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THE REGION’S PREMIER MAGAZINE
www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com
Spring 2009
Spring Awakens Hike and Learn at Cumming Nature Center Lamb: A Perfect Meal for Spring Where to Find Vintage Hardware and Home Furnishings Homer’s Historic Ties to Lincoln $3.95 US/$4.95 CAN
DISPLAY THROUGH MAY ’09
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READER ACTION NUMBER 131
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Volume 9, Number 1 • Spring 2009
F E A T U R E S
28 36 46
D E P A R T M E N T S MY OWN WORDS
A Bristol Hills retreat welcomes spring with maple sugar By Ron and Collette Stochl
2 3 6 7 8 10 12
ECO: AN ENVIRONMENT OF LEARNING
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FRUIT OF THE VINE Grape critters
SALVAGING THE PAST Ithaca’s Significant Elements is crammed with vintage hardware and home furnishings By Nina Boutsikaris
CUMMING NATURE CENTER
The Marcus Whitman Central School District offers a unique choice that provides students with an experiential curriculum rather than the typical classroom fare. By Malcolm MacKenzie
22 74
LETTERS FINGER LAKES MAP CONTRIBUTORS NEWSBITS OFFBEAT IN THE KITCHEN Fresh lamb for spring
DAY TRIP • Rustic meets organic at Niles Gourmet • Farm Sanctuary: a haven for human visitors
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DOWNTOWN Destination: Victor
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WILDLIFE PROFILE Frog song
Below: A flowering crab apple brightens Skaneateles. Photo by Craig Humphrey
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LIFESTYLE Find a Quiet Place in the Finger Lakes
Cover: Bloodroot is a perennial native to the Northeast and is one of
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the region’s earliest blooming flowers. For approximately a week, between March and May, it produces a white blossom. The petals of the flower are so delicate that the blossoms often last only a day or two before a strong wind or a heavy spring shower destroys them. Photo by Phillip Bonn
CULTURED Yates arts at Sunny Point
70
HISTORY Homer’s connection to Abraham Lincoln
78
OUTDOORS It’s time to find shed antlers
80 81 88
CALENDAR: FESTIVALS & EVENTS
54
SPRING WOODLANDS The photography and thoughts of Mindy Arledge
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS OFF THE EASEL That old chestnut: the wood sculptures of Jason Tennant
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M Y
O W N
W O R D S
What Inspires You?
T
Today is not Valentine’s Day You don’t need a reason to have a romantic dinner at a four-star restaurant. You don’t have to justify planning an overnight stay in a quaint bed-and-breakfast. In Madison County, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to be together - you create your own every time you visit.
Call us at:
800-684-7320
® NYSDED
hese days, every time you turn on the radio or television you can’t escape the negative reports from popular media on the state of the economy. They seem to love giving us bad news. And it very well may be bad, but frankly, there is not much I can do about the big picture. I don’t have many answers when it comes to how to improve the nation’s current monetary woes. I do know that we can’t all get caught up in the negativity and be afraid to live. So I didn’t want to talk about the economy here. No, what I want to write about is a concept that is positive and has a deeper meaning for all of us, no matter what our talents or interests are: what inspires us to do great things? What is inspiration? MerriamWebster defines it as follows: (1a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation (b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions (c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions. One could say that we need inspiration from our political leaders, our religious leaders, our teachers and many others to influence our lives in a positive direction. But where do these people find their inspiration? Where does the president of the United States go on a daily basis to refresh himself, to think clearly and come up with plans for the future of our country? I think one of the best ways to find inspiration is through quiet solitude, especially in nature. Malcom MacKenzie, starting on page 46, writes about a curriculum in a Finger Lakes school district that is directly influenced by nature. The course strives to teach
READER ACTION NUMBER 106
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through interactivity with natural surroundings to improve the students’ learning skills. Writing on a daily basis is strongly encouraged by MacKenzie, and the proof is in the pudding. The students are happy to go to school, and they come away from most days in school inspired to do more things than they ever imagined before in their lives. All of this because they take a little time out of each day and write their thoughts down. Art is an activity that needs much inspiration, and now, artists are lucky to have a special location on Keuka Lake called Sunny Point. The land and buildings there were once owned by artist, writer and educator Annie Smith, who passed away in 2007. She donated Sunny Point so that others can be inspired as she was, to create great works of art and inspire others who view that art. You can read more about Annie and her special place at Keuka Lake on page 66. Other articles in this issue deal with inspiration in the kitchen, a salvage warehouse, a nature center, and many other places. The location is not as important as what they inspire us to do. One last item I’d like to bring up is a simple way to get your inspirational events on our online calendar. Go to www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com and click on the “submit calendar events” link. Then you just fill in your information, click “submit,” and our editors take over from there. Within a short period of time your event is on our website for a wide audience to view. So, get out there now and get inspired.
mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com
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L E T T E R S Books and bookstores You have been very gracious to support my various projects, including my biennial Ontario County Tour of Barns, and my book, Memories of the Heart, reviewed by Laurel Wemett (Life in the Finger Lakes, Winter 2007). In my judgment, Life in the Finger Lakes is the best periodical being published today. Articles are well written and of wide interest. Ray Henry, Historian Town of Canandaigua
In your Fall 2008 issue, you had a wonderful story of the independent bookstores in the Finger Lakes Region, “Destination: Finger Lakes Independent Bookstores.” The mayor of Palmyra, Vicki Daly, noted that the two bookstores in the Palmyra-Macedon area were not mentioned. They are The Village Bookmarket in Palmyra and Books, ETC. in Macedon. The mayor was hoping you might include us in any future articles of this nature. Thank you for all your good work. John Cieslinski, Proprietor Books, ETC.
Life in the Finger Lakes would like to thank Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ archives for the use of their photos of Arch Merrill for the article titled DownHome Bard, Finger Lakes Great, Arch Merrill in the Winter 2008 edition. Linda Clark Benedict of the archive department was a tremendous help to James P. Hughes, the author.
Extreme Makeover in Geneva I am a subscriber to your magazine and love it! In your Fall 2008 edition, there was a small article in the Newsbits section about “Extreme Makeover, Home Edition” coming to Geneva for the Hill family. While I do not live in the area, I have family in Geneva and have visited frequently since I was a child. It was very exciting to see the town
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A
READER ACTION NUMBER 146
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L E T T E R S
79 Howell St.
City of Canandaigua. $499,900. Enza Benham 585-398-2211 ext. 193
5705 Seneca Point Rd.
Canandaigua Lake. $3,250,000. Enza Benham 585-398-2211 ext. 193
72 Gibson St.
City of Canandaigua. $575,000. Mitch Pierson 585-568-6622 ext. 128
6723 Pine Bank
House w/ 340’ flat frontage on Canandaigua Lake. Lauren Judson 585-568-6622 ext. 164
that I love on TV. The only thing that I was very disappointed about was the fact that they portrayed Geneva as a very crime-ridden town. Even though I don’t live in the area, I know that it isn’t true. I love Geneva and the Seneca Lake area; I think it is a little bit of heaven on Earth. I would hate for people to be afraid to visit and see all the wonders and history of this lovely little town. Again, I love your magazine and look forward to every issue. Linda E. Clark Lansdale, Pennsylvania
I think “Big Changes for a BigHearted Family” (Winter 2008) is a very nice article. At first I was afraid to give you an interview, but now we do know who is very honest and upfront about their reporting. For this we thank you and your writer. You have a firstclass magazine! Michelle Hill Geneva
Annual Photo Contest
5558 Vardon Dr.
Bristol Harbour, Canandaigua. $489,000 Richard Booth 585-398-2211 ext. 214
800-527-0074 4 South Main St. Pittsford, NY 14534
Finger Lakes B&B
Select Registry Inn on 20 acres. $1,500,000 Renata Reber & Diane VanDerWoude 585-398-2211
www.piersonrealtors.com
585-398-2211 502 South Main St. Canandaigua, NY 14424
READER ACTION NUMBER 172
Located 5 minutes East of Corning, NY at Exit 49 off I-86 Tues-Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-4 • Closed Mon • 800-780-7330 READER ACTION NUMBER 166
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I just wanted to say thank you very much to you and the staff of Life in the Finger Lakes, for honoring me with the 2008 Photo Contest Grand Prize. My wife will readily attest to my astonishment when I opened the letter announcing your decision (I assumed the contents of the letter to be our subscription renewal notice). In all honesty, I would have been thrilled to receive an honorable mention, so you can imagine my delight in the actual result. As I may have indicated on my submittals for the contest, my pictures were all shot from the deck of our house on Canandaigua Lake. I only began taking serious outdoor photographs after we moved here two-and-a-half years ago, and it was just a year ago that a photographer friend suggested my photos were worth consideration by the general public. I am certainly grateful for his encouragement. Chris Plopper Naples
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READER ACTION NUMBER 152
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The Finger Lakes Regional Map MONROE
WAYNE
Fairport
Farmington Manchester
ONTARIO SENECA
ONONDAGA CAYUGA Moravia
Homer
Ovid
CORTLAND
YATES LIVINGSTON Interlaken
Dryden
TOMPKINS SCHUYLER NEW YORK S TAT E
STEUBEN CHEMUNG TIOGA
The Finger Lakes Region of New York State
Areas of interest in this magazine issue:
Waverly
• Bloomfield • Canandaigua
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Stash mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST . . . . . . . Jennifer Srmack GRAPHIC ARTIST . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsey Williamson ASSOCIATE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Manzer ASSISTANT EDITORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kari Anderson
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Kevin Fahy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anya Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol C. Stash
• Homer • Ithaca
• Naples • Niles
• Penn Yan • Rushville
• Victor • Watkins Glen
CONTRIBUTORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mindy Arledge
EDITORIAL OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Banaszewski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darcy Binns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran Bliek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Feulner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frances Grasek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Harmony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Langford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol White Llewellyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malcolm MacKenzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Quilan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chef Eric K. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron and Collette Stochl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joy Underhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laurel C. Wemett
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Braden tim@lifeinthefingerlakes.com
Life in the Finger Lakes is published by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc. and owned by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. Coowners: Mark S. Stash; Timothy J. Braden. Copyright© 2009 by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher. TO SUBSCRIBE, RENEW OR CHANGE ADDRESS: write to Life in the Finger Lakes, P.O. Box 1080, Geneva, NY 14456, or call 315-789-0458. Subscription rates: $12.95 for one year. Canada add $15 per year. Outside North America, add $30 per year. For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue of Life in the Finger Lakes. For gift subscriptions, include your own name and address as well as those of gift recipients.
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CUSTOMER RELATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Sherman bob@lifeinthefingerlakes.com
FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Jason Hagerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-344-0559 jason@lifeinthefingerlakes.com Rhonda Trainor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-344-0559 rhonda@lifeinthefingerlakes.com
FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS Tricia McKenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458 subscribe@lifeinthefingerlakes.com BUSINESS OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458
800-344-0559 BUSINESS FAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-4263
Life in the Finger Lakes 171 Reed St. • P.O. Box 1080 • Geneva, NY 14456 www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com Serving the 14 counties of the Finger Lakes Region Printed by Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, New York
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C O N T R I B U T O R S
In addition to his work for Life in the Finger Lakes magazine, Jason Feulner is the Finger Lakes correspondent for www.lenndevours.com, the premier website for New York State wines. He mixes his love for history and geography with his interest in wine to present his unique perspective on this growing local industry. A native of Corning, Jason lives in Syracuse with his wife and baby daughter. He’s a graduate of Le Moyne College and Syracuse University, and is the director of the business institute at Le Moyne. Jason is an avid hiker, swimmer and summer triathlete. (See “Grape Critters: The Challenges of Vineyard Maintenance” on page 16.)
Nina Boutsikaris, is a senior majoring in writing at Ithaca College. A native of Nyack, New York, Nina took time off from school last year to backpack through Southeast Asia, and later, camped across New Zealand in a 1996 maroon station wagon. During a semester spent in London, she worked in a small Lebanese café. Her observations of the sometimes lonely, sometimes happy and eccentric customers there were the inspiration behind a series of award-winning essays. She is currently expanding them into a book. Nina can often be found browsing the produce aisles at Wegmans for her next vegetarian creation, or combing the racks of vintage clothing boutiques. (See “Salvaging the Past” on page 28.)
A graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Mindy B. Arledge was drawn to Ithaca by its scenic landscapes, preserved wild places and progressive character. Ironically, while studying photography in the city, she developed a passion for photographing natural landscapes and botanical life. She uses her camera today as a tool to look deeper into the natural world. Mindy hopes that through her images, people will see wilderness as a sanctuary, one that deserves to be urgently protected. Visit her work online at http://mindybarledge.blogspot.com/. (See “Spring Woodlands” on page 54.)
READER ACTION NUMBER 159
™
“I Love Chocolate” Day Sinful Desserts and Luscious Wines
Saturday, May 23, 2009 10 am-5 pm Tickets $7.00 TASTING ROOM GALLERY & GIFT SHOP
Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm • Sun noon-5 pm 658 Lake Road, King Ferry, NY 800.439-5271 • 315.364.5100 www.treleavenwines.com READER ACTION NUMBER 155
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N E W S B I T S Patchwork Plus Featured in Quilt Sampler Patchwork Plus Quilt and Yarn Shop in Marcellus is featured in the Spring 2009 issue of Quilt Sampler, which goes on sale May 12. The magazine, published by Better Homes and Gardens, profiles 10 shops across the United States and Canada in each of its semiannual issues. “We were incredibly thrilled to learn of our selection,” said Judi West, coowner, with her husband, Tom, of Patchwork Plus. A crew from the magazine visited the shop for two days in mid-October, taking photos, conducting interviews and experiencing the shop’s ambiance. The multipage profile includes photos of the shop and staff; details on what makes it unique; photos of, and a fullsized pattern for, an original quilt designed for the magazine. Skaneateles Falls resident Judy Sheridan and Skaneateles resident Patty Elkovitch designed the quilt submitted by Patchwork Plus, “Lady of the Lake Baskets.” A fabric kit for the quilt will be sold on the Patchwork Plus website, www.patchworkplusquiltshop.com.
Cayuga Museum Calls for Dunn & McCarthy Stories and Objects An exhibit and documentary, “Sole Provider: The Story of the Dunn & McCarthy Shoe Company and the Fred L. Emerson Foundation” is being produced by the Cayuga Museum of Art and History in Auburn. Scheduled for release this fall, the exhibit will examine themes of industrialization and personal philanthropy as they have changed through the years. As part of its research, the museum is seeking personal stories and objects from people connected with the company, which got its start using Auburn Prison labor under a state contract in the early 1800s. Items loaned to the exhibit will be treated carefully, insured during the exhibit, and returned in the same condition in which they were loaned. By 1828, seven shops were in operation in Auburn prison: copper, tool, shoe, tailor, weaver, blacksmith and READER ACTION NUMBER 158
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turner. These shops employed just over 400 convicts. When the state abolished the prison contract system in 1889, Mr. Dunn and Mr. McCarthy opened a women’s shoe factory in Auburn, which was highly successful through most of the 20th century. In 1991 it was sold in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to holding company Monticola Associates. Fred L. Emerson, former company president, was the first to establish the assembly-line method in the shoe industry. In 1932 he began a philanthropic foundation, which focuses primarily on the community of Auburn, Cayuga County and Upstate New York. The Seward House National Historic Landmark is owned and supported by the foundation. A key element of the Cayuga Museum exhibit plan is an accompanying documentary DVD that includes personal interviews with former factory workers and those involved with the Emerson foundation, past and president. People interested in participating may call the museum at 315-253-8051.
Super Sundays in Clifton Springs As part of its 150th anniversary celebration, the Village of Clifton Springs will sponsor a Super Sunday event every third Sunday of the month from April 19 through December 20. Events will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy shopping, family-oriented activities, a world-class spa, museums and history. The award-winning Warfield’s Restaurant will be open for lunch and afternoon tea. A variety of themes will be reflected in the activities, including local performing and fine artists, vendors and authors. Clifton Springs is noted for the Sulphur Springs Spa founded by Dr. Henry Foster in the mid-19th century and visited by celebrities from around the world. Village highlights include many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture, the Foster Museum, the Tiffany “Last Supper” mural and a traditional herbal medicine and natural therapies center. To learn more, visit www.cliftonspringschamber.com or call 315-462-8200.
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Kinkade Gallery Opens in Phelps Jim and Dawn Cheney have brought Thomas Kinkade, “Painter of Light,” to Phelps with the opening of the Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery of the Finger Lakes. Located on Church Street, the gallery is the only one of its kind in Upstate New York, and functions as a dealership for The Thomas Kinkade Company. Thomas Kinkade is America’s most collected living artist. His paintings emphasize simple pleasures and inspirational messages. Typically, Thomas Kinkade Galleries are located in larger cities and in areas where tourism is particularly strong. However, the people at Thomas Kinkade Company were intrigued by the promise of Finger Lakes tourism, and with the notion of making Phelps a destination point as part of the region’s appeal. “To be approved as a dealership is an honor,” notes Dawn Cheney. For more information about the gallery in Phelps, visit www.kinkade galleryofthefingerlakes.com, or call 315-548-8544.
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READER ACTION NUMBER 139
Finger Lakes Museum Progress Although the Finger Lakes Cultural & Natural History Museum Project is still in the conceptual stage, it has gained significant regional support in a short period of time. In the last six months an organization has been formed, a board of trustees has been elected, and several committees have started work. In December, a Provisional Museum Charter Application was filed with the New York State Department of Education and is now under consideration by the Board of Regents. Once approved, a not-for-profit tax status will be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. A location for the project has not yet been identified. Criteria have been developed for the Site Selection Committee to use in soliciting site submissions from each of the 14 Finger Lakes counties. W E B
E X T R A
Read updated Newsbits online at www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com. READER ACTION NUMBER 138
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O F F B E A T O F F B E A T O F F B E A T Hospice of the Finger Lakes Benefit CD Two-time SAMMY award winner Kevin Dorsey’s new CD Fore! serves as a tribute to his dad Jim, an accomplished area golfer, who died in April 2007. The proceeds from its sale will benefit Hospice of the Finger Lakes. The songs Dorsey came up with are a departure from his usual sound. “Instead of the jazz/world music influence of many of my compositions for my group, I was writing in more of a Celtic/Americana style, music that I have admired and listened to but never thought I had in me,” he explains on his website. The CD can be purchased at the Hospice of the Finger Lakes office, Speno Music, Landers Chiropractic, Laura’s Hallmark, Parker’s Grill and Tap House, and Auburn Cement Products, all in Auburn, and at Burritt’s Cafe in Weedsport. It is also available online at www.kevindorseymusic.com.
“TELL ME ONE THING, WHEN WASN’T IT TOO EXPENSIVE TO EAT OUT?”
“New Deal Gallery” Opens in Mount Morris Visitors can gain a unique glimpse of American life during the Great Depression at the New Deal Gallery at the newly opened Livingston Arts Center in Mount Morris. The New Deal Gallery resurrects and features, on a rotating basis, over 200 paintings that have been in storage, unseen by the general public for decades. The works of art represent one of the most complete collections of painting funded by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The Works Progress Administration’s Federal Arts Program (FAP) put unemployed artists to work with the intended effort to serve the public good and conserve the skills and the self-esteem of workers throughout the U.S. Another objective of the FAP program was to prevent the fleeing of artists from rural areas to major cities. The program helped to promote American art and culture and to give more Americans access to what President Roosevelt described as “an abundant life.” The projects saved thousands of artists from poverty and despair and enabled Americans all across the country to see an original painting for the first time or to take their first art class. Located on Livingston County’s Murray Hill Campus in Mount Morris, the Livingston Arts Center’s New Deal Gallery (www.livingstonartscenter.org) is open to the public, and tours are offered if scheduled in advance. For more information, contact Lisa Burns at Livingston County Tourism at 800-538-7365, or the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts at 585-243-6785 or by e-mail at mail@gvcaonline.org.
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Perfidy on Parade Scott Pedersen of Ithaca recently introduced some creative registered trademarks. The terms “Aughties,” “Naughties,” “Naughts,” “Aughts” and “Naughty Aughties” refer to the first decade of the century, 2000 to 2009. Pedersen is selling usage licenses to individuals for the production, distribution and/or broadcasting of music, video, television and radio programs and/or apparel. He’s also selling tshirts at www.naughtyaughties.com. Pedersen explains the thinking that led him to think up the tags for the decade, writing on his website, “Not many people can pinpoint the actual years of Generation X and Generation Y. Naughty Aughties and its offshoots leave no doubt to this identity as ‘naught’ and ‘aught’ both mean zero. Jazzing up ‘Naught’ to ‘Naughty’ and combining it with ‘Aughties,’ inadvertently describes the tone of the first decade that includes the years 2000 to 2009. “Obviously, many ‘naughty’ things have occurred in the entertainment, political, sporting and economic arenas from global, national and local perspectives that may depict our moral compass. Janet Jackson’s Superbowl half-time show, Britney Spears, ENRON, Martha Stewart, Cheney and Clinton are just a few highlights.”
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Life is good in the Finger Lakes! Enjoy a rich community life in a spacious and beautiful setting with fine dining and all residential services. With life-time health care on site, you'll also enjoy a precious sense of security and freedom.
Come join us.
KENDAL
®
AT ITHACA a not-for-profit life care retirement community
E Q UA L H O U S I N G OPPORTUNITY
2230 N. Triphammer Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 266-5300 • 1-800-253-6325 www.kai.kendal.org
READER ACTION NUMBER 157
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T H E
K I T C H E N
Fresh Lamb for Spring
by Chef Eric K. Smith, New York Wine & Culinary Center photos by Jennifer Srmack
L
iving in Upstate New York my entire life and being an has to offer. I’m not just talking wine, though I know that over avid traveler, I have come to realize what a beautiful half of New York State’s 200-plus wineries are located right here area of the country we live in. Packed with lakes, in the Finger Lakes. Some of my favorite Finger Lakes products rolling hills and vineyards, the Finger Lakes Region has a are Naples Valley mustards, Lively Run goat cheese, and Red compelling landscape comparable to Tuscany and Napa. To Jacket Orchard juices, ciders and apples, just to name a few. be completely honest, I didn’t realize it until I returned here Most people who have read my column in the past know from other parts of the country and world. I still remember that I try to choose foods that are locally grown and as fresh how breathtaking our rolling hills looked after I returned as possible. Always using fresh herbs and aromatics is very imfrom New York City, where I didn’t travel above Chambers portant, and local farm markets and roadside stands are great Street for more than six months. places to find the best ingredients. I’ve always thought that We are also blessed with amazing agrichicken was freshest in the spring, but it culture and local products. My job as a chef turns out that is just a saying. Lamb, howW E B E X T R A instructor at the New York Wine and Culiever, is at its height of freshness in the See a video of this cooking nary Center has definitely opened my eyes springtime, so be sure to enjoy it during demonstration online at to the wonderful bounty the Finger Lakes this season. www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com.
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I N
ake it a day in the country. From fine furniture, gifts and fresh flowers to casually elegant luncheon dining, our shops offer a unique shopping experience. Relax and enjoy the country. The Loomis Barn - Fine home furnishings and accessories Corn House Cafe - Open for lunch specialty sandwiches, homemade soups Colonial Bouquets - Fresh flowers, dried arrangements, wreaths The Back Room - Unique accessories, gifts and accent items Store Hours Tues. - Sat. 10 - 5:30 • Sun. 12 - 4 Closed Mon. • Cafe open for lunch Just a 10-15 minute drive from Canandaigua, Penn Yan or Geneva. Call for directions. 4942 Loomis Road • Rushville
www.loomisbarn.com
800-716-2276 • 585-554-3154 READER ACTION NUMBER 154
Taughannock Farms Inn Memorable Dining and
22 Exquisite Guest Rooms with a spectacular view of Cayuga Lake
The Jewel of the Finger Lakes • An Evening Out • • A Special Occasion • • An Overnight Getaway • • Banquet Facilities •
Rt. 89, Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg (607) 387-7711 • www.t-farms.com
K I T C H E N
Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb With Cayuga Blue New Potatoes, Maple-Glazed Carrots and Pinot Noir Reduction Sauce (serves 3-6) Ingredients for the lamb 1 to 2 racks of lamb (use 1 rack for 3 people or 2 racks for 6 people) Kosher salt Fresh cracked pepper Vegetable oil Fresh thyme and rosemary 2 cloves garlic (smashed) 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 onion (thinly sliced) 2 cups of your favorite New York State Pinot Noir (I’m big fan of Lamoreaux Landing) 1/2 tablespoon tomato puree 2 cups beef stock Ingredients for the potatoes 1-1/2 pounds red potatoes (scrubbed and sliced into 1/2 inch discs) 1 tablespoon garlic (chopped) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Fresh thyme and rosemary (leaves picked) Kosher salt Fresh cracked pepper 1 cup Cayuga Blue cheese Preparation for potatoes and lamb Combine potatoes, garlic, oils, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and place into a preheated 400-degree oven. Next remove all the excess fat from between the bones of the rack of lamb, then season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Get a large sauté pan very hot, then coat the bottom of the pan with vegetable oil and sear the lamb vigorously on all sides, place the thyme, rosemary and garlic on top of the lamb. Add the butter to the pan and baste with the melted butter. At this point, I like to put the lamb right on top of the potatoes and finish cooking for about 10 more minutes. Meanwhile add the onions to
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the pan that the lamb came out of. In the pan there should be some good fond (French for the protein that sticks to the bottom of the pan). Fond is a good thing. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add the Pinot Noir and reduce for about 5 more minutes. By this time it should be okay to pull the rack of lamb out of the oven, but be sure it has reached an internal temperature of 130 degrees. Set lamb aside to rest. Toss potatoes with blue cheese and cook for about 5 more minutes. In the sauté pan, whisk in the tomato puree and beef stock and reduce until a thick sauce forms. Slice the lamb rack between each bone and serve with the potatoes and Maple-Glazed Carrots.
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Consider living and working in beautiful Upstate New York.
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Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Carrots 4-1/2 cups water 8 cups carrots (sliced diagonally about 1/4 inch thick) 5 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons brown sugar
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Preparation for carrots Bring the water to a rapid boil and drop in the carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes. While the carrots are cooking, warm the maple syrup over medium heat. Whisk in the butter and brown sugar, then toss the carrots with the maple glaze. Serve hot. READER ACTION NUMBER 104
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F R U I T
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Grape Critters They want to enjoy your grapes before you do, and they will stop at nothing to get them.
quickly over a vineyard, wrecking entire clusters of grapes. Good growers have to anticipate problems by understanding which varieties of grapes are susceptible to mildew and keeping a constant eye on the weather, says Warren Colvin, vineyard manager at White Springs Winery in Geneva. “Damp and warm weather can cause mildew, and during some bad summers we have to spray every few weeks to keep up.” Another problem that can strike a vineyard is fungus, which is called botrytis or bunch rot. While a touch of botrytis is in some cases desirable to concentrate flavors late in the harvest, during the growing season it can quickly overtake the grapes before they reach maturity. “You have to be ready for botrytis at any time,” Flocks of starlings can consume huge amounts of grapes in a short period of time. Colvin warns. “The only way to handle it story by Jason Feulner, photos by Bill Banaszewski if it gets out of control is with a broad spectrum spray.” He stresses that good vineyard practices, like keeping the rape growers are under constant pressure to keep the vines far enough apart and the leaf canopy open for air circulaproduction of their vineyards high enough to meet tion, is the best way to prevent mildew and fungus problems to the demand of wineries. It’s not an easy task, considbegin with. ering that those same grapes make convenient snacks for all kinds of living things. Grape growers spend thousands of dolRunning from hornets lars a year ridding their vineyards of pests that range from miInsects are known to cause serious vineyard problems, croscopic organisms to turkey and deer. Simply put, critters and these pests can include cane borers, mites, leafhoppers want to enjoy your grapes before you do, and they will stop at and the infamous Japanese beetle. They are not a huge probnothing to get them. lem every year, but when Japanese beetles are active they can Even without critters, the Finger Lakes Region poses cause a great deal of damage to the foliage that the vines need challenges for grape growers. The cool climate ensures that for photosynthesis and fruit production. proper ripening is never a foregone conclusion, and growers Insects that do not feed directly on the vines can also have to work hard to keep the fruit exposed to precious threaten grape farming. warmth and sunshine. Steve Shaw, owner and winemaker at Shaw Vineyards in Ironically, the same elements that make the region beauHimrod and a 30-year grower, describes an incident that detiful – the rural towns, broad forests and fertile soil – provide railed his work in the field. “One day I was on my tractor mowan ideal habitat for countless numbers of creatures that view ing weeds between the vines, and I ran over a nest of ground the vineyards as an easy food source. hornets. The swarm came up at me, so I got off my tractor and ran as fast as I could. I had to wait for hours as the swarm atSpraying for mildew and fungus tacked my tractor again and again, and it was in idle the entire The most common vineyard predators hardly capture the time. Finally, when it started to get dark, the hornets stopped imagination, but they represent the most significant chalattacking and I snuck back to the tractor so I could turn it off.” lenges to grape growers. Various forms of mildew can spread
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3907 West Lake Rd Canandaigua, NY
www.germanbrothers.com
585-394-4000
Deer pose a serious threat to the health of a vineyard because of their voracious appetites.
Moving up the food chain It is inevitable that birds will pick a grape here and there, but the real danger to crops is a large flock of migratory birds such as starlings. If a flock of several thousand descends on a vineyard, the birds can consume a huge amount of grapes. “One morning a flock of starlings ate over three tons of Chardonnay grapes,” relates Chris Verril, independent grower and owner of Harvest Ridge Vineyards in Ovid. “That was an entire acre’s worth of grapes.” Like Verril, many growers are forced to net their plants every season lest the birds get the grapes before the winemakers have a crack at them. “Netting is important, otherwise you can lose a lot of grapes to birds in the fall.” Several other animals make the list of grape predators. Turkeys can be voracious grape eaters, along with woodchucks, rabbits and raccoons. Most of these animals can be deterred by netting or a low-charged electrical wire. In an interesting twist, the re-emergence of many different species of birds of prey in the Finger Lakes may help keep the ecosystem in balance and take some pressure off the vineyards. Grape growers mention that they have seen an increase in the activity of red-tailed hawks, which swoop down and capture small mammals that are otherwise distracted by the low-hanging bounty on the vine. Chasing off the deer No matter whom you speak with in the Finger Lakes grape-growing community, deer are always referred to as the most difficult animal to keep away from the vineyard. Not only are they large creatures with big appetites, they are also relentless, bold and cannot always be chased off. The damage a small herd of deer can cause is significant. Phil Davis, grower, winemaker and owner of Damiani Wine Cellars in Hector, points to the economic impact that deer can have on an entire wine operation as the costs compound from two-and-a-half tons of Cabernet Sauvignon. That’s a loss of about $6,500 for the grape grower, but if you look at the final price of the wine it’s nearly a $50,000 loss in potential wine sales.” To control the deer and other grape eaters, Davis netted his vineyards to the tune of $1,200 an acre, which in his mind is a sound, long-term investment. Davis cites a decrease in seasonal hunting as one of the main reasons deer READER ACTION NUMBER 171
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EACH HOTEL IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
READER ACTION NUMBER 168
READER ACTION NUMBER 142
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have become a nuisance. While the New York Department of Environmental Conservation allows grape growers and other farmers to apply for nuisance permits to hunt deer throughout the year, most grape growers find that this solution works only for a year or two before new deer move into that area to take the former herd’s place. There are so many deer that vineyards will always prove a tempting source of food. Chris Verril felt particularly threatened as deer kept mowing down the new 10,000-vine vineyard that he planted in 1999, to the tune of 300 plants a night. Instead of obtaining a nuisance permit or employing other popular methods, he purchased two Siberian huskies and surrounded his 38acre property with an invisible fence. “The dogs keep the deer out,” he says. “They rarely have to chase or attack. They roam all over the property and their scent is enough to scare off the deer. And they are great dogs, really friendly to people.” What about the ultimate grape predators of the two-legged variety? Phil Davis remembers his father having to chase down some out-of-state vacationers who refused to acknowledge that entire sacks of grapes had any value. The local sheriff disagreed with them that it was an innocent crime. Steve Shaw recalls an individual who used to pilfer grapes from one of his vineyards and only stopped after being caught red-handed. Thankfully, most humans prefer to wait until the grapes make it through the winery before enjoying them. Winemakers and consumers alike rely on the grape growers to ensure that animals do not provide too much competition. It is a cliché that winemaking starts in the vineyard, but in many respects, winemaking relies on the grape growers to be diligent and protect the precious fruit from diseases, insects, birds and all sorts of critters. After all, there are plenty of other food options for most animals, although we can hardly blame them for trying.
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I.D. BOOTH...Everything you need for your bathroom project
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WINERIES BELHURST WINERY On the Shores of Spectacular Seneca Lake. Taste the Award-Winning, Beautiful Bouquets of Belhurst Winery as You Browse our Spacious Wine & Gift Shop. Wine as Unique and Beautiful as the Castle Itself. Lodging • Dining • Receptions • Winery
Goose Watch Winery
Enjoy the Best View on Cayuga Lake Open Daily 10am - 6pm Award Winning Wines & Champagnes, Gift Shop, Wine Clubs, Personalized Labels, Gourmet Foods, Boat Docking 5480 Rt. 89, Romulus 315-549-2599 or 888-549-WINE www.goosewatch.com
Visit our website for Winery Events
Lamoreaux Landing
Penguin Bay Winery
WINE CELLARS
Taste our European style awardwinning wines while enjoying the beauty of Seneca Lake Tours, tasting, sales and receptions Mon. - Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-5 Route 414 on the east side of Seneca Lake, 3 miles south of Lodi 607-582-6011 www.lamoreauxwine.com
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* Award winning wines * Beautiful view of Seneca Lake * Gift Shop * Picnic Facilities Located on the Seneca Wine Trail 6075 Rt. 414, Hector NY 607-546-5115 or 888-549-WINE www.penguinbaywinery.com
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WINERIES
Visit one of Seneca Lake’s newest wineries! Within its Tuscan setting, Ventosa offers a friendly atmosphere, premium wine tasting and a café serving lunch daily. The elegant décor & breathtaking view of Seneca Lake makes Ventosa the ideal place for your reception or party. Open daily year ’round
Canandaigua, NY
Taste our excellent, award-winning Finger Lakes wines in a casual and relaxed atmosphere Hours: May to Dec. Tues.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sun. 12pm to 6pm
(Sat & Sun. only Jan.-April)
315-719-0000 www.ventosavineyards.com
3627 East Lake Rd., Canandaigua, NY (585) 394-2860
www.WilhelmusEstate.com
Boutique Winery Fine Wines Food & Wine Events Regional Specialty Foods ravineswinecellars.com 14630 State Rt 54 • Hammondsport, NY
(607)292-7007
Traveling to wineries? Plan your trip at ...
ExploreThe FingerLakes .com the online Travel Planner from Life in the Finger Lakes magazine
Leading the Finger Lakes with nine styles of Riesling and seven styles of Dessert Wines.
Join our online mailing list for winery updates on events, featured wines, new releases & wine specials!
WWW.HERONHILL.COM SPRING 2009 ~
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D A Y
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Rustic Meets Organic at Niles Gourmet story and photos by Jason Feulner
N
iles Gourmet Country Market and Bistro is all about wood. Wood heats the adjoining home of the proprietors, Sandie and Eric Becker. A wood stove heats the market and bistro throughout the cold months that bring harsh winds to its hilltop location between Skaneateles and Owasco Lakes. Most importantly, wood fuels the cook stove that creates the hearty and complex organic dishes that Sandie serves to a loyal following of customers who are simply looking for something different. How much wood is used in the course of a year? “A lot,” explains Eric. “I split it all myself. Each year we use enough to the fill the backyard – about two full semi-trucks filled with logs.” Even the market and bistro itself is made completely of wood. Eric, a former building and landscape craftsman, assembled the log cabin-style building himself. Sandie helped scrape the logs before they were moved into place. The resulting structure, straightforward yet alluring, feels as if it is the embodiment of its two occupants, both of whom constantly move about attending to their duties. Eric repairs, arranges and plans expansions. Sandie, of course, cooks and cooks and cooks some more. “I make everything from scratch,” she reminds me. “We aren’t used to sitting down while we’re in here.” Laying the groundwork Sandie and Eric Becker are relatively new entrepreneurs, the bistro being only two years old, but it is clear that their business pursuits are deeply ingrained in their chosen lifestyle. Both natives of Ithaca, they worked at Cornell for many years in operations-support roles. Along the way, as Sandie reflected on her roots (her grandfather was a butcher; her mother owned a restaurant), she began to develop a penchant for cooking, a skill for which she has never received formal training. At first, she hosted dinner parties with friends. Word spread, and soon she was asked to cater the social engagements of others. As her abilities grew, she became involved in the culinary community in Ithaca, conferring with trained chefs. It became apparent to Sandie that she had a future in the culinary arts. The Beckers moved to the rural community of Niles in 1998, a location where they felt they could mix their desire
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A wood stove lets Sandie Becker cook evenly and deliberately.
for self-sufficient country living with their plans to open a market and bistro. To create the operation they wanted, however, took some time. By strongly adhering to the principles of organic farming and cooking, Sandie set out to become acquainted with local and regional suppliers. “We investigated local farms. We talked to people. We visited specialty shops. We wanted to know where our products were coming from.” An organic theme There is hardly an item for sale within the market for which Sandie does not have some sort of story. The large variety of both common and rare consumables are all organic and each was selected after Sandie sampled them through her own experiences or through references by others. A packet of frozen salmon, for instance, elicits a story about a couple who hand catch the fish in Alaska and sell fillets throughout the country. While all the basic culinary bases are covered, and then some,
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Canandaigua Lake - Bristol Hills
www.CapriniRealtors.com (585)330-8258
Anne Caprini
CAYUGA LAKE WATERFRONT HOMES This year round 4BD, 2BA ranch is totally updated. New maple Kit. & new BA. Stone frpl, open floor plan, prime level 70 ft east side Cayuga lake, plus boat slip. Panoramic views. A must see $360,000’s. Mint condition, 2100 sq ft cape, 4BD, 2BA, HW flrs. composite deck. 100’ prime lakefront w/ manicured lawn, three season room 2 car gar. dock included. Pub.util. $399,000.
For more details and photos go to www.lakecountryrealestateny.com View all waterfront listings on our website.
Contact Midge Fricano, Broker, GRI. CRS.
KEUKA LAKE Keuka Lake "turn-of-thecentury" Victorian right on the water! 101ft. of natural frontage, permanent dock, open wrap-around porch, 3 bedrooms, drive to the door, granite countertops, new everything... $549,000. This is sooo special! Keuka Lake "post n' beam" at water's edge! 120ft. of natural frontage, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge lodge fireplace, vaulted ceilings, garage w/finished rec. room above, 1 1/2 acres... $649,000. This is perfection!
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Mark Malcolm II “Keuka Lake’s Top Agent” 315-536-6163 Direct
315-729-0985 email: lakcountry@aol.com
Lake Country Real Estate, Inc. 121 North St., Auburn, NY • 315-258-9147
L AND
OF
L AKES R EALTY
West side Owasco Lakefront 279'+/- Level Year Round
4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2136 sq ft year round 1900 home. Huge livingroom enclosed patio. 1 car attache, 2 car detache garages. Very Very nice frontage. Large yard. Easy access. Ensnore Rd is a town road so it is plowed. Places like this are almost never for sale. $549,900
www.markmalcolm.com
Welcome to the Finger Lakes! Full service realtors, Finger Lakes Realty, offer buyer and seller representation to the entire Finger Lakes Region. We are currently serving Yates, Steuben, Schuyler and Ontario counties, home to Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Waneta Lake, and Lamoka Lake. A few of our services include free, no obligation market analysis of your property, newspaper and internet marketing programs, and agent availability seven days a week.
Contact one of our agents for your next Finger Lakes Real Estate buying experience.
Jeff Trescot, Broker 315- 497-3700 www.jefftrescot.com jefflcre@aol.com
315-536-7285 • www.FingerLakesProperty.com
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Call today for a private viewing.
Since 1975!
Superb 2008 lake residence. Natural beach, gourmet kitchen, two story Great Rm, stone FP, fin W/O lower level, upgrades galore! $1,190,000
Nick & Marty Mendola www.CanandaiguaLake.com • (585) 394-0270
FINGER LAKES UPSTATE NEW YORK Lake properties, Homes, Estates, Farms, Land, Lots on and around Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the largest of the Finger Lakes; List and Sell. No One Exceeds Our Marketing Plan. Senecayuga is a member of Ithaca Board, Greater Rochester, Greater Syracuse, and Elmira-Corning Multiple Listing services, covering all Eleven Finger Lakes, and over 20+ Internet websites.
Mel Russo, Licensed Real Estate Broker www.senecayuga.com • (315) 568-9404 • Senecayuga@aol.com
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The market section of Niles Gourmet offers quality organic foods from around the world.
the ad hoc acquisition of certain brands leads to some eclectic choices. The market offers honey from Spain, oil from France, and sea salt from Ireland. The unifying factor in all of these choices is that Sandie believes that these are the best quality organic foods that she can offer. The restaurant portion of the market is comprised of a handful of tables that stretch out onto an outside patio during the summer months. The door to the kitchen is open and accessible to curious patrons who want to see the centerpiece of Niles Gourmet: the cast-iron wood-burning cook stove. Sandie first came upon the concept of cooking with wood when she witnessed the preparation of an
READER ACTION NUMBER 126
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Amish meal, and she knew that mastering a wood stove would help her create the dishes she wanted. “It’s a chore to learn on, but now I’d rather cook on that than any other stove.” Sandie believes that the nature of the stove allows her to cook evenly and deliberately, imparting the natural flavors within the foods. The menu at Niles Gourmet is in constant shift, based on the supplies Sandie happens to have on hand. Generally, there are several meats available, including a sampling of local wild game, lamb, duck, venison, buffalo and occasionally ostrich. The menu also offers a variety of vegetarian options using the fresh vegetables grown on the premises. An endless mix of
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pastas and pizzas are available. While she has not kept an official tally, Sandie believes that her most popular dish is pumpkin ravioli with brown butter sage sauce. Because Sandie cooks everything from scratch, customers can inquire about changing any elements of the dishes to suit their tastes or dietary needs. Homemade desserts and air-roasted Frenchpressed coffees round out the menu. Sandie emphasizes that all her ingredients are fresh and organic and that all the meats are from animals raised in especially humane farms. She believes that organic food is healthier for many different reasons, although she has a simple compelling point for those who do not seek organic food for health reasons: “It tastes better,” she exclaims. “It really does!” Homespun ambience The overall dining ambiance that is created in this environment is open to interpretation. Noting her roots, Sandie explains that she is trying to create a rustic Italian-style kitchen that one might find in northern Italy. Some visitors pick up on this emphasis, while others relate their surroundings to other homespun
eating establishments still found in rural Europe. No matter each final conclusion, Sandie feels that she has succeeded in creating a unique dining experience that appeals to Old World sensibilities. The Beckers defer to the many visitors from all over the East Coast and Canada who return to Niles Gourmet to eat in surroundings they find charming and different. Niles Gourmet Country Market and Bistro welcomes new customers who are looking for good food and unique products. Eric and Sandie Becker will continue to expand their establishment with the addition of an outdoor brick oven in the summer of 2009, and they have a rooftop deck planned for the future, so diners can view both Skaneateles and Owasco Lakes from their perch during nice weather. With their passion for organic living and eating, the Beckers hope to continue to share their bounty with the Finger Lakes community for some time to come. Niles Gourmet Country Market and Bistro is located at 4588 Grange Hall Road in Niles. To learn more about them, visit www.nilesgourmet.com or call 315-784-5015.
It is a buyer’s market here in Arizona! Originally from the Finger Lakes Region, Tom has been a resident in Arizona for 16 years. Concentrating on the Scottsdale and Northwest Valley, Tom has the insight for all of your real estate needs. His team has experience in investment properties, new construction, resale, town homes, condominiums, second homes, vacation homes, and master planned adult communities.
Exclusive Buyers’ Agents Representing Buyers’ in the Finger Lakes & Rochester area.
Tom O’Hara Realtor/MBA/GRI 480-231-5726 tohara@pruamerican.com
Your Finger Lakes Friend … In the Valley of the Sun!
Planning your Finger Lakes vacation? Plan your fun at ... ExploreThe FingerLakes .com The online Travel Planner from LIFL magazine
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D O W N T O W N
Destination by Eileen Cash, with Joy Underhill
Victor
H
idden treasures await in Victor, a small town with old-fashioned charm and modern amenities. Best known for its progressive business climate and one of the finest school districts in the state, Victor is among the fastest growing towns in the region. Located just off the New York State Thruway, it offers easy access to the stunning hills and views of the Finger Lakes. A sample of the architecture in downtown Victor. Photo by Joy Underhill Victor’s first settlers were the Seneca Indians who were Hidden Treasures part of the Iroquois Confederacy. The thriving Seneca village of Gannagaro was destroyed by the French in 1687, and the site of the village is now a state park Ganondagan’s Granary Trail at Fort known as Ganondagan. It features miles of hiking trails, a visitor center and a Hill (County Roads 444 and 41) takes replica bark longhouse. you to a plateau that offers sweeping Established in 1812, Victor was named after Victor Boughton, a distinguished views of valleys and hillsides throughhero of the War of 1812. Agriculture became the most important local industry, out the town. This was once the site of and in the past 30 years, Victor has seen a the picketed granary where the village’s dramatic rise in small high-tech firms and winter supply of corn was stored. Forty upscale housing. interpretive signs give firsthand acBegin your tour of Victor starting at Valentown Hall, a three-story wooden struc- counts of the mass destruction of the granary by the French campaign of ture that was intended to be the center of the town. As fate would have it, the railroad 1687. The surface is dirt and mowedgrass paths. came through two miles away, and Valentown is now a museum featuring a 19th cenVictor Valentown Hall (7370 Valentown tury grocery, meat market, cobbler’s shop, Square) is an intriguing historical muschool of music and bakery. Stop in at the seum located in Victor. It contains adjacent Ichabod homestead to enjoy an afN thousands of artifacts, objects and ternoon tea. heirlooms that represent the 19th cenAt the other end of Valentown Road is tury history of the Victor and Mott’s Corners, site of the historic 1820 Springdale Farm homestead, now a bed Rochester area. and breakfast. This cozy getaway features a 100-acre nature preserve. Put on your hiking shoes and watch for the bluebirds! Don’t miss Ravenwood Golf Club, offering some of the area’s finest golfing. Victor also features an Arabian horse farm (Sugar Hill Farm), located next to the Gillis-Schoff Maple Sugar Farm. Taste the best cream puffs around at Sweet Times Bakery, and stroll Main Street to shop for fresh flowers and unique gifts. Don’t miss Beau Monde, a full-service spa where you can escape the pressures of everyday life. For the ultimate in shopping, spend some time at Eastview Mall. Located in the Finger Lakes Region, Victor is just north of scenic Canandaigua Lake, home of the New York Wine and Culinary Center. The village is only a onehour drive from Niagara Falls and Canada, and three hours from the Thousand Islands and the Adirondack Mountains. Valentown Hall, circa 1905 Photo courtesy Valentown Hall
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1820 Springdale Farm
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1820 Springdale Farm Bed & Breakfast (242 County Road 9) is one of the oldest homesteads in the area. An historic agricultural and produce farm, it still has the original threshing barn and a working artesian well from one of the many natural underground springs on the property. Special Events
A view of the Victor area from Fort Hill Ganondagan. Photo by Phillip Hilden
The Gillis-Schoff Maple Sugar Farm (6445 Gillis Road) offers tree-tapping and syrup-making demonstrations throughout the month of March. Take a wagon ride to the sugar bush, or step into the sugarhouse and watch the evaporators in action. Mary Frances Bluebird Nature Preserve (County Road 9) will be the site of a guided hike on June 14. Sponsored by the Victor Parks and Recreation Department, the event will also include a tasty breakfast at 1820 Springdale Farm across the street.
Dining Champp’s Eastview Mall www.champps.com Chit Chat Café 164 West Main Street Grandma Hattie’s Tea Party Valentown Museum grounds www.grandmahattiesteaparty.com India House 7343 Route 96 www.indiahouse.com Napa Wood Fired Pizzeria 90 West Main Street Otto Tomotto’s Good Italian 300 Phoenix Mills Plaza, 6385 Route 96 www.ottotomottos.com Sweet Times Bakery 110 Phoenix Mills Plaza, 6385 Route 96
For more details, visit: www.destinationvictorny.com www.visitfingerlakes.com
Maple syrup pails at the Gillis-Schoff Maple Sugar Farm. Photo by Gene Gillis
www.DestinationVictorNY.com
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET: 11:30-2:30 DINNERS: 5:00-9:30 (Sun-Thur) 5:00-10:00 (Fri-Sat)
7343 ROUTE 96, VICTOR, NY (Right on Rt. 96 S. - Less than 1mi. on right)
AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE
TEL: (585) 742-2030
VISIT OUR DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER LOCATION 998 S. CLINTON AVENUE
www.indiahouse.com Visit a full-scale replica of a 17th Century Seneca bark longhouse, explore miles of trails and learn how our traditions still influence your life today. Tea Room & Gift Shop located in the Ichabod Town Homestead on the grounds of the Valentown Museum, Victor, NY Luncheon, Afternoon and Specialty Teas by reservation only Contact Kathleen Houser at 742-2293, info@grandmahattiesteaparty.com
www.grandmahattiesteaparty.com
1488 State Rte. 444, Victor • 585-742-1690 www.ganondagan.org
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Salvaging the Past story by Nina Boutsikaris photos by Jake Forney
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What a find! Ithaca resident Sigrid Kulkowitz speaks enthusiastically about her plans to turn this set of wooden pipes from a church organ into kitchen cabinets. As they remodel their home, Kulkowitz and her husband are attempting to use salvaged materials whenever they can.
S
tepping into Significant Elements, the architectural salvage warehouse in
downtown Ithaca, is like entering a madman’s personal museum. The musty smell of an old library, like the yellowed pages of an aging book, saturates the chilly air of the three-story building on Center Street. Every inch of floor space is crammed with vintage hardware and home furnishings, from the smallest tiles and screws, to claw-footed bathtubs, ceiling beams and wooden banister spindles. Dozens of rusty drawers are filled with little odds and ends, like doorknobs, bin pulls and rim locks, and the massive shelves are lined with window frames, porcelain sinks and pink and green glass lampshades. On a wintry Saturday afternoon in November, Significant Elements is a flurry of activity. Some customers are looking to buy, while others are stopping in to donate an item or two. Kristen Olson, a preservation associate at Historic Ithaca, the organization that sponsors the nonprofit shop, bustles around the warehouse in a sweater and down vest to keep warm. She answers the shoppers’ questions and tries to make room for new SPRING 2009 ~
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donations, heaving around boxes of what looks like junk. Two contractors ask if she’d be interested in some unusual tile they just uncovered while remodeling a bathroom. One of them mutters something about never seeing anything like this type of tile in his life, and Olson enthusiastically says yes. Satisfied, the two men wander off together in search of a walnut interior door. One man comes in toting a ceiling fan and an old stovetop for drop-off, with nothing but the burners nested in a bed of tin. “It’s funny,” Olson says, smiling and nodding knowingly. “Someone was just in here yesterday looking for one of those. On occasion the staff will comb antique fairs for new finds, but most is salvaged. About 60 percent of their supply comes from newer recycled building materials dating to the post 1950s era, with about 20 percent comprised of architectural salvage from much older homes and properties in the area. “People aren’t always looking for antiques,” says Olson. “Sometimes they just want to save a couple of bucks.” A young couple strolls leisurely around the maze of artifacts. “Cool!” cries the woman, gingerly touching an ancient Singer sewing machine, complete with table. The man peers into the shiny surface of a large brass knocker. Clearly, inspiration and creative nudging happens here. But Significant Elements isn’t just for innovative homeowners, folks on a budget or builders looking for specific restorative pieces. Local theaters have an almost constant reciprocal relationship with the shop. “We go there when we are doing a period show,” said Rachel Lampert, the artistic director at the Kitchen Theatre. Lampert’s design team has found items like pipes, radiators, trim, hardware, doors, columns and dozens of windows for their productions. “This is a terrific way to help things
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Gorgeous standing lamps from different decades are available at bargain prices.
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More architectural salvage warehouses Shaver Brothers 32 Perrine Street Auburn, NY 13021 800-564-7206 Shaver Brothers has thousands of doors and windows. They also carry hardware, porchposts, radiators, clawfoot bathtubs, sinks, shutters, hardwood flooring, corbels, stained glass windows, lighting, fencing, old moldings, antiques and more. www.shaverbrothers.com
New York Salvage 35 Otsego Street Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-9890 Architiques started in 1989 offering architectural elements and garden items at antique shows. The company also offers custom home furnishings and accents, custom designs and framing and operates a salvage yard, New York Salvage. www.architiques.net
ReHouse 1473 E. Main Street Rochester, NY 14609 585-288-3080 ReHouse diverts quality reusable antique, vintage and modern building materials from the landfill by offering them through their store. As of the end of 2007, the organization had prevented more than 500 tons of material from entering local landfills. www.rehouseny.com
Buffalo ReUse 298 Northampton Street Buffalo, NY 716-885-4131 The ReSource store provides building materials and household items, DIY ideas, green education and community outreach. www.buffaloreuse.org
Historic Houseparts 540 South Avenue Rochester, NY 14620 585-325-2329 Historic Houseparts specializes in architectural salvage but also carries vintage and reproduction hardware, plumbing, decorative accessories and more. www.historichouseparts.com Horsefeathers Architectual Antiques 37 Chandler Street Buffalo NY 14207 716-882-1581 Horsefeathers offers restoration materials for wholesale, retail and trade as well as prop rentals. The showrooms feature a large area of hunting, fishing and Adirondack items, hardware, doors, mantels, lighting fixtures, stained and beveled glass, bars and complete interiors, urns and garden furniture, fencing, statuary, signs, antique furniture and accessories and Oriental rugs. www.horsefeathers-antiques.com
Historic Albany – Architectural Parts Warehouse 89 Lexington Avenue Albany, NY 12206 518-465-2987 Historic Albany Foundation advocates the preservation of all historic buildings and encourages the retention of parts in their original settings. They accept donations only of historic salvaged parts that would otherwise have been destroyed or lost and sell to architects, contractors, designers and doit-yourselfers. www.historic-albany.org/ warehous.html Olde Good Things 400 Gilligan Street Scranton, PA 18508 570-341-7668 This company has several locations. Its national headquarters in Scranton boasts lots of decorative terra cotta, miles of aisles of columns and a large selection of mantels, molding, tin ceiling panels, doors, glass, iron, bathroom fixtures and more. www.oldegoodthings.com
Top: Get inspired by these old window frames. Sand the old paint and insert a piece of reflective glass for a rustic mirror with a chic twist! Middle: This beautiful sewing machine is one of many exceptional and rare antiques. Bottom: Drawers of knickknacks, like these old doorknobs, are fun to rummage through even if you’re not planning to buy.
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to be recycled and not end up in the dump,” she said. Since most of Significant Elements’ inventory comes from donations, it worked out well when the Kitchen Theater decided to upgrade its seating a few years ago. “We gave our older seats to SE,” Lampert said. “A lot of them were in perfect condition but we just didn’t have replacement parts for those that were damaged. I keep expecting to come into someone’s house and see a few of those theater seats neatly set up in front of a great picture window or TV set.” The Internal Revenue Service usually considers a donation of property that merits historical preservation to meet the test of a charitable contribution for conservation purposes. Donors are eligible for tax credit receipts, and any private individual restoring a decrepit income-generating property can apply for a 10- or 20-percent tax credit under the Federal Preservation Tax Incentives program. Improvements to an owner’s private residence are not eligible for these tax incentives. The rationale is that maintaining an interest in historic preservation helps give a community a sense of identity, stability and orientation. It’s the local government, however, that has the
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AUBURN, READER ACTION NUMBER 107
ITHACA, READER ACTION NUMBER 108
+LVWRULF ,WKDFD¶V
Significant Elements Architectural Salvage Warehouse Open Tuesday-Saturday
significantelements.org
Since 1991
(607)277-3450
212 Center St.
Downtown Ithaca, NY
READER ACTION NUMBER 109
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READER ACTION NUMBER 134
What’s Your Vision? CONTACT THE TIMBERPEG ® INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE NEAREST YOU:
NAPLES, NY Berkshire Builders (585) 374-2830 posborne@frontiernet.net CORTLAND, NY KJM Contracting, Inc. (607) 749-2550 kjmcon@msn.com
When you choose TIMBERPEG® your vision is our goal. Find out more about building an energy efficient timber frame home.
Visit our website or call us to order a free Brochure and DVD www.timberpeg.com READER ACTION NUMBER 147
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1.800.636.2424
T-LIFL2
most power over what is protected, and in rural areas with low property values, or where the property is too remote to be a part of a specific district, preservation becomes economically difficult. “The City of Ithaca, like many other municipalities, has a landmarks ordinance that protects designated landmarks and districts from demolition or alteration,” said Olson. “But the more rural areas in Tompkins County and the Finger Lakes Region lack this protection. Add to that the demise of the family farm and loss of rural population over the past century, and you can see why rural preservation is such a challenge.” As a branch of Historic Ithaca, Significant Elements’ main effort is to encourage reclamation and reuse of building materials when the demolition of a building is inevitable. The organization then provides these used materials at an affordable price, and its value in the community has only grown since it was founded in 1991. In addition to encouraging preservation, the store promotes an environmental message. In 2001 Significant Elements formed a partnership with the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division in order to reduce the amount of material sent to area landfills. Together they are able to help rescue “irreplaceable architectural elements and reusable building materials, giving them new useful lives.” Olson emphasized, “It’s important to note positive aspects of the interconnectedness of historic preservation with a lot of other quality-of-life issues—like sustainability, housing and food systems,” adding, “Building partnerships with peo-
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Visit Beautiful Belhurst ple working in those fields is a tremendous opportunity for preservationists as the approach continues to broaden.” With the recent hiring of Alphonse Pieper as the new program manager, Significant Elements is looking forward to more changes. Pieper, a Cornell University alumnus with a master’s in historic preservation planning, worked for Historic Ithaca in the 1990s as the preservation director, before leaving to start his own architectural salvage business in Homer. He brings 30 years of experience in historic preservation construction and services. Pieper is especially invested in his new “Conservation Lab,” which offers members of the community opportunities to participate in classes designed to teach them how to restore their homes.
Premier Attraction of the Finger Lakes Voted One of the Most Romantic Places in New York State! Dine at Edgar’s, the Restaurant in the Castle Relax at Stonecutters Lounge Find Romance at our Chambers in the Castle Visit the Luxurious Vinifera Inn Unwind at White Springs Manor Experience our Belhurst Wine & Gift Shop Celebrate Your Special Event in One of Our Magnificent Ballrooms
Rte 14 South, Geneva 315-781-0201 www.belhurst.com READER ACTION NUMBER 169
A state-of-the-art web and sheet-fed printing facility.
“Preservation staff will now be available for consultations with customers at the Significant Elements building during peak business hours,” said Pieper. The lab will be a means for homeowners or contractors to get direct technical guidance and advice from a trained preservationist if they are taking on a project. Pieper is also looking to reinvigorate their volunteer assistance. “We would love volunteers!” He said, adding that he is in need of anyone to help out customers during shop hours. For more information or to volunteer, contact Significant Elements at 607277-3450, or stop by at the corner of Plain and Center streets.
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region... Vanguard Printing provides both short and long-run production of publications, travel guides, brochures, catalogs and directories. In-house mail and logistics center.
Tom Birch Director of Regional Sales I tbirch@vanguardprintingllc.com I cell 607.351.9350 17 Halls Woods Road I Ithaca, NY 14850 I ph 607.330.7148 I fax 607.272.6360 READER ACTION NUMBER 145
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Cumming Nature Center
A Bristol Hills Retreat story by Ron and Collette Stochl photos by Ron Stochl
M
any years ago, while teaching junior high school science, a colleague suggested a field trip for our students that would provide them with a true wilderness experience. The place he had in mind offered a variety of interesting nature trails and guided tours. The place ‌ Cumming Nature Center in the Bristol Hills. It took only one trip for me, my colleagues and students to absolutely fall in love with this delightful place. It offers a magical intimacy between people and outdoor life.
Everyone enjoys watching how the early settlers worked with old-fashioned tools like this grinding wheel.
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Understandably, this is one of the most photographed trails at the nature center.
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Families love the pancake breakfast that starts off the maple sugaring event.
C
umming Nature Center encompasses approximately 900 acres of land, characterized by a wide variety of plant species, several creeks and ponds, and six miles of themed hiking trails. Beaver Trail, for instance, highlights nature cycles, and Pioneer focuses on the life of early settlers. From late December through March, there are 15 miles of groomed trails for cross country skiing, and for hearty individuals, a two-mile snowshoe loop. Guided walking tours are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but you are welcome to take walks on your own. Along with its natural beauty and serenity, Cumming Nature Center is a terrific educational experience for young and old alike. Programs are available for both elementary and middle-school students. Teachers and environmental educators can even design their own program to best suit the needs of their classes. How about touring an 18th-century homestead and a sawmill? Would you like to learn how a “sugarhouse� operates? You will find numerous examples of plant succession and food webs, and the importance of conser-
READER ACTION NUMBER 132
A Unique Dining Experience a short drive from Canandaigua Lake
Mention this ad and receive a free glass of wine or dessert with your purchase of a dinner entree. Limit one per customer. $10 Value. Not redeemable for cash. Expires 5/2/09.
7 West Main Street, Clifton Springs, NY 14432 Lunch and Dinner served Tuesday-Saturday 2ESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED s #ALL Dining Room Image Courtesy of: Matt DeTurck, City Newspaper
www.warfields.com
READER ACTION NUMBER 119
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Look for signs like this throughout the center for help in understanding pioneer times.
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Fox are among the many preserved creatures shown inside the exhibit area.
Parents and children test their drilling skills on a sample log. Most often, cordless drills are used by professional maple sugaring farms.
Cumming Nature Center, located at 6472 Gulick Road in Naples (14512) is a pleasant 40-minute trip from downtown Rochester. Traveling via routes 64 or 21 south provides exhilarating views of the region. Once you reach Naples, signs guide you to the center. For other, more direct routes, visit the center’s website, www.rmsc.org. The center is open to the public on weekends only. Snacks and restrooms are available.
For more information, call 585- 374-6160.
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2 convenient locations 4 Coulter Rd. Clifton Springs, NY 14432 231 Parrish St. Canandaigua, NY 14424 1-800-827-0140
Licensed Doctors of Audiology
John R. Salisbury, Au.D.
Buckets used to collect maple sap are seen throughout the nature center’s woodlands.
Paige M Helfer, Au.D.
Gregory D. King, Au.D.
READER ACTION NUMBER 133
vation is emphasized. You’ll get a chance to witness the interaction of plants and animals while traversing Beaver Trail. You can find many examples of living communities at Cumming Nature Center. Inside the Visitors Center are a variety of exhibits, including preserved creatures and a huge tank filled with painted turtles. Beautiful murals depict natural habitats. You will even find a theater experience!
Great things are happening at ...
www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com 1 Post calendar events
2 Search for archived articles from previous issues
1 3
2 4
Special events Cumming sponsors several fun events throughout the year, beginning in February with “Hot Dog Days,” which benefits the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol (they help monitor the center’s trails). Visitors can dine on hot dogs, chili, cider and cookies. “Moonlight skiing” is offered one Saturday night, and it’s a very exhilarating activity indeed. This spooky experience begins at approximately 5:45 p.m. You ski by lantern light and,
3 Plan your Finger Lakes trip here 6
4 Read a FREE monthly e-newsletter 5 5 Great ads
6 See videos 7 7 Get news
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Cash Management Services •
Mortgage & Home Equity Services •
Credit Card Processing •
Online Banking •
Great Loan Rates
Experiencing a pioneer homestead makes you appreciate how we live today.
OVER 50 OFFICES • MORE THAN 70 ATMs 1-800-836-2265 | www.five-starbank.com MEMBER FDIC
READER ACTION NUMBER 137
Offered by the Spa Apartments The Spa Apartments has put together a package of services and amenities most seniors are looking for. Prices start at $525 a month with all utilities included. • • • • • • • •
Meal Program Transportation Cable TV Nursing Service Activities Elevators Individual Heat Control Large Gracious Lobbies
• • • • • • • •
Front Door Intercom Laundry Room Laundry Service Arts & Crafts Emergency Call System Housekeeping Room Service Emergency Maintenance
• • • • • • • •
Fire Systems Library Trips Entertainment Large Porches Walk Areas Picnic Areas Full Kitchen and Bath
Nestled in the quaint little village of Clifton Springs, NY. Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic is connected to our building. Downtown shopping is only steps away. Call today for a tour.
315-462-3080 www.spaapartments.com READER ACTION NUMBER 150
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at the end of the adventure, enjoy a fine buffet dinner in the beautiful Visitors Center. One of the most notable events focuses on maple sugaring, and takes place both on the last weekend in March and first weekend in April. It was once done by the Haudenosaunee, along with other pioneers of the region. Visitors tour a number of outdoor stations, each of which is hosted by volunteers. Some stations include a hands-on activity, especially delightful for children. You may also tour the maple sugar house. By doing so, you get a real feel for what early settlers had to endure just to capture and process raw materials into things like sugar. The maple sugar weekends are also characterized by a wonderful pancake breakfast for all participants. Funds from this event are used to help support the center. Fall culminates with a timber sports competition, held in October.
Ron Stochl is a retired teacher who instructs digital photography for the Rush Henrietta and Gates Chili Continuing Education programs. He and his wife Collette also operate a small photography business. Visit their website, www.stochlimaging.com or call them at 585-233-4018.
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PRO F IL E
Frog Song story and photos by Bill Banaszewski
E Greater gray tree frog
Spring peeper
ach spring and running though early summer, the frogs and toads of the Finger Lakes Region come out of hibernation and begin their seasonal migration to ponds and wetlands for the purpose of breeding. Males arrive at the water’s edge first and begin calling to attract females. As the days warm and with each passing spring rain shower, the nights come alive with a chorus of frog songs, reminding us that winter is over, spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner. “Wood frogs have even more lives than a cat because they croak every night” There are eight frogs and one toad common to our region. Very early in spring, usually when there is still snow on the ground, wood frogs, which are tan to cinnamon with a distinctive dark brown robber’s mask, are the first to come out of hibernation. They emerge from underneath decaying logs and forest leaf litter and migrate to vernal ponds, fishless pools in the forest that dry up in the summer. As soon as they arrive, males begin croaking with a call that sounds very much like a duck quacking. Females arrive within days, responding to the courtship call. Unless there is a cold snap, breeding takes place and eggs are laid. Without lingering, wood frogs return to moist woodlands for the remainder of the year. “Spring peepers and northern chorus frogs are rather happy because they eat everything that bugs them” Our smallest frogs are the next to arrive at breeding ponds. Slightly over 1 inch long, spring peepers and northern
American toad
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chorus frogs are similar in appearance and have similar calls. Both are dark brown to tan, but peepers differ in that they have a dark “X” on their back and suction-like discs on their toes for climbing trees. They have mighty voices for such small creatures – a steady “peep-peep” in the case of peepers and a “prr-eep, prr-eep” for chorus frogs. Ear splitting choruses of these tiny frogs are heard throughout the region in April. As spring rain showers continue to soak into the ground, two larger frogs that also look alike arrive at ponds and wetlands. Pickerel and leopard frogs both have dark markings on their backs between two long ridges. These markings are rounded on leopard frogs and square on pickerel frogs. Both frogs have snoring type calls, but in the case of leopard frogs the snore is interspersed with grunts – a sound my wife complains about nightly, regardless of the season. The greater gray tree frog is the only large tree frog in our area. Equipped with large sticky toes to help them climb trees, they are often confused with toads because adults have warty bumps on their backs. Unlike toads, however, they have the ability to change their body color from green to gray to blend in with their surroundings. Males arrive at breeding ponds from late April to early May and call in females with a high-pitched trill. Gray tree frogs also sing during summer months, especially prior to thunderstorms or during humid conditions. “Did you hear that the New York Yankees are recruiting American toads because, unlike some players with multimillion-dollar contracts, toads are great at catching flies”
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Bullfrog
My favorite amphibian (frogs, toads and salamanders) is the American toad. Toads have pudgy bodies with small bumps or warts, and they often look like they are half asleep. Don’t let that fool you; they are excellent at catching destructive insects and garden pests such as slugs and cut worms. The call of a male toad is a melodious trill that can last up to 30 seconds. The male American toad has a breeding drive that is quite exceptional. Not to be outdone, female toads are extremely prolific – one female can lay as many as 25,000 eggs. No other four-footed creature lays more eggs. Our most aquatic and largest frogs, green frogs and bullfrogs, are the last to emerge from hibernation. Both are green to brownish in color and have courtship calls that sound alike. The song of a green frog is a repeated “plunk-plunk-plunk,” “Strummin’ on the ole banjo,” my granddaughter says. The bullfrog’s call is a guttural and repeated “jug-o-rum.” Bullfrogs can grow up to 7 inches long and are voracious predators, consuming mice, ducklings, snakes and other frogs. You get the point – just about anything.
“Unfortunately frogs, like humans, have been impacted by the difficult economic times because this spring I’m hearing their sad chorus: “Bar-oke, Bar-oke, Bar-oke.” Even though frogs have been the subject of countless lame jokes, some recent scientific studies have suggested that frog and toad populations may be declining throughout the world with no clear or single explanation. Historically, misinformation about amphibians is widespread – no, you can’t get warts from a toad. However, there is little scientific information about the population of each species. The World Conservation Union declared 2008 The Year of the Frog, and the U.S. Geological Survey and National Wildlife Federation are now beginning to gather information on the status of frogs and toads by initiating Frog Watch USA. To learn more and to participate go to www.nwf.org/frogwatchusa.
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ECO story and photos by Malcolm MacKenzie
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An Environment of Learning
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group of sixth graders hikes along the Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail. They stop to study the bark characteristics of a tree as they identify it. Their field journals are secure in their hands, providing a tablet to sketch and write their observations. A week later the same group camps overnight in Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. Their night walk beneath the stars is an adventure of trust and exploring the unknown. The next morning as they break camp, their field journals contain reflections on the previous night’s fears and accomplishments. As the autumn leaves reach their depth of color, the students are found paddling the quiet waters of West River, followed by another respite with their journals as they write their thoughts of the beauty around them. These sixth graders are not on vacation; they are in school! Who are these fortunate youngsters and how do hiking, camping, and paddling canoes shape their public school learning experience?
A
Hiking is an opportunity to explore and discover.
The waters of West River beckon ECO canoeists.
“Hands-on” learning comes in many forms.
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The four Cs Since September 1997, the Marcus Whitman Central School District has offered a unique curriculum choice known as “ECO.” The Environmental Classroom Opportunity Program, as ECO is formally named, provides students with an experiential curriculum rather than the typical classroom fare. Students undertake a wide array of field-based learning expeditions throughout the region’s fields, forests, and waterways. During the 12 years of ECO, more than 375 students have experienced this unique way of learning. Currently ECO is a sixth-grade program; in the 11 previous years, ECO also served seventh-grade students. Whitman teacher Malcolm MacKenzie was instrumental in founding ECO and has remained as the leader and strong advocate of its vision. A sabbatical in 1995 provided MacKenzie time to become refreshed and rethink his approach to teaching. Based upon extended reading and school visits, he became a believer that good schools are marked by four Cs: curriculum, choice, commitment and community. Providing an engaging, relevant curriculum is paramount for student success. Choice in learning venues is something parents and students have come to want, and is a reflection of our consumer-
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VISIT BELHURST WINERY - Belhurst’s Award-winning Wines Have Won over 70 Medals - Enjoy our Specialty Wine Tastings with Chef-Designed Dishes and Your Personal Wine Expert - Unique, Artist-Designed Gifts in Our Large Gift Shop - Customized Gifts and Wine Labels, Perfect for Showers, Bridal Gifts, Anniversaries, Corporate Occasions and More. - Fine and Casual Dining Over-Looking Seneca Lake - Luxurious Lodging in Three Distinct Hotels Come sample our delicious wines while you discover all of Belhurst! Camping provides personal and community challenge.
based society. When students and parents make a choice for a particular curriculum, it forges a stronger sense of commitment to learning, both in the classroom and at home. This shared commitment through choice and curriculum is the basis of the school community, which provides a strong sense of belonging for individual students and their families. The participants Students are selected for ECO participation through a gender-balanced lottery. This student selection process provides a diverse student population in terms of academic skills and socioeconomic background. The program has always had more applicants than available student space (25 slots this school year), which has caused the district to limit enrollment only to district residents. Family plays an important role in the ECO learning experience. This begins as parents make the choice to have their child enroll and continues in the tradition of ECO’s whole-school meetings. Throughout the school year the entire school community of students, teachers, parents, extended family members, and always some ECO alum, gather in evening meetings. Each meeting has a specific focus: orientation, student
Belhurst… For When It’s Special. www.belhurst.com 315-781-0201 Route 14 South Geneva, NY
Wines as Beautiful and Unique as the Castle Itself.
2 Miles S. of Geneva READER ACTION NUMBER 114
E n j o y i n g
G o d ’ s
C r e a t i o n
Finger Lakes Tram
Canandaigua Lake, 2007
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“Stream of consciousness” writing promotes observation and reflection.
portfolio review, student research sharing, a pancake supper (with ECO-made maple syrup), a student steel-drum workshop concert, and a June barbecue (with ECO-grown greens). These meetings provide an important opportunity for celebration and community. Regular communication home, through weekly assessments, quarterly student-written personal assessments, and parent-student-teacher conferences, is also an important hallmark of ECO. Working as an ECO teacher requires a deep commitment of time and special talents. The unique field-based experiences require an array of skills and a willingness to take on responsibilities that require both planning and spontaneity. For example, the teachers may need to load canoes and drive a truck with a boat trailer, life guard on open waters, go camping and organize the trip supplies and equipment, garden, partake in maple sugaring, lead hikes, and, of course, teach the math, science, social studies, and language arts coursework, all while being available for the students. In selecting instructional team members, it is always emphasized that individuals need to be willing to work on an “ECO cultural basis, rather than a contractual basis.” This means extended hours and many additional tasks, but also lots of
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exciting learning activities and rewarding experiences with students in all sorts of beautiful places. What do they do? The activities and destinations are varied and plentiful. The Bristol Hills Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail provides hiking opportunities in the fall and spring. Students have ventured from South Bristol to Hammondsport, taking in most of the 54 miles of hill-and-valley terrain. They have canoed Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua and Keuka Lakes, along with West River, Ganargua Creek, Genesee River and the Seneca and Erie Canals. Service opportunities are also part of ECO’s culture of community. Every spring, the group stocks fish with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Trout Unlimited. As part of a stream rehabilitation project, students planted willows along the banks of Naples Creek, and they designed and built informational kiosks at the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s Wesley Hill Preserve and Canandaigua’s Onanda Park. Outhouses were constructed for the backwoods of Cumming Nature Center. Water testing in the Flint Creek and in the Canandaigua Lake watersheds has provided valuable lessons in environmental
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Rustic by Nature,
Elegant by Design stewardship and the consequences of land-use decisions. All of these activities provide real-life skills that intimately connect the students to where they live, learn, play and prosper: their “homeshed.” Maple sugaring is a favorite activity marking the transition from late winter to early spring. Students study the history of sugaring, paying special attention to the technological developments through the years. This provides them with a visual lesson on how modern efficiencies can impact the quantity and quality of a product. Students research an aspect of sugaring interest and write essays, reports, stories, brochures and poems to share their learning. They spend time collecting sap and making syrup at the MacKenzie home in Italy Valley. The culminating event is the ECO pancake supper for their families, friends and community members. The students prepare the meal, work in the kitchen and serve the diners. Social interaction based upon learning that is real and vital! Public speaking about their ECO learning is also a great opportunity for students. Presentations have been made by teachers and students at colleges and conferences, including Keuka College, Niagara University, Finger Lakes Community College, Nazareth College, New York State School Boards Association, New York Rural Schools, Association of Experiential Education, New York Alterna-
Adirondack Furnishings, Décor and Gifts
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Earle Estates Meadery
Torrey Ridge Winery
Come & enjoy our award-winning Meads, Fruit Wines and Grape Wines, with something for every palate from dry to sweet. Browse through our unique gift shop with a full line of honey products, and observe a live, working beehive (seasonal) in action.
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www.meadery.com • www.torreyridgewinery.com 2770 Rte 14, Penn Yan • 315-536-1210 Open Daily 10-5 (Sunday 12-5) EARLE ESTATES, READER ACTION NUMBER 143
TORREY RIDGE, READER ACTION NUMBER 144
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Solitude allows the mind’s eye to focus.
Journal writing is a regular practice of ECO learning.
At the campus classroom experiential learning continues.
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tive Education Association, and New York State Middle School Association. Perhaps the most important presentation is when current ECO students visit the Whitman fifth-grade classrooms to share their ECO experience with students interested in participating as sixth graders. The kids share their favorite ECO experience and explain why ECO learning has been enjoyable and engaging for them. Writing is a key element in the curriculum. Time is allotted for students to reflect upon their experiences and look for meaning and connections between their activities and other facets of life. By providing hands-on learning as an avenue for written expression, reluctant writers become purposeful, and proficient writers become prolific. The field journal is the ECO passport, stamped by unique perspectives found in the woods and waterways. The pages are often accented with mud, raindrops, paddle drips or sweat. Mementoes, such as pretty leaves, pressed flowers or a piece of shale, can be found tucked inside the journals. They mark a child’s passage into early adolescence, nurtured by nature and spirited by experience. Another important tradition in the ECO student’s learning is the annual steel-drum workshop with an artist-in-residence. For a week in May students study the history of the steel drum and its origin in political and social unrest, along with an immersion in playing the melodic music. The week requires a great sense of teamwork and acceptance of individual challenge that culminates in a “concert” for family and friends. Many students also orally share with the audience their written reflections of the week; stitching their story’s square in the ECO community quilt. Critics may ask, “But what about the schoolwork?” All of this is schoolwork and the results prove it! ECO students have performed as well as their regular-curriculum peers as evidenced by state test results and independent studies. Perhaps even more importantly, they develop a special appreciation of their school experience and of themselves as learners and as young individuals who belong to this special community. By learning and serving in today’s environment, they will care for tomorrow’s, which is a critical need for our future here in the Finger Lakes and the world beyond.
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A home of their own ECO’s home base is now in the middle school at the district’s main campus. Previous years ECO was located in leased space beyond the district’s boundaries at the Cumming Nature Center in South Bristol and in a former elementary school in Branchport. Those “away” locations allowed ECO to develop a strong sense of autonomy and identity, which it currently retains within the middle school. These changes in location have challenged the program to make use of the resources of new environments while retaining a unique heritage of learning. ECO utilizes the district’s excellent transportation department to “Magic School Bus” itself to the many venues used for learning. Near the main campus is a place affectionately known by the students as “ECOland.” In 2000, Agrilink Foods (now Birds Eye) gave the district 173 acres of land three miles from the main campus. The property, comprised of transitional fields, woods and ponds, was once proposed by the district to be the site of a “green” ECO classroom building. The construction funding was not available, so ECO students travel to the site for wildflower study, tree identification, canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing and tree planting. Efforts are underway to encourage greater use of this “outdoor classroom” by all of the district’s students. To help make this feasible, grant money is being sought to develop some of the needed facilities and infrastructure: a picnic pavilion, toilets, observation decks, canoe docks, interpretive trails and parking.
For more information, contact Malcolm MacKenzie at Marcus Whitman Central School in Rushville or by e-mail at mmackenzie@mwcsd.org. Tax-deductible contributions to the ECO Program may be made to Marcus Whitman Central School, 4100 Baldwin Rd., Rushville, NY 14544.
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Post and Beam Homes • Locally crafted in our South Bristol New York shop 5557 Rt. 64, Canandaigua, NY 14424 Phone: 585-374-6405 • Fax: 585-374-8090 www.timberframesinc.com • timberframes@msn.com
Building the Finger Lakes since 1977 READER ACTION NUMBER 148
Great things are happening at ...
www.ExploretheFingerLakes.com 1 Post calendar events 2 View a detailed Finger Lakes map 3 Plan your Finger Lakes trip here through a special category 1
2 5 3
4 Plan your Finger Lakes trip by searching for a business within a certain area 5 Advertiser coupons
4 6
7
6 Great ads 7 Search for a business
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Spring
Woodlands The photography and thoughts of Mindy Arledge
“The voice of nature is always encouraging.” Henry David Thoreau, Walden, March 18, 1858
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The new leaves of a blue aspen stand out against the darker forest background. SPRING 2009 ~
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Morning light showcases the budding trees.
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An inviting pathway encourages the hiker to explore.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;E
very year when I go to the woods to photograph on those first soft, warm days, it is like walking into a whole new
world. First come the odd, yet elegant skunk-cabbage blossoms and The shape of new ferns resembles the contours of a fiddle.
G WOODS
the soft willow catkins. Spiraled new fern leaves unfurl towards the light. Then the trees are budding. Their branches are adorned with living jewels of reds, pinks and the freshest hues of vibrant green. The earliest clusters of woodland plants boldly push up through the rich earth that was hidden from us under the thick snow of a long winter. These early wildflowers are the most unique in form and shape, and probably the most anticipated of the year. Intrepid and delicate, they show they are most deserving of their solo performance on the forest floor.â&#x20AC;? SPRING 2009 ~
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Wild geraniums adorn the forest floor.
SPRING WOODS
gain each year, these first warm days bring a childlike excitement that cannot be satisfied. The landscape comes to life once again, born from the cool dark richness of the earth, and the brilliant warming sun and sky. This time of year encourages us to get out and explore the wild places all around us. These landscapes are not only for the life planted there, they are a little sanctuary for our internal landscapes as well. When I look through the lens of my camera, I look to find a place between the two.â&#x20AC;?
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Pink flowering branches create a contrast against the green color of spring.
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This is the home we built and it’s where we want to stay. Finger Lakes SAILS makes it possible. We enjoy our independence and want to stay in our home as our needs change so we were happy to hear that Thompson Health has developed a program especially for seniors. At a reasonable price, Finger Lakes SAILS provides support services that help us maintain a safe, comfortable lifestyle at home.
We receive reliable, quality referrals for: • Home safety modifications • Lawn care • Home maintenance • Housekeeping • Pet care Call Finger Lakes SAILS today for a complimentary in-home needs assessment. Phone: (585) 396-6299 Email: SAILS@ThompsonHealth.com 30 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua, NY 14424
READER ACTION NUMBER 110
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L I F E S T Y L E
Find a Quiet Place in the Finger Lakes
READER ACTION NUMBER 125
THE CHESHIRE UNION Gift Shop & Antique Center
Located along the
Enjoy a scenic view from The Quiet Place: Naples Chalet hot tub. Photo courtesy The Quiet Place
Canandaigua Wine Trail. In a 1915 brick schoolhouse, you will find the
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• Framed Prints • Mailbox Covers • Crystal Wine Glasses • Local Gourmet Foods
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Open Daily 10-5
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READER ACTION NUMBER 165
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by Carol White Llewellyn
I
n Bloomfield, an A-frame house stands nestled among tall trees and evergreens. Except for the mailbox, you might drive past without noticing its presence. The solitude of its location serves Eric Moon and Jan McKie well. Eric is a professional voiceover talent, and Jan is a former graphic artist turned entrepreneur. They both work from home, and the concept of The Quiet Place is their brainchild. The Quiet Place opened in April 2000 as one secluded getaway cabin conveniently located near Cumming Nature Center, Bristol Mountain, Grimes Glen and several wonderful restaurants and wine trails. Today, there are eight cabins and cottages scattered throughout the
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Finger Lakes, each one designated as The Quiet Place. The cabins range in size from one to four bedrooms, with the largest accommodating up to eight people. Serenity is inspirational A life-size scarecrow greets me from a lawn chair as I step onto their deck. “He keeps visitors away who don’t belong here,” grins Jan. “They think he’s a person, and leave.” Eric laughs, “My neighbors keep saying, ‘Eric, I saw you out on the deck and you’re looking a little peaked these days.’” Inside, serenity fills their chaletstyle home, which overlooks a large pond surrounded by trees and wildlife. I can see how the solitude would be inspi-
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metaplusbook_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*() _+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîô ûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ metaplus_lining_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*() _+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâê îôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ
Pampering from a distance Originally from California, Eric moved east when his ex-wife proposed opening a bed and breakfast near her family in Attica. “I knew Attica wouldn’t work, so we looked around until we found The Iris Farm in Pumpkin Hook, northeast of Farmington.” They bought the farm, restored it, and opened a bed and breakfast. After five years of playing hostess, Eric’s ex-wife tired of the B-and-B and left. “Shortly after that, I met Jan,” he recalls. “She was a graphic artist and my pet sitter.” So where did inspiration come for Jan and Eric to start The Quiet Place? Eric explains, “Having done a B-and-B, I knew pampering from a distance would be more to our liking. One Friday, our neighbor told us that a nearby house was up for auction. We looked at it and agreed to buy it, if we could get it for the right price. The following Monday, the attorney and I were the only two at the auction, so our bid was accepted and we closed 30 days later. Jan became the owner of the first Quiet Place.” “It took us six months to remodel, and since it first opened, our business has grown steadily,” Jan proudly shares. According to Eric, the seven other properties were never something they sought out. “We started with one and didn’t really go looking for additional properties,” he says. “Their owners just find us. They call and say, ‘Hey, we think we have a Quiet Place.’ All of our properties are quiet places, and in fact, the entire Finger Lakes Region is. People come here for peaceful activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, crosscountry skiing and wine tasting.”
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Think outside the standard size hotel room. My Homewood.
Relax in a spacious suite, with a complimentary Suite Start® breakfast every morning and a Welcome Home Reception® Monday through Thursday evenings.
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Contact the Homewood Suites by Hilton®-Ithaca for your next trip to the Finger Lakes Region!
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Actor dramatization. Personalized hotel services are offered at the discretion of each hotel and may vary. ©2008 Hilton Hotels Corporation READER ACTION NUMBER 117
Evening Majesty Beginning of a Perfect Evening Studio Masterwork by Thomas Kinkade ©1999 Thomas Kinkade
rational to Eric in his creation of ads and voiceovers for a broad range of clients, including Time Warner, the Doan Family of Dealerships and Rowe Photo, Video and Audio. “I’ve done ads for agencies, radio, TV and production houses all over the world. Sometimes I create the whole ad from concept to finish, other times I send a voice file and the client adds the bells and whistles.”
Captivating. Inspiring. Classic. Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light, is the best selling artist in America. Visit us and step into the idyllic world and serenity of a Kinkade painting. Come Share the Light in your home. Major credit cards accepted. Layaway and gift certificates available.
Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery of the Finger Lakes 3 Church Street Phelps, NY 14532 315-548-8544 • 585-734-8048 www.kinkadegalleryofthefingerlakes.com dawn@kinkadegalleryofthefingerlakes.com Call for hours.
READER ACTION NUMBER 103
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Theaters, Wineries, Artists and More
Visit
NAPLES Monier Manor
Monica’s Pies April 1...Naples Creek Rainbow Trout Derby at Naples Creek, Rt. 21S, Naples Prizes awarded in various classes. Daybreak - 5 p.m. 585-374-2782 May 9, 16-17, 23 ...Swing into Spring Series at Bristol Valley Theater 151 S. Main St., Naples Footworks: Steps Around the World. Dance ensemble presents fusion of live music, comedy, singing and percussive dance. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 585-374-9032 www.bvtnaples.org
Our Famous Grape Pies Available Year Round Several Varieties Available Daily
Call us to order your favorite!
Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm 7599 Route 21, Naples
585-374-2139 www.monicaspies.com
Bed & Breakfast 154 N. Main Street, Naples 585-374-6719 Come visit our first class B&B and enjoy our luxury accommodations and amenities. Bruce & Donna Scott
Special Packages Available Wine Tour Packages ❧ Romance Packages In Room Massage ❧ Golfers’ Packages
www.MonierManor.com
May 30 - 31 ...Spring Ahead Artisan Showcase at Naples Town Hall, Main St., Naples Work of local and regional artists, artisans and craftspeople on display and for sale, music, food and wine tastings. 585-374-9032 www.bvtnaples.org
HOT ANYTHING & EVERYTHING SAUCE The original sauce with a multitude of uses. Use it as a marinade, topping or an additon to recipes.
June 11 - 21... “A Grand Night for Singing” at Bristol Valley Theater 151 S. Main St., Naples Revue celebrating music of Broadway’s songwriting team Rodgers & Hammerstein. Performances Wednesday - Sunday. 585-374-9032 www.bvtnaples.org
SWEET & SPICEE GLAZE: Apply it to meats during the last few minutes of baking or grilling. A sweeter milder flavor used as a “finishing” sauce.
Produced by K & S Foods Naples, NY 585-534-9257 Come and visit us! Taste our award winning–Double Gold Medal– Widmer Solaira Cream Sherry
Widmer Wine Cellars is home to: • Serenity, renewal, rejuvenation. • Located in the heart of the finger lakes wine region. • Award winning views and romantic suites with private spas, fireplaces & more...
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˜ Brickstone Cellars ˜ ˜ Manischewitz ˜ ˜ Lake Niagara ˜ Open Seasonally, Call for Details Buses Welcome
Naples, NY
Widmer Wine Cellars
1-877-554-6271
1-800-836-LAKE (5253) www.widmerwine.com
www.thevagabondinn.com
1 Lake Niagara Lane, Naples, NY 14512 A member of The Canandaigua Wine Trail Photo courtesy Finger Lakes Visitors Connection
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L I F E S T Y L E
Jan and Eric enjoy a happy moment. Photo by Carol White Llewellyn
A growing business, thanks to the Web After The Quiet Place took off, Jan gave up her successful graphic arts business, where she worked with groups such as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Garth Fagan Dance and the Rochester Broadway Theatre League, to manage the growing business. “I love running it,” Jan smiles. “Every day feels like Saturday.” While much of their business is repeat or word-of-mouth, they credit the Internet with the steady growth. “Forty percent of our business comes from search engines. Google ‘quiet place’ and we come up in the top spot,” notes Eric. “The recession hasn’t hurt us. In this economy, people want to get away. We’re nearby and four-season, so business for the original Quiet Place is up 5 to 7 percent over last year. For the group, it’s up 159 percent.” Look on their website, www.thequietplace.com, and you’ll find eight lovely watercolors depicting Quiet Place properties painted by renowned local artist Cindy Harris of Harris Studios. The watercolors convey the sense of peace and solitude Quiet Place patrons enjoy. “I love painting them,” admits Cindy, who also happens to be the couple’s neighbor. “I try to show the individuality of each place while maintaining a consistent style among all the paintings. I like to show the splendor of the Finger Lakes and the beauty that’s in our own backyard.” While the website includes pictures and amenities of each property, the addresses are intentionally omitted. Eric
9jg^c\ djg cVi^dc´h <gZVi 9ZegZhh^dc! EgZh^YZci ;gVc`a^c 9# GddhZkZai XgZViZY i]Z Ldg`h Egd\gZhh 6Yb^c^higVi^dc id hi^bjaViZ i]Z ZXdcdbn# 6cY ^i ldg`ZY 6h eVgi d[ i]^h ^c^i^Vi^kZ! jcZbeadnZY Vgi^hih lZgZ eV^Y id XgZViZ eV^ci^c\h [dg ejWa^X heVXZh# 9^hXdkZg bVcn d[ i]Z ]^hidg^XVa \Zbh i]Vi gZk^kZY djg ZXdcdbn Vh lZ add` idlVgY gZWj^aY^c\ ^c i]Z '&hi 8Zcijgn#
READER ACTION NUMBER 100
HEAT WITH PELLETS!
In-stock and on SALE!
Lower your energy bills with safe, efficient, renewable energy. Free standing models or inserts for your existing fireplace Installed in 1/2 a day!
TURNER FAMILY OWNED • EST. 1968
900 Panorama Tr. • PENFIELD
585-385-2420
COUNTRY WINSLOW Pellet Stove Sale Hours: Mon., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 10-6, Tues. & Wed. 10-8 www.cricketonthehearth.com
READER ACTION NUMBER 162
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L I F E S T Y L E
Inside The Quiet Place: Mt. View Chalet.
READER ACTION NUMBER 128
OWEGO TREADWAY INN & SUITES AND THE HAMPTON INN WELCOMES YOU TO
TIOGA COUNTY
1100 State Route 17C Owego, New York 13827
Phone: (607) 687-4500 Fax: (607) 687-2456
x x x
Beautiful hotel rooms overlooking the Susquehanna River. Fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere. Near to many attractions: * Tioga Downs Racino * Links at Hiawatha Golfing * Historic Owego Marketplace
Where the only thing we overlook is the River! www.owegotreadway.com For Tioga County events, & attractions go to www. visittioga.com or 800-671-7772.
READER ACTION NUMBER 129
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Photo courtesy The Quiet Place
explains, “That’s so our guests will have total privacy. We want them to feel pampered from the moment they arrive until they leave.” Guests come to work, play, propose It’s no wonder many of their guests are repeat visitors. Jan delights in the special details. Guests arrive to find calming music playing softly, lights glowing, and a light scent of something welcoming in the air. The closets are stocked with assorted CDs, board games and books, candles are scattered throughout and, in most of the properties, a Jacuzzi or hot tub beckons. The hearths are well-supplied with firewood. When asked about their primary clientele, Jan shared, “They’re couples, or parents who just want a break from the kids and pets. We get a lot of individuals too; some are writers or grad students working on dissertations.” She went on, “We had one man from New York City who wanted to propose to his girlfriend here. He had only one day, but the ring wasn’t ready in time, so the jeweler overnighted it to us. The man slipped out early the next morning and picked the ring up from us. The couple went off to spend the day
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together, and he proposed!” Curious about The Quiet Place experience, I called Mike Linehan, president and CEO of the Yates Chamber of Commerce, who had originally told me of the getaways. “I got a gift certificate from a friend. I’d never heard of The Quiet Place before and was surprised how busy they were, even though they’re miles from anywhere. It was hard to get reservations. “On the way, we picked up some wine and steaks to grill, and when we got there, I was blown away by the natural beauty!” Mike enthused. “It had every creature comfort. We put on some jazz CDs, pulled out board games we found in a trunk, had some wine, and used the hot tub. The whole place was so peaceful and incredibly well done in a comfortable way that it felt like home. We didn’t want to leave!” Better than the Caribbean Not only are the Quiet Place accommodations for getaways, birthday and anniversary celebrations, but the guest book pages are scattered with glowing entries from newlyweds who have spent their honeymoon there. Business people also find escape in the solitude.
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Hammondsport
H
ammondsport is the cradle of aviation and the heart of New York
The original Quiet Place, captured by artist Cindy Harris.
wine country. It is also the birthplace of pioneer aviator and inventor Glenn H Curtiss. Born May 21, 1878, he came to be known as
the “Father of Naval Aviation,” and many of his historic flights took place over Jonna Martin, president and founder of Advance Me Associates and president of the Rochester chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, and her husband, Jeff Renelt, a senior financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, found themselves in need of a well-deserved vacation. “Last year, we rented a house in St. John and really loved having a separate, private place where we could spend time together. This year, we didn’t want to venture far, but wanted to be out of our normal element, so we booked The Quiet Place: Candlewood Cottage,” explained Jonna. “It was really well-appointed and the property was magnificent! One night we enjoyed just sitting in the hot tub gazing up at the stars. We discovered some hiking trails we’d have never known about, and we felt like we’d really gone away, even though we were so close.” That sense of discovery is what The Quiet Place is really about: an opportunity to get away to a pampering, but private spot in the heart of the Finger Lakes, where you can reconnect with nature or someone special.
For more accommodation options, Visit ExploretheFingerLakes.com, see the Accommodations Marketplace on pages 83-84 of this magazine and also see other community marketplace ads or go to the index of advertisers on page 81.
the fields surrounding the village or above the waters of Keuka Lake. Come visit this wonderful community this spring. The weather will be perfect for some great shopping.
Hammondsport Downtown Merchants Committee
Lake Country
Patchwork Fabric, Books, Patterns, Classes Monday-Saturday 10-5 • Sunday 11-4 67 Shethar Street, Hammondsport • 607-569-3530 patchwork@infoblvd.net • www.LakeCountryPatchwork.com
Glenn H.
607-569-2989
Museum 8419 State Rte 54 Hammondsport, NY 14840 Ph: (607)569-2160 www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org
Blushing Rose
Bed & Breakfast Simple Elegance in a Casual Atmosphere 1843 Italiante furnished in antiques and country decor. Offering 4 spacious rooms, private baths, full breakfast and wireless internet access. Ideally situated between the quaint Village Square and Keuka Lake. Enjoy our lakeview. Walk to restaurants and shops. Experience the wineries, antiquing and beautiful countryside.
Full breakfast served daily • Lake view • Lawn seating with tranquil fountain • Wireless internet access 11 William Street PO Box 153, Hammondsport, NY 14840 607-569-2687 • Toll Free 1-866-569-2687 www.blushingroseinn.com
A Small Hotel with Big Personality and Modern Amenities! Including Romantic Whirlpool Suites.
Comlimentary Continental Breakfast
Visit us at www.VinehurstInn.com or Call (607)569-2300 for Reservations SPRING 2009 ~
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Discover Dansville
C U L T U R E D
Yates Arts at Sunny Point
DANSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY WHERE KNOWLEDGE GROWS
200 Main St, Dansville, NY 585-335-6720 www.dansvillelibrary.org Monday - Friday 10-8:30 Saturday 12-4:00
Please visit Dansville located in the scenic Genesee Valley. Stop in our office for a cup of fresh brewed coffee while you browse our extensive listing board!
Roger Hyndman conducted a workshop in Solarplate Printmaking during the summer of 2008. Photo by Fran Bliek
by Fran Bliek, with Mary Harmony and Nancy Langford
Dan Edmond
A 202 Main Street, Dansville, NY 14437 585-335-2070
Professional Service With A Home Town Touch
LAROCCA’S
TRAILER CENTER Route 36 at 390 exit 4 Dansville, NY 800-335-3814 www.laroccastrailercenter.com JAYCO
New & Used Fifth Wheels/Travel Trailers/Pop Ups Full Service Center Photo courtesy John Adamski
rtists from all over the world are drawn to the Finger Lakes Region where they are inspired by sailboats and sunshine, clusters of grapes hanging on gnarled vines, and waterfalls and gorges that cut through a patchwork of woodlands, grain fields and vineyards. Thanks to a generous donation of lakefront property by the estate of artist, writer and educator Annie Smith, Ph.D., the Yates County Arts Center (YCAC) can offer artists a gathering place for sharing ideas, practicing their skills, and learning new techniques. Sunny Point, located on East Lake Road just north of Penn Yan, was Annie’s second home. A native of Canada, Annie traveled to Keuka Lake throughout the year, no matter the season, until her
death from cancer in 2007. The YCAC received the Sunny Point property the following summer. It features two residential buildings – a small cottage and “the red barn” – and a boathouse. Because of her work in education and her interest in art as a healing medium, plus her love of art and the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, Annie was prompted to donate Sunny Point to an artists’ group. Her friend and neighbor, Sandy Murrin, who is a member of the YCAC, said Annie wanted everyone to enjoy her property, and hoped its personality would endure. Our goal is to continue Annie’s legacy by using her property as a place for artists and others to gather, be inspired, learn, contemplate and share ideas. The white cottage is sheltered and (continued on page 68)
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Founded in 1974
Gregory L. Schultz D.M.D., P.C.
D
r. Annie Smith was instrumental in developing and coordinating the art and art history program at Sheridan College of the University of Toronto. Her interests in both studio art and art history guided her teaching, writing, speaking, and administrative work in the visual arts, and earned her an outstanding international reputation, especially with audiences in the U.S., Scotland, Hong Kong, Spain, Taiwan and Brazil. The Annie Smith Arts Centre at Sheridan College is named in her honor. Annie received 10 awards for her creative teaching style, lectures and publications. As an artist, Annie initiated, designed and created three murals for the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. She was well known for her landscapes, working in oil on canvas and in watercolor and pastels. However, her most familiar creation was a little cartoon bear that became part of her signature. Annie included it on every personal note, hand-designed Christmas ornament or book she signed. The bear later became the central character of her last book. Art educators may be familiar with her classroom art projects book, Getting Into Art History, published in 1992 by Barn Press. Her experiences with breast cancer in 1986 and ovarian cancer in 1999 inspired her last book, Bearing Up With Cancer, published in 2004 by Second Story
Press. The book, featuring her familiar cartoon bear battling ovarian cancer, led to numerous speaking engagements aiding cancer research. All through her long battle with cancer, Annie kept returning to Sunny Point. She saw it as a place of dreams, of friendship, of creativity, of healing, of music and laughter, of wind and water, and nature at its very best. Sunny Point continues to be such a place. Annie left behind a very large imprint and continues to touch the lives of people and enrich their lives beyond measure.
A Passion for the Profession. A combination of excellence in skills and enthusiasm for patients’ care.
“The 29th Year of a Dream of Love” by Dr. Annie Smith (c. 1965) Dreams live forever – they are gold, A fire’s warmth when it is cold. Dreams live forever – colors change, Happiness dances with yellow flames.
KEUKA FAMILY DENTISTRY 209 Liberty Street, Bath, NY 607-776-7656 E-Mail: gls@keukafamilydentistry.com
Dreams live forever – keeping sight Of falling rays, the setting light.
READER ACTION NUMBER 156
And though a dream may come and pass, The fact it came is what will last; And neither time nor wear will sever Me from my dream that lives forever. www.drfrankwines.com (800) 320-0735
“Finger Lakes’ Most Award-Winning Winery” Wine Enthusiast 10/07
“Greatest Producer in the
Atlantic Northeast”
Wine Report 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 & 2005
“93 Rating”
Wine & Spirits Magazine 12/08
“Winery of the Year” New York Wine Classic 2006
Annie Smith once wrote, “I have spent almost my entire life on Keuka Lake. I love every minute I spend here, every season, every weather ... sailing has been a part of my entire life ... Wind just makes me happy.” Annie’s photo (right) appeared in a Life in the Finger Lakes pictorial by Lisa Carp in the Summer 2003 issue.
9749 MIDDLE ROAD HAMMONDSPORT, NY 14840 READER ACTION NUMBER 161
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Are You In Control Of Your Aging Process?
Dr. Jeff Life, age 57.
• Solid Science • Proven Protocols • Optimized Health Cenegenics Combines The Synergy Of:
Dr. Jeff Life, age 67.
•Nutrition•Exercise•Nutraceuticals •Hormone Optimization Get Back In The Game With A New Definition Of Aging: • Prevent age-related disease • Improve muscle tone • Decrease body fat • Increase energy • Sharper thinking • Stronger immune system • Enhance your libido • Feel younger
This photo has not been digitally enhanced.
Find out today how you can look and feel years younger! Enjoy one-on-one attention with Dr. Chuck Cavallaro.
585•624•814 4
www.cenegenics-drcavallaro.com NO INSURANCE AND NO MEDICARE ACCEPTED READER ACTION NUMBER 124
Dr. Sue DeBruyne NYS Licensed Audiologist
Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Aids
(585)243-7690
50 E. South St., Suite 400A
Geneseo
in the Livingston Health Services Building
Your hearing journey begins with us ...explore the possibilities READER ACTION NUMBER 122
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P
MA I A I O I O o
Great views of Keuka Lake can be seen from the red barn’s many windows. Photo by Peter Loughnane
secluded within the gentle curve of a small cove. It overlooks a point of land, which is covered by the canopy of an ancient willow. YCAC plans to use this tranquil spot for classes and art therapy programs. The red barn is situated closer to the point. This building, with its expansive windows and lighthouse-style addition, has dramatic views to the north, south and west. YCAC plans to use it as an educational facility for workshops in many media, including painting, photography and weaving. Artist-in-residence Roger Hyndman held the first workshop, “Solarplate Printmaking,” in the barn last June. In August, Dick Kane held a four-day plein air painting workshop. In October, a well-received opening reception that featured the work of local artists was hosted there. The immaculately kept grounds and two main residences offer ideal settings to foster creativity, but perhaps the most innovative concept is using the boathouse to accommodate the “messier” arts, such as pottery, sculpture and soapstone carving. This building will provide artists with a carefree and relaxed environment to practice their skills. The possibilities for this new facility are wide open, and people in the community are continuing to share their ideas on how it can be used to benefit all. Yates County Arts Center’s main facility on East Elm Street in Penn Yan continues to offer a wide array of programming, and the Sunny Point donation will allow them to expand and offer even more.
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MARINE CONSTRUCTION INC. EST. 1951
MARINE CONSTRUCTION
I
F O U N D AT I O N S
I
F L AT W O R K
I
MASONRY
PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY, PRODUCTS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR ALMOST 60 YEARS All work utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, while emphasizing customer service at reasonable prices. MARINE CONSTRUCTION I All aspects of pile driving and marine construction. I Our equipment allows us access to those difficult to reach places. I Our experience and expertise in the industry allows us to construct based on your needs.Our crafts-manship is professional, durable and guaranteed. DOCK AND BOAT HOUSE CONSTRUCTION With our state-of-the-art equipment, we can repair, revamp and construct a marina specific to your needs. We have the means to access your property from land, or water via our barge system. Your custom designed dock and/or boathouse will be supported by steel frames, poles and bases and will be constructed from pressure treated lumber or composite materials. Everything will be designed to compliment your existing landscaping and patio. Additionally, specialty items such as small floating boatlifts, moorings for boat tie off, bumpers, ladders, icebreakers, remote boatlifts, and more are all available for your choosing.
DOCK AND PIER CONSTRUCTION I I I I I I
PERMANENT DOCKS BOAT HOUSES BOAT LIFTS AND RAIL SYSTEMS JET SKI LIFTS AND SKIDS REPAIRS GANGWAYS
RETAINING WALLS We construct various types of walls to retain land and/or water. Walls are constructed from a multiple of mediums. Seawalls are constructed from steel sheet pile or vinyl sheet to the necessary height and depth. We can construct retaining walls from decorative poured concrete, masonry block, brick, stone or lumber. A seawall or retaining wall can be designed to simply “retain” or can be crafted to retain and entertain with an exclusive patio on top.
MASONRY AND CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION We handcraft patios, stairs, fireplaces, fire pits walks and other necessities from brick, block, stone and concrete. Your landscaping can be redesigned or refreshed. DELIVERY SERVICES AND ADDITIONAL EXCAVATION SERVICE FROM THE LAND OR WATER Contact us before you begin your next project. We can make things easier for you when you hire us to haul in your fill, gravel and building materials. Additionally, we can excavate for all purposes such as water lines, electric lines and septic installation. OUR PROFESSIONALISM Call us to discuss your upcoming project, or if you need a solution, we can help. We will respond quickly to all of your questions and problems by providing construction solutions. Our accurate, free quote comes with a promise to make every effort to deliver construction and/or services efficiently within budget, while providing superior craftsmanship.
RETAINING WALLS I I I I I I I I
SEAWALLS SOIL RETAINING WALLS STEEL AND VINYL BEAM AND WOOD POURED CONCRETE MASONRY BRICK, BLOCK & STONE STONE RUBBLE REPAIRS
MASONRY & CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION I I I I I I I
BRICK, BLOCK AND STONE FIREPLACES / FIREPITS POURED WALKS AND STEPS PATIOS DECKS ENTERTAINMENT AREAS REPAIRS
DELIVERY SERVICES / EXCAVATION SERVICE
BRAWDY MARINE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
628 East Bluff Drive I Penn Yan, NY 14527 I Phone (315) 536-0546 I Quotes: jim@brawdyconstruction.com BRAWDY CONSTRUCTION, INC.
READER ACTION NUMBER 113
P.O. Box 470 I Clarence Center, NY 14032 I Ph: (716) 741-8714 Fax (716) 741-8749 Quotes: tamara@brawdyconstruction.com I www.brawdyconstruction.com
© 2009 Brawdy Construction, Inc.
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H I S T O R Y
Homer’s Connection to Abraham Lincoln by Casey Quilan
cess to Paris Barber, the son of rive through the town prominent Great Western of Homer, and you Store owner Jebidiah Barber. will see a charming Paris Barber, named after the Main Street setting – a quinTrojan prince, helped to fitessential slice of rural Amernancially support Carpenter icana reminiscent of an when he studied with artist Edward Hopper painting. Sanford Thayer in Syracuse. What many passing visitors Carpenter returned to and native Homerians do not Homer in 1845 to open a stusee are Homer’s historical ties dio, which was located where to one of the most celebrated the Homer Center for the Arts presidents in U.S. history: is today. The soon-to-be Abraham Lincoln. The vilpainter of five presidents lage of Homer will honor walked door to door in those historical connections Homer’s village, offering porAbove: “The first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation with a national celebration of before the cabinet” / painted by F.B. Carpenter; engraved by traits in exchange for meals. CarpenAbraham Lincoln’s 200th birthA.H. Ritchie. Courtesy Library of Congress. ter’s paintings of the board of trustees day. The event will be held May would become his largest collection 13 to 17, during which Lincoln Below: Daguerreotype of Francis B. Carpenter, by of portraits and a treasure that would scholar Harold Holzer will host Mathew Brady. Courtesy Library of Congress. later be displayed in the library of lectures discussing Homer’s conHomer High School until the mid nection to Abraham Lincoln. 20th century. The paintings survived Three men from Homer, four fires during that time. Francis B. Carpenter, painter of LinAfter a successful exhibition of his coln’s portrait and the famous “The work in 1851, Carpenter was commisFirst Reading of the Emancipation sioned to do his first presidential portrait, Proclamation Before the Cabinet;” of Millard Filmore. He would later paint William Osborn Stoddard, Lincoln’s four more presidents: John Tyler, James private secretary who made written Garfield, Franklin Pierce and Abraham copies of the Emancipation ProclaLincoln, whom he maintained had the mation; and Eli Devoe, foiler of an “saddest face I’ve ever painted.” assassination plot by the Knights of the Golden Circle, all played signifiEditor becomes cant parts in what would become Lincoln’s secretary Lincoln’s legacy. William Osborn Stoddard was born on Albany Post Road, and like Carpenter, reLocal sign maker paints ceived some of his education at Homer’s presidents Academy on the Green. Stoddard, whose Francis B. Carpenter attended Homer’s Academy on the Green and painted signs for local grandfather participated in the Central New York portion of the Underground Railroad, would often satisfy his love of nabusinesses. He later painted portraits of the academy’s first ture by going to the woods by the old stone quarry in Homer board of trustees as well as prominent businessmen like (visible to anyone going northbound on Route 81 near exit Henry S. Randall of Cortland. 12), to find sarsaparilla and wild raspberries. The talented portrait painter never abandoned his Stoddard’s curiosity would carry him to places far away roots. Perhaps this was because he owed so much of his suc-
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from Homer. First he traveled from Syracuse to Buffalo, where he took a lake steamer to Detroit. From there he headed to Chicago and landed a job as literary editor for the Chicago Daily Ledger. He enjoyed a stint as a prairie farmer before returning to journalism at the Central Illinois Gazette. In between career changes, he received a bachelor of arts cum laude from the University of Rochester, granted in absentia on account of his standing and scholarship. It was with this new diploma and position as assistant editor that Stoddard would find success. Abraham Lincoln decided to visit Stoddard in order to assess the political views of Illinois. This prompted Stoddard to become more politically active, and he decided the paper should endorse Lincoln as a presidential candidate. The relationship between the two men would eventually sow Stoddard’s ambitions to become part of Lincoln’s White House staff. Detective thwarts assassination attempt Eli Devoe, was born in 1809, the same year as Lincoln, in a log cabin near Atwater Cemetery in Homer. Unlike public figures Francis B. Carpenter and William Osborn Stoddard, Devoe’s life was much more private. His work was in covert operations. What is known is that Devoe was a devoted protector of the president and risked his life to ensure the president’s safety. When it was rumored that there would be an attack on Lincoln along the inaugural route to Washington, a man named Kennedy sent detectives from the agency Mattsell’s Shadow into Baltimore to investigate. One of those detectives was Eli Devoe who traveled under the alias “Davis.” Devoe and his partner infiltrated a group called the Knights of the Golden Circle. The two men uncovered the plot and all those concerned, including Lincoln, agreed to follow the detectives’ plan to foil it. On his way to his inauguration in Washing-
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READER ACTION NUMBER 141
READER ACTION NUMBER 120
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ome patients say their dental appointments are well worth a long drive. It may give them a chance to relax before and after the appointment, or a chance to see some beautiful country, but mostly - they find the destination worthwhile. Dr ClarkLowell’s practice in Cortland, NY is one of these rare finds, a unique combination of patient education, technical/aesthetic detail, integrity, and courteous service. Dr. Clark-Lowell was raised in upstate NY and went to Wells College. She is also a graduate of U. Conn. Dental School, which is top-ranked on national board scores, where she was awarded the accolade “Best General Dentist” by the Academy of General Dentistry, a national award. She is enthused to be back at home in Central NY. It has now been ten years since she began practicing in Cortland, and in her words, “what better way is there to celebrate than by offering our patients a new state of the art facility? Our patients are like family to us and have helped to make us successful - our staff looks forward to coming to work every day - we work as a team and we complement each other very well.” Her fulltime staff have all been with her for a full ten years. Dr. ClarkLowell enjoys involvement in the local dental society and just completed her term as first female president of the CNY 6th district dental society (nine counties). She most enjoys the aesthetic/restorative aspect of her work (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, implant restorations). When not at the office, she enjoys time in and around the Finger Lakes with her husband and three young boys. The practice seeks to provide comfort for patients while providing them with the best quality aesthetic dentistry available. The new facility is built around this philosophy. Her lot on Luker Rd. is surrounded by open space, has plenty of parking and a heated sidewalk, yet compensates for development with a large flood control structure and renewable building materials such as bamboo flooring. The new facility has a warm craftsman feel including a generous vaulted-ceiling waiting room featuring a children’s room, fireplace, sofas and millwork all around. Handicap accessibility is stressed via an oversized treatment room with movable carts - where patients may be treated without leaving their chairs. “We are using technology to alleviate patient stress and assume the burden for medical history & HIPPA forms, as well as supplementing patient education and diagnostics. We will be offering wireless headsets with XM radio to help distract patients from the sounds of dental instruments.” A new website has been released in conjunction with the move: www.drclarklowell.com
“It is a wonderful feeling to help someone smile again and restore their confidence in their appearance.”
Dr. Clark-Lowell’s office focuses on preventive and restorative treatments, including but not limited to: • Hygiene
• Whitening
• Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Restoration of Dental Implants
• Dentures
• Fillings
• Anxiety Control
READER ACTION NUMBER 111
[ O ]
www.drclarklowell.com PA I D A D V E RT I S E M E N T
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H I S T O R Y
ton, Lincoln was supposed to take a train through Baltimore but instead chose a different route. Mary Todd Lincoln took the original route with a Lincoln body double. The true identities of Devoe and the other detective were eventually discovered by the Knights of the Golden Circle, and the two narrowly escaped. Lincoln, of course, lived to see another four years.
William Osborn Stoddard Courtesy Village of Homer.
The legacy continues All of these men were shaped by their connection to the Central New York area. Both Stoddard and Carpenter’s education at Academy on the Green, Carpenter’s connection to the village patrons, and Devoe’s humble upbringing may have reinforced the values that gave them the tenacity to become such important players in Lincoln’s life and legacy. Their roles in
the democratic process shaped history, and it is that history that will spur people’s curiosity in Homer and the rest of Central New York. During the May celebration, the play “Freedom” by William Allen will be performed at Homer’s Center of the Arts. The celebration will also feature Lincoln impersonator James Getty, a parade and wreath laying for Carpenter in Glenwood Cemetery, Civil War re-enactors, and two lectures and book signings by Harold Holzer. For those interested in the life legacies of Francis B. Carpenter, William Osborn Stoddard, and Eli Devoe, the 2009 Homer Bicentennial, “Homer’s Celebration of Lincoln in Paint and Print,” will be a nonpareil of valuable history. To see the calendar of events, visit www.lincolninpaintandprint.org.
e
READER ACTION NUMBER 167
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D A Y
T R I P
Farm Sanctuary: A Haven for Human Visitors
Samantha
Nelson
Clarabell
story and illustrations by Darcy Binns
N
ow I know their names: Fennel, Samantha, Nelson, Clarabell, Joan and many others. Before I knew them by name, however, I knew them by sight. They are some of the handsome, shy, peaceful, curious and proud animals I met during my visits to Farm Sanctuary, located just west of Watkins Glen. All the animals at Farm Sanctuary have a story of things gone wrong. They have suffered from neglect, abuse, bad luck, indifference, good intentions and institutional cruelty. While none of this is unique, as life is full of stories of things gone wrong and of ills done by humans, Farm Sanctuary is remarkable because the good being done there is proportional to the wrongs committed against these animals. Nowadays, Fennel, a black rooster, chooses to spend much of his time with the white turkeys. His contrasting size and color make him immediately recognizable, but his distinction is not limited to his appearance. Fennel was shipped through the U.S. mail in a package containing 100 chicks. The package was
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never picked up. Had it not been for an attentive postal worker, all the birds would have perished. Fennel is one of 55 survivors. Recently, Samantha was outfitted with a prosthetic left hind leg. Cornell veterinarians, specializing in pain management, identified this exceptional sheep as a candidate for the device because she could not fully extend her left hind leg. Her right hind leg is badly deformed due to joint disease resulting from an infection. Samantha arrived at the farm in November of 2007, one of 20 newborn lambs rescued from grim circumstances by the Ulster County SPCA. Had she received competent care as a lamb, the infection that damaged her leg could have been prevented. Public tours of the farm start in the People Barn with a brief video history of Farm Sanctuary and factory farm practices. From there, the tours head outside. The first stop is the pasture where the special needs cows are kept. During my first visit, I noticed two Jerseys resting in the field. Not until my third trip did I get to meet Nelson, one of the two cows who intrigued me that first day. Nelson is a large, lovely, inquisitive, and slightly
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READER ACTION NUMBER 164
Watkins Glen
pushy, steer who was headed for the stockyard the first day of his life. Now, he gets to spend the rest of his life at the sanctuary. Petting zoos might seem an unlikely source of extreme cases of animal neglect, but Clarabell the goat was languishing in one until a 12-year-old girl, Kasia, interceded. After getting Clarabell released from the Upstate petting zoo, Kasia and her family thought they had found her a good permanent home with a farmer; however, Clarabell did not receive care at the farm. By the time Kasia visited, Clarabellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tendon disease had deteriorated so that she was able to get around only by pulling herself on her knees. Also, she had mange and was malnourished. While waiting for word on Clarabell at a veterinary hospital, Kasia met Farm Sanctuary staff working on another case. Today, Clarabell lives surrounded by sheep; goats are a frisky lot who enjoy butting heads, and roughhousing is not for Clarabell, given her tendon disease. She looks and acts so healthy, that it is hard to imagine that the vets had recommended euthanizing her. Joan sleeps nestled in hay and curled up with the other pigs. She likes to have her belly rubbed, even while she naps. Her rescue is the result of lucky happenstance. She was discovered, one of two malnourished piglets, during an investigation into allegations of cruelty at a factory farm. READER ACTION NUMBER 163
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Week-long workshops in letterpress printing, calligraphy, lettering arts & bookbinding
Come join us & become part of a new tradition. Wells Book Arts Summer Institute D Main Street, Aurora, New York D LLL L:AAH :9J 7DD@6GIH 7DD@6GIH8:CI:G @ L:AAH :9J D;;>8: D ;6M READER ACTION NUMBER 135
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For us in the Finger Lakes, Farm Sanctuary may seem little more than a local attraction mentioned as a possible weekend day-trip destination, but never visited. Nationally, it has much more significance. The Washington Post and New York Times have touched on Farm Sanctuary in two very different articles. The Post focused on it as a vacation destination, an ecotourism attraction, if you will. The Times did an extensive magazine article about Farm Sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pivotal role in Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proposition 2, a ballot initiative that requires that â&#x20AC;&#x153;by 2015 all farm animals be able to stand up, lie down, turn around and fully extend their limbs.â&#x20AC;? This past November, the proposition passed by a large majority. Both pieces explore two critical components of the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; educating people by giving them access to farm animals and information about their lives prior to coming to the sanctuary and changing the laws governing the care and treatment of farm animals. The hours I spent at Farm Sanctuary have convinced me that part of what is so special about the place is the closeness of the relationships between the people who work there and the animals. The humans entrusted with the
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A Worry-Free Vacation for Both of You Our short stay program at Clark Meadows at Ferris Hills allows caregivers the opportunity to take a vacation, go on a business trip or simply take personal time while their loved one receives quality care in a friendly, comfortable setting. Clark Meadows offers: Qualified personnel Recreation 24-hour staff & Emergency Response System Access to medical care Chef-prepared meals An affiliate of
"When I’m away and Mom visits Clark Meadows, I’m confident she’s receiving the special attention she needs."
Take a virtual tour at www.FerrisHills.com
Fennel
When freelance artist Darcy Binns visited Farm Sanctuary, she wanted to draw the animals the minute she met them.
One Clark Meadows
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 393-4330
READER ACTION NUMBER 118
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care of these rescue animals have every reason to be angry. The way farm animals are treated is appalling, and almost all of us participate in the factory farm system. Even when we don’t, even when we go out of our way to get our goods from the family-owned farm, it won’t necessarily ensure no abuse occurs. The staff at the sanctuary knows that horrors still exist even at small, local operations. The shelter animals have every reason not to trust humans. Human failure of some sort is always at the root of every rescue. Yet, both the humans and the animals at Farm Sanctuary give the rest of us a chance. The people who give tours take a low-key approach (as does the introductory video), though it would be easy (and understandable) for them to overwhelm visitors with terrifying images and stories. They are patient with questions and see in all of us the potential to help change factory farm practices. Although the animals never have to interact with humans, they routinely choose to do so. At Farm Sanctuary, it is the visitors who get a second chance.
Call for W Vacation inter Rates
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READER ACTION NUMBER 105
2009 Photo Contest Deadline: Sept. 30, 2009 Categories: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for: • Best Color • Best BW • Grand prize to best overall photograph. • Photographs may also be selected for honorable mention.
MORE INFORMATION: LifeintheFingerLakes.com • 315-789-0458
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It’s Time to Find Shed Antlers couldn’t tell the difference between a tree branch and an antler. I couldn’t see the tips of antlers just sticking up out of the brush. It proved to be a lot harder than I thought. I had a newfound respect for Tom’s skill. Being somewhat competitive, I was determined to find sheds of my own. This is easier said than done. You really need to develop an eye to be able to distinguish sheds from everything else on the forest floor. Who would have thought there would be so much camouflage? I’ll share with you some of the things I’ve learned from Tom over the past few years.
Inspirational Antlers
story and photo by Frances Grasek
by Tina Manzer Now that you’re motivated to hunt for and collect all those shed antlers, what will you do with them? The Graseks keep the large and unique ones they find and display them in their guesthouse, the converted upper story of their barn. They’ve also sold some of their sheds online. Many people are inspired to make things out of antlers, with creations ranging from chandeliers to knife handles. “We recently made wine-bottle holders out of antlers,” Frances told us. “Three Brothers’ Winery in Romulus was kind enough to stock them for sale.” Brant Davis of Gone Wild Creations, a 17-year-old company in Ellicottville that produces real antler chandeliers and other rustic furniture, has seen sales of antler-made products grow in the last five years. “The majority of our work is made from shed antler that we have in inventory,” he told us. “Most of it gets shipped to us from the Rocky Mountain states, as well as from other countries around the world. Hunters will provide their own antler on occasion.”
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’ve read a few articles in magazines about finding shed antlers. These articles were all written by men. They all talk about heading out with their friends to search for sheds. I thought I’d share with you a woman’s perspective on searching for sheds with my friend. His name is Tom and he’s my husband. In all fairness, I should start by telling you that looking for sheds was originally Tom’s hobby. Tom has always been an avid outdoorsman. He’s been finding sheds for many years. Tom would come in and show us the sheds he found, and while I thought it was interesting, I never quite understood the attraction. All that changed about three years ago. We had what seemed like an extremely long winter. Tom announced he was heading out to look for sheds. Suffering from cabin fever, I asked to join him. He was happy for the company, and I was happy for some fresh air. I was under the impression the antlers would be easy to find. After all, Tom didn’t seem to have any trouble. My first few times out, I didn’t find any. I
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A nice walk in the woods We look for well-worn deer trails that lead us deeper into the woods. Maybe we’ll come upon a knoll where a deer likes to rest and find antlers here, or we’ll come upon a spot where it’s obvious that deer have been bedding down and find some antlers there. We’ve found antlers at the bases of trees, in open fields, on deer trails and caught up in bushes. We’re not always the first to find them; some antlers have chew marks signaling they’ve been a winter meal for rodents. In the Finger Lakes region, the best season to look for sheds always seems to be in the spring, after the snow has melted. The snow will pack down the shrubbery and grass and weeds, and give you a more open area in which to look. One year, when we had an extremely mild winter, we actually found antlers in January. The unseasonably mild weather coupled with the fact the deer were dropping their antlers early, made it productive. We were excited to be getting a jump on the usual season; that is, until the real winter hit us in February. It might have slowed us down, but it didn’t deter us. In April, when the snow had finally melted, we started looking again. Our success really depends on the weather. We go out as often as possible trying to take advantage of the short season. We start right after the snow has
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Why Deer Shed Their Antlers from www.antler-shed.com “Deer and other animals such as elk shed their antlers every year and then grow a complete new rack. The process takes two or three weeks to complete, while the regeneration takes the entire summer to conclude. Then the cycle begins again. “Male deer shed their antlers between January and April, after the mating season. By then, they no longer need their antlers to attract females or challenge other male competitors. “Unlike the hollow horns of cows and buffalo, antlers are made up of a honeycombed bone-like tissue. “The mounting points on the heads of deer from which the antlers grow are called pedicles. The antlers break off, or ‘shed,’ from these pedicles. Pedicles appear on a young deer’s forehead during his first
melted and before the forest becomes overgrown. No matter how long or short the season is, I always appreciate being a part of the changing seasons. When we start our search, there are areas of patchy snow, bare trees and shrubs, and barren forest floors. We end at the beginning of May when green grass is sprouting up, buds are forming on trees and bushes, and a variety of birds are calling. I can feel and hear an awakening in the forest that time of year. My favorite is the chorus of spring peepers. Is there any better way to enjoy the beginning of a new season? Cloudy is better Tom and I agree it’s easier to look for sheds on an overcast day. The antlers seem to stand out more. The bright sunshine causes a glare, and I have a hard time finding anything. What do I look for? Things out of the ordinary catch my attention. There will be something different about that branch on the ground. The curve and width of the antler is more pronounced than a branch or stick. The coloring might be just a bit off. It could be bleached white from the sun or a darker shade of brown. I look for the smooth and somewhat softer texture than that of a branch. You really do need to be out in the woods for the love of the outdoors, because if you’re looking for sheds only, you can be disappointed when you come up
year. The next year, he develops small shafts, and by year three the first ‘branch’ appears. As the deer matures the antlers will lengthen and develop additional branches. You can tell the age of a deer by counting the branches. “While they grow, antlers are covered in ‘velvet,’ a layer of skin that supplies the budding antlers with nutrients needed to build bone mass. They grow rapidly for two to four months. When the velvet is no longer needed, a ring at the bottom of the antler shaft forms and cuts off the supply of blood and nutrients. The velvet withers and begins to fall off. As a rule, the deer facilitates this process by rubbing his antlers against trees. “The whole process is repeated every year for the rest of his life.”
empty-handed. We could walk for hours and not find anything. We could be out for five minutes and find something. When we find one antler, we check the surrounding area to see if there is a match for a pair. Sometimes we are lucky enough to find the pair. Sometimes we’re just happy with one. Tom’s enthusiasm has rubbed off on me – I’ve caught the fever. I look forward to the days when we can go out together looking for sheds. I’m easily lured outdoors by the fresh air, the sounds of nature, the warmth of the sun on my face and the fragrance of the woods. It amazes me something so simple can bring so much pleasure. Whether we go our separate ways or walk together quietly absorbing all the outdoors has to offer, finding sheds is just an added bonus to our time together. For me, the hunt for sheds has truly become an enjoyable outdoor experience. Twenty years ago, a job at the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus brought Tom Grasek and his family from Rockland County, New York, to the Finger Lakes. Since then, Frances has explored a variety of off-thebeaten-path locations discovered during her travels as a freelance court reporter. A fan of biking, gardening and kayaking, Frances likes any activity that gets her outdoors. “I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Finger Lakes Region,” she told us. READER ACTION NUMBER 151
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Casual Dining with City Style Ambience ~Halsey’s offers Seasonal Menu Changes ~Our Chef uses the freshest ingredients & when possible local produce & meats ~ Local Artisan Cheese Boards ~ Design your own Wine Flight ~Spring Food & Wine Pairings ~Eclectic Wine List, supporting the Finger Lakes and Wines from Around the World ~Happy Hour 4:30-6:30 Tues.-Thurs. ~Full Bar ~We’re your place for Special Events
OUR FRIENDLY & SEASONED STAFF LOOKS FORWARD TO SERVING YOU! HOURS OF OPERATION: Tues-Thurs 4:30-9:30 (Closed Monday) Fri-Sat 4:30-10:00 / Sun 4:30-9:00 106 Seneca Street Geneva NY 14456 (315)789-4070 • Halseysgeneva.com READER ACTION NUMBER 121
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C A L E N D A R
MARCH 20-April 24…Recent Work by Brian Keeler and James Ramsdell Opening reception March 20 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the West End Gallery in Corning. Also showcasing Wilson Ong and Marc G. Rubin. www.westendgallery.net 607-936-2011 20…Owego Third Friday Art Walk The Owego Art Walk runs 5 to 9 p.m. and features 10 galleries showing new artists each month. Several of the sites will feature art videos from the Experimental TV Center, which since 1971 has offered programs in support of the media arts, sponsorship assistance for independent media and film artists. In some venues, demonstrations or performing arts will be featured. www.owegolovesshoppers.com 607-687-1760 21…Annual Maintenance for the Older Home Get ready for spring, and develop a take-home yearly maintenance schedule tailored to your home’s needs. Historic Ithaca’s free 30-minute classes begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are held at Significant Elements Architectural Salvage Warehouse. preserve.historicithaca.org 607-319-4611 21-22…34th Annual Antique Show The Genesee Country Antique Dealer Association (GCADA) will hold its 34th Annual Antique Show on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Shults Center at Nazareth College. Free supervised childcare (for children ages 2 through 10) will be available 1 to 3 p.m. each day. Fifty-plus dealers will be represented at the antique show selling quality antiques of all kinds. Donation requested to benefit the non-profit GCADA. Show proceeds enable the organization to fund scholarships to Nazareth College students enrolled in the arts curriculum. In addition, grants have been given to various historical societies for their specific projects. For more details, contact Fran Fadden, show committee chair. stdtime @rochester.rr.com 585-248-0376 28-29…Maple Festival Celebrating the start of spring, the festival includes a working sugar shack with train rides entertainment, crafters, wagon rides, exhibits and maple products in Marathon. www.maplefest.org 800-859-2227
APRIL 4-5, 25-26…World Tour of Food and Wine I and II Each winery on the Keuka Wine Trail will present a unique and delectable dish from a different country or region, and will pair it with carefully chosen wines. Be among the first to sample and take home newly released vintages from the 2008 harvest, and
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increase your understanding of why certain foods pair with specific styles of wine. www.keukawinetrail.com 800-440-4898 17…An Evening with Bat McGrath Enjoy an evening with Bat McGrath at the Bristol Harbour Resort in Canandaigua from 8 to 10 p.m. Advance tickets are $25.00 per person. Contact Lynne Stewart to reserve and pay for your tickets at 585-396-2200 x 610. Making dinner reservations before the show is highly recommended. Ask about the Dine & Stay package. www.bristolharbour.com 585-396-2200 x 610 19-December 20…Super Sundays As part of its 150th anniversary celebration, the Village of Clifton Springs will sponsor a Super Sunday event every third Sunday of the month. Events will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy shopping, family oriented activities, a world-class spa, museums and history. The award winning Warfield’s Restaurant will be open for lunch and afternoon tea. www.cliftonspringschamber.com 315-462-8200 24…Musica Spei Concert Musica Spei (Music of Hope), a Rochester-based a cappella choral group, specializes in sacred choral masterworks of the 15th, 16th and early 17th centuries. Selections appropriate for the Lent-Easter season will be featured in this spring concert at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Auburn. Location: Saint Mary’s Church City: Auburn Phone: 315-252-9545 25-26…“Artistry in Sculpture” Exhibit Opening Visit the Phelps Arts Center’s newly renovated exhibit room with the opening of “Artistry in Sculpture,” a multimedia exhibit with a variety of sculptures from regional artists, featuring Sam Castner (seen on Extreme Makeover-Home Addition, Geneva). This exhibit also includes outdoor sculptures around Phelps. The opening reception will be held April 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. and a lecture will be given April 26 at 3 p.m. www.phelpsny.com/arts 315-548-2095
MAY 2…Tour Season Opening Visit the Watkins Glen shelter to come face-to-face with hundreds of rescued farm animals and hear their inspiring stories of survival. Guided tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays in May, September and October, and Wednesday through Sunday in June, July and August. Bed and breakfast cabins are also available. www.farmsanctuary.org 607-583-2225 (Calendar continued on page 81)
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Cover 3 Lyons National Bank ............................Info #153
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Mitchell Pierson Jr. Inc. Realtors..........Info #172
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Clifton Springs Hearing Center ............Info #133
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Cover 4 Clifton Springs Super Sundays ............Info #112
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Phelps Arts Center................................Info #104
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Community Bank ..................................Info #163
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Cricket on the Hearth............................Info #162
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Dr Kristin Clark-Lowell, DMD P.C. ........Info #111
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Southern Tier Plastic Surgery ..............Info #123
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Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines ..................Info #161
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Cover 2 Elm Croft Manor Bed & Breakfast ........Info #131
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Timber Frames Inc................................Info #148
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Ferris Hills ............................................Info #118
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Timberpeg East Inc ..............................Info #147
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Valicenti Advisory Services Inc.............Info #125
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Finger Lakes Premier Properties ..........Info #138
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Vanguard Printing ................................Info #145
Pg. 59
Finger Lakes SAILS ..............................Info #110
Pg. 39
Warfield's Restaurant ..........................Info #119
Pg. 49
Finger Lakes Tram Company ................Info #127
Pg. 3
Waterloo Premium Outlets ..................Info #146
Pg. 42
Five Star Bank ......................................Info #137
Pg. 13
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel ..................Info #102
Pg. 51
The Furniture Doctor Inc. ....................Info #160
Pg. 76
Wells Book Arts Center ........................Info #135
Pg. 7
Geneva on the Lake ..............................Info #159
Pg. 17
German Brothers Marine ......................Info #171
MARKETPLACE ADVERTISING
Pg. 80
Halsey's Restaurant..............................Info #121
Accommodations..............................................Pgs. 83, 84
Pg. 80
Hansen Products ..................................Info #136
Attractions ..............................................................Pgs. 85
Pg. 8
Hilton Garden Inn ................................Info #158
Camping ..................................................................Pg. 84
Pg. 33
Historic Ithaca ......................................Info #109
Canandaigua ............................................................Pg. 82
Pg. 33
Holiday Inn - Ithaca ..............................Info #108
Dansville ..................................................................Pg.66
Pg. 61
Homewood Suites Ithaca......................Info #117
Hammondsport ........................................................Pg. 65
Pg. 19
I.D. Booth ............................................Info #116
Naples ......................................................................Pg. 62
Pg. 33
Inn at the Finger Lakes ........................Info #107
Real Estate........................................................Pgs. 23, 25
Pg. 34
The Inn on the Lake ............................Info #134
Shop Here! Retail & Business ..........................Pgs. 86-87
Pg. 15
Internal Medicine Associates................Info #115
Victor
Pg. 11
Kendal at Ithaca....................................Info #157
Wineries ..........................................................Pgs. 20-21
Pg. 67
Keuka Family Dentistry ........................Info #156
..................................................................Pg. 27
C A L E N D A R
MAY Cont. 8-17…Master Gardener Plant Sale The 18th Annual Monroe County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Rochester during Lilac Festival week. Regular sale hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting. The Master Gardeners will be selling unusual and common annuals, perennials, organic vegetables, herbs, shrubs and trees. Master Gardeners will staff the tent and will be available to answer questions.. counties.cce.cornell.edu/monroe/ 585-461-1000 15-October 15…Lorenzo State Historic Site Tours Guided tours of the historic 1807 home of John Lincklaen, founder of Cazenovia are offered. Hours TBA. Visitor center and museum shop are also open. Grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk, including the formal garden and Dark Aisle arboretum. www.lorenzony.org 315-655-3200 16…Complimentary Civil War era Victoria Tea A variety of hot teas and a selection of the Lincolns’ favorite foods will be available between 2 and 4 p.m. at the Elizabeth Brewster House in Homer. A mid-19th century intaglio print by master artist Julien Dupré will be on exhibit in the administrator’s office. The American Association of University Women, co-sponsoring the event. tobuck.brewsterhouse@cnymail.com 607-749-2442 27-June 17…“The Full Monty” This slightly offbeat but endearing comedy is about a loveable gang of unemployed steel workers from Buffalo. Eager to make a quick buck and reignite the spark in their marriages, six of the most unlikely male dancers you’ve ever seen hatch a scheme to change their fortunes. www.merry-go-round.com 315-255-1785 30…Jazz at the Rink Dinner-Dance Come to the Nasser Civic Center in Corning for an evening of great music and good food from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., sponsored by the Corning Historical Society. Ed Clute’s Dixie Five Band will play swing, Latin and ballroom dance music. A hot buffet and cash bar will be available. Wear casual attire, and bring a lawn chair. www.pattersoninnmuseum.org 607-937-5281
W E B
E X T R A
For more events, explore our online calendar at www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com.
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Canandaigua
April 4 - 5...Impressions at All Things Art 65 S. Main St., Canandaigua Art show by Jeremy Bach 585-396-0087 www.ocarts.org April 5...Hochstein Concert at Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum, 295 N. Main St., Canandaigua 585-394-1472 www.grangerhomestead.org
Handmade Jewelry, Handbags, Beads and More
AdornJewelryAndAccessories.com
May 14...Winemaker Dinner at NY Wine & Culinary Center 800 S. Main St., Canandaigua 585-394-7070 www.nywcc.com
THE GRANGER HOMESTEAD AND CARRIAGE MUSEUM 295 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, New York (585) 394-1472 www.grangerhomestead.org 24 Coy St #2 Canandaigua NY 585-393-1520 Open Tues - Sat 10 - 6
LIVING THE LEGACY Open May 19 – Oct 23
Sales Service Rentals
Hours: Tues & Weds 1-4pm • Thurs & Fri 11am-4pm Weekends June-October 1-4pm • Closed on Mondays • Horse-drawn Carriage Tours of Historic Neighborhoods • Guided Tours of 1816 Federal Style Mansion and Carriage Museum • 19th Century Law Office, Museum Gift Shop and Special Events
May 2 - 3...J-Daze Regatta at Canandaigua Yacht Club 3524 County Rd. 16, Canandaigua 585-396-9200 www.sailcyc.com
Ready to Pedal? Start your season out right at
RV&E BIKE
2009 SPECIAL EVENTS Carriages on The Lawn – May 17 Plain & Fancy Lawn Sale – May 23 Country Fair – August 30 Civil War Encampment – October 2 & 3 Christkindl Market – November 13 – 15 Festival of Trees – November 13 – December 6
www.rvebike.com 40 N. Main St. Fairport, NY 585-388-1350
Two Great Locations!
168 S. Main St. Canandaigua, NY 585-393-5680
A Finger Lakes landmark for classic gifts, extraordinary accessories for home and garden, handcrafted jewelry, apparel, fine stationery and whims w h i m ses! ie s!
56 South Main St. • Downtown Canandaigua Open Daily • 585-394-6528 • www.goodie2.com
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Photo courtesy Pat Charland
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ACCOMMODATIONS
The Hound & Hare Bed and Breakfast Recapture the Romance Jacuzzi â&#x20AC;˘ AC Fireplace Antiques Romantic Breakfast by Candlelight
(607) 257-2821 1031 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 AAA Approved
www.HoundandHare.com Bristol Views Bed & Breakfast 6932 County Rd. 12 Naples, NY 14512
585-374-8875 www.bristolviews.com Henry and Barb Owens
A beautiful wedding venue, located high above Canandaigua Lake with breathtaking views. Our seven landscaped acres offer access to hiking trails, waterfalls and relaxation. A recent letter noted â&#x20AC;&#x153;20 years of B&Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ing and we finally found the BEST.â&#x20AC;?
The Ultimate Choice for the Traveler in the Gateway to the Finger Lakes Region.
Let us prove it ... to YOU!
4343 Routes 5 & 20, Canandaigua, NY
Comfortable * Affordable * Centrally Located
Your home away from home! For reservations or Information 585-394-2800 or 800-727-2775 On the webâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; www.fingerlakesinn.com
â&#x20AC;˘104 Guest Rooms & Suites â&#x20AC;˘Indoor Pool & Hot Tub â&#x20AC;˘Complimentary Expanded Continental Breakfast Now Includes Eggs & Breakfast Meats â&#x20AC;˘Free Wired & Wireless Internet Access â&#x20AC;˘Fitness Center/Business Center â&#x20AC;˘Meeting Rooms 7502 County Road 42 Victor, NY 14564
585.672.2100 www.hiexpress.com/victor
The Glenmary Inn
6 ,"
/
Sky Lodge Vacation Rental Enjoy complete privacy on 34 secluded acres in a fully renovated, environmentally friendly 1920's stone lodge. Take in a stunning view of the Bristol Hills from the top of our three story attached tower or enjoy wandering through over a mile of private trails surrounding the Lodge.
*Â?i>Ă&#x192;i V>Â?Â? vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x153; Ă&#x20AC;iViÂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;i > vĂ&#x20AC;ii LĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;VÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;i°
,AKEFRONT $R 'ENEVA .9
Also available for weddings or events. Located one hour south of Rochester and less than fifteen minutes from many local attractions, including Bristol Mountain, Hunt Hollow, Cumming Nature Center, Naples, and Canandaigua Lake.
Visit www.SkyLodgeRental.com or call (585) 374-8251 for more information.
Spectacularly renovated 1840â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italianate Inn. Seven beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with private bath, television, telephone and high speed Internet access. Jacuzzi baths in our Bridal Suite and Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room. Elegant breakfast. 5 Star Service. Children welcome. 537 Glenmary Drive Owego, NY 13827 607-687-8819 www.glenmaryinn.com SPRING 2009 ~
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ACCOMMODATIONS Visit Beautiful Belhurst
Glass Magnolia
Premier Attraction of the Finger Lakes
Bed & Breakfast
2 Exceptional Restaurants 3 Luxurious Hotels Wine & Gift Shop 2 Magnificent Ballrooms
Rte 14 South, Geneva 315-781-0201 www.belhurst.com
Private Cottage Lodging Along Catharine Creek
Where Life Is Good 607.535.0000
Dryden, New York (800) 579-4629 or (607) 844-4321
8339 N. Main St. • Interlaken, NY 14847 607-330-2809 www.glassmagnolia.com
Finger Lakes Mill Creek Cabins
Bed & Breakfast
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
English Tea Room (open May-Nov) Call For Reservations
www.catharinecottages.com
The Candlelight Inn Antique furnished c.1828 Federal/Greek Revival, subtly elegant, not pretentious. Charming rooms with private baths, TVs, AC, fireplace/jacuzzi suite, delicious breakfast. Small village inn near the Finger Lakes, Ithaca, Cornell, Ithaca College. www.candlelightinnny.com
Historic early 1800’s country estate nestled in the peaceful rural charm of the Finger Lakes Wine region
2382 Parmenter Road Lodi, NY 14860
607-582-7673 Two, fully furnished, pet friendly cabins nestled on 42 secluded acres near the national forest and wine trails. Available year round.
www.fingerlakescabins.com
THE CLIFFS AT SODUS POINT A BED & BREAKFAST ON LAKE ONTARIO This is just one of the views from our Bed & Breakfast which is situated on 5 plus treed acres with 340 feet on the water. Restaurants, marinas, golf, gift shops, fishing, and galleries surround the Cliffs. Spend some time with us and we guarantee you will leave relaxed.
7961 Lake Road, Sodus Point • 315-483-4309 info@thecliffsatsoduspoint.com www.thecliffsatsoduspoint.com
Clute Memorial Park & Campground
CAMPING Cheerful Valley Campground
CHERRY GROVE CAMPGROUND
From Tenting to Large RVs
Family Camping at its Best Free Vintage Fire Truck Rides • Real Log Cabins Planned Activities • Themed Weekend • All Type Sites Large Swimming Pool • Ceramic Tile Rest Rooms Rec. Hall • Playground • Great Fishing • Large Fields Peaceful River Valley • Large Grassy Sites 1412 Rt. 14 Phelps, NY 14532 Ph: 315-781-1222 • cheerfulvalley@rochester.rr.com www.cheerfulvalleycampground.com
“One Of NY’s Most Beautiful Campgrounds” Seasonal sites available 5 sets of waterfalls, 2 trout streams and 100 acres in quiet forest setting
www.sugarcreekglencampground.com
11288 Poags Hole Road Dansville, NY 14437 (585) 335-6294
155 S. Clute Park Drive Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Ph: (607)535-4438 • www.watkinsglen.us
Located near Lake Ontario. Family oriented park with seasonal and overnight accommodations. Heated pool • Cabins available Group discounts for 6+ Easy pull-through sites • 30/50 amp hook-ups
www.cherrygrovecampground.com
(315)594-8320
Hejamada Campground & RV Park PO Box 429, Montezuma, NY 13117
Located in the Finger Lakes Region Come see why we’re the ideal campground for caravans, jamborees, group functions, families and individual campers.
(315)776-5887 • 877-678-0647 www.hejamadacampground.com
• 100 Acres • 60´x80´ sites w/ Full Hook-ups • Modern Facilities
• Recreation/ Playground • Pavillion • Fishing Pond • Large Pool • Store
• Ice • Propane • Cabin Rentals • Tent Cabin • Hiking Trails
585-229-2290 e-mail: brwoodland@aol.com • www.bristolwoodlands.com
4835 South Hill Road • Canandaigua, NY 14424
Family Fun for Everyone!
Campground
Pool • Laundry • 3 Pavilions • Frisbee Golf • Camp Grocery Store • 30-50 Amp Service • Seasonal Sites • Wireless Internet Access • Planned Activities • Water and Sewer Hookups
4 Authentic Log Cabins 3 mi. west of Waterloo Premium Outlets. Call for directions.
Family Camping at its best!
1475 W. Townline Rd., Phelps
315-781-5120 84 ~
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www.juniuspondscabinsandcampground.com
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ATTRACTIONS National Memorial Day Museum Waterloo, NY
(315) 539-0533
Open Tue-Sat 1-4pm, 15 May-23 Dec & By appointment
The National Memorial Day Museum commemorates the founding of Memorial Day through period rooms (1866) and exhibits that highlight the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.
PhG Tours
Th e Ma gee Ho us e Built in 1831, currently housing the Steuben County Historical Society. Corner of Cameron and West Morris Streets in Bath NY. Old maps, genealogical records, Steuben County history and photographs.
Year-round programs for visitors of all ages! Open Daily 1-5pm
Open Weekdays 10 AM-3 PM, (607) 776-9930, steuben349@yahoo.com
West 1st Street Pier, Oswego
315-342-0480 Since 1982
Wayland Historical Museum
Customized Tours of the Finger Lakes Jennifer Cleland, Ph.D.
phgtours.com jc@phgtours.com
Historic Maritime District
Celebrating 27 Years!
Cr. S. Main & Washington Sts. Wayland, NY
Schuyler County Historical Society 607-535-9741 • 108 N. Catharine St. • Montour Falls, NY 14865
Historic 1828 brick tavern, eleven exhibit rooms.
585-728-3610 or 728-5108
333 Spencer Rd., Ithaca, NY 607-319-4951
Open Sun 2-4PM Mon 10AM-Noon By appointment
Incredible Fishing Experiences
www.hleewhitemarinemuseum.com
S
Summer Hours Tues.-Fri.: 10am-4pm Saturday: 12-4pm www.schuylerhistory.org
Seneca Falls Historical Society
Private Family Trout Preserve Catch 1 to 5 Pound Trout
We maintain a 23-room Queen Anne Style Victorian Mansion circa 1890, as a home of a wealthy Victorian family.
Exclusive Access by Appointment Only No License Required. No Closed Season. No Limit. Barbless Artificial Lures and Flies Only Please Call for Information and Directions Rods, Lures, Ice and Cleaning Available
55 Cayuga St., Seneca Falls (315)568-8412 • www.sfhistoricalsociety.org
Fingerlakes Fly Fishing Guide Service
607-546-7308 or 570-877-2605 Finger Lakes Free Range Farms 4644 County Route 4, Burdett, NY 14818
www.fingerlakesflyfishing.com “Wayne County Red Cross: Their Story” Exhibit runs from March 6 - July 18
Guided fly fishing trips to local streams in the picturesque Finger Lakes region. From novice to expert. NYSOGA Licensed (#4405) and Insured.
David Passmore • Ithaca, NY • 607-387-3792
Museum Hours: Tues.- Fri. 10am-4pm (Closed Saturdays until April 4)
Closed Sun. & Mon. Admission Adults $4, Students $2, Members free!
Seward House We invite you to visit Seward House, the historic home of statesman William H. Seward and his family. Seward House features an extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia and early Alaskan artifacts.
33 South Street Auburn (315)252-1283 www.sewardhouse.org
Plan your fun at ... ExploreThe FingerLakes .com the online Travel Planner from Life in the Finger Lakes magazine
Great Gift! Great Price! 3 years - 12 issues for only $28.95
Call 800-344-0559 Today! SPRING 2009 ~
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SHOP HERE! Retail & Business
TAKE BACK YOUR WATERFRONT!
NO WEED MAT Aquatic Weed Free Swimming and Docking
NO CHEMICALS • NO MACHINERY • NO MESS • NO WEEDS
MAKE YOUR OWN WINE
www.fallbright.com Secure online shopping Winemaking Information WWW.FINGERLAKESCOFFEEHOUSE.COM
Fall Bright, The Winemakers Shoppe • Keuka Lake 10110 Hyatt Hill, Dundee, NY • 607-292-3995
15 State Route 224, Van Etten, NY 14889 607-589-9901
Copper Beacons Herb Shop 4 North Main St. Honeoye Falls 14424
We are a FULL SERVICE salon and spa! call 585-624-1000 www.ccandcospa.com
f i ng e r L a k e s s o a p c o . Call us today about our pre-season sale
U.S. (877) 295-5560 •
Our specialty is organic culinary and decorative herbs Fresh herbs / Dried herbs and spices Specialty teas / tea accessories Herbal products / crafts One-of-a-kind theme gift baskets Plus much more Come visit the Farm
NOWEEDMAT.COM
• CA (800) 563-5947
Wholesale Natural Soap Outlet Now Open! 15 State Route 224, Van Etten, NY 14889
www.fingerlakessoap.com Custom Masonry by
MI-KAR CONSTRUCTION, INC. Fireplaces • Brickovens • Shrines Your full service masonry Company since 1984
585-248-2594
3883 County Rd. 143, Trumansburg, NY 14886 Thu.-Sat. 11-5, Sun. 1-5 • 607-387-5240 ecollins@FLTG.net • www.copperbeacons.com North of the village of Trumansburg, left off Rt. 96
Folks from the beautiful Finger Lakes Region have enjoyed millions of cups of coffee from Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters for over seven years. Our travels and roasting experience allow us to locate the highest quality beans from all over the globe. Freshness is guaranteed. Please visit us or purchase a bag of beans online!
“YOUR FINGER LAKES CHOICE FOR QUALITY CONSTRUCTION AT A FAIR PRICE”
• Remodeling & Renovations • New Home Construction
Thinking About Building Green? As a Certified Green Professional, we can give advice on making your home more environmentally friendly
www.fingerlakescoffee.com 800-420-6154 Visit our locations.
(315) 531-9074 • www.djbuilders.net LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 25 YEARS
Deborah Milliman,
Finger Lakes from Space
POSTER
Custom Interiors
your source for:
UNIQUE WALLPAPERS including
Candice Olson, Ralph Lauren & Ronald Redding 25% off wallpapers and fabrics
Browse by appointment only
315 536-7839
millimandecor@earthlink.net Also available Hunter Douglas Blinds and Shades
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Take the Finger Lakes home with you with this stunning poster of the Finger Lakes Region from Space! The photograph, taken by satellite, consists of high-detail satellite imagery with overlaid map information. The map detail consists of cities, towns, main and secondary highways as well as airports, the Erie Canal, state parks and many other features of interest. There is no other poster of the Finger Lakes as beautiful and informative as this one. Poster size - 25˝ x 39˝. Paper Poster: $22.95 • Laminated Poster: $29.95
Call 1-800-331-7323 to order.
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Dealer inquires invited.
www.atwatervineyards.com
Pittsford Plaza Farmington Corner of Routes Monroe Ave. 96 & 332 (CVS Plaza) (Next to Michael’s) 585-742-6210 585-385-0750 Strong Memorial Hospital Elmwood Avenue Rochester, NY 585-273-4169
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Retail & Business SHOP
One of a Kind Events (OKE)
HERE!
“Tradition with a Twist” Professional Bridal Consultant Specializing in Winery Weddings www.1ofakindevents.com • 607-661-3985
Over 700 REAL LOG HOMES Built in the Finger Lakes Area Since 1971.
Call for Monthly OPEN HOUSES www.loghomeguy.com www.realloghomes.com
Call Ed Schoen • 800-736-4360
Finger Lakes Images
ROUTE 96
KAYAK SHOWROOM!
100’s of Kayaks, Small Boats & Rowing Shells in Stock!.
Bill Banaszewski Specializing in Outdoor Photography
Try the SUPER FAST Hobie pedal kayak! Test Paddle for FREE on our pond Thule & Yakima Rack Systems
Over 200,000 Stock Photos Custom Photo Shoots
1035 Owego Road (Rte 96), Candor, NY
315-536-1004 www.thefingerlakesimages.com P.O. Box 196, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Call 607-659-7693 Toll Free 866-70-KAYAK powerandpaddle.com
ril
in
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20
Spring Valley Garden Center
TREEFORMS
Furniture & Giftstore
“Quality Growers since 1975” www.springvalleygreenhouse.com
• Clematis Specialists – Over 100 Varieties • Annuals & Perennials – Grown Locally in Our Own Greenhouses • Trees, Shrubs & Walk-through Display Gardens • Mums & Fall Bulbs • Landscaping Services Now Available
TWO GREAT LOCATIONS 3242 Daansen Rd. Walworth 315.597.9816
3100 County Rd. #10 Canandaigua 585.396.1460
34 YEARS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE & SATISFACTION
Spring Floor Model Clearance SALE
USA Made Solid Wood Furnishings Worth the Trip from Anywhere!
607-272-2913 treeformsfurniture.com
1302 Dryden Road ITHACA New York
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T H E
E A S E L
That Old Chestnut by Anya Harris
R
ochester-based artist Jason Tennant has worked in a variety of styles and media over the course of his career. At present, he most frequently creates wooden sculptures depicting North American animals. For the past two-plus years, he has taken a particular interest in a material that a century ago was ubiquitous, but today is relatively rare: American chestnut. The trees were hit by a blight introduced to the country in 1904, and you would have to look very hard to find mature specimens today. “[The blight] kills very quickly and efficiently, so by the 1930s we had billions of what were called ‘gray ghosts,’ dead standing chestnut trees. You can occasionally still find one. I used to think they were old dead pines, but they’re actually chestnuts,” the artist explained. Tennant has been incorporating pieces of the wood he salvages from vintage stands into some of his recent works. The experience has led him to learn a lot about the history and significance of the trees, but this artist has long taken an interest in conservation issues because the natural world – and his ability to interact with it – is integral to the way he creates his art. He lives outside Rochester with his wife, Terri, and frequently works at his studio in the city, but he takes a lot of inspiration from time spent at cabins on the couple’s two wooded parcels, one in Naples and another in South Bristol. “The simplicity of living with no electricity, and in the winter, of skiing in with all my supplies and chopping wood to feed the stove, keeps me grounded. Without technological distractions, I stay focused on immediate things. I think it cleanses me and clears my mind,” he said. It was through the sessions in the woods that he became aware of the plight of the American chestnut tree. He said, “I noticed some shoots coming up from old rootstock on my property. They will grow a few years before blight destroys them, so I identified them and realized that chestnuts had once been there. Also, for 25 years I have foraged for edible wild plants … Though I’m good at taxonomy, and I’ve had the parcel for about 11 years, I didn’t realize until just a few years ago that a lot of the downed logs were remnants of large chestnut trees.” Obtaining the chestnut isn’t always easy. Tennant usually takes it off of very steep hillsides where trucks can’t go. Using a winch is out of the question because he doesn’t want to ruin the “nice, oxidized surface” of the wood. Instead, he carries it out in a specially designed backpack with an armature that distributes the load to his waist, not his shoulders. Working with wood so old means Tennant must take
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“The Rising”
Photo by Jason Tennant
extra precautions not to breathe the dust, which could contain mold. Other than that, “The wood itself is actually quite easy to work with. It’s lighter than oak in that it has a greater tensile strength,” he noted. He also touts its rot-resistance, and “sinewy” and attractive grain. As it happens, grain is critical to what the artist wants to accomplish through his art: “The technique I employ on birds, mammals and masks involves using exposed wood grains, as well as a ‘push-and-pull’ of paint pigments to make it resemble plumage or the patterns in fur. I’m interested in capturing a gesture, an accent or an expression. I like to focus on something unique without denying the qualities of the wood to come through in the piece.” To learn more, visit www.jasontennant.com.
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Part of a growing community.
LNB and you. Main Office 35 William St. Lyons, NY 14489 (315) 946-4871
Clyde 4 Williams St. Clyde, NY 14433 (315) 923-2100
Geneva 399 Exchange St. Geneva, NY 14456 (315) 781-5000
Jordan 2 North Main St. Jordan, NY 13080 (315) 689-9530
Lyons Routes 14 & 31 Lyons, NY 14489 (315) 946-4505
Macedon 359 NYS Route 31 Macedon, NY 14502 (315) 986-9681
Newark 750 W. Miller St. Newark, NY 14513 (315) 331-0296
Ontario 6256 Furnace Rd. Ontario, NY 14519 (315) 524-9661
Penn Yan 205 Liberty St. Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-2300
Wolcott 5996 New Hartford St. Wolcott, NY 14590 (315) 594-6002
READER ACTION NUMBER 153
www.lyonsbank.com
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Enhance Your Finger Lakes Experience With A Visit To Historic
Discover our unique village shops, charming restaurants, world class spa, Victorian-era architecture and local history. Come celebrate the 150th Anniversary of our Village on Super Sundays, the third Sunday of each month from April through December. Join us from 10:00am - 4:00 pm, as the village comes alive with shopping delights, promotions and entertainment for the whole family. Call (315) 462-8200 for more information or go to cliftonspringschamber.com. “Enjoy a welcome break from the stress of daily living with a soothing massage in a warm and quiet setting of a Victorian home.” MAIN STREET
31 Pleasant Street, Clifton Springs (315) 462-9247 www.mainstreet-massage.com
A Unique Dining Experience A short drive from Canandaigua Lake
A FULL SERVICE sandiesfloralgallery.com
Warm Your Heart & Home with An All Occasion Florist – Birthdays, Funerals, Weddings & Anniversary
Flowers
14 W. Main Street Clifton Springs (315) 462-7111
99¢ Greeting Cards, Bags & Gift Wrap 7 West Main Street Clifton Springs (315) 462-7184 www.warfields.com
SALON
Mention this ad and get 10% off any styling product. Two Floors of Distinctive Gifts, Including Our Year ’Round Seasonal Shops Open Normal Business Hours.
15 West Main Street Clifton Springs • (315) 462-6553
GIFT SHOP A Little Something for Everyone
Jewelry, WebKinz & More 24 West Main Street Clifton Springs • (315) 462-7699
Discover...
New & Used Books For Readers of All Ages 18 East Main Street Clifton Springs (315) 521-0832 anne.mancilla@gmail.com
The Foster Cottage photo by Robert Snyder READER ACTION NUMBER 112
2 West Main Street Clifton Springs • (315) 548-4438