‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler to Attend Hall of Fame Weekend

Marvin Hagler

 

BHOF News

(Canastota, NY – Jan. 2012) Former undisputed middleweight champion and 1993 Hall of Fame Inductee Marvelous Marvin Hagler will attend festivities planned for the 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend scheduled for June 7 to 10 in Canastota.

“It’s very exciting to have Marvelous Marvin Hagler return to Canastota for the Hall of Fame Weekend,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “He’s a legend and a fan favorite.”

Hagler reigned as world middleweight champion from 1980 until 1987. He won the title with a 3rd round TKO over Alan Minter on September 27, 1980 and over the next seven years he successfully defended the crown 12 times with wins over Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, John Mugabi and Mustafa Hamsho. Now an actor based in Italy, Hagler was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1993.

Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a heavyweight bash, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2012. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 12 are multi-division champion Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, two-division champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” ring announcerMichael Buffer, trainer Freddie Roach, broadcaster Al Bernstein and journalist Michael Katz.  Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

A list of more than 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

Hagler is excited to be in Canastota to witness the induction of Hearns.

“I watched Thomas Hearns grow from amateur status to a professional, until he became a World Champion, who faced his boxing challengers with courage and determination. I am glad that he finally has retired for good! I believe that Boxing Hall of Fame makes a good choice. Thomas Hearns deserves to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and be recognized as one of the best. I have tremendous respect for Hearns. My congratulations!” said Hagler.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 23rd Annual Induction Weekend, call 697-7095 or visit ibhof.com.

 

 

Hall of Fame Flies Flags at Half-Staff for Trainer Angelo Dundee

Dundee, Angelo

(Canastota, NY – Feb. 2, 20122) The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of trainer Angelo Dundee. He passed away yesterday in Tampa, Fla. He was 90.

Born in Philadelphia, Dundee moved to New York following World War II and learned from many of the great trainers at Stillman’s Gym. He eventually relocated to Miami Beach and was the chief trainer at the world-renowned 5th Street Gym. Dundee went on to guide 15 world champions including Ralph Dupas, Jimmy Ellis, Michael Nunn and Hall of Famers Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Carmen Basilio, George Foreman, Sugar Ramos, Jose Napoles, Luis Rodriguez and Willie Pastrano.

Dundee served as technical advisor for the film Ali in 2001. He also prepared Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe for his role in the 2005 boxing film Cinderella Man. Dundee was named Manager of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association in 1968 and 1979 and was also the recipient of their James J. Walker Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Boxing in 1996.

“The sport of boxing had no greater ambassador than Angelo Dundee. No matter where he went, he was always promoting the sport he lived and loved his entire life,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy.  “Everyone at the Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning the loss of one of the greats.”

In 1992, Dundee was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

Chittenango Landing Receives Grant

Erie canal grant

The Erie Canalway Commission and Heritage Fund Board presented grant awards to Central New York recipients on Jan. 25. Pictured from left are

Christine O’Neil, Joan DiChristina of Chittenango Landing, Natalie Stetson and Dan Ward of the Erie Canal Museum, Judy Schmidt-Dean and Tom Blanchard from Erie Canalway and Liz Ayers of WCNY. 

(Jan. 2012) The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, in partnership with the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, awarded $43,700 in grants to assist organizations with canal-related education, preservation, and tourism projects.

Seven organizations from Albany to Buffalo received funding, including three in Central New York: Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (Chittenango), Erie Canal Museum (Syracuse), and the Public Broadcasting Council of Central New York/WCNY (Syracuse). Other recipients include: Albany Institute of History and Art (Albany), The Buffalo Zoo (Buffalo), New York Folklore Society (Schenectady), and the Schenectady Museum & Suits–Bueche Planetarium (Schenectady).

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum received $7,000 to complete a Cultural Landscape Report. The report will document critically-needed repairs and provide recommendations and strategies to preserve and improve Chittenango’s dry-docks and historic character.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, in partnership with the National Park Service, collaborates with government agencies, communities and organizations to protect and promote the canal corridor for all to use and enjoy.  The Erie Canalway Heritage Fund is dedicated to charitable, educational, and civic purposes within the confines of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Make Your Own Victorian Valentine

Victorian Valentine Collection at MCHS

 

Pictured are Victorian Valentines from the Madison County Historical Society’s collection.

Madison County Historical Society News

By Sydney L. Loftus

(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) Make-your-own Victorian Valentine Workshop for children between the ages of 8-12 on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Madison County Historical Society

Valentine’s Day has roots in several different legends that have been observed for centuries. One of the earliest familiar symbols of Valentine’s Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is depicted as a young boy with a bow and arrow.

In the Middle Ages, romantic sentiments were exchanged through verse or melody. The first paper valentine was exchanged between the imprisoned Duke of Orleans in 1415 who passed his time composing romantic verses for his wife. Early valentines were handmade with stylized written verse and decorated with colored inks.

By the 1800s, valentines were manufactured in black and white that were hand painted with hearts and cupids. In the 1850s, fancier valentines were decorated with lace, ribbons, silk, satin, and gold leaf. By the turn of century, valentines were made entirely by machine.

Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, a day when valentines and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. In the tradition of Valentine’s Day, the Madison County Historical Society will have a make-your-own Victorian Valentine workshop for children between the ages of 8-12 on Saturday, Feb. 11. There is a nominal fee of $5 per child to cover the cost of supplies.

The workshop will be held during two sessions at the historical society located at 435 Main St. The first session is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The second session is from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Reservations are required as space is limited to 12 children per session. The deadline to register for the make your own Victorian Valentine workshop is Feb. 3.

For more information contact the society at 315-363-4136, 315-361-9735, or visit mchs1900.org. An adult must accompany each child attending the workshop.

Sydney Loftus is the executive director of the Madison County Historical Society.

Georgetown Historical Society to meet at Town Hall

(Georgetown, NY – Jan. 2012) The Georgetown Historical Society has decided to change its meeting day and location for a trial period. We will meet at the Georgetown Town Hall on Saturday Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. We would welcome anyone who would like to learn more about the history of the town. Come and join us.

 

Round and Square Dance Planned in Madison

(Madison, NY – Jan. 2012) A round and square dance with music by the Blue Valley Boys will be held at the Madison Historical Museum on South Street in Madison Saturday, Jan. 21, from 7 until 11 p.m.

There is a donation of $6 per person. Refreshments will be available.

Madison Hall Receives Community Foundation Grant

(Morrisville, NY – Jan. 2012) A $20,000 grant from the Central New York Community Foundation was awarded to Madison Hall in Morrisville to support continued renovations on the historic facility. The grant will be used to rebuild the back staircase, handrail, electrical, lighting and ceiling finish.

Madison Hall, a Madison County Landmark since 1817 and the original county courthouse, stands on upper Main Street, State Route 20 in Morrisville. Madison Hall is under continuous renovation. In recent years the front portico pillar foundations were rebuilt, twin matching stairways were refinished and floors in the ballroom and hallways returned to hardwood. This past summer a new roof was built over the handicap ramp, the building repainted, chandelier and hallway lighting installed.

The building became The New York State School of Agriculture (now Morrisville State College) in 1909 when the courthouse moved to Wampsville. In the late 1970′s a group of concerned citizens acquired the building from Morrisville State College and started restoration of the facility. After various grants and community donations, the building has become a multi-cultural, multi-functional building serving communities in Central New York for weddings, dances, concerts, and etc.

Pictures of the building and a calendar of events can be seen at madisonhall.org.

Events of Historical Note

By Matt Urtz, Madison County Historian

On Monday January 9th at 7 pm the Canastota Public Library will host the talk “1812: New York’s War, New York’s Impetus,” by Robert W. Arnold III of St. Rose College.  The event is co-sponsored by the Canastota Canal Museum with the support of the New York Council for the Humanities.  The presentation examines New Yorkers response to the conflict militarily and otherwise and the how the war exposed serious inadequacies in the state’s infrastructure and the nation’s military capacity.  It also looks at the impact of the war and how the aftermath on the people of New York led to the public improvements of roads and canals.  Robert W. Arnold III is a career public historian who teaches at the College of Saint Rose.  He retired from the New York State Archives and was Albany County Historian and historical archaeologists.  For more information please contact the Canastota Public Library at 697-7030.

On Saturday, January 14, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. the Oneida Public Library will welcome railroad expert John Taibi. Taibi will present “Oneida’s Third Rail,” a show and tell about the Oneida Railway Company and the West Shore electrified third rail that joined Utica with Syracuse in the early 20th century.  For more information please call 363-3050.

On Friday January 20th from 6 pm to 9 pm the Chittenango Canal Boat Museum will host a Family Fun Night at 4 Seasons in Fayetteville.  Tickets are $15 per person.  Hot Cocoa and Cookies will be served at no charge for those attending.  For more information please call 687-3801.

On Saturday, January 21, at 11 a.m., the Oneida Public Library welcomes historian and author Cheryl Pula.  Pula will  present an illustrated talk called “The Children’s Crusade: The 8th Air Force in World War II.”  She will focus on the young U.S. airmen stationed in Britain who flew B-17s in the famous bombing raids on Germany. She will also sign copies of her new historical fiction novel, The Children’s Crusade.  For more information please call 363-3050.

On Wednesday January 25th the Morrisville Public Library will host “Madison County and the Civil War” by Madison County Historian Matt Urtz.  Information about regiments, soldiers and honors will be talked about.  There is no admission charge for the event.  For more information please visit midyork.org/Morrisville/Programs.

On Saturday January 28th at 2 pm the Georgetown Historical Society will host its monthly meeting at the Georgetown Town Hall.  All are welcome.  Come learn more about the history of Georgetown.

On Monday February 13th at 7 pm the Canastota Public Library will host the talk “How Madison County Changed the United States,” by Madison County Historian Matt Urtz.  The event is co-sponsored by the Canastota Canal Museum with the support of the New York Council for the Humanities.  Madison County was home to some of the most innovative thinkers in American History. Madison County residents have directly affected the movie industry, the development of computers, firearm production, dental science, federal fiscal policy, the development of the tractor, and so much more.  There is no cost for this event.elopment of computers, firearm production, dental science, federal fiscal policy, the development of the tractor and so much more. Come out and learn about who many of these people were and you will see how Madison County impacted American history.elopment of computers, firearm production, dental science, federal fiscal policy, the development of the tractor and so much more. Come out and learn about who many of these people were and you will see how Madison County impacted American history.  For more information please contact the Canastota Public Library at 697-7030.

On Friday February 24th from 8 am to 5 pm the STUAC Conference Center at Morrisville College will host “Shades of Green in Madison County; A Green Living Experience.”  The goal of the event to help individual, businesses and communities advance green initiatives throughout Madison County to achieve more economically viable, sustainable and healthier places to live, go to school, work, shop and enjoy.  Among the many workshops offered will be one on effective historic preservation by Preservation League of New York Coordinator Amanda R. Lewkowicz.  The event is free but space is limited.  For more information please visit greenmadisoncounty.com.

 

 

 

CLCBM to hold Annual Membership Meeting

(Chittenango, NY – Jan. 2012) Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum’s annual Membership meeting is Saturday Jan. 7  at 9 a.m. at the museum, 7010 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Refreshments will be served.

 

Talk Features War of 1812

War of 1812

(Canastota, NY – Jan. 2012) On Monday Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. the Canastota Public Library will host the talk “1812: New York’s War, New York’s Impetus,” by Robert W. Arnold III.  The event is co-sponsored by the Canastota Canal Town Museum with the support of the New York Council for the Humanities and is free to the public.

The presentation examines New Yorkers response to the conflict militarily and otherwise and the how the war exposed serious inadequacies in the state’s infrastructure and the nation’s military capacity.  It also looks at the impact of the war and how the aftermath on the people of New York led to the public improvements of roads and canals.

Arnold is a career public historian who teaches at the College of Saint Rose and Excelsior College.  He retired from the New York State Archives and was Albany County Historian and historical archaeologists.

Light refreshments will be served following the talk.

For more information please contact the Canastota Public Library at 697-7030.

Volunteer Reception Draws 200-Plus Crowd

106 - CLCBM

 

Joan DiChristina receives a proclamation from Sen. David J. Valesky (D – Oneida) and Assemblyman William Magee (D – Nelson). (Photo by Mary Kendall)

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum news

(Chittenango, NY) At Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum’s recent volunteer reception, more than 200 volunteers were honored and recognized for all they do for the museum; their interest in historic preservation and commitment of time and financial support is making Chittenango Landing live again.

The volunteers enjoyed lunch and music before awards were made.

The musicians from Chittenango High School were Daxion Parker and Ben Posthill. Executive Director Joan DiChristina was presented with a proclamation from New York state by Sen. David J. Valesky (D – Oneida) and Assemblyman William Magee (D – Nelson) for her 26 years of volunteering at the museum.

Lynn DeOrio then spoke about Joan’s tireless efforts in everything involved in running the museum and presented her with a scrapbook of memories from the past years. Lillie and Karleen Becker thanked Joan for her involvement with the Canal Kidz programs with photos from the events.

Rosemary Conant was honored for her 20 years of volunteering as secretary at CLCBM. Christine O’Neill, the museum’s new executive director, was then introduced and spoke about her vision for the future at CLCBM.

This year’s Steersman award was then presented by Diane Brandt to Jim Vittorio. His volunteer activities at the museum include: organizing the annual Bowling Bash, working at Canal Fest, finding sponsors for the Golf tournament, organizing the children’s Halloween party and much more. He is greatly appreciated and was applauded by all present.

The reception finished with more coffee and desserts.

Basilio Historical Marker Proposed

By Margo Frink

(Canastota, NY – Dec. 5, 2011) A proposal to secure a historical marker at the birth place of Canastota native Carmen Basilio was once again brought before the Canastota Village Board of Trustees.

Three years ago Ross Stagnitti approached the village board asking to place a marker at 211 N. Main St., the birth home of Basilio. The purpose is to recognize the birth place of Canastota’s “most widely acclaimed athlete in the world.” And because Basilio’s career “inspired the creation of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

At that time, the homeowner Troy Dumigan was receptive, Stagnitti said, but he had some concerns about the type of sign. He preferred a more distinctive sign rather than the traditional blue and yellow colored state markers.

Stagnitti researched other sign types and found them to be a bit “pricey.”

Stagnitti said he contacted Dumigan again and he agreed to the traditional, official state historical sign. The marker would be placed between the sidewalk and the curb.

Because space is limited on the marker, what Stagnitti is proposing the inscription to read is Basilio’s name, his parent’s name, his date of birth, dedication date, 1950s World Boxing Champion and 1990 Hall of Fame Inductee.

Basilio’s 85th birthday is April 2. Stagnitti would like it dedicated on that date.

Mayor Todd Rouse said the village will quote a price first, and then decide where the money will come from. The official state markers cost around $1,000.

The sign takes about 12 weeks to arrive after it’s ordered.