Cazenovia Republican digital edition - Aug. 2, 2023

Family, friends rally to support Caz graduate

accident leaves husband in critical condition

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

Earlier this month, a GoFundMe campaign was launched in support of Cazenovia High School (CHS) graduate Audrey Ekstrom and her husband, Eric, who recently suffered an accident that has left him unable to move or feel anything from his neck down.

Ekstrom, whose maiden name is Glathar, graduated from CHS in 2010 and now lives with her husband in Rochester, NY.

On July 13, while on a trip in Ocean City, Maryland, Eric was struck by a wave while getting out of the water and lost consciousness. He was airlifted to the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland, where it was determined that he had suffered a severe neck and spinal injury.

The Ekstroms are currently expecting their first child, a son.

Ekstrom is seven months along and has been diagnosed with a condition that makes her pregnancy high-risk.

According to the GoFundMe page, she is scheduled to be checked into the hospital on Aug. 1 so her medical team can moni-

tor her and the baby before she delivers via Cesarean section. Post-delivery, the baby will likely be in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least a couple of weeks.

Upon learning of her husband’s accident, Ekstrom flew to Maryland with the support and guidance of her obstetrician and spent the next day in the hospital waiting room as Eric underwent a 12-hour surgery to decompress and stabilize his spine. He is expected to remain hospitalized for at least a few more weeks, after which he will require extensive inpatient rehabilitation.

“Both Audrey and Eric’s medical conditions will leave them with an overwhelming amount of medical bills,” said Ekstrom’s friend and former CHS classmate, Ellie Ivers, née Buckhout.

“Additionally, Audrey is an oncology nurse and Eric is a beloved history teacher; they will both be out of work for an extended period of time, leaving life expenses to pile up.”

The GoFundMe campaign was launched on July 15 to help ease the financial burden on the soon-to-be parents.

“Those of us who are fortunate

enough to know and love Eric and Audrey know that they are two of the kindest, most selfless people to have ever lived,” the fundraiser description states. “Eric [sparks] his students’ interest with his fun-loving charisma and wit. To know Eric is to instantly feel at home in his presence. He is the most welcoming person you will ever meet.”

On July 23, Eric was transferred to a hospital in Rochester to enable Ekstrom to continue her plan to give birth with her medical team there.

“We are so incredibly grateful for all the support we have received thus far,” said Ekstrom’s sister Kate Lynch, née Glathar, on July 25. “The monetary donations and outpouring of thoughts and prayers have been overwhelming and have helped keep everyone’s spirits afloat during this very challenging time. Eric’s neck and spine injuries are quite severe; however, we are keeping the faith alive and reminding ourselves daily that if anyone is going to overcome this horrible tragedy, it will be the two of them. Eric is strong and determined, and there is no better person to

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Submitted photoS

Audrey Ekstrom, née Glathar’s husband, Eric, recently suffered a severe neck and spinal injury. Ekstrom is seven months into a high-risk pregnancy and will be hospitalized from Aug. 1 until the baby’s delivery.

Cazenovia resident competes at triathlon world championships

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

Earlier this month, Cazenovia resident Chary Griffin traveled to Hamburg, Germany to represent the United States in the 2023 World Triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships, held July 13-16.

Griffin raced as an age group amateur in the 75-79 Age Group Sprint Distance and the 70-79 Age Group Sprint Relay, finishing sixth in both events.

The sprint distance race featured a .5 km swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run. During the relay, four athletes, two men and two women, each completed a mini sprint triathlon — a .25 km swim, 10 km bike, and 2.5 km run — before tagging off to a teammate.

“The venue was spectacular,” Griffin said. “The waterfront area of downtown Hamburg, known as the Binnenalster, was the setting for the swim, and the nearby roadways were used for biking, and the run followed

the shoreline. The dramatic finish line was back at the edge of the Binnenalster.”

Griffin qualified for the Hamburg races last summer at the USA Triathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Later this summer, she will return to Milwaukee for this year’s national championship races. She is also headed to Pontevedra, Spain in September to compete in the world championships for the Olympic distance — a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run.

After her final competition of the race season, Griffin plans to use the fall to rest.

“I like to stay fit all year, so I do snowshoe racing in the winter months which is hugely aerobic and easy on the joints,” she said. “Then at Easter, I begin my triathlon training for summer races.”

Griffin has been doing triathlons since the late 1980s, at which time she was competing with only two or three

other women in local races.

“There were very few women who competed in those days,” she said. “. .

. We borrowed our kids’ bikes and did it in shorts and a bathing suit. Triathlon had not become a business yet.”

Since then, Griffin has raced in world championships in Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, Canada, England, the US, and now Germany. She also qualified for the championships in Bermuda, Mexico, China, and the United Arab Emirates but was unable to attend due to COVID and injuries.

Locally, Griffin has been a longtime supporter of the Cazenovia Triathlon, which is scheduled this year for Aug. 20 at 8 a.m. at Lakeside Park.

The race is presented by the CNY

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Cazenovia resident Chary Griffin recently competed in two events at the 2023 World triathlon Sprint & Relay Championships.

Caz Chamber, Caz Life to present

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

The Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) and its recently launched “Caz Life” marketing and events committee are teaming up to present the community’s annual Block Fest Weekend on Aug. 4-6.

“Many hands make light work, and the new Caz Life committee of the chamber did not disappoint,” said Barbara Houghton, a member of the GCACC board and Caz Life. “We are making this a whole weekend of events hoping that we can appeal to everyone.”

On all three days of the festival, sidewalk sales will be set up outside the downtown shops from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday On Friday evening, CazArts creative alliance will kick off the weekend with a Community Drum Circle in Lakeland Park at 7 p.m.

Saturday

Saturday’s festivities will start off with the traditional Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial/Cannon Park. 20|EAST is partnering with several other businesses to present entertainment, food, and activities along Albany Street from late morning to early afternoon. “We wanted to add a little fun on our block on Saturday so as not to interfere with Sunday’s festivities,” said McKenzie Houseman, owner of 20|EAST & Cazenovia Cut Block at 85 Albany St. “I teamed up with Due Passi [Pizzeria]

Submitted photoS

and the Lincklaen House to bring live music [by Southy’s Keys] from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Due Passi is also offering fried dough.”

The musicians will be set up in front of Due Passi at 79 Albany St. According to Houseman, 20|EAST & Cazenovia Cut Block will host several returning pop-up shops. Veteranowned North Sea Workshops will offer custom knives and knife sharpening; Farley’s Fairy Hair will have its colored sparkle strands of “fairy hair;” Chef Brian Isbell of Syracuse will offer

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Cazenovia’s Block Fest Weekend is scheduled for Aug. 4-6. The main event, the Block Fest party, will be held on Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m. at lakeland Park.

Submitted photo

Block Fest

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Bank is sponsoring a welcome party at Madison County Distillery that will feature yard games and live music by The Fab Cats.

food samples; The Square Marble will have its clasp-free permanent bracelets; and Owera Vineyards will have wine sampling starting at 12:30 p.m.

The Pewter Spoon Café will also get involved by offering $1 off craft beer, wine, and hard cider. Ice cream sandwiches, affogatos, and nitro cold brew floats made with homemade ice cream will also be available. The café will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Community Bank, N.A. is hosting its “Shred Fest” from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the bank to help safeguard against identity theft and fraud, the event is an opportunity for the public to have any sensitive materials shredded at no cost in the bank parking lot.

From 7 to 9 p.m., Community

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Triathlon Club and sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT), the national governing body for the multisport disciplines of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, and winter triathlon in the US.

“Our Cazenovia race is a USAT-sanctioned race, which means that if you place in the top two or top 15 percent of your age group — whichever is greater — in a USAT-sanctioned age group triathlon of any distance, you will

Anytime from 12 to 10 p.m., stop by Critz Farms to take part in its annual family-friendly Blueberry Jam Festival. Enjoy live music, food trucks, handcrafted ales, vendors, wagon rides, farm tours, blueberry picking, animals, and more.

Sunday The final day of Block Fest will begin with a 9:30 a.m. yoga session on the docks of the Brewster Inn.

The main event of the weekend, the Block Fest party, is scheduled for 12 to 3 p.m. at Lakeland Park.

The community celebration will feature live music by the Ponytail James Band, food from the Masonic Lodge, ice cream from Nelson

qualify for the next year’s national championship,” said Griffin, who is helping to organize the local race.

Open to adults and youths ages 16 and older, the Cazenovia Triathlon features multiple opportunities to compete, including a sprint triathlon distance, an intermediate or Olympic distance triathlon, a new bike/run sprint, aqua bike in both sprint and intermediate distances, and relay teams in both intermediate and sprint distances.

Sign up for the Cazen-

ovia Triathlon at raceroster. com/events/2023/67495/ caz-tri

“Cazenovia is a great place to train for a triathlon [with its] miles of country roads to bike and run and open water swimming in the lake, [which] is always fun,” said Griffin. “For more instruction, the CNY Triathlon Club is a wonderful resource; for a nominal fee, there is [training] every Wednesday night at Jamesville Beach with several swim distances, a bike course of 12 miles, and a run on the park trails.”

Concerned About Your Drinking Water?

Creamery, a petting zoo presented by the Summit Church and Cazenovia Jewelry, Kalamata Pita’s Greek food truck, a “family-friendly zone” with games and a bounce house sponsored by Summit Church, a balloon artist, and a Miori Martial Arts-sponsored karate demonstration at 12:30 p.m.

The Block Fest party was previously held on Lincklaen Street between Albany Street and the post office.

“With Caz College closing and not having the use of the theater, which we were able to use for power and if it rained, we chose to move our Block Fest to Lakeland Park,” said Houghton. “We wanted to still be in the village to support all our local businesses. This year’s Block Fest weekend is by far the best because we have so many local businesses involved.

We have something for everyone. We want this to be a destination weekend

Griffin also advised people interested in getting started in triathlon to join a YMCA triathlon group that provides basic swimming and open water swimming practice as well as supervised bike rides and runs.

For first-time racers, she recommended not only the Cazenovia Triathlon but also the women’s Gillie Girl Sprint Triathlon in Camillus and the Green Lakes Triathlon in Fayetteville.

To learn more about the CNY Triathlon Club or to join its weekly training, visit cnytriathlon.org

for years to come. “

In the event of rain, check the Caz Life Facebook page for updates.

The mission of the GCACC is to benefit the local economy and enhance the community’s quality of life by actively serving, representing, and enhancing business growth and success, and by providing programs and activities to improve interaction between local businesses and the Cazenovia area communities. For more information, visit cazenovia.co m

The chamber launched Caz Life this past spring to help foster local business development, promote tourism, and implement effective marketing strategies to enhance the vibrancy and economic growth of the village. To learn more about the committee and to find out more about the Block Fest Weekend events, visit Cazenovialife.co m

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) will present its second “Music in the Meadow” event on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Music and nature enthusiasts are invited to pack a picnic, blanket, and chairs and head to Stone Quarry Hill Art Park for a concert performed by a Symphoria string quartet.

The Art Park is located at 3883 Stone Quarry Road in Cazenovia.

The picnic grounds open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 1 and are priced at $20 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under.

Proceeds will go towards CPF’s “Bring the Note to Rest” capital campaign aimed at raising a total of $25,000.

A rain date is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Symphoria is a nonprofit, musician-led cooperative orchestra founded in 2012 and based in Syracuse. Composed of a diverse group of musicians from across the globe, the orchestra presents more than 50 concerts and reaches 100,000 people annually in venues ranging from libraries and healthcare facilities to public parks, churches, museums, and its home venue, the Crouse-Hinds Theater at the Civic Center. For more information, visit experiencesymphoria.org

Bring the Note to Rest campaign CPF is a private, nonprofit organization that works to protect the historical, agricultural, and natural resources in and around Cazenovia for the benefit of the community and the enjoyment of future genera-

tions.

The organization announced its Bring the Note to Rest capital campaign during its annual meeting in May 2023.

In 2015, when the property now known as Burlingame Meadow was listed for sale, CPF launched a capital campaign and was able to raise most of the funds needed to purchase the property to provide parking and permanent public access to CPF’s popular Burlingame-Fairchild Trails. While most of the purchase was covered through gifts from neighbors and CPF members, CPF financed the remainder with a mortgage, which is the organization’s only debt obligation today.

Last August, CPF welcomed a Symphoria string quartet to the property for the first Music in the Meadow event.

Burlingame Meadow had been freshly mowed af-

ter the bobolinks and other field-nesting birds had fledged for the season, and concert guests were treated to a sunset and a backdrop of the woodlands that are home to the BurlingameFairchild Trails.

Given the success of last year’s event, CPF decided to plan another concert for this summer.

Since announcing the launch of its new capital campaign, the organization has been working to raise enough money to settle its debt before the 2023 Music in the Meadow.

ROWE’S

Thursdays 3-6

Satisfaction:

According to CPF Executive Director Jen Wong, the campaign will remain open until the organization raises the full $25,000.

“We are making good progress in meeting our campaign goal, so I am hopeful that we will have reached our fundraising goal for the Bring the Note to Rest campaign before the event,” said Wong.

With support from two donors, gifts are being matched 1:1 up to $12,000.

Any additional funds raised through the Bring the Note to Rest campaign will be added to CPF’s Mission Fund, a reserve fund used to advance critical conservation objectives and secure important conservation properties.

“A musical rest is the open space between notes,” CPF states on its website. “It

is an absence of sound that contributes to the musical composition. Just as the composer cannot overlook the importance of these empty spaces between the notes, our community, as stewards of this land, cannot overlook the importance of the open spaces in our landscape. They are essential to our experience of Cazenovia.”

CPF is inviting the public to help “bring the note to rest” so that more of the area’s important lands can be protected.

Supporters of the organization and its mission are encouraged to consider becoming a Music in the Meadow event sponsor or to contribute an amount above the ticket price.

Individuals who cannot attend the concert are also invited to donate to the campaign.

Today, the organization manages approximately eight

miles of all-season public trails on the 358 acres of protected lands in the Burlingame-Fairchild Hill area.

“This important recreational resource was made possible through the shared vision of numerous former landowners, including Peggy Hubbard and Faith Knapp, who were instrumental in the preservation of the lands traversed by the Burlingame and Fairchild Hill trails,” the CPF website states.

The website also says that by purchasing the parcel of land on Burlingame Rd. for parking and trail access, CPF and the many donors who contributed to the project “honored the legacy of conservation begun by the earlier residents of this area.”

To purchase tickets to Music in the Meadow, donate to the Bring the Note to Rest campaign, or learn more about CPF’s work, visit cazpreservation.org

our voice

Blood shortage

According to the American Red Cross, this summer has seen a declining number of donations and the organization needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage.

The Red Cross goes on to say that when a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.

According to redcrossblood.org, very two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a donation.

The Red Cross shared some statistics that are worth keeping in mind when considering donating blood.

According to the Red Cross, approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S. and nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S. and nearly 16 million blood component s are transfused each year in the U.S.

Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patient s can require blood transfusion s throughout their lives.

The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately three units and a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood as a frame of reference.

Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors and the blood typ e most often requested by hospitals is type O and one donation can help save more than one life.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatmen t

Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood and 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.

About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).

Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

Red blood cells must be used within 42 days or less and platelets must be used within just five days, the Red Cross said.

A few things to keep in mind according to the Red Cross as far as eligibility to donate is concerned include for whole blood donations this can be done every 56 days up to six times per year and donors must be in good health and 16 in most states and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For platelet donations this can be done every seven days up to 24 times per year and also requires donors be feeling well and most states require donors to be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors.

Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767).

ShARing My DAyDREAM

There is a place that I go when things get grabby … you know … that feeling that things outside you are dragging you in different directions or holding you fast in a malignant inertia? It’s both real and fictional. It’s our summer cottage at the end of Benem Road, just off Sanctuary Lane in Borodino.

Even when snow fills Benem Road, not much more than a wide path running next to a deep ravine, I seek the solitude and comfort of its simplicity. Accessibility then would be limited to the young with snowshoes. I have neither snowshoes nor youth to carry me down to the cottage. I go there in my daydreams.

Even on torrid summer days, when I am held captive by responsibilities or infirmities I resurrect images, visions, day dreams that soothe over the long lists of “to do’s” and bottles of pills and acres of undone promises.

There’s a fire in the wood stove and the scent of apple wood fills the air. A turkey is roasting in the kitchen oven and my family is busy with one of the board games that live in the bottom two shelves of the bookcase.

I am dreaming of a dream that has lingered in the places where such dreams dwell.

What would it be like to celebrate Thanksgiving at the cottage? We have never been able to do this, since we close up the place where we lived for the summer in October. There wouldn’t

from the empty nest

Ann Ferro

be any water to wash the dishes or flush the loo and some reality is more demanding than others. Then there is the weather…

Novembers aren’t always very cold, so the fact that the walls of the cottage are one board thick, that is, with no inside finishes, just two-by-fours and the sheathing … that shouldn’t make a difference. There’s a small wood stove with which I have a lot of experience and stacks of firewood culled from downed trees that can warm the main room. Preparation for the feast warms the kitchen and its surroundings.

Just off the porch, the lake, in this reverie, is alive with waves driven by a wind that comes from the southwest. Just perfect. The air is crisp and fresh and alive.

And I do dream this dream in midsummer, an escape from the stresses, the busyness of daily life … most of which I have concocted in my own head. I’ve been there in this daydream so many times, each time modified to accommodate the changes that have occurred in the real world.

Now there are two young almostmen, Emily’s children, one 12 and one 14 playing Clue or Mastermind, begging more us to join them. Twin two-year-old boys, also known as Ben’s boys, are enthralled by a miniature cabin we built … how many summers ago? More than thirty?

There is music from the old radio

which can still play our ancient collection of CDs.

The music of our lives sets the stage.

Everything looks like a magazine spread … the kind where the hostess has picked wildflowers to decorate the table which has been set with a variety of curated (a popular word today) mismatched dinnerware. Everyone’s clothing looks like an ad from Ralph Lauren. Maybe Tommy Hilfiger apparel would be a better choice since he is from Elmira and staying local is good. And Ralph Lauren is from the Bronx … and I am from Brooklyn. Debating this shows why I need this escape.

We may have opened a bottle of wine or made mimosas or concocted a lusciously thick hot chocolate from the hot chocolate box that I put in the closet 20 years ago. Really…remember this is a daydream.

In this fantasy, we never really finish cooking or eating, rather the ambiance of being together as family, of sharing space, even if only in my head, is sufficient. The real world often intrudes before the turkey is done.

Of course, in this daydream, we are all healthy, reasonably not ugly and, did I mention that in this imaginary time and place, I have made myself 40 pounds lighter? Hey, it’s my daydream.

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.

FROM THE MAILBAG Hannaford location a bad idea

To the editor:

It’s extremely difficult for me to understand how the Hannaford supermarket has been even considered for the O’Brien and Gere site. The only way it can succeed is when it has a highway system that fully supports it. Fayetteville’s Route 5 is only a twolane highway that has much difficulty handling its own traffic. Wegmans has both a nearby highway interchange and a six-lane highway for its support. Absolutely no comparison.

While that condition alone should rule out Hannaford coming to that site, there are also two other strong reasons. The huge traffic problems would severely impact the lives of all who live here – Fayetteville would no longer be a wonderful place to live. Also, when the time comes Hannaford no longer makes the profit they desire, they will leave us with a huge structure and a sea of asphalt in the vicinity of the center of Fayetteville. Another point, none of us see a large supermarket near the center of always beautiful Skaneateles.

As a retired architect, I never understood why Hannaford couldn’t locate their supermarket in Towne Center. They might have to find a way to get both Tops and Drive-Up facilities. Huge pluses would be the parking area already exists and they would have access to a four-lane highway. This would enable Hannaford to still provide us with a too quality supermarket that includes a much-needed top quality prepared food department.

But I repeat, Hannaford should never ever be located at the O’Brien and Gere site. It can only hurt, hurt, hurt us here in Fayetteville.

ChARlES MiRuCki Fayetteville

Aquarium

To the editor:

It was great to see Mark Olson’s response doubling down on his support for the aquarium. His reasoning and logic unfortunately does not convince me, nor many others over the need for a 85 million dollar facility.

Jobs, after the construction jobs, the jobs generated by this would not be the kind of living wage jobs that

people need.

Sales tax revenue? Malls unfortunately are no longer driving the sales tax bus. Online shopping continues to push forward (as seen by the many closings by major chains). Your dig at the letter writer as “supporting social programs and community initiatives” is unwarranted and not connected to this issue.

Added tourism? I had not seen one independent study that shows you will get the needed 1000 visitors a day to make this facility viable. I hate to see another white elephant, we taxpayers are not a bottomless pit.

Decades of planning for Micron really? The Chip Act was in response to the COVID crisis and the fact that this country was dependent on foreign sources for chips. The same Chip act, which had zero republican support by the way. It was Senator Schumer who was 80% responsible for Micron coming here.

My biggest question to proponents of the aquarium is what is the “quid pro quo” for COR here in developing this land (which by the way is a polluted site)?

Voters, you have a choice to vote on this issue when you vote for county legislator this fall.

BoB WEBBER Fayetteville

Our diversity makes us strong

To the editor:

I feel sorry for the people who felt it was necessary to proclaim that “white lives matter” at the Manlius Swan Pond. Their sense of insecurity and the ignorance of history was and is showing. We are a nation of immigrants. The very fabric of our country has been built and created by immigrants and their descendants.

Whether the immigrants were Welsh, often working in mines in Pennsylvania, Irish working as laborers, Italians coming to NY or Scandinavians settling in the Midwest, they often came with little or no resources finding work and living space where they could. Even Thomas Jefferson had a Welsh background. But each immigrant generation was vilified.

My grandmother came to this country as a 16 year old unaccompa-

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nied minor, from Eastern Europe in 1905, with little or no resources as did so many millions before and after her. She eventually married my grandfather and they lived over their small grocery store in a poor neighborhood in Richmond, Virgina. The kitchen was downstairs in the back of the store, so that they could cook and eat dinner and peek through the curtain to keep the store open.

But, my grandmother’s grandson went to college. In 1970, Marty was recruited to join the federal government to help build its capacity to meet the new challenges and support the implementation of Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, now known as IDEA. He served in the US Bureau of Education for the Handicapped the Office of Special Education for 23 years. He brought young people who had been hidden in institutions, attics, kept at home, back into our communities and schools. He organized a relationship between researchers and practitioners in the field to ensure the viable delivery of services to a wide range of needs. He was the director of the Department of Innovation and Development, guiding 2000 grants to move research to practice. He changed the tenor of our schools and the field of education.

In two generations my grandmother’s immigration, as with so many immigrant families, changed the way this country has extended its democracy and opportunities, to those with disabilities and those who support them.

Over and over again, immigrants have added to this country’s strength, capacity, productivity and innovations. We are greater because of our diversity. The people who held up their frightened and bigoted signs at Swan Pond are not looking at the history and progress of our country’s growth. Hopefully, they will take the time and energy to learn that advancing knowledge is a community and generational effort. Hopefully, they will be able to let go of their insecurities and fears and join our community with good will.

MARy CunninghAM Fayetteville

Ramblings

A ChAnCE to BE A fAn AgAin

Most of my recent vacation was spent in Tennessee, taking in the majesty of the Smoky Mountains (and sighting a black bear), visiting my wife’s family and engaging in some serious miniature golf.

On the way back, there was a weekend venture to Michigan, again visiting the place where my better half was born and raised and spent her entire life before we met, for a reminder of my own younger self.

Once again we found ourselves in Detroit cheering on the Tigers as they tried to avoid a sweep by the San Diego Padres, and in a single Sunday afternoon all the reminders of why I love sports came flooding back.

You see, most of the time when I go to any sporting event, it’s in the guise of a reporter, perhaps pacing the sidelines, maybe courtside, or up in a press box, but always in an official capacity.

That means following many different behavioral guidelines, including the whole “no cheering” part. Even if you know well the stories of these teams and athletes, after a while it’s easier to follow that mantra.

However, something big gets lost along the way – namely, the simple thrill and emotion of putting fairness aside and rooting for the home team, exclaiming the great plays, lamenting the setbacks, above all hoping that your side has a better number on the scoreboard at game’s end.

Well, this day brought all those feelings back, those that can only be experienced in the stands – in this case, the upper deck of Comerica Park, high above home plate.

Not at first, though. With time to spare before the first pitch, we toured around the entire concourse, greeted at the main entrance by a statue of legendary announcer Ernie Harwell, with displays on Tigers history and unique mementos – jerseys, bats, ticket stubs.

Random Thoughts

Phil Blackwell

the unique smells, like sausages on a grill, and the constant patter of vendors, along with people, nearly all of them wearing some kind of Tigers outfit, so naturally you go into the team store and buy some more – a sun hat for my wife, a cap for me with the orange Old English D.

A few minutes before game time, and I was hungry, so of course there was a hot dog. Alas, I had to forgo a proper beer since I was driving home, but still, tasty.

Then it’s time to play ball, with kids prominently featured as one of them reads out the starting lineup with the professional cadence of a man three times his age.

Oh yeah, the rhythm of the game. With the pitchers and hitters’ clocks, it really flows, makes you pay much more attention, always a good thing – and the Tigers help by turning three double plays to maintain an early lead.

Ah, but in the bottom of the third I agreed to get my wife some food. Naturally in that half-inning the Tigers score twice, ultimately the difference in the game, but that’s part of the experience, too.

They keep us entertained with silly and meaningful things in between the half-innings, all leading up to the ninth when Detroit is up 3-1 – and it starts to rain.

Fans both run up the stands to get dry and cheer the closer as he gets the first two outs, only to have a walk and error prolong the inning – and the tension – until a flyout allows everyone to exhale, leave happy and seek dry ground.

Again, there’s a buzz as we walk out, the people moving along but not in a hurry. And I reflect upon how these few hours recharged my passion, just in time to return to the desk and start writing again.

Years Ago in History

By CinDy BEll toBEy

80 Years Ago – Aug. 5, 1943

The State Board of Regents has drafted plans for a $100,000,000 post war building program for the state. Among the items is $925,000 for the State Agricultural and Industrial Institute at Morrisville. The Morrisville program broken down is $250,000 for an industrial and technical building; $200,000 for home economics and industrial arts building for the girls; $75,000 for central heating plant; $150,000 for a combination auditorium and gymnasium; $250,000 for administration classrooms.

60 Years Ago – Aug. 1, 1963

A boat census of Cazenovia Lake was made on July 28 showing a total of 592 boats now based on the lake. This represents an increase of 42% over the last count of 417 boats which was made at the same time of year in 1956. This count does not include boats that are brought in and out on trailers for daily boating. The increases over this seven year period are power boats 21%, sail boats 163%, and row boats and canoes 5%. At the Willow Bank Yacht Club the power boats have decreased by 26% while the sail boats have increased by 133%.

40 Years Ago – Aug. 3, 1983

CazCares volunteers will be “open for business” at their summer vegetable stand in front of the Cazenovia United Methodist Church. Those who buy fresh produce for the price of a donation will be helping to raise money for continuing assistance to a refugee project in Cambodia. Gardeners who want to donate their excess produce may leave it at the church. Any produce that is not sold or given away will be distributed at the Cazenovia Village Apartments. In addition to this highly successful annual “exchange” project, CazCares has its own gardens that are beginning to produce an ample crop of peas, lettuce, and green beans. The vegetables have been picked, packaged, and distributed to area families who are not able to have a garden. Ann Hartt, coordinator of the CazCares Garden Project, said, “The garden is beginning to reach the peak of early vegetables and we will continue to give away as much as possible.”

20 Years Ago – July 30, 2003

Kissamee Holsteins, owned by Christopher and Stephanie Anderson, will be honored in October by the National Dairy Shrine at its annual banquet. The couple will be presented with the National Dairy Shrine Progressive Dairy Producer award along with another New York farm. The award recognizes progressive dairy management practices, recognizing people between 21 and 45 years of age with ownership and management responsibility who have introduced and applied effective management and business practices to achieve a more profitable dairy business. This year’s progressive dairy producer award in the small herd category goes to the Andersons, owners of Kissamee Holstein Dairy located on East Road in Cazenovia.

WeeK

cNYSPcA PeT oF THe

Meet Tanner

By DonnA nEWMAn photo provided by the CNySpCa

Head out to center field, and the walkway has more statues of Tigers legends – Ty Cobb sliding, Charlie Gehringer at second base, Al Kaline, and the rest. There’s a respect of history without it getting too pretentious.

Going around, you also notice

It’s a long drive home to Central New York, so to fill the time I turn the SiriusXM Radio to a station playing nothing but Tony Bennett in tribute to the great singer’s life. It was already a joyful day. Hearing Tony’s joyful, energetic voice only made it better.

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

Tanner’s life was a movie it would be Back to the Future! Tanner originally came to the shelter two years ago as a stray. He was adopted, yet found again years later as a stray. He was adopted AGAIN and returned AGAIN – once again, through no fault of his own. Despite the twists and turns of his life, Tanner is a happy, playful pup. Words can’t capture his zest for life, his big personality, and his affection for all people. We think he’s a pug/pit mix and he’s about three years old and forty-four pounds. He has the most adorable face, and you can’t be in his presence without smiling. Other dogs don’t seem to bother him, but he would do best as the only pet. He walks nicely on a leash and loves to learn. We think he would make a great companion for almost any home, and he would do well with respectful kids five and up. Tanner knows his “forever” family’s out there, somewhere. Could it be with you? For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org.

anks to the generous support of our community members and business owners, Cazenovia’s 2023 fourth of July reworks celebration was a tremendous success.

We thank our donors, named and anonymous, for the spectacular show. In addition, we thank the hardworking men and women of Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CAVAC), Cazenovia Police Department, Cazenovia Fire Department, Madison County Sheri and NY State Troopers. is event would not be possible without their coordination of safety and security measures. anks as well to our municipal leaders from the Town of Cazenovia, Village of Cazenovia and Lorenzo State Historic Site for their support. We also thank the Cazenovia Republican for generously supporting our advertising e orts.

Preparations are already underway for the 2024 celebration. If you would like to volunteer or nd out more about your local Lions Club, please join us for one of our monthly dinner meetings. We meet the rst ursday of each month, September through June, 7PM at the Brewster Inn. If you would like additional information, please contact Lion Nick at 315.378.9154.

CNYSPCA PET OF THE WEEK Meet Tanner

By DoNNA NEWMAN

photo provided by the CNy-

SpCa

Tanner’s life was a movie it would be Back to the Future! tanner originally came to the shelter two years ago as a stray. He was adopted, yet found again years later as a stray. He was adopted AGAiN and returned AGAiN – once again, through no fault of his own. Despite the twists and turns of his life, tanner is a happy, playful pup. Words can’t capture his zest for life, his big personality, and his affection for all people. We think he’s a pug/pit mix and he’s about three years old and forty-four pounds. He has the most adorable face, and you can’t be in his presence without smiling. Other dogs don’t seem to bother him, but he would do best as the only pet. He walks nicely on a leash and loves to learn. We think he would make a great companion for almost any home, and he would do well with respectful kids five and up. Tanner knows his “forever” family’s out there, somewhere. Could it be with you? For more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontdesk1@cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org.

I have been wrong about handicaps for over 10 years. I accepted the results of a study of over 8,000 golfers back when, that determined only 20% of golfers in the US even had a handicap. Chris Hart from National Partners said recently, “the number is closer to to 90%. I am not shocked, but I am surprised. It hasn’t changed the way I think about golf nor how I play the game but it does support my goal to try to get more non-handicap golfers to obtain an official USGA handicap.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A) now set a standard for a golfer’s handicap as, “an average of their best 8 rounds of golf out of the last 20”. That’s why a golfers handicap is based on “potential”, not an “average”. Also, the USGA’s Handicap Research Team says, “Not only will golfers play to their handicap or better only one out of every 4 rounds but they will also, on average, score 3 strokes higher than their course handicap”.

“A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfers ‘potential’ that is used to enable players of varying abilities to compete against one another. Better players are those with the lowest handicap”, says Anonymous. For golfers who do have an official handicap, did you know…

* Only 1% of golfers have a handicap of 3 or below.

* Only 9% of golfers have a handicap between 4-6.

* Only 18% have a handicap between 8-11.

* About 27% have a handicap between 12-16.

* About 18% have a handicap between 17-20.

* About 12% between 21-24.

* Around 8% between 25-29.

* Only 5% at 30 and above.

Assuming your handicap is accurate… how many times do you shoot to your handicap?

* If your handicap is 5 or less…36%

* If your handicap is 6-12…32%.

* If your handicap is 13-20…29%.

* If your handicap is 21-28…26%.

* If your handicap is 29 and above…19%. How do these statistics stack up to your handicap, or for that matter, other golfers at your club or the league you play in?

Question: What do you do if someone with a handicap of 14 shoots a score that is 8 strokes below their handicap in a tournament?

Answer: You “Google” USGA “Exceptional Tournament Score Probability” chart and find out the probably of doing this is 1,138 to 1.

Analysis: Assuming the average golfer plays around 20 rounds a year, it would take over 56 years of golf to do it once. If the same golfer shoots a score that is 5 shots below his 14 handicap, the probably is still 174 to 1…about once every 9 years.

Descriptive Term for golfer: SANDBAGGER ACTION

Home Furnishings Sale

SAT & Sun Aug 5 & 6 10:00 till 4:00

4518 Whistler, Manlius N Y 13104

Beautiful walnut dinning table and 6 chairs, breakfront cabinet, sofa and loveseat, queen bed,decorated 3 Dr. Serpentine Chest, and nightstands, walnut credenza, MCM Travertine cocktail, pr end tables, Travertine console table.pr.walnut bookcases, walnut armoire,dressers, pr. Floral wing chairs, 8 Dr. Kneehole desk, 5 PC. dinette set, 4 shelf walnut stand, upholstered side chairs, Victorian rocker, cocktail, end, and occ tables, 3 burl tables tables, chaise lounge, pr stools, 2 roomsize oriental rugs & scatters, set fine China, iron candle holder, leaded lamp,menu decorator lamps, Singer 221 portable sewing machine, big screen tv, antique mantle clock, quilts, linen, bedding, wood bird cage, paintings, prints, wall decor, mirrors, large amount of decorative accessories,Garden iron settee, table w umb. & 4 chairs pr spring armchairs, tables,Weber grill, 4 Dr. Legal fireproof file cabinet much Xmas decorations, check auctionpmb.com for 100 pictures and updates, ist out at 4 on Friday.

Paul Birchmeyer

Cash, Visa, MC, Disc, NYS Checks w/I’d 315-383-1152

larry W. Omans, 70

Services planned

Graveside services for Larry W. Omans, 70, who passed away on July 11, 2023, will

Janet Butler active in church, volunteer work

Janet Catherine Philbrick Butler passed into the arms of her savior surrounded by her three “boys” on Friday, April 28, 2023. Janet was born in Syracuse to Stanley James Philbrick and Janet Spring Philbrick. She was raised in Cazenovia initially at the Williams Inn (now known as Brae Loch) where her parents were the proprietors. Janet enjoyed her time at Cazenovia High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader and captain of the squad, and drum majorette.

Janet met the love of her life, Fred, “the most handsome man she had ever seen” on her birthday; they danced that night and married a little more than a year later. Theirs was a marriage that lasted nearly 60 years and survived three highly energetic and competitive boys born over a fiveyear period. She would put one son on the kindergarten bus while tending to a toddler and diapering a baby. She also read countless books to her young sons, drove away the monsters under the bed, wiped their noses and baked them cookies, cakes and her famous coconut cream pie. Janet learned quickly what it meant to be a “boy mom,” taking part in all sort of activities from backyard basketball and whiffle ball (where she wasn’t always the last pick) to many trips to the emergency room and lamenting the boy’s inability to learn to “put the seat down.” Mom was a fan of Elvis and rock and roll and when Pop would tell one of the boys to turn down the music, mom would tell them to turn it up!

She was active in St. James Roman Catholic Church and made sure the boys were raised with faith, often dragging them to church for 7 a.m. mass as a penance for some Saturday night foibles.

In addition to her volunteer work with the church she was a CAVAC volunteer and the Cazenovia Varsity Cheerleading Coach. The boys also used the fact that she was a paraprofessional in the high school

tami Sgroi, 57

Loved her family, grandkids and pets

Tami O’Reilly Sgroi, 57, a longtime resident of Collamer Road in East Syracuse, passed away peacefully with family on July 19, 2023, at Bernadine Apartments.

Tami loved her family, grandkids and precious pets. She enjoyed her time helping others, walks at Green Lakes and being a storyteller of her family’s history and she retained so much knowledge of it.

Tami is predeceased by her mother Judith Eggert and father Edward O’Reilly, her sisters Christine Gemmell and Lisa Ritchie. She leaves behind her children Jeremy (Kayla) Sgroi, Nicole (Leon) Liepke, Michael Sgroi and her siblings Kevin (Valerie) O’Reilly and Kimberly Tartaglia and stepmother Jane Farsaci O’Reilly and three grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Tami will be remembered for her enormous heart, her caring and kindness in helping others, especially the elderly and of course her stubborn Irish attitude. In typical Tami fashion, she expressed privacy, however a celebration of life will occur with details to be determined and in a way we can all share a favorite memory.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Any donations in her honor may be sent

be held on Sept. 30, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. at the Erieville Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Life from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hotel Solsville, 7243 Valley Road, Madison, N.Y.

Janet Butler

library to get out of a variety of jams.

Janet was predeceased by her parents, Stanley James and Janet, her beloved husband Fred, her dear sister Patricia Race and her much loved daughter-in-law Nancy Carroll Butler.

She is survived by her sons, Greg (Themis Klarides) of Woodbridge, CT, Jeff (Valerie) of DeLeon Springs, FL and Eric (Judith) of Tucson, AZ. In addition, grandchildren Liza Arulampalam (Arunan) and Sarah Butler, Samantha (Adam) Marris, Matt (Emilee) Butler and Josh, Ariana Mae and Andrew Butler. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at 10 a.m. in St. James Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Janet’s name to St. James Catholic Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences for the Butler family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.

tami Sgroi

to: HumaneCNY 4915 West Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088, or also directly through their website, as she loved and adored her own pets and this organization. Please take the time to share thoughts and stories or pictures at scheppfamily. com, Schepp Funeral Home’s page, to be included in a memory book. Thank you everyone who stood by her side for support, laughs and friendship.

have by his side than my sister. I’m sure their baby boy will be even greater motivation to keep fighting for recovery. As a nurse, my sister understands better than most the financial toll that this type of injury is likely to have on their family. Some of the expenses they’re currently facing include adequate housing and rehabilitation and technology to best enhance Eric’s quality of life.”

On July 25, Ekstrom’s friends and former CHS classmates Hannah Polsin and Kaleigh Lembo, née Gitzen, had the opportunity to visit the couple in Rochester.

In an update on the situation, Polsin, who is one of the GoFundMe organizers, reported that Eric will likely need to relocate again.

“The decision to transport him back to Rochester was in hopes that Audrey and Eric could stay together while she is in the hospital having her baby,” Polsin said. “. . . With all this going on, the hope was to have all the support of family and loved

ones close by, but it’s looking like he will need to be transported again to a facility that handles spine and neck injuries better. With having to move him again, it’s looking like insurance won’t cover it, sadly. . . With all this said, we are still very hopeful that Eric will hold his baby one day. He had a big smile when we came into the room to visit. His spirit is strong, and we want to make sure we continue to support both Audrey and Eric during this difficult time.”

As of July 27, Eric’s condition had unfortunately not changed, according to Polsin.

The Ekstroms’ family and friends continue to seek monetary donations through the GoFundMe page. They are also requesting that people share encouraging and positive messages with the couple via the email address EncouragingEkstroms@ gmail.com

According to Polsin, Mary Namy, née Reizun, another 2010 CHS graduate, has been mailing the letters received through the Gmail account to the Ekstroms, and Ivers has been actively working behind the scenes as

well to support them and raise awareness of their difficult situation.

A fundraiser will be held in Rochester on Aug. 17 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Fairport Brewing Company. The event will include a silent auction and raffles, live music by Power Pop Syndicate, food from the Verno On The Roll food truck, and adult beverages from the brewery. For more information, visit the “Embrace Eric! benefit for Eric Ekstrom and his family” Facebook page. Donations for the silent auction and raffles are welcome and appreciated.

“Those in the Cazenovia community who know Audrey know that she is one of the most selfless, kindest people you will ever meet,” said Lynch. “She found her match in Eric. The two of them have given so much to their communities over the years, and we are hopeful that people will continue to come out and support them.”

To donate to the Ekstrom family and stay up to date on their situation, visit gofundme. com/f/eric-and-audrey-ekstrom