.
I wish them all, with all I have, the love that is
the absolute measure of Christmas.
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.
I’m
GARY RADFORD FAyETTEvIllE
Kudos to letter writer
To the editor: Bravo to Maggie Nerz Iribarne for her Dec. 4 seething letter to the editor concerning convicted felon Donald Trump’s presidential reelection by a majority of the American electorate. And kudos for the fortitude of the Eagle Bulletin to print it. Be prepared. You both are now part of his “Deep State.”
They say that history repeats itself, yet we learn nothing from it. Hitler was elected by a majority of the German people.
When Benjamin Franklin, one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence, was asked “What type of government have you given us?” he replied “A Republic … if you can keep it.” No Republic in past history has ever survived. I wonder, is history repeating itself? I guess only time will tell.
M. CLAIRE CRuLL mInoA
PENNY SAVER
Caz boys basketball improves record to 5-1
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
The high ambitions of the Cazenovia boys basketball team were only enhanced by the team’s 4-0 start and victory in the Dec. 6-7 Vernon-VeronaSherrill Tournament.
First, though, Cazenovia had to simply prove that it was the best of the two Lakers sides, which last Wednesday night’s clash with Skaneateles at Buckley Gym would determine.
It didn’t turn out the way the hosts wanted.
Skaneateles prevailed 63-49, overcoming a strong Cazenovia start which produced an 18-12 lead by the end of the first quarter by dominating the second period 25-12.
From there Cazenovia was in catchup mode yet was never able to put together another sustained urn, while Skaneateles was led by Reid Danforth’s 19 points, 12 rebounds, six asssits and five steals, Finlay Coyne adding 15 points.
Cazenovia made it four wins in a row last Monday night against a Mount Markham side which entered the night with a 2-0 record, doing most of its damage in the first three quarters of a 69-59 victory.
Hot from the perimeter, the Lakers converted 11 3-pointers, many of them in a first half where it established a 4536 lead, one which grew to double digits in the third quarter.
Even a late slump didn’t hurt too much as Edmond Richardson gained 28
points and Ben Bianco had 21 points, each of them hitting on four 3-pointers. Bobby Livingston had two 3-pointers on his way to 10 points.
After the loss to Skaneateles, Cazenovia would face PSLA Fowler Saturday in the Syracuse City Classic and quickly found its way back to the win column, defeating the Falcons 57-52.
They were on even terms most of the way, the main difference the Lakers outscoring Fowler 19-14 in an active third quarter where Richardson seemed to make everything on his way to 26 points, helped by 15 points from Bianco and nine points from Kooper Wilmot.
In between the Cazenovia games with Mount Markham and Skaneateles was the season debut for Chittenango , which got a harsh reminder of how challenging life will be now that Ryan Moesch and other top players from recent years have departed.
Fayetteville-Manlius put away the Bears 57-26, its defense never letting Chittenango score more than eight points in any single quarter.
Jacob Cheek,the Bears’ top scorer, had just seven points, with Jacob Bell getting five points. As a whole, Chittenango had just eight field goals As Reilly Anderson (12 points) and Boomer Kuss (10 points) led F-M.
Far closer was Thursday’s game against F-M’s neighbors from East Syracuse Minoa, yet the Bears could not quite get into the win column, falling to the Spartans 58-53.
Confused about what irons to use? I don’t blame you!
In his book, “Understanding Golf Dynamics”, Ralph Maltby states, “ e lo of a 5 iron was 36 degrees from the 1920’s through the mid 1930’s and inched their way to 30 or 31 degrees by the 1970’s. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the lo s decreased by another couple of degrees”. In a 2024 issue of Golf Digest, the average lo of a 7 iron in the Game-Improvment category is 28 degrees. ink about it this way CNY golfers, today’s 7 irons are 8 degrees stronger than a 5 iron of 90 years ago. at makes it about a fourclub di erence. When you add the distance gained by the advances in golf club design and technology, there is an even greater gain.
What does this all mean to the average golfer who plays golf for simply the recreational value it provides? Probably not much. However, for amateur golfers who belong to a golf club, play in leagues, compete in more than just 1 or 2 tournaments a year, and who play competitively with friends on a regular basis, it is critical that you understand the dynamics of how todays irons are built and why you need to play with clubs that can potentially bene t your golf game signi cantly. Rather than attempt to make an example of golfers I know who have refused to even consider changing the type of irons they use because of their “egos”, I will use my own journey through the years to explain how the physical limitations my body experienced as I aged “forced” me to adjust my expectations and decisions about the clubs I need to use just to remain as competitive as possible. Because I was an average, infrequent amateur player in my 20’s and 30’s, who didn’t start playing “competitive” golf at medal play (using no handicap) until I was 42 years old, it is not fair for me to comment on how other 20 or 30 year old “competitive” golfers might think. However, it is relevant that I relate to my 40’s and 50’s because I realized that although my club head speed was slower than it was in my 20’s and 30’s, my ball striking was improving dramatically and my con dence was on “high C”. at was when I started studying the game of golf and making the decision to become the best player I was capable of achieving. I started to read as many books as I could. at was about the time a gentleman by the name of Karsten Solheim decided to quit his job at General Electric to become founder of a new golf company he called “Ping Golf”. e more I studied, the more I realized that the game of golf was going to change forever because of Mr. Solheim’s new process of manufacturing golf clubs he referred to as “investment casting”
that put perimeter weighting around the entire club head that made them signi cantly more forgiving. Other manufacturers followed his lead and now literally every club manufacturer in the world has perimeter weighted clubs in their product line. I made the decision then to start playing the most forgiving golf clubs I could nd, because I discovered I could hit my approach shots much closer to the ag on the greens than I could with forged irons.
So what’s the point of this gibberish… e Common Denominator Catagories… ere are “5” types of irons that you can play today; Blades (Tour Players & elite amateurs), Players Irons (Tour Players & elite amateurs), Players Distance Irons (for single digit amateurs), Game Improvement Irons (for average golfers) and Super Game Improvement Irons (for beginners and high handicap players).
QUESTIONS:
1. Do you know what category your irons are in?
2. Do you know the lo s of your irons ? 3. Do you know how far you hit every iron in your bag?
4. Have you ever tried hitting an iron in each of the categories? If you don’t know, nd out!
CONCLUSIONS FOR AMATEURS:
1. If your average golf score is 95 or above, you should play a Super Game Improvement iron… PERIOD!
2. If your average golf score is 87 or above, you should play a Game Improvement iron… PERIOD!
3. If your average golf score is mid to high 70’s, you can play either Game Improvement or Players Distance irons…EXPERIMENT!
4. If your average golf score is low to mid 70’s, you can play either Players Distance or Players Irons…EXPERIMENT!
5. If your average golf score is under 70, you are the “Best of the Best”…Top Gun! You play Blades or Players irons.
The offense which did close to nothing against ESM was a lot more productive here, essentially trading baskets with ESM all through the first three quarters.
From a 44-44 tie, though, the Spartans pulled in front late and held on led by Tyler Quarry’s 17 point and Tommy Clonan’s 11 points. On Chittenango’s side, Cheek led with 14 points, Bell notching 13 points and Finnegan Gardner getting 12 points.
Against Solvay a night later, the Bears got to the win column in a 59-56 battle where hot early shooting created a 20-9 advantage which Chittenango would protect the rest of the night. Overcoming eight 3-pointers and 27 points from Solvay’s Chris Nichols, the Bears saw Bell hit three 3-pointers and get 17 points with help from Cheek’s 14 points. Mason Corlis had 10 points, Kyle Wherlin nine points and Garnder eight points.
Cazenovia hockey gets 4-3 win
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
This was payback, even if the stakes were not the same – and Henry Miller was responsible for most of it.
Ever since the Cazenovia ice hockey team was knocked off on home ice at the Morrisville State IcePlex by Watertown IHC in last winter’s Section III Division I quarterfinals it waited for another chance to face the Cavaliers.
They got it last Tuesday night, again at the IcePlex, and this time the Lakers would end up happy, Miller carrying the attack and Cazenovia hanging on late for a 4-3 victory to improve to 2-1 on the young season.
Miller’s goal in the first period was the only tally for either side. Then he scored twice more in the second to complete his hat trick and extend the Lakers’ lead to 3-1.
Battling back, IHC would get within one, but a fourth Miller goal completed his career-best effort and proved the game-winner, too, as Ezra Stahlberg stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced, his save total matching that of IHC counterpart Brodie MacGregor.
Twice, Elijah Meyers earned credit
for assists, with Jack Casey, Dylan George and Carsaon Spraker also earning assists. Aidan Trimper had two of the Cavaliers’ goals, the other going to Mavrycy Lloyd.
Now Cazenovia braced itself to face reigning sectional Division I champion West Genesee Thursday night at Shove Park, the Wildcats off to a 4-0 start and having just dismantled Baldwinsville 9-1 in its previous outing.
At least for parts of this game the Lakers were able to contain WG’s attack, yet it still lost, 4-0, only managing 19 shots that Luke Beck stopped to earn the shutout.
Stahlberg did all he could under constant pressure, making 41 saves.
The four Wildcats goals came from four different players – Jacob Pensabene, Jonah Vormwold, Christian Ball and Riley McAloon – with Jacob Pensabene joining Matt Schneid, Ryan Long, Evan Zoanetti, Jackson Pensabene and Carson Berg in the assist column.
Cazenovia would go to the Twin Rinks Tuesday to take on Cicero-North Syracuse before meeting Broome County Friday night in its last game before the holiday break.
Cazenovia wrestlers pick up wins
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
Once again the Cazenovia wrestling team would spend winter weekends venturing out to various tournaments to gauge themselves against all kinds of competition.
Such was the case when the Lakers went to the Morrisville-Eaton Duals on Dec. 7, where it would post a 3-2 record earning victories over East Syracuse Minoa 52-12, Rome Free Academy 3924 and the hosts from M-E 36-21.
The ESM match involved first-period pins by Nate Chapman (145 pounds), Brock Duerr (190 pounds) and Luther Dannon (285 pounds), with Chapman pinning Jordan Straile in 52 seconds. Riley Fowler (215 pounds) also earned a pin.
Most of the bouts against RFA were forfeits, but Gryphon Foster did wrestle at 116 pounds and pinned Kahlief Smith in the second period as Gabriel Sanchez (160 pounds) beat Chad Ten -
nant 9-5. Against M-E, Fowler got another pin and Carter Sgouris won at 124 pounds outlasting Jacob Jones 10-5. Sanchez got the only points in a 61-3 loss to Salem-Cambridge when he beat Jacob Wardwell 5-2, while in a 48-15 defeat to Jamesville-DeWitt/CBA Sanchez and Foster picked up pins and Chapman won a wild 17-12 battle with Matt Fallon.
Cazenoviathen had a head-to-head match last Tuesday against Southern Hills, and would struggle to get much going against the Storm in a 49-18 defeat.
Cullen Arnold briefly gave the Lakers a lead at 138 pounds pinning Blake Wilcox early in the second period before Sanchez pinned Sye Stanton in the third period. A forfeit to Isaac Gentner (116 pounds) were the only other points, though Chapman had a fun bout at 145, outscored 18-13 by Tanner Clemens.
Cazenovia girls basketball takes loss
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
Successful in its season opener, the Cazenovia girls basketball team found it more difficult against large-school competition.
Central Square, the reigning Section III Class AA champions, hosted the Lakers last Tuesday night and mostly contained them while on the way to prevailing by a 50-34 margin.
Ella Baker stood out for Cazenovia, pouring in 22 points to lead both sides. However, the rest of the Lakers had just five total field goals, three of them by Maria Vaccaro (six points) as Hannah Waldron (17 points) and Olivia Chiaramonte (11 point) led the Redhawks. A scheduled game last Friday at Oswego was postponed by the heavy snow there as the Lakers would return home this Thursday to take on Bishop Grimes.
have been the single most dramatic moment I have ever witnessed in 26 years doing this job.
The impact of Brayden Smith’s pass to Darien Williams went way beyond the two Christian Brothers Academy branches who battled it out for the state Class AA title. It even landed as no. 1 on the ESPN Sportscenter Top 10 plays – and this on full night of college football, college hoops, NBA, NHL, soccer, etc.
So many things factor into whether a football game is won or lost and isolating any single play can be problematic. But so much went into this play that it begs a further examination.
First, this game was a stone-cold classic. So many big plays, momentum shifts, penalty flags which hurt both sides, and
a CBA Albany side that, led by the exceptional Archie Jones (358 yards, five TD passes, monumental scrambles), played well enough to beat anyone else.
Every single bit of the excellence CBA Syracuse displayed overwhelming most foes in its 28-game win streak was needed. So were the exact right circumstances.
Down 40-35, the Brothers had to stop a fourth down at its own 22 with 42 seconds left, had to get two clutch catches from Daunte Bacheyie and had to get help from a five-yard CBA Albany penalty just to get to the 35-yard line.
Also needed was CBA Albany’s slight errors, from a missed extra point after a thirdquarter TD to burning all of its timeouts, so it couldn’t use a time-out to think about the fourth-down decision or set up the defense for the fateful final play, as so many tend to do.
Yet it’s hard to fault the defense, for there
were five defensive backs stationed in the right place, ready to intercept the pass or just knock it to the turf, as Smith scrambled to his left and then flung the ball toward them.
It was the offensive formation which proved decisive. CBA Syracuse lined up four receivers to the right, and all of them , including Bacheyie, were covered from the moment the ball was snapped until the moment it reached the end zone.
Except that Williams, author of so many great moments in both state title runs (especially the 2023 final at the Dome where he had 236 receiving yards and three touchdowns), was lined up on the left, ran by himself and was waving to Smith before he planted himself beyond the wall of defenders.
And the ball got to Williams on the fly, without any deflection. Bedlam everywhere.
As always in things like this, you look
at both sides. CBA Albany has never won a state title in football and was awful not so long ago. To get this far, to do close to everything right and then, in an instant…..you cannot possibly imagine their heartache. Meanwhile, the still-reigning champions from CBA Syracuse have probably watched thousands of replays of that ending by now and will watch them every chance they get in the years and decades while the number of witnesses to it will predictably grow outside of its original band.
As teenagers now, and as adults for the rest of their lives, this pass, this catch, this accomplishment will always stay with them, a constant reminder to keep going, both in games and in life, until the last play.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
