Life in the Finger Lakes Spring 2011

Covers.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

A DECADE

2/8/11

OF

1:11 PM

Page C1

PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE

CELE BRAT ING

10

YEAR S

The Region’s Premier Magazine Spring 2011

Alive!

Blooming Native Hardwoods

Lake Cottage Home Improvement

Llama Treks Tasty Food & Wine Combinations Eldercare, Part I A Revolutionary Reenactment

LifeintheFingerLakes.com GREAT PRICE! $3.95

DISPLAY THROUGH MAY ’11

Covers.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

8:23 AM

Page C2

, " -/,1 / "

°

+INGS (ILL 2OAD ) 0ENN9AN .9 ) 0HONE %34

,

"

-/,1 / "

O

"1

/ "

-

O

/7",

O

-"

,9

IW 7`ZS`UW Kagd >S]We[VW >[h[`Y

"

" / " -/ " -/,1 / "

- 7 - , / 7 -

-" ,9

" , / " -/,1 / "

O

0%2-!.%.4 $/#+3

O

6).9, 3(%%4 7!,,

O

O

"/!4 (/)34 #/6%2%$ !.$ 5.#/6%2%$

O

"%!- !.$ 7//$

O

"2)#+ ",/#+ !.$ 34/.% &)2%0,!#%3 &)2%0)43

O

'!.'7!93

O

0/52%$ #/.#2%4%

O

O

0),% $2)6).'

O

-!3/.29 "2)#+ ",/#+ 34/.%

7!,+3 34%03 ). 6!2)/53 -%$)5-3 #/.#2%4% 7//$ 34/.% !,5-).5-

O

0!4)/3 %.4%24!).-%.4 !2%!3

A UR DESIGNS ARE SPECIlC TO

YOUR NEEDS WITH THE lNEST CRAFTSMANSHIP 7ITH OUR DELIVERY AND EXCAVATION SERVICES WE CAN MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT

6ISIT US AT "RAWDY-ARINE COM FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Â¥ "RAWDY #ONSTRUCTION )NC

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

11:20 AM

Page 1

CELEBRATING

10

YEARS Volume 11, Number 1 • Spring 2011

F E A T U R E S

24 32

LLAMAS AND LANDSCAPES A Tully couple takes clients on woodland treks with their favorite animals

By James P. Hughes

ALIVE!

MY OWN WORDS LETTERS FINGER LAKES MAP NEWSBITS A LOOK BACK - CELEBRATING 10 YEARS Spring covers Finger Lakes facts

12 14

HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE FINGER LAKES

16

MADE IN THE FINGER LAKES A team of local craftspeople work to restore stained glass in Newark

20

CULTURED A celebration of the Irish stepdance tradition

44

HOME IMPROVEMENT Transforming a cottage into a multigenerational home

66

A PROUD COMMUNITY Pultneyville

DEAR FRIEND AMELIA – ONE UNION SOLDIER’S LETTERS HOME

69

A new book by Tompkins County historians presents a narrative of the Civil War from a regional perspective

By Ronald E. Ostman and Harry Littell

HUMAN INTEREST - ELDERCARE PART I Now is the time to think about taking care of aging relatives

72

HISTORY Students and adults reenact a Revolutionary War battle

76

FOOD & WINE Belhurst Castle, Ventosa Vineyards and Wagner Vineyards

80 81 88

CALENDAR: FESTIVALS & EVENTS

• It’s never too late to learn

48

SIMPLE PLEASURES

62

2 3 4 8

Native flowering hardwoods show their true colors in the springtime

By Rich Finzer

40 42

54

D E P A R T M E N T S

• General contact information

Hanford Farms, a private park near Marcellus, is available to the public to enjoy its beauty once a year

By Craig and Mary Humphrey

SALAMANDER RAIN Amphibians of all sorts take advantage of warm, wet spring nights

By Phillip Bonn

Below: A Canada goose leads its young across a dirt road at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Lori Radcliff-Woods

FAST FACTS AD INFO OFF THE EASEL Gary Carlson’s (lost and) found art

Cover: The bright green color of new leaves brings warmth to a picturesque wooded stream. Photo by Bill Banaszewski

SPRING 2011 ~

1

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

12:42 PM

Page 2

M Y

O W N

W O R D S

The Written Word 3907 West Lake Rd Canandaigua, NY

www.germanbrothers.com

585-394-4000

ularly if our electronic records do not y the time I was in elementary survive. Will archaeologists see an school, most of my older siblings absence of the written word in the early (there were eight) had already 21st century and wonder what hapgone away to college or to jobs outside pened? Will they be able to interpret of the state. To stay in touch, we sent handwritten letters back and forth. The history as clearly when personal notes among people don’t exist anymore?

Internet and cell phones were nonexIn this issue we have published an istent, and long-distance telephone article about a Union private named calls were an expensive proposition.

John Tidd who wrote to his friend Writing letters was the way to go.

Amelia Haskins of the trials and tribuI remember my parents received lations he experienced during the Civil quite a few. When a letter was delivWar. His letters were discovered hidden ered, it was always an exciting event. in a house in Ithaca nearly 40 years Toward the end of most notes, I would ago, and were compiled into find my name and some a recently published book paragraphs after called Dear Friend Amelia: that meant espeThe Civil War Letters of cially for me. You Private John Tidd. From can only imagine reading these letters, we how important that can learn much about that was, since during period of history. His long periods of time words are uninhibited by their notes were the political leanings and primary means of agendas. They are pure communication and truthful, and give us between my older sibinsight into what one lings and me. young man saw and felt Today, handwritduring those tumultuous ten letters are becomyears. ing a thing of the past.

I don’t know if 150 While handwriting is years from now, somestill taught in school, One of Private John Tidd’s letters one will find a flash young children are drive or hard disk with quickly adapting to text e-mails and texts on it and e-mail. sent from a private in Afghanistan to The biggest issue I see with elechis sweetheart in America. They would tronic communication is that it doesn’t certainly make for a good book, e-book stick around. You don’t print out a text or disk. Maybe good stories and heartand keep it in a shoebox to re-read felt words will always be important. years later. Technically, correspondence We’ll just communicate them in differcan and is being backed up to some ent ways. hard drive, but in reality, is it easy to find that e-mail you received five years ago from your favorite aunt?

I wonder how history will look at the human race at this point in time, particmark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

B

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

2~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:37 PM

Page 3

L E T T E R S Just a note to thank you for including a review of our new book The Settlement of Western New York in the Winter 2010 issue.

All of us who worked on the book volunteered our time and all proceeds will go to the Gates Historical Society for the Hinchey Homestead renovation fund.

I’ve been a subscriber for several years and the magazine is great. The grand prize-winning picture in the photo contest is fantastic. What a great photo.

John Robortella, Canandaigua

A lesson in geology The caprock the author refers to (Fall 2010 issue, “Bahar Nature Preserve and Carpenter’s Falls,” pages 50-57) is actually the harder resistant limestone formation. The softer weathered rock below forming the amphitheater is the shale. Specifically, the Tully Limestone formation is on top of the softer Moscow Shale below. Most waterfalls in Central New York have the same geological history, being formed first as hanging stream valleys perched above the main valley floor of north/south-orientated glaciated Ushaped trough valleys left as legacies of the last ice age.

It is always the harder limestone that forms the caprock above the softer shale that allowed the streams to form waterfalls in so many of the beautiful gorges and ravines that typify the Finger Lake Region. This is evident at Bellona Falls near Geneva, Tinker’s Falls near Apulia Station, Bucktail Falls at the end of Otisco Lake, Montville Falls near Moravia, and many others throughout this region.

In other locations it is the very resistant Lockport Dolomite that forms the caprock, as at Niagara Falls and the High Falls region of the Genesee River in Rochester, but never does soft shale form a caprock.

Ray F. Leszczynski Cayuga Community College, Auburn (Continued on page 5)

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

3

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

11:13 AM

Page 4

The Finger Lakes Regional Map From Oswego

Sterling Hamlin

Fair Haven

Hilton

From Watertown

MONROE

Pultneyville

Greece

Sodus Point Sodus

Red Creek

Wolcott

Oneida Lake

Webster

Brockport

Williamson

Baldwinsville

Rochester

Spencerport

Cato

North Syracuse

Rose Marion

E. Rochester

Walworth

WAYNE

Churchville

Fairport

Spring Lake

Clyde

Macedon Palmyra

From Buffalo

Savannah

From Utica

Jordan

Lyons

Syracuse

Farmington Scottsville Rush

Caledonia

Montezuma

Honeoye Mendon Falls Victor Clifton Springs

Holcomb Canandaigua

Phelps

Auburn

Cayuga

Waterloo

ONTARIO

Lima

Manlius Skaneateles Marcellus

Seneca Falls

Manchester

Avon

Otisco

Owasco

SENECA

Union Springs

Stanley

Cheshire

Lafayette

ONONDAGA

Niles

Gorham

Hemlock Honeoye

Geneseo

Pompey

Geneva

Bloomfield Livonia

Piffard

Fayetteville

Camillus

Weedsport

Newark

New Hope

Bristol Center

Tully

Hall

CAYUGA

Romulus Rushville

Aurora

Scott Cuyler Truxton

Conesus

Mt. Morris

Middlesex

Bristol Springs

Moravia Dresden King Ferry

Springwater

YATES

Naples

LIVINGSTON Wayland

Portageville

Nunda

Homer

Summer Hill

CORTLAND

Interlaken

Keuka Park Italy

Genoa

Ovid

Penn Yan Lodi

Solon

Cortland

Branchport

Himrod

McGraw

Groton Ludlowville

Dansville Trumansburg

Ossian

Freeville

Dundee

Prattsburg

Virgil

Lansing Hector

Cohocton

Dryden

Wayne Mecklenburg

Marathon

Ithaca Hammondsport Arkport

Haskinville

Weston

Avoca

Watkins Glen

Bradford

Hornell

From Jamestown

NEW YORK S TAT E

Bath

SCHUYLER

Montour Falls

Harford Mills

TOMPKINS

Newfield

From Binghamton

Caroline

Danby Speedsville

Odessa

Berkshire

Monterey Beaver Dams

Canisteo

Cayuta

Millport

STEUBEN Hartsville

Horseheads Painted Post

CHEMUNG

Corning

Jasper

Big Flats

Flemingville

Halsey Valley

TIOGA Owego

Chemung Center

Elmira

Addison

Rexville

Newark Valley

Van Etten

Breesport

Elmira Heights

Greenwood

Candor

Spencer

Pine Valley

Cameron Mills

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State

Besemer

Burdett

Woodhull Barton Caton

Pine City

Waverly

Apalachin NIchols

Areas of interest in this magazine issue:

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Stash mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST . . . . . . . Jennifer Srmack GRAPHIC ARTIST . . . . . . . . . Lindsey Williamson ASSOCIATE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Manzer ASSISTANT EDITORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Kevin Fahy

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anya Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol C. Stash

• Canandaigua • Cortland • Dryden

• Elmira • Geneva • Ithaca

CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phillip Bonn

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Bridgeford-Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Cohen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Feulner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Finzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James P. Hughes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig Humphrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Humphrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Littell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy E. McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald E. Ostman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Stochl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joy Underhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth E. Thaler-Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhonda Trainor

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© 2011 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: $13.95 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.

4~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

• Newark • Penn Yan • Pultneyville

• Rochester • Speedsville • Tully

EDITORIAL OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315-789-0458 DIRECTOR

OF

ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Braden tim@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES - 800-344-0559 Jason Hagerman . . . . . jason@lifeinthefingerlakes.com Darlene Roberts. . . . darlene@lifeinthefingerlakes.com Rhonda Trainor . . . . 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

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:37 PM

Page 5

About Verne Morton’s photograph of that wonderful desk Dear Mark: We enjoyed the article “A Labor of Love” in the Winter 2010 issue of Life in the Finger Lakes magazine. Page 35 features a picture of Dennis Kelley who is my great grandfather, and we have the desk that is pictured. Dennis made the desk for my father, Herbert Kelley, in 1913, and had the picture taken November 18, 1913, to put in the center of the top back board. We have the original picture in the desk with a letter to my father from Dennis, conveying the desk as a gift.

Enclosed you will find pictures of the Kelley desk as it is today, copies of the original pictures sent with the desk and a copy of the letter Dennis sent. We “translated” the [handwritten] letter for your use.

The desk was shipped from Groton to Brookstone, Indiana, where my father and grandfather (Donald

Above, Left: The Dennis Kelly desk, present day.

Above, right: A photo of the desk and Dennis Kelly, taken by Verne Morton, appeared in the Winter 2010 issue. Find “A Labor of Love” in the article archive online at LifeintheFingerLakes.com.

Morouan Kelley, M.D.) lived and worked. Dennis Kelley was in his 83rd year at the time.

Thank you for sharing the wonderful works of the Mortons.

Merona Kelly Christopher, Noblesville, Indiana (Continued on page 6)

v ` sd qe qn m s HOME, SWEET HOME. The key to the home you’ve always dreamed of could finally be yours. Our expert mortgage consultants are skilled at navigating the process of securing a mortgage, and they’ll assist you every step of the way. Give us a call today, and let’s make that dream come true.

C

Kara Hinson 585-330-8556

Aaron Lazenby 585-953-0335

5032 South Main Street, Suite A Canandaigua, NY 14424

C

Peter Pecoraro 585-305-2470

70;;:-69+ =0*;69 96(+ 05 70;;:-69+ >>> -(09769;469;.(., *64

Loans Arranged with Third Party Lenders.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

5

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:37 PM

Page 6

L E T T E R S

Letter written by Dennis Kelly to his grandson Herbert

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

My Dear Grandson Herbert, Received your letter in due time and will answer. All is well as usual. I am getting to be almost a cripple. My Rheumatism is getting the best of me very fast. Can’t get across the house anymore without my cane.

We received the Christmas presents all right and were very nice and useful.

Christmas night we had a snowstorm and there fell 8 inches of snow and since that we have had fine sleighing with no drifts at all and no bare ground. I have a Borrowed Horse now for a while. Got it yesterday to use for its keep a few weeks.

It is small and white as snow and is 24 years old and quite a colt yet.

I hope you will like the desk as a souvenir to remember your grandpa as that will be the last of my work of that kind. I am making a heavy walnut chair now when the weather is suitable to work in the barn. I am making that for Alma [daughter Alma Tarbell] as she has none of my work. Clarence [son] has a walnut sideboard and last summer a year ago I made a desk similar to the one I sent you that I am going to give to Millard [Clarence’s son]. When I get the chair done, think I will graduate as I have to stand on one foot most of the time or set on the side of the bench. I am so very lame in my knees. Let me hear from you again. From Grandpa D. Kelly A Message to Marouan Kelley at the end of the letter Merouan, would like to have you come out and see what the Groton folks are doing. They have the new Power House nearly done. Will finish the smoke stack tomorrow. They have one section of five feet yet to put on and that will make it 110 feet high. They put it up in sections of five feet and scaffold from the ground. Pull the iron and lumber up with tackle and ropes. The scaffold is a nice sight up in the air 110 feet. The Power House will cost $15,000 when done, have 125 horse power run by electric.

DK

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

6~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

12:47 PM

Page 7

If you could design your dream window, what would it be?

myMarvin by

P. Allen Smith Garden Home Designer

Create windows and doors uniquely your own. Whether remodeling, replacing or building new. Get inspired by the myMarvin Project artists, or start organizing your own projects with the Online Remodeling Planner at myMarvin.com For more information and to discuss your dream windows and doors call 1-888-537-8261.

Š2011 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ŽRegistered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:37 PM

Page 8

N E W S B I T S

www.drfrankwines.com (800) 320-0735

“Rated the #1 Winery in the Northeast”

Festival in Penn Yan combines art, music and wine The 2011 Keuka Arts Festival is one of the highlights of the summer on Keuka Lake and in the village of Penn Yan. Stretched along the waterfront of the Keuka Outlet Park, the festival offers ample parking and dockage for boats, yet is only steps away from

Wine Report 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 & 2005

“Finger Lakes’ Most Award-Winning Winery” Wine Enthusiast 10/07

“Four Star Rating” Hugh Johnson’s Wine Book 2010

“Winery of the Year” New York Wine Classic 2006

51 Gold Medals 2010

Look for our award-winning, value-priced line of Salmon Run Wines

9749 Middle Road Hammondsport, NY 14840

downtown shops and restaurants.

The festival will be held June 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free.

Organizers hope to increase last year’s 75 vendors to 100 this year, featuring pottery, paintings, woodworking, basketry, photography, sculpture and glass art. More than just a chance to see what the numerous artists of the Finger Lakes have created, the festival is also an interactive experience with body painting, paraffin sculpture, and caricaturists.

As a complement to the fine arts, there will be folk, rock and bluegrass musicians such as P.J. Elliott, The Cross Eyed Cats, and Pinot and the Noirs.

Eight Finger Lakes wineries will be present for tastings and sales, and as new participants, 15 farm vendors will bring their products, including artisanal cheeses, breads, mustards, honey, maple syrup, flowering plants, fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and locally roasted coffees.

FLCC asks ‘citizen scientists’ for help with bear research Instructors and students at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua have embarked on a project to study behaviors of black bears for

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

8~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

which there is little documentation to date – and they’re asking the general public for help.

Bears have been known to bite and scratch trees, but FLCC professor John Van Niel learned about a little-known bear behavior while assisting two researchers from Walnut Hill Tracking and Nature Center in Massachusetts: deep tracks that bears appear to have deliberately retread.

Van Niel’s students contacted bear experts throughout North America and combed through texts, but they uncovered little research about these deeplyimprinted tracks. They want to find out if black bears in western New York make these unique trails, and if there could be

Bear bite marks on a tree

a relationship between the trails and any bite or scratch marks on nearby trees.

Van Niel believes they may be linked to males claiming territory.

Since launching the project in the fall, Van Niel has received information on bite marks at bears@flcc.edu. He and his students hope more information will turn up as people hunt, hike and cross-country ski in the Finger Lakes and western New York.

Conserving the Natural Areas of the Caroline Pinnacles Cornell Plantations is pleased to announce the successful protection of a 10-acre addition to the Caroline Pinnacles Natural Area in the Town of Caroline. The addition, which was acquired through a land trade and dona-

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:38 PM

Page 9

tion, increases Plantations’ protected lands within the Bald Hill and Caroline Pinnacles Natural Areas to 254 acres.

“Our interest in protecting the Caroline Pinnacles originates from the educational value it possesses and the significance of its unique natural features,” stated Todd Bittner, director of the Cornell Plantations Natural Areas program. “For the past 150 years, naturalists, botanists and Cornell students have explored the steeply sloping hillsides to study the area’s unique environments.”

Caroline Pinnacles derives its name from one of the region’s most dramatic examples of a valley slope over-steepened by glaciers, which gouged at the valley-side as they moved back and forth through the White Church Valley over the millennia.

For more information on Caroline Pinnacles, including maps and directions to the site, visit the Plantations website at cornellplantations.org.

23rd Annual TCBRA Home Show The 2010 Tompkins Cortland Builders & Remodelers Association Home Show will be held March 4, 5, and 6 at the Borg Warner Morse Tec Field House at the TC3 Sports Complex in Dryden. This will be TCBRA’s 23rd annual show and promises to be a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services for many qualified buyers.

New this year, Bob the Builder is making a special appearance on Saturday, March 5, and celebrated author and columnist Amy Dickinson will sign books on Sunday, March 6.

Attendees looking for a wide range of products and services for their homes come from 15 nearby New York counties, including Tompkins, Cortland, Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga and Wayne.

For more information visit www.tcbra.com/tcbra/?page_id=275.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

9

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

12:48 PM

Page 10

The Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum

Something for Everyone

Hammondsport

Products, Services & Events

Glenn H.

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

11 William Street PO Box 153, Hammondsport, NY 14840

607-569-2687 www.blushingroseinn.com

A

welcomed sight since 1870, the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum awaits to welcome you. Climb the Victorian cast-iron staircase to enjoy views of Great Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario and the beautifully lighthouse garden. Perfect for Weddings. Enjoy FREE afternoon concerts beginning July 4th and every Sunday through Labor Day! Don’t miss our giftshop. Whatever your reason, steal away to enjoy the simple pleasures only nature and time can provide.

See you at the Lighthouse!

7606 N. Ontario St., Sodus Point, NY 14555

315-483-4936 www.soduspointlighthouse.org OPEN: May-October, Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5pm.

Closed Mondays (except holidays) This organization is supported in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, which is administered locally by Phelps Art Center, Phelps, NY.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Repair, Rehabilitate, Reuse Strategies for Sustaining Buildings and Communities 25th Annual Preservation Conference Saturday, April 30, 2011 Join us in Dansville, one of the Finger Lake’s most charming Victorian villages, for The Landmark Society of Western New York’s Annual Preservation Conference, the only gathering of its kind in the state.

Open to everyone, this comprehensive workshop offers useful information to homeowners, DIYers, small business owners, tradespeople, community advocates, architects, developers, municipal board members, and elected officials. Learn about older building repair

ake it a day in the country. From fine furniture, gifts and collectibles to casually elegant luncheon dining, our shops offer a unique shopping experience. Relax and enjoy the country.

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

The Loomis Barn - Fine home furnishings and accessories Corn House Cafe - Open for lunch specialty sandwiches, homemade soups Susan’s Shop - 20th century collectibles. Fun and functional The Back Room - Unique accessories, gifts and accent items Store Hours Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 12 -4, Cafe open for lunch, Both store and café closed Mon 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 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

and home rehabilitation, sources of project funding, and strategies for a sustainable built and natural environment.

www.landmarksociety.org 585-546-7029 ext. 10

If you would like to have your product, service or event advertised in the next issue, please contact our sales department at 315-789-0458 or visit LifeintheFingerLakes.com.

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:38 PM

Page 11

Life is good in the Finger Lakes!

Come join us!

KENDAL

®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

AT ITHACA

A NOT-FOR-PROFIT LIFE CARE COMMUNITY FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

2230 N. Triphammer Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 607.266.5300 800.253.6325 www.kai.kendal.org SPRING 2011 ~

11

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

CELEBRATING

A

10

YEARS

4:39 PM

Page 12

L O O K

C

B A C K

A Decade of Publishing Excellence

D

uring the spring of 2001, the idea of Life in the Finger Lakes magazine was conceived and brought to reality. Only two issues were published that year, but what a start.

From the beginning, readers were happy to finally

F

have a high-quality magazine showcase the fantastic area that is known as the Finger Lakes Region.

Join us as we look back at the beautiful seasonthemed covers, and watch future issues for Finger Lakes stories revisited.

Spring – 2002 to 2010

T

2002

2003

2004

Cover photo by Bill Banaszewski

Cover photo by Bill Banaszewski

Cover photo by Steve Chesler

2005

2006

2007

Cover photo by Steve Pike

Cover photo by Fred Bertram

Cover photo by Steve Chesler

D

G A Pl

w

"

Di E Pe

6 (31

12 ~

2008

2009

2010

Cover photo by Ryan Williamson

Cover photo by Phillip Bonn

Cover photo by Marie Read

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:39 PM

Page 13

Come Home to Phelps Located on Route 96 between I90 Exits 42 & 43.

Find out more about Phelps, its history, community, businesses and events at www.PhelpsNY.com FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

— Over 20 years experience —

The Historic Phelps Hotel Restaurant 90 Main Street, Phelps, NY 14532 (315) 548-5200 www.phelpshotelrestaurant.com

Delight in Spring!

Gift Items Available, Plus Limited Edition Paintings For Sale

Recreate your treasured furniture.

Custom window treatments.

Open Mon-Sat. Call for appt.

104 Main Street, Phelps (315) 246-6961

Featuring Hand Rolled

Truffles Wine Truffles Made with Premium Gourment Chocolate & Finger Lakes Wines

Deer Creek Cottage 1995 ©

– Truffle Trays & Gift Baskets –

k

Quick Personal Service at Your Hometown Pharmacy

24/7 PRESCRIPTION PHONE REFILLS Gift Items and Cards 110 Main Street, Phelps, NY 14532 (315) 548-9454 FAX: (315) 548-5224

The Howe House Museum (Phelps Community Historical Society)

66 Main St. Phelps, NY

Programs, Tours, Research & Exhibits Call us at (315) 548-4940 or email histsoc@fltg.net

3 Church Street, Phelps, NY 14532 (315) 548-8544 • (315) 734-8048 www.kinkadegalleryofthefingerlakes.com

"Your Hometown General Store" Digital Photo Printing • 5 Gallon Water Electric/Plumbing • Paint & Supplies Pet Food & Supplies • Gift & Craft Ideas Pool Supplies • Video Rentals

62 Ontario Street, Phelps, NY 14532 (315) 548-5231Mon. - Sat. 8-7 & Sun 9-1 www.phelpsmercantile.com

Open: Wed- Fri 10 AM- 4PM

3 Church Street, Phelps, NY 14532 (585) 330-6094 • Call for Hours

www.phelpsny.com/ phelps-fun/historical-society

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

CELEBRATING

A

10

YEARS

2/7/11

4:39 PM

L O O K

Page 14

B A C K

Finger Lakes Facts Originally published in the premier issue, Summer 2001

The Finger Lakes Region

T

NEW YORK STATE

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State

Rochester WAY N E

CAYUGA

Syracuse

MONROE O N TA R I O

Canandaigua Lake

LIVINGSTON

Conesus Lake

Cayuga Lake

Owasco Lake

Otisco Lake Skaneateles Lake

Y AT E S

Hemlock Lake

SENECA

Honeoye Lake Canadice Lake

C O RT L A N D

Seneca Lake Keuka Lake

STEUBEN

ONONDAGA

TOMPKINS

SCHUYLER

CHEMUNG

TIOGA

he Finger Lakes Region is bordered on the north by Lake Ontario and on the south

by Pennsylvania. West of the Finger Lakes lies the Genesee Region and western New York. To the east are the Catskill Mountains, the Adirondacks and the Leatherstocking Region.

Rochester and Syracuse are within easy driving distance of any Finger Lake. Take a look at some lake information we’ve compiled.

Keuka Length: 20 miles Depth: 183 feet Volume: 390 billion gallons Shoreline: 59 miles Size of Watershed: 187 square miles Elevation: 709 feet

Otisco Length: 5 miles long Depth: 66 feet Volume: 21 billion gallons Shoreline: 13 miles Size of Watershed: 34 square miles Elevation: 784 feet

Owasco

Canadice

Conesus

Length: 3 miles long Depth: 91 feet Volume: 11 billion gallons Shoreline: 7 miles Size of Watershed: 12 square miles Elevation: 1099 feet

Length: 8 miles long Depth: 59 feet Volume: 43 billion gallons Shoreline: 19 miles Size of Watershed: 89 square miles Elevation: 818 feet

Length: 11 miles Depth: 177 feet Volume: 212 billion gallons Shoreline: 23 miles Size of Watershed: 208 square miles Elevation: 710 feet

Length: 16 miles long Depth: 276 feet Volume: 445 billion gallons Shoreline: 36 miles Size of Watershed: 174 square miles Elevation: 686 feet

Hemlock

Seneca

Length: 7 miles long Depth: 90 feet Volume: 29 billion gallons Shoreline: 17 miles Size of Watershed: 43 square miles Elevation: 905 feet

Length: 35 miles Depth: 618 feet Volume: 4.2 trillion gallons Shoreline: 76 miles Size of Watershed: 707 square miles Elevation: 444 feet

Cayuga

Honeoye

Skaneateles

Length: 38 miles long Depth: 435 feet Volume: 2.5 trillion gallons Shoreline: 95 miles Size of Watershed: 785 square miles Elevation: 384 feet

Length: 4 miles long Depth: 30 feet Volume: 9.5 billion gallons Shoreline: 11 miles Size of Watershed: 37 square miles Elevation: 818 feet

Canandaigua

14 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Length: 15 miles Depth: 297 feet Volume: 425 billion gallons Shoreline: 31 miles Size of Watershed: 73 square miles Elevation: 867 feet

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:40 PM

Page 15

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 00

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

M A D E

4:40 PM

I N

Page 16

T H E

F I N G E R

L A K E S

Art for Everyone A team of local craftspeople works to restore stained glass in Newark

by Jan Bridgeford Smith

1

3

2

4

1. Glass artist and owner of Pike Stained Glass Studios, Valerie O’Hara, shows beauty of restored glass portrait of Jesus from the Newark church window.

2. Piece by piece: a close-up of painstaking process to remove old lead and replace with new.

3. Detailed, full-scale drawings, done prior to removal of glass, function as “blueprint” guides during the restoration process.

4. Chelsea Anderson, craftsperson and artist at Pike Stained Glass Studios, removing old lead from soaking glass.

Photos by Michele Vair. Photo illustration by Mark Stash

16 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

cross the Finger Lakes region, stained glass windows are ubiquitous. Numerous examples from two of the 19th century’s most renowned glass artisans, Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge, can be found here. Not confined to museum walls, this art can be viewed for free in urban neighborhoods filled with blight or blessed with wealth, glimpsed when driving past a faded church in a rural hamlet, or admired while strolling around a village on a balmy afternoon.

Referred to as the poor man’s Bible, stained glass windows are more closely associated with Christian tradition than any other architectural detail, though the decoration is found in the sacred spaces of many faiths.

These windows can endure for centuries, but every hundred years (give or take a decade) they require attention from a skilled craftsperson. It’s a remarkable and costly process.

One window’s story Newark First United Methodist Church is an imposing brown brick structure. A large square bell tower rising 75 feet into the air gives the Tudor Gothic edifice a castle-like appearance.

Anyone who visits the high-ceiling sanctuary inside immediately notices the huge, arched, stained glass window on the east wall. Consisting of three panels, it depicts the visitation of the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph, by shepherds and angels. It is stunning.

Sixteen feet wide and 28 feet high, the Victorian-style window was designed and produced by the William B. Chapman Studio of Albany. It was

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

installed during a church renovation sometime between 1922 and ’24. By the spring of 2010, church trustees knew the window needed serious maintenance. Flaking lead and loosened panes were ominous signs of deterioration.

The church’s trustees knew a fullscale restoration would be pricey. They were right. Yet once the initial sticker shock of the $75,000 price tag subsided, the overwhelming sentiment was to move forward with the project. J Joslyn, a member of the fundraising team, had no doubt it was the right decision.

“Those windows have memory and meaning for people in this church and in the larger community,” he said.

“Sure, everyone could live without them but another piece of our history would be gone.”

Mastery in the creation and preservation of stained glass requires creativity and talent, plus a broad knowledge base that includes art history, architecture, math, engineering, chemistry, and materials science. Valerie O’Hara, who was awarded the Newark project, has all those qualifications plus an impressive list of successful restoration endeavors.

Valerie is the third generation artisan/leader of the 100-year-old family business Pike Stained Glass Studio in Rochester. At age 12, she started working there after school and during vacations. She received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Rochester Institute of Technology, and became an award-winning painter and glass artist whose work has been exhibited in galleries throughout North America.

In the beginning Stained glass windows are durable, and often remain intact even when other parts of a building like gutters, roofs, brick and stonework fall down. When a window needs restoration it’s usually because the lead has become brittle. Once that beading corrodes, other aspects of the complex glass, metal and wood fusion eventually falters. In the case of Newark, both the lead and frame became dan-

4:40 PM

Page 17

gerously weak. It would not be long before glass segments loosened and fell out.

Renovation begins by creating a pattern of the window based upon precise measurements of all the glass pieces, the openings and the lead.

Then the dismantling can begin.

Even the largest windows can be taken apart in sections measuring about 2 feet by 3 feet, and packaged and transported. For the Newark project, Valerie worked with Dave Young, a master carpenter with a reputation for impeccable work. Dave handled the removal and reinstallation of the glass, as well as the repair of the window’s frame. Undoing the panels from their frame was accomplished by working from high scaffolding inside the sanctuary, and outside by standing on a flat roof adjacent to the window.

When the window segments arrive at the studio, the most delicate and hazardous part of the restoration begins – undoing each piece of glass in a section and removing the old lead. If the bead is still too firm, long, thin panes may end up cracked or shattered during the separation process.

A tender touch To make the process faster and safer, the glass is soaked in warm water.

This helps loosen the dirt and reduce the amount of lead dust that appears as the material is scraped away using small, handheld blades. Valerie and her assistants also wear masks and surgical gloves to avoid direct contact with the lead. Aprons, towels and shoes used only in the studio setting are added safeguards to lessen exposure to harmful lead particles.

It was during this cleaning phase that Valerie discovered an odd detail about the Newark panels. At some point after the window was installed, flat paint was applied to the back of the glass. It appears this was an attempt to “darken” the window. Since the paint had not been fired onto the glass, it was evidently a makeshift solution.

Here’s a more curious issue: The flat paint cannot be undone. The role

Some of the more than 30 local artist-members

Bill Mowson

who own Handwork are artists and photographers

Richard Welch

Stop by - they may be working!

HANDWORK Ithaca’s Cooperative Craft Store

102 West State Street The Commons, Ithaca www.handwork.coop 607-273-9400 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

17

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

M A D E

4:40 PM

I N

Page 18

T H E

F I N G E R

L A K E S

of a preservationist is to put things back together with as little disturbance as possible. Though it seems counterintuitive, the panels were reassembled with the flat paint still intact, an exhaustive photo record of the front and back of the glass attesting to the integrity of the preservation.

Valerie making a point about stained glass during a studio tour by visitors from Newark congregation.

Holding it together The paint discovery was not the only complication. Dave and his crew noticed two serious flaws in the arched window frame: water damage and poorly constructed joints linking the wood pieces together. Like a cake, the frame was made by adhering six layers of molding together, one over the other. Serious rot could be traced through the top three layers, while the joints, rather than being staggered and overlapped, were all in the same place. This combination meant the frame’s stability was precarious at best.

Point person for the church trustees, Marty Morris, credits Dave Young’s woodworking skills and engineering savvy for finding solutions to the frame problems. The top three layers of molding were replaced and the joints were overlapped and reinforced by metal plates, not a difficult job on the straight lines of the woodwork. But when it came to replacing a curved surface, the job got much more complicated. A labor-intensive, time-consuming procedure requiring

Photo by Michele Vair

A wedding to remember Elegant Receptions

Lakefront Ceremonies ~ Exceptional Lodging

Beautiful Beginnings

Several bride and grooms choose The Inn on the Lake to begin their Ž‹˜‡• –‘‰‡–Š‡”Ǥ ‡ ‘ƥ‡” ƒ ™‹†‡ ”ƒÂ?‰‡ ‘ˆ ‹Â?†‘‘” ƒÂ?† ‘—–†‘‘” ‡˜‡Â?– •’ƒ…‡ ƒÂ?† ’ƒ…Â?ƒ‰‡• ˆ‘” ‡˜‡Â?–• ”ƒÂ?‰‹Â?‰ ‹Â? •‹œ‡• ˆ”‘Â? ͖͙nj͖͙͔ ‰—‡•–•Ǥ

A Beautiful Setting

Dz ƒÂ?ƒÂ?Â†ÂƒÂ‹Â‰Â—ÂƒÇł ‹• ƒ ‡Â?‡…ƒ Â?†‹ƒÂ? ™‘”† Â?‡ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ Dz Š‡ Š‘•‡Â? ’‘–Ǥdz Š‡Â? ›‘— •‡‡ –Š‡ „”‡ƒ–Š–ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ „‡ƒ—–› ‘ˆ ƒÂ?ƒÂ?†ƒ‹‰—ƒ ƒÂ?‡ ›‘— ™‹ŽŽ Â?Â?‘™ ™Š› •‘ Â?ƒÂ?› „”‹†‡• ƒÂ?† ‰”‘‘Â?• …Š‘‘•‡ —• ˆ‘” –Š‡‹” •’‡…‹ƒŽ †ƒ›Ǥ

Deluxe Accommodations

Š‡ Â?Â? ‘Â? –Š‡ ƒÂ?‡ ‘ƥ‡”• •‡˜‡”ƒŽ –›’‡• ‘ˆ …Šƒ”Â?‹Â?‰ ŽƒÂ?‡•‹†‡ ”‘‘Â?• ˆ‘” ™‡††‹Â?‰ ‰—‡•–•Ǥ ‘— ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ƒ••‹‰Â?‡† ƒ ’”‘ˆ‡••‹‘Â?ƒŽ ˜‡Â?– ƒÂ?ƒ‰‡” †‡†‹…ƒ–‡† –‘ Â?ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ›‘—” ™‡††‹Â?‰ †ƒ› ƒ Žƒ•–‹Â?‰ †ƒ› ‘ˆ „‡ƒ—–›Ǥ

770 S. MAIN ST. ~ CANANDAIGUA RESERVATIONS: 585-394-7800 WWW.THEINNONTHELAKE.COM FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

18 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:40 PM

Page 19

17 to 18 laminations of thin strips of wood was necessary to correctly complete the frame.

End in sight Fourteen weeks after the work began the restored windows were reinstalled. The project is almost complete. A final step is placement of a clear pane storm window. According to Valerie, this isn’t necessary for the protection of the stained glass but for the comfort of the congregation. “These windows need to breathe so moisture doesn’t accumulate, which means the storm can’t be tightly sealed,” she explained. “It’s a tough trade-off – lasting beauty or soaring utility bills.”

The Newark window project is expected to top out at $90,000, a daunting amount of money for any congregation to raise. Many will not support it, and slices of art and heritage will be quietly lost.

J Joselyn didn’t grow up in the Newark church. He had no particular connection to the congregation before he started attending the church with his wife and young children, yet J was an enthusiastic supporter of the window restoration. “If I help to replace and repair the windows then I’ve made a memory. I will have helped pass along a treasure to future generations,” he said. He’s right, and the community of Newark is the richer for it.

Good for another 150 years, restored stained glass, in a refurbished frame, on the east wall of the sanctuary at Newark First United Methodist Church.

Photo by Jan Bridgeford-Smith

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

19

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:40 PM

Page 20

C U L T U R E D

Our First Feis A celebration of the Irish stepdance tradition

by Rhonda Trainor

“P

oodle” socks, curly wigs, sock glue? They’re just part of the scene that greets us when we enter the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, where my 12-year-old daughter Natalie is competing in her first Irish stepdance competition or Feis (pronounced fesh).

There is an air of excitement and a flurry of activity as dancers prepare to perform. I see that eight different stages are set up in this large open space. Musicians play live on each stage where colorful groups of dancers compete. Other dancers are “on deck” waiting their turn to take the stage.

More dancers are scattered throughout the venue stretching, jumping, and kicking their way through their practices, perhaps scoping out the competition.

They carefully ready their attire. Makeup is applied, hairpieces are put in place and yes, many dancers glue their socks to their legs so they won’t fall down during their dance.

These boys and girls, competing in age categories organized from “8 and under” to “17 and over” are dedicated, excited and confident. I watch them all and when one in particular catches my eye I think, How can someone jump so high from a standing position?

The beginning We can thank Michael Flatley and his “Riverdance” for this busy spectacle. Since the first performance in 1994, the popularity of Irish stepdancing has exploded around the world.

Its roots here in the U.S. date back to 1890s, when Irish immigrants in New York City danced and established schools there. The city hosted a Feis as early as 1911, and a U.S. championship in 1927.

As an art, Irish stepdancing is learned orally and by demonstration. It is passed on in genealogical fashion from teacher to student. Here in Upstate New York, Irish stepdance instruction is available in most major towns and cities, from Buffalo to Albany. My daughter is enrolled in the Young School of Irish Dance based in Rochester. It’s a sanctioned institution registered with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha in Dublin, Ireland. Dancers Charles Young and his wife Rachel Burke Young founded the school 15 years ago. They and Rachel’s sister Paula are the school’s only instructors.

They teach 270 students in Canandaigua, Greece, Honeoye Falls, Rochester and Webster. Following the Irish tradition, the teacher travels to the students, not the other way around.

The Feis When Natalie and I check in, we note with some relief that both her dances are on the same stage. She gets her number and we work our way through the crowd to the stage. We tell the stage manager that number 1219 is there and ready, and all of a sudden the room gets quiet. The national anthems of America, Canada and Ireland are sung, and the Feis begins.

Kay, a dancer with the Young School of Irish Dance, wears a traditional Irish Dance dress, poodle socks and ghillies.

20 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Photos courtesy of the Young School of Irish Dance

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:41 PM

Page 21

A Worry-Free Vacation for Both of You

“Whoa,” says Natalie, noticing the seriousness of the musicians, the stage manager and especially the judges. I’m nervous, too, imagining her neatly pinned bun tumbling down as she dances, 50 or so Bobby pins falling out of her slippery hair.

Here’s how the competition works.

A group of dancers files onto the stage.

They step forward two at a time to dance, then return to the lineup. When everyone in the line has danced, they bow as a group and file off. Dancers are

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 care of themselves 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

"When I’m away and Mom visits Clark Meadows, I’m confident she’s receiving the special attention she needs."

Visit www.ClarkMeadows.com An affiliate of

Call for Special Winter Rates One Clark Meadows

Canandaigua, NY 14424

(585) 393-4330

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Renee performs a perfect leap called “an over.”

judged individually on the turnout of their feet, the crossing of their feet, posture, how high they lift off of the floor, and how well they dance on their toes. Each dancer begins with the same number of points; deductions are taken for missteps and other errors, in timing and execution, for example.

Each stage features a board listing all of the dances scheduled there during the day, along with a “next” and “now” sign. I glance at the board, and we check hair and shoelaces one last time.

Armed with words of encouragement, my daughter is now on deck. The sign changes to now. She takes a deep breath and walks onto the stage with a smile.

The music begins and she starts to dance. Heel and a heel and a back 2, 3…

She looks good, I think, but I don’t know the steps well enough to spot FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

21

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:41 PM

Page 22

C U L T U R E D mistakes. The judges watch intently and make their marks. The time seems to go by quickly and the young dancers bow and file off.

Later we find the results board, locate her dance “Beginner Reel,” and look for her number. It’s there – third place! My daughter leaves her first Feis with a medal, a souvenir T-shirt and a sense of accomplishment.

The dance Irish stepdancing is high-energy competition at its best. The dancers combine hops, sidesteps and intricate footwork as their arms remain glued to their sides, their hands in a loose fist.

They’re graceful, elegant and fast. As the dancers learn and memorize the steps, they count them off something like this: “Switch and a point, kick back 2, 3, slice 1, kick 2, step over 2, 3.”

Why don’t they move their arms?

Socks and Stockings Originally, women danced barefoot in Ireland. It gave them the grace and lightness Feis participants still strive for today.

Ghillies were introduced in the 1920s.

White poodle socks (or bubble socks or popcorn socks, as they are sometimes called) replaced dancers’ black stockings, which were forbidden by the church for being too seductive. The white socks contrast nicely with the black shoes, and are very popular for competitions. Appearing more and more often, though, are tights, especially for more theatrical productions.

A variety of interesting theories and legends attempt to explain that. Some trace it back to when the English suppressed Irish dance, music and culture, and dancing had to be practiced in secret. Passersby looking in the windows of homes or pubs would not be able to

> >} } Üi> Ì V> Li > } Þ V « iÝ «À ViÃð

tell that the people inside were dancing since their arms weren’t moving.

Others attribute it to the Catholic church’s disapproval of dancing. The priests felt that “arms at the side” dancing was more chaste and restrained.

Another explanation comes from dancing in crowded or small, enclosed areas. Traveling dance masters would unhinge the door of a small home and use it as a temporary dance floor. The dancers kept their arms at their sides to avoid hitting the dancers next to them.

It may even be by design. The straight arms help with posture, and allow the dancer to concentrate on learning the foot movements.

Jigs, reels and slip jigs are performed in soft, black leather shoes with criss-crossed laces, called Ghillies. The treble jig, treble reel, fast hornpipe, and slow hornpipe are done in hard shoes, a bulkier version

i Õ } > > ½Ã *À Û>Ìi > } i «Ã }Õ `i Þ Õ Ì À Õ} Ì i >âi v v > V > ÃÌÀ>Ìi} ið / i «>Ì Ì Þ ÕÀ v > V > } > à à vÌi V > i } }° 7i Õ `iÀÃÌ> ` Ì i Ì i ià > ` ÃÃÕiÃ Ì >Ì iÛiÀÞ vi ÃÌ>}i LÀ }Ã Ì Þ ÕÀ Üi> Ì « > > ` >Ûi Ì i iÝ«iÀÌ Ãi Ì V Õ Ãi Þ Õ Ì À Õ} Ì i ° iÌ ÕÃ Ü À Ü Ì Þ Õ Ì «À Û `i à ÕÌ Ã v À\

i« Ã Ì > ` >à > >}i i Ì -iÀÛ Vià > V > * > } ÃÌ>Ìi > ` 7i> Ì /À> ÃviÀ * > } ÛiÃÌ i Ì > >}i i Ì > ` /ÀÕÃÌ -iÀÛ Vià ,ià `i Ì > > ` ÃÕ iÀ i ` } -iÀÛ ViÃ

iÀV > > } -iÀÛ Vià Õà iÃà -ÕVViÃà * > } ÃÕÀ> Vi -iÀÛ Vià / ÃV i`Õ i > >«« Ì i Ì Ü Ì Þ ÕÀ Ü *À Û>Ìi > iÀ] À v À Ài v À >Ì Ài}>À` } i Õ }

> > ½Ã *À Û>Ìi > } -iÀÛ ViÃ] V Ì>VÌ\

i LiÀ

µÕ> ÕÃ } i `iÀ

ÛiÃÌ i Ì «À `ÕVÌÃ Ì À Õ} /ÀÕÃÌ > ` ÛiÃÌ i Ì -iÀÛ Vià >Ài Ì `i« à Ìà À L }>Ì Ã v i Õ } > > /ÀÕÃÌ «> Þ] >Ài Ì }Õ>À> Ìii` LÞ i Õ }

> > /ÀÕÃÌ «> Þ] > ` >Ài Ì ÃÕÀi` LÞ Ì i

] Ì i i`iÀ> ,iÃiÀÛi >À`] À > Þ Ì iÀ } ÛiÀ i Ì >}i VÞ° ÛiÃÌ i Ì Ì iÃi «À `ÕVÌÃ Û Ûià À à ] V Õ` } « Ãà L i Ãà v «À V «> ° FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

22 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

` ÀÌ ­ÈäÇ® ÓÇÇ ÈääÎ i ÀÌ JV i Õ }V> > °V

01-23.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

12:51 PM

Page 23

Because of Natalie’s Irish stepdancing, our family – Italian on one side, Irish on the other – is now better acquainted with Irish culture. By competing and performing, Natalie has learned how The costume to be comfortable in front of an Each Irish dance school has its audience, how to be a good loser own distinctive dress. For the and a gracious winner, and how to Young School, it’s a black velvet stick with the classes held every dress with a fitted bodice and croSunday afternoon, even when cheted lace trim, a stiffened skirt, a she’d rather be doing something white Celtic design embroidered A Three Hand Reel by Irish Dance companions Natalie, else. She dances in the kitchen on the panels, and a matching Emilie and Erin. Photo courtesy Peter German and sometimes in the aisles at sash. Boys wear black pants, a Wegmans and Walmart, knowing white shirt, and a tie featuring the that practice makes perfect. It’s a same Celtic design.

Book of Kells, an illuminated manuspecial connection to her Irish herAll of the dresses are custom made script from the middle ages and a masitage. Out of all my daughter’s activiby the same seamstress. terwork of Celtic design. ties, I like Irish Dance the best.

Advanced dancers can wear a cusDresses are worn with white tom-made, one-of-a kind solo dress. bumpy knit socks called poodle socks.

To find our more information about the Each one is elaborate and artistic.

The dancers also wear a wig of tradiThey’re often embellished with Celtic Young School of Irish Dance, visit tional tightly curled ringlets, and a www.youngschoolirishdance.com. designs similar to those found in The crown or tiara. of tap shoes, but with a different tip and heel to produce a unique sound. Both kinds of shoes are made in Ireland.

AWARD-WINNING LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION. Professional Craftsmen Creating Beautiful Landscapes for over 30 years.

PLANTINGS STONE WALLS WATER FEATURES NATURAL STONEWORK STEPS, PATIOS & PATHWAYS DECORATIVE CONCRETE EXCAVATION & DRAINAGE

DAVID A. SPENCER 585.738.3548 www.naturalstonewatersculptures.com scupltureguy@rochester.rr.com FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

23

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:43 PM

Page 24

Llamas and Landscapes

A Finger Lakes trekking business lets you take a hike with a llama.

by James P. Hughes

24 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:44 PM

Page 25

SPRING 2011 ~

25

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:44 PM

Page 26

Llamas and Landscapes

D

oes a lively llama trek sound like fun to you? Such an adventure might just be in your family’s future, but don’t book a flight to the Peruvian Andes quite yet! There’s no need to leave the Finger Lakes Region because we have a workable alternative right in nearby Onondaga County. Woodmansee Farms, operated

by John and Dawn Bishop in the forested hills surrounding Tully, began offering llama treks to the public in 2010.

Domesticated in the highlands of South America, the llama has served nobly as a beast of burden for thou-

sands of years. Their fiber was used to make clothing for early Andean civilizations, and the Incas revered them as “silent brothers.” Extinct in North America since the Ice Age, they were reintroduced to the continent just prior to the onset of the 20th century, and now number more than 100,000.

Were it not for a visit to the New York State Fair in 1998, the Bishops might never have joined the ranks of llama owners. John and Patti Conboy of Schoharie, had begun raising llamas and were exhibiting them at the fair.

The Bishops stopped by for a look,

Previous spread: The Johnson Family enjoys the view from the top of Bishop’s Falls.

Photo courtesy Woodmansee Farms

Above: Arapachea (Ari) Photo by James P. Hughes Right: Visitors on a trek, from the top – Julie Brady, Brian Pendell, Jill Northrup and Kelley Pendell. Llamas, from the top – Zeus, Sirius, Alpha Centauri and Rundycup.

Photo courtesy Woodmansee Farms

26 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Dawn took a llama for a walk and the rest is history. “I fell hard for that animal,” laughed Dawn. “From that day on, I wanted a llama!”

“I wasn’t convinced, but Dawn kept the pressure on for the next few years,” said John. “In 2001, I finally broke.”

The Bishops bought their first llama, Morrie, and were prepared to take him home, only to find that llamas require companionship. Who doesn’t? They took along a temporary loaner named Rundycup, but soon both llamas had become permanent members of the family.

In the spring of 2002, the Bishops attended a high-end llama auction in Pennsylvania with the Conboys.

“Three days of open bar, food aplenty, orchestra music and llamas presented by women in evening gowns was too much for us,” admits John. “We bought four more.”

Through breeding and additional purchases their herd is now up to 15 (with distinctive names like Telestar, Ebony’s Tornado, and Arapechea).

“Like kids and other pets, no two are alike,” explained Dawn. “Each one is very special. For example, Zeus seems to have an ear for music, and Halley is so friendly she immediately approaches any visitor.”

The Bishops have learned a lot in the years since. Llamas are intelligent and gentle by nature and interact very well with humans, even small children.

They are very curious, can efficiently forage for food, are inexpensive to maintain, and travel well. A great companion on long treks or hikes, a mature llama can pack 25 to 30 percent of its weight with ease.

“Stories of llamas spitting are highly exaggerated,” said John. “It occurs infrequently, and then only between two llamas in a squabble over food, or if an animal is being mistreated. In general, they are quite timid.”

The llamas don’t seem to mind winter temperatures in upstate New York, as the colder, mountainous regions of South America are their natural habitat. But the Bishops agree,

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:44 PM

Page 27

SPRING 2011 ~

27

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

28 ~

2/7/11

4:44 PM

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Page 28

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

Llamas and Landscapes “They really don’t like hiking in deep snow.” The llamas are sheared once each year, in the spring, and fans are used in the barns during the summer months to avoid heat stress.

For several years, the Bishops transported their animals to llama shows, exhibitions where awards are given for an animal’s quality and performance. Eventually, John’s job as a custom homebuilder and Dawn’s work in the Tully school system prevented frequent traveling. Show trips were replaced with llama hikes on their own property with friends, relatives, and even the Boy Scouts. Educational visits were arranged at local schools, with community groups and at a nursing home.

A visit to Colorado and a challenging outing with back-packing llamas in the Rocky Mountains convinced Dawn and John that a similar trekking operation could be done back home. “With a wonderful location to undertake this business,” said Dawn, “it was an ideal opportunity to continue the activities we so enjoyed, and at the same time, educate whole new groups of people about our lovable animals.”

The Bishops’ property is crisscrossed with trails through old- and new-growth forest, mixed hardwood sprinkled with white pine and hemlock. There are deep ravines, rocky creeks, spectacular waterfalls, and an abundance of native wildlife nearby. It’s not unusual to spot deer, turkey or even a beaver during a trek.

A typical trek takes 2 to 3 hours, but Dawn and John will happily plan a visit for interested hikers tailoring it to group size, ages of participants, or specific interests. First comes 15 to 20 minutes of educational information, basic handling techniques, and a chance to meet the llamas up close and personal in the pasture. “People will enjoy the trek more if they know a little bit about and feel comfortable with

4:44 PM

Page 29

Any Day...

Meet

visit: bristolharbour.com

Stay

Play

5410 Seneca Point Road Canandaigua Ny, 14424 1-800-288-8248 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

John Bishop crosses a stream with Telstar while other hikers watch. Photo courtesy Woodmansee Farms FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

29

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

12:53 PM

Page 30

Llamas and

Katrina and Dawn Bishop talk things over.

Photo by James P. Hughes

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

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 Visit our new model home on Seneca Lake (by appt.)

Building the Finger Lakes since 1977 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

30 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

the llamas,” John explained.

A couple of animals will carry snacks and drinks placed in specifically designed packs for the trip; others will just go along for the walk as the group heads out. The trek itself is a welcome mix of many things, local history and geologic aspects of the area, beautiful vistas and countryside, multiple waterfalls and plenty of good exercise.

Along the way there’s time for questions, photos, viewing of old mill sites, rest breaks and snacks at the base of a plunging waterfall.

Last summer, Sue Thomas and her husband Mark joined Dawn and John for their first trek, one that Sue describes as, “a little like a pioneering experience.” The Thomas’s only responsibilities were to hold the lead rope of their four-legged friends, walk at a normal pace, and speak sweetly with them.

“The llamas were amazingly agile,” says Sue. “They navigated their way over, around, under and in between fallen branches, tangles in the woods, and through running water. The animals seemed to talk among themselves with throaty hums and purrs.”

It was a memorable trip, one that Sue and Mark are anxious to repeat.

As Education Chairperson for the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, Lucy Hawkins scheduled a llama trek for her group in the

24-31.LIFL.Spring_llama.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:45 PM

Page 31

mas and Landscapes

John Bishop with Zeus’s Wild (Zeus) Photo by James P. Hughes

summer of 2010. “Although there had been a hard rain the night before, the llamas had no problem crossing strongrunning creeks, even with our folks as the unfamiliar handlers,” she said.

The club plans another outing at Woodmansee this spring or summer.

Erin Stull came across a Life in the Finger Lakes advertisement for Woodmansee Farms while sitting in a spa waiting room. “My husband Craig loves llamas and his birthday was coming up, so I got very excited and booked a trek as a special gift.”

The Stulls drove from Rochester to Tully with Craig having no idea where they were headed – or why. “What a birthday surprise,” said Craig. “I never saw it coming! The llamas were fascinating, and the Bishops were great – fun, friendly, and informative.”

Erin remembers a special dessert decorated with candles that Dawn prepared for the occasion. “A treat, we devoured it at the base of an amazing waterfall.”

All seem to agree that a trip to rustic Woodmansee Farms offers a unique opportunity to absorb the best of the Finger Lakes landscape in an extraordinary way. The trek season runs from mid-May until October. Detailed information is available on the Bishops’ website, www.woodmanseellamas.com.

The woods are beckoning. The waterfalls are calling. Have you been hiking with a llama lately?

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

31

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:46 PM

alive! white blossoms ~ ~ flowering hardwoods

springtime story and photos by Rich Finzer

fter enduring another seemingly endless Finger Lakes winter, the arrival of spring comes none too soon for most of us. Our lawns begin greening up, and our flower beds explode into parades of color as daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths display their brilliance. And once the cycle of growing really gets going, the giant plants, our native hardwood trees, send forth their blooms, too.

32 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Page 32

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:47 PM

Page 33

Clusters of Downy Serviceberry blossoms

SPRING 2011 ~

33

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

1:17 PM

Page 34

white blossoms About every three weeks, from early-March until midJune, another species opens its buds. The cycle begins with the pussy willows and ends with the flowering of the catalpa.

The spent blossoms of the catalpa fall to the ground, marking the arrival of summer. For an avowed “flower nut” like myself, the pussy willows are the vanguards of springtime.

Like the fleeting appearance and departure of the snow buntings, the opening of the white buds of the pussy willows (Salix discolor) is another harbinger of our Central New York spring. The “flowers,” botanically referred to as catkins, emerge by early March. There may still be snow covering the ground when you happen upon a pussy willow growing along a creek bank, but as long as you’ve got your jackknife, you can cut some branch tips to take home. As a boy, I got many

Left, top: The mature catkins of the male pussy willow prepare to spread their pollen on the wind.

Left: Pin cherry blossoms Below: Black cherry blossoms

34 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:49 PM

Page 35

a soaker trudging through the mushy low-lying woods behind our house, as I assembled enough pussy willows to make a bouquet for my mother. By early April, the catkins of the male pussy willow are covered with grains of yellow pollen, ready to be carried upon the winds. After the pollen is dispersed, the trees leaf out and the spectacle ends for another year. But take heart, this is but the opening salvo. The best is yet to come.

About the time the pussy willows are gone, the downy serviceberry, (Amelanchier arborea) opens its buds; generally by mid-April. It is said that the term “serviceberry� dates back to the time when graves were still dug by hand. The flowering of the tree was a signal that the ground was sufficiently thawed to resume burials.

T

he plant is classified as either a woody shrub or a deciduous tree, and can reach a height of nearly 40 feet. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, downy serviceberry was frequently planted as an ornamental.

These days few nurseries sell them, but if you find one that does, it will be marketed simply as “Serviceberry.�

The small, white, five-petal blossoms are borne on clusters of flower stalks that extend from its branch tips.

After pollination, each will form a small, extremely sweet, edible wild berry. Wild birds, especially eastern bluebirds, robins, and orioles are literally fruit loopy for serviceberries.

As modern landscaping seems to eschew their use, most likely you’ll have to look for a downy serviceberry growing in hedgerows. On my farm, there’s a lone serviceberry growing along the far perimeter of the cropland behind my house. It’s a bent, gnarlylooking old thing, and only about 8 feet high, but nonetheless, I make the journey every spring, just to look at the blossoms. And as they fade and fall to the ground, the pin cherry and wild apple trees prepare to carry the flowering load for another few weeks.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

#OBTREE 6ACATION 2ENTAL (OMES "OOK THE GRANDKIDS FOR 3PRING "REAK

&EB

%VERYONE STAYS IN PRIVACY AND COMFORT

WWW COBTREE COM \ FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

35

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

1:17 PM

Page 36

flowering hardwoods Pin cherry trees, (Prunus pensylvanica) can be found growing across much of northern North America. The five-to-seven snowy-white petal blossoms cover the trees by late-April. After the flowering cycle, the tree forms tiny clusters of bright-red “cherries.” Though extremely sour, they are also favored by many songbirds.

The wood of the pin cherry is extremely fine grained and splits easily when cured, but the bark is thick, rubbery, and difficult to remove. Loaded with pitch and resin, it burns with nearly the same intensity as white birch, so during my trail walking/camping-out days, my emergency fire starting kit was a mixture of shredded bark from birches and pin cherries. A pin cherry is an easy tree to grow, and if you stop by in early August, I’ll pot up a tiny sapling for you. In early May, the pin cherry’s better known cousin, the black cherry, (Prunus serotina) sends forth clusters of tiny white blossoms, too.

Left, top: Dogwood blossoms Left: Catalpa blossoms Below: A mason bee gathers apple blossom nectar

36 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

1:07 PM

Page 37

Sustainable Yield – a Gift of Land Though its true biological origins as a tree species are shrouded in mystery, another white-flowering hardwood is the wild apple. Near my farm is an ancient wild apple that blossoms every year. Craggy and grizzled, it stands near the edge of the road. No one cares for it, but each spring its boughs are covered with pink buds that unfold into pure-white delicately scented blooms.

It may be the last survivor from an old orchard, or it may have sprouted from a seed dropped by a bird.

However it came to be, the old thing soldiers on. The fruit it produces provides food for wildlife, and the nectar from its flowers provides sustenance for wild bees. Properly aged, apple wood becomes rock hard. A wellcoaled apple wood fire smells faintly like, you guessed it – apples.

If you can envision our native flowering hardwoods as cannon, the early bloomers are like the classic 10pound Parrott cannons of Civil War days. But commencing with the flowering of the dogwoods, Mother Nature starts hauling out the heavy artillery.

Wondering what to do with a woodlot or other land you have sustained for years?

Future generations will benefit from your gift of land.

C

onsidered by some to be the most beautiful of all the flowering trees, the dogwood (Cornus florida) begins blossoming around the time the apple blossoms begin falling. The showy white four-petal blossoms may be as much as 4 inches across and come autumn, a cluster of red berries will form where the flower once bloomed.

Unfortunately, dogwood is quite picky about soil types and soil acidity, which limits its habitat. It’s also prone to a plethora of diseases. It took a bit of detective work, but I finally located a lone dogwood growing in the village of Meridian. What the dogwood lacks in sheer numbers, it definitely makes up for in eye appeal. It’s the first of the big guns that we’re in store for.

Of all of the white-flowering hardwoods, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is my personal favorite. The clusters of creamy white flowers have a fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms.

The honey from black locust is very

Donating that land to the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) can yield tax benefits to you, yield sustainable management for your land, and yield support for scholarships and education of future generations of foresters and other environmental scientists studying at ESF – FOREVER. To keep your land sustainably benefiting you and your world, forever, contact us at ESF College Foundation, Inc. 315-470-6683, gifts@esf.edu, or visit www.esf.edu/development/property FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

JCW Vacation Home Services Helping you manage your vacation home property in the Finger Lakes

Rental Property Upkeep • Cleaning Linen and towel Service • Carpentry Lawn Cutting • Handyman Repairs Jim and Judy Weld/Owners

585-330-3453 www.jcwvacationhomeservices.com FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

37

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:48 PM

Page 38

springtime light colored and extremely sweet, the perfect companion for a mug of Earl Grey. Unlike most other hardwoods, black locust is a legume and is also an excellent source of firewood.

A seasoned ton yields approximately 5 percent more BTU than anthracite coal. Black locust is extremely rot-resistant, making it ideal for pasture posts. Forget about felling a black locust in the springtime. It’s much better to be intoxicated by the fragrance of the flowers. Just watch out for bees.

By late May, the black locust has leafed out, the honey bees have departed, and the flowering cycle has concluded.

And while it can’t hold a candle to the fragrance of black locust blossoms, another tree is preparing to cover itself with living candles – the horse chestnut.

What the flowers of the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) lack in scent they more than make up for with appearance. Borne on stalks called “candelabra,” a mature tree may produce hundreds. The stalks are composed of 10 to

Left: Horse chestnut flower stalks Below: Black locust flowers

38 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

20 individual creamy white blooms, each sporting a pinkish-red center. The nuts are slightly toxic and should not be fed to horses. In the autumn, however, when they fall to the ground, they’re the best friend a gray squirrel or a kid with a slingshot ever had.

Now the cycle of flowering is almost over, but Nature has saved her best performance for last: the catalpa.

Like the horse chestnut, the catalpa, (Catalpa speciosa) is typically planted as an ornamental shade tree.

Nicknamed the Indian bean tree, a catalpa may reach a height of 70 feet, and in late spring a catalpa puts on a flowering display like none other. The tree will be loaded with snowy white clusters of five-petal blossoms, sporting a creamy yellow or soft orange center and delicate purple lines. Like the horse chestnut, the flowers are borne on stalks, comprised of 40 or more individual blossoms. Framed against the tree’s light green foliage, the display is absolutely stunning. I’m always amazed how all that flower can possibly be crammed into those tiny buds.

Sadly, unlike the sweet-smelling blooms of the black locust, catalpa flowers are scent-free.

Once pollination has occurred, each flower begins producing a seed pod, which may reach a length of 2 feet. In the early autumn, the pods turn brown, resembling long cigars, lending credence to the nickname.

Like black locust, a catalpa grows rapidly. A young tree, only five years old, can easily reach 10 feet, and it won’t be too many years before it grows to a height of 60 to 70 feet.

After the snow disappears, our other native hardwoods – the beeches, maples, oaks and walnuts – send forth their small green-colored blossoms, too.

But whether framed against their lush foliage or the clear blue sky, it’s the striking contrast of the white-flowering hardwoods that embody the beauty of springtime in the Finger Lakes.

2/8/11

1:18 PM

Page 39

BELHURST ST TAT AT E W I N E R RY Y

ETas Taste T asste ste and and an nd Judge Judgee ffor orr Y Yourself Yourself! lf! lf!

WINNER! W I N ER! INNER! R R! W INE I E OF THE T E YEAR YE A R 2010 201 0

Belhurst W Wines iness have won over 150 medals! m

Taste T aste andd Judge for Y You Yourself! urself!

Buy wine onli online ine at www.Belhurst.com www w.Belhurst.com .Belhursst.com D Enjoy our Specialty W Wine in ine ne Tastings Tastings with Chef-Designed Personal Dishes and Your Person nal Wine Expert D Large Gift Shop featuring featurin ng Home Décor, Décor, o Unique Artist-Designed Gifts, Gourmet Foods, Eclecticc Jewelry, American-Made Pressed d Glass and More.

D Customized Gifts and Wine Labels Occasion for your Special Occasio on D Fine and Casual Dining Lake Overlooking Seneca Lak ke D Luxurious Spa and Lodging Lodgging in Three Distinct Hotels

Wine’s as Unique an and nd Beautiful as the C Castle Itself I lf Routee 14 South, Genev Geneva va A T E W I N E RY RY E S TTAT

Call forr more information: 315-781-0201 -781-0201 Open Daily D 10AM-8PM 10AM 8PM FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

39

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

Hig her Education

4:48 PM

I N

Page 40

T H E

F I N G E R

Nazareth’s Judith Baker and Alicia Nestle review portions of their continuing education program for adult learners

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN Local adult students take classes to learn new job skills or explore a passion

L A K E S

opportunities. Often in cooperation with Rochester Works, Monroe County’s largest employment and training initiative, MCC helps adult learners become fully aware of their careeroriented capabilities. Great counselors such as MCC’s Betty Smith guide students down on avenues of higher education that best tap the student’s full potential. A carefully constructed placement survey helps a student whittle down his career focus to the most appropriate choice.

The college also offers a variety of introductory workshops designed to prepare students for the educational adventures that lie ahead. One workshop provides introductory information, while others offer tips on how to best manage time, improve study habits and take notes.

In addition to the Brighton Campus, MCC provides off-campus instruction and online learning programs. Its unique “Fast Track” program is a series of courses specifically designed to allow students to earn some degrees in a shorter-than-normal time period.

Funding opportunities also exist.

For additional information, go to www.monroecc.edu/prospective/ admissions/adult_students.htm. I would also encourage interested people to call Betty Smith at the Counseling Center at 585-292-2030. Afterward, instead of asking yourself “What courses should I take?” you are more likely to ask, “How soon can I start?”

story and photos by Ron Stochl

W

S

ome time ago when I was teaching an adult continuing-education class on computer usage, one of my students (who was probably in her mid-30s) asked me to sign a document stating that she had successfully completed the course. The intent was to ensure her employer that she had indeed learned new skills required for a job position. Since then, as an instructor of adult-ed photography, I have met a number of students who have a desire to enhance their current professional skill set and even change careers! At the same time, I have instructed other folks

40 ~

who simply want to feed their passion for a specific interest.

Whatever dream they’re pursuing, adults can attend a wide variety of highly acclaimed, higher learning institutions here in the Finger Lakes Region.

Two colleges that are particularly continuing-ed friendly and that provide the most classes in adult education are Monroe Community College (MCC) and Nazareth College, both in Rochester.

MCC’s Brighton Campus offers a plethora of programs that guide inspired adults onto a path of enriched learning

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

hile you will surely be overwhelmed by the architectural charm of Nazareth College, you will be even more pleased with the wonderful staff, highly acclaimed faculty and great academic programs available to adult learners.

With respect to your present career, perhaps you would like to increase your leadership skills or build upon your current job skill set. One way to achieve this might be through Nazareth’s “advanced certificate programs.” They offer course work in the areas of instructional technology, piano pedagogy, play therapy, nurse educator and critical urban and community edu-

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:49 PM

Page 41

S

cation. The intention of these certificate programs is to support career advancement with skills obtained from experts in their field. They also help learners eventually enter a master’s degree program if desired.

The intellectually curious student can pursue the Master’s of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program, built around a prescribed core and including various electives.

Are you ready for a big challenge? Is a career change in your future?

Nazareth’s School Of Education offers students the course work and training needed to become an early childhood, childhood, secondary or Teachers of

The call from God can come in many forms. even an ad.

One of our students recently said that when she decided to heed the call to ministry, it was like the rock rolling away from the tomb. Could this be your moment? We urge you to contact us. We’re Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and for nearly 200 years we’ve helped people from all walks of life answer the highest calling a human being can receive. Including distinguished alumni/ae such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We sincerely hope you’re next. Call 1.888.937.3732 or contact admissions@crcds.edu

MCC’s Betty Smith assists students with their continuing education program

English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) teacher. With all of the course work (including student teaching at the master’s level), students can complete the program while attending on a full or part-time basis.

To obtain more detailed information regarding the program offerings and admission procedure at Nazareth College, visit http://grad.naz.edu/ To view a list of higher education institutions in the Finger Lakes Region, please see pages 42 and 43.

www.crcds.edu

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

7HAT S IN YOUR NATURE Find out at FLCC!

Retired teacher Ron Stochl instructs digital photography classes in the Rush Henrietta and Gates Chili Continuing Education Programs. He and his wife Collette also run a professional photography business specializing in wedding photography and senior portraits. For more information, visit www.stochlimaging.com.

WWW mCC EDU

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

41

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

Clifton Springs

2/8/11

1:05 PM

Page 42

Hig her Education

General Contact Information Alfred University 1 Saxon Drive Alfred, NY 14802 607-871-2175 www.alfred.edu Bryant & Stratton – Greece Campus 150 Bellwood Drive Rochester, NY 14606 585-720-0660 www.bryantstratton.edu

Home to The Springs, Western NY’s only mineral springs spa.

Geocaching opportunities.

Pristine parks, restored railroad stations, Foster Cottage Museum, plus Tiffany mosaic.

Clifton Springs Is Convenient to Visit Just south of NYS Thruway

Access from Route 90 Exits 42 & 43 Between Syracuse and Rochester

Historic Downtown/Main St. Just South of Route 96 Near Geneva & Canandaigua North of Routes 5 & 20 CliftonSpringsChamber.com 315.462.8200

Bryant & Stratton – Henrietta Campus 1225 Jefferson Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 585-292-5627 www.bryantstratton.edu Bryant & Stratton – Syracuse Campus 953 James Street Syracuse, NY 13203-2502 315-472-6603 www.bryantstratton.edu Bryant & Stratton – Syracuse North Campus 8687 Carling Rd Liverpool, NY 13090 315-652-6500 www.bryantstratton.edu Cazenovia College 22 Sullivan Street Cazenovia, NY 13035 315-655-7377 www.cazenovia.edu Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School 1100 South Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14620-2589 585-271-1320 www.crds.edu See Ad on Page 41 Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions Office 410 Thurston Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850-2488 607-255-5241 www.admissions.cornell.edu Crouse Hospital School of Nursing 765 Irving Avenue Syracuse, NY 13210 315-470-7111 www.crouse.org Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) 26 Gibbs Street Rochester, NY 14604 585-274-1000 www.esm.rochester.edu

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

42 ~

T H E

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Experience this Victorian-era visual feast of a village when touring colleges. Visit for a special meal or relaxing side trip during graduation and reunion weekends too.

We’re a Regional Gem!

Specialty Shops and Fine Dining

I N

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Elmira Business Institute – Main Campus Langdon Plaza 303 N. Main St. Elmira, NY 14901 607-733-7177 / 800-843-1812 www.ebi-college.com Elmira Business Institute – Vestal Campus Vestal Executive Park 303 4100 Vestal Rd.N. Main St. Vestal, NY 13850 607-729-8915 / 866-703-7550 www.ebi-college.com Elmira College One Park Place Elmira, NY 14901 607-735-1800 / 800-935-6472 www.elmira.edu Empire State College – Rochester 1475 Winton Road North Rochester, NY 14609 585-224-3200 www.esc.edu Empire State College – East Syracuse 6333 Route 298 East Syracuse, NY 13057 315 472-5730 www.esc.edu Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program 196 North Street Geneva, NY 14456 315-787-4277 • 315-787-4000 www.flhealth.org Hobart and William Smith Colleges Office of Admissions 629 S. Main St. Geneva, NY 14456 315-781-3622 www.hws.edu Houghton College One Willard Avenue Houghton, NY 14744 800-777-2556 www.houghton.edu Ithaca College 953 Danby Road Ithaca, NY 14850 607-274-3011 www.ithaca.edu ITT Technical Institute 235 Greenfield Parkway Liverpool, NY 13088 315-461-8000 www2.itt-tech.edu

Keuka College 141 Central Avenue Keuka Park, NY 14478 315-279-5000 www.keuka.edu LeMoyne College 1419 Salt Springs Road Syracuse, NY 13214 315-445-4100 / 800-333-4733 www.lemoyne.edu Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing 196 North Street Geneva, NY 14456 315-787-4005 • 315-787-4000 www.flhealth.org.

Medaille College – Rochester Campus 1880 South Winton Road Rochester, NY 14618 585-272-0030 / 866-212-2235 www.medaille.edu Monroe Community College 1000 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623 585-292-2000 www.monroecc.edu National Tractor Trailer School Inc. 4650 Buckley Road Liverpool, NY 13088 315-451-2430 / 800-243-9300 www.ntts.edu Nazareth College 4245 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 585-389-2525 www.naz.edu New York Chiropractic College 2360 State Rte. 89 Seneca Falls, NY 13148 800-234-6922 www.nycc.edu See Ad on Page 43 Roberts Wesleyan College 2301 Westside Drive Rochester, NY 14624 800-777-4792 www.roberts.edu Everest Institute - Rochester 1630 Portland Avenue Rochester, NY 14621 585-266-0430 www.everest.edu Rochester Education Opportunity Center 305 Andrews Street Rochester, NY 14604 585-232-2730 www.reoc.brockport.edu

F I

H E

32-43.LIFL.Spring_white&educat.2011:_Layout 1

F I N G E R

Rochester Institute of Technology One Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623-5603 585-475-2411 www.rit.edu Simmons Institute of Funeral Service 1828 South Avenue Syracuse, NY 13207 315-475-5142 / 800-727-3536 www.simmonsinstitute.com

4:49 PM

Page 43

L A K E S

Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York 769 Park Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 585-473-2810 www.tiuny.org

Cayuga Community College – Fulton Campus 806 West Broadway Fulton, NY 13069 315-592-4143 / 866-598-8883 www.cayuga-cc.edu

Finger Lakes Community College – Victor 200 Victor Heights Parkway Victor, NY 14564 585-742-6337 www.flcc.edu

State University College at Cortland 49 Graham Ave. Cortland, NY 13045 607-753-2011 www.cortland.edu

University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 585-275-2121 www.rochester.edu

College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse, NY 13210 315-470-6500 www.esf.edu

Finger Lakes Community College – Wayne County 1100 Technology Parkway Newark, NY 14513 315-331-9098 www.flcc.edu

State University College at Geneseo 1 College Circle Geneseo, NY 14454 585-245-5211 www.geneseo.edu

Corning Community College 1 Academic Drive Corning, NY 14830 607-962-9222 / 800-358-7171 www.corning-cc.edu

Onondaga Community College 4585 West Seneca Turnpike Syracuse, NY 13215-4585 315-498-2622 www.sunyocc.edu

State University College at Oswego 7060 Route 104 Oswego, NY 13126 315-312-2500 www.oswego.edu

Finger Lakes Community College – Main Campus 3325 Marvin Sands Drive Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-394-FLCC www.flcc.edu See Ad on Page 41

State University College at Brockport 350 New Campus Drive Brockport, NY 14420 585-395-2796 www.brockport.edu

Wells College 170 Main Street Aurora, NY 13026 315-364-3264 www.wells.edu

St. Bernards 120 French Road Rochester, NY 14618 585-271-3657 www.stbernards.edu

2/7/11

SUNY

St. John Fisher College 3690 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 585-385-8000 www.sjfc.edu

Alfred State College 10 Upper College Drive Alfred, NY 14802 800-425-3733 www.alfredstate.edu

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing at SJHHC 206 Prospect Ave. Syracuse, NY 13203 315-448-5040 www.sjhsyr.org/nursing Syracuse University Syracuse, NY 13244-5040 315-443-1870 www.syr.edu

Cayuga Community College – Auburn Campus 197 Franklin Street Auburn, NY 13021 315-255-1743 / 866-598-8883 www.cayuga-cc.edu

Finger Lakes Community College – Geneva 63 Pulteney Street Geneva, NY 14456 315-789-6701 www.flcc.edu

Tompkins Cortland Community College 170 North Street Dryden, NY 13053 607-844-8211 www.tc3.edu

Go Online For More Information www.suny.edu www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state/#NY www.globalcomputing.com/university.htm www.univsource.com/ny.htm

Dedicated to: t "DBEFNJD &YDFMMFODF t 2VBMJUZ 1BUJFOU $BSF t 1SPGFTTJPOBM -FBEFSTIJQ

Academic Excellence.

Degree Programs include: t %PDUPS PG $IJSPQSBDUJD t .BTUFS PG 4DJFODF JO "DVQVODUVSF t .BTUFS PG 4DJFODF JO "DVQVODUVSF BOE 0SJFOUBM .FEJDJOF t .BTUFS PG 4DJFODF JO "QQMJFE $MJOJDBM t /VUSJUJPO POMJOF EFMJWFSZ

t .BTUFS PG 4DJFODF JO )VNBO "OBUPNZ 1IZTJPMPHZ *OTUSVDUJPO POMJOF EFMJWFSZ

Professional Success.

For more information call NYCC at 1-800-234-6922 or visit www.nycc.edu.

Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of New York Chiropractic College School of Applied Clinical Nutrition 2360 Route 89 Seneca Falls, NY 13148

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

43

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

H O M E

4:49 PM

Page 44

I M P R O V E M E N T

From the Ground Up Transforming a cottage into a multigenerational home

by Joy Underhill

W

hen you fall in love with a place, it has a way of sticking with you. Just ask Susan Herrnstein, who spent her summers on Silver Lake, west of Letchworth, and never got over life in the intimate, carefree community of cottages that dot the shoreline there.

Susan was able to pass her love of place on to her children, but over time the extended family began to push the limits of a small dwelling.

44 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

“We all wanted to make memories for the grandkids, but we needed more space,” she said. That’s when Susan purchased a nearby cottage with her son, Jim, and his wife, Robin, and the family began to think about how a renovation could give them the environment they wanted.

Preliminary design sketch, great room

Great room, looking towards the entry (at left) and through the kitchen (at right) to the stair hall and library (beyond).

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:50 PM

Above: Bird’s eye view, preliminary design sketch of the entry sequence Right, Top: The veranda, viewed from the great room french doors, with Silver Lake to the right.

Right, Bottom: View of the entry sequence, from the garden walk.

The cottage was small and not terribly attractive. It needed to be changed to open up the lake view and to accommodate large family groups. Rick Hauser of In. Site: Architecture in Geneva was tasked with creating a plan that would provide generous access to the water, gathering places and privacy, all on an 80- by 160-foot lot.

The cottage was situated close to several others, so it was also important that it fit into the neighborhood.

After they discovered that the structural elements were in poor shape, they decided to take the house down to the first floor and foundation and build up from there.

Using the original footprint, Rick and his partner Ali Yapicioglu designed an L-shaped structure that featured a great room, a light-filled atrium with a library and play area for children, plus six bedrooms, a loft and a side veranda that faces the water. “We wanted each area to be connected in some way to the water,” said Hauser. “It was very important to combine areas where the family could assemble with private spaces for retreat, all connected by a sunny southern exposure.”

Rick used physical and computer models plus perspective sketches to experiment with what worked well, and the

Renovation Tips • Be clear in assessing and communicating your goals, preferences and budget.

• Take time to interview several contractors before choosing one.

• Find an architect who understands the unique issues of lakefront development, such as zoning, weather exposure, solar orientation and extreme topography.

• Take full advantage of visualization tools – sketches, models, drawings, and renderings – to understand the character of the new home.

Photos and illustrations courtesy In. Site: Architecture

Page 45

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:32 PM

Page 46

Construction underway, with new structure at the original house (left) and the great room addition (right).

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Representing the Finest in Lakefront Properties in the Finger Lakes

Licensed Associate Broker

2460 County House Road Penn Yan, NY 14527

(315) 719-8377 www.winetrailproperties.com

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

46 ~

Original family cottage, as seen from boat house dock

Completed renovations, from the same view.

entire team collaborated to achieve a stunning and functional design. “I was passing ideas to Jim and Robin who live on Long Island so that we could create a perfect place of peace and repose,” he said. “We wanted an intimate and seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces so the family could enjoy the lakeshore from anywhere in the house. Why bother with a lakefront home if it doesn’t enhance your appreciation of the lake?”

As with many cottage renovations, the project was constrained by zoning regulations, setbacks, height restrictions, parking and environmental concerns. Over the course of two years, the family, architect, and contractor Joe Condidorio of Whitney East, Inc. in Rochester, developed a close working relationship. Each member contributed ideas and expertise to perfect the design and execution. The journey was not a straight one, but the results speak for themselves, both in the simplicity of the design and the way it integrates into the neighborhood.

Rick’s background in landscape architecture also played a role, particularly when he designed the street-facing side of the house. Because so much

focus was placed on getting sun to all parts of the home, the L-shaped entryway got plenty of light for a garden.

“Now you walk through a delightful garden to get to the front door,” he notes, “It helps make it a welcoming place before you even see the lake views.”

Although Susan maintains an apartment in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she spends increasing amounts of time at the new lake house. “We were able to achieve the feel of an old cottage with its nooks and crannies, but with plenty of room to come and go,” she says. “It’s satisfying to have the grandkids playing with blocks and trains in the atrium while I relax on the veranda. We’re still close to one another but not on top of one another, which we never could have enjoyed in the former place. Best of all, the young kids are experiencing what I grew up with and what their parents enjoyed.”

“This isn’t suburbia on the waterfront,” explained Rick. Silver Lake is a close-knit community of families that return year after year. “It’s a magical place for families to retreat and unwind – and build memories of gatherings with friends and family – in a beautiful setting. On such a small lake, the whole lake becomes your backyard.”

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:51 PM

Page 47

CAMPING

SUNFLOWER ACRES FAMILY CAMPGROUND • 100 Acres • 60´x80´ sites w/ Full Hook-ups • Modern Facilities • Playground

• Pavilion • Fishing Pond • Large Pool • Store • Ice • Propane • Yoga classes

• Cabin Rentals • New Unit with Full Amenities • Hiking Trails • Wi-Fi

585-229-2290 • e-mail: brwoodland@aol.com • www.bristolwoodlands.com

4835 South Hill Road • Canandaigua, NY 14424

orning Museum o s From C f G la Mile s pgro und • Camp m a 10 C l l bell s Be p , m N Y Ca

Close to Watkins Glen State Park & over 70 award-winnig wineries. Wi-Fi, heated pool, playground, gameroom, camp store, laundry, free showers.

Cabin/Trailer rentals. Group Rates

www.campbellcampground.com 800.587.3301 • 607.527.3301

Hejamada Campground & RV Park

Family Camping at its best!

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

on Seneca Lake Himrod, NY - off Rt. 14 607-243-5994 or 607-243-7926 4 cottages for rent plus campsites info@backacherscampsites.com www.backacherscampsites.com

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.

1475 W. Townline Rd., Phelps

315-781-5120 www.juniuspondscabinsandcampground.com

CHERRY GROVE CAMPGROUND

Near Corning, NY Large Sites • Tents to RV's Welcome Pool • Fishing • Hot Showers • Propane • Store Planned Weekend Activities • Recreation Room Firerings/ picnic tables Season: 5/1 thru 10/15

1488 Sunflower Blvd • Addison, NY 14801

(607) 523-7756 Cheerful Valley Campground

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

Genesee Country Campground

From Tenting to Large RVs 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

Seasonal Sites • Cabin Rentals Golf Course • Camp Store Planned Activities

www.cherrygrovecampground.com

40 Flint Hill Road • Caledonia, NY 14423

(315)594-8320

www.geneseecountrycampground.com

585-538-4200

Great Gift!

Great Price!

Clute Memorial Park & Campground

3 years - 12 issues for only $28.95

155 S. Clute Park Drive Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Ph: (607)535-4438 www.watkinsglen.us

Call 800-344-0559 Today or visit LifeintheFingerLakes.com

SPRING 2011 ~

47

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:51 PM

Page 48

Simple Pleasures Hanford Farms, a private park near Marcellus, is available to the public to enjoy its beauty once a year

story by Mary Humphrey • photos by Craig Humphrey

48 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

Inset: For an additional donation, visitors can pick several of these lovely tulips on Mother’s Day.

2/7/11

4:51 PM

Page 49

The stepping-stone crossing is a challenge for visitors of all ages.

SPRING 2011 ~

49

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

springtime

2/7/11

4:51 PM

excursion to Hanford

Farms is a perfect family outing for Mother’s Day. This resplendent park is filled with themed walking areas reminiscent of the exotic gardens of European opulence combined with the Zen-like simplicity of Asia. It offers a unique experience for all ages.

Cross over the stepping-stone bridge between twin mirror ponds. Follow the pathway through a forest of radiant flowers and life-size statuary to the lands of China and Japan. When you reach the Labyrinth you may discover the famed Minotaur shielded by twisting rows of 10-foot juniper hedges.

A cadre of daffodils surrounded by sentinels of bright red tulips presents a stunning vista in this beautiful springtime garden.

All this seems unlikely in the countryside of rural Marcellus, but this unique property is the creative inspiration of owner Karen Hansford, who generously allows visitors an up-close look at the results of her hard work. This lusciously landscaped farm and park of unfathomable natural beauty is also used as a fundraiser for nearby Baltimore Woods. It is open to the public at least once a year.

Location: Hanford’s Sycamore Hill Farm, 2130 Old Seneca

Turnpike, Marcellus.

Contact: Call 315-673-1350 or visit www.baltimorewoods.org.

50 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Page 50

44-51.LIFL.Spring_home&hanford.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:51 PM

Page 51

The Japanese bridge and pond overflowing with frisky Koi are bounded with dogwoods.

SPRING 2011 ~

51

REAL ESTATE

52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:44 PM

Page 52

Keuka Lake - "Sunset Point"...321' of level lake frontage on the POINT! Some of the most glorious frontage on all of Keuka, on a very private blacktop road. A "rambling ranch", detached garage, public utilities, very upscale neighborhood. This is more than just a rare find on Lake Keuka....it may be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity! $1,195,000.

CLEARWATER CABIN Rustic Elegance

Skaneateles Lake Vacation Property for Sale or Rent 4 bedrooms-Sleeps 10 • 2 full baths • Built 1998 3 large decks • Hot tub • Dock • Private wooded setting 200 feet of private lakefront • Steps from cabin to dock Field stone fireplace • Stickley Furnishings $675,000 purchase • $3500/week rental

Keuka Lake - 106' of all natural lake frontage on a drive to setting with a 1994, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, cape cod, at water's edge. Gas fireplace, gazebo, open porch, public utilities, and lands above the road, master suite, and so many extras. $659,000.

Keuka Lake - 140' of all natural frontage, and a wonderful 3 bedroom, year-round home, right at "water's edge". Wood Stove, 2-car detached garage, 3/4's of an acre, walkout basement, workshop, too many updates to mention... and priced at $589,000.

Call Jim at 315-430-0378 www.clearwatercabin.com

Mark Malcolm II “Keuka Lake’s Top Agent” 315-536-6163 Direct website

markmalcolm.com

Advertise Your Finger Lakes Property in the Summer Issue.

Deadline: April 8, 2011 Jason@LifeintheFingerLakes.com Rhonda@LifeintheFingerLakes.com Darlene@LifeintheFingerLakes.com

800-344-0559 • LifeintheFingerLakes.com

52 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:45 PM

Page 53

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.

315-536-7285 • www.FingerLakesProperty.com

Victorian Manor with Keuka Lake View Bed & Breakfast potential with 6 bedrooms, 3 baths on 2.4 acres adjacent to Lakeside Country Club.

Excellent condition throughout!

New 3 bay carriage barn.

Public water & sewer

REAL ESTATE

Welcome to the Finger Lakes!

MLS# R136567 • Call Bonnie 315-277-0236

CURBEAU REALTY www.curbeaurealty.com

4231 SHADY BEACH, CAYUGA LAKE 2 bdrm, 1 bath summer cottage. West side of Cayuga Lake with 50' of lake frontage. 2 car garage. Public water. Great views. Large deck. Shed at the beach. Dock hoist and most furnishings stay. Lower level could be more living space. $199,900

FINGER LAKES UPSTATE NEW YORK Lake properties, Homes Estates, Farms, Land, Lots on & around Seneca & Cayuga Lakes, the largest of the Finger Lakes; List and Sell.

NO ONE EXCEEDS OUR MARKETING PLAN! Senecayuga is a member of New York MLS Alliance serving: Roch / Syr / Buffalo / Niagara Plus: Ithaca MLS and Elmira-Corning MLS, Covering all Eleven Finger Lakes, & 30 Internet websites.

www.senecayuga.com

Jeff Trescot,

Mel Russo

Broker Office 315- 497-3700 Cell 315-730-1446 www.jefftrescot.com jefflcre@aol.com

Lic. Real Estate Broker 315-568-9404 senecayuga@aol.com

www.CanandaiguaLake.com Canandaigua Lake Year-round Residence.

5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms.

135 ft. Prime Level Beach, Permanent Dock & Hoist, 2 car + 4 Car Garages. Park-like Setting, Panoramic Lake View!

Call today for a private viewing.

Since 1975!

$1,250,000

Nick & Marty Mendola • Edelweiss Properties www.CanandaiguaLake.com • (585) 394-0270

VILLAGE OF HAMMONDSPORT - Serene Keuka lakeside resort, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, master suite, hot tub room, hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, large 2-car garage. Lots of storage. Meticulous, Spacious, Impeccably cared for. Walk to Keuka Lake (swimming/boating). Exceptional value. $298,700

Mike Hanna Top Producer LICENSED ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER

607-684-0014 mikehanna@frontiernet.net

52 Pulteney Street Hammondsport, NY www.realtyusa.com

SPRING 2011 ~

53

rtrt 52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:53 PM

Page 54

—One

Union Soldier’s

Letters Home

by Ronald E. Ostman and Harry Littell

A new book by Tompkins County historians Mary Jordan and Joyce Hatch presents a narrative of the Civil War from a regional perspective

I

n 1972, letters written by 23-year-old John Eliza Tidd, Jr., to his sweetheart Amelia Haskins were discovered in a secret room of a house in Slaterville Springs, southeast of Ithaca. Forty-eight letters, dated September 1862 to October 1865, form the central narrative of Dear Friend Amelia: The Civil War Letters of Private John Tidd. Tompkins County historians Mary Jordan and Joyce Hatch researched John Tidd’s and Amelia Haskell’s lives and families, as well as the background context for the book’s narrative. Dear Friend Amelia has been published this year to coincide with the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The text places John’s experiences in the context of the larger conflict. It is lavishly illustrated with black-and-white, sepia and color photographs and illustrations. The visual components are drawn from Civil War sources, Reconstruction-era mass circulation periodicals and books, as well as regional and national historical photographs (among them, Mathew Brady Studio photographs from the collection of the Tioga County Historical Society in Owego). Also

54 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

included are photographs of 109th New York Volunteers’ Civil War artifacts from a local collection, and several contemporary landscapes and architectural photographs in color

by Tompkins Cortland Community College Instructor and Photography Department Chair Harry Littell.

Private Tidd’s letters are primarily declarations of fondness for Amelia and home in Tompkins County, written in a voice that is poetic, strong and affectionate. Most of them carried the salutation “Dear Friend Amelia.” The handscripted pages were filled with routine army life details, as well as brutal facts and war observations.

Jordan and Hatch chose to leave the letters in their original form. There are spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, as well as occasional slang expressions and archaic language, which they hope will enhance the authenticity of his missives. They are presented in chronological order.

In keeping with the best traditions of storytelling, the authors do not reveal the outcome of John’s wartime service and his relationship with Amelia until his final letters, and

rtrt 52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:54 PM

Page 55

Where to Purchase Amazon.com (search “Dear Friend Amelia”) An example of one of John’s letters. Note the decorative writing near the top of the page.

Letter and photographs collection of Mary Jordan.

Dear Friend Amelia: The Civil War Letters of Private John Tidd written by Mary Jordan and Joyce Hatch published by Six Mile Creek Press, Ithaca, 2011 ISBN 978-0-615-39520-3 Hardcover, 176 pages.

For signed books ($34.95, plus 8% New York State sales tax) e-mail janemariebooks@yahoo.com.

Call 607-591-2774 for more information.

SPRING 2011 ~

55

rtrtrt 52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:56 PM

Page 56

Above: “Ladies and gentlemen greet the troops.” Johnson, Ridpath, and others. Campfire and Battlefield, 38.

Left, above: Amelia Haskell, the young woman who was always in John Tidd’s thoughts, resided in the small hamlet of Rawson Hollow.

Left, below: Private John Tidd Jr., of Company B, the 109th New York Volunteers, c. 1862. Tintype.

readers are urged to avoid the temptation to page ahead. That there is suspense as the story unfolds is evident in a review written by Martin A. Sweeney, Town of Homer historian: “As the book picks up steam, the reader begins to fear that John Tidd’s odds of survival are diminishing. Will he make it home?

Will he make it into the arms of Amelia Haskell?”

In addition to the letters, photographs of John and Amelia were found in the secret room. Sadly, no letters from Amelia are known to have survived. However, the authors were able to unearth 13 additional letters from other sources and readers can trace the personal transformation of an idealistic young man into a worldly, questioning, doubting and occasionally cynical person. Here’s how his story unfolds.

Answering the call for volunteers On April 12, 1861, as John Tidd made barrels at the Owen and Brothers Cooperage in Rawson Hollow, not far from Slaterville Springs, momentous events were unfolding elsewhere that would profoundly affect his life. Confederate secessionist cannons fired for the first time on Union troops.

The Northerners, stationed at Fort Sumter on an island in the Charleston, South Carolina harbor, fired back. The next day, the Fort Sumter garrison, nearly out of food and short on gunpowder, surrendered. The Rebels had fired some 4,000 rounds, and the Union had answered with perhaps 1,000. The U.S. Civil War had begun.

In the spring of 1861, soldiers on both sides tended to think that war would be of short duration, perhaps settled in a

56 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

trtr 52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:57 PM

Page 57

Petersburg, V.A. June 20, 1864 Dear Friend, It has been a long, long time since I heard from you last & you cannot imagine how much I want to hear from you. I should have written to you before now even if you did not write to me but I could not learn where you were. I was sick while at Spottsylvania & when they marched from there was left behind to do the best I could. I bought & begged my way through the country for ten days before I reached my company, seven miles of Richmond & for three days through an enemys country, likely to be taken prisoner at any minute. Ten of our men were taken not fifty rods from where I was. I cannot describe to you what I suffered during that ten days! Sick, tired & hungry, it seemed to me as though I should have to give up entirely. I would not have run a step to have got out of the hands of the rebs. While I was away from the Regt the mail came & they thought I was taken prisoner, so they destroyed the letters after opening them & finding no money. One came for me from Speedsville & I did’nt know but what it might have been from you. I will venture at last to write to Speedsville & if you should receive it, answer it imedietly and you will receive my everlasting regards. We have’nt but a few men left in our Regiment. In the battles of the Wilderness & Spotsylvania we lost about 300 men & last Friday the 17th we charged across a corn field about 1 P.M. in the afternoon & when we came out all we could get together was 42 men out of 220 men. The next morning the report was made out & we lost one hundred and two men killed, wounded and missing. Our company had one missing, James Phillips & two wounded. Very lucky to the other companys. Our Capt was wounded so I am in Command of the company & it is commanded by a Corporal. Also, there is’nt but one company in the Regt commanded by a commissioned officer; the most of them are sick. Capt Gorman & [Marshall] Warwick is killed & Sergt Jones and Sergt Barton are killed. Sergt Benedict, Capt Evans, Sergt Chandler are wounded. About 400 men have now been lost in the Regiment. Our company only musters 12 effective men.

Co. K lost 32 men in the last charge. The grape and canister shells & bullets that pored into our ranks was awful to behold. No words can express or pen portray the awful scene through which we passed.

Men falling dead & dieing all around you. We won the victory but it was dearly won. .… Write soon & I will give you more of the particulars in my next letter. Write a long letter. From your true friend and well wisher.

John Tidd PS. Please send this, whoever receives it, to the one directed & you will receive my thanks. Direct to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps. Our battle flag was lost in Spotsylvania and the state flag was shot into in the charge the other day.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

57

rtrtrt 52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:58 PM

Page 58

single battle. The 75,000 volun(about $1,100 today). Not a teer soldiers President Abraham single man stepped forward.

Lincoln called for to quell the Many were farmers, either har“Great Rebellion” were obliged vesting or planning to harvest to serve for a period of between their crops for the season, with only three months to two years. the coming winter not far from Fifteen months later, on their thoughts.

July 1, 1862, President Lincoln Although Hyde’s war signed an order for 300,000 meetings drew large crowds, he more volunteer soldiers to serve had convinced only 20 men to Above: John wrote: “The grape, canister shells & bullets that terms of three years. He realized sign enlistment papers by the North was faced with a long pored into our ranks was awful to behold.” Illustration, Johnson, August 8, 1862. Among them Ridpath, and others. Campfire and Battlefield, 112. war, having witnessed as many was Tidd, who enlisted on July battle disgraces as triumphs.

31. He was probably motivated Below: Illustration of Union Army uniforms from War By the time New York State Department Atlas to accompany the official records of the by the bonus money, which he began its volunteer recruitment would use to support his aged Union and Confederate armies. drives that summer, many earlyfather. The money would not war Union recruits had found be available to men who waited Army life less than glamorous. to be drafted.

Hyde and others spoke to a large crowd They had been leaving the ranks for Hyde needed 80 more men to form the past year, their obligations fulfilled. about the opportunities for men to a company. serve in the Union Army. The question Others were deserting. To replenish On August 9, freshly commisof slavery was not addressed, just as it the ranks, President Lincoln and his sioned as a captain, Hyde met with his was not mentioned at most war meetadministration underscored the situavolunteers and potential recruits near ings across the North. The speakers tion’s urgency by threatening a draft if Berkshire. Another 71 men signed emphasized that the war was being an insufficient number of volunteers their enlistment papers for Company B fought to preserve the Union, the most enlisted. of the 109th Regiment, New York common reason advanced in contemDuring the evening of July 12, Volunteers. They returned to their 1862, in the Tompkins County commu- porary discourse. The evening ended homes with orders to meet two days with Hyde calling for volunteers, after nity of Speedsville between Ithaca and later in Owego. Additional men volunreminding them of the $52 bonus Binghamton, local organizer Robert teered on August 11, filling the 109th

58 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

tr

52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

Company B roster.

Private Tidd was excited to leave home for the first time on a train departing for Annapolis Junction, Maryland, on August 30. Amelia Haskell watched from the crowd of well-wishers. Amelia worked for George and Janette Williams in Rawson Hollow where John had lived while working at the cooperage, and he was sweet on her.

Describing the realities of war Initially, Private Tidd viewed war as a great adventure in which he might play the role of hero. Early letters describe euphoric public parades. On September 14, 1862, he wrote, “I have not got home sick yet and do not intend to but would like to see you all very much but I had much rather stay and fight for you and our Countrys liberty then to be at home when our Country is in danger. You need not be afraid of the rebels comeing to Speedsville for you know I promised to keep them back.”

When preparing for what he thought would be his first battle near Beltsville, Maryland, on October 12, 1862, Private Tidd bragged to Amelia, “I will try and kill as many as two or three for you.” The battle never took place.

After the draft was instituted, John describes how his duties changed. Gala, noisy parades were soon replaced by the tedium and misery of guarding railroads, bridges and telegraph lines between Baltimore and Washington.

Beginning in mid-January 1864, he was tasked with escorting new soldiers to their units. Later that spring, the “band box railroad regiment” as the 109th had come to be known, was assimilated into the 9th Corps under General Ambrose Burnside. For the next year, John and his comrades expe-

2/7/11

4:58 PM

Page 59

Craftsmanship Superior craftsmanship throughout the Finger Lakes & Rochester since 1987

CUSTOM HOMES, ADDITION & RENOVATIONS Trust Bristol Builders craftsmen to capture the essence of your chosen design. We’ll transform your plans into a residence of graceful distinction.

For quality style and craftsmanship rely on Bristol Builders.

333 W. Commercial St., Suite 1200 East Rochester, NY 14445 Tel. 585-586-8370 • Fax. 585-586-4409 kwhitman@bristolbuilders.com www.bristolbuilders.com FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

59

52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

Visit

NAPLES

2/8/11

4:35 PM

Page 60

Theaters, Wineries, Artists and More

rt

MONICA’S PIES Famous for our Grape Pies Available Year Round

Local fruits to luscious creams we have your favorite!

Call to order yours!

A variety of pies available daily also chicken pot pies, quiche, jams, jellies & gifts.

Open 7 days a week, 9AM-5PM 7599 Rte, 21, Naples

585-374-2139

www.monicaspies.com The one-room school house that Amelia attended in Jenksville. Photograph by Harry Littell, 2010

Hendersons

Naples & Finger Lakes souvenirs available here!

Naples

Lima

Phone: (585)374-2080

Phone: (585)582-1140

103-107 South Main St.

1923 Lake Ave

Naples, NY 14512

Lima, NY 14485

• Authentic Log Cabin with cozy loft & jacuzzi tub.

• Sleeps 6 • Enjoy spectacular sunsets!

• Close to wine trails, golf. Hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching on Hi-Tor State Land.

• Located between Keuka & Canandaigua Lakes.

Call 585.944.6301 www.hi-torhideaway.com

Monier Manor 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

Produced by K & S Foods

Naples, NY 585-534-9257 Naples Valley Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry with a gentle touch.

Celebrating 30 years in practice

585-374-6323

106 N. Main Street, Naples, NY www.NaplesValleyDental.com

rienced grisly war in many battles, including The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor, followed by constant trench warfare during the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of the Crater.

By August 31, 1864, he wrote, “I did’nt go into the battle nor did’nt intend to; it has played out, this fighting. I never will shoot another reb, only to save my own life. I consider it nothing but murder.” On September 21, 1864, he answered Amelia’s question concerning how he got out of the last fight by writing, “Just as easy as could be. When the Brigade advanced, I just stoped & let them go on; easy enough was’nt it?”

He did not see his behavior as cowardice. He had witnessed and participated in his fill of killing and nearly being killed.

Similarly, his views on abolition, leadership and politicians changed during the war. His epistles also reveal how poorly trained, ill-equipped, malnourished and sick the Union soldiers were, which helps explain why fighting the Civil War continued for so long.

Countless bullets, grapeshot, canister shells, cannon balls and other projectiles flew, and swords and bayonets were brandished and bloodied until the

trrtrt 52-61.LIFL.Spring_dearamelia.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

4:59 PM

Page 61

A “Dear Friend Amelia” exhibit honoring the sesquicentennial of the Civil War with copies of original letters, envelopes, and other ephemera and artifacts is on display through July at The History Center in Tompkins County. The exhibit recognizes the lives and sacrifices of local people who served in the war, and explores the lives of the families and loved ones left behind.” The centerpiece will be the letters of soldiers, particularly the ones written by Private John Tidd and Major (Doctor) Tarbell of Ithaca.

The Speedsville Park often features local bands such as “the Kinsfolk.” Photograph by Harry Littell, June 2010

Confederates gave up their fight. On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

On April 12, four years to the day from the war’s opening shot, Lee’s army laid down their arms. An estimated 620,000 soldiers had died, 360,000 of them from the North.

Canandaigua

For more information, contact The History Center at 401 E. State Street, Suite 100, in Ithaca, 607-273-8284.

E-mail community@ thehistorycenter.net or visit ww.thehistorycenter.net.

Copies of Dear Friend Amelia also are available for purchase at The History Center.”

The Chosen Spot

Handmade Jewelry, Handbags, Beads and More

AdornJewelryAndAccessories.com

40 varieties of the finest extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world, all available for tasting – right from the tap!

129 SOUTH MAIN STREET • CANANDAIGUA,NY 14424 585.396.2585 • FOLIVERS.COM

24 Coy St #2 Canandaigua NY 585-393-1520 Open Tues - Sat 10 - 6

Entertain your guests in style at the Granger Homestead.

DINNERS WEDDINGS RECEPTIONS SHOWERS BIRTHDAYS REUNIONS TEA PARTIES Open year-round for private and corporate functions. Reasonable rates.

Granger Homestead and Carriage House 295 N Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-394-1472 • www.grangerhomestead.org

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

SPRING 2011 ~

61

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:01 PM

Page 62

R

A yellow spotted salamander heads for the vernal pond.

62 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:01 PM

Page 63

RAIN Many joyful spring occurrences can be attributed to April showers – May flowers, for one; the mole salamander congress, for another. It is far more results-oriented than the Congress that takes place in our nation’s capital. Here’s an eyewitness account.

story and photos by Phillip Bonn

ast April, as I lay on my couch enjoying the warmer spring weather here east of Syracuse, I heard a distant rumble of thunder. Even though it was 10 p.m. on a rainy night in the middle of the workweek, I decided to head down to Labrador and Morgan Hill. Heading south, I turned off of route 80 and drove slowly, keeping an eye out for something crawling across the road. There was nothing to see until I went over a slight rise. Quickly, I hit the brakes hard to avoid what appeared to be a moving carpet of creatures, amphibians of all kinds. They were heading to dance and mate in small pond nearby. I was witnessing what naturalists call the Big Night.

Among the crowd of red-spotted newts, spring peepers, wood frogs, and Jefferson and blue-spotted salamanders, were hundreds of “mole” salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) that inhabit the woodlands of New York State. They normally live below the surface of the ground (hence the name) and spend almost all their lives hidden under rocks or logs.

Mole salamanders are relatively large, reaching lengths of 7 to 8 inches. They are blackish, with two rows of yellow or orange spots running down their backs.

Conditions have to be just right for their Big Night. The ground temperature must be above 36F, the air temperature above 40F and, since the salamanders must remain moist on their journey, the rain has to keep falling steadily.

Most spotted salamanders live in woods close to their mating pool. They will travel to the pool – sometimes as far as one-third of a mile – to dance and mate on one night only. Males usually arrive first.

It’s a dangerous journey. Most of the participants have to cross roadways, and the death toll can be very high. Towns in

A salamander congress.

Just the Facts • The word “salamander” is derived from the Greek meaning “fire lizard.”

• The scientific name for spotted salamanders is Ambystoma (“blunt mouth”) Maculatum (“spotted”).

• The family is Ambystomatidae, which means “mole salamander.” Spotted salamanders spend most of their lives hidden in dark, damp places until the Big Night.

• Bright yellow spots distinguish this secretive amphibian.

Each spotted salamander has a unique pattern of spots.

Some only have a few spots, but most have two uneven rows of yellow-orange spots down their back.

• A spotted salamander can live as long as 20 years in the wild and even longer in captivity.

• Their diet includes insects, worms, slugs and spiders, which they capture with their sticky tongue.

• Salamander skin is sensitive to air pollution, so a healthy population of them is a good indicator that the habitat is uncontaminated.

• When threatened, spotted salamanders secrete a mild toxin from their backs and tails so make sure to wash your hands after handling one.

SPRING 2011 ~

63

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

E n j o y i n g

5:01 PM

G o d ’ s

Page 64

C r e a t i o n

Most vernal ponds are dry for part of the year and fill up with rain or snow melt.

Finger Lakes Tram

Canandaigua Lake, 2007

2052 O’Neil Road • Macedon, NY 14502 • 315-986-1937

www.fingerlakestram.com Designed, built & serviced right here in upstate New York!

Massachusetts and New Hampshire will close certain stretches of roads when the Big Night migration occurs. As another safety measure, barriers can be erected along the road’s shoulder to direct salamanders to tunnels under the road. This was done along Route 91 to the east of Labrador pond, but speaking from personal observation, it was not effective. The carnage was still high since it’s a very busy road.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

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 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

64 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Show time When I got out of the car, I could hear the wood frogs and spring peepers calling. I pointed my flashlight in their direction and could make out a small pond where the salamanders were congregating. I was amazed by the number of them in the water, probably hundreds.

The males gather in groups called congresses, and entice females with elaborate courtship dances. The salamanders dance in large clusters with the males swimming under the females to leave a spermatophore on the bottom of the pond. The object is to get the female to pick up the spermatophores and use them to fertilize their eggs, to be deposited in a few days. Females can lay up to 200 eggs in a globular mass, which is attached to twigs or other underwater structures.

The adults leave the water to return to the forest on the next warm, rainy night, so the chances of seeing this event before it ends are slim.

Tadpoles will develop within the eggs. In a month or two, they will “hatch” and live in the vernal pond eating small aquatic creatures. When they have fully developed legs and

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/9/11

10:46 AM

Page 65

Salamander larvae with external gills.

lungs, these young salamanders crawl out of the water and go into the forest.

Keep track of the migration The Big Night was a long night for me. I traveled from Markham Hollow to Tinker Falls and then to the ponds on Morgan Hill and found many amphibians out and about. If you’ve never witnessed this event, you would certainly be amazed at its scale. If you’re interested in finding out more, there are many great websites to visit such as, www.u-s-c.org/html/News.htm or http://www.parcplace.org/index.html.

The Big Night usually starts in Massachusetts and slowly heads inland as the ground/air temperatures warm up. To find out when to start looking in your area, join this e-mail list, vernalpool@yahoogroups.com. It features postings and alerts from people in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. It is fascinating to track the Big Night by their posts.

Help mole salamanders on warm rainy nights in April by being alert for migrations when you drive. Slow down and do a little dodging to avoid running over too many of them. Caution: Salamanders have semi-permeable skin and cannot tolerate salts, skin oils and the heat of our hands. Salamanders should be handled as little as possible.

Wear gloves. If you do not have gloves, make sure your hands are clean, free of lotions and wet.

Phillip Bonn is a freelance photographer and writer specializing in nature and scenic images. His work can be seen at www.philbosphotos.com.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

FlipBook Check out the digital version of our latest issue.

It’s interactive!

LifeintheFingerLakes.com SPRING 2011 ~

65

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:01 PM

Page 66

A

P R O U D

C O M M U N I T Y

Pultneyville story and photos by James P. Hughes

War of 1812 – Battle of Pultneyville sign

Apples are abundant in nearby orchards.

P

art of the allure of the Finger Lakes Region is its tiny communities scattered like so many pebbles on the landscape. With small clusters of houses and a church or public building springing up here and there, Pultneyville may be one of the most picturesque of these hamlets.

Surrounded by bountiful apple and peach orchards, with its charming 19th century homes stretching along Lake Ontario’s splendid shoreline, Pultneyville evokes a hint of classic New England. In 1985 a historical district was established when its architectural significance was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places The community was named for Sir William Pulteney, an English capitalist

Salmon Creek inlet at Lake Ontario

66 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

and land speculator in the late 1700s.

“Somewhere along the way, the first ‘E’ in the name was dropped,” said Town of Williamson Historian Chester (Chet) Peters, “but we’ve managed to get along without it for quite some time now.”

Peters has enjoyed “the slow pace of this place” his entire 92 years, and still spends a good deal of time taking in the lake view and watching the world go by from the front porch of his Mill Street home. If you need to know some history, or almost anything else about Pultneyville, Chet is a great source.

Early homesteaders were of English and Scottish stock; later came the Dutch. With a natural harbor inlet on Lake Ontario, the first half of the 19th century saw the settlement establish a

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:55 PM

Page 67

One of Pultneyville’s stately homes

significant maritime heritage of shipowner ever since. Iron balls were scatbuilding and lake commerce. “Those tered throughout town, including one were busy times,” said Chet. found on my present property.”

“Pultneyville became a U.S. port of Pultneyville also boasts an historientry. Mills, machine shops and a cal first in its peaceful Lake View foundry were established to support the Cemetery. In October 1865, a stately shipping trade.” obelisk was constructed on a slope at By the 1850s, nearly 30 lake capthe center of the burial ground, a tains called Pultneyville home. Today memorial in honor of the area’s Civil many pleasure craft line the inlet occu- War dead. It has been established as pied in bygone days by those tall sailthe first such monument in New York ing ships.

State, some believe possibly even the Rumor has it that one local home earliest in the United States. has a cannonball prominently displayed How many communities of a few on the fireplace mantel. Yes, a War of hundred people boast live theater and a 1812 cannonball. Scouring the Ontario Civic Light Opera Company? Pultneyshoreline for supplies under Commander ville, for one. Its home is Gates Hall, a Yeo, a British ship and crew landed in building erected in 1825 as the nonPultneyville on May 15, 1814. denominational Union Church – “A Expecting no resistance, noble experiment in relitheir intent was to steal gious unity among folks “publick stores” from the secure in their varied hamlet’s citizens. The beliefs,” according to local militia under John Chet. By 1867 the old Swift had other ideas. church had become a Gunfire ensued followed community theater, by a cannon bombardbeginning a long tradiment from the British ship tion that continues to – an event now known as this day. Locally supportThe Battle of Pultneyville. ed, “Gates Hall has been “I understand the manteldesignated the second piece cannonball was oldest little theater in the imbedded in the outside United States,” says wall of the house,” said Robert D. Gorski, presiChet Peters inspects the small Chet, “And has been dent of the imaginative British cannonball found on his passed on from owner to Gatesinger Company. property.

Serving lunch, dinner, late night and Sunday Brunch too.

Located downtown on the Ithaca Commons corner of Tioga/Seneca Streets

607-273-2632 www.kilpatrickspub.com

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

67

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:02 PM

Page 68

P R O U D

C O M M U N I T Y

maize mysteries off an mysteries ancient grain March 11 – May 22, 2011

Explore the science of how maize has evolved to become one of the most significant crops to humankind for thousands of years and why it continues to surprise us.

Above: The Landing at Pultneyville – home to artisan shops and the Pultneyville Grill.

Right: The Civil War monument in Lake View Cemetery is the first such monument in New York.

Below: Good Old Days Country Shop

Opening: Friday, March 11, 6:00–8:00 Family Day: Saturday, March 12, 11:00–3:00

197)913* 8,) )%68,

1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-273-6623 museumoftheearth.org

Made possible by the National Science Foundation FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Specializing in Early American, Primitive, & Country Accessories For Your Home Opening for the Season March 25th with our Annual Spring Open House Fri-Sun, 9:00 - 'RQÂśW 0LVV ,W www.goodolddayscountryshop.com www.facebook.com/Goodolddays Countryshop www.goodolddayscountryshop.blogspot.com REGULAR HOURS:

Mon -Fri 11-5, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

7643 Jay Street Pultneyville, NY 14589 (315) 589-2775 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

68 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

“We’re very proud of that.�

For the last half-century, the Gatesinger players have sung and danced their way through a fanciful Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, its music and comedy a perennial highlight of the annual Pultneyville Homecoming Festival. The festival, held the third weekend every July, also features antique dealers, an art show and sale, wine tastings, the Mariners Sunfish Regatta, a parade, jazz and band music, and food aplenty. All in all, it’s the perfect occasion to soak up the flavor of the historic hamlet.

But take a drive through Pultneyville anytime; it’s well worth a visit. Stocked with both the old and the new, there’s unique shopping at the Good Old Days Country Shop. These “purveyors of primitive goods, country furnishings, and needful things,� as they put it, are lodged in a rustic old apple-packing warehouse dating back to 1902. Stop next at the Salmon Creek inlet at The Landing to enjoy artisan shops along with lunch or dinner at The Pultneyville Grill. Enjoy a view and the breeze off of Lake Ontario. And, if they’re in season, don’t head home without some fresh peaches and apples from a nearby farm stand.

On the Web: www.thelandingatpultneyville.com w-phs.org/placestovisit.htm

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:02 PM

Page 69

H U M A N

I N T E R E S T

Now is the time to think about looking after aging relatives Part 1of a 4-part series on eldercare

by Ruth E. Thaler-Carter

A

s people live longer, more residents of the Finger Lakes region worry about aging parents, spouses, relatives, friends, even themselves. They may be feisty, independent souls, but they’re starting to need help with yard work, housework, and basic daily activities. No one wants to insult their self-sufficient natures, but it is natural to be concerned about whether they are safe, especially if their children live out of town or out of state.

In this four-part series, Life in the Finger Lakes provides an overview of what to think about before crises occur, warning signs to watch for, residential options, resources and more.

What to think about now The time to start planning for this time of life, is before problems arise. Few things are as scary as getting a call in the middle of the night saying a parent is on the way to the emergency room, especially if you do not live nearby.

Health status can change gradually or immediately, and being prepared makes a huge difference in how situations are handled. Here are things to think about now.

Important documents We need to know what our parents want to do or have done for them before decisions have to be made under the pressure of an emergency and its related fear, dismay or sorrow. Tactfully bring up important documents. Everyone should have wills, advance directives, life insurance policies, health and/or legal proxies, and powers of attorney once they have children or own property, but it

can be emotionally challenging to discuss these things with parents. Figure out a way of asking them whether they have these yet and, if so, where they keep the documents. If not, ask their advice about having these for yourself, which may make it easier to learn about what your parents have done or to encourage them to take action.

Difficult conversations One way to open the conversation about changing circumstances is to use anecdotes about friends’ families. It can be easier to discuss a situation that seems to be about someone else. Bring up friends who are facing age-related issues and decisions on behalf of their parents – what they are seeing and how they are coping. Let your parents know that you want to help when they are no longer up to managing. Mention the value of knowing how to contact each other’s doctors, attorneys and other professionals.

The anecdotal approach should work equally well for a spouse or friend.

Siblings may need to start planning how to respond to their parents’ changing needs, based on who lives where, who has family or business responsibilities of their own, and who has what financial resources. Try not to make assumptions about who will do what.

The sibling who lives in the same city as the parents should not shoulder the entire burden.

Try not to assume that the kids know best, even collectively. We know a couple whose children live far from Rochester and have been arguing over whom the parents will go to when no

A conversation with a parent about her future doesn’t have to be a painful experience.

longer up to maintaining the family home. However, the parents do not want to move to a new city. Leaving their house of more than 50 years will be enough of a wrench without leaving longtime friends and colleagues. Their kids may have to agree to help the parents find a safer place to live in Rochester.

Current health, strength and safety Stay in tune with the health, strength and safety of aging parents and friends. Try to find out who their doctors are, and make sure those profesSPRING 2011 ~

69

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:41 PM

Page 70

H U M A N

Casual Fine Dining with City Style Ambiance ~ Featuring a Wood Fired Oven for our Entrees, Pizza and freshly Baked Breads ~ Many gluton free options ~ We use fresh, local ingredients ~ Extensive Wine List including many from the Finger Lakes Region ~ Join us for Happy Hour Sun, Tues, Weds, Thurs 4:30-6:30 ~ We’re available for Holiday Parties, Wedding Rehearsal Dinners & Special Events Serving Dinner Daily (closed Mondays) 106 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 315-789-4070 Reservations Recommended

www.Halseysgeneva.com Our Friendly and Engaging Staff looks forward to serving you.

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Come Join the Team at the Facility of Choice in Wayne County Supervising Registered Nurse (3 pm -11 pm & 11 pm -7am)

Registered Nurses full time and part-time (7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) Contact: Cheryl Acome RN, DON

Wayne County Nursing Home (315) 946-5673 Fax: (315) 946-5671 www.waynecountynursinghome.org Equal Opportunity Employer FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

70 ~

I N T E R E S T

sionals know how to reach you. If your spouse is starting to have health issues, figure out ways to break down barriers to discussing those issues so you can address them together. Some people, especially men, are shy of revealing such issues and not all couples visit their doctors together or see the same one, so one partner can be unaware of subtle changes in the other’s health.

-

E L D E R C A R E

older is to develop back-up systems.

See if local friends would be willing to drop in on occasion to make sure your parents are safe and healthy. Stay in touch with your parents’ friends, so someone knows how to reach you if they become concerned about your parents’ situation or a crisis occurs. If you are the one starting to need help or make major lifestyle changes because of age, reach out to your friends and their

Finances If a parent’s or spouse’s health or independence should decline, coping financially will become a factor, especially for baby boomers who may end up with both children to raise and ailing parents to look after.

You might have to find tactful ways to learn about your parents’ bills and sources of income. You may need There are more options than ever available to families of elderly to start saving to help seeking solutions. them out, or to cover your expenses in travelkids to set up similar support systems. ing more often to help them manage.

Friends of any age might be facing You may need a power of attorney to these issues and have resources to take on their financial planning, or be share. I was able to recommend aides added to their bank account to make when one of my high-school friends sure bills get paid on time. had to move his mother, who has severe Alzheimer’s, to Ithaca.

Mobility Your parents might be more proacThe classic moment of truth is taktive about looking after themselves ing away the car keys when someone is than you realize. After my dad died, my no longer a safe driver. Try riding along mother and a neighbor set up a buddy one day to observe and assess your parsystem. If one did not phone the other ents’ driving behaviors, and be prepared by 8:30 a.m., the other called or walked for an argument. I was lucky that my down the block to make sure everymother broached the topic, but many thing was okay. They had keys to each parents will not do that for you. other’s homes and the phone numbers Finger Lakes towns and cities do of each other’s children. If anything not have subway systems, and many happened to Mom, at least she would older people prefer not to take buses. be found within a few hours rather Not being able to drive will be more than not for several days. frightening here than to New Yorkers or DC residents, but there are alternatives Avoiding the big move – driver and van services, and accounts One of the biggest fears of older with taxi companies. people is having to move out of a beloved family home because they can Backups no longer maintain it or feel safe in it.

One way to prepare for getting

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:41 PM

Page 71

There are ways to make a current home safer using an emergency alert system, handrails, walk-in tubs, and buddy systems. Removing scatter rugs can help.

When a friend in Illinois became worried that her parents in Rochester might fall in their family home, she hired another friend to do minor repairs, including installing railings.

Ask friends to recommend housekeepers, maids or cleaners (either individuals or services); drivers; lawn-care companies (including snow plowers); and more.

Easy changes If it looks like staying in the family home is going to be too difficult even with household help, start researching area alternatives. Many assume that giving up a house means going to a nursing home. The thought of a nursing home is anathema for many parents and children. The good news is that it may be a more extreme step than needed. Many simply do not need nursinghome level of care. A one-story house, a condo or an apartment in a building with a variety of onsite services might do the trick. Moving out of a long-held family home is still going to be traumatic, but it does not have to mean giving up on life.

Watch for Part 2, which will look at the warning signs of aging. Part 3 will discuss residential options, and Part 4 will present regional and national resources.

Ruth E. Thaler-Carter is an award-winning freelance writer/editor, coauthor of The Who, What and Where of Elder Care: A handy, step-by-step guide to help navigate the maze of caregiving (2006). She is her mother’s primary caregiver.“We’re very lucky,” she said, “My husband and I moved back to Rochester because we wanted to and before my mother needed us. She is financially secure; we don’t have children; my career is both flexible and portable; and my brothers are supportive, even though they don’t live nearby.”

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Cash Management Services •

Mortgage & Home Equity Services •

Credit Card Processing •

Online Banking •

Great Loan Rates

50 OFFICES • MORE THAN 70 ATMs 1-877-226-5578 | www.five-starbank.com MEMBER FDIC FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

71

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:41 PM

Page 72

H I S T O R Y

A Revolutionary Idea Students and adults re-live history in Elmira story by Dan Cohen • photos by Andrea Cohen

Calvin U. Smith students participating in a reenactment of the Battle of Newtown with adult reenactors

T

he Finger Lakes was home to several meaningful campaigns during the Revolutionary War, and with a little effort it’s easy to become steeped in the local history of the time. I was reminded of this during the summer battle reenactments at Newtown Battlefield in Elmira. During a mock “march” when my daughters and I were civilians being given travel protec-

72 ~

tion by British Loyalists, we were attacked by Rebels (the eventual founders of our country) and sympathetic Indians. With the sound of musket fire, shouted orders from commanders on both sides, and Indian war whoops all around us, we watched the reenactors fire and then fall back, then again fire and fall back. We were transported back to a different time, and I experienced

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

local history in a vivid way that I never had before.

I’m not a re-enactor, though my daughter and I are considering becoming ones next year. My daughters, now ages 9 and 11, have brought me here.

Excited and knowledgeable, they are able to explain what is happening around me. Later that day when we peruse the vendors selling antiques and

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:41 PM

Page 73

reproductions of period goods, they explain to me what the different items are and what they were used for. I learn a great deal. The fact is, they learned more by the end of 4th grade about American history, especially Revolutionary War history, than I have throughout my life. More importantly, there are excited and energized about learning more. Let me tell you how this happened in their lives.

Every spring, something incredible happens for the 4th graders at Calvin U. Smith Elementary School, located in Painted Post. The teachers and other staff in the classroom run a Living History Program which teaches the students about Revolutionary War History and life. It is a powerful experience for many students, as it was for me as the parent of a child in the program.

As part of the living history program, students learn about life during the Revolutionary War. They learn what soldiers and families went through around the time of the war, what they ate and how they lived, but their education is more than simply a rote description of facts. They dress in period clothing. They are drafted into the Continental Army. They learn to march, follow orders, and shoot a musket (not a real one, though they have to treat it as if it were)! The students do this over the course of 10 weeks, spending several hours of their own time after school each week, practicing and practicing the skills they are learning.

During the course of the program they learn history on a regional and national level about how the Revolutionary War was fought. There is a field trip to Fort Stanwix. The students march in the Painted Post Colonial Days Parade, where the Calvin U. Smith regiment of 3rd New York has won awards for the last seven years running. The program itself terminates in a historically accurate night of camping at Newtown Battlefield with teachers and reenactors helping the students experience history in a way I certainly never did. The encampment ends with the students learning and completing a reenactment of an actual battle that was fought at Newtown Battlefield.

Outside of school, students often seek to learn more by participating in and visiting such events as the annual local encampment at Newtown Battlefield, and going as far away as Boston to observe (and possibly next year, to participate) in the Patriots Day activities.

This style of education is immersive and deep, and the teachers’ excitement about the subject is infectious. The students absorb the material easily and develop a great appreciation for local and national history, and the tenets that our country was founded upon.

An area rich in history There were several different campaigns during the Revolutionary War that were fought in and around upstate New York. Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain was originally a British staging area for the war. Fort Ticonderoga was taken by the Continental army in 1775 and the cannons were later used to drive the British out of Boston. A British defeat

Calvin U. Smith students and adult reenactors set up a skirmish line.

Student soldiers in the Continental Army prepare to march to their encampment for the night.

Students in the Revolutionary War Living History Program march yearly in the Painted Post Colonial Days Parade.

(Continued on page 75) SPRING 2011 ~

73

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:03 PM

Page 74

Seneca Lake Wine Trail ... A Tasteful Experience HOFFMAN FASHION SHOW OPEN HOUSE Sunday, February 27, 2011, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Atwater Vineyards along with O’Susannah’s Quilt Shop invite you to an Open House, held in the tasting room at Atwater Estate Vineyards, Route 414, Burdett, New York. Live models, unique one of a kind creations, music by Southwind, wine by Atwater, and hors d'oeuvres.

Information: 607-535-6550

CRUISIN THE TROPICS WEEKEND March 25-27, 2011 Friday, 1-5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (2-1/2 day event) Pull out your tropical shirts, put on your sunglasses, go sockless in your boat shoes, wear your favorite beach hat, and join us for a weekend of relaxation in the tropics. Each ticket holder receives a gift item at their starting winery. A self-guided tour “cruising� around beautiful Seneca Lake, visiting over 30 unique wineries, each with their own tropical theme, over the 2-1/2 day weekend of “fun in the tropics.�

Information: www.senecalakewine.com

7DVWH ÂŤ 5HOD[ ÂŤ (QMR\ Taste a wide range of food friendly, awardwinning wine, and relax by our cozy fireplace or outside on our patio March 19th, 1 to 4 BRING ON SPRING PARTY Music by the Castle Street Band Bring in this ad for 2 complimentary wine tastings

WONDERFUL WINES

AMAZING VIEW

Tasting Room Open Daily 2Q 6HQHFD /DNH¡V 6RXWK-Eastern Shore 800 331-7323

www.atwatervineyards.com

Within its Tuscan setting, Ventosa Vineyards offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, premium wine tasting and a cafĂŠ serving lunch daily. Elegant dĂŠcor and breathtaking views of Seneca Lake makes Ventosa an ideal location for weddings, receptions, private parties and more!

315-719-0000 www.ventosavineyards.com Seriously good wine for relaxed wine times.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon - 5pm 4024 St. Rte. 14, Watkins Glen, NY www.lakewoodvineyards.com 877-535-9252

74 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

2SHQ GDLO\ \HDU ÂśURXQG Located on the northwest side of Seneca Lake, just south of Geneva 4200 Route 14, Geneva NY 315-781-9463 www.whitespringswinery.com

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:42 PM

Page 75

urrounding the sapphire waters of Seneca Lake, our 34 member wineries invite you to visit our diverse tasting rooms throughout the year, sampling and learning about our award-winning wines.

Our diverse appellation supports not only the growth of hardy native grapes and premium hybrids, but also more delicate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, just to name a few. Celebrating our 25th Anniversary throughout 2011, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is truly a tasteful experience…

S

Valid April 1-June 30, 2011:

RIESLING TO VISIT PASSPORT April 29-May 1, 2011:

SPRING WINE AND CHEESE WEEKEND

877-536-2717

http://gettag.mobi

www. SenecaLakeWine .com FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

The program provides a rare and meaningful hands-on opportunity for students to learn and interact with local history.

in Saratoga during an invasion from Canada was crucial to preventing the British from dividing the colonies. Fort Niagara in Youngstown was a British Loyalist base for much of the war.

In the Finger Lakes area, General John Sullivan fought a major battle at Newtown Battlefield, as part of his campaign to destroy the Iroquois and Cayuga settlements that had taken up arms with the British against the Continental Army. The village of Horseheads got its name after an incident during this campaign, as General Sullivan destroyed a large number of his horses in the area after they became sick. Upon seeing the macabre sight, the Iroquois Indians named the area “Valley of the Horses Heads.” Look around as you drive the Elmira area and you are bound to notice some of the mostly blue signs erected by New York State that explain different aspects of local history, and often describe different parts of Sullivan’s mission.

As I have learned more about the Revolutionary War history in and around the Finger Lakes, I come away with a new appreciation for the the founding of our country and for the historical richness of our area. I encourage you to spend some time doing some of your own research as well. You won’t be disappointed.

To view videos about the 3rd New York regiment, use the search words “3rd New York colorguard” on YouTube.com.

SPRING 2011 ~

75

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:44 PM

Page 76

F O O D

&

W I N E

Perfect Couples

th

4

Annual Seneca Falls

Outdoor Art Festival & Car Show

July 31 2011 • Sunday 10-5

Artists and Artisans are invited to participate ••• E-mail Lalongcarabine2000@yahoo.com for more information or call 315-568-1510 or 315-568-8204 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

story by Jason Feulner photos by Jennifer Srmack

W

ine begs to be consumed with food, although it’s not always easy to remember that when you are tasting on a wine trail in the Finger Lakes. At most wineries crackers suffice as accompaniment, but these little morsels, as necessary as they are for the tired palate, hardly allude to the joy of sipping a nicely crafted wine with a well-cooked meal. Flavors occur that neither the wine nor the food can provide on its own. In many respects, tasting and purchasing a wine at a local winery is just the first part of a journey that continues later, at the dinner table, preferably with good company.

And yet many wineries offer an opportunity to taste their wines while sampling some gastronomical creations

Ventosa Vineyards FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

76 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

on site, the two disciplines married in an effort to offer new opportunities for tourists and regular visitors alike. A restaurant within a winery is hardly a new concept, even in the Finger Lakes, but the combination has expanded over the past few years as wineries seek new sources of revenue in conjunction with the fine dining renaissance that has taken place among middleclass consumers. Wine lovers and food lovers are often one-and-the-same, and the Finger Lakes region has more to offer in the dining scene than ever before.

In the next few issues of Life in the Finger Lakes, we will highlight some wine and food pairings provided by local winemakers and their culinary colleagues. We hope the descriptions trigger your imagination, especially if

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/7/11

5:04 PM

Page 77

9 7O K = 7 B 7A; M?D; JH7?B

HZZ >i### IVhiZ >i### A^kZ >i###

when made well, can zip with acidity and brightness.

Jenna LaVita, winemaker at Ventosa, describes the winery’s 2009 Pinot Gris as “refreshing, with rain at harvest time leading to a mineral/slatey profile, giving the wine its signature crispness and making it work well alongside fresh dishes. The reason this wine really shines is the balance of fruit and acid.”

To match the flavors of Ventosa’s 2009 Pinot Gris, Café Toscana’s head chef Ernie Brigham suggests his Penne Pasta with Butternut Squash. He describes it as a creation of necessity during a Belhurst Castle winter festival: “It’s the middle of January and about 10 you haven’t contemplated how well degrees outside. Freshly picked vegetaFinger Lakes wines can match with bles from our garden are out. Hmm food. In fact, the cool climate of the …summer squash …winter squash Finger Lakes creates wines, both white …butternut squash!” and red, that are suited for food pairThe dish, simple yet elegant, comings. The minerality found in the rocky bines butternut squash sautéed in olive soil and the acidity preserved in the oil with onions and escarole, added to slowly ripened grapes gives the finished pasta and topped with Romano cheese. wines subtle flavor profiles that make Brigham, a 30-year veteran of the them perfect companions for a variety Finger Lakes culinary scene, describes of foods. In contrast, hot growing clithe 2009 Ventosa Pinot Gris as a “permates can produce powerful wines with fect match” for his dish. intense flavors that can clash openly with dishes.

Belhurst Castle – The three wines we’ve paired with Edgar’s Restaurant foods in this article have all found Riesling is king of the Finger some measure of success in the Finger Lakes, yet consumers shouldn’t take for Lakes: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and, of granted their ability to taste a wide course, Riesling. variety of local, yet world-quality Rieslings. Many wine and food critics Ventosa Vineyards – consider Riesling to be one of the most Café Toscana versatile wines for food pairing.

Pinot Gris (also known as Pinot Depending on the style, Riesling pairs Grigio) is made from a grape that is well with fish, shellfish, poultry, game, grown widely in Italy, France and also pork, cheeses, desserts and many other California. While a best-selling wine in categories. general, it’s not often produced in the “Riesling really does lend itself to all Finger Lakes. Despite its production in kinds of food,” affirms Tim Miller, a some warmer climates, Pinot Gris is winemaker for Belhurst, who cites his considered a cool-climate grape that 2009 semi-dry Riesling as a good candi-

AdkZ >i Mardi Gras CWhY^ + ,

“Say Cheese”

along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

CWhY^ (, (-

Wine & Herb Festival 7fh_b (/ÅCWo ' eh CWo ,Å.

Holiday Shopping Spree

Del[cX[h '.Å(& eh :[Y[cX[h (Å*

Get the free mobile app at

http:/ / gettag.mobi

IYWd je L_i_j Ekh M[Xi_j[

.&& ,.*#+('-

mmm$YWok]Wm_d[jhW_b$Yec

Founded in 1974 FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Gregory L. Schultz D.M.D., P.C. A Passion for the Profession.

A combination of excellence in skills and enthusiasm for patients’ care.

KEUKA FAMILY DENTISTRY 209 Liberty Street, Bath, NY 607-776-7656 E-Mail: gls@keukafamilydentistry.com FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

SPRING 2011 ~

77

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:02 PM

Page 78

WINERIES

Pairs beautifully with…

everything

Canandaigua, NY

Strawberries with dark chocolate cabernet fondue offered on weekends and by special request.

Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10am-6pm Sun. 12pm-6pm

9070 Route 89 Trumansburg NY 14886 888-862-4337 www.cidery.com

Moore

Finely Fi F iinely nely C Crafted rraft ft fteed H Hard ard d Cide Cider er

Inspire

Winery &Vineyard

For three years we imagined, now we are going to inspire Moore!

Helping to re-define NYS wine™ 197 N. Main St. Naples, NY 14512 • 585-374-5970

www.inspiremoorewinery.com • May- Oct. Everyday

3627 East Lake Rd., Canandaigua, NY (585) 394-2860

www.WilhelmusEstate.com

MAKE YOUR OWN WINE www.101winemaking.com

www.fallbright.com

Secure online shopping Winemaking Information

Fall Bright, The Winemakers Shoppe Keuka Lake 10110 Hyatt Hill, Dundee, NY 607-292-3995

ost he 10 m s in t f o 1 as om Chosen ular tasting ro eisure L c specta d! by Travel + l the wor

lakese ! e e r h t on Lak Visit usl Winery on Keuka il Heron Hounty Route 764840

1 9301 C dsport, NY on a Lake Hamm n Senec

Room o Tasting ute 14

o 3586 R NY 14842 , d ro l Him t Bristo

Room a ake L Tasting ndaigua . on Cana eca Point Rd 4 en 42 5323 S igua, NY 14 da n a n a C

(800) 441-4241 www.heronhill.com

78 ~

Crystal Lake Cafe-Serving homestyle classics with a gourmet twist

Tasting Room-Open Daily 10am-6pm Buses and Groups of 8 or more please call ahead.

Come and taste our award winning Finger Lakes Wines!

May-Sept. 2011 • 1st and 3rd Friday Night Live Music Roots Café Thurs.-Sat. Voted Best Winery Restaurant in Ontario County

Americana Vineyards & Winery

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

4367 E. Covert Road, Interlaken, NY Winery: 607-387-6801 • Cafe: 607-387-6804

www.americanavineyards.com

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:03 PM

Page 79

F O O D

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 • Spa

Rte 14 South, Geneva 315-781-0201 www.belhurst.com

&

W I N E

date for food pairing. “When blending this vintage, we really looked for that apple and melon-like quality, with good minerality.”

As a food pairing for the 2009 semidry Riesling, Edgar Restaurant Executive Chef Casey Belile offers Wood-Fired Free Range Chicken with fusilli, chorizo, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, roasted pistachios and chevre cream. The ingredients are all natural and organic, with the chicken supplied from an organic farm that does not use antibiotics or hormones, and where grazing areas for the birds are rotated.

“My wife is of Syrian descent, and we often blend Middle Eastern flavors and cooking methods with traditional cooking as we know it in America,” Belile Wagner Vineyards explains. “This dish has a variety of textures and flavors to make each bite a and cool nights of the Finger Lakes are unique experience.” ideal for achieving a perfect balance in Beyond the healthy benefits of the the grapes. Ripe balanced fruit transfree-range chicken, Belile enjoys the lates into a wine that is very food interesting flavors created by the comfriendly.” bination of pistachios and chevre To complement the selected cream.

Chardonnay and its lively fruit, Ginny Lee Restaurant’s Head Chef Mitchell Wagner Vineyards – Vachel, a Culinary Institute of America Ginny Lee Restaurant graduate, suggests his Lakeside Some people who claim they don’t Chicken. The marinated tender meat prefer Chardonnay are often referring chicken breast is served open faced on to the oak taste that can dominate the French bread on a bed of fresh baby wine. In a cool climate, however, leaf spinach, topped with Chardonnay Chardonnay that goes un-oaked can Danish blue cheese sauce and succulent produce a style that is balanced, floral, garden tomatoes. “The Lakeside and altogether different than the butChicken is heavily influenced by tery, oaky version to which we’ve all Mediterranean and Greek flavors,” been exposed.

Vachel says of his creation. “The savory Wagner Vineyards winemakers herb marinated chicken is balanced by John Herbert and Ann Raffetto believe the robust sharp acid flavor of the blue that their 2009 un-oaked Chardonnay cheese sauce. The hint of fresh regionis a perfect candidate for food pairing: al-grown tomato and baby spinach “It showcases the bright lively fruit that offers an earthy garden finish to the Chardonnay can have. The warm days surprising flavor combination.”

SPRING 2011 ~

79

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

The Perfect GIFT

8:39 PM

Page 80

C A L E N D A R

MARCH 7…Concert at the State Lucinda Williams and her band will play the State Theatre in Ithaca, located at 105 West State Street in Ithaca.

607-277-8283 www.stateofithaca.com 24…Meet the Astronomer: Scott Kardel Scott Kardel, the Palomar Observatory Public Affairs Coordinator at the California Institute of Technology, will discuss the impact that the successful 200-inch disk made in Corning. You can see the unsuccessful first attempt at making the disk on display at the museum. Free, but registration is requested by contacting rsvp@cmog.org.

607-937-5371 www.cmog.org 25…Spring Open House Celebrate the 10-year anniversary at the Good Old Days Country Shop, which specialize is primitives, country, and accessories for the home. Located in Pultneyville.

315-589-2775 www.goodolddayscountryshop.com

The Premier Magazine of the Finger Lakes Region

GIFT Subscriptions 1st Gift............................$13.95 2nd Gift ..........................$11.95 Each Add’l ........................$9.95

A Subscription for YOURSELF 3 Years (12 issues) ........$28.95 2 Years (8 issues) ..........$21.95 1 Year (4 issues) ............$13.95 Canada, add $15. Overseas, add $30.00 postage per year. U.S. funds only.

Four GREAT issues a year!

Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter

800-344-0559 Fax: 315-789-4263 subscribe@lifeinthefingerlakes.com www.LifeintheFingerLakes.com

CALL TODAY! 80 ~

27…Made in NY 2011 Annual juried exhibition of New York State artists at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, located at 205 Genesee Street in Auburn.

315-255-1553 www.schweinfurthartcenter.org

APRIL 9 - 10…Artisan Cheese and Wine Weekend on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Nearly a dozen producers from the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail will be on hand at the wineries of Keuka Lake for the weekend, offering samples of their handcrafted products. Wines will be paired with dishes inspired by the myriad tastes and textures of these farm-produced cheeses.

800-440-4898 www.keukawinetrail.com 15…Cornell Concert Series - St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra Nikolai Alexeev, conductor, Nikolai Lugansky, piano soloist. Program: Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade.

Russia’s oldest and most celebrated symphonic ensemble, with piano wunderkind Nikolai Lugansky, brings an all-Russian program to Bailey Hall for a lavish evening of Old World splendor at Cornell University.

607-273-4497 www.cornellconcertseries.com 29 - May 1…Spring Wine & Cheese Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail On this self-guided tour around Seneca Lake, pick up your specialized Riedel Crystal wine glass gift at your assigned starting winery, then start sampling cheese-based dishes paired with delicious wines at more than 30 different wineries.

877-536-2717 www.senecalakewine.com

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

30…25th Annual Regional Preservation Conference Celebrate the silver anniversary of this popular event, the only annual preservation conference in New York State. Featured topics include local preservation planning, energy conservation in older buildings, successful strategies for economic redevelopment, historic home repair and commercial building revitalization. Open to the public. Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dansville Middle School, 31 Clara Barton Street.

585-546-7029 ext. 10 www.landmarksociety.org 30…Benefit Auction & Dessert Party Doors open at 5 p.m., and the auction will begin at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction throughout the evening. Funds raised from this event will help support the programs and activities provided by the Newark Valley Historical Society. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and is held at the Newark Valley Fire Station, 7151 State Route 38.

607-642-9516 www.nvhistory.org

MAY 6 - 8…19th Annual Cayuga Lake Wine Trail Wine & Herb Festival Receive an herb or veggie plant from each winery, a plant carrier, plus recipe cards. As you savor herb prepared cuisine, sip fine wines with your souvenir wine glass. Visit Six Mile Creek, Long Point, King Ferry or Montezuma wineries only on Friday afternoon to start your weekend out right.

800-684-5217 www.cayugawinetrail.com 7…Canandaigua Wine Walk Grab a commemorative wine glass for $5 at any participating merchant, sample wines from Finger Lakes Wineries, and explore historic Canandaigua.

No reservations required, just show up and look for the purple balloons at each participating merchant. Participating merchants and wineries change every month. www.downtowncanandaigua.com/events/winewalk 14 - June 18…East Shore Festival of The Arts A celebration of the arts with a grand opening and party on May 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring live jazz, great food, wine, and more than 25 artists from around the Finger Lakes. This is a fun, family event and children are welcome. Check the ESFOTA web site for hours. Free and open to the public.

Located at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing.

607-533-7388 www.esfota.com 13 - 14…The Raptor Project Master Falconer Jonathan Wood of the Raptor Project, Roxbury, New York, will bring 15 to 20 live birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons and a golden eagle for four special programs.

Shows are held at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Wood will display the skill and agility of these magnificent birds that are from every habitat on the planet Earth. He brings unique insights, observations and humor to these shows. The program is held in the Waterman Center Auditorium in Apalachin.

Reservations required, as space is limited.

607-687-2221 www.watermancenter.org

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/9/11

10:25 AM

Page 81

FAST FACTS AD INFO SPRING 2011 COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

WEBSITE / E-MAIL

COMPANY

PAGE

PHONE

WEBSITE / E-MAIL

Annie Walker’s ..............................84 ......315-781-0348 ......anniewalkers.com

Keuka Family Dentistry ..................77 ......607-776-7656 ......gls@keukafamilydentistry.com

Belhurst Winery ............................39 ......315-781-0201 ......belhurst.com

Lady of the Lakes Suites ..............6 ........888-414-LAKE ......ladyofthelakessuites.com

Brawdy Marine Construction ........C2......315-536-0546 ......brawdymarine.com

Lake Home Valet............................35 ......607-569-3675 ......lakehomevalet.com

Bristol Builders ..............................59 ......585-586-8370 ......bristolbuilders.com

The Landmark Society ..................10 ......585-546-7029 x.10........landmarksociety.org

Bristol Harbour ..............................29 ......800-288-8248 ......bristolharbour.com

The Loomis Barn ..........................10 ......800-716-2276 ......loomisbarn.com

Casowasco ....................................21 ......315-364-8756 ......casowasco.org

Lyons National Bank ......................C3......888-946-0100 ......lyonsbank.com

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail ................77 ......800-684-5217 ......cayugawinetrail.com

Marvin Windows & Doors ............7 ........888-537-7828 ......mymarvin.com

Chemung Canal Trust ....................22 ......800-836-3711 ......chemungcanal.com

Museum of the Earth ....................68 ......607-273-6623 ......museumoftheearth.org

Clark Meadows at Ferris Hills ........21 ......585-393-4330 ......ferrishills.com

New Energy Works ........................C4......585-924-3860 ......newenergyworks.com

Clifton Springs Chamber ..............42 ......315-462-8200 ......cliftonspringschamber.com

New York Chiropractic College ......43 ......800-234-6922 ......nycc.edu

Clifton Springs Hearing Center ......59 ......877-394-6775 ......cliftonhearing.com

Phelps, NY ....................................13 ......315-548-8900 ......phelpsny.com/visitors

Cobtree ..........................................35 ......866-573-6322 ......cobtree.com

Red Jacket Orchards ....................85 ......800-828-9410 ......redjacketorchards.com

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity ..41 ......888-937-3732 ......crcds.edu

Seneca Falls Outdoor Art Show ....76 ......315-568-1510 ......Lalongcarabine2000@yahoo.com

Community Bank ..........................65 ......800-835-2993 ......communitybankna.com

Seneca Lake Wine Trail..................75 ......877-536-2717 ......senecalakewine.com

Conifer Village at Eastview ............71 ......585-223-2673 ......coniferliving.com

SignLanguage Inc..........................29 ......585-237-2620 ......signlanguageinc.com

D.A. Spencer Sculptures................23 ......585-924-7542 ......naturalstonewatersculptures.com

Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum....10 ......315-483-4936 ......soduspointlighthouse.org

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wines ......................................................8 ........800-320-0735 ......drfrankwines.com

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion ..57 ......585-394-4922 ......sonnenberg.org Spa Apartments ............................64 ......315-462-3080 ......spaapartments.com

East Shore Festival of the Arts ......9 ........607-533-7388 ......ESFOTA.com

Sugar Coat Couture ......................31 ......607-277-4914 ......sugarcoatcouture.com

Elizabeth Brewster House ..............30 ......607-749-2442 ......brewsterhouse.org

The Shops at Ithaca Mall ..............76 ......607-257-5337 ......theshopsatithacamall.com

ESF College Foundation ................37 ......315-470-6683 ......esf.edu/development/property

Timber Frames ..............................30 ......585-374-6405 ......timberframesinc.com

Esperanza ......................................46 ......800-927-4400 ......esperanzamansion.com

Waterloo Premium Outlets ............3 ........315-539-1100 ......premiumoutlets.com

Fairport Savings Bank....................5 ........585-381-4040 ......fairportmortgage.com

Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce ......................................................19 ......800-607-4552 ......watkinsglen.travel

Finger Lakes Community College ..41 ......585-394-3500 ......flcc.edu Finger Lakes Premier Properties ..6 ........888-414-LAKE ......flpplake.com

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel ............15 ......607-535-6116 ......watkinsglenharborhotel.com

Finger Lakes Tram ........................64 ......315-986-1937 ......fingerlakestram.com

Wayne Cty Nursing Home ............70 ......315-946-5673 ......waynecountynursinghome.com

Five Star Bank................................71 ......877-226-5578 ......five-starbank.com

Wine Trail Properties ....................46 ......315-719-8377 ......winetrailproperties.com

German Brothers ..........................2 ........585-394-4000 ......germanbrothers.com Good Old Days Country Shop........68 ......315-589-2775 ......goodolddayscountryshop.com

MARKETPLACE ADVERTISING

Grossman’s Garden & Home ........9 ........585-377-1982 ......grossmans.com

Accommodations ..................................................................Pgs. 82-83

Halsey’s Restaurant ......................70 ......315-789-4070 ......halseysgeneva.com

Attractions..............................................................................Pg. 86-87

Handwork ......................................17 ......607-243-9400 ......handwork.coop

Camping ................................................................................Pg. 47

Hilton Garden Inn ..........................67 ......877-STAY-HGI ......ithaca.hgi.com

Canandaigua ..........................................................................Pg. 61

Holiday Inn - Ithaca ......................31 ......607-272-1000 ......hiithaca.com

Hammondsport ......................................................................Pg. 10

Inn at the Finger Lakes ..................31 ......315-253-5000 ......innatthefingerlakes.com

Naples ....................................................................................Pg. 60

The Inn on the Lake ......................18 ......585-394-7800 ......theinnonthelake.com

Real Estate for Sale ................................................................Pgs. 52-53

JCW Vacation Homes ....................37 ......585-330-3453 ......jcvacationhomeservices.com

Seneca Lake Wine Trail ..........................................................Pg. 74-75

The Jewelbox ................................39 ......800-711-7279 ......ithacajewelbox.com

Shop Here! Retail & Business................................................Pgs. 84-86

Kendal at Ithaca ............................11 ......800-253-6325 ......kai.kendal.org

Wineries ................................................................................Pg. 78-79

SPRING 2011 ~

81

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:09 PM

Page 82

ACCOMMODATIONS Tudor Hall Bed & Breakfast on Keuka Lake

4343 Routes 5 & 20, Canandaigua, NY

Comfortable * Affordable * Centrally Located Best Rates for Skiers!

Taughannock Farms Inn Memorable Dining 22 Exquisite Guest Rooms with a spectacular view of Cayuga Lake

Check out our Casino Package, 2 nights stay, $25 to gamble, & 25% off food @ Casino Package only $150!

The Jewel of the Finger Lakes Rt. 89, Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg

(607) 387-7711 • www.t-farms.com

Your home away from home!

For reservations or Information

585-394-2800 or 800-727-2775 On the web— www.fingerlakesinn.com

Experience romantic elegance and personal pampering as you enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, panoramic views and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the lake lapping just outside your window.

315-536-9962 tudorhall@hotmail.com • www.p-port.com/tudorhallbb

Bristol Views Bed & Breakfast

6932 County Rd. 12 Naples, NY 14512

585-374-8875 www.bristolviews.com Henry and Barb Owens

Your home away from home, located high above Canandaigua Lake with awesome views. Hiking, biking, wineries & more await you. We also offer a beautiful wedding site that will fulfill your dreams.

Let us help you discover the Finger Lakes!

Glen Motor Inn

Eagle View Cabin Yale Manor Bed & Breakfast PEACEFUL

COUNTRY HOME THAT COMPLIMENTS THE FINGER

LAKES.

563 Yale Farm Road • Romulus, NY 14541 315 585 2208 • www.yalemanor.com

"The perfect place for individuals and families to get away and enjoy the country" • All your modern conveniences • Just minutes from State Parks, Wineries, Wildlife refuges

Motel and Restaurant

Breathtaking View From Every Room Exceptional Service and Outstanding Food Casual Comfort Centrally Located Franzese Family Owned and Operated since 1937 1 mile north of Watkins Glen on State Route 14 607-535-2706 www.glenmotorinn.com “The only thing we overlook is Seneca Lake!”

82 ~

Great Gift!

Great Price!

3 years - 12 issues for only $28.95

2850 Armitage Rd. • Savannah, NY

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

315-365-2249 Ken Dickens www.eagleviewcabin.com

Call 800-344-0559 Today or visit LifeintheFingerLakes.com

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:11 PM

Page 83

ACCOMMODATIONS Glass Magnolia Bed & Breakfast Open all year

Historic early 1800’s country estate nestled in the peaceful rural charm of the Finger Lakes Wine region

WEDDINGS HORSE TRAIL RIDES AVAILABLE Call For Reservations

8339 N. Main St. • Interlaken, NY 14847 607-330-2809 www.glassmagnolia.com

The Hound & Hare Bed and Breakfast Recapture the Romance Jacuzzi • AC Fireplace Antiques Romantic Breakfast by Candlelight

(607) 257-2821 1031 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 AAA Approved

www.HoundandHare.com

Finger Lakes Mill Creek Cabins 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

Shetland Meadows B&B

Contemporary home featuring beautiful lake views, large deck & spacious rooms. Country-style breakfast served with amazing views of Keuka Lake. Small pet friendly.

15096 State Route 54 Dundee, NY 14837

607-292-6861

www.shetlandmeadowsbb.com

SPRING 2011 ~

83

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

Retail & Business SHOP

2/8/11

5:27 PM

Page 84

HERE!

A518580

Fine Women’s Clothing... where your favorite outfit is waiting!

Open Mon - Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-4 www.janemorganslittlehouse.com 378 Main St., Aurora • 364-7715

• Spanner • Elliott Lauren • Louben •

• Fat Hat • 600 West • Cartise •

• Brighton • Pleats • Joseph Ribkoff •

• Vera Bradley • Andria Lieu • Ursula •

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 • 315-946-4360

THE CHESHIRE UNION Gift Shop & Antique Center

• Lang Center • Books • We Feature • Webkinz • Framed Prints Local • Jewelry • Crystal Wine Products & • Candles Glasses Artwork

VISIT OUR SCHOOLHOUSE DELI 4244 Rt. 21 So., 5 miles South of Canandaigua

Call for Hours

585-394-5530 www.cugifts.com

home accessories • notable finds • unusual accents

Fibrenew specializes in the restoration of leather and plastics. Servicing five major markets: automotive, residential, aviation, marine and commercial.

Mobile Service - We come to you.

www.fibrenew.com/finger_lakes

New York State Hops Crisp Seneca Lake Water All Natural Malts

The Wildflower Café available at

We serve fresh, natural foods including local pasture raised organic beef and chicken and sustainable sea foods and of course Rooster Fish Ales!

22 CASTLE STREET IN GENEVA, NEW YORK

223-301 N. Franklin Street

WWW.ANNIEWALKERS.COM

TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY • 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

84 ~

607.535.9797 www.rooste rfishbre wing.com

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:36 PM

Page 85

Retail & Business SHOP

HERE!

www.fingerlakescoffee.com 800-420-6154

Visit our locations.

Farmington Corner of Routes 96 & 332 (CVS Plaza) 585-742-6218

Pittsford Plaza Monroe Ave. (Next to Michael’s) 585-385-0750

Strong Memorial Hospital Thompson Hospital

Discover...

LW EMPORIUM CO-OP

+LVWRULF ,WKDFD¶V

Two Floors of Distinctive Gifts, Including Our Year ’Round Seasonal Shops Normal Business Hours Mon-Sat Open Sundays in December 2 West Main Street, Clifton Springs 315-548-4438

Significant Elements

Gifts, Antiques & Home Décor and WHISTLE STOP ANTIQUE CENTER 10am-5pm Tues thru Sun • Closed Mon 6355 Knickerbocker Road • off 104 in Ontario

315-524-8841 • www.lwemporium.com

Architectural Salvage Warehouse 212 Center St. Ithaca, NY

significantelements.org Celebrating 20 Years of Reuse!

Problems with your foot valve?

Your fast, stable Foot Valve solution.

In one box.

www.waterproductsupply.com | 888 748 2463

Need an economical shore ramp for your boat?

Just add pressuretreated lumber.

For Boats, PWCs and Pontoons 1-866-400-9776 • www.shoredocker.com SPRING 2011 ~

85

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

5:20 PM

Page 86

SHOP HERE! Finger Lakes from Space

POSTER

Perfect for your home or office, the Finger Lakes from Space poster is a highly detailed satellite image with overlaid map information.

Showing cities, towns, highways as well as the Erie Canal, state parks and more; there is no other poster of the Finger Lakes as beautiful and informative as this one.

Poster size - 25Ë? x 39Ë?.

Paper Poster: $22.95 • Laminated Poster: $29.95 Call 1-800-331-7323 to order, or visit www.atwatervineyards.com Dealer inquires invited.

! "#$% &#%% '#%% (#%% '#%% &#%%

)& *+ ,- '$%(& . /%0 0&/1/%0'

2333

Cutting Edge Hair Salon Shore Docking Systems

• Cutting • Coloring • Texturizing • Styling • Nails Products we carry: Goldwell • Surface Jane Iredale Minx • Essie

SALES • SERVICE BOAT & COTTAGE RENTALS DOCKAGE • STORAGE

For All Your Bridal Needs Olivia Von Rhedey Owner/stylist

Stacey Seeley stylist

7 Bush Park Lane, Penn Yan,

315-694-7370 www.cuttingedgepy.com 86 ~

• • • • • •

Aluminum construction Easy setup Secure storage Economical For Boats, PWCs Built to last and Pontoons!

5 Models

www.roll-n-go.com 1-866-876-5548

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

PREMIER PONTOONS LARSON BOATS BOSTON WHALER 2 Route 54 - East Lake Road Penn Yan, NY 14527 315-536-8166 www.morganmarine.net Check us out on Facebook

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/9/11

10:47 AM

Page 87

ATTRACTIONS

Wayland Historical Museum Open Sun 2-4PM Mon 10AM-Noon By appointment

Cr. S. Main & Washington Sts. • Wayland, NY 585-728-3610 or 728-5108

Seward House Museum We invite you to visit Seward House, home to Secretary of State William H. Seward.

See the home of Lincoln’s right hand.

33 South Street Auburn (315)252-1283 www.sewardhouse.org

Letchworth State Park

Colonial Belle

The “Grand Canyon of the East”

Cruising The Historic Erie Canal

1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427 Experience Letchworth 14,350 acres along the Genesee River 3 Major Waterfalls Magnificent Overlooks • Hiking Trails Camping & Cabins History and Performing Arts Programs Guided Walks and Tours Summer Lecture Series Hot Air Ballooning • White Water Rafting Kayaking • Special Family Events and More

Call 585-493-3600 for more information and schedules

Visit us at Facebook Facebook.com/letchworthstatepark or www.nysparks.com

bout Us A Ask Theme Our ises Cru

Fun for the Entire F amily

ers

rt Cha ate Priv vailable A

Yates County Genealogical & Historical Society The Oliver The L. Caroline House Museum Underwood Museum 200 Main St., Penn Yan

107 Chapel St., Penn Yan

Civil War Weekend Call for Reservations 585-223-9470 • www.colonialbelle.com 400 Packett’s Landing • Fairport, NY

May 13 & 14 Parade, Encampment, Free Concert More at www.yatespast.org Open Tue-Fri 9am-4pm • (315) 536-7318

on Seneca Lake

Roy’s Marina, Inc.

FlipBook Check out the digital version of our latest issue.

It’s interactive!

LifeintheFingerLakes.com

Boat Rental, Cottage Rental, Repairs Fuel Dockage, Storage 4398 Clarks Pt. 3 miles South of Geneva off Rt. 14

“Over 57yrs. experience”

315-789-3094

SPRING 2011 ~

87

62-88.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

11:07 AM

O F F

Page 88

T H E

E A S E L

Gary Carlson’s (Lost and) Found Art

by Nancy E. McCarthy

G

“Vulture”

eneva artist Gary Carlson’s professional reputation should grow significantly when his eclectic found object art is featured in the Whimsical Art Trail Exhibit at the National Museum of Play at the Strong in Rochester. The exhibit, which runs from February 19 through May 22, includes Carlson’s work and two other local artists in an imaginative, family-friendly art display scattered throughout the museum.

While Carlson doesn’t consider this to be his first big break, he does concede it is the most important one to date and one he is most excited about. “I consider the opportunity to exhibit at the Strong a validation of my work,” he said.

Found object art is an apt description of Carlson’s unconventional creations. “Gary’s artwork is playful and surprising,” said Corrie M. Kraai, director of public programs at the Strong. Carlson has made elaborate art pieces from diverse objects since he was a child. He procured an abundant supply of items from his father, a bus station cashier who also ran the station’s lost and found. “The volume of (unclaimed) stuff that people leave behind on a bus is almost unbelievable,” he explains on his website, www.artgutz.com.

Although Carlson is originally from Minneapolis, he, his wife Anita and their daughters moved to New York when they purchased a vineyard south of Penn Yan in 1978.

Previous machine shop experience he acquired before growing grapes and raising children helped Carlson to fashion cohesive art out of disparate bits and pieces. His impressive 43inch-high piece, Vulture, uses a softball, plastic jug handle, a “scrunchie,” sink trap, trash can, suit coat sleeves, leather gloves, fake fingernails and much more.

In 1985, the family grape business began to wane. The couple sold the vineyard and bought a bar in Geneva. The newly re-named Side Show Bar offered an unexpected space to showcase Carlson’s work – in the bar’s basement. When he is not too busy behind the bar, he is happy to lead bar patrons on a tour of what he calls The Side Show Metropolitan Museum. An emotional attachment to his growing collection makes him reluctant to consider offers from potential collectors. He hopes, however, to get over this hurdle and sell some of his work when the Strong exhibit concludes.

Five Carlson pieces, including the Vulture, will be at the Strong along with selected works from Raphaela McCormack and Meredith Schreiber. Carlson is still pinching himself. He says that although he feels worthy to be part of the Whimsical Art Trail he deadpans, “I labored in semi-obscurity for so long I didn’t think I had the credentials.”

“Mastodon”

88 ~

W W W. L I F E I N T H E F I N G E R L A K E S . C O M

Photos courtesy artgutz.com

Covers.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

8:23 AM

Page C3

it’s all about s

3TRONG VALUES AND SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES

s

"ANKING PRODUCTS THAT lT YOUR NEEDS

s

! SECURE lNANCIAL FUTURE

s

%XCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

s

%NJOYING THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

...it’s all about people AT LNB, it’s all about providing the products and VHUYLFHV WKDW ÀW your needs. And, with an unmatched passion for community, customer service and hometown values, we’re a bank you can feel great about!

To learn more about the LNB experience, visit your nearest LNB branch today.

Pictured from left to right: Jill Hansen - Branch Manager/Banking Officer, Seneca County, Joe Arbogast - Mortgage Originator, Geneva & Seneca County, Tara Rago - Branch Manager/Banking Officer, Geneva, Jeff Friend - Vice President/District Manager, Geneva and Seneca County

Banking.

B a n k w i thLN B . c o m

It’s all about people.

New – Steals and Deals!

Main Office | Clyde | Geneva | Jordan | Lyons | Macedon Newark | Ontario | Penn Yan | Seneca County | Wolcott Member FDIC

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81

Covers.LIFL.Spring.2011:_Layout 1

2/8/11

4:59 PM

Page C4

FAST FACTS INFO PAGE 81