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CPF celebrates Gorge Trail Gateway opening
Anne Saltman
On Sept. 21 the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation celebrated the newly constructed Gorge Trail Gateway. By kate Hill Staff Writer On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) held a grand opening celebration for the newly constructed Gorge Trail Gateway near the Buyea’s True Value parking area on Albany Street. “Nature on Main Street at the new Gorge Trail Gateway” will provide residents and visitors with a welcom-
ing entrance to area trails in the heart of the village. The design also revitalizes the greenspace alongside Chittenango Creek on the eastern edge of the Buyea’s parking area. The project involved streambank stabilization work, defining a parking area for trail users, creating a dedicated pedestrian/bike entrance from Albany Street, building an accessible picnic area, planting native trees and shrubs, and constructing wooden
steps on the embankment to prevent erosion and make access to the creekside trail safer for pedestrians and fishermen. Other elements included constructing an informational kiosk, adding a bike rack and handicap-accessible picnic tables, erecting educational signage about the area’s history, and installing a crosswalk at Albany Street to improve safety. “Work will continue into the fall CPF l Page 5
Owahgena Pizzeria changes owners, gets a new name By kate Hill Staff Writer
This past spring, Michael Grimes, a new Cazenovia resident from Scranton, Pennsylvania, purchased Owahgena Pizzeria on Albany Street. Grimes has renamed the establishment “Pop Pop’s Owahgena Pizzeria” in honor of his grandchildren, who inspired his move to Cazenovia. “Pop Pop [is what] the grandkids call me,” Grimes said. “[My wife and I] love spending time with them, and we wanted to be closer.” Under its new ownership, the restaurant serves hand-tossed New York-style thin-crust pizza, calzones, stromboli, wraps, subs, gyros, appetizers, wings, and salads. “I’m still trying to find my niche, so I’d be happy with any recommendations [people] have,” said Grimes, who ran a small diner in Springbrook, Pennsylvania, for the last six years. According to Grimes, transitioning
from running a diner to running a pizza restaurant has been an adjustment. “Running a diner was an all-day thing, and there was breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” he said. “With the pizzeria, there’s lunch and dinner, and everyone usually comes in at exactly the same time. I’m hoping to spread it out a little bit. . . . In the future, I would like to mesh the two worlds. We [already] do a Friday fish fry, which is popular [and includes] 8- to 10-ounce haddock, French fries, garlic knots, and coleslaw for $13.95.” The restaurant officially changed hands at the beginning of June. “Jim McGinnis was the previous owner, and he still works with me a couple nights a week,” said Grimes. “Cazenovia has been very welcoming to my wife and [me]. I would love to help with any fundraisers or any catering that is needed.” McGinnis sold pizzas in Cazenovia for 15 years before deciding to retire. “Running a pizza business or, for
that matter, any type of successful restaurant requires long hours, and it was time for me to relax and enjoy family and grandkids,” McGinnis said. “I was lucky to find Michael Grimes. . . . Through training him, I know he is a hard worker and know he will be successful in this new endeavor.” Pop Pop’s Owahgena Pizzeria is located at 118 Albany St. and is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 3 to 8 p.m. According to Grimes, the restaurant has a couple of indoor tables but mostly does takeout orders. Delivery is not currently offered. To place an order, call 315-6559900. The menu and updates are posted on the “Owahgena Pizzeria” Facebook page.
Owahgena Pizzeria on Albany Street in Cazenovia recently reopened as Pop Pop’s Owahgena Pizzeria under new ownership. Submitted photo
Police academy makes significant impact in Cazenovia The New York State Police Academy moved into the former Cazenovia College campus about a year ago. The Cazenovia Central School District’s new neighbors have already made a significant impact in its schools and community. “I have been so impressed with their dedication to be present and make a positive impression in our schools. It hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I want to ensure the community is aware of the relationships we’re building with them at no additional cost to the district,” said Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio. The feeling is mutual. Major Alberto David of the New York State Police Cazenovia Academy said troopers have enjoyed working with the community to build trust, ensuring a stronger and safer environment for all. “While the primary mission of the State Police Academy in Cazenovia is to train re-
cruits, the troopers who serve as instructors here remain committed to their main goal of public safety. Being located close to schools and the business district allows Troopers to respond quickly to emergencies, ensuring the community’s safety and security,” said David. “This close connection with the community enables Troopers to be more effective in their role.” School leaders are among the long list of local agencies and departments working closely with the state police to increase safety in the Cazenovia community. “The proximity to our schools means State Police would likely be the first responders in an emergency situation,” said DiFulvio. “The safety and security of our students and staff is one of our highest priorities. That’s why it’s imperative that we work collaboratively.” Staff have welcomed troopers to tour all district properties so they are better prepared to respond to potential emergency
situations. “I showed them our campus, security features, and what we do in case of an emergency. I have had great responses from them this year. There were about 50 Troopers that did one of the tours,” said Director of Facilities Eric Benedict. State Police have also been working with Burton Street Elementary School to improve traffic in the area. Troopers visited during the first week of school to assess traffic during dismissal and arrival times. They observed the traffic flow, took statements from families and offered suggestions to improve the movement of vehicles while prioritizing the safety of students. “They gave us some ideas to move forward with, and we are going to be working with the Village of Cazenovia to see if we can implement some changes to assist with this in the future,” said Burton Street Elementary School Principal Cristina Knapp.
Volume 214, Number 39 The Cazenovia Republican is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 35 Albany St., Second Floor, Cazenovia, NY 13035. Periodical Postage Paid at Cazenovia, NY 13035, USPS 095-260. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Cazenovia Republican, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.
events: New Woodstock to celebrate its first annual Fall Fest.
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sports: Cazenovia football falls to Lowville, stands at 2-0.
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Police assist with eviction By kate Hill Staff Writer
On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Madison County Sheriff ’s Department served/conducted a judge-ordered eviction on Farnham Street in the Village of Cazenovia in conjunction with the Cazenovia Police Department. “Police presence was out of an abundance of caution,” said Madison County Public Information Officer Samantha Field just before 12:30 p.m. “There was a civil matter, no danger to the community . . .” At about 1:45 p.m., Field provided an update on the situation. “At this time, the involved individual has been cooperative and has been complying with the eviction order,” she said.
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letters ������������������������ 7
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history ������������������������ 6
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