Cazenovia Republican digital edition - June 4, 2025
The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed, Erieville’s co-op style artisan marketplace and café, will celebrate its eighth anniversary this month.
Woman-owned and launched in 2017, The Shoppes started out with only four vendors and a vision. Within a year, the vendor list had grown to 24, and by the end of 2019, all 20,000 square feet of the building were full. The Shoppes now host over 65 vendors and artists. The Apple Kitchen, located within The Shoppes, is open every weekend, yearround, from 12 to 4 p.m.
“Finding like-minded individuals in the community has always been
priority number one,” said owner and operator Erica Gilmore. “Imagine a vibrant hub where creativity thrives; that’s what we are working for every day here at our Shoppes. We offer a gallery, gift shop, and community space all rolled into one. We have so many of your local friends and neighbors right here in the store.” The Shoppes offers handcrafted one-of-a-kind items, antiques, furniture, collectables, jewelry, home and garden items, vinyl records, tapes and CDs, toys, clothing, soaps and candles, paint and refinishing supplies, and locally sourced food items such as maple
syrup, honey, eggs, chocolate, candy, mustard, and jellies.
In 2018, Johnny Appleseed received a New York State farm wine license, enabling it to sell NYS wine and beer.
“Our loyal customers and dedicated vendors have been instrumental in our journey, and we invite everyone to celebrate this milestone with us on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.
The weekend will feature storewide sales, new inventory, and food and drink specials in the café. The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed is located at 3402 Old State Rd., Erieville. For more information, visit johnnyshoppes.com.
Meet the village mayor, trustee candidates
BY KATE HILL STAFF WRITER
In Cazenovia, two seats on the village board of trustees and the office of the mayor are up for election this year. Those positions are currently held by Trustee Cindy Bell, Trustee/ Deputy Mayor Thomas Tait, and Mayor Kurt Wheeler. Tait is stepping down from his position, while Bell and Wheeler are seeking re-election.
Also on the ballot for village trustee are Tom Guiler and Richard Macheda. In the mayoral election, Wheeler is running against Trustee Jen Marotto Lutter.
The election will be held at the Cazenovia American Legion Post 88, 26 Chenango St., Tuesday, June 17, noon-9 p.m.
Below are the candidates’ respondes to tquestions from the Cazenovia Republican
The League of Women Voters of Cazenovia will hold a village candidate forum on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 88. The public is invited to attend and ask questions.
Mayoral candidates
Jen Marotto Lutter
Occupation: City Planning and Community Development
Professional
Why are you running?
I am running because I believe my professional experience, perspective, and ideas are a good fit for this moment in Cazenovia. We are at a point of change, and I believe we need leadership focused
BY KATE HILL STAFF WRITER
on consensus building and collaboration towards shared goals. My professional career has focused on doing just that. How will your experience serve you in local government? Planners are hired by local governments to solve current problems and anticipate future challenges. With over 15 years in my profession, I have worked on small business development, land use, housing, and a range of other planning issues. I also currently serve as a Trustee for the Village of Cazenovia. The diversity of my experience and ability to work with a range of partners will aid me in being a collaborative and impactful leader.
What are the biggest community challenges? The biggest challenge right now is the redevelopment of the Cazenovia College campus. Supporting our downtown business district, improving our infrastructure to increase our climate resilience, increasing community engagement, and improving parks and public spaces are all important.
What are your ideas for addressing those challenges?It has been over two years since Cazenovia College announced its closing, and we have not yet done what is necessary to best situate ourselves for its redevelopment. The current strategy of leaving the campus without a zoning change is too open-ended and leaves ultimate development decisions to the discretion of the village board without meaningful community input. As mayor, I would propose that we immediately undertake a communi-
Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) assigned by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) recently issued a ruling on the matter of the application of Oxbow Hill Solar, LLC, for a siting permit to construct and operate a utility-scale project in the Town of Fenner.
The judges determined that the is-
Forum planned for mayor’s seat, trustees
The League of Women Voters of Cazenovia will hold a village candidate forum on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 88.
The candidates for mayor of Cazenovia are Kurt Wheeler and Jennifer Lutter.
Candidates for the village trustees are Cindy Bell, Tom Guiller and Rich Macheda.
The public is invited to come to the Forum and ask questions to the candidates.
The League of Women Voters of Cazenovia is a chapter of the NYS LWV and the LWVUS.
It is a non-partisan organization which does not support any party or candidate.
It encourages citizens participation actively in government by voting, understanding public policy, and advocating on issues.
For more information contact LWV.org
ty-based planning process to hear residents’ ideas with the goal of rezoning the college property in the best interests of the community. This will give residents a voice in the process and will provide greater certainty to both residents and prospective developers who need a clear understanding of allowed uses before they invest in the property. Given the time, money and resources involved in redeveloping the college, interested parties need some level of certainty before they begin serious exploration, and village residents deserve to know ahead of time what to expect. This process must be undertaken with transparency and engagement, and the community can trust me to be a fair, collaborative, and responsive advocate. With community consensus in place, I will put my professional experience and knowledge to work gathering as many local, regional, state, and federal resources as possible, as I have
sues raised by the Town of Fenner and Madison County are not “substantive and significant” and therefore do not warrant adjudication.
The formal decision, titled “Ruling of the Administrative Law Judges on Issues and Party Status, and Order of Disposition,” was issued on May 21, 2025.
Because no adjudicatory hearing will be held, ORES will continue processing Oxbow Hill Solar, LLC’s application for a major renewable en-
done throughout my career, to help successfully redevelop the campus in a creative and enriching way.
Kurt Wheeler Occupation: Mayor, professional leadership coach
Why are you running? I love our community and have been honored to serve it. I am running to complete two essential tasks. The first is the redevelopment of the college campus, a mission I have devoted hundreds of hours to over the past 2.5 years. The second is to conduct an effective turnover with our newly-hired Village Administrator. The Village Board created this updated position to help manage the increasing complexity of local government.
How will your experience serve you in local government? 1) Village Mayor is not a symbolic position. The Mayor is the Chief Executive Of-
Election l Page 2
ergy facility siting permit.
All large-scale renewable energy projects 25 megawatts (MW) or larger are required to obtain a siting permit from ORES for new construction or expansion.
Oxbow Hill Solar, LLC — a subsidiary of Cypress Creek Renewables, LLC — seeks to construct a 140-MW solar energy facility to be co-located within the existing footprint of the Fenner Wind Farm.
The project would involve install-
Village updated on 9 Fresh’s continued efforts to acquire campus
BY KATE HILL STAFF WRITER
During the June 2 Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees meeting, Kate Brodock, general partner of 9 Fresh, provided an update on the ongoing local effort to acquire and redevelop the former Cazenovia College campus.
9 Fresh is a team of local investors with a vision “to turn a once-vibrant academic institution into an equally as vibrant, reimagined district for innovation, business growth, and impact that not only strongly serves our community, but provides powerful global connections and influence alongside.”
In November 2024, 9 Fresh announced that it was under contract to purchase all the Cazenovia College-owned properties. In April 2025, Brodock informed the village board that during the final stages of due diligence, 9 Fresh asked for an extension to ensure the thorough completion of the process; that request was denied. As a result, it had to pull its original bid and prepare a bid resubmission.
At this month’s village board meeting, Brodock reported that the dialogue with the handful of bondholders who are selling the campus properties has “gotten to a really great place.”
“Based on the nature of the transaction, we can’t share all the details, but we should be able to imminently,” she said. “It’s all moving in a very good direction. Hopefully, we will have some more updates soon.”
She also said that Mayor Kurt Wheeler, Town of Cazenovia Supervisor Kyle Reger, and the village board have been very supportive from the start.
“I know, just talking to people on the street, that there are rumors that, ‘Oh, it’s completely dead, nothing is happening, we are dead in the water,’” commented Wheeler. “I try to reassure people that you guys are still very much engaged with the sellers and coming to terms.”
Brodock noted that her team has spent the bulk of the past one to two months going back and forth with the sellers regarding the final agreement.
“We’ve finally sort of reached a point of agreement, and we are feeling good about moving forward,” she said.
Wheeler pointed out that there are about half a dozen banks involved.
“It’s unfortunate that at the very beginning of the process, they didn’t just appoint one person with fiduciary responsibility whom they would trust to make decisions on their behalf,” he said. “They kept this complex structure, so every step forward Village l Page 10
ing and operating photovoltaic panel arrays, as well as associated electrical collection lines, inverters, a new interconnection substation, fencing, access roads, and an operations and maintenance building. According to the ALJs’ May 21 ruling, the facility would interconnect to the NY electrical grid via a new point of interconnection to the existing Fenner Windfarm Substation, which is connected to National Grid’s Fenner Wind to Whitman
Road 115-kV transmission line. The facility site consists of approximately 1,600 acres.
Oxbow Hill Solar submitted its application on April 23, 2024. It was supplemented multiple times before ORES declared it complete on Nov. 18, 2024.
On Jan. 14, 2025, ORES issued a draft siting
SUBMITTED PHOTO
at a time when entrepreneurs are poised to invest millions of dollars in the campus and our community based on our current set of rules.
Trustee candidates
Cindy Bell
Occupation: Civil Engineer
experience, ability and bandwidth to carry out these duties and maintain the essential services and high standards that our residents have grown to expect. 2) We are blessed to live in a beautiful, idyllic community. That does not happen automatically. It is the product of exceptional teamwork between our professional staff, elected and appointed officials, other local governments and partner organizations such as CACDA, CPF and the Lake Association. My experience leading teams in local government, the military, education and athletics helps me to coordinate the efforts of these essential contributors each day.
What are the biggest community challenges? The redevelopment of the campus is symbolic of the larger issue of balancing economic growth with maintaining our community character and sense of place. The cost of providing essential services is rising much faster than 2% per year for all forms of government.
What are your ideas for addressing those challenges?
The best pathway to avoid sharp increases in taxes or diminished services is smart economic growth. The Village has added over $50 million dollars of investment in our community during my time as Mayor while maintaining its beauty and historic integrity. Smart growth will not only enhance our tax base but bolster existing businesses. Our current Comprehensive Plan (written in 2008, amended in 2013 and unanimously confirmed and re-adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2021) has provided a successful framework to balance growth with preservation. It would be unwise and unfair to make changes to our plan
Why are you running? It has been an honor serving as a Village Trustee for the past four years, and it would continue to be an honor if re-elected this June. I am the only candidate running that is currently on the Village Board. I am running for my third term because I would like to continue my service with the knowledge I have gained. I also feel it is important to have a Board which includes senior members to lead and share their guidance with the newer Trustees.
How will your experience serve you in local government? I have had over ten years of experience in local government. Along with my four years serving as a Village Trustee, I also spent seven years on the Board of Education for Cazenovia Central Schools. This has given me the experience of effectively working with others, handling conflicts when needed, and being able to talk out issues with either Board members or residents.
What are the biggest challenges in your community?
The Village of Cazenovia is currently facing many challenges. What will happen to the College? How to fill the empty storefronts on Albany Street? How can we rebuild the infrastructure to meet today’s storm events? How do we address the replacement of our aging waterlines? These are a few concerns of our community. Finding effective, fiscally responsible solutions, within the scope and limitations of the Trustee role, is among the most significant challenges facing the Village Board.
What are your ideas for addressing those challenges?
When taking on these big challenges, they should be addressed incrementally and with fiscal responsibility. In terms of infrastructure, we need to stay on top of the
necessary maintenance while making improvements when feasible. Communication is also key with these challenges. For example, engaging with property owners on Albany Street to address vacant buildings and collaborating to generate ideas that attract new businesses.
Tom Guiler
Occupation: Director of museum affairs, Oneida Community Mansion House
Why are you running? We moved to Cazenovia because it is family-friendly, walkable, has great cultural opportunities, a rich history, and is a community of neighbors. I am running to strengthen the local economy, support families, enhance recreation, and promote sensible historic preservation and development.
How will your experience serve you in local government? I have spent the majority of my life in Upstate, NY. I have a degree in History and Philosophy from the University of Scranton and a Ph.D. in History from Syracuse University where I studied the social and cultural history of Upstate, NY, especially architecture and intentional communities. I have worked in universities, museums, libraries, gardens, non-profits, and historic sites for over 15 years focusing on preservation, programming, and interpretation. I have the experience, vision, and desire to serve to continue to make Cazenovia an even more wonderful place to work and live.
What are the biggest community challenges? The future of the college. With a sale likely, it is the responsibility of the Trustees to guide future zoning. It is important that we thoughtfully plan for the future of the college to best suit the housing and commercial needs of Cazenovia while preserving its historic character. We also need to encourage more businesses to move in and invest in Cazenovia. We need to leverage our historic architecture and charm to attract and sustain businesses.
What are your ideas for addressing those challenges? I want to encourage more
Summit Church to host outdoor worship service, picnic and air show
BY KATE HILL STAFF WRITER
Summit Church invites the public to the Onondaga Model Aircraft Club (OMAC) Fly Field at 8660 Cazenovia Rd., Manlius, on
small businesses to move here and support the existing businesses that call Cazenovia home. We need to attract more dynamic businesses to Cazenovia and encourage these crucial economic drivers in our community.
I will advocate for commonsense and practical development and historic preservation efforts. Our village has an incredible architectural history, and I want to keep it that way. However, it is important to have a balanced approach that leaves room for modern needs and businesses so we can reactivate these historic spaces and retain Cazenovia’s historic character.
We need to continue to make Cazenovia an inviting and welcoming place for families and those with young children. I will push for new playgrounds, sidewalks, and public recreation facilities that meet the needs of all residents.
I bring a deep understanding of this region, a passion for community development, and a vision for how Cazenovia can continue to thrive. I look forward to meeting with residents and listening to their ideas and concerns in the coming weeks. I hope to earn their trust—and their vote.
Richard Macheda Occupation: Lead supervisor, Service Line UNY for National Grid
Why are you running? I am running for Village Board because I care deeply about our community and believe in responsible, transparent leadership that puts residents first. I want to ensure our village remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family. By bringing a col-
Sunday, June 8, at 10 a.m. for a day of food, fun, and flight. The event will feature an outdoor worship service, a picnic lunch, live model aircraft demos, a bounce house, popcorn, and other family-
laborative mindset, commonsense solutions, and a focus on accountability, I hope to contribute to thoughtful decisionmaking that reflects the values and needs of our residents. My goal is to listen, engage, and advocate for practical improvements that strengthen our infrastructure, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in our village.
How will your experiences serve you in local government? Many in our community know my long-standing commitment to public service and volunteerism, particularly in emergency response and leadership roles. I’ve been a resident of Cazenovia for most of my life. I graduated from Cazenovia High School, as did my two amazing children. My wife is also a graduate of both Cazenovia High School and Cazenovia College. Our roots in this community run deep, and I take great pride in being part of a community that has given so much to my family, and giving back to that same community is deeply important to me.
I currently served as Chief of Operations for CAVAC, where I have proudly dedicated 25 years as a first responder. I am also a past Chief of the Cazenovia Fire Department, with 39 years of service. In addition, I actively serve on the Madison County Underwater Recovery Team, Rope Rescue Team, and Search and Rescue Team. I am a certified CPR instructor through the American Heart Association and serve as Chair for Dig Safely NY.
This experience has taught me the value of clear communication, informed and timely decision-making, teamwork, and accountability—all of which are essential skills in
friendly activities. Middle school and high school students will perform musical selections along with the church worship band. “Last year, [OMAC] alChurch l Page 10
local government. My background has given me a deep understanding of community needs, especially in areas of public safety, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure. I bring a hands-on, solutionsoriented approach that I believe will serve the residents of our village with integrity, dedication, and experience.
What are the biggest community challenges? The future of Cazenovia College. Like many small communities, we face a number of challenges that require thoughtful and proactive leadership. Some of the most pressing issues include maintaining and upgrading our aging infrastructure, ensuring public safety, supporting local businesses, and keeping our village affordable and livable for all residents.
What are your ideas for addressing those challenges? To address these challenges, I believe in a hands-on, collaborative approach. We need to prioritize infrastructure improvements—especially roads, sidewalks, and public spaces— by securing funding through grants and responsible budgeting. Public safety will always be a top priority for me, and I will work to support our emergency services and ensure they have the resources they need. We also need to encourage smart, sustainable development that supports local businesses while preserving the character of our village. Open communication with residents, transparency in decision-making, and fiscal responsibility will guide my efforts on the Village Board. Ultimately, I believe that by listening to the community and working together, we can find practical, long-term solutions that benefit everyone.
T
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! Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box
Cazenovia, NY 13035 All Contributors Will Be Printed in the Cazenovia Republican
Prom season
With the spring and early summer season, for many high school students the prom is a highly anticipated event. And it should be something they can anticipate and enjoy as an important milestone in their lives.
Proms are something of a rite of passage for many students.
But with this season comes a lot to take into consideration.
While the right outfit and group of friends to celebrate with are important, it is also important to keep safety in mind.
According to AAA, prom night, as well as graduation days, can be among the most dangerous nights of the year on the road, especially for young drivers.
AAA is reminding teens, parents, and educators to plan ahead to prevent prom and graduation season from turning deadly.
“Prom night is a time for celebration, and amid all the excitement, it’s often hard for teens to remember that safety comes first,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “AAA is reminding students to make smart choices while also reminding parents that they can play an active role in the conversation. Teaming up together can help everyone get home safely.”
AAA asks teens to PROMise to plan ahead and stay safe with a pledge.
“I promise not to drive impaired or distracted. I promise not to let my friends drive impaired or distracted. I promise my parents I will get home safely or call them for help,” the pledge reads.
By making a PROMise, teens can prevent substance-impaired driving, as well as distracted driving..
Parents also have an important role to play by making their children feel safe about calling them for help.
Parents can PROMise that they will always pick up their teen regardless of the time or location.
Driving impaired can carry lifechanging consequences.
Teens could lose their academic eligibility, driver’s license, even their life or that of their friends.
According to the CDC, teens are more likely than anyone else to be killed in an alcohol-related crash, even though the minimum legal drinking age in every state is 21.
AAA has also offered some advice that is good for teen drivers to keep in mind every time they are on the road.
Pay attention. Texting and having other passengers in the vehicle can create dangerous distractions for drivers.
Slow down. Speeding is a factor in one-third of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
Stay alert. Prom celebrations can carry well into the late hours. Avoid driving drowsy.
Buckle up. Half of young drivers who die in motor vehicle crashes are not wearing their seat belts.
Drive sober. If you become impaired, pass the keys to a sober driver or call your parents for help.
The organization also offered some tips for parents that can help give them peace of mind while their children are celebrating prom night.
Hire a ride. Consider chipping in on a chauffeur so teens don’t have to decide who’s driving.
Set the rules. Establish rules for your teen driver which address safe driving habits and the punishment for breaking them. Consider signing a parent-teen driving agreement
Open your home. Encourage your teen to ask friends to spend the night to keep them off the roads.
Be the example. While driving, model the same behavior you expect from your kids when they drive. Your kids are always watching you, even if they don’t admit it.
We hope for all students who plan to attend prom it is a memorable and enjoyable experience and that students and parents alike will do all they can to make the night a safe one for all involved.
Education: an investment in our future
There are people, nice people, out there who are sports wonks. Golf, basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, tennis…on and on, they drink each event in with gusto. I am not one of them. Other things occupy my mind, keep me awake at night … other obsessions beyond collecting empty jars.
So, what is my wonk? Education. Schools. The treasure that we often take, if not for granted, far too lightly. Schools are the portals to the future. Education is the potential of humankind. It is the way we pass on learning from person to person through time and space. Think about that.
I had a relatively good education. It began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parochial school in Brooklyn, grew at Carmel Central High School in Putnam County and matured at Syracuse University. I taught middle and high school social studies for 12 years and held a seat on a school board for one term - all stuff that bolster my claim to Education Wonk. It was about 20 years ago that I decided to get another degree, this time in biology. In order to matriculate I found out, much to my dismay, that my 1960s education in that arena was old, stale, obsolete ... toast! So much had, as the years passed, changed. Facts and information, new techniques, testing, especially the revelations produced by DNA research, a deeper dive into the functioning of our immune systems, etc. My knowledge was relevant between 1963 and about 1980. Here is just one example: Taxonomy. Back then I learned that living organisms were classified into one of two “kingdoms,” plant and animal. Not anymore. Actually, not for some time. Today’s taxonomy starts to define or separate organisms into “domains” of which there are three: bacteria, archaea and
FROM THE MAILBAG
Supporting Wheeler
To the editor:
eukarya. Each of these is broken down into kingdoms, the latter of the three, the eukarya, includes protista, fungi, plantae and animalia. (We are in the last kingdom.)
Then there are things called prions, not even on the radar in 1963 - scary things that aren’t living but can really make living miserable. (Kwashiorkor and Mad Cow disease) I mean, who knew? Not me.
But today, thanks to our schools, teenagers, even pre-teens, are as comfortable with what I found to be “new” knowledge as they are with computers and other digital forms of data and communication. These youngsters can as easily discuss prions as they would how know to use their smart phones to do calculations for trigonometry. They are more cognizant of the world, more exposed to ideas and solutions than I was in high school, even graduate school
These youngsters have and continue to receive an education that is not only for now but a preparation for an indeterminate future. Who knows what will be next?
That future seems to be fitted with the power of AI (artificial intelligence, not to be confused with the steak sauce as spoken of by the U.S Secretary of Education,) the ability of computers to surpass the human brain in solving problems from designing a car to diagnosing illness. Other than what I have gleaned from science fiction (do you remember that chilling scene in 2001 when Hal the computer takes over?) my knowledge of AI is wanting. Creating, utilizing and managing this wonder is part of their future, our future.
The schools are engines for economic, scientific, sociological, communal and personal success. Support for the schools is support for the preparation that will be relevant for the jobs in all fields that will exist, the citizenship
I am writing to express my strong support for Kurt Wheeler in the upcoming village mayor election. As a proud Cazenovia High School alumna and former track and field athlete, I have witnessed firsthand Mayor Wheeler’s selfless and strategic commitment to the young people of Cazenovia. Within the high school, Mr. Wheeler was known as a fair, strong, and approachable teacher, someone students can turn to for both academic guidance and personal support. His classes were the most engaging of my high school experience; you wouldn’t find a single student distracted by their phone in his room. He also led the Model UN and Project Café clubs, continuously improving them until they became two of the most successful clubs in the school.
I knew him best as Coach Wheeler. Having worked with many coaches over the years, I can say with confidence that Coach Wheeler stands apart. Even with 50+ girls on the team, he made sure every athlete had a role and a purpose. He instilled values, attitudes, and habits that shaped our team into strong young women: no negative self-talk, giving your best in every event, and knowing there’s always more left in the tank. He inspired us to believe in ourselves and empowered us to achieve our goals.
Women’s sports can sometimes be overlooked—but Coach Wheeler never let that happen. When we were without a home track facility my senior year, he spent countless hours transforming Lakeside Park into a viable practice space. The result? We won leagues, sectionals and had nine athletes medal at the NYS Championships—all without a real track. None of this would have been possible without Coach Wheeler’s relentless determination and “no quit” attitude. It came as no surprise when he was named Northeastern United States Track Coach of the Year at the end of that season—a welldeserved honor. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with his leadership, vision, and integrity leading our “Village Team.”
Whether you know him as Mayor Wheeler, Mr. Wheeler, or Coach Wheeler, he is someone who has likely made a positive impact on your life—and will continue to do so for years to come.
REID MCMuRTRIE CAzEnOvIA
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that will guard our democracy, the vibrant health of a population involved in athletics, the creative impetus found in the arts, the community supported provision for and encouragement of academics, the trades, agriculture, service and citizenship.
The old three Rs are necessary but woefully insufficient. The modern classroom is not the equivalent of the one-room schoolhouse. Our modern schoolhouse must have access to the digital world, to hands on experience, to class size that supports the needs of all abilities, support services for opportunities to grow in a wide variety of knowledge areas, teachers who are well trained and recognized for their talent and devotion by that community.
When I write my check for the school taxes I consider it an investment in that future. It may be a bit self-serving, but students, our children, become the plumbers, the doctors, the coaches, the farmers, the entrepreneurs, the artists, the lawyers, the truckers, the carpenters, the cooks, the waiters…. who will serve you. Education is the pathway to the future for all of us.
And, supporting public education it is part of my obligation as a citizen. In fact, there is a sense of pride that I can touch the future this way. Kudos to the districts that passed their school budgets. For those that live in the districts that weren’t able to garner enough support for their school budget, I offer the following…
The cost of our day-to-day lives has caught us up short. From the price of eggs to what it takes to outfit a child for school; our budgets are stretched. It should logically follow that the cost of education would also increase. Schools do not get a break when it comes to keeping the lights on or maintaining clean, healthy environments. They
The leadership we need
To the editor:
As a fellow member of Cazenovia’s small business community, I’m writing to express my strong support for Kurt Wheeler, village mayor.
Running a small business in a town like ours takes grit, creativity, and a deep understanding of the local economy. We need leadership that not only values our contributions but actively works to create an environment where our businesses can grow and thrive. That’s why I believe Kurt Wheeler is the right person to continue leading Cazenovia.
Kurt is not only a lifelong resident and public servant, he’s someone who genuinely listens. He understands the challenges we face, including rising costs, shifting foot traffic, and the need to keep our downtown vibrant. He has consistently supported local entrepreneurs and recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of our town’s economy and character.
Through his thoughtful, steady leadership as mayor, Kurt has demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, clear communication, and support for local efforts that bring real benefits to both residents and business owners. I’m confident that Kurt will continue to be a strong advocate for our small businesses, promote responsible growth, and preserve the unique charm that makes Cazenovia a special place to live, work, and visit.
KELLY MCCRINK, OWNER BY KELLY LLC CAzEnOvIA
Wheeler, a legacy of service
To the editor:
For nearly three decades, Kurt Wheeler has been a quiet but powerful force in the Cazenovia community, modeling the values of leadership, generosity, and public service to generations of local youth. In 1997, Kurt founded Project CAFE—Community Action For Everyone—a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting young people with meaningful opportunities to serve others and give back to their community.
Since its inception, Project CAFE has offered students a wide range of community service projects, from organizing food drives and helping neighbors in need to volunteer-
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face the same economic woes that each family faces, only on a larger scale.
Rejection of a school budget is not like deciding whether you will cut back on eggs or fashionable sneakers. As an easy target, it is not the way to express frustration about how the price of life has increased. When schools are forced to cut their budgets, it is tantamount to creating a cascade of loss that ultimately affects the lives of the students and the future of all of us. It follows … as always, the measure is not on the bottom line but far more importantly in the value that the bottom line creates.
And now, I am going to do something I avoid at all costs: Math.
It does seem in those districts where the budget did not pass, everyone should vote with a clear understanding of what percentages of increase mean financially to each taxpayer. How will the increase affect each household? Using my ancient education of the times tables and simple division: Multiply the dollar amount of increase by the assessed value of a house divided by $100 thousand, e.g. A tax increase of $8 per $100 thousand of assessed valuation would mean a total of a $24 increase in taxes for a house assessed at $300,000.
I do worry how we handicap our children when we can’t afford to give them the tools they will need to succeed, to move into whatever the future will be like with confidence and competence. Wonkiness.
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.
Years Ago in History
BY CINDY BELL TOBEY
20 Years Ago – June 1, 2005
The Historic Business District is looking for people to showcase their talents during Cazenovia’s Sidewalk Festival. The idea to bring live street performers to Cazenovia for the festival was initiated and implemented after a group of jugglers known as the Vespertilian Jugglers approached Doris Holmes wanting to perform at the festival. HBD member Brittany Eldridge then suggested taking that idea further, recruiting talent of all genres. “I thought it would be cool if we could get a compilation of entertainers together, all performing at once, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere…similar to Quincy Market in Boston,” Eldridge said. “So right now I am just trying to recruit as many different kinds of entertainers as possible.”
15 Years Ago – June 2, 2010
When Syracuse resident Dee De Rosa got home from the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park treasure hunt, she set to looking for a place to hang her newly won painting. But then she realized she didn’t have a wall large enough for the artwork. Dee De Rosa won Barry Darling’s “Cadmium Winter” after finding the medallion during the Nature Treasure Hunt at the park. When she discovered the 76-by-55.25inch canvas artwork would not fit on her wall, she contacted Darling. Darling, of Tully, offered to paint for her a new piece, one that would better fit in her home. The Art Park is now returning the original artwork to Darling as a thank you for his original donation to the exhibition and event.
10 Years Ago – June 3, 2015
The Kwik Fill Red Apple gas station on Albany Street has been closed and under construction for the past two weeks as crews work to revamp the station to make it not just more updated, but also more user friendly. Officials of United Refining Company, of Warren, Pa, which owns the Kwik Fill gas station chain, began the permit process to undertake a construction program to upgrade its gas pumps, gas tanks and station canopy on Albany Street in October 2013. “This is definitely a huge step forward,” W. Jason Cook, project manager for United Refining Company, said at the time. “All of our stations are on a profitability list, and [Cazenovia] is one of our more profitable locations. Also, all the other [gas stations in Cazenovia] have been upgraded, so why shouldn’t we?”
5 Years Ago – June 3, 2020
Since the start of the mandated school closure in March, Char Grimes and Wendy Marshall have worked tirelessly to feed the students of the Cazen-
History l Page 11
Letters l Page 5
OuR vOiCE
Ramblings from the empty nest
ann Ferro
for service, but as a training ground for young leaders. He ran the organization on a volunteer basis, never accepting payment, driven purely by a passion for service and belief in the potential of young people.
After 25 years at the helm, Kurt made the thoughtful decision to retire and ensure that Project CAFE would continue to thrive long into the future. He advocated for the transition of the program from a community-based nonprofit to a partner with the district as also a school-sponsored club—an important step to ensure its sustainability and accessibility for future students. Under new leadership in Christina New and thanks to his vision, Project CAFE remains a vibrant part of student life in the Cazenovia School District.
“I am honored to have taken over the leadership of Project CAFE,” says New. “It continues to be a powerful part of our students’ lives, offering countless opportunities to serve and give back.”
Through the club, students learn the importance of giving back and are inspired to live lives rooted in service, just as Kurt modeled so selflessly for so many years.
The Cazenovia community owes a deep debt of gratitude to Kurt Wheeler. His decades of service have left a lasting legacy— not only in the events and projects completed, but in the values instilled in the hundreds of students he mentored. Project CAFE is more than just a club; it’s a living tribute to the power of one person’s vision to make a difference.
Thank you Kurt!
CHRISTINA NEW CAzEnOvIA
Supports Wheeler
To the editor:
We are writing to support the re-election of Kurt Wheeler as mayor of Cazenovia. We have had the privilege of knowing Kurt for many years and directly observing his boundless energy, work ethic, and deep commitment to
serving his community. We are in a critical time of uncertainty for our village following the closing of Cazenovia College and the next two years will require a mayor with experience, commitment, and conviction to help us successfully navigate this challenge.
Kurt is 100% committed to service above self and this is engrained in everything that he does; mayor, teacher, Coach, Marine Corps officer, husband and father. While we have seen Kurt wear many hats over our 21 years as village residents, one of his most impressive roles has been as a leader, mentor, and coach of our high school cross country and track teams. His team philosophy and his dedication to his athletes was nothing short of remarkable. Regardless of athletic ability, Kurt treated everyone as equals and consistently emphasized teamwork. He had the uncanny ability to motivate young women to be the best they could be and he built a powerhouse program that was consistently one of the best in our region. Kurt not only developed his teams as athletes but, even more important, as young adults, citizens and members of the community.
We know personally the impact Kurt has on his student-athletes. He coached both of our girls all four of their years at Cazenovia High School in cross country and track. His mentorship to hundreds of young women over the years provided them a foundation of confidence and courage to succeed in life, well after they ran their last cross country or track race. Our girls went on to run successfully at the collegiate level and they still talk about how Coach Wheeler was the best coach, mentor, and leader they ever had.
Please vote on June 17 to reelect Kurt Wheeler as mayor of our wonderful village. We need his leadership more than ever.
TONY & LYNN HART
CAzEnOvIA
Support school budget
To the editor:
Dear Cazenovia community,
I want to encourage you to vote yes on our next school budget vote. The current budget veto has resulted in unprecedented cuts to our school including clubs, staffing, our excellent fine arts programming, English honors programming, and my colleagues’ jobs — including Mary DiNapoli, our fabulous 8th grade English teacher, whose exemplary 8th grade
ELA scores prove her commitment to her job and to your children. Mary has also led our Shakespeare Club to their first National Competition (congrats to state champ Sebstian Gebers!) in over 10 years.
Overall, cuts will include: career and technical education (110 k); school counselor (92 k); reduction of Mary DiNapoli’s position to .6 (44 k); fine arts program (83k); athletics (82 k); instructional coach (80k); department leaders (65 k); library aides and school monitors (62 k); clubs (26 k); clerical staff (59 k); administrative staff (134 k); interfaith works (25 k); calendar mailing (11 k); 9th and 10th grade English honors programs and Global honors.
The school is also currently looking into: selling parts of Fenner Field; adding cell phone towers on our property to increase income; potential change from blocked school schedule to periods to open flexibility in programming and reduce need for staff; continuing to review a district merger; charging community groups for using the school.
It’s my understanding that there is much misinformation circulating online concerning the budget. I’ve also heard from many people that community members are “still smarting about the turf” and are taking this opportunity to show their displeasure with the school. Clearly, though, this has only hurt the school, the students, the teachers/staff, and will have ripple effects on many areas of the village and town.
If the next budget vote doesn’t pass, we’ll be forced to move to a contingency budget. More cuts will be made, including teaching positions. Programs will be eliminated, and class sizes will grow, causing instruction to suffer. Families might move elsewhere, or balk at moving here, and the economy in our town will suffer as a result.
At the risk of sounding pitiful, it is incredibly dispiriting to hear an esteemed teacher in our music department lament about spending 27 years of her life building that program to see it chopped, to hear Mary DiNapoli tearfully talk about building the 8th grade curriculum that she’s so proud of only to see her position cut to a fraction. Needless to say, the mood in the building is dismal.
So, please consider voting yes. Please have conversations with friends and family who
might be voting. We’ve heard some bleak comments from community members about intentions to vote no on the second round of voting. There is a meeting on June 10th at the high school to discuss the revised budget – please, please flood the meeting to inform yourself, to ask questions, and to speak about what you value in our school community.
TEACHER
WENDY EvERARD, ENGLISH
CAzEnOvIA HIgH SCHOOl
Supporting Lutter
To the editor: I am writing to express my strong support for Jen Lutter in her candidacy for mayor of Cazenovia. At a time when our village is facing serious challenges—most notably the closing of the college and the resulting ripple effects on our local economy—we need bold, experienced, and forward-thinking leadership. Jen Lutter is exactly that leader.
Jen is a certified professional city planner with a master’s degree in city and regional planning. She previously served as the executive director for the Partnership for Community Development in Hamilton, where she proved her ability to bring tangible results. Under her leadership, millions of dollars in grant funding were secured, including a $625,000 grant to establish a business incubator and coworking space. She also created a small business fund during the height of the COVID-19 crisis—supporting local entrepreneurs when they needed it most.
For the past 14 years, our village has been under the same leadership. While we have seen some improvements in infrastructure, community services, and economic development, we are far from where we need to be, and where we should be. We are at a turning point, and the time has come for a shift in leadership—one that brings fresh ideas, proactive planning, and a real vision for the future. Jen Lutter brings all of that and more. Our village deserves a leader who not only understands the complexities of urban planning and economic revitalization, but who has a proven track record of making it happen. Jen Lutter is that candidate. I urge my fellow Cazenovians to support her in the upcoming election.
MIKE MACHuGH
CAzEnOvIA
PENNY SAVER GENERAL/REAL ESTATE
LIVING ESTATE AUCTION
Saturday June 7th, 2025 @ 9:30 AM
Hit & Miss engines (Fairbanks motor Z), Fairbanks 4h hit & miss engine w/RR cart, marine gas cans, (50+) 1920-1940’s boat motors
section of roll out dock, boat (small antique flat bottom), 4x8 utility trailer, gas cans, Democrat wagon, small 3hp engines (mower), lanterns, antique plow, antique saw on wheels, wooden pulleys, adjustable wood ladder pick, wagon seats, wagon jacks, gray marine boat engine, metal signs, Ryobi table saw, other boat parts, Easy copper washing machines, boat motors, wagon wheel, wheel barrow, tumblers, Watson wagon (Canastota), sharpening stone, pulpit (Canastota), 1940’s oil tank, churn, wooden advertising boxes, roll around platform, carpenter toolbox & tools, circus wagon wheels, rickshaw, antique water pumps, antique wooden hand sleigh, toy railroad dumping car, aluminum Cadillac boat & trailer, canoe, 214 John Deere (needs mower deck)garden tractor, kayak, Yamaha motorcycle (no papers), fiberglass boat, hand forge, floor drill press, antique tools, antique apple peelers, antique small ship stove, lawn mower motor, 60h motor ’37 Ford, Maytag washing machine motors, hand tools, boat motor parts, antique bath tub, some original crates, gas powered rotary mower, gas powered tamper, bells, burners, air pumps, wagon lamps, boat w/lawn mower motor, walk behind gas mower, life size cardboard shapes (racers/movie stars), primitive farm hand tools, scythes, hand planters, crosscut & buck saws, hand mowing machines, hay knives, toy cars, misc. oil cans, hit & miss motor (Watson), (2) bone crushers, governor for train, gas pump for fighting fires, sausage grinder, mold (wood), Fuller & Johnson (green motor), circus lighting, hand motor for boat, bells, ship breathing tube, exercise belt machine, Porter Cable items, sleds & skis, seashell lamp, boat lamps (white gas), kerosene lamps, horns, compass, jukebox etc.
Selling the Living Estate of John Wilson: a Lifetime of Collecting at His Shop 6036 E. Lake Rd Cazenovia, NY 13035 Auctioneer Note: Go to Auctionzip.com, Auctioneer
Caz golfers battle for sectional honors
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
Whether they played in the fall or in the spring, area high school golf teams faced their most important tests of the year in wildly varying conditions.
When the boys Section III state qualifier took place May 21 and 23 at Colgate University’s Seven Oaks Club it rained throughout
the two days, while the girls Division II sectional tournament at Rogues Roost at Tuesday featured warmer and drier weather.
As it turned out, the girls teams would have a better showing as Cazenovia had golfers advance from the sectional tournament to their own state qualifier later in the week.
The Lakers rose to third place in Divi-
sion II in the team event with 453, just behind runner-up Vernon-Verona-Sherrill’s 449, all of them chasing CBA’s winning 389. To pace Cazenovia, Lauri Busch put up a 103, and while her teammates were close behind, she alone made the state qualifer at Cedar Lake Club in Clayville on Thursday morning, but did not make the final cut as
Cicero-North Syracuse Blue’s Chloe Tice took top honors shooting a 78.
Back at the boys state qualifier, none of the local golfers would make it past the 18hole cut of 83, with Cazenovia’s Nico Segall, still in the midst of his season with Cazenovia baseball, shooting 94, while teammate Edmond Richardson finished with a 109.
Cazenovia softball reaches sectional semifinals
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
Cazenovia softball was the no. 6 seed in the sectional Class B tournament, facing no. 11 seed Herkimer in the May 25 opening round and, with a come-from-behind effort, defeated the Magicians 3-2.
Herkimer scored both of its runs in the top of the first but Lakers pitcher Irie Gallerani shut out the Magicians from there, striking out eight and only surrendering two hits, including scoreless sixth and seventh innings to protect a one-run margin. It took single runs in the third, fourth
and fifth innings to push Cazenovia out in front. Sophia Wilmot and Madden Cobb both got two hits and drove in runs, with Gianna Comino adding an RBI as Caitee Fenton also earned a pair of hits.
A day later it was the Lakers hosting the quarterfinal against no. 14 seed Canastota, who upset no. 3 seed General Brown in the first round, and it turned into a showcase for Gallerani as she blanked the Raiders 3-0.
All that Cazenovia needed came in the bottom of the first when it tagged Canastota pitcher Riley Chase for a trio of runs. Fen-
ton, Cobb and Wilmot all reached based and scored, with Wilmot and Madison Weeks earning RBIs.
Gallerani did the rest. Only Chase and Larissa Holdridge got hits off her and the Raiders managed just a single walk as Gallerani earned 13 strikeouts to raise her season total to 138. Only Fenton and Cadence Walter got two hits off Chase, who struck out nine.
And this brought the Lakers to last Tuesday night’s semifinal at Carrier Park against no. 2 seed Solvay, whom it beat twice during the season by 4-1 and 12-3 margins, though
it only faced Bearcats pitcher Jenna Wing for one of those games.
The third meeting would go in Solvay’s favor, though, as it contained Cazenovia 4-0. Cobb and Lucy Bliss, with two hits apiece, w were the only Cazenovia players with hits off Wing, who got strong defense behind her.
And though Gallerani was solid most of the night, the Bearcats scored twice off her in the second and sixth innings, with Janiya Walters and Mackenzie Dwyer getting two hits apiece and Jazymyne Darling adding an RBI.
Caz baseball takes playoff defeat to Skaneateles
BY PHIL BLACKWELL
What has proven a challenging season for the Cazenovia baseball team could get fully redeemed by how it fared in the Section III Class B playoffs.
Yet it would not stay long as, with its no. 10 seed, Cazenovia ran into its namesakes from Skaneateles, the no. 7 seed, who rode strong pitching to a 2-0 decision.
Having lost twice to Skaneateles in the
you take requires six separate approvals.”
To learn more about 9 Fresh, visit 9fresh.co.
village election
Two seats on the village board and the office of the mayor are up for election this year.
Those positions are currently held by Trustee Cindy Bell, Trustee/Deputy Mayor Thomas Tait, and Wheeler.
Tait is stepping down from his position, while Bell and Wheeler are seeking reelection.
Also on the ballot for village trustee are Tom Guiler and Richard Macheda. In the mayoral election, Wheeler is running against Trustee Jen Marotto Lutter.
The election will be held at the Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 at 26 Chenango St., Cazenovia, on Tuesday, June 17, from 12 to 9 p.m.
Wheeler noted that for the second consecutive year, the village election will be held on the same day as the
lowed viewers to actually fly their aircrafts,” said Summit Church Lead Pastor Daniel Schallmo.
The OMAC Fly Field is located on a 42-acre property owned by Summit Church. The land is about 0.2 miles from the church building at 8560 Cazenovia Rd., Manlius.
“We have given OMAC permission to use that site,” said Schallmo. “They have
A combined notice was also issued regarding the availability of draft permit conditions, a public comment period, a public comment hearing, and the start of the issues determination procedure.
On Feb. 26, 2025, ORES asked to file an amended draft siting permit. The ALJs agreed and accepted the amended draft permit as filed.
A public hearing was held on March 18, 2025, and the public comment period was closed on March 28, 2025.
regular season by 10-0 and 8-4 margins, Cazenovia turned to pitcher Danny Bliss and he did quite well, tossing a complete game where he allowed seven hits and three walks.
Still, Skaneateles poked runs off him scored by Hugh Carroll and Declan Pfau, the latter of whom pitched five strong innings before Sean Olley worked the last two innings of relief. Only Joey Awald manged a hit off either of them.
Cazenovia Central School District (CCSD) budget re-vote, which is from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the middle school auxiliary gym.
“Anybody who lives in the school district [and is 18 or older] is eligible to vote [in] that election,” Wheeler said. “To vote in village elections, you have to be a village resident and a registered voter within the boundaries of the village.”
The League of Women Voters of Cazenovia will hold a village candidate forum on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 88. The public is invited to attend and ask questions.
CCSD will hold a public hearing for the community to learn more about its 2025-26 revised budget proposal on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Board bids farewell to Tait
During the meeting, Wheeler read a resolution of appreciation acknowledging Tait’s dedicated service to the village.
Tait devoted two separate terms to sitting on the village board, taking on
erected a pavilion and have a flight line for their aircraft.”
In addition to using the pavilion during the event, Summit Church plans to set up a 40 ft. x 80 ft. tent and fire up the grills. Attendees are asked to bring something to grill, a dish to pass, and a lawn chair. A rain date is scheduled for June 22. Summit Church was founded in 2005 and affiliates with the Southern Baptist Convention in missions and various outreach and education programs.
On March 31, 2025, the applicant stated its acceptance of the conditions of the amended draft siting permit and that it had not identified any substantive and significant issues requiring litigation.
That same day, the Town of Fenner filed a combined petition for party status and issues for adjudication, along with a statement of compliance with local laws. The town sought to adjudicate several issues, which are detailed in the ALJs’ May 21 ruling.
Madison County also filed a petition for party status and a
Schallmo said the hope is that the upcoming event will attract families to Summit Church and give them a glimpse of all it has to offer.
“Our desire is to come alongside families to build marriages that last, equip parents to raise respectful children, and to have fun,” he added.
The church moved last year. It previously shared a space with the Cazenovia United Methodist Church on Lincklaen Street.
statement of issues. According to the ruling, the county raised two issues for adjudication.
“The county [objected] to the issuance of a final permit that (1) incorporates any waiver of the Town of Fenner Land Use Regulation as a violation of municipal home rule principles, and (2) does not incorporate a recreational transportation plan that includes snowmobile transit,” the ruling states.
The applicant and ORES staff filed responses on April 21, 2025.
Ultimately, the ALJs de-
Cazenovia managed to play through the rain on May 22 against DeRuyter, only to take a 4-3 defeat to the Rockets.
Steadily DeRuyter built a 4-0 lead, but the Lakers nearly erased it in the bottom of the sixth with three runs ,two of them driven home on Awald’s single. Max Nichiporuk had the other RBI with one of his two hits.
Still, the Rockets held on, getting the final three routs as Nico Segall took the loss, throwing a complete game with eight strikeouts. More rain fell a day later and, once again, Cazenovia lost, this time 9-4 to the Homer Trojans, who erased a 2-1 Lakers advantage by erupting for eight runs in the top of the fifth inning.
numerous roles, including parks commissioner, lake watershed council delegate, and Caz Life representative.
The resolution states that during his first term as parks commissioner, Tait was instrumental in creating a supervised public boat launch and boat inspection procedure that was ahead of its time and became a model across the state. He was also a founder and chairman of the Cazenovia Tree Commission.
“Trustee Tait has personified the meaning of what it is to be a ‘public servant,’ giving selflessly of his time, talents, and energies for many years in numerous other roles, including fire chief, public library board member, and Cazenovia Preservation Foundation board member to name just a few,” the resolution states. “. . . His presence, his insight, his tireless advocacy for our village, and his devotion to Cazenovia will all be missed by his colleagues on the board, by our professional staff, and by the residents of the village.”
Fourth of July
The Annual Fourth of July Foot Races — administered by the Syracuse
“We ‘planted’ or founded Summit Church [in] our living room,” said Schallmo. “We have steadily grown since then. Last year, we were contacted by Oran Community Church, and we discovered that we could merge together and combine our efforts to minister to the community together. We completed extensive remodeling last fall and had our grand opening in October.”
For more information visit summitchurchny.churchcenter.com.
termined that neither the town nor the county raised a substantive and significant factual issue requiring adjudication. They also determined that neither the town nor the county identified any legal error or abuses of discretion that would require denial of the siting permit, a major modification to the proposed project, or the imposition of significant permit conditions in addition to those proposed in the draft siting permit. As such, the judges denied the petitions for party status and cancelled all further proceed-
Nichiporuk pitched 4 2/3 innings and struck out five. Cazenovia managed just one hit, a triple from Awald who scored twice, but drew nine walks, two each by Zane Ison and Jacob Gentner.
Chargers Track Club and the Cazenovia High School Cross Country and Volleyball Programs — will kick off at 8 a.m.
The parade, a collaboration between Project Café and Caz Life, will line up in front of the high school at 12:30 p.m. and step off at 1 p.m., marching down Lincklaen Street, west on Albany Street, and back to the school.
The Cazenovia Lions Club-sponsored fireworks over the south end of the lake will begin at 9 p.m.
“I think their fundraising just opened,” said Wheeler. “Every little bit helps. [The] Lions Club Foundation does a great job of raising money for that. It’s one of the best displays in Central New York.”
On July 3, families with young children are invited to participate in the “Teddy Bear Parade” from Memorial Park to the library at 11 a.m.
The Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees typically meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the village municipal building at 90 Albany St.
ings in the matter.
“In order to participate in a hearing, the judge would have to grant you party status,” explained Keith Silliman, director of regulatory compliance for Cypress Creek Renewables. “Here, the judges did not find the need to take any issue to a hearing for adjudication. So, there was no need to grant the town or county party status.”
The ruling directs ORES to submit to the ALJs a final written summary and assessment of public comments received during the public comment
period on issues not otherwise addressed in the ruling. “Once the summary and assessment of public comments is submitted, the [ALJs] will forward the draft siting permit to the executive director for execution as the final siting permit,” the ruling concludes. To view the full “Ruling of the Administrative Law Judges on Issues and Party Status, and Order of Disposition,” as well as other filed documents, search for Oxbow Hill Solar at dps.ny.gov/ores-permit-applications under “Complete Applications Under Review.”
Kevin E. Jones, 57 avid hunter, fisherman, enjoyed riding motorcycles
Kevin Edward Jones, 57, of Cazenovia passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He was born June 23, 1967, in Syracuse to Edward and Ruthanne Jones. He was a graduate of Cazenovia High School and attended the National Tractor Trailer School. Kevin was a contractor and owner of K&D Landscaping and Construction. He loved his work and the ability to build things along with being proud to be
a “self-made” man. Kevin enjoyed attending NASCAR races and professional sporting events. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and in his free time he enjoyed riding motorcycles. But he most cherished spending time with his family, especially getting everyone together for the holidays. Kevin was “very proud of the life he built and very proud of his children.” He is survived by his daughters, Samantha (David Hoy, Jr.) Jones of Cortland and Jessica (Matthew Wheeler) Jones of
On June 4th in golf history…
ere are certain dates in history that will live in “infamy”. en there are the others that we should cherish… just because. June 4, 1927… e very rst Ryder Cup Golf Tournament was held at the Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts. e matches included the best golfers of Great Britain against the the top players from America. Unfortunately, the man that came up with the concept, Samual Ryder, became ill and could not attend the event he dreamed up. Walter Hagen was the rst American captain and Ted Ray lead the British contingent. Not surprisingly, the Americans claimed victory in the rst event…9 1/2 points - 2 1/2 points. Trivia…
* How long did it take the British team to sail to America? Answer - Only six days.
* Who was the 2nd oldest golfer to ever play in a Ryder Cup? Answer - Ted Ray, the British team captain in 1927. He was 50 years old.
* Who was the oldest golfer to ever play in a Ryder Cup? Answer - Raymond Floyd was 51 years old in 1993.
* Who are the Top “13” American golfers with the most appearances in the Ryder Cup matches? Answers: Phil Mickelson (12)… Record- 18-22-7…Total points - 21.5…..Jim Furyk (9)…Record- 10-20-4…Total points - 12…Billy Casper (8)…Record- 20-10-7…
* What golfers (European or American) have the most “Over-All” matches won? Answers: Sergio Garcia (25), Nick Faldo (23), Arnold Palmer (22), Bernard Langer (21) and Lee Westwood (21)
* What golfers (European or American have the most “Over-All” points? Answers: Sergio Garcia (28.5), Nick Faldo (25), Bernard Langer (24), Led Westwood (24), Billy Casper (23.5), Colin Montgomerie (23.5)
* Who are the only players to go…5-0-0 in one Ryder Cup? Answers: Gardner Dickinson (USA)- 1967…Arnold Palmer (USA)- 1967.. Larry Nelson (USA)- 1979… Ian Poulter (Europe)- 2012…Francesco Molinari (Europe)- 2018…and Dustin Johnson (USA)- 2021
* What was the largest margin of victory by a team? Answer: e Americans won by 15 points. e totals were 23.5 points to 8.5 points (1967).
* When is the next Ryder Cup going to be held?
Answer: e next Ryder Cup will be held on the Bethpage Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingsale, New York on September 26th-28th 2025.
My thoughts and predications for this years Ryder Cup…
e anticipation is rapidly building for this years Ryder cup matches at Bethpage Black to the extent, I believe will result in an all-time high in TV viewership, as well as in gross revenue from all media outlets. Although Captain Luke Donald of the European team is not showing any outward signs of con dence, he is surly very pleased that European players have already won “6” PGA Tour events this season. Meanwhile, Captain Kegan Bradley of the American team has a great nucleus of American players that are eager to avenge their stinging loss in 2023 by 5 points…16.5 to 11.5. e Europeans have now won 8 times in the last 11 competitions.
If I were to place a bet right now…with your money because I don’t bet, I predict the Americans will win by 1 point… (14.513.5).
My favorite… ”Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain”.
Vivian
Greene
Cazenovia; his step-son, Jeremy Barber of Cazenovia; his siblings, Rick (Winnie) Macheda of Cazenovia, Tina Fordyce of Ogdensburg, Kelly (Ken) Schneider of Clay and Scott (Deb) Jones of Port Richey, FL; his grandchildren, Anson, Owen, Sara, Abram, Zach and Kaylee; and his girlfriend of 15 years, Catherine Heath of Cazenovia. Kevin was predeceased by his father, Edward Jones, and by his mother, Ruthanne Jones Antidormi.
Calling hours was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2025 with services following at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Cazenovia. Condolences for the family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
ovia Central School District. As of May 27, Grimes, the district’s food services director, and Marshall have prepared 29,102 school meals for distribution to families via pick-up and delivery. “The last 10 weeks have been challenging,” said Grimes. “I miss the students. At first it was stressful and overwhelming, but [since] Wendy and I finally got into a routine it has gone a lot smoother…Right now it truly is hard not to see the students every day and talk with them as they come through the lunch line or just stop in the morning and say hi to us.” To honor the women and their hard work, The Haven at Skada has organized a community fundraiser to send Grimes and Marshall on a spa day once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
2025 KATHRYN FISH LECTURE SERIES
June 15 - Rev. Bob Taylor “Be All You Can Be”
July 20 - Colleen Zimmer “All That’s Oz in Chittenango”
August 17 - Mary Sorrendino “Overcoming Hindrances from our Past”
September 21 - Mina Bradley-Cauger “Be Well”
October 19 - Dr. Christina Michaelson “Count Your Blessings”
Come walk the track and enjoy the farm!
Jim Marshall Farms Foundation, Inc. 1978 New Boston Road, Chittenango, NY 13037
