Canastota

Canastota Announces Prom Court

May 7, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

Prom Court Ladies front row from left are, Brionna Coleman, Kaiya Stoddard, Samantha Streator and Justice Clark. Back row from left are, Chelsea Dolloff, Melissa Krak, Shea Foster, Moriah Saunders and Alicia Mayville.

Prom Court Guys front row from left are Andrew Frost, Randy Bovee, Wyatt Albanese and Xavier Johnson. Back row from left are, Joel Campanie, Garrett Lesher, Jordan Becker, Jon Halsey and Ryan Wisinski.

(Canastota, NY – May 12, 2012) The Canastota Junior Prom will be held on Saturday, May 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Greystone Castle. Public admission for crowning begins at 11:30 p.m. for a cost of $1.

Filed Under: Announcements, Canastota, Clockville, Education, Lenox, Whitelaw, Youth

Dangers of the Internet from a Teens’ Point of View

May 6, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Canastota, NY – May 2012) Everything today seems to revolve around the Internet. We shop on the Internet, we read books downloaded from the Internet and we reconnect with old friends on the Internet. The Internet is a great resource for us and we frequently turn to it for entertainment, education and research. But like many other facets of society, there are dangers associated with using the Internet.

On Monday, May 7 at 7pm, Canastota Central School student, Brianna Trerise, will be talking about the dangers of the Internet from a Teen’s Perspective. We have also invited Trooper Jack Keller from NY State Police, Troop D to be on hand for the presentation to offer his thoughts on how we can all use the Internet safely.

A short question and answer period will be provided so that teens and their parents can learn more about internet security.

Filed Under: Calendar of Events, Canastota, Education, Libraries, Youth

Madison County CSA’s supplying their fair share of farm fresh products

May 4, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Madison County) The fields are being plowed and the first seeds of the season are being planted. If you’re looking for an alternative method for buying locally produced foods look no further than the Madison County CSA’s.

Over the past decade, Madison County has witnessed a growth in farms that market their products directly to consumers through offering memberships, also known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). By participating in a CSA, the consumer pays a membership fee at the beginning of the season in exchange for a weekly share of the farm’s harvest. Madison County has 8 CSA’s to choose from.

Each CSA is unique and works a little differently – some include fruit, meat, and other locally grown and processed products – others include pick your own crops, online ordering and feature on-farm events for the whole family.

Stone Brothers Farm & Greenhouse, a CSA in their second year, provides members with hydroponically grown fresh vegetables during the colder months – including the earliest strawberries of the season! Sommers’ Harvest Farm provides a “Market Share” where you can pick your harvest share right from their table at the Hamilton Farmers’ market. Side Hill Farmers, a new CSA to Madison County this year, is taking orders online for their meat CSA and then delivering each month’s share to a restaurant near you.

Madison County’s Agricultural Economic Development Program recently interviewed Alambria Springs Farm. When asked what separates this CSA from others in the county, owners Brian Musician and Amy Yahna replied, “We offer a larger quantity box for large families or for people that are serious vegetable eaters. We also offer membership into our local buying club if you are a CSA member.”

Being part of a CSA is a fun-filled experience for the whole family. Children can learn about how healthy fruits and vegetables are grown and work with their parents to cook and taste new recipes. At Lucky Moon Farm CSA, you can even get a glimpse of how solar panels are helping farmers to reduce their energy costs. Many of these CSA’s still have shares available for the 2012 season.

To learn more about a CSA near you, visit madisoncountyagriculture.com.

If you are interested in other ways to support local farms, Madison County has several farmers’ markets. The Village of Hamilton Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Saturday, May 5. The hours of operation are from 8am-1pm.

Cazenovia Farmers’ Market commences the same day and is open from 9am-5pm, and the Town of Lenox Famers’ Market begins later in the season on July 14 and is open from 9am-2pm.

Filed Under: Agriculture, Canastota, Cazenovia, Hamilton, Lenox, Madison County Agencies and Organizations

Officers Honored with Law Enforcement Commendations

May 1, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Canastota, NY) Canastota Police Department Chief James A. Zophy and Officer Sean T. Barton were among law enforcement personnel honored April 23 at the Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police recognition awards ceremony.

Zophy and Barton were among 23 law enforcement officers recognized at Justin’s Grill in Dewitt; more than 130 people were in attendance.

The Canastota law professionals were recognized with the Heroic Action Award, awarded to officers who intentionally placed themselves at grave risk of loss of life or serious injury in order to protect a fellow officer or member of the public, for their efforts in protecting the public during a high-speed pursuit that traveled through northern Madison County, ending in the town of Sullivan with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old suspect who pulled a weapon on police.

Filed Under: Canastota, Cops/Crime/Courts

Bike Helmet Giveaway in Canastota Planned

May 1, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Canastota, NY – May 2012) As the weather warms up and kids are eager to get back on their bicycles, it is important for parents and caregivers to make sure their children have safe bike helmets before they ride.

To help ensure youth have safe bike helmets that fit correctly, the Madison County Health Department and Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with Safe Kids Upstate NY are sponsoring a free bike helmet giveaway and fitting Thursday, May 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. while supplies last at ZEMS Ice Cream & Mini Golf on James Street at Main Street in Canastota.

This event is for youth who do not already have a safe helmet. Parent or guardian and youth must be present to receive a helmet, which are provided by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Safe Kids Upstate NY.

All bicyclists under the age of 14 are required by law to wear approved bicycle helmets when riding a bike or riding as a passenger on bicycles in New York State.

For questions about this event, call the Madison County Health Department at (315) 366-2361.

Filed Under: Announcements, Calendar of Events, Canastota, Cops/Crime/Courts, Madison County Agencies and Organizations, Youth

Local Meat Heads to North Syracuse

April 29, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Madison County, NY – April 2012) The sandwich board outside Nestico’s Restaurant says “MEAT HERE.” And the banner inside says “Meat your grandmother would recognize.” Nestico’s Restaurant on Route 11 in North Syracuse is hosting the Side Hill Farmers’ meat CSA, and residents north of Syracuse are going there to pick up their delivered packages of locally-grown, pasture-based meat.

“Our banners make you laugh,” says Canastota farmer and CSA coordinator Kimber O’Mara, “but they also make you think. It’s like we’re going back in time, providing simple meat from local farms.”

This spring, Side Hill Farmers, a cooperative of livestock farmers in Madison County, has started a local-meat-delivery service, where CNY residents can go on-line and order packages of the Cooperative’s own beef and pork. Then, once a month, Side Hill Farmers delivers the orders to central pick-up locations in communities in the Syracuse region. By hosting this local-meat CSA, Nestico’s has provided a location for residents north of Syracuse to pick up their meat orders.

Restaurant owner Peter Nestico explained that he likes to support local products, particularly food. And, he says, like the farmers that are supplying this meat, “I’m a small businessman, and I want to support other small businesses.”

Many foodies are familiar with vegetable CSAs (which stand for “Community Supported Agriculture”) wherein consumers buy shares in a farm’s production. The Side Hill Farmers’ meat CSA is similarly structured, so that consumers buy shares of the Cooperative’s meat production. Kimber O’Mara explains that the meat shares are primarily beef, with pork as an option, and everything is pasture-raised and natural. The meat CSA members will also be able to buy pasture-raised chicken starting in May, and as well as the usual Madison-County-produced eggs, butter and other local farm goodies.

“Getting our meat is really easy,” she says. “On the Side Hill Farmers website, customers select a monthly meat delivery package, pay online via PayPal, select the community they’d like their order delivered to (and this now includes North Syracuse), and then once a month, on a set date, the order is delivered to the hosting pick-up site in the selected community. It’s pretty simple.”

The Side Hill Farmers meat CSA officially launched in January; other delivery sites include Fayetteville, Downtown Syracuse, Hamilton, and Cazenovia.

For more information, call 677-9040 or visit contactus@sidehillfarmers.com.

Filed Under: Agriculture, Announcements, Canastota, Cazenovia, Hamilton, Madison County Agencies and Organizations

PAC 99 Schedule April 29-May 5

April 29, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

Monday, April 30, 2012

9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Oneida High School National Honor Society Inductions April 25

10:06 a.m., 3:06 p.m. and 8:06 p.m.: Oneida Dispatch Series: “Bluebirds” with John Rogers

11:07 a.m., 4:07 p.m. and 9:07 p.m.: Oneida Rotary Club Meeting of April 24: OHS Top Ten

Tuesday, May 1

9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Sherrill City Commission Meeting of April 23

9:14 a.m., 2:14 p.m. and 7:14 p.m.: City of Oneida Committee on Nuisances, Meeting of April 23

10:38 a.m., 3:38 p.m. and 8:38 p.m.: Oneida Common Council: “Smart Growth” Presentation

Wednesday, May 2

9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Oneidas Club Meeting of April 26: Kwachit Sheth, Rotary Exchange Student

9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Canastota Schools Board of Education Meeting of April 23

Thursday, May 3

9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Tomorrow’s World

9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Friendship Baptist Church Service of February 19

10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. CMS and You – SAGE

Filed Under: Calendar of Events, Canastota, Education, Government & Politics, Oneida, Religion

Canastota Little League Opens 61st Season

April 29, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Canastota, NY – April 29, 2012) Canastota Little League is celebrating its 61st year of Little League Baseball and Softball. Yesterday was opening Day at the Fred N. Verro’s Little League Stadium at the Canastota Recreation Fields.

The day began with an opening day parade starting at ZEMS Ice Cream and headed north to the Recreation Fields.

Canastota League President Bill Haddad extended an open invitation to managers, coaches, league officers, umpires, field crew, team sponsors, volunteers, reporters, parents, and hundreds of baseball and softball players to participate.

“We welcome the community to join us as we are having our 2nd annual parade down Main Street”, said Bill Haddad, Canastota’s Little League President. “There is nothing better than seeing 300 players in their uniforms, waving to the fans lining Main St”. Opening Day games are starting at noon.

Canastota Mayor Carla DeShaw, and other honored guests participated. Canastota High School Band was on hand along with Boy Scout Troop 43 providing Honor Guard.

Baseball and Softball games started at noon and continued throughout the day.

For more information, call 315-256-0241 or on the web at www.canastotalittleleague.org.

Filed Under: Announcements, Canastota, Lenox, Top Stories, Youth

Passport to Your National Parks Program

April 28, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

Canastota Canal Town Museum news

(Canastota, NY – April 2012) The Canastota Canal Town Museum has been chosen as a cultural heritage site of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s Passport to Your National Parks program. The Passport to Your National Parks program, launched in 1986, provides information and encourages visitation to all of America’s national parks and cultural heritage sites. Publicity and enthusiasm for passport stamps obtained at the sites help drive visitors to selected cultural heritage sites.

The Canastota Canal Town Museum offers visitors an incomparable cultural and historical Erie Canalway experience. The interpretive theme throughout the museum illustrates how the Erie Canal in Canastota aided in the economic and cultural growth of the state and nation.

Once a bakery and residence during the Canal era, the museum offers a history of the Erie Canal that brings to life local folklore and history. The museum is filled with authentic memorabilia, art and exhibits illustrating the canal’s contributions to commerce, industry and agriculture.

Patrons can purchase a special spiral-bound National Park Service Passport at the Canal Town Museum. The stamp may be obtained at the museum during regular seasonal hours beginning May 1, Tuesday through Saturday between noon and 3 p.m.

Upcoming Events

May 5

12:30 PM-Dedication of the Watson Wagon starts with a bottom-dumping wagon pulled by a team of horses parading around the Town of Lenox Skate Park

1:00 PM-Ribbon cutting with recognition of those who made the wagon building possible

1:30 PM-Performance at Skate Park including live music

12-4 PM-Open House at Museum and Art Show at Education Center

May 8 to 12

Art Show during museum hours and from

6:00-8:00 PM at Education Center at 110 Canal St.

Filed Under: Announcements, Canastota, Fun & Recreation, History, Top Stories

Watson Wagon to be Dedicated

April 27, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

(Canastota, NY – May 2012) Patrick Kime (center) of Kime’s Do-It-Best in Canastota obtained a large trailer and drove to Strasburg, Pa. with Canal Town President Joe DiGiorgio (left) and Director Ross Stagnitti (far right) to pick up an genuine Watson Bottom Dump Wagon that was manufactured in Canastota around 1912.

The wagon will be on display as a courtesy of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. There will be a dedication ceremony of the Watson Wagon display building on Saturday, May 5 at the Town of Lenox Skate Park on South Peterboro Street. Events begin 12:30 p.m. – Arrival at the skate park of Canal Town’s horse-drawn Troy/Ajax bottom dump wagon; 1 p.m. – Ribbon cutting with recognition of volunteers and donors at the wagon building; 1:30 p.m. – Entertainment at the skate park; 2 to 4 p.m. – Art show at Canal Town Education Center and 12 to 4 p.m. – Canastota Canal Town Museum open free of charge.

Filed Under: All News Stories, Calendar of Events, Canastota, History, Lenox, Museums & Historical Societies

Responds to The wRIGHT Way

April 26, 2012 By margo 1 Comment

To the Editor:

(Canastota, NY – April 2012) In response to Ron Wright’s query, I’d like to offer a reasoned response. Ron demands to know “Where did all this stuff come from?” and goes on to demonstrate his lack of understanding of science, physics and cosmology.

Well, he’s not alone; those are all very demanding disciplines.

So here’s the simplest answer: in the beginning, before the “Big Bang,” everything that is was all in a very incredibly dense lump called a “singularity.” How big was it? How small was it? Well, since things like feet, miles or parsecs had not been invented yet, we have nothing with which to compare it.

Saying it was the size of a child’s marble or bigger than an aircraft carrier would be meaningless. It was there. And when that famous bang took place – well, just look around you: all of this stuff – every last bit of it – was all in that singularity.

We don’t need to, as Ron suggests, assemble a long list of physicists and mathematicians; we already know what the majority of them think about “the beginning.” They do publish their opinions in places like Scientific American and a raft of professional journals.

There is an aspect of Ron’s query that’s a bit troubling. He comes across as angry and confrontational. Or perhaps it’s not anger, but fear. Perhaps the correct answer threatens one or more of Ron’s most deeply held prejudices.

I admit, when something threatens mine, I get a bit tetchy, too. But then I have to step back and say something like “How important is this, really? Is it going to spoil my day to have to accept that I might have been mistaken? Is it going to take away my savings account or my physical well-being?”

Why is this topic so important to Mr. Wright? Hmm. One of the more delightful bits of “all this stuff” is called Guinness. Perhaps Ron would appreciate a chance to put his feet up and enjoy a tall glass of that lovely dark liquid – the “black stuff,” as it’s called in Ireland.

Might mellow him a bit…

William D. (Bill) Mayers, Canastota

Filed Under: Canastota, Cazenovia, Opinion-Editorial

Spring Migration Fest Lineup Announced

April 26, 2012 By margo Leave a Comment

Great Swamp Conservancy news

(Town of Lenox, NY – May 2012) Attention all art lovers, nature enthusiasts, educators and conservationists: the Great Swamp Conservancy will host its 11th annual Spring Migration Nature Art Festival May 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year, we will be featuring such acclaimed artists as Doug Jones (featured artist), Tom Lenweaver, Doug Jones, Marilyn Vona, Ken & Gerri LeRoy, Don Burke, Diane Berry, Jack & Carol Cotton, John Weeks, Barbara Barker, Christian Conner, Helga Gilbert, Theodore Richter and Claudia Loomis.

The masterpieces created by these artists are sure to rapture and delight any nature-lover’s eye. There is room for more professional artists and crafters to attend. Call (315) 697-2950 for more information.

This two-day event has an outstanding schedule of environmental and conservation programs and displays including “Talons! Birds of Prey,” the Utica Zoo-Mobile, WoodCreek Reptiles, Central New York Tractor Club, Rome Fish Hatchery live trout display, Trout Unlimited, Reynolds Game Farm live pheasant display, New York State Bluebird Society, Children’s nature nut area, quail watch, tractor wagon ride to the 60-acre wetland to view the Great Blue Heron rookery, trail walks and live acoustic music.

Join us in welcoming back spring, and honoring migratory birds. Visit our website for more information at gscincny.org, and like us on Facebook.

Filed Under: Art & Culture, Calendar of Events, Canastota, Dining & Entertainment, Environment and Nature, Lenox, Top Stories

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