Life in the Finger Lakes JanFeb 2018 by Fahy-Williams Publishing

The Bristol Mountain Super Six Head to the Olympics, p. 30 January/February 2018

The Region’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine Since 2001

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Cover, small photo: Jon Lillis performs at the Tri-Nation Aerial Showdown in 2016 at Utah Olympic Park. See page 30 to read about the Bristol Mountain Super Six going to the Olympics in February.

Volume 18, Number 1 • January/February 2018

Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

This page: The shining sun on a cold, wintry day turns this landscape into a tapestry of color and texture. Photo by Bill Banaszewski

F E A T U R E S

Visit an authentic schoolhouse in Cayuga County. by Rich Finzer

Six Rochester-Area athletes will compete on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. by Drew Broderick

Cato District Number 2 School House

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The Bristol Mountain Super Six Take Off

Max Erlacher: Master Engraver The stunning designs on glass from an Austrian native are showcased in his Corning gallery. by Cindy Ruggieri

ovember/December To Subscribe, visit LifeintheFingerLakes.com or callN800-344-0559

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Since

2001

A G A ZI N

THE RE

IER EM

ON’S PR GI

Open 7 Days A Week! D E P A R T M E N T S

My Own Words

thoughts from the editor

Letters

Finger Lakes Map

Happenings

Seving Lunch and Dinner Find us on Facebook, Kilpatrick’s Publick House, to see our full menu, daily specials and a full list of our weekly night events! Located on the corner of Tioga and Seneca Streets. 607.273.2632

reader feedback

areas of interest in this issue

news and events

LIFL

10 Nooks & Crannies

APP EXTRA!

22 Health

a little bit of everything Two-story outhouse in Phelps

alive and kicking The essence of Rasa Spa

42 Cultured

the better things in life Bringing Harriet Tubman to life

45 Reminisce

a look back World’s largest pancake in Penn Yan

48 Outdoors

13 Finger Lakes Scrapbook

in the open air gofingerlakes.com showcases the best cross country ski areas

reader snapshots

14 Off the Easel

creating art The glass mosaic art of Felicia Poes

18 Human Interest You can count on us! Hilton Garden Inn - Ithaca 130 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Tel: 607-277-8900 1-877-STAY-HGI www.ithaca.hgi.com 2

Enterprising

in business

stories about real people Michael Warren Thomas is the voice of the Finger Lakes

50 Dansville’s art center 54 Tanvi Asher’s boutique in Rochester

Lightn

64 Index of Advertisers LIFL

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My Own Words

thoughts from the editor

Live Active. Live Engaged. Live at Longview. For over 40 years, Longview has been a trusted senior living community in the Finger Lakes. Overlooking Cayuga Lake on South Hill, it offers exceptional living spaces and endless amenities at an affordable rate.

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The Permanence of Legacy

oday the exchange of information and ideas in an ever-shifting digital world is what seems to drive people and business and is fleeting at best. Yet, creating something physical and real has staying power. Deep down people want to leave some sort of legacy that the world recognizes. It can be anything: a work of art, a song, a law, a philosophy or even a child. I think that deep down everyone wants to do something so that the world will remember them. Max Erlacher of Corning is one such artist that the world will definitely remember. His legacy involves glass etchings that are in the collections of Princess Diana, John F. Kennedy, Cornell University and the Smithsonian. Max is a Master Engraver and can spend hundreds of hours working on one piece. That dedication requires extreme patience and true love for his craft. To read about Max and his work, turn to page 38. Another way to create a legacy is to be very good in a particular sport. The 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, Korea, will have six young people from the Finger Lakes Region competing in freestyle skiing and moguls. All of

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them are from the greater Rochester area and they got their start at Bristol Mountain, where they had an excellent coach named John Kroetz. It’s amazing, really, how a high number of elite athletes came from one small area of New York State, to compete against the very best in the world. It’s a good example of preparedness meeting with opportunity. Read about the Super Six on page 30. Bringing to life the story of a famous person is a way to preserve her legacy, and to create your own. Maggie Moore-Holly of Rochester is a reenactor and her focus is Harriet Tubman, who played a big part in the Underground Railroad and helped to free numerous others from slavery (see page 42). Through much research and time spent studying Tubman, Moore-Holly portrays the humanitarian in a realistic fashion. We can all think about our own legacies, and the time we put toward creating them. I can tell you, it is time well spent.

mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

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Letters

Please direct your responses to mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

reader feedback

t was nice to see a story about such a great sport – “The Other Fall Sport: Cross Country,” September/October 2017. There are so many good high school and college runners here in Central New York. – John LeClair

was just sitting and reading the turkey article written by John Adamski (“Talking Turkey,” November/December 2017) and sharing the facts with my husband Al. We really enjoyed it. It has great photos and is a wonderful read. – Laurie Broccolo

M W

e enjoyed the most recent issue as always. We are currently looking into a village clock for one of our parks and was excited to see the article in the magazine. – Park Staff Clute Park & Campground Watkins Glen, New York

y family and I really enjoy your magazine. In fact, my niece occasionally contributes articles and photos. In the September/October 2017 issue, is an article about landscape makeovers. The makeovers of the stairs leading to the front porch are very nice. I would suggest keeping the hand rails for the convenience of people like me, who could use them to negotiate the steps. – Joanne Florini, Endicott

Sandy Venderville Schmidt of Canadice posted a photo on Facebook in early December of the pier at Canandaigua. And then the cold weather and snow of December visited the region.

Ja n uary/ February 2018 ~

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Finger Lakes Regional Map

areas of interest in this issue

1 2 3 4 5

6 Ithaca (p.22) 7 Owego (p.49) 8 Penn Yan (p.45) 9 Phelps (p.10) 10 Pittsford (p.33, 35, 36)

Auburn (p.42) Cato (p.24) Corning (p.38) Dansville (p.50) Interlaken (p.14)

11 Rochester (p.18, 42, 54) 12 South Bristol (p.30) 13 Syracuse (p.48)

From Oswego

Lake Ontario

Hilton

104

Webster

Brockport

104

Sodus

Baldwinsville

E. Rochester

Fairport

Macedon

Caledonia

Honeoye Falls

390

Lima

Victor

Bloomfield

9 Clifton Springs Phelps

ONTARIO

Geneseo

Livonia Hemlock

20A

Mt. Morris

LIVINGSTON

Waterloo

Seneca Falls

Cayuga

Fayetteville Manlius

Union Springs

SENECA

ONONDAGA

Auburn

8 Aurora Moravia

Penn Yan

CAYUGA

Ovid

YATES

Homer

Interlaken

Branchport

Cortland

Wayland

Groton

Waneta Lake

Avoca

Lamoka Lake

Hammondsport

Watkins Glen

86 17

Bath

Hornell Canisteo

Burdett

SCHUYLER

McGraw 81

Lansing

CORTLAND

Trumansburg

Dundee

Prattsburgh 390

Dryden

Cayuga Heights

Marathon

Ithaca

From Binghamton

Montour Cayuta Lake Falls TOMPKINS Odessa

STEUBEN

Painted Post

3 Rexville

Addison

Horseheads

Corning

Elmira C H E M U N G Heights

Elmira

Van Etten

TIOGA

Owego

Waverly

Editorial & Production

Contributors............................................. Drew Broderick

Editor......................................................................Mark Stash

......................................................................... Julie Cummins

......................................... mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com Senior Graphic Artist...........................Jennifer Srmack Graphic Artist...........................................Maia VanOrman Associate Editor..............................................Tina Manzer

Newark Valley

Candor

Spencer 86

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State

Skaneateles

Cohocton

From Jamestown

690

Syracuse 481

Geneva

12 5

Dansville

Solvay

Naples

390

Nunda

Weedsport

20A

Honeoye

Jordan

Newark

From Utica

481

Marcellus

Canandaigua Avon

Clyde

Lyons

Palmyra

North 11 Syracuse

WAYNE

490 90

Oneida Lake

Rochester

490

F From Buffalo

From Watertown

Wolcott

104

Spencerport

Finger Lakes 1 Conesus 2 Hemlock 3 Canadice 4 Honeoye 5 Canandaigua 6 Keuka 7 Seneca 8 Cayuga 9 Owasco 10 Skaneateles 11 Otisco

Sodus Bay

Sodus Point

MONROE

7 From Binghamton

..................................................................................Rich Finzer

Editorial Office..............................................315-789-0458 Director of Advertising................................ Tim Braden ............................................. tim@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

..................................................................... James P. Hughes

For Advertising Inquiries - 800-344-0559

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Rhonda Trainor....................................rhonda@fwpi.com

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Della Mancuso................ della@lifeinthefingerlakes.com 315-585-6111 • Cell 917-751-2962

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Marketing Assistant

Assistant Editors................................... Rebecca Carlson

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Amy Colburn............................................. amy@fwpi.com

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For Subscriptions

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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 LifeintheFingerLakes.com Serving the 14 counties of the Finger Lakes Region

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Life in the Finger Lakes is published by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc. and owned by Eleven Lakes Publishing, Inc. Co-owners: Mark S. Stash; Timothy J. Braden. Copyright© 2018 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: $16 for one year. Canada add $15 per year. Outside North America, add $35 per year. For renewal or change of address, include the address label from your most recent issue of Life in the Finger Lakes. For gift subscriptions, include your own name and address as well as those of gift recipients.

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Happenings

news and events

JANUARY January 6-February 24… Treleaven’s Barrel Room Winter Music Series Lovers of beer, wine and great music are invited to enjoy the Barrel Room Winter Music Series on select Saturdays. Enjoy a live musical performance with your favorite glass of Treleaven wine or a local craft beer on tap in the cozy Barrel Room – complete with couches. Gourmet snacks and light dinner fare will be available at the bar located in the newly renovated Oak Lounge. All are welcome to Treleaven for tastings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m. 658 Lake Rd, King Ferry, NY 13081 treleavenwines.com January 11…Thursday Morning Musicales – Max Buckholtz Thursday Morning Musicales presents Max Buckholtz and friends “Music around the world” in Mandeville Hall. Free admission. The Thursday Morning Musicales, founded in 1908, is a unique organization in the Southern Tier because of its long history of promoting music, offering outstanding musicians a chance to perform, and recognizing the abilities of students pursuing musical studies. 10:15 a.m. 207 Clemens Center Pkwy Elmira, NY 14901 607-734-8191 clemenscenter.org January 26…Far Above Cayuga’s Wineries: Wine Tasting & Silent Auction at Rosamond Gifford Zoo “Support Local” at an event featuring 19 different Finger Lakes wineries and a silent auction to support college scholarships. The 20th anniversary event raises thousands of dollars for local students attending Cornell University (last year nearly $20,000 was raised). This year is the largest gathering of Cornellian owned/ operated wineries in attendance at the event and it has become the premier wine tasting event of the winter in Central New York. The event will feature nearly 100 wines to sample from 19 New York State wineries, each owned or operated

by Cornell University alumni, as well as a carving station, hors d’oeuvres, chocolate fountain, dessert table, and assorted teas and coffees. The event is open to the public. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 1 Conservation Place Syracuse, NY 13204 caacny.com January 27-28…8th Annual Chili and Wine Tasting Event JD Wine Cellars welcomes the New Year with its chili tasting and wine pairing event. This tasting event will feature two homemade chili dishes expertly paired with JD Wine Cellars wines (or non-alcoholic juices). Guests can select an additional 3 wines to sample while visiting the tasting room this weekend. Tickets for this event are $10/person or $5/ person for JD Wine Cellars Case Club Members. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the door. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 1339 Eddy Rd, Macedon, NY 14502 315-986-4202 jdwinecellars.com January 27-February 4… “Ironbound” by Martyna Majok at Kitchen Theatre Company Hard-working Polish immigrant Darja is done dating cheaters and dreamers. It’s time to look out for the only thing that matters more – her son. Over the course of three relationships, two decades, and three presidential administrations, Darja must decide how hard she’s willing to fight for what she loves most. From rising star Martyna Majok comes a portrait of a woman for whom love is a luxury – and a liability – when fighting to survive in America. A new play brimming with humor, wit, and a lot of heart. 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm 417 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 607-272-0403 kitchentheatre.org January 28…10th Annual Bridal Show at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars The show runs from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars. Enjoy complimentary sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres, tours of the luxury Inn and cottage, a strolling bridal fashion show and a plethora

of fantastic vendors from florists and cake vendors to photographers and DJs. Admission is free to the public. Couples are encouraged to preregister at glenora.com. 5435 State Route 14 Dundee, NY 14837 800-243-5513 glenora.com/bridal-show-2018

FEBRUARY February 1…Cinema Memories at the George Eastman Museum Share popcorn and stories of your first cinema experience with other film lovers. Join Curatorial Assistant William Green for a conversation on Nandita Raman’s exhibition Cinema Play House, and then go on a behindthe-scenes tour of the projection booth in the Dryden Theatre. 6 p.m. Price: $8 members; $10 nonmembers. 900 East Ave, Rochester NY 14607 eastman.org February 3…Frostfest 2018 Come to the Fourth annual Finger Lakes Frost Fest at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront Hotel. This is an adult celebration of winter in the Finger Lakes, along the shores of Seneca Lake. Frost Fest 2018 features outdoor ice sculptures, ice bars with specialty Frost Fest Martinis poured through an ice luge, Finger Lakes DJ and indoor food tastings. There is a shuttle service to and from downtown parking areas to the event and a spectacular fireworks display from the city pier. 5 to 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Geneva Family YMCA. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Geneva YMCA or brownpapertickets.com. Overnight guest rooms are available at $79 plus tax. Call 315-789-0400 to book your room. 41 Lakefront Drive Geneva, NY 14456 February 9-11… Savory World of Seneca Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail Co-sponsored by the Elmira Corning Regional Airport, participating wineries will be preparing food from an amazing variety of different nations, with many of them decorating their tasting rooms in the same theme, pairing up samples of

their dishes with their delicious wines. Come out and enjoy a self-guided tour around beautiful Seneca Lake, sampling delicious foods and wines at 27 participating wineries. Just check in and pick up your gift item at your chosen starting winery then start sampling dishes paired with delicious award-winning wines. Regular tickets purchased in advance are $40 per person. senecalakewine.com February 16-25…Winter Recess Teacher Festival Now in its 12th year, Ithaca will come together again for Ithaca Winter Recess Teachers Fest! Educators pre-K-12 are invited for an array of entertainment, activities, family fun and discounts throughout the Tompkins County community. Relax, refresh and renew among friends in a city that understands the importance of education and educators like you! Go to the website and you’ll find deals on dining, lodging, spas, entertainment and more. Discover what it’s like when a whole city says “You’re amazing!” ithacalovesteachers.com February 24-25…Cayuga Lake Wine Trail 16th Annual Mardi Gras Get a taste for Bourbon Street, but with wine. Collect your beads as you travel the trail sampling food and wine pairings. Compete in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win a mixed case of Cayuga Lake Wine Trail wine. Each ticket is good for the whole weekend, to visit each winery once. Single tickets are $35 (plus tax) and include 1 souvenir wine glass, 1 wine and food pairing at each winery, 3 additional wine tastings per winery, 1 recipe collection and beads at each winery. Participants also have the chance to win a prize at each winery. Discounted designated driver tickets are available. The DD gets all the same perks as a regular ticket, minus the wine. They also get a DD travel mug, rather than a wine glass. $17.50 (plus tax) for a single. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. 800-684-5217 cayugawinetrail.com

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I’m Vintage. And I’m more valuable than ever.

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Nooks & Crannies

k ee

F li n t C r

a little bit of everything

F l i nt C reek

k ee Cr nt i l F

Mil

in S

Howe House Museum

l St

y Wa

N Phelps, NY

SW ayn

eS t

Church St

Exc han

Jay

in S

Best Seat in the

House D story and photos by James P. Hughes

uring any Finger Lakes ramble, an interesting fact or two is certain to turn up. It never fails. Taughannock Falls at 215 feet is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Internationally acclaimed peppermint oil was once produced in Lyons. Adventurer and Avon native John Hubbard Forsyth died at the Battle of the Alamo. Celebrated author and humorist Mark Twain is entombed in Elmira. Nonetheless, on a recent visit to the Howe House Museum in the village

Top: Photo taken of the outhouse from the rear of the home. Note: the visible slot at the base of the tower was used to access the “catch tray” for disposal and cleaning. Bottom: The Howe House Museum in Phelps.

~ LifeintheFingerLakes.com

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Top: Upper level “3-holer.” Note the varying sizes of the holes to accommodate a variety of posteriors. Bottom: View of the interior of the first floor chamber.

of Phelps I stumbled across what may well qualify as my quirkiest discovery to date … an outhouse. “An outhouse?” you say with skepticism. Yes, an outhouse. This extraordinary edifice is not just any petty potty or common commode. No, no, this outhouse is a rarity; a particular and peculiar privy. It is situated in a brick towerlike building with traditional French features including a mansard roof. More importantly it is two-storied, one of only a dozen or so such structures deposited (er, located) around the U.S. There is a “three-holer” at each of the two levels, one over the other. Ah, I bet that got your attention! Since graphic images will inevitably come to mind, from this point forward a careful path must be trod between gravity and good manners. The Howe House is now home to the Phelps Community Historical Society. The impressive residence was constructed in 1869 for Dr. John Quincy Howe, a prominent village businessman, and was donated to the PCHS in 1999. The building’s architectural features and the fine exhibits within are certainly worthy of a visit, and viewing its lofty latrine is a singular and historical plus. At the door I was greeted by one of the society’s volunteers. Uncertain about how to broach the reason for my visit, I stammered a bit until my host chuckled, “Of course, you came to see the outhouse. Follow me.” The other two-story affairs scattered across the country are wooden and rustic, some even ramshackle. They draw attention simply because of the novelty. But the Phelps LIFL

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Scores of historical museums dot the Finger Lakes landscape, a region drenched with local, state, and national history. Enthusiastic and well-informed people stand ready to treat you to some fascinating facts and introduce you to their programs and events.

Howe House Museum 66 Main St. Phelps, NY Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 – 4:00 or by appointment

February 10, 2018 One of the most unique indoor/outdoor winter events in the Finger Lakes! Celebrate love with us! Scrumptious food & wine tastings, musical performances, art, chocolate, horse & wagon rides, renew your vows! Details will be posted beginning January 20th

outhouse puts them to shame. Being the only brick throne room of its kind, it is much more regal. Its stately features push the rest of the lot to the rear … or end… or bottom of the list. The three holes at each level are somewhat varied in size to accommodate dissimilar posteriors. To access the lower level chamber, one exited the house through a kitchen door and passed over the length of a covered porch. A doorway from the home’s second floor led the user across a roof above the kitchen to the sanctuary of the cloistered closet’s upper level. While not pleasant on a cold winter’s day, the treks were most likely less stressful than those experienced by local country folk with primitive one-holers much further from the house. The unique structure was utilized by family members for the first three decades of the home’s existence. By the tail end of the 19th century, Englishman Thomas Crapper (yes, you read that name correctly) had patented several inventions which facilitated the introduction of plumbed flush toilets into private homes. The Howe family ceased to use the “penthouse privy,” but their domestic staff continued to access the facility from their quarters in the rear of the home. Presumably, one or more of those staff members bore disposal and cleaning responsibilities of the functional “catch tray” in the septic pit below. Far from being the butt of jokes, the logistics of the building’s operation are well-designed and quite interesting. Despite the obvious unpleasant images, there never was any danger from a “look out below” scenario. I could explain and diagram specifics of the procedure, but would much prefer your curiosity be satisfied with a personal journey to Phelps. The quaint village is inviting and, as mentioned previously, there is a great deal more to view at the Howe House Museum with its splendid history and varied displays.

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Finger Lakes Scrapbook

reader snapshots

Please send photos to: Finger Lakes Scrapbook P.O. Box 1080, Geneva, NY 14456 E-mail: mark@LifeintheFingerLakes.com Web: Upload directly to “photos” link on lifeinthefingerlakes.com

“A young boy holds a red leaf at Mendon Ponds Park.” – Lauren Behelfer

“The West Branch of Keuka Lake viewed from Sugar Creek.” – Helen Heizyk

“Tinker Falls, which is south of Lafayette, is a beautiful place.” – Patrick J. Costello

“Crab Claw the 9-point buck in South Bristol, New York” – Frank A. Penkaty

Ja n uary/ February 2018 ~

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Off the Easel

creating art

Not Your Typical

Glass Mosaic Artist

by Nancy E. McCarthy

elicia Poes had been creating beautiful glass mosaics from tile and found objects for about a dozen years when she took a Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG) glass fusing class in 2011. Designing mosaics with existing materials versus shaping glass into objects in a kiln are very different ways to explore glass as a medium. Initially, there was much trial and error but Poes was hooked. “We learned about creating pattern bars, slicing them and incorporating the slices into dishes or glass art,” Poes explains. She also experimented with filling spaces with heated glass to create designs. She bought a kiln, honed her skills and is now an experienced glass artist. CMOG’s hot glass demonstrations, including the dramatic Flameworking Demo featuring torches that can heat up to 4000° F, attracts

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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countless enthralled museum visitors. Poes isn’t quite that fearless: she uses a warm glass technique at more sedate temperatures (up to 1500° F!). Also referred to as kiln forming, the artist produces works in a kiln either by casting objects in a mold or fusing multiple glass pieces together. Poes currently makes garden stakes, solar mushrooms, flowers, wine bottle coasters, wind chimes and a variety of functional dishes and objects in her Interlaken studio. Poes, now 61, grew up in Long Island, the third child of three and only daughter of a corporate tax attorney Photo courtesy Felicia Poes

12/18/17 2:41 PM

Rochester 585-467-4020 Conesus 585-346-2060 Canandaigua 585-374-2384 Boat Rentals

Poes’ studio is located creekside, tucked in the woods, behind the house.

and a creative stay-at-home mom. Her mother, a former pattern designer and ardent crafter, taught her to sew at an early age. Her oldest brother introduced her to artistic photography. Poes would also crochet, weave, quilt, paint and bead. Her love affair with glass would surface much later. A “Happy Accident” Poes laughingly recounts the story of how she attended Elmira College by default. She admits to not being a stellar high school student – a situation that was slowly turned around by a nurturing guidance counselor. One day she cut gym class and, to cover her tracks, told the counselor that she had attended an Elmira College presentation at the high school during her gym period. To bolster her credibility, Poes quickly researched the college and was able to feign knowledgeability about the institution. At her counselor’s urging, she applied to the college, sight unseen. Poes sums it up this way: “I went to Elmira College because I cut gym!” It was meant to be. She not only loved attending the school, she also met her future

husband Rich Poes in Elmira. They married in 1978, shortly after her graduation. Poes had switched her major from Art Education to Business Administration and the degree served her well. The couple settled in Elmira and both worked for the Poes’ family business in nearby Horseheads. In 1997, the couple purchased lakeside property in Interlaken with a small ranch house they used as a vacation home while raising their three children: Matt, Andy and Molly. One summer, Poes came across a book about mosaics and began experimenting with trivets. Binghamtonbased mosaic artist Susan Jablon, an early influence, included Poe’s work in her students’ group art shows. “Susan was my mosaic mentor and introduced me to the idea of selling my

Sea Ray

Malibu/Axis

Berkshire

Heyday

Mosiac guitars

Bayliner Canandaigua only

Smith Boys

(Conesus & Canandaigua only)

www.smithboys.com November /December 2017 ~

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The Artist’s Process P

oes buys sheet glass and creates designs that are then fused in the kiln. Sometimes objects are cold worked to smooth the edges (a process that might include sandblasting, grinding, sanding, cutting or polishing at room temperature) and fired again in a mold to form a shape. Some items are cast from crushed glass poured into molds. “Most of the time my glass drives my creative process,” says Poes. “The glass often tells me what it wants to be.” For example, monster face garden stakes are designed because certain scrap pieces resemble facial features.

work,” says Poes. “She and her daughter Emily are bursting with creative energy.” Jablon is now well-known for her custom tile design business, Susan Jablon Mosaics, and her work is featured in magazines and on DIY, HGTV and TLC network shows. She also designs the tilework for the sets of culinary reality show Hell’s Kitchen on Fox. Poes continued to explore mosaics. She branched out into 3-D objects such as bird houses, picture frames and guitars (her favorite). In 2007, while attending a Society of American Mosaic Artists conference in Mesa, Arizona, Poes took a workshop with Ilana Shafir, who introduced the style of designing mosaics inspired by, and integrating, found objects. Marketing Mosaics Community Arts of Elmira sold Poes’ work and the artist also found support and encouragement through professional development workshops at the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) in Ithaca. “The Art of the Sale,” led by Bettsie Park, was particularly useful – both the information imparted and Park’s interest in selling Poes’ mosaic pendants in her fine crafts shop, 15 STEPS. “The first thing that captivated me about Felicia’s work was that she could capture a piece of art in a miniature

Making Monster Face Garden Stakes • Two pieces of the same colored glass are cut to equal size. • I cut a piece of 1/8-inch ceramic fiber paper to create a slot on the glass for the copper stake. • The top layer of glass must be level in the kiln or the facial features may slide off. • To make the top level after putting the fiber between the layers, I add glass pieces to create hair. • The top layer is decorated with facial features cut from scraps of glass, additional hair is added on to this layer. • For the monster signs, the main feature are the eyes and teet. Usually these are oversized. When creating the faces I am often inspired to create a particular face based on a scrap I find that looks like a great nose, eyebrow or mouth. • The glass is fused in the kiln. A very long firing schedule is used because with all the features it is like firing eight layers of glass. It needs to heat up to 1430° F and cool down very slowly. • Monster signs are fired for 26 hours. • After firing, the ceramic fiber is soft and can be scraped out of the slot, a short soak gets all the residue out. • For the stake, copper refrigerator tubing is straightened and cut to size. Both ends are flattened using a bench vise. One end is glued into the slot using two-part epoxy.

frame. Her color combinations showed a very skilled eye,” says Park. She recalls the tiny tiled pendants were approximately 1 by 1.5 inches. Park also connected Poes with an agent who found several New York retailers to carry her mosaic jewelry. Poes was initially delighted but began to tire of the tedium of production work. “In her heart, she’s a one-of-a-kind or limited edition artist,” says Park. “And it’s always good to follow your heart.” Several transitional events came together in the space of a few years. In 2009, the Poes rehabbed a pole barn on their Interlaken property into an art studio. In 2012, they both retired. Their adult children weren’t in Elmira anymore and the couple decided to live year-round on Cayuga Lake. The Interlaken ranch house was demolished to make way for a new post-and-beam constructed home in 2014. Glass Works Meanwhile, Poes continued to refine her glass art by experimentation and hands-on classes with notable glass artists. Under Nikki O’Neill’s tutelage, Poes layered and fused tempered glass in shallow molds to make dishes and learned about mold making and kiln carving, a design process. She explored positive and negative space while making a glass

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Off the Easel mask of her own face during Ki-Ra Kim’s casting class, and bas relief (to create a textured look) was the focus topic during a Richard Parrish class. Now, as a an artist member of the Finger Lakes Arts Council in Auburn, Poes participates in monthly group exhibits and sells her creations at their retail store. Founder/Executive Director Sue Waby, also an artist, characterizes Poes’ work as “colorful, unique and functional.” Popular items include soap dishes, candle holders and “really cool garden mushrooms,” says Waby. Though her goal is to create art full time, Poes maintains an active schedule outside of her artistic pursuits. “I love lake living,” says Poes. She walks, bikes and enjoys cooking, baking bread and machine knitting. The couple take frequent trips to visit their far-flung children and grandchildren in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco and are regulars at the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Retired life-on-the-lake for this busy artist seems to be smooth as glass!

Find out more about Felicia Poes at webetilinstudios.com. View and buy the artist’s work at her Interlaken studio (by appointment, call 607738-2700) and her retail space at Finger Lakes Art, 101 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY. fingerlakesarts.org

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Human Interest

stories about real people

Voice

The by Ray Levato

is velvety rich voice fills the airwaves every weekend, offering an unparalleled knowledge of all things food, wine, and gardening in the Finger Lakes. Michael Warren Thomas is the voice of the Finger Lakes. He broadcasts live from restaurants, wineries, and garden stores, and features interesting guests often. His Saturday and Sunday morning radio

shows on WYSL 1040-AM – “Naturally Green,” “The Grapevine,” “Discover the Finger Lakes,” and others – are required listening for folks who like to keep up with the region’s wine and restaurant scene. The 53-year-old hails from Rome, New York, and went to the University of Rochester to study economics. After graduating in 1986 he took a job at the Center for Governmental Research, but

after a couple of years, he decided to follow his love of alternative landscape design. Thomas also fell in love with Rochester’s 19th Ward where he still lives today. He is married with two daughters, ages 16 and 20. He served as horticulturalist for the City of Rochester for five years, but his weekend radio work – which he started in 1994 – has become his fulltime job.

Conducting an interview at Eagle Crest and O-Neh-Da Winery Vineyards.

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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of the

Finger Lakes

Highlighting the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at Casa Larga in Fairport excellent dry red wines are being made in the Finger Lakes!

Michael Warren Thomas One-man band Thomas is his shows’ host, producer and remote location technician. He even does the advertising sales and promotion. Yes, he has visited all 11 Finger Lakes and about 100 wineries, many more than once. No, he doesn’t have a favorite winery, nor a favorite wine, red or white. In fact, he raves about the quality of all Finger Lakes wines in general, and dry rosé, Riesling, dessert wines and now even some reds, specifically. He says many wineries are now making “90-point wines” – wines of distinction rated by leading Photos courtesy Michael Warren Thomas

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industry publications. They have fared well when they’re up against wines from all over the world in events like the San Francisco International Wine Competition. On one of his recent shows, Thomas shared an article from a major wine magazine. It rated the Finger Lakes high on a list of places to visit. He often takes written praise like that to restaurant owners to convince them to add more Finger Lakes wines to their wine lists.

Oh those lists One of Thomas’s pet peeves is that the wine lists of New York State

restaurants either don’t include any Finger Lakes wines, or they offer a very limited selection. In fact, he devises spreadsheets that list just about every restaurant in Rochester, Syracuse and Albany according to the number of Finger Lakes wines they offer. “Our state capital has only about 4 percent Finger Lakes wines by the glass and bottle, while Rochester had 7 percent a few years ago. It might be up to 10 or 12 percent now,” he says. (A Rochester update is in the offing.) The beauty of his system is that he can measure change over time, “so we can promote the restaurants that decide to highlight local wines,” Ja n uary/ February 2018 ~

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Human Interest

Finger Lakes Tram Enjoying God’s Creation

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‘Naturally Green’ ‘For the Love of Food’ ‘Discover the Finger Lakes’ ‘The Grape Vine”

he declares. “My goal is 50-percent New York wines by the glass and bottle, which leaves 50 percent for the rest of the world!”

Family-owned Not all the Finger Lakes have wineries. The Big Four often mentioned on his show are Seneca, Keuka, Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes. They haven’t “gone corporate” yet, like the wineries on Long Island. “Wineries in the Finger Lakes are family owned. I like that part of it,” he says. “But it won’t stay that way forever.” Still, “If winemakers and chefs go to Napa Valley in California, they may not be able to make a splash. But here in the Finger Lakes, they can have a huge impact, and also afford to have a business here.”

What others say

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Scott Osborn, president and co-owner of Fox Run Vineyards on Seneca Lake, has supported Thomas’ radio show since they began in 1994. “I was very impressed that he recognized what was happening with our industry so early on,” says Osborn. “He was the only local media person at the time who understood what we were doing from a quality standpoint. He also saw the problems we were having getting our wines into local restaurants. He continued, “Michael is one of the best advocates for the Finger Lakes wine industry out there. He is also one of the best advocates for purchasing and using food grown locally instead of produce from far away.” Holly Howell, Rochester wine educator and writer, is

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Interviewing Chris King, Vineyard Manager at Knapp Winery, which celebrated its 35th anniversary this past summer.

a Michael Warren Thomas fan. They met at a wine-tasting years ago and became good friends who often travel together to talk to winemakers. “He’s dedicated so much of his life to learning about the people in the Finger Lakes and helping promote them.” “He’s opinionated,” she adds. “He’s quick to tell you what he likes or what he doesn’t like.” That includes the fracking and private company gas storage efforts that have stirred up controversy in the Finger Lakes. Says Howell, who for more than a decade wrote the “Wild about Wines” column for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: “Michael is protective of the region. He takes on an activism that is personal.” His knowledge of the Finger Lakes comes across to the listener. “His research into his stories and the industry has given him a wealth of knowledge,” Osborn at Fox Run says. “He’s able to give depth to his stories and interviews that make them very interesting and compelling.”

Live broadcasting can be an adventure About 10 years ago, Thomas’s chair collapsed during a broadcast at the Rochester Public Market. “It happened while I was talking, but I ended up sitting on the ground so I was able to keep talking, get up and do the rest of the show standing up. I don’t think the listeners knew what happened, but maybe they heard the chair break!” He recounts another time, again at the market, when he was inside the first floor lobby. “It was quite a sound chamber with the tile floor. Someone brought in a screaming young girl who

LIFL

had caught the skin of her neck in her coat zipper, and there were a bunch of people helping her. I told my audience what was happening and quickly went to a break.” (The girl was later okay.) The segment breaks on the show feature an eclectic mix of music – the kind you rarely hear on radio anymore.

Looking to the future

Thomas has been on the air for 23

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years. “Doc and Katy Abraham hosted their gardening show on WHAM 1180 radio for 52 years. I’m shooting to beat that; I’m almost halfway there. By that time I’ll be in my 80s and the thought keeps me humble. “I love being a member of the community, connecting with people, and helping knit it all together,” he adds. “It’s just such an exciting time in the Finger Lakes.” Ja n uary/ February 2018 ~

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Health

alive & kicking

Rasa Spa The Essence of

by Gabrielle L. Wheeler

or my massage, I lie on my stomach over the warmth of the heated table as experienced hands rub nutty-smelling body butter into my back. I allow myself to melt under the strokes and forget about all the stressors in life. I am present in this relaxing place. Thoughts come and go about everything and nothing. I wonder if I am experiencing my rasa today. Near the end of my treatment, steamed towels are wrapped around my feet and placed on my face. They warm me like a hug, but also bring me back to the moment. I open my eyes in an inviting room of Rasa Spa. The walls are a dark red-orange. And their angles

make the room a unique shape, not perfectly square nor rectangular, which feels comforting. The spa, located in downtown Ithaca, was designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. “There was an intentional change of angles of walls. I think it just creates a little bit of a sense of a flow in the space,” explains Rachel Hogancamp, the spa’s co-founder. The entire space flows. I was drawn from the entrance into the bathroom and changing area made inviting by both fresh and dried flowers. The locally-made sinks do not match. They remind me of lily pads, and speak to the artistic creativity and earthy feel of the Ithaca region.

The locker room flows next into the Tranquility Room, a large, bright space that overlooks the Cayuga River. The room is full of comfortable lounge chairs that invite me to read a book or even take a nap. Nearby, a small meditation alcove with pillows and dark walls offers a secluded space for connecting with one’s rasa. Visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as they’d like, even the entire day, enjoying the Tranquility Room. Behind its tumbling curtains, a hallway leads to the bodywork rooms and a community room, where yoga and meditation classes are offered. When my session was complete, I followed the space as it flowed back

Rasa ... ... is a Sanskrit term meaning sap, essence or fluid. In the spiritual tradition, this term refers to the essence of human experience; the emotions that govern human life. – yogapedia.com

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Get the “Life in the Finger Lakes” APP

LIFL for more Rasa Spa photos!

to the entrance where I could browse the selection of locally-made and luxury body care products for sale. Healing the whole person Rasa Spa was built in 2016 in association with Cayuga Medical Center, although it is a separate entity. It’s located on the center’s second floor and focuses on healing the whole person. Services include massage – a range from standard to medical massages – plus aromatherapy, energy work, facials, and skin care. The spa also maintains a room in the medical center where Hogancamp and members of her staff can see patients. They’re glad to offer relief and relaxation through the power of touch to the people being treated at the medical center. “There’s nothing better than hearing one of my staff members tell me that he or she just worked with a patient who had a major experience at the hospital,” she says. The 11-year partnership between the two entities is still in its infancy, Hogancamp adds. She believes that there are still ways they can mature and evolve together in exciting directions. Hogancamp is committed to using organic products, and the spa makes its own house blends of oils that are used in the bodywork rooms. Some of them are also available for sale at the spa store. One of those blends is used in a unique service called Ananda, based on an Ayurvedic therapy called shirodhara. During an Ananda treatment, the practitioner drips the blended oil onto the forehead of the client before working it into her hair and scalp. Hogancamp says the experience of

having the head as the primary focus takes the client into “another zone.” The spa supports the Ithaca community in many ways. Hogancamp used the work of local artists and craftspeople to decorate the space, and continues to spotlight local artists by featuring their work on a rotating basis in the Tranquility Room and adjacent hallways. Rasa Spa also donates to local nonprofits and promotes their events through social media. Of course there is much to offer clients who wish for a day of retreat, but the spa is also developing its own true essence as an essential member of the community and entire Finger Lakes Region. In terms of my own experience, I felt like the massage therapist had invited me to flow deeper into myself and search for the rasa of me.

Rasa Spa works hard to offer something for everyone at their three locations in Ithaca. •C ayuga Wellness Center, 310 Taughannock Blvd. •C ommunity Corners, 903 Hanshaw Rd. •C ayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Dr. For more information call 607-273-1740 Email: info@rasaspa.com Webpage: rasaspa.com Connect with Rasa Spa on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram Rasa Spa also partners with The Inns of Aurora, 391 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026 Phone: 315-364-8888 Email: info@innsofaurora.com Webpage: innsofaurora.com

Photos courtesy Rasa Spa

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Cato DISTRICT

The schoolhouse on a rare sunny day.

Number 2

story and photos by Rich Finzer

School 24

~ LifeintheFingerLakes.com

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magine for a moment that it’s 1861, and you are a firstgrade student in the small town of Cato, New York, located northwest of Syracuse in Cayuga County. At the ripe old age of 7, you would attend the District 2 School, a one-room brick schoolhouse that still stands today. Imagine also that it’s a sub-zero winter morning. You’re getting ready to hike the 2 or 3 miles from your home to the school on Brick Church Road. (In the “good old days” school boards considered it acceptable for a child your age to walk that far.) If school happens to be cancelled today, your teacher can’t call to tell you before you start walking because the telephone wasn’t invented for another 15 years. So off you go. If you’re lucky, you might catch a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh or a farmer’s wagon. There is no school bus, and neither mom nor dad can drive you – automobiles weren’t invented until 1885. But you’re a tough little guy or girl and you finally arrive at school. You’ll take your seat along with the other first-througheighth-grade students. If there’s a good fire in the box, the single room will be warm, thanks to the massive coal stove. Light enters through the six windows, or is provided by kerosene lamps or candles because there is NO electricity. Heck, Edison won’t even file the patent for the first light bulb until 1879! Your “tablet” is slate – real slate, and you’ll practice your “longhand” (cursive) writing on it with chalk. If you get thirsty, there’s a ceramic water jug in the corner. You won’t recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the 34-star flag hanging on the wall because the pledge wasn’t written until 1892. Yep, you’re one lucky first grader because the best parts of your day are still to come. At some point, you’ll receive an urgent call from nature, so you’ll ask permission to visit one of the unheated outhouses behind the school. First, you’ll get dressed again and trudge your way through the snow.

house

Today, the restored school retains its decorative molding, student desks from Sears Roebuck, the pot-bellied stove, and separate entrances for boys and girls.

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Smart money says you’ll finish your business ASAP and return to the relative warmth of the schoolhouse. Then, when the school day is over, you’ll bundle up once again and walk home where farm chores await. After supper, you’ll crawl into bed. Tomorrow morning you’ll go through the same routine again. 1861 was a momentous year in Cato, thanks to the opening of Cato School Number 2. Elsewhere, Abraham Lincoln was serving his first year as president, and the Civil War had started. That summer, the local telegraph office would have reported the Union Army’s defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run. The little solid-brick schoolhouse educated Cato’s children until 1939, when about 30 area schools centralized in one new building, known as Cato-Meridian Central School. The old “Brick School,” as it

The building has electricity now, but no indoor plumbing.

A typical class roster included 12 students of all ages.

Cato District Number 2 Schoolhouse is open to the public Sundays, July and August from 1-5.

was known, closed for several years before being granted new life as a polling place. But then the polling station closed.

Then What Happend? It sat unattended, and the structure began to deteriorate. A civic savior was needed to bring it back to

Exclusive stores Luxury brands More than 170 specialty shops Athleta L.L. Bean Madewell Soft Surroundings (now open) Von Maur

Route 96, Victor www.eastviewmall.com (585) 223-4420 26

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Eva, how did this museum come about? Good question. In 1939, the CatoMeridian School District formed. And as it did, the Town of Cato sold off most of its wooden one-room schools, which were then converted to private homes. There was one brick schoolhouse left in addition to this one, but it, too, was sold. The private property is located at 10355 Bonta Bridge Road. Cato District School 2 is the sole remaining brick schoolhouse that retains its original mission: to help educate the public. And believe it or not, there are still two living Cato residents who received at least a portion of their primary education here. The Cato-Meridian School District provides neither financial nor logistic support to the CIViC Heritage or to the Town of Cato, which owns the building. The town contributes the most to its care and feeding, but receives none of the donations. I use a tiny portion of them to purchase cleaning supplies so I can get the building ready for tours during the summer.

Call or stop in anytime! Clifton Springs, NY 585.478.4636 caveskitchens.com houzz.com

Showroom

life; to give it meaning and purpose. Luckily, in 1981, the nonprofit CIViC Heritage Historical Society (for the communities Cato, Ira, Victory and Conquest) formed. The group restored the school, which today displays period items from the 1920s and ’30s. To find out more about the building, I wrote to Eva Taylor-Sholes, a CIViC member, and the appointed historian of the Town of Cato. She’s also the coordinator of most events at the school, and she agreed to meet me there for a personal look inside. I was bursting with questions.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

9-7:00 9-5:30 9-5:30 9-7:00 9-5:30 9-1:00

This building is fairly small. How much is involved with maintaining it? More than you think. The town mows our grass and pays the electric bill. When the roof of the schoolhouse needed replacement, the local Rotary

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Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to CIViC Heritage Society PO Box 389, 11256 South Street Cato, NY 13033

chapter furnished the labor, and the town purchased the materials. The town owns the building and while it contributes the most to its care and feeding, the Town of Cato receives none of the donations.” Every June, local schoolchildren visit and experience what school was like in the 1860s. It’s a genuine shocker when they realize kids their age still received a very thorough education in the days before electric lights and the internet.

Is the original school bell still in the tower on the roof? The bell disappeared long before the CIViC Heritage formed or I became town historian. The bell, likely made of bronze, would have summoned children to the school during the early years. The arrival of modern conveniences was a blessing for the old schoolhouse. Power has been run to the building, electric lighting has been installed and the old

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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When the Cato-Meridian School District formed in 1939, most of the wooden oneroom schoolhouses were sold and converted to private homes like this one.

For a more comprehensive (though by no means complete) listing of old schoolhouses in Finger Lakes country, surf to oneroomschoolhousecenter.weebly.com

wooden outhouses have been rebuilt using modern materials. But a word of caution is in order: the outhouses were rebuilt strictly for the sake of authenticity, not for use by the visiting public. The building has no running water and no septic system. Its original desks suffered the ravages of time and were replaced with similar models marketed by Sears Roebuck, but the folks from Cato and the surrounding area highly value the schoolhouse because it’s unique.

Brick one-room schools are scarce, some 156 years after this one was built for the sum total of $75. It needs and deserves to be preserved. Should it ever fall into a state of complete disrepair, it will be lost forever. Forever is a very long time. I’d like to thank Ira Town Historian Ray Derby, Cato Town Historian Eva Taylor-Scholes and the Cato Town Clerk’s office for their assistance in preparing this article.

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Morgan Schild skiing moguls at the 2017 Visa Freestyle International World Cup at Deer Valley in Utah. Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

wenty-nine of the very best freestyle skiers from 425 ski areas in the United States have earned a spot on the 2018 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. Six of this group of elite athletes learned to ski and got their start at Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua. The “Bristol Mountain Super Six” as they are referred to, grew up in the greater Rochester area. This community can be proud to have produced so many talented skiers who are successfully competing for our region and country throughout the world. The goal of these athletes is to represent Team USA at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea! So how is it possible that a family-owned ski area in Upstate New York produced six freestyle skiers at the most elite level of the sport? The region is known for its high-profile corporations (Kodak, Xerox, Bausch & Lomb), wineries, lakes, state parks and adventure attractions. It is not famous for consistently producing world-classcaliber skiing athletes. That’s why the story of these athletes, and the

program that helped them find their passion, is one that should be told. A disciplined program, Lake Placid, and the secret sauce Freestyle skiing has been part of Bristol Mountain in an organized fashion since the early 1990s. In 2000, when the nearby slopes of private Ski Valley closed, its established freestyle program merged with Bristol Mountain’s. The influx of the Ski Valley team created a slight change in direction at Bristol. A more coordinated and disciplined program evolved that followed the guidelines of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, including how coaches were trained and how events were run. A path forward was established for participating athletes to progress in the sport. Another important element was the relatively close proximity of the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid. Bristol coaches achieved the necessary certifications to allow them to run camps there and invite their athletes to attend for off-season training. Their camps were an instant success. The majority of all freestyle

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Jon Lillis performs at the Tri-Nation Aerial Showdown in 2016 at Utah Olympic Park. Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

The Bristol Mountain

SUPER SIX

TAKE OFF

Six Rochester-Area Athletes Will Compete on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team by Drew Broderick, Bristol Mountain/Roseland Adventure Attractions

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SUPER SIX

Jon Lillis Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Above: Morgan Schild (white pants) with members of the Bristol Mountain Freestyle Team. Courtesy Drew Broderick/Bristol Mountain

Chris Lillis is captured in a unique photo that shows the sequence of moves in his jump.

athletes have participated at one time or another, some for weeks at a time. The intense training proved invaluable. The single constant or “secret sauce” at Bristol Mountain for the past 17 years has been Freestyle Coach John Kroetz – “Coach Johnny” to his athletes. He is much more than a coach to these kids. You can see the adoration in their eyes when freestyle athletes are training with him and competing on the snow, or landing water jumps at Ramp Camp in Lake Placid. Kroetz treats all of this athletes the same, whether they are first-timers or members of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. His best advice to all of them, whether they are training or competing, is to simply have fun. The freestyle parent group is a close-knit community. They rely on Coach Johnny just as much as the athletes. He often joins them at their homes to watch his “kids” compete on TV at an international competition. It takes a small village to develop an elite-level athlete. The programs at Bristol, including School Snowsports Clubs, Brigades (multi-week programs for kids age 5 to 17) and the freestyle team helped to create a solid skiing foundation for the Super Six. At Bristol, the athletes also discovered what they really enjoyed most and pursued those specific disciplines. The world class training facilities at Lake Placid, and the inspiration and encouragement of the other U.S. team athletes from Bristol Mountain, helped build confidence. The way was paved for other athletes to follow them onto the team. “We could not be more proud of all of our athletes and Bristol Mountain Coach John Kroetz. He has done an outstanding job coaching and personally mentoring all of the Bristol Mountain freestyle athletes,” says Bristol Mountain General Manager Dan Fuller. “It has been so exciting watching them grow up here at Bristol Mountain and

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Harrison Smith at at the Tri-Nation Aerial Showdown. Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Coach Kroetz and Morgan Schild Courtesy Renee Venishey/Roc Parent Magazine

compete on the global stage.” Coming up, Coach Kroetz is working with a new generation of freestyle athletes at Bristol Mountain who share the same goal of the Super Six – to join the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Team. They hope to eventually win gold medals competing at future Winter Olympic games. When they do, a very proud Coach Johnny will be rooting them on with a big smile on his face.

The Bristol Mountain Super Six Jonathon Lillis (aerials)

Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

– from Pittsford • Eight years on the U.S. Ski Team • 2012 World Cup Rookie of the Year • World Cup silver medalist 2016 – Russia • 2017 World Championships gold medalist • 2017 world ranking – Eighth Jon Lillis was the very first Bristol freestyle athlete to land a spot on the U.S. Ski Team (Freestyle) in 2011, after he graduated from the Elite Aerial Development program (EADP) and was named to the U.S. Aerial Ski Team. His mother Jamie rented a small house each summer and hosted not only her three boys but also countless other athletes. Jon’s rise to the team was a story of hard work, perseverance, and a level of determination that very few possess. He was encouraged by the Bristol race team to try freestyle when the race coaches had some difficulty keeping him focused on training gates. He would ski all terrain in all types of conditions and jump anything he could get his skis near. Freestyle suited him well and today he is the Aerials Champion of the World!

Harrison Smith prepares for his event at the Tri-Nation Aerial Showdown in 2016 at Utah Olympic Park. Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

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SUPER SIX

Dylan Walczyk starts his mogul run at the 2017 Visa Freestyle International World Cup at Deer Valley in Utah. Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

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Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Dylan Walczyk (moguls)

Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

In 2012, Dylan Walczyk won the NorAm Grand Prix and earned a spot on the U.S. Mogul Ski Team. The International Ski Federation NorAm tour is just one level of competition below World Cup. It includes skiers from Canada and the U.S, and from Australia and Japan. As an 8-year-old, Dylan participated in the fun Bristol Mountain Bump, a mogul competition. He enjoyed the experience so much that he joined the team the following season. When he was 14, he moved with his mother to Colorado and continued his training with a great coach named John Dowling.

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Harrison Smith (aerials)

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– from Pittsford • Four years on the U.S. Ski Team • 2015 Junior World Champion • 2016 U.S. National Champion In 2014, Harrison Smith won the NorAm Grand Prix for Aerials and earned a spot on the U.S. Aerial Team. Harrison enjoyed skiing moguls and “slopestyle” (an obstacle course), but jumping and working out on trampolines was what he loved best. He spent his summers in Lake Placid and winters in Bristol with the team until he joined the EADP team when he was 14.

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SUPER SIX

Patrick O’Flynn at the Tri-Nation Aerial Showdown in 2016 at Utah Olympic Park. Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Morgan Schild (moguls)

World Cup podiums, she still skis faster down the moguls than most people do on flat terrain.

Also in 2014, Morgan Schild won the NorAm Grand Prix for Moguls and earned a spot on the U.S. Mogul Team. Her parents signed her up to ski freestyle when she was only 8 years old – they figured that if she was in the moguls, she would have to slow down and make more turns. She was in the Bristol program until she was 15, and then moved to Colorado to train with John Dowling. With a career three

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Chris Lillis (aerials) – from Pittsford • Two years on the U.S. Ski Team • World Cup Gold Medalist 2016 – Belarus • 2017 World Cup Rookie of the Year • 2016 World ranking – 6th

Courtesy U.S. Ski & Snowboard

– from Pittsford • Four years on the U.S. Ski Team • 2015 World Cup Rookie of the Year • World Cup Podiums: Gold 2015 – Japan Gold 2017 – Deer Valley Bronze 2017 – Lake Placid

Chris Lillis, who started skiing freestyle when he was only 7 years old, followed his brother Jon into the Bristol program. He has always looked up to and tried to emulate his brother, so when he was 14, he went to the EADP team, too. Chris was a LIFL

really good mogul skier and enjoyed slopestyle as well. In 2015, when he was 17, he burst onto the international scene by winning his first World Cup, the youngest male freestyle aerials athlete to do so. The victory vaulted him from the EADP team directly onto the A team of the U.S. Ski Team.

Patrick O’Flynn (aerials) – from Rochester • 2018 U.S. Ski Team member • two World Cup starts • 2016 U.S. National Championship bronze medalist Patrick O’Flynn grew up skiing in the same Wee Ski Brigade class at Bristol Mountain as Chris and Morgan. He, too, joined the Bristol freestyle program at a young age, and trained very hard in moguls – he loved to ski through them as fast as he could. Aerials, though, turned out to be a better fit with his skiing style. He actually excelled when his speed was

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more controlled and consistent, and he became an excellent jumper. Patrick went from the Bristol team to the EADP program, and in 2017 was named to the U.S. Aerial Ski Team.

Life in the Finger Lakes magazine would like to thank U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freestyle Public Relations Manager Caitlin Furin for us to use photos from their official website. We would also like to thank Coach John Kroetz for his contribution to this article. Ja n uary/ February 2018 ~

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Max Erlacher

MASTER

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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ngraver Story and photos by Cindy Ruggieri

hen I entered Max Erlacher’s gallery, I couldn’t help myself – I just stopped and stared. The brilliant Steuben glass and the stunning designs took my breath away. There is no doubt that the title of “master” is well deserved. Roland “Max” Erlacher was born in Austria and entered glass technical school in Kramsach, Austria, at the age of 14. He went on to work as a journeyman for five years at Lomeyr Glass in Vienna. It was during this time that he earned his Master Engraver certification and

the title of Fine Art Master. At the time, it was customary to leave for a new opportunity once that level was achieved, and in 1957, Max arrived alone in Corning to work for Steuben Glass. Six months later, he was drafted into the army, served for one year, and then spent the remainder of his service in the reserves, where he was able to live in Corning and continue his work at Steuben Glass. His skill and his reputation continued to grow through his work at Steuben Glass and then in his own business, Erlacher Glass. Over the years he has engraved many one-of-a-kind pieces – The Crusader Bowl bought by President and Mrs. Reagan as a wedding gift for Prince Charles and

Opposite page: An engraving collaboration on Eric Hilton original art Above right: Rouge-flambé cased cameo carved vase Above left: Max holds his original engraving created to earn his Master Engraving certificate, framed and hanging beside him.

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Lady Diana; PT 109 for President John F. Kennedy; a window for Cornell University’s Law school; a portrait of Albert Einstein that is now in the Smithsonian, to name just a few. Max is a quiet and unassuming man, but when he talks about his work, his eyes sparkle. He loves what he does. He showed me his workshop – glass pieces on shelves, some completed and some as works in progress – and the lathe

Top: A design is first transferred to the glass Middle: The design is then traced for clear visibility Bottom: A copper wheel is used for this engraving

“Birdsong” from the Poetry in Crystal series

and wheels that are the main tools of his art. He explains, “I use stone wheels for large cuts, diamond wheels to cut the glass, copper for engraving and refinement, and lead, felt, wood and cork to polish and finish.” It’s quite an array of wheels, and he points out the different sizes and shapes as he explains their roles. As for his engravings, I asked him where he gets the inspiration for his designs. “Sometimes clients request ideas, but often the shape and form of the glass can inspire me.” There is a lot of preparation work before an engraving begins. The glass must be cut and prepared. His designs are first sketched, and then a final drawing is completed before a tracing is done on the glass. The tracing itself is an involved process, as he demonstrated transferring it on the glass and then making sure it stays visible as he does the engraving. And when he showed me the actual engraving process, he was laser focused on the intricate cuts made by a tiny spinning wheel. The selection of wheels, the depth and

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Clockwise from top: Max holds a work in progress, showing the intricate details of his design Max demonstrates the engraving process Wheels of all sizes and shapes are used for his engravings Max’s glass gallery, including a poster of his crusader bowl

precision of the cuts, the finishing polish – there is no doubt that hundreds of hours are involved for his complex pieces. Max continues to engrave beautiful pieces of glass, some for his clients and some for his own artistic creativity. On occasion he is called upon to do engraving demonstrations and instruction at special events. His work can be seen at a location managed by his wife Kitty at 5 West Market Street in Corning, a showcase of a number of his one-of-a-kind pieces, along with several modern Steuben glass exhibition pieces. From a young age in Austria to his lifelong pursuit of beautiful artwork, Max continues to create brilliant designs. A master for sure, still engraving after all these years.

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Cultured

the better things in life

Bringing

Harriet Tubman to Life

by Laurel C. Wemett

arriet Tubman, former slave and famous conductor on the Underground Railroad, helped numerous others escape slavery before the Civil War, and then continued her humanitarian efforts after settling in Auburn, New York. While many stories and biographies have been written about her, one of the best ways to learn about her courage, determination, generosity and strength is by seeing a reenactor. Among those who bring to life Harriet Tubman (c.1820-1913) in schools, churches, historical societies and other settings is Magelene (Maggie) Moore-Holley of Rochester. “I was interested in black history,” explains MooreHolley who performs with AKWAABA, a Rochester-based organization, and also as an independent reenactor. MooreHolley first saw AKWAABA reenactors when she attended a “Watch Night” church service, an annual celebration on December 31. It commemorates the night of December 31, 1862, when freed blacks living in the Union states gathered at churches to wait for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation into law on January 1, 1863.

On Becoming Harriet “At first I was apprehensive because I knew that reenacting required much study and practice,” recalls Moore-Holley. But after she retired from the Monroe County Department of Social Services in 2010, she started to become Harriet, joining Dr. Carolyn Edwards and Robin Nowell, who also depict Harriet Tubman with AKWAABA. “Maggie often portrays Harriet Tubman for AKWAABA: the Heritage Associates when we present one of our historical programs for our Underground Railroad tours, for school groups or requested programs,” explains Ruth Anderson, executive director of AKWAABA. “We feel that she truly embodies the spirit of Harriet Tubman.”

Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849 and later led rescue missions to free enslaved family and friends using the Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses and antislavery activists. The African-American abolitionist and humanitarian cared for wounded soldiers and served as a Union spy during the American Civil War. In the post-Civil War era, Tubman settled in Auburn, participated in the women’s suffrage movement, and eventually opened a home there for indigent and elderly African Americans. Today it is part the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Tubman is buried in Auburn’s Fort Hill Cemetery. Books about the woman called the “Moses of her People” fuel Moore-Holley’s portrayal. Biographies by Tubman’s contemporary, Sarah Hopkins Bradford of Geneva, were written in 1869 and 1886 to raise money for Tubman, who was living in poverty in Auburn. Since the former slave was illiterate, Bradford’s books preserved her stories for posterity, although recent Tubman biographies offer more scholarly interpretations of her life. The Bradford-Tubman collaboration is explored in a new documentary (see page 44). The reenactor researched what was happening

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Left: Harriet Tubman by H. Seymour Squyer Printing-out paper print c. 1885 National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

during Tubman’s lifetime and how Tubman persevered through her struggles. “First of all, being a woman in the 19th century was an obstacle in itself,” explains Moore-Holley. “In addition, Tubman was a runaway slave – that was a great big obstacle – but she was determined to do what she was called to do. I believe it was her destiny, not her decision.” The abolitionist’s determination, courage, and faith in God are incorporated into Moore-Holley’s Tubman persona. As Harriet, she shares insight about growing up a slave, escaping to freedom in 1849, the separation from her family, and risky return trips south to bring them and others to safety. Finding the right “voice” of the freedom fighter was critical. Moore-Holley, a Rochesterian since she was 16, spent her early life in the Carolinas and then Maryland where Tubman was born. In some books about the Underground Railroad conductor, the dialect used is “Deep South,” explains the reenactor. “I’ve lived in Maryland and the Deep South; I’ve heard both accents and they are not the same.” She listens to “Tubman’s voice regardless of how they have her speak,” and seeks to find out how terminology used in Maryland and the more southerly states differed.

Maggie Moore-Holley is a retired caseworker from the Monroe County Department of Social Services. She is a member of Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church; AKOMA, the African-American Women’s Gospel Choir, and AKWAABA, the Heritage Associates. She performs as Harriet Tubman at schools, private businesses, historical societies, and churches, as well as at special events such as family reunions. To contact Maggie Moore-Holley, e-mail magelenem@yahoo.com

AKWAABA: The Heritage Associates, Inc The group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the use of oral history to present Underground Railroad tours, enactments of historical events and presentations that reflect the dignity and perseverance of the community of Afro Rochester. The organization develops educational programs and provides a unique resource to schools through its mission to educate children and adults on the 19th-century Freedom Movement in the Rochester area. AKWAABA presents tours, living history enactments, plays and other educational presentations of the sites, personalities, and events that comprised the Underground Railroad, especially those identified with the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Isaac and Amy Post are but a few of the abolitionists who labored long and hard to support “freedom seekers” making their way through the Rochester area. (akwaabatours.org. 585-482-5192)

Moore-Holley’s familiarity with Tubman’s surroundings enhances her reenactment. “I think about her experiences travelling back and forth, moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania to New York to Canada for her work. I know Maryland weather and terrain and how difficult it was for her to travel in wagons and walking.” Her 20 years spent as a case worker made the Rochester resident familiar with human suffering and provided an understanding of Tubman. “I saw how Harriet reached out to people and gave all she had to help.” Like the woman she portrays, Moore-Holley has a strong Christian faith and she learns from Tubman’s example. “What I get out of portraying Tubman is what she pours into me. When I’m struggling with an issue and looking for an answer, she is one of my go-to persons. She teaches me about commitment, passion, perseverance and all that it takes to continue on through trials. She encourages me.” Physically, the reenactor is just a few inches taller than the 5-foot

Magelene (Maggie) Moore-Holley (top) as Harriet Tubman (below) Photos courtesy Maggie-Moore Holley

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Cultured

Filmmaker Meets Reenactor

arriet Tubman and her biographer Sarah Bradford is the subject of “Daughters of the New Republic: Harriet Tubman and Sarah Bradford,” a new documentary directed by Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Dr. Linda Robertson, a Professor in the Department of Media and Society. “I discovered that Sarah Bradford, Tubman’s biographer, lived in the house which is now the Admissions Office for HWS,” explains Robertson. “Very little was known about her. Dr. Linda Robertson (left) and Maggie I thought the story Moore-Holley in the United Methodist of her collaboration with Tubman was an Church in Penn Yan. important one to tell.” Photo courtesy Yates County History Center HWS students appeared as actors and also served as associate producers and crew. The documentary premiered at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls in 2016 and was selected for screening at the University Film and Video Association Conference in 2016. To arrange a public viewing contact robertson@hws.edu.

Tubman, but the resemblance does not stop there. When Moore-Holley took a photo of Tubman to a seamstress to have a jacket made, the woman asked if she had a larger photo from the “family album,” not realizing Moore-Holley wasn’t related to Tubman. A unique signature of Moore-Holley’s performance is her singing of spirituals. A member of Rochester’s AKOMA, the African-American Women’s Gospel Choir, she believes the songs connect with Tubman’s travels. Her rendition of “Keep Your Hand on the Plow – Hold On,” sung during a program last fall at the Fairport Historical Museum, seemed to transcend time. “Maggie did such an amazing job that the audience felt as if they were in the presence of Harriet Tubman herself,” says Vicki Masters Profitt, director of the museum where, once a year, an actor portrays an historical figure. A question-and-answer period further engaged the audience. Was Tubman a spy during the Civil War? Why didn’t her first husband John Tubman join her in the North? How did she end up in Auburn? Profitt says the standing ovation Maggie received was “a testament to her portrayal of Miss Tubman.” One place Moore-Holley especially enjoys visiting is the Tubman home and associated properties which are now the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn. For more information visit nps.gov or call 315-252-2081.

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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Reminisce

a look back

World’s Largest

PANCAKE by Julie Cummins

ancakes! Yum! Who doesn’t love them with melted butter and maple syrup sliding over the sides? Pancakes are so popular that there is a National Pancake Day, a chain restaurant that features pancakes, and even pancake-eating contests. Pancakes can have any flavor from chocolate chip to blueberry to buckwheat, and be any size, from silver dollar to hang-over-the-plate big. There are stacks of stories about jumbo-size pancakes and one in particular is a whopper. Nothing stirs up the imagination like the tales of Paul Bunyan, the larger-than-life lumberjack. This great big man had a great big appetite for great big pancakes. He had his blacksmith make a griddle that was so big that it took 50 men with bacon slabs strapped to their feet to skate around the griddle just to grease it. Could that be true? No, the folklore of Paul Bunyan is made up of exaggerated tall tales. But there is a true Photos by Blair Cummins

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so the Birkett men would story about a REAL pancake make one! Work was well that was so huge it made it underway to construct a into the Guinness Book of 24-foot-wide griddle when World Records. Now that’s the festival organizers got big! terrible news: a new record It all began in the small had been set for the world’s town of Penn Yan in the largest pancake in March Finger Lakes Region of New 1987 in Cheltenham, England. York State. Like other small Oh no, what bad luck! Now towns, there was one major what should they do? business and that was the Instead of feeling Birkett Mills. It is one of the defeated, they were even largest buckwheat mills more determined to outsize in the country and one of that record of 25 feet wide the oldest, continuously in – one foot more than the business since 1797. pancake the festival workers In 1987, the mill was still were planning to make. So going strong when some of it was back to the drawing its workers got together to board to “stretch” the size of brainstorm fundraising ideas the griddle to 28 feet. Bigger for the community – ideas than the existing record by 3 that would also promote The day of the event drew large crowds. feet. buckwheat flour. First, they Photo courtesy Birkett Mills As the festival drew needed a theme, something near, there was a flurry unique for a festival. Bingo! of preparations and great The answer was right in front anticipation. With the griddle made, the next challenge was of their noses. What did buckwheat flour make? Pancakes! to get it to the festival site at the Yates County Fairgrounds. They would hold a festival on the fairgrounds that would It had been forged 10 miles away, and moving it was no not only celebrate pancakes but would stir up an enormous simple matter since it weighed half a ton. It was 2 feet wider pancake, one that would be the world’s largest. than the road! The only way to move it was with a crane. Excited about the ideas the planners checked the That meant closing roads and stopping traffic at nighttime. Guinness Book of World Records to see if any such record You can bet that a crowd of people gathered to gawk at the was already in place. And there was, held by a man in incredible sight. Vermont in 1984. His pancake measured 20 feet in diameter The crane was so enormous that it could lift 75 tons. It and took a crane and helicopter to flip it. would position the griddle and flip the pancake once it was Did that deter the Birkett men? Not one bit (or bite). They were determined not to be outdone, so they set a goal: cooked. Folks immediately dubbed it “The World’s Largest Pancake Flipper.” Before the griddle could be maneuvered the Penn Yan Buckwheat pancake would be even bigger – into place, a fire had to be built to cook the pancake. 24 feet! Could they do it? Cement blocks were placed in a wide circle to support the So what’s the first thing you need to make an enormous griddle and to contain the fire. It took truckloads of wood, pancake? A giant-sized griddle, of course. There was just nine face cords to be exact, to cover the pit. Whew, that’s a one problem: you couldn’t buy a skillet that big in any store,

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Reminisce

lot of logs and a lot of heat! Next, it was time for the pancake batter – all 800 pounds of it. A brand new cement mixer was driven into place to mix the batter with water. To keep the pancake from sticking to the pan, 50 gallons of cooking oil were poured onto the surface and spread. Once it was oiled, the cement mixer backed up to the pit and given the signal, the batter poured down the cement chute onto the griddle. Workers smoothed out the batter with specially designed stainless steel trowels to make sure the batter was evenly spread. Then came the hard part; waiting. Newspaper, radio, and TV crews were on hand to record the madcap event and a crowd of 35,000 to 40,000 people had gathered. Even though the weather forecast was good, people worried that something could go wrong, like rain. If it did, the pancake would fall apart and end up as mush. But as September 27, 1987, dawned, it was a bright and sunny day. To meet the requirements and break the record, the pancake needed to stay in one piece and be edible. Folks say a watched pot never boils. In this case, a watched griddle seemed to take forever. People jostled one another to stake out the best place to witness the historic happening. Volunteers constantly checked the progress to make sure the bottom of the pancake was properly cooked so that when it was time to flip it, it would remain in one piece. When it looked done enough, a second griddle was placed over the lower griddle by the crane. This was the scariest part. Due to the size of the equipment, the flipping process had not been tested beforehand. People held their breath and the press zoomed in. Given the signal, the crane operator began to slowly pick up the griddle. For what seemed like hours, the onlookers watched as the griddle dangled and wobbled in the air. As the lines on the crane began to tighten, the griddle began to flip. The crowd began to roar as the griddle picked up speed and successfully turned over on the other side. Hooray, they did it! The Birkett Mills and the townspeople of Penn Yan had broken the record for having made the world’s largest pancake! Twenty-eight feet across in diameter and 1-inch thick, it was big enough to feed more than 7,000 people, with quite a lot left over. Pieces of the pancake were sold for a dollar. You probably wonder how it tasted. One man described it as not too good because it wasn’t evenly cooked. But the rules said it just had to be edible, not tasty! And that’s the story of the world’s largest pancake and how it made a small town famous. Is anything left of the pancake festival besides photographs? Yes, the original griddle stands upright against the wall of the Mill on Main Street – proof of the world record. If you visit Penn Yan, you can have your picture taken in front of it. The next time you sit down at a table to eat a stack of pancakes, think about the enormous one made in 1987 in Penn Yan that fed 7,200 people, and was the equivalent of 21,600 regular pancakes. Maybe the batter that made your pancakes came from Birkett Mills flour and you just might be eating a taste of history.

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Winter Sale

Heat your home without power!

Since 1957

1936 Hudson Ave. in Irondequoit 585-266-8967 • www.fireplacefashions.com

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Outdoors

in the open air

Finger Lakes! New website “gofingerlakes.com” is a free guide to the best hikes, bikes, paddles and outdoor adventures in the region

Cross Country

Skiing in the Finger

Lakes

by Kelly Makosch, Finger Lakes Land Trust

n a crisp winter’s day, there is nothing quite like the feeling of strapping on your skis and gliding through silent forests of towering oaks, maples, spruce, and pine. Cross country skiing is a great way to experience nature while getting a terrific workout, and our Finger Lakes region offers plenty of places to get out on the trails. Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area Located on the high wooded ridge just west of Honeoye Lake, this state recreation area is one of the go-to places for Rochester-area skiers. Harriet Hollister features a 20-mile network of trails through mature forest with several trails groomed by the Rochester

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Cross Country Ski Foundation. Trails are marked with the cross country skier in mind including grade and difficulty levels. Elevations are above 2,000 feet, which makes it a better bet for snow cover than many other locations. Be sure to check out the Overlook Trail for a panoramic view of Honeoye Lake while you are there. Highland Forest This Onondaga County park spans 2,700 acres of hill country south of Syracuse. There is an extensive trail system of interconnected loops to accommodate long and short trips with the added benefit that the skiing and snowshoeing trails are separate. Along the loops are numerous lean-tos with orientation

maps providing great places to stop and gauge your progress. Skis may be rented at the park’s lodge. If a few hours of skiing in this winter wonderland is not enough; visitors can also enjoy a horse drawn sleigh ride, for which the park is well known. Bear Swamp State Forest Known for its “Adirondack-like” character, Bear Swamp features extensive wetlands along with 15 miles of multiuse trails that provide lots of options for skiing. The forest overlooks the southwestern shore of Skaneateles Lake and is located in an area that typically receives ample “lake effect” snow. For the most part, the trails weave around and up-and-over two ridges that flank Bear Swamp Creek.

Photo by Nigel P. Kent

12/18/17 2:45 PM

The Finger Lakes Land Trust’s new gofingerlakes.org website provides detailed maps, descriptions, and directions to the region’s premiere venues for skiing. Here are a few of the best. Hammond Hill State Forest

Hammond Hill State Forest This forest’s 20 miles of trails include easy trails for beginners as well as challenging downhill runs for the most expert skiers. The best maps of the trail system are available online from gofingerlakes.org and the Cayuga Nordic Ski Club, one of several organizations that collaborate with the DEC to maintain the trails in the forest. The trails are broad and provide ample line of sight making downhill runs exhilarating and less worrisome than narrow hiking trails found in other forests.

more rugged difficult trails in the northern section.

Oakley Corners State Forest Located in the Southern Tier just north of Owego, Oakley Corners features a network of 13 miles of trails that were built by the Triple Cities Ski Club. This 1,000-acre forest is located about a half-hour drive from both Ithaca and Binghamton. In addition to passing through typical stands of hardwoods and conifers, the trails also provide access to a marshy lake. The state forest is divided into northern and southern sections by Dutchtown Road and though the forest remains mostly the same, skiers will find flatter terrain in the southern section and slightly

Other places to explore These are just a few of the fantastic cross country skiing options that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer. To discover new places to explore, visit gofingerlakes.org and use the map filters to find your next adventure. If you already know you want to try a gentler rail-trail option, check out the Jim Schug and Black Diamond trails, also profiled on gofingerlakes.org. During winters with great snow conditions, the Finger Lakes National Forest is another great place to ski or snowshoe.

Bear Swamp State Forest

Learn More Gofingerlakes.org is a project of the nonprofit, member-supported Finger Lakes Land Trust. The land trust’s mission is to conserve forever the lands and waters of the Finger Lakes region, ensuring scenic vistas, local foods, clean waters, and wild places for everyone. To date, the organization has protected over 20,000 acres across the region, including more than 35 nature preserves open to the public. Learn more at fllt.org. The Land Trust hopes the Go Finger Lakes website will inspire people to explore the beauty of the region in all seasons and then help us save more land and water.

Nigel P. Kent is an English photographer who has lived in Rochester for 47 years. He has developed a passion for photographing the Finger Lakes Region, and is involved in conservation photography for the Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Genesee Land Trust. More of his work can be seen at nigelpkent.com and on Facebook as Nigel Peter Benson Kent. Hard copies can be viewed at Artizanns in Naples.

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Oakley Corners State Forest

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Enterprising

in business

Dansville’s

Center This latest installation is proving to be a success by Kay Thomas

urvival is the name of the game on Main Street. Without a vibrant business atmosphere, a small town falls into decay quicker than not. Shoppers go elsewhere. A group of visionary people in Dansville, Livingston County, is working on a solution. “The arts can transform a community, particularly in a rural area, with energy,” says Nicole Alioto, president of Dansville ArtWorks, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Now in its third year of operation, its mission is to cultivate and enhance the visual, literary and performing arts opportunities in the greater Dansville area. “It might be a little confusing, but Dansville ArtWorks is an organization that has a center with the same name,” she adds. “Our goal is to collaborate with the entire community to make it a better place to call home.”

Right Now Currently, Dansville ArtWorks is hosting an exhibit that showcases the work of students in grades 5 through 12. The graduating-senior artists in each participating school district are eligible to apply for a college scholarship offered by Dansville ArtWorks. Coming up in February and March is the third annual juried photography exhibit with cash awards. It attracts artists from all over the Finger Lakes region and beyond. The public opening will be held February 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. The judge is Christine Berry, co-owner of Berry Campbell Gallery on 24th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Her gallery features post-war modern and contemporary art. Berry has a background in both the public and private sector, and has been cited as

~ L i f e i n tt hh ee FF ii nn gg ee rr LL aa kk ee ss..ccoomm

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Left: ArtWorks moved to its current location in August. It offers more space for workshops and exhibits. Photo by Kay Thomas

a force in today’s art world by both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The Mission Dansville ArtWorks provides a location for people of like minds to meet, perform and display their work. If there are existing arts opportunities in the area, Dansville ArtWorks reaches out to partner, not compete, with groups already successful. If there is a gap, it strives to meet those needs. Last year, Noyes Health/UR Medicine, which serves residents in Livingston, Allegany, Steuben and surrounding counties, and Dansville ArtWorks cosponsored Hats Off, a live art auction, to help fund the new Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center in Dansville. Dansville ArtWorks offers art workshops for adults and children. Programs include the annual Chalk Walk and Arts Fest in August and Fairy Doors of Dansville throughout the year at its location at 153 Main Street. Dansville ArtWorks charges no membership fees. There are consignment and performance possibilities, including events each month on the fourth Friday for author/performers. Each one is given 30 minutes or so to teach and share their talents. Consigning artists, 20 or

more at any given time, display their work. Exhibits are often theme-related, such as the upcoming 2018 Spring Awakening. Earlier this fall, a balloon exhibit coincided with the New York State Festival of Balloons. Solo shows have featured the work of John Adamski, wildlife photographer; Bernard Dick, photographer; and Mary Skillings, basket weaver The Vision Five years ago, Dansville ArtWorks was only a concept in the mind of Nicole, who has lived in other parts of the state where arts centers are regular mainstays of their local culture. An arts hobbyist herself, she was looking for people with similar interests. She met and shared her ideas with Salome Farraro, who with her husband coowns Tony’s Pizzeria on Dansville’s Main Street. Since establishing their business 12 years ago, both Farraros have been active in supporting the community’s wellbeing. Nicole and Salome have extensive backgrounds in organization, finance and public relations. Nicole is the owner of Alla Breve Educational Consulting LLC, with 25 years of research experience using data for student outcomes and institutional effectiveness. Salome is the former associate director of Livingston ARTS, and has expertise in grant funding.

“We want it to be a go-to place for creativity,” — Nicole Alioto

Below, left to right: During the monthly author series, George Guida, poet and professor at City University of New York, reads from his published works. John Adamski, wildlife photographer, at his solo exhibit The basketry in this solo exhibit was created by artist Mary Skillings. Photos courtesy Dansville Artworks

photo by Kay Thomas

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Salome Farraro, ArtWorks’ Treasurer(left), and Nicole Alioto, Board President Photo by Kay Thomas

12/18/17 2:45 PM

Dansville ArtWorks features a gift shop where artists can consign their work

“After leaving Livingston ARTS, moving to Dansville, and starting up Tony’s, I realized that there was a void here. There are so many artists in Dansville. Early on, I partnered with lots of people up and down Main Street,” says Salome. First, a series of meetings was held to see if there might be interest in forming an arts organization. Representatives of all walks of life, age groups and interests attended and expressed their ideas. A board of directors was formed. ArtWorks incorporated and in 2014 a pop-up gallery during the holiday season was a near sellout. Afterwards, many people told Salome, “You need to be doing this on Main Street.”

A sketch for Dansville ArtWorks by artist Darryl Abraham

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It took time to find the proper location and do the necessary fundraising, but within nine months, Dansville ArtWorks leased a storefront at 178 Main Street. Its owners, Susan and Randy DeMuth, operate Dogwood Trading Company, also on Main Street. With their encouragement and interest in increasing foot traffic downtown, Dansville ArtWorks launched for business. In September 2017, ArtWorks moved to a larger location at 153 Main Street. It offers more opportunities for workshops and wall space for exhibits. “We want it to be a go-to place for creativity,” says Nicole. ArtWorks is in the same building as Spinnanagans Indoor Cycling Studio and Every Body’s Yoga Studio. The three businesses enjoy a common mission: enhancing mind, body and spirit in the heart of Dansville. “Dansville was built on health and wellness, and it has come full circle,” says Nicole, who remarked that the original pop-gallery was in space rented from Spinnanagans’ owner Shannon Mays. The Problems There’s a certain stigma associated with the term “art gallery” among individuals who are unfamiliar with such places. In fact, Nicole and Salome say their biggest challenge is getting visitors to walk through the door without feeling intimidated. They and their staff are working on referring to the place as

Photos courtesy Dansville Artworks

12/18/17 2:45 PM

Enterprising

ArtWorks depends on volunteers to man the center a “center” rather than a gallery. Either way, the large room is brightly lit and offers a variety of gift items, including jewelry and pottery, and photography and fine art at affordable prices. In the beginning, there were many naysayers who didn’t believe the place would still be open after a year. At the time, there were no other main street art centers in Livingston County. “Attitudes are coming around and people and their organizations are coming behind us,” says Salome. ArtWorks depends on volunteers to man the center, and survives thanks to donations, and sponsorships from businesses and individuals. “We try to keep our costs down and be realistic,” says Salome who, as treasurer, is responsible for managing the finances. She talked about ArtWorks’ summer event, the Chalk Walk Festival. “When I looked down the Maxwell Block on Main Street and saw all the chalk drawings I thought, This is it. This is what we are supposed to be doing – getting people out creating right in the heart of our downtown business district. This connection with the arts has an impact. It’s powerful.”

Dansville ArtWorks is located at 153 Main Street, Dansville 14437. For information about exhibit deadlines, consignment opportunities and hours of business call 585-335-4746, e-mail dansvilleartworks@gmail.com or visit dansvilleartworks.com. Follow Dansville ArtWorks on Facebook and Instagram.

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Enterprising

in business

Mint

Condition Rochester’s Tanvi Asher emerges as a local indie fashion leader

story and photos by Erin Scherer

s a child, Tanvi Asher watched her grandmother meticulously craft seedbead jewelry, and always admired the way she carefully chose each bead for the pattern. A seamstress as well, her grandmother sewed colorful saree blouses for herself and her sisters. “She was the queen of multitasking and had a keen eye for detail-oriented projects,” recalls Asher. “She was a true artisan.” Today, her Grandmother’s love of color and pattern is reflected in Asher’s casual clothing line, Peppermint, sold at Asher’s boutique in Rochester, Shop Peppermint. The boutique specializes in indie clothing and jewelry from all over the world. In 2013 she launched Asher Bridal, and hosts a fashion show, Sewn Seeds, every year as a platform for local fashion designers.

Finding her way She was born in India, but spent most of her childhood in Oman’s capital city of Muscat, and Dubai. In 2001, she enrolled in SUNY Buffalo’s graphic design program; in part because her paternal aunt and uncle were already settled in the Buffalo area. “I thought I would have a good network of people to support me as I was transitioning to a new country,” she recalls. After graduation in 2005, she moved on to The University at Buffalo’s architecture program, hoping to eventually apply architectural knowledge to product design. “When I graduated, my thought process was that I wanted to do product design, but I didn’t have the financial resources to go to a private university,” she says. Although Asher still considers her time studying architecture valuable, she found a better fit at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) a-year-and-a-half later, when she enrolled in its industrial design program. At SUNY Buffalo, Asher made and sold scarves to earn extra money, but at RIT, she began to take fashion design more seriously. “What people wear plays such an important role in making a first impression,” she says. “I wanted to be able to apply the knowledge that I had and make clothes that were accessible to everyone.” She taught herself to sew by reading, watching videos on YouTube, and taking apart garments she bought in thrift stores. She was influenced by designer Hussein Chalayan (“Fashion’s arch avantgardist,” says Vogue), and visual artist Lucy Orta, whose sculptural work investigates the boundaries between the body and architecture. Asher began crafting a thesis that revolved around “clothing as shelter,” – essentially pieces of clothing that could double as a temporary shelter, which remains a cornerstone of her design philosophy to this day. “Because I did my homework, I can take a look at the things I did in my past whenever I’m stuck for an idea.” In 2008, as the completion of the coursework portion of her degree was nearing, Asher relocated to New York City to pursue a co-op (paid internship with housing) set up by RIT. During this time, which Asher characterizes as, “The happiest years of my life,” she was introduced to many people in the fashion and beauty industries, although she didn’t

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Enterprising (Continued from page 54)

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realize at the time and shop local, and how fortuitous those they care about connections would where their clothing become. originates. Almost Living in every week, Shop New York gave Peppermint has Asher access to new items in stock, a diverse array of and the production fabrics, and she process from start to continued to create finish takes between scarves. What was six to eight months. originally intended Asher attends a textile as a three-month show, Texworld apprenticeship USA, to pick out the became 18 months, fabrics she uses. She and at the end, she has them shipped returned to Rochester to her manufacturer to complete her and emails him her degree. patterns. Shop Peppermint She began dating She considers 145 Culver Rd, Rochester her now-husband, her industrial design 585-532-8132, Jeremiah Parry-Hill, background an asset shop-peppermint.com an instructional when working with asherbridal.com • rocthemint.com designer at RIT, and her manufacturer, continued taking a family-owned her scarves to craft business with shows, mostly in Upstate New York, and about 20 employees. Thanks to the selling them at places like The Memorial manufacturer’s two- to three-dozen Art Gallery in Rochester. other clients and the limited number of After graduation, Asher worked for garments Asher orders with each design, Bausch & Lomb on a contractual basis, she is able to keep the prices down. but the job was not the creative outlet Every August, Asher travels to she desired. Las Vegas to exhibit at The Magic Marketplace, a trade show for the Creating and selling fashion industry. While she’s there, she At one craft show, she connected scouts the wares of new talent to sell with a clothing manufacturer based at Shop Peppermint back home. She in New York City. Soon after, she has also found designers through Etsy, submitted samples and patterns to the and says that sometimes designers will manufacturer, and the label Peppermint approach her. On occasion, Peppermint was born. will issue a “Capsule Collection,” a Peppermint began as a home-based collection of pieces that can be worn wholesale operation, but over time throughout the year. outgrew the space. “My house wasn’t Inspired by some of the challenges a sacred space anymore,” she recalls. she faced finding the right dress for her Utilizing some of the connections she own wedding in 2012, Asher launched made during her RIT co-op, she opened Asher Bridal the following year. Unlike Shop Peppermint at 121 Park Avenue in Peppermint, every item in the line is April 2012. Sales on opening day paid the custom made. “When I was getting store’s rent for two months. Six months married, I really wanted an independent later, Shop Peppermint moved from its artist or designer to make my dress original 450-square-foot space facing for me, but I found that it wasn’t very Meigs Street to an 800-square-foot space accessible for me to do so,” she says. in the same building, but facing Park Instead, she and her fiancé went to Avenue. Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City to pick Shop Peppermint’s customer base, out her dress. according to Asher, like to drink, eat, Among past clients are breast (Continued on page 59)

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Canandaigua

Enterprising

marketplace

(Continued from page 57)

cancer survivors who would otherwise be uncomfortable in a normal bridal store. She relishes being a part of their lives, and being able to give them personal attention. “They consider me a therapist in some ways,” she says. Business at Asher Bridal was suspended for a time when the store relocated to new space on Culver Road, but Asher has new clients lined up for 2018.

Finding structure As a former student of architecture, Asher followed the renovation of the former National Guard Armory on Culver Road over the course of several years, and at one point even inquired about space there. Finally, Asher was contacted in 2016 by the building’s co-owner Fred Rinaldi, Jr., who informed her that they had space available. Like kismet, her lease on the store’s Park Ave. space was ending, and her business was growing. The new location opened in October 2016 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the City of Rochester. Asher treasures her employees, strives to build a supportive environment, and makes a point to pay them more than what they’re worth. “It’s a way of showing gratitude,” she says. Right now, she’s working toward offering health insurance to her employees, noting that they often leave because they turn 26 and age out of their parents’ insurance, not because they want to. At a time when mall retail and corporate labels like Ann Taylor, ModCloth, and J. Crew are downsizing or shutting their doors altogether, the fiercely independent Shop Peppermint not only survives, but thrives. Now, fans and customers no longer have to drive to Rochester to check out Peppermint’s merchandise. This past fall, Asher launched a mobile version of Shop Peppermint, ROC The Mint, to take to events, festivals, and wineries. She hopes to take it to New York City next year. For all her ambition, though, Asher aims to keep things small. “When I started this business, I had no desire to get so big that I couldn’t manage anything anymore.” Since 2014, Erin Scherer has written for several Finger Lakes and Rochester area publications. She lives in Geneva.

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Six Issues a Year! Ja n uary/ February 2018 ~

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Index of Advertisers

January/February 2018

COMPANY....................... PAGE.... PHONE..............WEBSITE / E-MAIL

COMPANY.......................... PAGE.... PHONE..............WEBSITE / E-MAIL

Americana Vineyards & Winery........................37........... americanavineyards.com

Legacy at Fairways.................................................7........... watermarkcommunities.com

Bristol Mountain ................................................. 35........... bristolmountainadventures.com

Longview..................................................................4........... ithacarelongview.com

Caves Kitchens..................................................... 27........... cavesmillwork.com

Naples Valley Visitors Association....................12........... naplesvalleyny.com

Clifton Springs Chamber of Commerce......................................47........... cliftonspringschamber.com

New Energy Works....................................Cover 4........... newenergyworks.com

Corning Museum of Glass................................ 53........... cmog.org

Route 96 Power & Paddle................................. 44........... powerandpaddle.com

Cottone Auctions..................................................11........... cottoneauctions.com

Rowe Photo Video and Audio.......................... 28........... rowephoto.com

Downtown Ithaca Alliance................................ 53........... downtownithaca.com

Seager Marine...................................................... 27........... seagermarine.com

Eastview Mall........................................................ 26........... eastviewmall.com

Seneca County Chamber.................................. 29........... fingerlakescentral.com

Elmira College Enactus Team............................17........... tttexpo.com

Seneca Lake Wine Trail.......................................21........... senecalakewine.com

Ferris Hills at West Lake............................Cover 2........... ferrishills.com

SignLanguage Inc.................................................37........... signlanguageinc.com

Finger Lakes National Forest...............................5........... fs.usda.gov/gmfl

Smith Boys Marina - Rochester.........................15........... smithboys.com

Finger Lakes Tram............................................... 20........... fingerlakestram.com

St. Ann’s Community.............................................9........... stannscommunity.com

Fireplace Fashions................................................47........... fireplacefashions.com

Timber Frames..................................................... 35........... timberframesinc.com

German Brothers Marina ..................................37........... germanbrothers.com

Wagner Vineyards................................................17........... wagnervineyards.com

Pinnacle North........................................................3........... pinnaclenorth.com

Granger Homestead........................................... 44........... grangerhomestead.org Hangar Theatre.....................................................11........... hangartheatre.org Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca......................................2........... ithaca.hgi.com

MARKETPLACE ADVERTISING

Naples............................................ Pg. 55

Hunt Hollow Ski Club..........................................12........... hunthollow.com

Accommodations................... Pg. 56-57

Real Estate for Sale...................... Pg. 62

The Inn on the Lake..............................................4........... theinnonthelake.com

Camping......................................... Pg. 55

Seneca Lake Wine Trail................Pg. 61

Kendal at Ithaca..........................................Cover 3........... kai.kendal.org/fl

Canandaigua................................. Pg. 59

Shopping & Services.................... Pg. 60

Kitchen Theatre Company................................ 20........... kitchentheatre.org

Culture & Attractions.................... Pg. 63

Wine, Spirits & Brews.................. Pg. 58

4th Annual

Children’s Photo Contest!

ATTENTION:

Deadline

Parents & Grandparents

March 1, 2018 Age Groups • Up to 9 years old • 10 to 13 years old • 14 to 16 years old

Visit LifeintheFingerLakes.com for more information 64

~ LifeintheFingerL akes.com

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A fresh blanket of powder and sunny skies mean getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. Because for Kendal residents like Joan and Don, spending more time experiencing the changing seasons is important â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially now that they have the time to do it. Living on the 105-acre campus at Kendal not only keeps them involved in the lifestyle they love, but connected to any future care they may need. And, from here, the story just keeps getting better. Come for a visit and tell us your story. Call 1-800-253-6325 or go to kai.kendal.org to learn more.

2230 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850

A not-for-profit continuing care retirement community serving older adults in the Quaker tradition. ÂŠ2014 KENDAL

“It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it.” – John Burroughs

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