FriEnds oF LorEnzo cELEbrAtEs 50 yEArs
on
its annual Garden Gala fundraiser and celebrated its 50th anniversary on the grounds of the Lorenzo state historic site.
Brownbacks, Syracuse Garden Club honored at Garden Gala
by kAtE hiLL Staff writer
On June 12, the Friends of Lorenzo (FOL) presented its annual Garden Gala fundraiser and celebrated its Golden Anniversary on the grounds of the Lorenzo
State Historic Site. Lorenzo is the 1807 federal-style home of John Lincklaen, Holland Land Company agent and founder of Cazenovia. The Lincklaen/Ledyard family continually occupied Lorenzo until the property and contents were conveyed to New York State in 1968. The site is operated by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
For five decades, the non-profit FOL has supported restoration, interpretation, maintenance, and acquisition at the site, its mansion, gardens, and outbuild-
ings. Thousands of visitors have benefited from FOL-sponsored concerts, lectures, tours, and other events.
This year also marks 42 years of the organization’s continuous support of the restoration and maintenance of Lorenzo’s 1914 Ellen Biddle Shipman-designed formal garden, which is recognized as one of Central New York’s premier country estate gardens.
Timed to showcase the garden’s peony blossoms, the 2025 Garden Gala featured hors d’oeuvres catered by the Lincklaen House, music by the Cazenovia High
Farmstead 1868 to host second Lavender Fest
Named County Small Business of the year
by kAtE hiLL Staff writer
Farmstead 1868, which was recently named Madison County Small Business of the Year, will host its second Cazenovia Lavender Festival on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the farm at 4690 Shephards Rd., Cazenovia.
Farmstead 1868 is a family-run lavender farm and botanical goods business known for its small-batch skincare, jams, and culinary lavender products.
Lavender Fest will celebrate the peak of the lavender bloom with hands-on classes, live music, artisan vendors, and agricultural demonstrations highlighting the intersection of wellness, nature, and community.
More than 25 local businesses and artisans will participate, including food trucks, musicians, Safe Haven Healing, which will offer chair massages, and demonstrators ranging from honeybee educators and perfume blenders to The British Blacksmith.
alex Hammer
Farmstead 1868 will host its second cazenovia Lavender Festival on saturday, July 5, and sunday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the farm at 4690 shephards rd., cazenovia.
Classes will include Honeybees 101, Natural Green Cleaning, DIY Lip Balm Making, and Flower Ar-
ranging with LaFayette’s Brainard Farmette.
Lavender l Page 11
School String Quartet, and refreshments.
“What began as a grassroots effort by a devoted group of community members has grown into a vibrant, passionate organization that continues to enrich Cazenovia and beyond,” said FOL President Kathleen Conway Hoak. “Looking back on our history, we are filled with gratitude for our founding members — Mrs. Thomas Dolan, Honorable Stuart F. Hancock, Jr., Mrs. Robert Horstmeyer, Ann P. Koeze, Mr. Charles J. Mack, Mrs. Walter G. Oakman, Mr. Robert A. Riester, Jayne Ritz,
School board recognizes students’ participation in state, national competitions
by kAtE hiLL Staff writer
On June 16, the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education (CCSD BOE) recognized the Cazenovia High School Academic Decathlon team, which won the New York State Championship earlier this spring and recently represented the Empire State at the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) National Finals.
The national championship was held May 1-3 in Des Moines, Iowa.
CCSD Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio presented certificates to decathletes Ella Blair, Arha Lewis, Brooklyn Benson, and Sebastian Gebers, who all attended the meeting.
According to the USAD Nationals 2025 Awards Program, the NY team also featured Cazenovia students Rae Western, Connor Hopper and Nathan Schierer.
Ben Wightman, Cazenovia’s Academic Decathlon head coach, explained to the school board that decathletes receive a thick binder’s worth of study materials each May.
“They have about eight months to master it,” Wightman said. “Then we do a regional competition in December/January and then state finals in March, which is what we won this year — our first time since 2020. It’s our first time actually going to nationals since 2019, because the national competition in 2020 got wiped out. It’s good to be back.”
Wightman also reported that Blair won second place individually in Cazenovia’s division at nationals.
“This trip, for me, was the highlight of my school year,” said Blair. “It was such a great opportunity to be able to go and hang out with my friends and also participate in the competition and be around a bunch of people who are also passionate about academics.”
As a team, Cazenovia placed tenth overall in its division.
“We are so thankful for [Mr. Wightman],” said Benson. “Without him and Mr. DiFulvio and the board of education, we wouldn’t have gotten this amazing opportunity. We are so grateful, so blessed. Thank you all so much for [your contributions] every single day to Caz high school students and boE l Page 5
Kate Hill
June 12, the Friends of Lorenzo presented
Gala l Page 10
Students help improve CPF trails,
by kAtE hiLL Staff writer
On June 7, National Trails Day, more than 20 high school students joined Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) at a workathon event aimed at improving the organization’s public trails.
Tenth-grader Nolan Campagna organized the event as a fundraiser for the Cazenovia High School Class of 2027.
“I aimed to organize a class fundraiser that would benefit the greater Cazenovia community,” said Campagna, who is vice president of the class. “I thought of CPF because I’ve enjoyed past volunteer work with [that group], share its goals of preserving and making accessible shared natural areas, and have a real interest in biology and environmental conservation. I’m so grateful CPF partnered with our Class of 2027 and hope the student workathon with CPF will become a tradition.”
According to CPF Communications and Development Specialist Mary Kate Gutierrez, the students cheerfully worked throughout the rainy morning, moving and spreading wood chips, shoveling gravel, and pulling invasive Japanese knotweed and garlic mustard plants at CPF’s Willow Patch, Carpenter’s
Pond, and Fairchild Hill properties.
The students collected pledges from family members and friends for a certain dollar amount for each hour they volunteered.
CPF offered two twohour shifts, and students chose to work one or both.
“Nolan did a great job organizing this event,” said CPF Executive Director Jen Wong. “I am, of course,
Elaine c nagle, 78 educator
Elaine Catherine Nagle, 78, of Erieville, N.Y., passed away on May 22, 2025. She graduated from West Genesee High School in 1964, followed by her graduation from Buffalo State College in 1969 with a teaching degree and a naster’s degree in special education. She worked for Ken-Ton School District in the Buffalo area as an elementary educa -
happy to see fresh wood chips on the trail and the other improvements, but these kinds of events are about so much more. It was very gratifying to watch these students, Class of 2027 parent volunteers, and our CPF stewardship staff and board volunteers working side by side. I left the event with an overwhelming sense of hope that the culture of volunteerism we
OBITUARIES
tor. Her love for teaching continued in retirement as a beloved substitute teacher in the Cazenovia school district in Cazenovia. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond W. Cushman Jr. in 1982. Elaine is survived by her daughters Annie Raver Cushman and Jenna Brooke Cushman; her brothers Paul Nagle (Marcellus, N.Y.) and Daniel Nagle (Huntington Beach CA); also, her grandchildren
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements by B.L.
& Sons Funeral Home,
lus. In lieu of flowers, donations to help support unexpected expenses can be made to her GoFundMe at https:// gofund.me/dac3143 9
Please sign her guestbook at blbush.co m
Quinn Catherine and Cole Ray.
Bush
Camil
Elaine c nagle
value so highly in this community will carry on.”
The mission of CPF is to protect the historic, agricultural, and natural
Submitted pHotoS on national trails day, students from the cazenovia high school class of 2027 joined the cazenovia Preservation Foundation at a public trail improvement workathon event.
cPF l Page 5
On June 9, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrest of Miles Burton Marshall, a Madison County tax preparer and insurance agent, for allegedly operating a massive Ponzi scheme for over three decades that stole more than $50 million from 988 investors in Madison County and other nearby counties.
A news release from the attorney general’s press office says Marshall solicited unsuspecting clients to invest millions of dollars into his so-called “Eight Percent Fund,” claiming that their funds would be primarily used for real property investments. Instead, Marshall allegedly used funds to pay investment returns to prior investors, as well as to pay his personal expenses and the expenses of his other businesses.
A 49-count indictment filed by James was unsealed on June 9, charging Marshall with multiple counts of grand larceny, securities fraud, and scheme to defraud.
“For over three decades, Miles Burton Marshall fooled his community into believing he was a trusted businessman when in reality, he was scamming his clients and neighbors out of their life savings,” said James. “Fraud of any kind is not acceptable in New York. My office will continue to ensure all those who cheat New Yorkers out of their life savings are held accountable.”
NYS Police Superintendent Steven G. James said this arrest once again shows that those who scheme to swindle New Yorkers out of their hard-earned money for their own personal gain will be held accountable for their actions.
“Mr. Marshall allegedly misled his clients on the usage of their money, spending the cash on his own expenses and leaving his victims with a false sense of financial security,” he said. “I commend our state police members and the Attorney General’s Office for their outstanding work on this case.”
A long-term investigation led by
the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG’s) Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau (CEFC) revealed that beginning in the early 1990s and continuing through March 2023, Marshall solicited potential investors, including his tax and insurance clients, to invest tens of millions of dollars into his so-called “Eight Percent Fund.” Marshall allegedly told investors that their funds would be primarily used to purchase property, refurbish rental houses, and pay expenses for rental properties. When soliciting investments, he falsely represented the profitability of his real estate business, claiming it was so profitable that he could promise investors eight percent yearly returns.
After soliciting investments, Marshall allegedly used investors’ money to pay investment returns to prior investors, and finance operating expenses for his other businesses, including tax preparation, printing press, maintenance, and storage unit businesses. In addition to business expenses, OAG alleges Marshall used hundreds of thousands of investors’ dollars for personal expenditures, including travel purchases at American Airlines, Priceline, and United Airlines, at retail and online stores, such as Amazon, Lululemon, and Target, and at grocery stores, restaurants, and yoga studios.
Marshall allegedly directed his staff to generate “Transaction Summaries” for investors, falsely representing their account balances and the interest they purportedly earned. Marshall’s investors relied on these false statements, believing they were earning a steady income, and continued to invest. As a result of Marshall’s investment scheme, many investors lost their life savings.
CEFC’s investigation revealed that by 2016, Marshall’s total liabilities exceeded his assets by over $40 million. Still, he continued to solicit new investors and represent to prior investors that their investments were profitable
for the next seven years until he could no longer repay investors and filed for bankruptcy, according to the investigation.
Marshall made sworn statements in the bankruptcy proceedings that as of March 2023, his total assets were less than $22 million, and he owed 988 victim investors over $90 million, including over $50 million in principal they invested.
The OAG’s 49-count indictment – unsealed June 9 in Madison County Court – charges Marshall with 21 counts of grand larceny in the second degree (a Class C felony), three counts of grand larceny in the third degree (a Class D felony), 24 counts of securities fraud under the Martin Act (a class E felony), and one count of scheme to defraud in the First Degree (a class E felony).
Marshall was arraigned on June 9 before the Honorable Rhonda Youngs. Marshall was released on his own recognizance and required to surrender his passport and not leave New York State.
If convicted, Marshall faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 to 20 years in prison.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
In the news release, James thanked the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and its Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and the NYS Police for their invaluable assistance in this investigation. Attorney
General James also thanks the Office of the United States Trustees, the Village of Hamilton Police Department, the Madison County Real Property Tax Services Department, and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Tarkowski and Eleanor Biggers of CEFC. Analytical work was provided by Senior Legal Analyst Joseph Conniff and Legal Analyst Ifu Ojukwu, under the supervision of Supervising Analyst Paul Strocko and Deputy Supervising Analyst Jayleen Garcia. Forensic accounting was conducted by Senior Auditor Investigator Brenna Magruder and Principal Auditor Investigator Danielle Dudley, under the supervision of Chief Auditor Kristen Fabbri and Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Bizzarro of the Forensic Audit Section. CEFC is led by Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton and Deputy Bureau Chief Joseph G. D’Arrigo.
The criminal investigation was conducted by Senior Detective Joel Cordone, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Juanita Bright, Assistant Chief Samuel Scotellaro, and Detective Supervisor Peter Fitzgerald of the Major Investigations Unit. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Investigator Oliver Pu-Folkes. Both CEFC and the Investigations Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
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We need your help to continue the great tradition of July 4th fireworks. Last summer, the community really pitched in. More than 500 families contributed to the Fireworks Fund! The results were spectacular - our most exciting fireworks ever! Again this year We are counting on your help. Like last year, your contributions will be used exclusively to cover the cost of the fireworks show. In short, it’s up to you! We need support from your family to keep alive the great tradition of July 4th fireworks!
OuR vOicE
In the yard
While it has been a slow start in terms of temperatures and weather conditions, it is spring and summer is not far off.
And while the amount of rain we have seen has not made it easy, this is a time of year when many will be focusing on yard maintenance with routine chores like mowing, trimming, planting, mulching and other activities occupying our free time.
After a long winter season, which can take its toll on homes and properties, many are likely eager to get things organized and looking their best for the summer so they can enjoy their yards with gatherings, barbecues, swimming, or just relaxing on a warm summer evening.
A lot of this work comes with routine maintenance, things we do weekly like mowing and trimming.
And while these are activities we may do on a regular basis, it never hurts to take a few minutes to make sure you and your equipment are safe.
AAA has shared some tips as we head into the season.
When it comes to one of the most common pieces of equipment we use, the lawnmower, it never hurts to give it a once over before mowing and make sure the deck and blade are in good working order and that gas and oil and other maintenance has been addressed as well.
AAA also recommends making sure you are familiar with any safety features.
While many push mowers simply turn off when you release the control bar, some mowers, like riding mowers don’t turn off so easily so it is important to make sure you know how to shut it off quickly in case of an emergency.
It is also recommended to never leave a lawn mower running unattended, make sure all lawn mower safety equipment is intact, and check for frayed or cut wires before mowing.
Never remove safety features such as blade guards or spark arrestors, which prevent fires.
Remove rocks, sticks, and other debris from the yard before mowing. If they’re picked up and ejected from the lawn mower, these objects can cause serious injury. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks that start fires.
Never attempt to unclog or work on a lawn mower while the engine is on.
Keep young children away from the mower.
Only add fuel to your mower when the engine is cool, and always use the recommended grade of fuel.
Another task that comes this time of year is tree trimming.
It is recommended to prune tree limbs regularly to keep them from damaging your home, decks, and outbuildings. Even after the winter weather has passed, tree branches can break due to age or disease. If a tree is too close to your home, consider having it removed.
When it comes to cleaning gutters, AAA suggests that now that winter is over, remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from roof gutters so water can flow freely when it rains. Make sure gutters are secure, and downspouts drain away from your foundation. If possible, extend the bottom of the downspout away from your home by at least six feet.
When it comes to removing yard waste homeowners could consider composting leaves, sticks, grass cuttings, and other yard waste instead of burning them or putting them in a landfill.
Burning yard waste is illegal in some areas and puts homes at risk of fire.
You can also contact your local sanitation department for the best way to get rid of yard debris.
rEciPE to coMbAt A GrEy dAy
To appropriate a part of the chorus from “Tomorrow,”
When I’m stuck with a day that’s grey and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin and … bake a cake. Yes, bake. I could have written “take a walk” or meditate, but I enjoy baking and its outcome.
There is the precision of chemistry in baking and a good expectation that what you can taste in your mind will actually happen.
Sure, and I speak from experience, there are all kinds of things that can go wrong but, for most of the time, the end product is within the edible category, especially if your day is especially gray or blue or whatever color mucks up your world.
So, having had more than my share of gray lately, I, eschewing talk therapy or walks in the woods, sought assistance from the internet and found, what I believe to be the best cake recipe ever. Hands down.
Now, if you are of the ilk that believes that everything has to begin with scratch, this recipe is not for you, it utilizes a good amount of ingredients that might be considered “processed.”
I used to think that way. Not a cake or pudding mix in the house.
That is not true anymore. While I don’t know if I am committing some kind of culinary sin, I will ask forgiveness and eat another piece of this
Flood the zone
To the editor:
Democrats and those incensed about what Trump is doing need to take a page from the MAGA playbook, but in a good way, and “Flood the Zone” with truth and evidence by repeating them over and over again.
Every Democratic governor, senator and member of congress needs to hold a press conference every day and blast the MAGA movement by exposing their deceptions and failures. A day should not go by without a very vocal pushback to the draconian policies and failures this administration has brought upon us, from tariff negotiations to ending wars to high food and commodity prices.
Our standing in the world, our economy, our environment and our health are at stake.
Do we need to return to the events of the 1960s to get the attention of Republicans? Without them also speaking out against the MAGA movement this madness will continue. Flood the zone with good not evil.
GEorGE LorEFicE manliuS
Remembering Wagner
To the editor:
As the former mayor of the Village of Fayetteville, I had the great honor of working with Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner. I worked side by side with Sally to help the Matilda Joslyn Gage Museum come to life in our community, and I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing.
Sally’s passion and unwavering commitment to the legacy of Matilda Joslyn Gage were extraordinary. Through her vision, scholarship, and tireless work, she brought Gage’s powerful story back into public consciousness, ensuring that generations to come could learn from and be inspired by this pioneering suffragist and social reformer.
Sally was not just a historian or an advocate — she was a force. Her dedication to truthtelling, especially in the face of forgotten or overlooked histories, brought light and depth to the conversations around women’s rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and social justice.
The Village of Fayetteville and the broader community have lost a true gem. But thanks to Sally’s life’s work, the light of Matilda Joslyn Gage’s legacy will continue to shine. I am profoundly grateful for Sally’s partnership, her tenacity, and her heart. She will be deeply missed. onondAGA county LEGisLAtor MArk oLson
mayor of fayetteville (2004-2024)
luscious, oh-so-satisfying cake. So, what is this marvel? Its name is, are you sitting down? Italian Love Cake. It’s not only for Italians; a whole raft of ethnicities will find it as seductive.
There are three layers to this cake. The first two are baked together and the top layer is added after the cake has cooled.
Here’s the recipe: i talian Love c ake i ngredients
Cake batter: 1 box (13.25oz). chocolate cake mix, 2 tablespoons instant coffee, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water, 3 eggs.
Filling: 32 oz ricotta cheese, 2/3 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 1 ½ vanilla extract
Topping: 1 5.9 oz box instant chocolate pudding mix, 1 16oz frozen whipped topping, 1 ½ cups of milk d irections
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease, spray or line a 13 x 9 baking dish.
For cake batter: mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside
For the filling: Mix the ricotta, eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until they are well combined. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared baking dish and then carefully spoon the filling on top of the cake batter. Use a spatula to smooth the filling out, being careful not to mix it into the cake batter. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until an inserted toothpick
Peaks and
So the Yankees were in Fenway Park last weekend. It only figures, given what Aaron Judge is trying to do.
You don’t have to pledge complete allegiance to the pinstripes to appreciate the unholy tear Judge has put together since the season got underway, aside from the 50-home run, 140-RBI pace.
Going into the weekend, Judge was batting .394. In this era where .320 can and has won a batting title, even breathing near the precious .400 mark in mid-June is a serious feat.
And we all know who did it last. In 1941, wearing a Red Sox uniform, getting to .406. Some guy named Williams who thought he was the greatest hitter who ever lived and might have not fibbed when saying it out loud.
A mere 84 years on we’ve just about abandoned the notion of .400 because why bat for average when you can walk a lot, go deep a lot or strike out a lot just as the metrics guys desire?
Yet it’s the exact kind of number which can transcend baseball in a good way. When Judge got to 62 home runs a few seasons ago the wounds of the PED era were still too fresh and anything done by a Yankees player can annoy people outside of the New York media bubble.
But go after .400? This is something that would, if Judge went all George Brett and dragged this into September, do the unthinkable and distract us from football weekends. Which is healthy because the meaningful games on the gridiron happen later in the fall and winter, right?
Oh, and there’s another reason. It’s far more delightful to consider an individual chasing the unattainable instead of a bad collective entity chasing the recently attained.
On the same weekend that the Yankees were at Fenway the Colorado Rockies were in Atlanta coming off a nice victory over the contending San Francisco Giants which brought the Rockies’ record to….13-55.
That’s right, friends, if you thought last season’s Chicago White Sox who graced us with 121 defeats was the nadir of bad baseball at the quarter pole of the 21 st century…..maybe it wasn’t.
Not only is Colorado on pace to obliterate 121 defeats, it can’t even lean back on the fact that Pope Leo
comes out clean. You will find that the cake has exchanged space with the filling so that the ricotta is now on the bottom of the pan. Cool completely before adding the topping. You can make this part a day ahead of time or early in the day on which you want to serve it.
For the topping: In a large bowl, add milk and the pudding mix and whisk for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens. Gently fold in the whipped topping. The topping will be a light brown. Spread on to the previously prepared cake.
My 13 x 9 pan wasn’t high enough to accommodate all of the topping, so I froze what I couldn’t fit into the dish and now I have ice cream of a sort. A surprise.
The end result is a three-layer delight. It has to be stored in the refrigerator, so plan ahead for that. It won’t last very long though…
This is a keeper.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this gastronomic panacea not just for the gray or the blue, but for the joyous days too.
And…what if you substituted lemon cake mix and instant lemon pudding?
Do I have your attention?
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.
XIV is a fan of the team as is he of the guys on the South Side where His Holiness grew up and served the faithful.
As recently as the late 2010s the Rockies were a playoff team. Then it all blew up, a combination of bad signings, a bad farm system and the inevitable bad pitching a team playing 5,280 feet above sea level has always tried to overcome, whether with big dimensions or humidors.
Oh, and it didn’t help to be part of a National League West with success all around them. The Giants who won three World Series in five years. Arizona surging to a pennant in 2023. San Diego dealing and evolving into a perennial contender. Don’t even mention the imperial Dodgers.
If division races remain lopsided in favor of the Yankees (AL East), Detroit Tigers (AL Central), Mets (NL East) and Cubs (NL Central), there won’t be a lot else to do other than count up the Rockies’ losses in a grim parallel to what happened to the White Sox a year ago.
Now as anyone who has read this space knows, I don’t exactly adhere to the Yankees company line. Seeing Major League Baseball only from their perspective might be safe and comforting, but it’s far from the only point of view.
Still, it’s possible that we’ve actually underrated Aaron Judge and what he’s accomplished wearing no. 99 in the Bronx. Babe Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, Jeter, Rivera – they all had the cache that multiple titles provide. Judge hasn’t won one yet.
Perhaps it will take Judge maintaining this absurd hitting pace, getting on base as much with sharp singles as with crushing balls over the fence, deep into the summer to really wake the larger sports public up to his career plus give us a good and positive distraction away from the uglier parts of our world.
The alternative? Waiting out three months to see if, in Colorado, this episode of infamy goes all the way to 121 or beyond.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
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Ramblings from the empty nest ann Ferro
Years Ago in History
by cindy bELL tobEy
160 years Ago – June 21, 1865
The members of Company K, 114 N. Y., will reach home from Norwich this (Tuesday) afternoon, probably between four and six o’clock.
Let us give them a reception that will express to them, as far as in our power, the appreciation we have of the noble sacrifices they have made for our common country and the pride we feel in their glorious deeds.
Let us remember Port Hudson, Pleasant Hill, Winchester, and Cedar Creek; their long and weary marches, their bloody battles, and their glorious victories, and express as well as we can the gratitude we feel towards them and our joy at their return.
A martial band of music, the fire
companies, and citizens generally will march out to meet them, to escort them into town.
After listening to a few words of welcome the company will proceed to Concert Hall, to partake of a supper provided for them by the young ladies of the “Girl I Left Behind Me Society.”
It is hoped that our citizens generally will take part in this welcome and turn out en masse to greet them and accompany them into the village.
Notice of their approach will be given by the ringing of bells.
145 years Ago – June 17, 1880
The free excursion to lake view Tuesday, given by Stanley & Co., was enjoyed by about 500 people.
The steamer Lake View left the pier at two o’clock and sailed directly for Lake View where an hour was spent in
viewing the grounds.
Everything is in good shape for the reception of visitors, and we do not know of a pleasanter place to spend a few weeks.
On the return trip we stopped a short time at Blair’s Grove.
Mr. Blair has greatly improved this place, by enlarging the buildings and building new ones. It is a very pleasant resort for picnic and pleasure parties.
Everything during the trip was managed in good style without noise or confusion.
The steamer Lake View has been newly pained and presents a very attractive appearance.
It is amply provided with life-preservers and a large life-raft.
We wish Messrs. Stanley & Co. the success which such an enterprise deserves.
125 years Ago – June 21, 1900
Two automobiles excited considerable attention on Albany Street Saturday evening.
One was driven by a Mr. Foote and his son, and the other by Mr. S. P. Howe, and S. M. Vauclain, Jr., all of Ithaca.
They had left Ithaca at one o’clock that afternoon, coming by way of Cortland and DeRuyter.
They remained at the Lincklaen house over night, and the next morning continued on their way to New York, going by way of the Cherry Valley turnpike as far as that road extends.
The vehicles were made by the Winton Motor Carraige Company, and were driven by gasoline engines.
105 years Ago – June 17, 1920
side, he does have patience for taking treats. he takes them gently and is very grateful for any pets he receives. chance is a funny dog who will bring joy to your life and a smile to your face. if you’re looking for a sure thing, take a chance on chance. 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@cnyspca.org or visit cnyspca.org
l From page 1
Caz students in general.”
The Madison County Farm Bureau will hold a dynamite demonstration on the Chard farm on the Lake road at 2 o’clock farm time Friday, June 18. F. R. Walkley, manager of the Farm Bureau, will be present and with him will be a demonstrator who will handle the dynamite.
Everybody is invited to come and see how the work is done.
The demonstration will be in charge of the local community committee which consists of Charles Niles, John Bennett, C. D. Card and M. Bordwell. Walter Chard is chairman.
resources surrounding Cazenovia for the benefit of the community.
“Less than two percent of athletes participate in state competition, so it’s a really big deal,” said DiFulvio.
CCSD BOE meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend. Meeting dates are list-
In addition to congratulating the Academic Decathlon team, the BOE presented certificates to varsity boys outdoor track and field athletes Finn Worthington and Owen Woodworth in recognition of their participation in the state championship. According to the team’s head coach, Mark Tugaw, Cazenovia sent the boys’ 4 × 100 metres relay team and the 4 × 400 metres relay team to states, and the girls’ team sent Susie Pittman for pole vault and Alyssa Wardell for pentathlon.
ed on the district website and the school calendar. For more information, visit cazenoviacsd.com/board. 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/94dc9c19-0570-4ecd-bd7a-868cb499bc46/new.
Craig Buckhout, CPF’s newly elected board vice president and land stewardship committee co-chair, said it was inspiring to see so many young people enthusiastically dedicating their time to support CPF’s mission, especially at 8 a.m. on a Saturday.
“They improved trail accessibility, helped reduce the impact of invasive species, and discovered local trails that many had never explored before,” Buckhout added. “Each of them now shares a personal connection to these natural spaces and can take pride in the meaningful impact they made.”
To learn more about CPF and its work, visit cazpreservation.org.
PENNY SAVER
Huge Barn Sale
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - June 20th , 21st , & 22nd 2025 9am-5pm
Selling at the former Plainville Turkey Farm Plant 7828 Plainville Rd, Memphis NY 13112
Selling: the contents of 2 tractor trailer loads of antiques including a Victorian Walnut and marble top 3 pc. Bdrm set, Oak S-roll top desks and others, 7 ft Victorian secretary, Oak dressers & commodes, Birdseye Maple dressers & others, rockers, Victorian chairs & others, Victorian patio set & others, Over 2000 lbs of new Oneida flatware silverware sets & individual pcs., Nascar cars & others, all kinds of glassware,china, tons of new christmas lights & decorations, front load LP gas dryer, canning jars, pots & pans, exercise equipment, blanket chest, washstands, radios, lamps, wicker carriage, jewelry, bedding, toys, coats, clawfoot bath tub, tools & more. All kinds of merchandise. Terms: Cash or check
SPORTS
Caz track athletes compete at NYSPHSAA meet
by PhiL bLAckwELL
Each of the Cazenovia track and field teams carried high expectations into last weekend’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships at Middletown for several reasons.
Part of it had to do with having three classes, with the Lakers part of Class C and competing against its peers
rather than facing schools of various sizes.
But there was also talent on hand, whether it was Al-
yssa Wardell expected to contend for a medal in the Class C pentathlon or Susie Pittman trying to do the same in the pole vault.
Wardell’s clearance of 11 feet in the pole vault was third-best among Class C qualifiers behind only Oakfield-Alabama’s Paige
Harding (11’9”) and Trinity School’s Madeline Magliaro (11’8”).
Again Wardell would reach 11 feet at Middletown Saturday, but not clear 11’6” on three ties. She would take third place in Class C, even with Magliaro (who had fewer misses to finish second) but behind Harding, who topped 11’6” on her first attempt.
As for Wardell, she had
put up 2,812 points in the pentathlon to reach the state meet. At Middletown she got 559 points in the 100 hurdles (17.34 seconds), cleared 4’11” in the high jump for 621 points and threw the shot put 30’9”, fifth among competitors, to have 1,668 points through one day.
In Saturday’s events Wardell had a long jump of 15’9 ½”and ran to a time of 2:29.99 at 800 meters.
Finishing with 2,869 points, Wardell took fifth place in Class C, with four of the top five spots going to Section III athletes including the winning total of 3,007 points by Solvay’s Serenity Williams.
Cazenovia also had two boys relay teams on hand.
In the 4x100 the Lakers were the eighth seed going in thanks to the team of Eliot Comeau, Finn Worthington,
14-year-old Caz wrestler excels in varsity, off-season competitions
Submitted pHotoS
Fourteen-year-old Gryphon Foster has been a starter on the cazenovia high school
Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team since the seventh grade. This off-season, he has been competing in freestyle and Greco-roman wrestling tournaments.
by kAtE hiLL Staff writer
Fourteen-year-old Cazenovia wrestler Gryphon Foster recently won second place at the 2025 Spartan Nationals in Kissimmee, Florida.
The eighth grader wrestled in the off-season freestyle wrestling tournament on May 31 and June 1.
“He did not have to qualify to compete at this tournament, [but he did] put in a lot of hard work, dedication, and effort to prepare for it,” said his mother, Angel Foster.
“[He] lost only one match, to a very formidable opponent from Puerto Rico. He is really hoping to see this opponent again at some point. He was happy with how he wrestled. He always
reviews his film with his coach after matches; they go over what was good and what can be improved for next time.”
Foster started wrestling in first grade with Cazenovia Youth Wrestling.
He wrestled on the Cazenovia High School (CHS) varsity team as a starter in seventh grade, competing at 101 pounds. As an eighth grader, he wrestled at 108 pounds.
“I enjoy the fact that wrestling is an individual sport that has a team component as well,” Foster said. “Another fun aspect is getting a chance to travel all over the place. Going to Chipotle after I make weight is another exciting benefit of being in a sport that has you first make weight before you can
compete. It’s like getting rewarded for being disciplined with your consistent actions.”
For his first varsity season, Foster’s record was 2713. For the 2024-25 season, his record was 33-10.
In 2024, Foster qualified for the Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association Eastern National Championships in Maryland and took fourth place.
“Being in the top eight of that tournament gives him All-American status,” said Angel. “. . . That was his first time gaining AllAmerican status.”
On Jan. 13, 2025, Foster was named Wrestler of the Week by the Friends of Section III Wrestling after a 3-1 victory in the finals at the Cazenovia Invitational. His opponent was the sev-
Special Olympians hit the field
enth-place finisher at the 2024 New York State Public High School Athletic Association State Finals.
on wednesday, June 11, students from about a dozen area school districts, including cazenovia, participated in the onondaga county olympiad 2025, held at FayettevilleManlius high school. special olympians competed in a variety of events, ranging from traditional track and field events to fun yard games like the frisbee toss and can jam. Pictured is the cazenovia team marching down the track during the parade that kicked off the event.
“[Gryphon] has placed first or second in almost every tournament his team entered,” said CHS Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Tod Avery. “He finished fourth this year in the Section III Wrestling Championship. He has already racked up 60 varsity wins in two years. He is very dedicated to the sport and wrestles year-round. He has great character for such a young athlete and is a true sportsman, whether he wins or loses. He represents his school and town with pride on and off the mat.”
Once the high school season ends, Foster continues to wrestle in the off-season at Titletown Fight Club in Chittenango with his coach, Todd Cutrie.
This off-season, he decided to try out some different wrestling styles that, according to Angel, have opened many doors for him.
“He has started competing in freestyle wrestling as well as Greco-Roman wres-
tling,” she said. “In high school, students wrestle folkstyle. The two new styles of wrestling have [given] him lots of new ‘tools in his toolbox,’ meaning that all three wrestling styles can benefit each other and give wrestlers a new outlook on what they do in matches.
[Gryphon’s] best friend at Cazenovia, Carter Sgouris, has also started wrestling freestyle and Greco-Roman. And he has a few friends from Chittenango who also wrestle freestyle and GrecoRoman.”
Before heading to the 2025 Spartan Nationals, Foster competed at the Jeff Blatnick NYS USA Wrestling Championships in Binghamton. He won the 14 and under (14U) championship in both freestyle and Greco-Roman for his 115-pound weight class.
After that, Foster received an email invitation to join the top 14U wrestlers in the state on the NY Boys 14U National Duals Team.
“Being asked to represent Team NY is a huge honor for him,” said Angel.
Last week, Foster repre-
sented his state at the 2025 14U National Duals in Pennsylvania at 115 pounds in freestyle and Greco-Roman. On June 11, CHS Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach Chris Sgouris reported that Nationals had started that day, and Foster had won his first match by way of pin in 20 seconds.
“He will wrestle 16 matches between today and Saturday,” Sgouris said. “Gryphon is an exceptional young man who continues to set himself apart on and off the mat. He leads by example, demonstrating unwavering dedication, a strong work ethic, and constant drive to improve. His maturity, leadership, and commitment at his age set the standard for those around him. His relentless effort and focus have earned him a well-deserved spot at Nationals — a testament to the type of athlete and person he is. We couldn’t be prouder of what he has accomplished and even more excited to see what his future holds.”
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and Mrs. William J. Steffan — whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for all that we are today.”
Hoak also thanked all the FOL members, board members, volunteers, and supporters, as well as the community and the Lorenzo staff.
This year’s Garden Gala honored Lisa and Russell Brownback and the Syracuse Garden Club for their ongoing support of the FOL.
“Lisa and Russell Brownback are two of our biggest supporters for the Garden Gala
and deserve to be recognized for all that they have done, not only for the gala but beyond,” said Hoak.
For years, the couple has supplied all the flowers, picked from their gardens, for the Garden Gala centerpieces. Lisa has also helped decorate the mansion for Lorenzo’s Christmas celebrations, and both have served as FOL board members — Russell as vice president and Lisa as president.
The Syracuse Garden Club was recognized for maintaining the Dark Aisle arboretum since 1976, donating and replacing trees at Lorenzo, participating in NYS’s I Love My Park Day cleanups, and decorating a room in the mansion for Christmas.
A significant feature of Lorenzo, the Dark Aisle is a double hedge of white pine, hemlock, and Norway spruce, planted by Ledyard Lincklean in 1854 to provide a visual break from the agricultural fields surrounding the house and a buffer from the prevailing west winds. Today, it also includes walking paths for visitors’ enjoyment.
“[The Syracuse Garden Club’s] steadfast dedication to the Dark Aisle has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Hoak.
“Their 49 years of care and commitment have ensured that this special part of the grounds continues to thrive as a peaceful
and inspiring place for all who visit.” Lorenzo’s grounds, including the formal garden and Dark Aisle, are open yearround from dawn to dusk.
Upcoming FOL-sponsored events include the return of the Syracuse Orchestra to the mansion’s front lawn on July 25; Community Day with crafts, music, and family-friendly fun; a brand-new interactive, themed mystery dinner theater experience at The Hampton Inn; and the festive annual Christmas Preview Party inside the decorated mansion. To learn more about the FOL, visit friendsoflorenzo.org or search “Friends of Lorenzo” on Facebook.
Gala
Wyatt Scott and Aidan Jurgens who had posted 43.69 seconds, but here they were unable to finish. A day later, the Lakers’ 4x400 quartet of Worthington, Tristan Field Bradley, Caleb Gillmore and Owen Woodworth had gone 3:28.31 to qualify 10th and went 3:32.37 here to finish 10th, the state title going to Geneseo in 3:27.06.
BRiDGES - Madison County Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Inc. will offer complimentary adult classes on resilience and thriving that will include making warmable lavender teddy bears.
New to the festival schedule this year is a storybook walk around the pond, presented by the Cazenovia Public Library, that will take families on a horticulture literacy adventure. The featured book is “The Hidden Rainbow: A Springtime Book For Kids” by Christie Matheson.
On Sunday, guests can enjoy a Lamplit Farm horse-drawn wagon ride offering exclusive access to parts of the farm that were previously closed to the public.
The live music lineup, sponsored by The Demario Agency, will feature Will Galton, Laine Gilmore, Clove, Jonah Ladd & The Sunset Band, and Southy’s Keys.
THE CNYSG, CH INSURANCE and THE NOUN FAMILY PRESENT…
e 2nd annual SENIOR INVITATIONAL -
“Break e Bank” Shoot-Out. It will be held at the Lakeshore Country Club on June 23, 2025.
Many of the “Top Senior Amateur” golfers will again be competing for the $10,000 purse not by who shoots the lowest scores, but by how many pars, birdies, eagles, closest to the pin, holes-in-one, etc. they make during their round. For example:
Every par a player makes is worth…$10….. Every birdie is worth…$30…..An eagle is worth…$50…A hole-in-one is worth $500… Closest to the pin on all “5” par threes is worth $25…..In the putting contest, every 7 . putt (three chances) is worth $10…..and making a putt from 20 (one chance) is worth $50.
To the best of my knowledge, this is the rst tournament in the United States for amateur golfers with this type of format, and where 100% of their entry fee is used for CASH PAYOUTS.
Last year every player went home with CASH and a big smile on their face because they all shared $9,925 of the $10,000 in the BANK. is year, the underwriters of the tournament… CH Insurance and the Noun Family, hope the players “BREAK THE BANK”!
e players are divided into four divisions:
* Men’s Senior Division - Ages 55-64
Last years Division leading Money WinnerDave Smith
* Men’s Super Senior Division- Ages 65-72
Last years Division leading Money WinnerEd Mazza
* Men’s Legends Division - Ages 73 and above
Last years Division leading Money WinnerDon VanGorder
* Women’s Senior Division - Ages 55 and above
Last years Division leading Money WinnerMonica Hamilton
AGENDA FOR THE DAY
10:30AM- Dr. HOLLY NOUN, & JASON PRATT
- FREE BEMER SESSIONS
11:15AM-12:20PM - JACK CONGER, CERTIFIED “AIM POINT” PUTTING INSTRUCTOR…ON THE GREEN OF THE 18TH HOLE
“Our festival is a love letter to Central New York,” Farmstead 1868 Owner Monica Cody said in a press release announcing the event. “It’s about cultivating joy through plants, people, this very special place, and the partnerships that make our region so vibrant. We’re honored to open our family’s farm to the community and grateful to everyone who helps bring this vision to life.”
Tickets and the full weekend details are available at farmstead1868.com/2025-lavender-festival. Some festival experiences will require advance registration. Admission includes a U-pick or pre-picked lavender bundle for every person. The first 3,000 attendees will receive reusable totes.
“We had 1,500 attendees last year and had to ‘sell out’ the tickets because we ran out of parking in our hay field,” said Cody. “This year, we expect 3,000 attendees over the two days and have a larger field to accommodate more cars each day.”
12:30PM - SHOTGUN START
4:00PM - RECEPTION
4:30PM - OPENING REMARKS AND DINNER
5:00PM - BILL NOUN HUMANITARIAN AWARD
5:15PM - DISTRIBUTION OF CASH PRIZES TO PLAYERS
5:30PM - CLOSING REMARKS - PERRY NOUN
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE CLINICS FREE. DINNER IS $40 PER PERSON… CONTACT PRO-SHOP.
Support your pre-round preparation and a er round recovery with FREE BEMER sessions beginning at 10:30AM. Everyone that experiences a BEMER session will have their name entered into a drawing to use BEMER for one-month…FREE! A $500 value.
Your invited to experience “zero gravity” chairs, and let BEMER support your body to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
* DR. HOLLY NOUN - Health and Performance Coach for “Tee Time With e Pronoun” and Independent BEMER Distributor will again share her knowledge and experience to improve your health and longevity.
* JASON PRATT - Physical erapist and Strength and Conditioning Specialist with 25 years experience working with a wide range of patients from professional athletes to weekend warriors of all ages will be joining Dr. Noun for the day.
Holly and Jason will be available before and a er your round to provide BEMER sessions and answer questions.
e Noun Family is proud to be part of this wonderful event and wish to thank Jonny Petrin, Head Golf Professional at Lakeshore, Don Christian and Ken Bodley of the CNYSG for putting this event on their annual golf schedule and Joe Convertino Jr, President of CH INSURANCE, for his support of this very unique and distinctive tournament.
Madison county small business of the year Farmstead 1868 was named the Madison County Small Business of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), a partnership program that provides no-cost, confidential, one-on-one business advisement, training, and research to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout New York State.
“My NY SBDC business advisor, Paul Brooks, is a great mentor,” said Cody. “From getting started with business planning and providing training, to troubleshooting issues, he has connected me to many resources.”
Robert Griffin, regional director at the North Central SBDC, presented the award to the Cody family at the farm on May 5.
According to the North Central SBDC website, Farmstead 1868 earned this recog-
nition for its dedication to excellence, its unwavering commitment to sustainability, and its ability to create a unique culinary experience for the Madison County community.
“It’s humbling to know people have noticed what we are trying to do,” said Cody. “Most days, farming can be pretty lonely, you’re in a field or a barn, working in the rain or the heat and grime. I think all business owners feel like they are on an island sometimes. With early mornings and late nights, everyone hustles hard to solve a problem or meet a consumer need and balance family life. . . . Being recognized is a reminder that there is a community and resources for small businesses to access and build each other up — rising tides raise all ships.”
To learn more about Farmstead 1868, email info@farmstead1868.com, visit farmstead1868.com, or follow @farmstead1868 on social media.
