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Town acknowledges Pride Month, Gun Violence Awareness Month
duncan’s diamond
By kate hill Staff writer
CBSA dedicates field in honor of major donor
Kate Hill
The Cazenovia Baseball Softball Association held its first annual Community Day at Burton Street Park on Saturday, June 11. During the main event, CBSA recognized its players who will age out of Little League and move on to the school programs next year. By Kate Hill Staff Writer On Saturday, June 11, the Cazenovia Baseball Softball Association (CBSA) held its first annual Commu-
nity Day at Burton Street Park. CBSA is a volunteer run organization that provides opportunities for youth participation in baseball and softball. In association with Little
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League International, CBSA aims to assist children in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being. Field l Page 15
On June 13, the Cazenovia Town Board acknowledged the Month of June both as “Pride Month” and “Gun Violence Awareness Month.” At the beginning of the regular monthly board meeting, Supervisor Bill Zupan read a statement expressing the town’s support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals and its encouragement of diversity and inclusion within the community. He explained that celebrating Pride Month raises awareness of and provides support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. It is also an opportunity to become educated and engaged in dialogue, to strengthen alliances, and to build understanding. Zupan also stated that while “remarkable” progress has been made in terms of acceptance and equality, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination, intolerance, and hate. “We must commit to support and accept LGBTQ+ individuals, in particular our youth, who, compared to their peers, are far more likely to experience violence and bullying at school and to suffer from depression, to struggle with substance abuse, and to have attempted suicide,” he said. “We must remain vigilant in deterring oppression and discrimination against people on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. By protecting the rights of every individual, we enhance and strengthen the value of everyone throughout our entire society. [We] affirm our support for the LGBTQ+ residents in our community and stand with them to protect their civil rights and their ability to live openly, equally, and without fear.” The supervisor concluded his statement by encouraging all residents to celebrate Pride Month and to help build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance during this month and every month. Zupan also remarked on the board’s support of “commonsense” gun laws. “While we all, I think, recognize the second amendment, I think New York State is making great progress at tightening up the gun laws, and we have to keep pushing our representatives at the state and federal level to pass some commonsense laws, because thoughts and prayers just aren’t doing it anymore,” he said. “It’s getting out of hand, and we should feel safe to send our kids to school without police officers patrolling the hallways. I think the board will draw up a statement and send it to our representatives expressing our support for rational gun laws.” Board l Page 4
Local DAR chapter honors American Revolution veteran, former slave By kate Hill Staff Writer
O
n June 8, the Fayetteville - Owahge na Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored Plymouth Freeman, a former slave and Revolutionary War veteran who lived in the Town of Nelson. To memorialize his life and patriotism, the organization dedicated a New York State Historic Marker at 4035 Putnam Road, Nelson. Obtained through a grant from the Syracuse-based William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the roadside marker reads as follows: PLYMOUTH FREEMAN BLACK PATRIOT AWARDED BADGE OF MERIT FOR 6 YEARS
SERVICE WITH THIRD CT REGIMENT IN REVOLUTIONARY WAR. LIVED NEAR HERE CA. 1800 TO 1829. The dedication ceremony included the Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 Color Guard, welcoming remarks by Chapter Regent Donna Wassall, an invocation by Chaplain Elizabeth Thoreck, the Pledge of Allegiance by Karen Christensen, the National Anthem by Susan Taylor, comments by Denise Doring VanBuren, the 45th President General of the National Society DAR, an overview of Freeman’s life by Past Chapter Regent Bonnie Ranieri, and a statement from the Pomeroy Foundation read by Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz. Also in attendance were NYS Vice Regent and Regent Elect Pamela Barrack and the
property owners, Josh and Colleen Fox. Research into Freeman’s life was inspired by Christensen, led by Wassall, and assisted by Urtz and Town of Nelson cohistorian Laine Gilmore. Legend has it that Freeman was born the son of a king in Guinea, Africa, and was abducted by slave traders as a child and brought to America. It has also been said that he was a cook/waiter for General George Washington, who gave him his freedom and his name. While much of Freeman’s story is difficult to prove, the DAR’s research has led to the following conclusions about his life: Freeman enlisted in the Continental Army as “Plymouth Negro” on May 26, 1777, at Windsor, Connecticut, and DAR l Page 17
Kate Hill
On June 8, the Fayetteville-Owahgena Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a New York State Historic Marker in Nelson in honor of Plymouth Freeman, a former slave and Revolutionary War veteran who settled in Madison County. Pictured: Denise Doring VanBuren, the 45th President General of the National Society DAR (left) and Chapter Regent Donna Wassall (right).
Volume 213, Number 24 The Cazenovia Republican is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 35 Albany St., Second Floor, Cazenovia, NY 13035. Periodical Postage Paid at Cazenovia, NY 13035, USPS 095-260. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Cazenovia Republican, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.
community news: Former library director Betsy Kennedy honored.
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sports news: Boys tennis competes in state semifinal.
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Calendar �������������������� 5 Editorial ��������������������� 6 history ������������������������ 7 letters ������������������������ 6
Obituaries ������������������ 9 PennySaver ���������������� 8 Sports ����������������������� 16