Mohawk Valley Living #51 December by Mohawk Valley Living

FREE MAGAZINE

TAKE ONE!

THE SEASON OF

CELEBRATION EXPLORING THE ARTS, HISTORY AND CULTURE OF OUR REGION

DECEMBER 2017

evening SATURDAY, December 9 | 3–7pm

Join us for one of the region’s best-loved holiday traditions. Hundreds of candles adorn the grounds, free carousel rides, music, bonfires, warm wassail, savory foods, horse-drawn wagon rides, and characters from Charles Dickens’ Classic “A Christmas Carol.”

ETS

ICK ND T

E N I L ON

FARM

M.OR

SEU

U ERSM

Candlelight Evening is sponsored in part by Community Bank, Smith Ford, Haggerty Ace Hardware, Cathedral Candle Company, Dyn’s Cider Mill, Bruce Hall Home Center, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Free carousel rides sponsored by Matthew Sohns and family. The event is also made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Adults (13-64):$12.00, Seniors (65+): $10.50, Juniors (7-12): $6.00. Children (6 and younger) and Members are free.

5775 ROUTE 80, COOPERSTOWN, NY

FARMERSMUSEUM.ORG

VictorianYuletide

Through the Eyes of Immigrants Christmas Traditions from Italy, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Ireland

Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. 310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York • 315-797-0000 • mwpai.org

Holiday Open House Preview holiday merchandise and enjoy refreshments & special deals on November 17 Late Night Shopping Most shops open until 7pm every Friday from November 17-December 22 Night of Lights December 1 from 6:00-7:30pm Holiday Activities Wagon rides, visits with Santa, holiday movies, and more festivities throughout December

For more information, visit www.thisishamiltonny.com

Next Issue:

January 1st

Available exclusively at our sponsors. Visit our website for list of pick-up locations. On the cover: Bluebird photograph by Pamela Underhill Karaz; local Zinn Brilliant 2017 ornament of the year; Currier and Ives lithograph from the Dick Button collection at Fenimore Art Museum

contents 6 9 13 15 18 24 28 30 34 37 40 41 48 50 51 54 55 61 62 66 69 75 76

Oneida County History Center ADK Journal Valley Girl Family Road Trip Holiday Fun Guide Gallery Guide MV Restaurant MV Nature, December On the Farm with Suzie MV Gardens & Recipes Bob the Squirrel Matt Perry’s Nature MV Astronomy Club Local CD Review Valley Girl Downtown Utica Restaurant Guide MV Comics Antiques Guide Herkimer Co. Historical Society Tales from Shawangunk, Part 39 Live & Local Music Advertiser Directory

Age-old Recipe by Sharry L. Whitney

It’s Thanksgiving Eve—time to dig out those beloved recipes. I made my favorite cranberry chutney last night and shared some with both my neighbors this morning, who in turn shared with me fresh baked bread and strata (something new to me, and yum!). I have many more recipes in my collection now, thanks to Denise Szarek. She shares a couple of new ones again this month (page 38), and Suzie Jones gets into the act, too, with her grandmother’s old-fashioned ammonia cookie recipe (page 34). They sound interesting, but will have to wait until Christmastime because now it’s all about Thanksgiving! I must be becoming a grownup because, as I mentioned, my chutney is done, my homemade pumpkin soup is in the fridge, and I’m making my stuffing today so I can just pop it in with the turkey in the morning. I remember hectic Thanksgiving mornings trying to get the turkey in early enough so it would be done in time for guests and then the mad dash to get the side dishes done and table set. No more. I’m savoring the process. It’s interesting that as I get older, chores become more like rituals. Hanging and folding the laundry, washing dishes, garden work, tending my little koi pond…no longer chores, but a therapeutic process. Now that our magazine has “matured,” I’m looking forward to putting those first 50 issues—and that mad dash to deadline—behind us and to start savoring the process of creating the next 50. •

MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017

PUBLISHERS Lance and Sharry Whitney EDITOR Sharry L. Whitney DESIGN & LAYOUT Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITORS Shelley Delosh Jorge L. Hernández ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Collea CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Carol Higgins, Jorge L. Hernández, Brian Howard, Suzie Jones, John Keller, Melinda Karastury, Frank Page, Susan Perkins, Matt Perry, Cynthia Quackenbush, Denise Szarek, Michelle Truett, Gary VanRiper CONTACT US (315) 853-7133 30 Kellogg Street Clinton, NY 13323 www.MohawkValleyLiving.com mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com Mohawk Valley Living is a monthly magazine & television show exploring the area’s arts, culture, and heritage. Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Mohawk Valley Living, Inc. Printed at Vicks in Yorkville, NY.

watch mvl every sunday!

Our mascot Riggie is roaming around the magazine and hiding in the advertising areas. Next to him you’ll find a letter. Find all the Riggies and rearrange the letters to answer this month’s trivia question. Enter by the 15th of this month to be included in a drawing for a $200 shopping spree at one or two of our advertisers!

7:30am and 11pm on wfxv 11:30am on WUTR 20

Riggie’s Holiday Riddle: This historic home welcomes you as her guest, New Hartford Decked out in her Victorian Yuletide best. Celebrating immigrant customs this year, A Utica tradition filled with good cheer! 2 words, 12 letters

See the answer and winner to last month’s riddle on page 78! One entry per household per month. Mail to: Riggie’s Riddle, 30 Kellogg St., Clinton, NY 13323 or by email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com

Mohawk Valley Living is brought to you by

Steet-Ponte auto group

Turnbull

INSURANCE SERVICE

the Oneida County History center

a look at Transportation in the Mohawk Valley Oneida County has a rich transportation heritage, one worthy of exploration. The story of how people moved through and around the Mohawk Valley parallels the development of the United States. The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first European settlers came here to take advantage of the Mohawk River, the gateway to the west, and the commercial enterprise it promised. The Oneida Carrying Point figured prominently in our colonial history, necessitating the buildup of fortifications that grew into towns still known today. Decades later, ground was broken for the Erie Canal in Rome, with several feeder canals running goods north and south from it. The Chenango Canal was the shortest-lived of these first branches. Connecting Utica and Binghamton, it was only in operation from 1837 to 1877 and never turned a profit. The Chenango tied into the Erie at the foot of Varick Street, near the modern day site of the Adirondack Bank Center/Utica Memorial Auditorium. The Black River Canal opened in the 1850s and parts of it survived into the 1920s. It connected Rome with Lyons Falls and primarily served as a conduit for timber coming

Freedom Farm Market Fresh-cut Christmas Trees, Handmade Wreaths and Swags, Poinsettias, Giftware, Home Decor, Candles, Mugs & More! Gift certificates available.

M-F: 10-7, Sat & Sun: 9-5 (315) 829-4880 4826 State Rt. 5, Vernon 6

Order Your Christmas Floral Arrangements! Fresh or Silk Available!

Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Kissing Balls & Garland! Your Full Service Florist!

Christmas

SelectedleIt! ems

50% off!

Gift Cards! Gift Shoppe!

Open Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5 (Closed Dec 25th - Jan 31st) â&#x20AC;˘ www.michaelsgreenhouse.com

2774 Oneida St., Sauquoit, NY (315) 737-8181

out of the Adirondacks. Its remnants are readily visible along State Route 12 north of Utica; the canal prism is also extant at the Delta Lake State Park. Overland stage coaches functioned much as today’s taxis do, moving people in town, between towns, and for a short time, across the country. Utica’s own John Butterfield pioneered the use of stagecoaches for transcontinental mail and passenger service during the middle 19th century. His was a precursor to the equally short-lived Pony Express. From 1863 through 1941 Utica used trolleys for mass transit. Initially horse-drawn, then electric after 1890, the trolleys bridged the time between the carriage and the automobile. Trolley service came to an end when a new fleet of buses went into operation in May of 1941. Little of the infrastructure— poles, tracks, and maintenance facilities—exist today that harken back to when trolley service blanketed the city. After the Civil War, railroads ruled the land. Utica was a major transportation hub for lines like the New York Central. By the early 1900s roadways expanded as manufacturing and industry did. Automotive commerce eventually surpassed the rails, creating a grid of roadways that remain in use today. Construction of the New York State Thruway in the

Barney’s Angels Only $15 per night

“The Future of Flooring”

Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic Hardwood • Laminate FREE ESTIMATES!

Tues.- Fri. 9-4:30, Sat. 9-1

709 E. Dominick St. Rome (315) 337-2430 www.DDCarpetsofRome.com

Thanks for another great year! Wishing you all health, happiness, and *NPRs!

*New Personal Records

4490 Commercial Drive, New Hartford (315) 736-9237

Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 12-5pm www.the-sneaker-store.com

Small Dog Sitters

(315) 525-3330

4361 Acme Road, Ilion Home Environment Clean, Safe Friendly & Spacious Daily FB videos Visit us on Facebook!

GOODSELL MUSEUM Local Adirondack History

2993 State 28 Old 2993Route State Route 28Forge, NY 13420

Old315-369-3838 Forge, NY 13420 www.WebbHistory.org 315-369-3838

www.webbhistory.org Open All Year All Year FREEOpen TO THE PUBLIC

FREE TO THE PUBLIC Museum Hours:

Tues – Sat, 10AM Museum Hours:– 3 PM

Tues-Sat, 10am-3pm Headquarters of the Town of Webb Historical Association Headquarters of the Town of Webb Historical Association

COME JOIN US

Losing your

or are your ears

FIND OUT FOR YOURS

1950s solidified the automobile’s grip on the American conscience, and people hit the open road in unprecedented numbers. Mohawk Airlines operated in Utica from 1958 until its merger with Allegheny Airlines in 1972. What became Mohawk began as Robinson Airlines in Ithaca in 1945; at its peak Mohawk employed over 2,200 people. From its headquarters at the Oneida County Airport, passengers could fly to a dozen states in the mid-Atlantic, New England and the Midwest, as well as to cities in Canada. •

3 DAYS ONLY

Oneida County History Center

1608 Genesee Street, Utica (315) 735-3642

Open Tues.-Fri. 10-4, Sat 10-2 www.oneidacountyhistory.org

IT’

★ThisFREE Complete Electronic Hearing Test Audiometric evaluation will precisely show what you’ve been miss

Losing your Hearing,

COME JOIN US FOR OUR O Build ★ThisFREE Video Otoscope Ear Inspection your HEARING show-all picture ofLosing your ear canal is displayed on a color TV STRENGTH or are your ears just plugged w Build or are your earsseejust plugged with earwax? so you’ll exactly what we see. FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF! + BALANCE STRENGTH + FLEXIBILITY + BALANCE FREE Complete Electronic so you get the absolute Hearing Test & FREE Video most out + of FLEXIBILITY life. Otoscope ear Inspection! so you get the absolute All-In-The-Canal SAVE most out of life. IT’S ALL FREE JOIN TODAY AND GET ★ ★ NOW The Digital Programmable ★

You

FREE ea

Tuesd Wedne Thurs

3 DAYS ONLY

$695

50% OFF 50% OFF

FREE Complete Electronic Hearing Test

This Audiometric evaluation will precisely show what you’ve been missing.

JOIN TODAY AND GET

OUR ENROLLMENT FEE!

Call no TOLL FREE

FREE Video Otoscope Ear Inspection

FREE Package of Hear

If you now wear a hearing aid, you will hearing you will receive another free p

Hearing Aid of the future… OR… Maybe 3 Days Only for you to adj IS HERE TODAY!!$695 $400 off

★ FREE In Office Re

This show-all picture of your ear canal is displayed on a color TV monitor,

so you’ll see exactly what we see. Offer valid on Model Shine Plus. Valid at participating Hearing Health LLC locations only. Offer valid on one aid. May not be combined All-In-The-Canal with any other offers. Offer does not apply to SAVE NOW prior sales. Expires 11/20/15.

†

OUR ENROLLMENT FEE! †

All in-one repairs shall be free..

The Digital Progra Hearing Aid of the IS HERE TODA

OR… Maybe you want better hearing that no-one can see. No manual volume controls for you to adjust. Just slip it into your ear and it adjusts itself automatically as$400 youofflisten. HEARING HEALTH HEARING AID C $400 off the purchase of a set of Digital Hearing Aids. Offer valid on Model Shine Plus. Valid at participating Hearing Health LLC locations only. Offer valid on one aid. May not be combined with any other offers. Offer does not apply to prior sales. Expires 11/20/15.

SAVE NOW

Our guided fitness workouts and classes help you get stronger, improve balance, Our guided fitness workouts and classes and increase flexibility, all in just 30 minutes. help you get stronger, improve balance, 123 Main St. 300 N. Prospect St.State ZIPflexibility, 9835 River City, and increase all inRoad just 30 minutes.

Herkimer, NY

000.000.0000

315-866-3100

Utica, NY 315-368-0062

123 Main St. Curves.com City, State ZIP 000.000.0000 †Enrollment fee and monthly fees vary by location. Offer expires 12/31/17 and requires joining same day as first visit

for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Valid for new Curves members only. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating locations only. No cash value.

Curves.com

© 2017 Curves International, Inc. (1610_Gen) †Enrollment fee and monthly fees vary by location. Offer expires 12/31/17 and requires joining same day as first visit for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Valid for new Curves members only. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating locations only. No cash value. © 2017 Curves International, Inc. (1610_Gen)

OR… Maybe you want better hearing that no-one can see. No for you to adjust. Just slip it into your ear and it adjusts itself

the purchase of a set of Digital Hearing A

HEARING HE Rome All-In-Canal $695 Rome

Wal-Mart • 5815 Rome Taberg Rd.

Wal-Ma

TOLL FREE 1-888-490-HEAR

pt We Acce an Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing. Hearing test and v Empire Pl test is an audiometric test to determine proper amplification ne nce!Offer valid on oneHearing Insuraonly. Offer valid on Model Shine Plus. Valid at participating Hearing Health LLC locations aid.norMay notintended be combined are they to replace a physician’s care. If you suspect

Wal-Mart • 5815 Rome Tabe

with any other offers. Offer does not apply to prior sales. Expires 1/31/16 UT-000552292_V3

Individual experiences vary depending on severity of hearing loss, accu

HEARING HEALTHtHEARING AID CENTERS TOLL FRE ccep

A Utica WeRome Hearing aid Wal-Mart • 710 Horatio St. p Em Hearing test is an aud ! ance1-888-490-HEAR (4327 TOLL surFREE We accept In nor )are they inte lanRd. Wal-Mart • 5815iRome re PTaberg

Empire Plan Insurance!

UT-000552292_V3

PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH test CORRECTIONS BY:_________ Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing. Hearing test and video otoscopic inspections are always free. Hearing is PLEASEneeds READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT ONLINE an audiometric test to determine proper amplification only. These are notCORRECTIONS medi cal exams or diagnoses, nor are they intended to replace a physician’s care. If you suspect a problem, please seek treatment from a doctor. Individual experiences UT-000552292_V3 (100%) vary depending on severity of hearingADVERTISER: loss, accuracy of evaluation ability toPROOF adaptCREATED to amplification. AMPLIFON HEARINGand CENTER AT: 11/11/2015 6:23:21 AM

Individual experience

SALES PERSON: UT6008

NEXT RUN DATE: 11/13/15

SIZE: 10.913X10.125

PROOF DUE: 11/12/15 12:59:55

PUBLICATION: UT-DAILY

adirondack journal

The 46ers

Noonmark Mountain at dawn. The summit offers a 360-degree view of the high peaks region.

Documentary

part 2, Interview with the Filmmaker Blake CortrighT by Gary VanRiper photos: Blake Cortright/The 46ers film On November 13, the documentary film The 46ers aired on public television stations throughout New York State. The film by Blake Cortright tells the story behind the quest by hundreds of people since 1925 who have ascended the 46 highest peaks in New York state to become 46ers, and why they climb them. This is Part 2 of an interview I had with the filmmaker and, for those who may have missed the broadcast, explains how you can still obtain a copy of the documentary for yourself or for someone for Christmas. The film enjoyed an early limited release in theaters throughout and around the Adirondacks. I saw it at the Capitol Theater in Rome, N.Y. You appeared and answered questions at a number of those screenings. What was the most intriguing question you recall answering? Some of the most interesting questions were about conservation and stewardship. Making the film greatly expanded my perspective on stewardship and my respect for the wilderness. Discovering the beauty of the mountains firsthand and hearing the stories of those who love and care for the mountains inspired the crew and me. It was awesome to see people consistently asking about the stewardship of the mountains as the popularity of the 46 increases, and I think some of the interviewees in the film speak to that issue with a healthy balance of optimism and pragmatism. There is a great mix of interviews with seasoned hikers and newbies and there were moments in the film when those in the audience laughed right out loud, and then solemn moments when you could cut the air with a knife. How did you finally decide whom to include in the

Shop Local! We deliver worldwide!

Village Florals

High Quality & Beautifully Designed! Fresh- Arrangements, Poinsettias, Wreaths, Garlands & Swags Silk- Arrangements, Decorated Trees, Wreaths, Garlands, & Swags Plus New Fashion Accessories, Bath, Body & Home Decor! Extended Holiday Hours!

27 Genesee St., New Hartford 315.797.7700 www.villageflorals.net

Amanda Travis was an aspiring 46er when the documentary was being filmed. Hers proved to be a key interview as the project unfolded.

Personal, Business & Life Insurance Planning From a local company established in 1866

Turnbull

INSURANCE SERVICE

600 French Road, New Hartford â&#x20AC;˘ 315.735.9201 www.turnbull-insurance.com

interview and what stories within the story to tell? We interviewed nearly two dozen people during the production of The 46ers. It wasn’t until our last interview with (then aspiring) 46er Amanda Travis that the central thread of all the pertinent interviews came into full view. I knew the approximate runtime I was shooting for and that helped me narrow down my interviews. Some really great interviews had to be cut, but I’m very happy with the finished project. I feel the ones who made the final cut bring a very unique voice and perspective that makes the film feel rich and dynamic.

Filming on Cascade Mountain. Crew members carried gear up each mountain the old-fashioned way – on their backs.

I would imagine Whiteface Mountain, with its Veterans’ Memorial Highway, would be easiest to summit with filmmaking equipment. How did you and members of your ambitious crew get your gear to the top of other mountains such as Cascade and Porter? Whiteface was the easiest peak for our crew since we drove up the highway and took the elevator to the summit with all of our camera gear. However, on every other shoot we had to bring along at least one tripod, camera, batteries, and lenses in addition to normal hiking gear. We used a special camera backpack to transport the main camera and lenses safely through the woods. Sometimes we had two or three cameras and lenses with us, and GoPros were almost always present as a C-camera. Usually, one of us would carry the main camera and lenses, someone else would carry the B-camera, and someone else would carry the tripod. On one trip to Cascade, we carried a portable jib crane and counter weights in addition to our normal gear – that was quite a sight! In short, we carried our gear on our backs everywhere we went except for Whiteface. Tell us about the score for the film and its composer, Justin Michael Brittain. Justin is a good friend of mine, but we met in an unconventional way. A few years before this project started, our mothers reconnected on Facebook and connected the two of us shortly thereafter. We had never met in person until partway through the production of The 46ers, so our friendship was predominately through Skype. At the

OUR STRENGTH IS OUR PEOPLE THE HUMANIST PHOTOGRAPHS OF

LEWIS HINE O N VI EW SEPT E M BE R 16 –DEC E M B E R 3 1 Lewis Wickes Hine (1874–1940) was considered the father of American documentary photography. This exhibition consists of rare vintage prints, and covers the three overarching themes of Hine’s three-decade career: the immigrant experience, child labor, and the American worker, culminating in his magnificent studies of the construction of the Empire State Building. All works are from the collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg. This exhibition was organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions.

Image: Sadie, a cotton mill spinner, Lancaster, South Carolina, 1908. Lewis Hine.

HOURS THROUGH OCT 9: OPEN DAILY, 10AM-5PM OCT 10 - DEC 31: OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY, 10AM-4PM (CLOSED MONDAYS, THANKSGIVING, AND CHRISTMAS)

5798 ROUTE 80 | COOPERSTOWN, NY | FENIMOREART.ORG

outset of this project, I knew I wanted a big musical score to match the visuals I had in my head and I reached out to Justin with the idea – he was ecstatic. He crafted the track for the announcement trailer back in 2013; over the course of the next year, we bounced ideas back and forth. I sent him dailies of the footage we were shooting so he could get a sense of the visual language of the film. In 2014 Justin wrote the main musical theme that would come to define the tone of the soundtrack. While that theme only plays in full statement a handful of times, it’s one of the most iconic scores I’ve ever heard for a documentary film. We never treated The 46ers like a documentary, and our references for music and visuals always came from the narrative film world. Movies like Lawrence of Arabia, Ben-Hur, Dances with Wolves, and The Lord of the Rings inspired both of us in the scope of the movie and the music we were creating. I couldn’t be more proud of the score Justin composed, and I’m so excited to work with him on the next project!

The summit of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth highest peak in the Adirondacks, was easiest to ascend with its highway and elevator to the top.

The film also features an original song by Dan Berggren. Did Dan write the song for the film or did you discover it from his existing catalogue? We were extremely privileged to have Dan’s support from the outset. I called him up when I was working on the initial promo and Kickstarter video to raise awareness and funds, and he offered a few instrumental songs from his catalogue to help the cause. As we got further into production, I realized it would be so great to have a folk song during the credits. I reached out to Dan once again to see what he had up his sleeve. For the movie credits, he wrote an entire original song. I had a blast joining him at his home studio as he reworked portions of “Climbing” and did an initial recording for me to edit into

urbanik’s paint co.

NEW LOCATION IN ALSO OPEN ROME!

Best Paint! Best Prices! Best Service! 506 State Street, Utica • (315) 724-5129 1165 Erie Blvd. West, Rome • (315)336-0400

Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm, Sat: 8am-1pm • www.urbanikspaintco.com

Party Catering Nothing is too big or small for us!

Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe 707 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 315-735-9712 Mon 7-5, Wed-Fri 7-5, Sat 7-3, Sun 7-Noon

the timeline. As we spoke about the project more, Dan felt the song should take on a hymn-like reverence, and I’m so thankful for his instincts because I can’t imagine a better way to conclude the movie. What’s the next project? In the past week, I’ve read three scripts sent my way for consideration and I’ve started developing a few screenplays of my own. I’m very excited about one narrative project in particular. I started writing it back in 2012, and I recently dug it out and started tearing it apart to build a newer, better story from the high concept I came up with in college. I can’t give too many details, but it’s a world away from the lush mountainous wildernesses of The 46ers. That said, I’ve also got concepts for some Adirondack projects, but we’ll see what the future holds.

Director Blake Cortright (right) sits with the composer for the film’s musical score, Justin Michael Brittain.

For those who missed the PBS Television broadcast, can people still secure a copy of the DVD? After Nov. 13, 2017, DVDs will be available through WCNY. For more information, visit www.wcny.org/46ers • Gary VanRiper is an author, photographer, and pastor at the Camden Wesleyan Church. He has written 15 children’s books with his son, Justin. Find out more at:

www.adirondackkids.com

The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl

prima Donna’s Boutique in Little Falls

by Cynthia Quackenbush, photos: Melinda Karastury

Prima Donna’s Boutique is located at Canal Place in Little Falls, a beautiful place to shop during the holidays.

I purposely sought out Prima Donna’s Boutique, because I had heard there was a nice new store at Canal Place in Little Falls. Rumor did not lie. It is a lovely gift shop of “fashion, jewelry, home, and resale,” handily located across the street from Little Falls Antique Center, just a few doors down from Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. I was quite taken with the jewelry and made a note to myself to send my husband, Steven, there if he needs any ideas for birthday or Christmas presents (I try to be a helpful wife like that). I also appreciated the vintage clothing rack. I made a note of that both for theatrical purposes and for myself when I finally clean out my closet so I’ll have space and reason to treat myself to a new outfit. At the check-out, I saw some beautiful handmade flowers for a very reasonable price. I was going to pick one out when I noticed the handmade faeries. So sweet! I chose one holding a medallion that read, “Faith,” for my mother (now I have to remember to give it to her before this article gets printed!). The lady at the counter put it in a gauzy purple bag, so it will make a nice no-reason gift for Mom! A few weeks after that, Steven and I had a day off together, so we made our way to Little Falls, so I could introduce him to the boutique in person. We were delighted to see all the Christmas décor and had a lovely time chatting with owner Donna Castellano. Steven found an unusual set of salt and pepper shakers for a great price. Donna told us she tries to keep her prices affordable.

SUNNYBROOK FARM (315) 841-4910

Taking reservations for fresh Thanksgiving Turkeys

To reserve call (315) 725-7937 or email: sunnybrookbeef@yahoo.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8-4, Sat 8-Noon

Organic & Pasture raised $4.50/lb 2033 Brothertown Rd., Deansboro www.sunnybrookmeats.com

Owner of Prima Donna’s, Donna Castellano

Prima Donna’s offers a varety of items from vintage clothing and home décor to locally made candies, jams, jewelry, and candles

Infinity Tree

Energy Healing & Wellness Using ancient healing traditions and modern science to help you feel better physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Amanda Wallis

Alternative Energy Healer

(315) 527-3042

www.infinitytreehealing.com

infinitytreehealing@gmail.com 34 Oxford Rd., New Hartford

My mother collects salt and pepper shakers, so Steven thought these would make an excellent Thanksgiving Day present. This fit right in with the discussion we were having about various collections and family things passed down. Prima Donna’s certainly contains a lot of times that would be kept and cherished. One of the things that impressed me most was Donna’s commitment to local merchandise. I noticed the Red Rose Tea and Utica Coffee right away. Donna also carries locally made jewelry, note cards, salsas, vinegars, candles, candy, glasses, pillows, and more. She gave us a sample of chocolates from Honey Brook Hobbies in Herkimer, and suggested we check out Huckleberry Letterpress on Main Street in Little Falls. “Tell them Donna sent you,” she said. Of course, I made sure to show Steven the jewelry I had so admired on my earlier visit. I was also quite taken with some fancy vintage purses. I just love little dress purses. Donna pointed out some beautiful handmade pendants of copper-wire-wrapped gemstones. Now Steven has lots of Christmas gift ideas for me! •

Stocking stuffers for the decerning people on your list

Don’t forget to visit Canal Place during “Christmas on Main Street” Saturday, December 9th

Prima Donna’s Boutique

411 Canal Place, Little Falls • 315-868-0725 Open Thursday - Saturday: 11-5, Sunday: 12-4

Cynthia M. Quackenbush, a.k.a. “Mohawk Valley Girl,” writes a daily blog about her everyday adventures in the Mohawk Valley. Follow her frugal fun at: mohawkvalleygirl.wordpress.com

Serving Rome & Utica Since 1946

WKAL

TALKRADIO 1450 www.utica-rememberwhen.com

For the gifts you love to give and receive!

Naturewood Knoll 103 Main St., Whitesboro (315) 768-1462 Tues-Fri 6-2 Sat & Sun 6-1

Wholesale Orders Call (315) 733-6603 Complimentary gift wrapping!

Open through Dec 23 Wed.-Sun., 10am - 6pm

Trees, wreaths, greens, fine art, toys, ornaments, stocking stuffers!

2408 St. Rt. 169, Little Falls

clothing and giftware for men, women, children and infants

Open: Mon-Sat 10-6, and Sundays after Thanksgiving 20 West Park Row, Clinton, NY 315.853.3650 www.kriziamartin.com

Tree Farm

The News Source of Old Forge, Inlet and Surrounding Communities FREE Newspaper Available in the Greater Old Forge Area! www.weeklyadk.com

(315) 823-1133

See Santa!

Sat., December 2, 12-3

Mohawk Valley road trip

tour of the

Shako:wi

Cultural Center in Oneida By Melinda Karastury The beautiful white pine log building of the Shako:wi Cultural Center in Oneida was erected by Oneida Nation members without a single nail. The exhibits at the center tell the story of the alliance between the Oneida Nation and Americans during the Revolutionary War against the British. Director of Education & Cultural Outreach, Kandice Watson (Wolf Clan), gave us a tour. She described the Oneida Nation flag in detail; The seal is red to recall the blood spilled before the union of the five original nations. The trunk of the white pine is white representing purity and its four roots spread to the four directions of Mother Earth. The green of the tree symbolizes the Oneida’s way of life, their government, and prosperity. Below the eagle is the wampum, symbol of the creation of the Iroquois League around 1570. The color purple represents peace. The cultural center has an interactive Onyota’a:ka language board. Alana, Josh, and Caleb enjoy pressing the buttons. They listen to the phrase repeatedly and then try to pronounce it correctly. They are all determined to learn a phrase before we leave today. The Shakowi Cultural Center has a large collection of artwork and artifacts on display throughout the center such as the Iroquois moccasins pictured on the following page.

SHAW’S

Since 1928

MAPLE PRODUCTS E

See us for your favorite treats!

CONSIGNMENT SHOPPE

Wedding & specialty cakes, Italian pastries, miniatures, and cookies. Also serving coffee, cappuccino, espresso, lattes, and pastries in our dining room. Manager - Jared Alesia, pastry chef C.I.A. Martin Alesia, cake decorator

667 Bleecker Street, Utica (315) 724-8032 Open Mon: 8-3, closed Tues, Wed-Sun: 8-5

Quality pre-owned ladies, junior, & plus size clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry & household items. (315) 896-2050

8024 Route 12, Barneveld

Visit us at the farmers markets this summer! Whitesboro (Mon.), Cottage Lawn in Oneida (Tues.) and Clinton (Thurs.) www.shawsmapleproducts.com

7945 Maxwell Rd., Clinton 315-725-0547 15

Shako:wi Cultural Center Mon-Fri: 9am–5pm (315) 829-8801 5 Territory Rd. Oneida, NY www.oneidaindiannation.com

Offering all the comforts of home!

Artisan Cheese handmade by the Felio Family and sold locally throughout the Mohawk Valley!

For locations visit: www.threevillagecheese.com Also see us every Saturday at the Oneida Co. Market at Utica’s Union Station!

THOMPSON APPLIANCE & FURNITURE

20% Off Furniture Sale! *excluding already discounted items

Featuring Popular Name Brand Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Electronics 121 Madison St., Oneida • (315) 363-4308 • thompsonapplianceandfurniture.com Open Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 8am-6pm; Thu: 8am-8pm; Sat: 8am-4pm; Sun: 10am-3pm

Visit our Historic Museum & shop in our Country Store A Christmas Gathering:

Féile Na Nollag

Friday, December 15, 2017 | 7:00 PM Herkimer College Sarkus-Busch Theater

We are located on Catherine Street in Ilion, NY

Open Monday – Friday (some Saturdays prior to Christmas ) 8:30am – 4:30pm, Closed 12pm – 1pm Call for Holiday Shopping Hours/Days (315) 895-3200 or (315) 895-3301

MUSEUM & COUNTRY STORE

Free tickets are available by contacting the Foundation Office. 315-574-4015 | www.herkimer.edu/greatartists

“…impressive, immersive and uniquely and unmistakably Irish”

~ Strings Magazine

december

Holiday Traditions

Utica Dance performs The Nutcracker Ballet at MVCC in Utica, December 15-17

Mohawk Valley Ballet performs The Nutcracker Saturday, Dec. 2, 7:30pm Sunday, Dec. 3, 2pm

The Stanley Center for the Arts 259 Genesee St., Utica

Tickets: (315) 724-4000 www.thestanley.org

Christmas in Little Falls • Saturday, December 9, 3-7pm

Historical tours, free horse and carriage rides, visit with Santa Claus, caroling, indoor farmers’ market and an artisans’ fair. City of Little Falls • www.christmasinlittlefalls.com

Stocking Fine Alpaca Products HATS - GLOVES - SWEATERS - SOCKS & More Art from the Heart of Central NY

Shop our original art and support our local artists!

Everyone Loves the Gift of Alpaca!

Brimming with one-of-a-kind gifts! Paintings & Photography, Drawings, Jewelry, Candles, Fleece, Felted & Woven Garments, Knitwear, Quilting, Wood Carving, Pottery, Baskets, Tinware, Lighting, Stained Glass, & much more!

Open 7 days a week at 1 College St, Clinton (315) 853-1453 www.artisanscorner.blogspot.com 18 52

27 West Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365

Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm/Sat: 10am-4pm/Sundays in Dec 10am-4pm

Ph. 315-823-1100 Mastercard/Visa/Discover/Am Express

Hamilton Choir Concert: Carols, Lullabies, & Love Songs

Victorian Yuletide: Through the Eyes of Immigrants

The Hamilton College Choir and College Hill Singers present a holiday program.

Celebrate the holiday season with a family visit to Fountain Elms. The various rooms showcase Christmas traditions introduced to Utica by immigrants from the British Isles, Germany, Poland, and Italy.

November 24 - December 31

Saturday, December 2, 7:30pm

Service of Lessons & Carols Carols, Lullabies, and Love Songs Sunday, December 3, 4pm

The Hamilton College Choir performs at the Annual Service of Lessons and Carols.

Candlelight Open House

Hamilton Orchestra Concert

Friday, December 15, 6 -8 pm

Friday, December 8, 7:30pm

Heather Buchman conducts the Hamilton College Orchestra in Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major, “The Great.”

Take a candlelit evening stroll through the annual holiday exhibition in the Fountain Elms period rooms and galleries.

Concerts are free and open to the public.

Fountain Elms

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute 310 Genesee Street, Utica (315) 797-0000 • www.mwpai.org

Wellin Hall, Schambach Center Hamilton College, Clinton www.hamiltonpa.org

NYS INSPECTIONS • OIL CHANGES • TUNE UPS • COLLISION WORK • AC

Complete Collision and Mechanical Repair Since 1987

MV Living fans mention Black Widow for 20% OFF purchase*

*Expires 12/31/17 Excludes new comics

Big Apple Plaza

7509 Route 5 • Clinton, New York 13323 • Phone 315-853-8804 • children’s bookstore • reading tutoring • arts enrichment • literacy enrichment • birthday parties

Books mak great gifts!e

Mon: 10-2, Tues-Fri: 10-7, Sat: 10-4

(315) 765-6262 • 587 Main St., New York Mills

SHOP, EAT, ROCK LOCAL

New Hartford • 735-3699

IRONWOOD Furniture

Jelly Cupboards, Bookcases, Hutches, Tables, Baker’s Racks, Benches, Coffee/End Tables, Hoosiers & much more!

AMISH MADE

F F O % 0 1STOREWIDE

7686 Route 5, Clinton (315) 853-7300

EMS IN-STOCK IT

Open Mon -Sat: 10am-5pm www.ironwoodcny.com

Symphoria: Holiday Wonder Fri., December 8, 8-10pm

Tickets $15-$20 online at: www.experiencesymphoria.org or call: (315) 866-1563 and available at the door

Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School 801 West German St., Herkimer

Candlelight Evening The Farmers’ Museum Saturday, December 9, 3-7pm

One of the region’s best-loved holiday traditions! The landscape takes on a magical appearance, illuminated by hundreds of candles.

The Farmers’ Museum

5775 Highway 80, Cooperstown www.farmersmuseum.org

The Magic of the Holidays With Robert Channing Saturday, December 9, 7pm World famous mentalist and speed painter Robert Channing brings his mesmerizing show, with a holiday twist, to the Stanley. Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Available at the Box Office or call: (315) 724-4000 • www.thestanley.org

The Stanley Center for the Arts 259 Genesee St., Utica

Classic Holiday TV Specials Friday, December 15, 6-8pm

See old friends like Frosty, the Heat Miser, the Grinch, and more. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be served. Donations for the Clinton Pool will be accepted. All are welcome!

Kirkland Town Library

55 1/2 College Street, Clinton (315) 853-2038 www.kirklandtownlibrary.org

Off-Center Records

The annual holiday tradition continues as we present Frank Capra’s 1946 gem on a restored 35mm print direct from the Library of Congress!

Capitol Theatre

220 W. Dominick St., Rome (315) 337-6453 www.romecapitoltheatre.com

Utica Dance presents The Nutcracker Ballet Friday, December 15th, 7pm Saturday, December 16th, 2pm & 7pm Sunday December 17th, 2pm

MVCC Utica Campus

MVCC Theater 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica Tickets are $15 at www.uticadance.com

Hanging Baskets Hydroponic Heirloom Tomatoes Vegetable Plants Fall Mums

We are YOUR Downtown Music Connection!

Friday, December 15, 7pm

SZAREK’S

All things music - New & quality used Records, CDs, tapes, books, tees, memorabilia, guitars & accessories, drum accessories and more!

Hours M-Sat 11-6 116 Bleecker St., Utica, NY 13501 315-738-7651

It’s a Wonderful Life

www.utica-rememberwhen.com

7446 E. South St., Clinton 315.853.5901

Holiday Hoot at the Utica Zoo

Star Wars Holiday Craft

Saturday, Dec. 16, 1-3pm

Fri., December 15, 3:30pm

Bring the whole family for pictures with Santa! Enjoy meet & greets with our animals. Free hot drinks, cookies, and candy. Bring gifts for our animals from our wish list: uticazoo.org/wishlist. Holiday Hoot included with Zoo admission.

Decorate a Star Wars themed ornament. For ages 8-15

Utica Zoo

One Utica Zoo Way, Utica (315) 738-0472 www.uticazoo.org

Gingerbread Houses Sat., December 16, 10:30am

Mohawk Valley Choral Society Concert: Sounds of the Season

Build your own Gingerbread House to take home. For ages 5-12 Registration required, call or visit website

Sun., Dec. 17, 3pm, Tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door

Utica Public Library

Annunciation Church

303 Genesee St., Utica (315) 735-2279 www.uticapubliclibrary.org

50 West St, Ilion, NY Tickets at: 826-3092 or online at: www.mvchoral.org

OPEN BOWLING DAILY!

STATE BOWL

17 E. State St., Ilion • 315-894-4862 www.statebowlingcenter.com

Book by Local Artist!

In a garden, amongst the beans and carrots, lives a young tomato who just doesn’t fit in. Follow his adventures as he wanders into the depths of the garden and learns about jealousy, appreciation, and fate from the other garden dwellers. Available at: Amazon Your purchase of this book helps www.barnesandnoble.com local author and artist Autumn Kuhn and www.rosedogbookstore.com pay off her student loans. (Rose Dog offers free shipping!)

MUSEUM & COUNTRY STORE

See Remington firearms and artifacts from the 1800s to today. Shop for clothing, hats, and souvenirs in the Country Store. 14 Hoefler Avenue, Ilion (315) 895-3200 FREE! Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm (store closes 4:30pm)

A family business since 1970 NY State aged cheddar 1-20 years old! Over 400 items of cheese & gourmet foods.

(800) 638-3836 934 Earlville Road, Earlville (between Poolville and Earlville) Open Mon-Fri: 9:30-5, Most Sundays 10:30-3, closed Sat. www.jewettscheese.com

er w o fl rals tu

Openings for Men, Women, Mixed & Co-ed

Jewett’s Cheese House

Sun N

Fall Leagues Now Forming!

foods

Feed your body, nurture your soul.

Quality Products for 21 years!

Open Mon: 10-5, Tues-Fri: 10-6 8024 Route 12, Barneveld 896-2820

Our new monthly newsletter will be emailed directly to you the middle of each month. From sneak peeks of upcoming issues to contests, exclusive MVL daytrip itineraries, coupons, and more!

Just email us to subscribe: mvlnewsletter@hotmail.com

Specializing in Weddings & Banquets

EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE • COMPETITIVE PRICING PROFESSIONAL WAIT STAFF ACCOMMODATIONS UP TO 200 GUESTS WEDDING RECEPTIONS • REHEARSAL DINNERS • BRIDAL & BABY SHOWERS FAMILY REUNIONS • BUSINESS MEETINGS • ALL OCCASION PARTIES

Friday night dinners featuring our famous fresh haddock fish fry! Full menu available - Serving every Friday 4-8:30

16 Erie St. Yorkville, NY 13495 (315) 736-9359 www.clubmonarch.net

Experience all that the arts have to offer at Rome’s only multi‐arts facility. Open year round! live music • art galleries • workshops • community events • festivals • summer camp • historic tours • rentals • and more!

www.romeart.org

Light up someone’s life with a beautifully unique lamp!

GARRO DRUGS 704 Bleecker Street, Utica NY 315.732.6915

PRESCRIPTIONS • COMPOUNDING DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FREE Prescription Pick Up & Delivery

Give the gift of comfort!

Choose from our large selection of recliners.

We accept ALL Medicaid managed care plans including Fidelis, Excellus BCBS, United Health Care. We also accept CVS Caremark, Veterinary Prescriptions for your pets, We process No Fault and Worker’s Compensation Claims

Route 5 , Sherrill 363-3131

www.froassfurniture.com Mon-Wed: 9-5:30 Thurs & Fri: 9-8:30; Sat: 9-5

Serving “The Heart of Utica” Since 1910

december

GAllery GUIDE

Don’t miss the exhibit, The Art of Figure Skating through the Ages: The Dick Button Collection, on display at The Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown through December 31st. Central-Park, Winter, The Skating Pond (1862), Currier and Ives (publisher), Lyman W. Atwater, lithographer (1835–1891), after Charles Parsons (1821–1910). Hand-colored lithograph. Collection of Dick Button.

Recent Photographs by Pamela Underhill Karaz

Masterworks & Masterworks on Paper Through December 30, 2017

Premiering new work including intimate scenes of wildlife.

Explore the rarely exhibited masterpieces of the Arkell Museum’s collection, including works by Cassatt, Homer, O’Keeffe, Grandma Moses, Whistler, and more.

Adirondack Art & Picture Framing

8211 State Route 12, Barneveld, NY www.adirondackart.com

Arkell Museum

2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY (518) 673-2314 www.arkellmuseum.org

Yellow Llife Scenes: Recent Paintings by Lupo Sol

Anda Stelian

Through December 30, 2017 Reception: Sat., December 2, 4-6pm

“I like to catch an image and explore the why I took the picture. There is no ” acte gratuit ”; somehow this easy click is a selective look at our daily surroundings.”

Through December 23, 2017

Exhibit featuring the artwork of members of the Broad Street Gallery: Julia and David Will, Karen Burns, Johanna Lerwick, Lynn Plata and Wells Horton.

Earlville Opera House

18 East Main Street, Earlville, NY (315) 691-3550 www.earlvilleoperahouse.com

Broad Street Gallery

20 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY (315) 825-5235 www.hamiltoncenterforthearts.com

FRIENDLY BAKE SHOP www.mvfoodaction.com

Berry Hill Book Shop

Over 75,000 used books!

2349 Rte 12-B, Deansboro, NY 315-821-6188 Open Tues-Sat 10-5 dls@berryhillbookshop.com

Merry Christmas!

Place your holiday orders now!

122 E. Main St., Frankfort

thefriendlybakeshop.com (315) 894-8861 Tues-Fri: 7-5, Sat: 7-3, Sun: 7-12:30

ATTENTION ARTISTS & NON-PROFITS The Law Office of

Stephanie Adams, PLLC Serving artists, creative professionals, cultural organizations, libraries, and not-for-profits. Copyright, trademark, contracts, licensing, charities law. Services and experience at www.stephaniecoleadams.com

(716) 464-3386 • Suite #1, 363 Grant Street, Buffalo • adams@stephaniecoleadams.com

Available for appointments in the Mohawk Valley on my frequent trips to see my folks. (But if you want to see the office, just follow the canal.)

The Art of Figure Skating through the Ages: The Dick Button Collection

Christmas House

This diverse collection of ice skating art ranges from 17th-century Dutch paintings to 20thcentury sculpture and showcases the full range of media in which ice skating has appeared.

Fusion Art Gallery

Through December Shop and support local arts.

Through December 31, 2017

8584 Turin Road, Rome, NY (315) 338-5712 www.photoshoppeofrome.com

Fenimore Art Museum

5798 Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-1400 www.fenimoreartmuseum.org

Small Work Show

After the Fall works by William Ruller

December 5, 2017 - January 5, 2018 Reception: Sun., December 10, 4-6pm

Through December 8, 2017 William Ruller’s work draws from the rural and urban decay of his youth.

Kirkland Art Center

9 1/2 East Park Row, Clinton, NY (315) 853-8871 www.kacny.org

Juergensen Gallery

Information Technology building MVCC Campus 1101 Sherman Drive Utica, NY www.mvcc.edu/gallery

HOLIDAY SPIRIT 259 GENESEE STREET, UTICA, NEW YORK

Wood Transformed December 2 - March 17, 2018

FOR TIX & INFO call (315) 724-4000 or visit thestanley.org

THE UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER HAPPY HOUR

THE NUTCRACKER

Sat | Dec 2 | 7:30 pm Sun | Dec 3 | 2:00 pm

Thurs | Dec 21 | 5-8 pm

ELVIS LIVE: ALOHA FROM HAWAII Performed by

YWCA MOHAWK VALLEY PRESENTS

Kevin Mills, backed by Steve Falvo’s Easy Money Big Band! Fri | Dec 29 | 7 pm

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT Fri | Dec 8 | 7 pm

TOWNSQUARE MEDIA PRESENTS

TRAMONTANE CAFE PRESENTS

TRAMIVERSARY 10

Saturday Dec 9 7 pm

Sun | Jan 14 | 4 pm

Sun | Dec 17 | 2 pm

Haley Nannig: Gathered windows September 30, 2017 - March 11, 2018

Myths & Legends of the adirondacks vol. 2 October 28 - March 17, 2018

Kathryn Vajda: Snow Cities

November 4, 2017 - March 31, 2018

Joanne DeStefano and Sandra Devisser: And, Here We Are November 11, 2017 - March 17, 2018

THE STANLEY PRESENTS

THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS CHOIRS

The objects in this exhibit will explore how the craft of hand turning or carving wood can be used to create works of art.

THE STANLEY PRESENTS

MOHAWK VALLEY BALLET PRESENTS

VINTAGE FURNISHINGS PRESENTS

18th ANNUAL MOHAWK VALLEY ANTIQUEFEST

Near & Far: Landscape paintings by stephen Horne November 24- March 17, 2018

Jan 27 | 10 am - 5 pm & Jan 28 | 10 am -4 pm

BROADWAY UTICA PRESENTS

3273 State Route 28 Old Forge, NY 13420 315-369-6411 www.viewarts.org

Gallery Hours Mon.-Sat. 10am-4pm Closed Sundays

Whimsical Watercolors by Elisabeth Prenot

Time in Art

December 1-31, 2017 Opening: Wed.., Dec. 6, 6:30-830pm

This exhibition features fine and decorative arts that interpret time and its passing through themes such as hours of the day and seasons of the year.

Dec. 16, 2017 - Apr. 29, 2018

Kirkland Town Library

55 1/2 College Street, Clinton, NY (315) 853- 2038 www.kirklandtownlibrary.org

Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute

310 Genesee Street, Utica, NY (315) 797-0000 â&#x20AC;˘ www.mwpai.org

Innovative Approaches, Honored Traditions

Joanne DeStefano and Sandra Devisser: And, Here We Are

Through December 10, 2017

Through March 17, 2018

The Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art at Five Years Highlights from the Permanent Collection.

View

3273 Route 28, Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6411 www.viewarts.org

Wellin Museum of Art

Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Rd., Clinton, NY (315) 859-4396 â&#x20AC;˘ www.hamilton.edu/wellin

eflections Full Moon R Having an art opening? Let us know. Email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com Art Center et 80 Main Stre 13316 Camden, NY 9 (315)820-426

The Art of We are are not not JUST JUST aa We Drapery Drapery Store. Store.

Pamela Underhill Karaz

Full Mo

Reflect io Full Moon Art Cen Reflections ter 80 Main

Street

Cam ART CEN TdeEn, R NY 133 16 (315)82 80 Main St. Camden 0-4269

Cell Shades Wood Blinds & Shutters Vignettes & Pirouettes Silhouettes & Woven Woods Vertical Blinds & Panels Roller & Solar Shades Also a complete line of upholstery for bedspreads, draperies and upholstered headboards, etc,

(315) 820-4269 jwillson3@yahoo.com

ery Art Gallsses Art Cla op Gift Sh

1 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY 315-793-1994

NewOctober Work - Including photographs Sale! on paper,40 metal, and note cards. % OFF all

Available exclusively at: in stock prints by 8211 State Rte. 12, Barneveld Karaz Pamela Underhill

Many other items on sale! www.adirondackart.com (315) 896-3934

8211 State Rt 12 Barneveld ~ 315-896-3934 For more information visit www.adirondackart.com

Celebrating 25 Years!

Available in December... Fantastic Apples!

Including Crispin, Northern Spy, Spigold, Fuji, Jon-a-Gold, MacIntosh and more. Also Pears, Butternut Squash, Potatoes and Cabbage.

Local maple syrup, honey, and Adirondack cheese!

Quality Work at Reasonable Prices

Also cider donuts and pies from our bakery, our awesome apple cake with apple cider frosting - a customer favorite!

Call for a free at home consultation available at-need or pre-need. Multiple marker design options available. Markers are produced in our Clinton facility by local workers.

Fresh Sweet Apple Cider!

Tour our outdoor display anytime and explore our large selection of monuments, vases, benches, mausoleums, portraits and pet markers. We also offer cemetery lettering services, restoration, cleaning, maintenance, and veteran marker attachments.

Burdick & Enea

Family Owned for 70 Years

M E M O R IA L S

4695 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY (315) 736-5883

56 Utica St., Clinton (315) 853-5444 • 4693 State Route 5, Herkimer

Monday-Saturday 9-6, Sunday 10-5

BEADS & GEMS

Mon. - Fri., 9-5pm, Sat., 9-2pm • www.dwmonuments.com

Perfect. Weddings. Events.

Featuring Little Falls & Herkimer Diamond Jewelry

32 W. Main St. • Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0454 • www.fallhillbeadandgem.com

Whether you celebrate inside with panoramic views of our beautiful golf greens and lush floral gardens, or outside on our spectacular grounds, when you choose Twin Ponds for your event, you’ll receive the impeccable attention to detail that will ensure your special day will be nothing short of perfect.

Accommodations for up to 700 guests Open year-round 169 Main Street, New York Mills 736-9303

mohawk valley food

Vescio’s Franklin Hotel

Phil Vescio, Jr. of Vescio’s Franklin Hotel in Rome

story and photos by Jorge L. Hernández

If I were to wax poetic, I would paraphrase someone’s words that legends never die, they just keep shining to light up the dark alleys. Indeed, Vescio’s Franklin Hotel in Rome would fit into that bright experience standing the test of time. So well known is the eatery on South James Street that for years it kept in business without even the aid of its shiny red signage. “My father didn’t add the ‘Franklin Hotel’ sign until 1985,” Phil Vescio, Jr. says. “But people knew where we were.” The Vescio family opened the restaurant—indeed, it was formerly a hotel—circa 1970. The menu remains constant and consistent: “I call it Italian eclectic with a flair,” Phil says. “With a focus on pastas and paninis.” Phil, brother Mark, and sister Mary currently run the place. Phil says his parents are still active in the business. Almost 30 years ago this writer attended a first lunch at the Franklin, a retirement celebration for a newspaper colleague. The centerpiece of the meal then—and still true now— was the roasted red pepper and provolone appetizer. That retirement lunch was followed by years of dozens of return visits, for both milestone gatherings and others more mundane: anniversaries, graduations, a son’s 21st birthday, small family reunions, just a Friday night out, and even two impromptu post-funeral meals. My wife literally called from a cemetery in Rome the afternoons of two recent family funerals. The Franklin staff accommodated groups of 30 both times, without any hesitation. When we relate this to Phil, he quietly acknowledges our grateful memory, replying: “We step up to the plate when it comes to our customers.” That community spirit, coupled with food of the highest long-term standards, adds to the legend of the Franklin. Today’s lunch is infused with traditional dishes, starting with an antipasto of salad greens heaped with cheese and cured meats. There’s none more plentiful in the region. Following it are tastings of sausage and peppers over today’s linguine pasta; spinach and cheese stuffed rigatoni with a meatball; and what Phil says is the very popular pancetta, chicken, and broccoli pasta in a special light sauce, served over linguine. Nothing could taste more Italian authentic and timeless time after time. And as a counterpoint to the hearty lunch, there’s cannoli and cannoli cake for dessert. “We want people to taste something and say it’s the best I ever had,” Phil says. “Other-

Project 10.17R_Layout 1 9/12/2017 1:25 PM Page 1

Hostess Liz Hayes

wise, we’re a failure because we missed the opportunity to do something better, to do something great for you.” The Franklin lives up to its motto of being the original neighborhood restaurant. After nearly 50 years in business, Phil says the restaurant is in the blood for him and his siblings. “We grew up working here,” Phil says. “Ever since I was in the 7th grade and 12 years old, I starting helping out in the restaurant after school.” Italian entrées aside, desserts also rule at the Franklin. A bakery is in operation in the basement, turning out dozens of varieties of traditional Italian pastries and the restaurant’s famous bread. Up to 200 loaves of it are baked daily for serving with meals as well as a to-go purchase. Future plans for the Franklin include an addition to also serve as a bakery to help expand its product line. With the holiday season looming, Phil points out that pastry-making shifts into high gear for all the upcoming festivities. On this day, Phil crafted a new confection to test for his cookie selection—an airy, all pink meringue macaroon. He offers such as a sample to select customers. “They’re expensive to make, but if the customers like them…,” Phil says. That’s how legends are made. •

The very popular pancetta, chicken, and broccoli pasta

Hearty sausage and peppers

Vescio’s Franklin Hotel 301 South James Street, Rome

The Franklin’s Italian pastries and desserts are known far and wide

315-336-9974

Open Monday through Saturday 11am. to 10pm, Closed Sundays

Snowed in? NOT A CHANCE!

www.toro.com

Built to Last

Delightful pink macarons

Your favorite clog with a touch of style.

Power Max

Starting at

$799.00

• Chute, delector and anti-clogging system are made of a durable, rust-free sub zero material. • Ideal for large areas/ heavy snowfalls • Powerful Toro Engine

SD Outdoor Power/Stiefvater Distributors is your best source for top quality Toro snow throwers. And don't forget, we service most major brands of outdoorpower equipment and have parts for do-it-yourselfers.

Call 315-853-5581

Stiefvater Distributors, Inc.

225 Clinton Rd., Rt. 12B, New Hartford, NY Mon. thru Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-2pm www.sdoutdoorpower.com

We Service What We Sell. See dealer or toro.com (toro.ca for Canadian residents) for warranty details. Product availability, pricing & special promotions are subject to dealer options.

NEW HARTFORD SHOPPING CENTER 315.797.0025

december in the forest

Nests Become Visible and a Surprise Visitor story and photos by Matt Perry The woods in December are far more interesting than one might suppose. They are not only interesting for what is currently happening, but also for the hidden natural treasures that have been freshly unveiled. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cursed myself on a winter walk after discovering a bird’s nest that I had failed to notice when it was active during the summer. As soon as the leaves are gone, suddenly all is revealed: The nests are in plain sight and if they are low enough they can be examined. Sometimes you can even tell if a nest was successful or not. If there is staining or some remnants of bird droppings on the rim of the nest that means young birds likely fledged from there. If the nest is somewhat pristine, then probably it was not productive.

The size, design, construction materials, and the manner it is situated can indicate what speRuins of an American Goldfinch nest cies it belonged to. Of course, old bird nests aren’t the acre in some areas. It was actually a little only kind of nests out there to be discov- scary to think of just how close I had been ered. One in particular that often strikes walking to some of these wasp nests back terror in the hearts of people is the turin the summer. That aside, these nests are ban-shaped nest created by Bald-faced incredible creations. Concealed inside are Hornets. Most of these nests, although tier upon tier of honeycomb-like nurseries no longer in use, remain in place and can devoted to the wasp’s larva. All are conappear relatively intact in December. It tained within a marvelous turban-like or seems as though 2017 was a particularly vase-like paper structure. In the summer good year for Bald-faced Hornets. In fact, I’ve seen the wasps build their nests. They there seems to be at least two nests per make the silver-gray paper by chewing

Great Selections of Eyewear From Full line of contact lenses including multi-focal, toric and specialty lenses.

2318 Genesee St. • Utica

45 West Main St. • Little Falls

(315) 732-7121

(315) 823-4330

• Vera Bradley • Kate Spade • Cole Haan • Ronit Furst • Sperry • BeBe • Banana Republic • Liz Claiborne • Tommy Hilfiger • Lilly Pulitzer • Ray Ban

Safety & Sports Glasses and more!

Largest in-stock wall covering store in the Valley!

long strips off of bare wood, mixing it with saliva and then slathering it out in arcs to create the paper. The size of these nests is quite variable. Some are easily a couple of feet in circumference. Sometimes they are barely a foot off the ground and other times they are as high as 75 feet up in a tree. The low hanging ones I see along the trailside are the scary ones; the ones I so unwittingly passed by on a daily basis. In wintertime, these nests don’t usually contain any living wasps. In fact, the nests often begin to disintegrate in the fall climate. The disassembly of the nest is often helped along by animals that hope to make a meal of the dead and abandoned larvae inside. Raccoons and perhaps opossums appear to relish them most. They are a high-protein snack after all. I could imagine a Black Bear really losing himself in one of those nests. Speaking of which, last December we had at least one Black Bear visit the Kirkland area. Back on December 18, at 5 a.m., I was out filling the bird feeders in my backyard

Ruins of a Red-eyed Vireo nest

Male Northern Cardinal

Christmas Glitter An Additional 20% OFF!*

The Complete Real Estate Team Experience Jim Lenahan Licensed Associate Broker cell: (315) 723-2270 jim.lenahan@huntrealestate.com

Mindy Bradley Licensed Real Estate Salesperson cell: (315) 796-5619 mindy.bradley@huntrealestate.com

HUNT Real Estate ERA

Storewide Sale: November 27- New Years Eve

* An Additional 20% off the lowest marked price off everything in store!

26 College Street, Clinton • (315) 853-4400

4662 Commercial Dr., New Hartford • 315-736-0662

www.welcomehometeamcny.com

(Repairs, special orders and layaways not included.)

DEANSBORO SUPERETTE

years!

GOLD-XMAS 3.375x2.375-F.indd 1

11/17/17 12:38 PM

is celebrating

Humous, Kibbie, Falafel, Tabouli, Babaghanoush, Grape leaves, Spinach pies.

Middle Eastern Favorites!

Open 7 days a week! Rt 12B, Deansboro (315) 841-4377 www.deansborosuperette.com

Since 1967

Wine & Spirits Ilion

10 East Main St., Ilion • (315) 894-8142 Open Mon-Sat: 9-9, Sun: 12-5 • All credit cards accepted

when I noticed that one of them had been knocked down and a few others had their metal poles bent to the ground. Also, a few pumpkins that we had left out for wildlife had been chomped to nubs. This seemed to be the work of a Black Bear. Sure enough, at mid-day when I returned home for lunch, I could clearly see footprints of a young (probably male) Black Bear in the snow, which told the whole story. He entered from the south side of our yard, started breakfast with the bird seed in the feeder he pulled down, moved on to the pumpkins, and then finished off his meal with a full cake of suet. From there, he continued north to the creek that runs through our property (perhaps to wash down its hearty meal) and moved west along the creek’s bank onto the neighbor’s land. Two days later, I found fresh bear tracks again and this time they were at the nature sanctuary. This was very likely the same bear that came through my yard. It was almost as if he had been looking for me! Regardless, I traced the tracks back to where

The Olde w

Kountry Market Your Source for:

Gift Boxes-Shipped! Homemade Pies Bulk Foods & Spices Canned Goods, Candies, Jams, Deli Meats & Cheeses, Yogurt, Baked Goods, Outdoor Furniture, Gifts & More!

Black-capped Chickadees inhabit the winter woods

La Famiglia Bossone’s

Sausage & Meat Co.

It’s a Family Affair! Try our Famous Sausage!

Deli items • Beef • Steaks • Cheeses • Dry Goods Catering Trays made to order! Sundays: Fried Meatballs & Fried Dough!

711 Bleecker St., Utica

Now offering Home Delivery!

(315) 765-6409 Open: Thurs & Fri: 9-6, Sat: 8-2, Sun: 8-12

Kitchen & Bath Cabinets Hardwood Flooring & Countertops

Cabinetry for Every Budget!

FREE In-Home Estimates Installation Available

315-822-0010

6505 Route 5, Vernon, NY 13476 (315) 829-3035 Mon-Wed 9-5, Thur-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-4

Corner of Rte. 8 & 20, Bridgewater Showroom Open Tues 11-6, Wed-Sat 11-4 or by appt. www.knottybynature.com

Cabinetry by Shiloh, Aspect & Waypoint

Active Hornet nest in summer

See what we have cooking on facebook! (315) 797-6835 2520 Oneida St., Utica

Mills Electrical Supply Over 50 Years in Business he entered the property and the animal indeed came in from the northwest side. This meant he probably had come from my yard fully 2½ miles away. At the nature preserve, he followed a few of our trails and then exited on the southwest side. I was hopeful he would come back someday. The Mohawk Valley was formerly home to Black Bears. However, they were exterminated during the Colonial period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. We kept looking for signs he had returned, but never saw him or any more tracks. Winter can be a long season in the Mohawk Valley but we are very fortunate to have such a varied and rich mosaic of ecosystems and habitats to visit and explore. I urge everyone to get out there and see what secrets winter reveals. •

Your Headquarters for All Your Electrical & Lighting Needs! • Electrical Supplies • Indoor/Outdoor Lighting • Commerical and Residential • New Contractors Welcome

315-337-5760 Open M-F 7-5 739 Erie Blvd West, Rome www.millselectricalsupply.net

Shop Local Shop Artisan Made Shop Made in the USA!

H abitaT

clothes to live in

Bald-faced Hornet nest

Like us @ The Village Crossing

(315) 853-5299 11 West Park Row, Clinton

Tues-Sat 11am-5pm, Thur ‘til 6pm

On the farm with Suzie

christmas cookies by Suzie Jones

My fondest childhood memories are of Grandma’s kitchen at Christmastime. My cousins and I would exhaust ourselves all day in the snow, finally clambering into the enclosed porch where we’d leave an explosion of winter gear. Red-cheeked, loud, and hungry, we’d burst into her kitchen looking for something to eat. If she was busy cooking, with Mom and my aunts, we’d quickly get shooed away. But if the kitchen was empty, and the adults were off playing Schafkopf* and drinking Old Fashioneds in the dining room, we’d go directly for the cookie jars on the counter…. My grandmother had no fewer than three cookie jars going at any given time, at all times of the year. I’m not kidding: She had cookies—lots of them—year-round. Come Christmastime, she went into hyper-drive-cookie-making mode and stocked the house with all kinds of cookies, bars, nuts, candies, even homemade caramels. It was truly a child’s paradise! Bernice Hoff was a stout, barely-five-foot-tall German Lutheran who loved to cook. (At least, that was what she did much of the time...I hope she loved it!) It ran in the family. Her mother, my great-grandma Mueller, was known far and wide simply as “Cookie Grandma.” Anyone visiting Cookie Grandma was sent home with a tin of assorted cookies to treasure and devour. Her daughter, Bernice, was born on their small dairy farm in central Wisconsin and grew up during the Great Depression. They had a large family, and Bernice went on to marry Lenard and have six children of their own. My hus-

MVL RECIPES

Ammonia Cookies

½ C. butter, softened ½ C. vegetable oil 1½ C .sugar 2 C. flour 1½ tsp. ammonium carbonate (be sure crystals are fine; crush if needed) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. lemon or orange extract pinch of salt Mix all ingredients well. Roll small balls with your hands (should be smaller than a golf ball); dip in colored sugar before placing on cookie sheet. Bake at 325° for 12-14 minutes, or until cookie has puffed and edges are just barely starting to brown. Allow to cool slightly before moving to cooling rack. Makes 4-5 dozen. (NOTE: Do NOT open the oven door before baking time is up. You will get a hot blast of ammonia! Yuck!)

Marble Road By Nell Come see us for all your maple syrup products! 8874 Tibbitts Rd., New Hartford 315-793-3114 www.facebook.com/tibbittsmaple www.tibbittsmaple.wordpress.com

Fynmore’s

CUSTOM FRAMING

Unique Handcrafted Herkimer Diamond Jewelry www.etsy.com/shop/MarbleRoadByNell

Master Picture Framers Conservators & Restorers of Art Needlework Specialists Custom Mirrors

New Hartford: 8502 Seneca Turnpike (315) 735-9066 Open Mon, Thurs, Fri: 10-6; Tues & Wed: 10-5; Sat: 10-3

Boonville: 143 Main Street (315) 942-4049 Open Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-3

www.fynmorestudios.com

LIMITED EDITION ERT16367 1:64 Die Cast Ford New Holland 100th Anniversary Commemorative Tractor Set

band’s grandmother, whose family raised beef cattle in Minnesota, also had a seemingly endless supply of cookies for the family, neighbors and farm hands. Cooking, canning, and baking to feed an army was simply second nature to all these farm women. My grandmother’s cooking, although resplendent, sometimes bordered on the arterially hazardous: sunny-side-up eggs were cooked in bacon drippings and cream-top milk was never shaken before it was poured on morning cereal. Heavily buttered popcorn was served about an hour after dinner, followed by a large bowl of ice cream before going to bed. Red meats, most often in the form of a type of sausage, were served morning, noon, and night. The menu changed after Grandpa’s open heart surgery in the mid ’80s, but these are the memories of my childhood. Ah, those were the days! Grandma made every cookie known to man. Gingerbread men, decorated adorably, were soft and delicious. Thumbprints were filled with her homemade jams, made from raspberries grown in her backyard that summer. Peanut butter kisses, lemon bars, multi-colored spritz, rum balls, ginger snaps, even simple sugar cookies were all made with tremendous care. To this day, some remain a mystery to me. Did she make the angel food candy from scratch? What did she call the wonderful pecan balls rolled in powdered sugar? I think I loved those the most. Now that it’s my turn to cook and bake for the holidays, I find myself appreciating Grandma more than ever. How did she do it? I find I hardly have the patience to make more than a batch or two. How could it be that she never ran out? I don’t have

100 YEARS OF TRACTORS In 1917, Henry Ford launched his Ford Tractor Company, and that same year, produced the first Fordson Model F. Ford’s first mass-produced tractor became the beacon of modern agriculture – a machine capable of carrying out a wide range of farm work, easy to manufacture at an affordable price for farmers. With New Holland’s historic association with Ford tractors, the year LIMITED EDITION New Holland 2017 represents a major milestone in the legacy of modern-day tractors.

EQUIPPED FOR A NEW WORLD ™

ERT16367 1:64 Die Cast Ford New Holland 100th Anniversary Commemorative Tractor Set

CELEBRATE WITH US.

100 YEARS OF TRACTORS

Visit your dealer and add this to your collection today!

In 1917, Henry Ford launched his Ford Tractor Company, and that same year, produced the first Fordson Model F. Ford’s first mass-produced tractor became the beacon of modern agriculture – a machine capable of carrying out a wide range of farm work, easy to manufacture at an affordable price for farmers. With New Holland’s historic association with Ford tractors, the year 2017 represents a major milestone in the legacy of modern-day New Holland tractors.

EQUIPPED FOR A NEW WORLD ™

Clinton Tractor and Implement Co. 31 Meadow St., Clinton, NY 13323 www.clintontractor.net 315-853-6151

31 Meadow St., Clinton, CELEBRATE WITHNY US.• 315-853-6151 www.clintontractor.net

Visit your dealer and add this to your collection today!

©2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland Agriculture is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or afﬁliates. New Holland Construction and CNH Industrial Genuine Parts is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or afﬁliates. Any trademarks referred to herein, in association with goods and/or services of companies other than CNH Industrial America LLC, are the property of those respective companies. MRC

Clinton Tractor and Implement Co. 31 Meadow St., Clinton, NY 13323 www.clintontractor.net 315-853-6151

Hit the trails with Turnbull! Call today for a FREE Quote for Insurance on Your Sled!

Turnbull

INSURANCE SERVICE Auto Home Business Life 600 French Road, New Hartford 315.735.9201

a “down cellar” where one would typically put ice cream buckets, coffee cans, or Tupperware canisters full of cookies. And the kids don’t seem to eat sweets at the rate we once did. I suppose that is a good thing. Instead of “baking up a storm,” perhaps the most important thing I can do for my children and loved ones this holiday is to pass on something meaningful. It can be small; it doesn’t have to be shiny or expensive. It can even be a simple act. But it should have meaning. Grandma’s cooking had meaning. It was important to her; she knew hard times and what it was like to scrimp and save. She wanted to see everyone full and happy! I like to share recipes. I’ve always thought that recipes, especially the ones handed down from one generation to the next, told a story. And by following a recipe tested by time, we get to go through the same motions as those that came before us, savoring the same dishes they did. It’s faintly ritualistic, but I feel it connects me to my past. For Mohawk Valley Living readers everywhere, I offer my favorite cookie recipe, passed down to me from my mother. Despite the unfortunate name, “ammonia cookies” are simply one of the best cookies you’ll ever have. It contains ammonium carbonate, a very old-fashioned leavening agent sometimes found in traditional German recipes. In years past, my mother was able to find this ingredient at the drug store, but now it’s found online as “baker’s ammonia.” The result is a delicate and delightful “poof” of sugar that will melt in your mouth. And because of their delicate nature, you cannot ship these cookies long distances. You’ll have to share them in person…the very best way to share Christmas cookies! • *An old German card game with the craziest, most complicated rules. The name translates to “sheep’s head.”

Suzie Jones and her husband, Peter, own Jones Family Farm in Herkimer. Together, with their children, they produce specialty goat cheeses and gelato. Find them at local farmers’ markets and online: www.anotherjonesfamilyfarm.com

Fine furniture made in the USA

Extraordinary craftsmanship, all solid wood handcrafted Amish furniture. We can customize any piece of furniture, whether new or you need to match an existing piece, we have numerous choices of stains, colors, and woods.

JEFF’S

HANDCRAFTED

AMISH

FURNITURE

(315) 858-1010 1058 Route 28, Jordanville, 13361 just 4 miles north of Richfield Springs, or 9 miles south of Herkimer Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm, Sun: 11am - 4pm

mohawk valley Gardens

Fennel a Fabulous Bulb By Denise A. Szarek

Fennel was not on our dining room table growing up. I knew vaguely of fennel seeds but nothing of the aromatic plant. I was first introduced to Finocchio in 1973 when I married into a Sicilian family. Finocchio is the Italian name for Florence fennel. However, back then I never cared to eat or prepare it, but it was revered by the family as it was harvested from the garden in fall. In fact, I didn’t pay much attention to fennel until we started growing for our CSA. Now I look forward to harvesting it in fall as a foil to all the heavy root crops on our table this time of year. Its bright flavor and crisp texture make a welcome addition to any meal. I understand why my family back then made such a fuss over this vegetable. I also wish I’d paid more attention to how these wonderful Sicilian women prepared this fabulous vegetable; unfortunately, most have passed on and those wonderful traditional recipes with them. GROW IT – Florence fennel is a cool weather perennial grown as an annual. Fennel can be sown in the garden as early as 2-3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. Seeds germinate best at 60 degree F. Fennel will tolerate heat and cold but does best when it comes to maturity in cool weather. Fennel requires 90 to 115 frost-free days to reach harvest. For an autumn crop, sow fennel in mid to late summer. Sow fennel seed ¼ inch deep 4-6 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Keep fennel on the dry side; the soil should be evenly moist but not wet. Mulch to retain soil moisture. Prepare planting beds with aged compost. Side dress fennel with aged compost mid-season. Container growing: A single fennel will grow in a 6-inch pot. We also grow fennel in 10-inch mum pots, 3 plants to each pot. HARVEST & PRESERVING – Fennel’s bulbous stalk can be harvested when it is 3 inches or more in diameter. Cut the whole stalk like celery just below the point where individual stalks join together. Cut leaves as needed once they have reaches 18 inches tall. Our favorite

Kast Hill Farm

Unique Garden Gift Shop! Fresh-Cut Trees/Live Wreaths Holiday Centerpieces Kissing Balls & more! 8442 St. Hwy 28, Richfield Springs www.melindasgardenbarn.com

Poulin Grain • Shavings • Hay Horse Boarding

Dan & Dottie Perry • 315-866-1188

126 Kast Hill Rd., Herkimer Open M-F 8:30-5, Sat 8:30-2

varieties of Florence fennel to grow are Solaris, Zefa Fino and Orion. Fennel is best eaten fresh. Florence fennel will keep in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in a cold moist place for 2-3 months. Stalks can be frozen or dried. Fronds can be frozen or dried as herbs; dried fronds should be kept in an airtight container. If you freeze fennel you should blanch it first. SERVE IT – Use fennel raw or cooked after removing the tough outer leaves. Fennel will be crisper for serving raw if you soak it in iced water for 30 minutes before serving. Cook fennel as little as possible in order to preserve the flavor. *Florence fennel can be grilled, braised, boiled or sautéed. You can blanch or braise fennel with other veggies. Puree cooked fennel, season with butter, salt and pepper as a side dish. *Slice, long uncooked fennel strips and add them to salads. *Fennel greens can be used as a garnish or snipped into a salad or other cold dishes like you would dill. Stir fennel greens into hot dishes at the last minute to enhance the flavor. *Fennel complements other veggies and legumes, rabbit, pork, lamb, beef, fish, and seafood. *Fennel seeds can be used to flavor cheese, bread, soups, sauces, pastries, and wine *Fennel is an excellent source of potassium. It contains vitamin A, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. There are 30 calories per cup. To show you just how versatile this veggie is and well worth a try in your garden and on your holiday table, I’m sharing two recipes with you this month...

DiBella’s

SINCE 1961

Treasured gifts from around the world!

Custom Made Gift Baskets

Unique stocking stuffers Beers, pastas, snacks & sweets! Games & Small home decor

506 North James Street, Rome • Call for current hours (315) 336-7890 37

MVL RECIPES

Caramelized Fennel

Fennel Apple & Walnut Salad

The key to this dish is to brown, not steam, the fennel. Keep the pan hot and spread out of the fennel, no crowding. Cook in batches if necessary.

This is a recipe we share with our Three Goat Farm-CSA members and a wonderful addition to you Thanksgiving or holiday table.

2 large fennel bulbs ¼ C. olive oil Sea salt Black pepper ½ lemon

2 large Fennel Bulbs 2 apples, honey crisp, gala, or braeburn ¼ C. toasted walnuts Handful of pea shoots Blue cheese, crumbled

Using a very sharp knife, cut the top and bottom from the fennel bulbs and then remove tough or bruised outer layers. You will end up with a bulb about the size of your fist. Slice the bulbs in half and then remove the cores from the fennel. Then cut the fennel lengthwise into 1/8 inch slices (it’s OK if a little thicker). Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add olive oil and then fennel slices. Spread the fennel out in the pan to encourage browning. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fennel slices every few minutes until golden brown. Remove fennel from the pan and drain off any excess oil. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, to taste. Serve.

Combine all the dressing ingredients into a large bowl. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Using a sharp knife cut the top and bottom off of the fennel bulbs, and remove and tough outer layers, slice the bulbs in half lengthwise, and remove the core. Using a mandolin cut fennel as thin as possible. Core and slice the apple also as thin as possible, but leave the skin on. Add the fennel and apple to the bowl and toss until well coated, mix in the pea shoots, chill until ready to serve. When ready to serve top with toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese. Enjoy!

Adapted from a recipe by Alice Waters

Ben & Judy’s

Sugarhouse

By Denise A. Szarek

Pure maple products. We can ship anywhere!

(315) 899-5864

Christmas Open House! Dec. 2 & 3 (Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5)

Mohawk Village Market

Free refreshments! Open remaining Saturdays ‘til Christmas!

Also available at: Peter’s Cornucopia, Twin Orchards, Stoltzfus Family Dairy

770 Beaver Creek Rd., West Edmeston Find us on Facebook!

Gift certificates available for spring cleaning, planting, & pet memorials

Yorkville Memorials

(315) 736-1781 1309 Champlin Ave, Yorkville 38

Your old-fashioned, full service butcher!

Butcher Block Meats (no pre-packaged meats) Specialty cuts - Storemade Patties & Salads Complete Grocery Line

Serving you 7 days a week! 24 West Main St., Mohawk (315) 866-3344 www.mohawkvillagemarket.com

For a Farewell that Lasts Forever...

Give the Gift of Peace of Mind! Preplanning Options Available

Dressing: ¼ tsp, Dijon mustard 2 T. apple cider vinegar 1 T. apple juice 1 T. honey 3 T. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Preplanning gives you peace of mind, takes the burden off your loved ones, and assures that your service will reflect your personal wishes.

2017

u uBEST OF THE

t beTEs D #1 VO

McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn FUNERAL DIRECTORS (315) 797-1900 470 French Road, Utica www.nunnandmcgrath.com

THEART ARTOF OF THE

FIGURE FIGURE

SKATING SKATING THROUGHTHE THEAGES AGES THROUGH T H E D I C K B U T TO N T H E D I C K B U T TO N C O L L E C T I O N C O L L E C T I O N

APRIL 1 1 -- DEC DEC 31 31 APRIL View ice skating art ranging View17th-century ice skating art ranging from Dutch from 17th-century Dutch paintings to 20th-century paintings to 20th-century sculpture. Costumes, photographs, sculpture. Costumes, photographs, antique skates and much more – antique skates and much more – all from the collection of two-time all from the collection two-time Olympic Championof and figure Olympic Champion and figure skating legend Dick Button. skating legend Dick Button.

Felix Kupsch (1883/5-1969), Maxi Herber (c.1930), bronze. Collection of Dick Maxi Button. Felix Kupsch (1883/5-1969), Herber (c.1930), bronze. Collection of Dick Button.

The exhibition is sponsored in part by The Clark Foundation, Tianaderrah Foundation, Fenimore Management & TheThe exhibition is sponsored in part by The Asset Clark Foundation, Funds, and NYCM Insurance. Support provided &by a TheFAM Tianaderrah Foundation, Fenimore Asset also Management Market NY grant through I LOVE NY/NewYork State’s Division FAM Funds, and NYCM Insurance. Support also provided by a of Tourism as a part of the Regional Economic Development Market NY grant through I LOVE NY/NewYork State’s Division Council awards. of Tourism as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards.

THIS SUMMER THIS SUMMER

Andrew Wyeth at 100: Andrew Wyeth at 100: A Family Remembrance A May Family 27 –Remembrance September 4 May 27 – September 4

Rise up Singing: Rise up Singing: Jazz Portraits Jazz PortraitsLeonard by Herman byMay Herman Leonard 4 27 – September May 27 – September 4

5798 ROUTE 80 COOPERSTOWN, NY APRIL 1 - MAY TUES - SUN, 10AM - 4PM 5798 ROUTE 80 9: COOPERSTOWN, NY SUMMER HOURS : OPEN DAILY, 10AM - 5PM APRIL 1 - MAY 9: TUES - SUN, 10AM - 4PM SUMMER HOURS : OPEN DAILY, 10AM - 5PM

F E N I M O R E A RT M U S E U M .O R G F E N I M O R E A RT M U S E U M .O R G

local cartoonist frank page

Mohawk Valley nature

Wild Raptors Get Another Chance story &photos by matt perry

An injured Merlin arrives at Falcon Heart Rescue 40

Reintroducing rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild can be tricky because sometimes a rehabber can’t be sure the animal is completely up to speed before it is released. In a few releases I’ve participated in recently, we were prepared to recapture the animal if we felt it wasn’t as ready to be on its own as we hoped. Of course, in cases involving birds, they may turn out not to be ready but are, nonetheless, able to fly just well enough to elude any attempts at re-capture. When the release goes well, everyone is satisfied, especially the animal that gets to resume its wild existence. In conjunction with Falcon Heart Rescue in Herkimer, we conducted a number of releases at our nature sanctuary in 2017. All but one involved raptors, and most went off without a hitch. Only one case involved an individual that needed to be re-captured and brought back to the rehabilitator. When possible, it’s best to release an animal in the vicinity of where it was originally found. If it’s during the breeding season, the individual may have a nest, a mate, a brood, and a territory that it needs to return to. Territories are often not easy to obtain and once one is lost it may be lost for good. In the releases that took place this year at the nature preserve, these

were not important factors, since they involved birds that were already migrating or they involved immature birds that had yet to gain their own territories. Those birds needed only to be released in a safe environment and preferably one that offers the appropriate habitat for that species. The most recent release we participated in involved an immature Merlin. A Merlin is a species of falcon that is intermediate in size between the crow-sized Peregrine and the Robin-sized American Kestrel. In truth, the Merlin is closer in size to the Kestrel than the Peregrine. An adult male Merlin possesses a blue back while adult females and immature birds typically have brown backs. Like the Peregrine, the Merlin shows a black “malar” or mustache mark below the eye. However, on the Merlin the marking is not

Wood Ducks are undisturbed by the Merlin

• Kissing Balls • Fresh Centerpieces • Wreaths -decorated • Gift Certificates & plain

Fine Jewelry & Jewelry Repair Gift Items too!

20% OFF

December Sale!

315 733-7676 Tues-Fri: 10:30-5, Sat: 10:30-1:30

433 Coventry Ave., Utica

• Maple Syrup & Honey • Garland

The Merlin takes a new perch over the pond

so distinct. Merlins have dark tails that show three or four bold whitish stripes. Formerly the species was called the Pigeon Hawk, although given their small size, a Pigeon could be considered outside their class as a prey item. This Merlin was originally found in North Utica. He was injured and unable to fly and was turned over to Deb Saltis at her Falcon Heart Rescue (wildlife rehabilitation facility) in Herkimer. Upon examination, it was determined the bird’s left wing was broken. After being evaluated by a veterinarian, the falcon was treated; the wing was splinted and wing-wrapped for seven days. After about a month of convalescence in the aviary at Falcon Heart Rescue, the bird was tested in a large flight cage. This is done to gauge the competence of a raptor’s flight in a relatively large space. During the test, the falcon became disoriented by the enclosure and made some unconventional landings, one that left him hanging upside down by his talons, but overall his flying was good. In other words, he passed the test and this meant that he was bound for release.

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees! Balsam Fir Douglas Fir Fraser

Candella’s GREENHOUSES 9256 River Road, Marcy • 315-736-8782 Open Daily, Including Sunday

We have the sweetest stocking stuffers! Holiday Sweets & Gifts Available!

531 Varick St., Utica 765-6463 Tues-Thurs 8-5:30, Fri 8-7, Sat 8-4, Sun 9-1, Closed Mon www.facebook.com/sosweetcandycafe

cided to release him at Spring Farm Cares’ NaBlue Jays seek out raptors ture Sanctuary, where we could monitor him post-release. So, on a Monday morning in late October, we carried him out to a place close to one of our beaver ponds. I chose this location because of the great amount of potential prey available in the form of large insects, small mammals, and birds. There are plenty of dead snags to perch on and a large open area where a raptor can watch for prey as well as any predators that might pose a threat. Because of these attributes this location has proved to be a favorite stop-over spot for Since the Merlin was in the process of migrating raptors, including Merlins. migrating when he was injured, it wasn’t Prior to the release, I went down to the necessary to release him in the same lo- site to check on the activity levels. When cation where he was found. It was de- I got there I found the ponds to be load-

ed with Wood Ducks and Mallards. There were also a couple of beavers swimming around. That, of course, would be no problem. The Merlin would be no threat to any of them and vice-versa. When my colleague Tim Johnston came over with the cage, it seemed he was bringing a container full of fury. The bird was thrashing around and was highly agitated. This wasn’t good. Raptors can damage their wing and tail feathers by repeatedly ramming them through the barred doors of pet carriers. We put the container down and covered it completely with a sheet. The bird calmed down immediately. After a half-hour, I removed the sheet and opened the cage door. The Merlin flew straight out of the carrier in a low direct flight to the beaver dam about 50 feet away. He zoomed over the dam, rising only about 10 feet and put down on the branch of a dead buckthorn tree. There he instantly gave a very loud, almost trill-like cackle: “kikikikikikikikikikikikikikikikikikikiki.” It was clear that he was in full emergency mode. He didn’t know where he was or what situation he was being injected into and his response was to dramatically inform the neighborhood that there was a falcon on the scene

Holiday Gift Baskets, Christmas Trees (Pre-Cut and U-Cut!), Wreaths, Cookie Trays, & Stocking Stuffers! North Star Orchards Farm Market & Bakery

Open daily 8-6 Rte. 233, Westmoreland 315-853-1024 www.northstarorchards.com

The Blue Jay tests the Merlin

and he was a force to contend with. Surprisingly, his dramatic entry into the placid pond setting didn’t elicit much of a reaction from the ducks. They all continued casually swimming around in the water below and even engaged in some pre-season courtship behavior. Conversely, the songbirds in the area were not pleased and began emitting high-pitched alarm calls of their own. We were very happy that his first flight looked unlabored and steady and his left wing was not hindering him, at least not

in any obvious way. We did notice while he was perched that his injured wing was slightly stiff and not completely folded flush against his body as his right wing was. I was told this would be the case with him. After about 10 minutes the little falcon launched again, this time landing on a nearby snag at the base of the beaver dam. There he issued two volleys of loud alarm calls. The raptor then showed off his agility by hopping from branch to branch not unlike a squirrel. After some more hopping around in the

DELICIOUS

GIFT IDEAS No better way to spread the love than with wholesome hometown farm goods!

branches and giving more warning calls, he flew to a large dead willow tree that stood at the center of Morton’s Pond. There he made a solid landing on a thick branch. But soon after, he scrambled up the bark and assumed another perch on a branch on the opposite side of the trunk. After about 10 minutes of being hidden from our view he made his most impressive flight of the morning: he covered a distance of at least 150 feet. After perching for a minute or two he scampered up the tree. When he did, I noticed his wings were not flush against his body, but flopped around somewhat as he moved. It was almost as though they were hanging on loose hinges. When he flew again, he landed on a dead hemlock tree that hung over Secret Pond. He didn’t linger there long and made small flights into a low bush where he most likely was going after insects–probably grasshoppers. I could just make out his light chest that was heavily streaked with brown spots. His plumage was a good match for the color of the surrounding October foliage. It struck me as I watched him that, had I not observed him fly into that spot, I would never have picked him out in a thousand years. He was so well camouflaged that it made me realize how

A S MARTACH OICE S MART

Choosing the right insurance is about more than just getting Choosing rightFAMILY insurance is FARM the quickest quote. For more than 60 years,the

quickest quote. For more has provided reliable service andthe knowledgeable advice from th provided reliable service local agents who take the time tohas listen and understand your an

A S MART CH OICE unique needs.

local agents who take the time unique needs.

Choosing the right insurance is about LINDA FOX more than just getting the quickest Agent quote. For more than 60 years, FARM 239than Academy Choosing the right insurance is about more justStreet getting Boonville, NY 13309-1329 FAMILY has provided reliable service the quickest quote. For more than 60 years, FARM FAMILY and knowledgeable advice from local has who provided and knowledgeable advice from agents take reliable the timeservice to listen and linda.fox@farm-family.com local agents who take the time to listen and understand your understand your unique needs. 315.942.3073

LINDA Agent

239 Acade Boonville,

unique needs.

linda.f

315.94

LINDA FOX

Locally Produced Freshness Guaranteed

Small Gift Box

25 99

Includes: • Farmstead Cheese Wheel Natural • Uncle Mike’s Beef Sticks • Stoltzfus Cheese Knife

Locally Produced Freshness Guaranteed

Yogurt Gift Box

2999

Includes: • 12 High Protein Yogurts Included Flavors: Strawberry, Peach, Blueberry, Maple Raspberry, Black Cherry Apple-Cinnamon & Pineapple-Banana • Cheese Curds Container Natural

Locally Produced Freshness Guaranteed

37 99

Includes: • 3 Farmstead Cheese Wedges Tomato & Basil, Natural and Sour Cream & Onion • 2 Containers of Cheese Curds Buffalo Hot Wing and Natural • Uncle Mike’s Beef Sticks • Stoltzfus Cheese Knife

Open House: January 26-27, 2018 315-829-4089 Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-1 6300 Skinner Road Vernon Center, NY Locally Produced Freshness Guaranteed

stoltzfusdairy.com

Agent

Large Gift Box

All Yogurt Sales Expires 12-31-17

Products and services may not be available in all states. Terms, conditions and eligibility requirements will apply. Life insurance and annuity products are issued through American National Insurance Company of New York, Glenmont, New York; or Farm Family Life Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York. Property and casualty products and services available throughTerms, co Products and services may notare bemade available in all states. 936 Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York or United Farm Family Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York. Insu and annuity products are issued through American National Family Life Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York. Property an Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company, Glenmont, New York o

239 Academy Street Boonville, NY 13309-1329

Alyssa Sadallah, Executive Pastry Chef

linda.fox@farm-family.com 315.942.3073

Custom Cakes, Cookies & Gourmet Pastries Fresh Hot Beignets every Sunday!

Taking holiday orders now! Seasonal Cupcakes & Cookies, Truffles, & More!

12 Erie St., Yorkville (315) 864-8124 • Tues 8-4, Wed, Thurs, Fri 8-6, Sat 8-2, Sun 9-12 wickedsweets@hotmail.com • Find us on Facebook: Wicked Sweets by Alyssa

A male American Kestrel was released previously

many raptors I’ve probably missed over the years when scanning habitats like this. There he took some time to preen and generally inspect his plumage. Being low and well camouflaged allowed the Merlin to disappear in the environment, and soon songbirds began to reappear in the

trees surrounding the ponds. I heard the short quavering whistles of Eastern Bluebirds and then a flock of 10 landed in the branches of a maple tree that rose high over the pond. They were soon joined by a single Chipping Sparrow. These songbirds seemed oblivious to the presence of the Merlin. As for the Merlin, he was still actively preening and not in hunting mode, so they had little to worry about, at least for the time being. Beaver dams serve as natural bridges for wildlife and this fact is not lost on predators, including raptors. They know that if they wait next to a dam long enough they will see mice, voles, shrews, and chipmunks attempting a crossing. That morning it was a Red Squirrel standing ready to cross the dam. Before getting more than a quarter of the way across the dam, the squirrel spotted the Merlin and began issuing sputtering complaint calls and stomping her feet. Nervously, she hopped forward a few meters and then quickly dashed back. She repeated this agitated behavior several times. The Merlin, for his part, side-stepped on the branch

a few times in a slightly ominous manner, but didn’t seem to be all that interested. The squirrel began climbing around in the bushes just below the falcon and then, in a brazen manner, she hopped up onto the same branch that held the Merlin. She got within six feet of the raptor before hastily retreating back down the tree. Finally, she seemed satisfied that the raptor wasn’t a pressing concern and she proceeded across the dam. At that point I had to leave as well. I wasn’t too worried about the falcon. I’d seen him fly at least a dozen times and his

The Merlin perches low over the pond

J.B.'s

Small Engine Works (315) 797-4461 Downtown Schuyler, NY 2236 Route 5 • Open Mon - Fri: 9-5, Sat: 9-12

Your independent Cub Cadet dealer

•Expert service •Locally owned for 30 years! Service on most makes and models of snow, lawn, and garden equipment.

Get a price from the competition and we’ll beat them EVERY TIME!

R.A. Dudrak “The Window King”

(315) 794-9175 Rte. 365, Holland Patent

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATES - OVER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

landings seemed more than competent. He still wasn’t exactly perching on treetops, which is something that falcons most often do, but then again this one seemed to have a penchant for hunting insects, so maybe low perching was normal for him. His left wing will never be perfect, but will it be good enough? Will he be able to hunt? Will he be able to migrate? The main reason we released him at the nature preserve was so he could be monitored and, if necessary, recaptured. If he didn’t resume his migration right away, we knew there was an ample

Bluebirds and a Chipping Sparrow land in the tree above the Merlin

supply of prey to suit his needs. When I returned in the afternoon, I searched the pond system for the Merlin, but I couldn’t find him. We carried out three releases of Eastern Screech Owls this summer. The first one was a medium-sized female that came to Falcon Heart Rescue after One of three Screech Owls released in 2017 being struck by a car. She had a head injury and a damaged wing. The wing was set and fol- Spring Farm’s Nature Sanctuary as the relowing a period of convalescence the owl lease site. We brought her to a place where appeared to have made a recovery. Inside there were plenty of roosting cavities and an aviary, the bird was observed flying from lots of prey. When we opened the door of her perch to pick up food on the ground, the carrier, the little owl did not jump right and so there was no reason she couldn’t out, which is typical. In most cases the bird be released back into the wild. We chose being released will take some time to leave

Book Your Holiday Parties Now! Private Parties or Business Affairs and Luncheons

Daily lunch and dinner take-out Mon-Fri Call 768-7037 8411 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford

And visit our NEW cafe at 116 Business Park Dr., Utica! Take out M-F: 8am-3pm Visit us on facebook for daily specials

G N I W O T 24 HOUR

N O T CLIN SION I L L O C 315.853.5665 PO Box 292, McBride Ave. Clinton, NY Fax: 315.853.4751

Hundreds of Different Herbs & Spices!

Tom’s Natural Foods A big store in a small space. M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5 16 College St., Clinton (315) 853-6360

The Screech Owl finds an awkward perch on the side of a hemlock tree

the relative safety of the carrier and venture out into an uncertain situation. After an hour, we saw what we thought was a small squirrel near the cage. Upon closer inspection, we realized it was the owl! She was running and climbing instead of flying. I didn’t even know Screech

Owls could do this, but she was able to scale the sheer side of the tree while flapping her wings for stability. Using this unlikely method, she actually made it 10 feet up the trunk and onto a side branch where she found a perch. Honestly, if I hadn’t seen her do it I would have thought she had flown up to the perch. Obviously, this wouldn’t do. There was no choice: We had to recapture this bird and bring her back to the rehabilitation facility. Some raptors that are unable to be released back into the wild become educational birds. Birds like the Screech Owl can be kept and cared for by people who have a federal license to keep raptors. These birds become emissaries

for their kind and for raptors in general. An educator showing one of these un-releasable birds can inform the public about the habits and physiology of raptors and describe their crucial role in a healthy ecosystem. The little Screech Owl written about here now lives at the Utica Zoo, where she is used in their raptor education program. It’s a shame the owl is unable to live in the wild and have a chance to raise a family and do all the other things that owls do so well, but at least she will have a role in helping people understand birds of prey. With that understanding, perhaps more of us will work to protect owl habitats and at the very least, learn to appreciate how incredible raptors are and how lucky we are to have so many species in our region. • Matt Perry is Conservation Director and resident naturalist at Spring Farm CARES in Clinton. He manages a 260 acre nature preserve which is open for tours by appointment. Matt is also regional editor of “The Kingbird”, which is a quarterly publication put out by the New York State Ornithological Association. Matt’s short nature videos can be viewed on the web. Look for Spring Farm CARES Nature Sanctuary on Facebook.

Parker’s Historic

Cider Mill

& INDOOR FARMERS MARKET

Market includes over 25 local farmers and artisans including Amish and Mennonites.

December Special!:

Mohawk’s J-Dawn Dairy & Homestead naturally raised beef, pork, lamb and goat meats, including sausage!

Helping Buyers and Sellers Meet Their Goals

Buyers and sellers have similar needs. You should have a full-time agent who will listen, understand and guide you through the entire process of buying or selling. Meet our agents on our website or at our office. Contact us today. Office: 315-858-2110 Cell: 607-282-0315 Hours: By chance or by appointment.

Artwork by local folk artist Jim Parker and Ellen Clapsaddle Open 12-6 daily including Sundays • (315) 894-4660

Route 51, 437 Otsego St, Ilion

Joann Christmann, Lic. R.E. Broker

164 Main Street, Richfield Springs www.scenicbywayrealty.com Equal Housing Opportunity • Independently Owned

Mohawk valley astronomical society

SHOOTING STARS&TWINS by carol higgins

As we head toward the end of 2017 and the start of a new year, the night sky will help us celebrate with a special fireworks show in mid-December. It is a show from an unusual source, and thanks to favorable conditions this one should be spectacular. Get ready for some “shooting stars” from the Geminid meteor shower! There are nine major meteor showers and dozens of “minor” showers every year. Typically, a meteor shower occurs when Earth crosses the trail of debris left behind by a comet as it orbits around the Sun. The particles, most as small as a grain of sand, heat up and burn when they hit our atmosphere, creating the signature streak or fireball that glows as it zooms across the sky. But the Geminids are somewhat mysterious and unique compared to the vast majority of meteor showers. The debris that brings us the Geminids isn’t from a comet, it is from a dark and rocky asteroid named 3200 Phaethon. Phaethon and its Geminid meteors are relative newcomers. While many meteor showers such as the famous Perseids in August have been well documented for thousands of years, the Geminids only began to appear 150 years ago. It wasn’t until 1983 that astronomer Fred Whipple used satellite data to confirm the source, making 3200 Phaethon the first asteroid ever attributed to a meteor shower. Phaethon’s unusual oval orbit takes

Constellation Gemini and the twins, Castor and Pollux.

it closer to the Sun than planet Mercury, then out into the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and back again. It takes about a year and a half to make one comthe Moon will be a waning crescent with plete orbit. The asteroid is only three miles only a small sliver visible, so the sky will across, so how can a small asteroid release remain quite dark. At around 2 a.m. (the enough debris into space to cause a metepeak) it may be possible to see as many or shower? Well, scientists have a number as 100 to 120 meteors an hour! As a side of different theories, but no one knows for Voorwerp. Image Credit: NASA, ESA, W. Keel, Galaxy Zoo Team Hanny’s note, although 100 meteors per hour is certain. awesome, the Nov. 17, 1966, Leonid A meteor shower gets its name from meteor shower is the record holder. That the constellation where most of its metenight, it is estimated that 40 meteors per ors seem to originate. The Geminids are second–that’s 144,000 per hour–rained named for constellation Gemini, which down in the western U.S. for about an is near Orion. Its two brightest stars are hour. Now that’s a meteor shower! Greek mythology brothers Castor and The Geminids are known as one of Pollux, and the constellation is also known the best of the year, with bright and often as the “Twins.” Pollux is the larger of the colorful slow-moving meteors that can two, and has a yellow-orange color. In leave a long trail behind them. No observ2006 astronomers announced the discoving equipment is needed, just your eyes, ery of a planet almost three times the size warm clothing, and a comfy chair. So of Jupiter orbiting the star. When you look head outside, look up, and enjoy the show. at bright white Castor through a telescope Wishing you clear skies! • you’ll quickly see two stars very close together, one of the best examples of a “double star” in the sky. But Castor holds Join MVAS from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on a surprise for advanced instruments–it is actually three pairs of double stars, a sixDecember 9 at nearby Barton-Brown star system. Observatory, 206 White St, Waterville, This year the best night to see the Geminid meteors is December 13 and14, N.Y., for an evening of stargazing under between midnight and 4 a.m., when Gemdark skies. The event is free. ini will be almost straight overhead. The “seeing conditions” will be ideal because

Quality. Experience. Inspiration. • Kiln Dried Hardwoods and Softwoods • Hardwood and Pine flooring • Mouldings • Wall Coverings Follow us on facebook Wightman Specialty Woods • Siding Sale! 6” & 8” Hemlock boards now 10% off

Now Buying Hardwood Logs 48

Heartworks Quilts & Fabrics Full Service Quilt Shop

Phone: 607-286-9201

Baby Lock/Koala Dealer Famous for Flannel!

www.wightmanspecialtywoods.com Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm Sat: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Hours: Tues-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-3, Sun/Mon Closed

146 County Highway 35a Portlandville, NY 13834

6237 State Hwy 28, Fly Creek

(607) 547-2501

www.heartworksquilts.com info@heartworksquilts.com

Buy the Book!

This memoir is a compilation of the first two years of articles first published in Mohawk Valley Living magazine about how Shawangunk Nature Preserve began. Well documentated with pictures, these true stories describe days of adventure, struggle, commitment and comedy that are sure to entertain and inspire. Copyright 2016, 122 pages.

Available at Tom’s Natural Foods in Clinton, Peter’s Cornucopia in New Hartford, Brenda’s Natural Foods in Rome, Sunflower Naturals in Mapledale, and the Little Falls Food Co-op (all donations go directly to the Preserve)

local cd review

danny stitches new cd, as the crow flies By John Keller Danny Stitches, bassist for local horror neo-billy band Casanova Frankenstein & the Voodoo Machine, has released his first real solo album, As the Crow Flies. His previous solo project, The Distant End, was well-received but wasn’t reflective of Stitches’ true self. In As the Crow Flies, Danny brings his brand of dark country/Goth horror to the forefront. Much like the murder ballads of the old folk singers (Tom Dooley, “Long Black Veil”, etc.) the songs on this album are highlighted by the minimalist instrumentation and Danny’s deep, slow recitations. Picture a mixture of Sons of the Pioneers meet Johnny Cash meet Nick Cave. The album begins with a revisit to a track from The Distant End called “428 (The Interceptor’s Lament).” Plaintive guitar with accents of shaken tambourine and vocal backing make this song of lost desertion more lonely: “There’s no escape.” “Hell of a Ride” takes an innocent tale of driving to a twisted conclusion. Danny’s guitar playing propels the song, driving it, if you will. Kind of upbeat, yet disturbingly offbeat. Occasional arpeggios from a distant guitar bring the point home. Sometimes playing a bar can get, well...crazy. That’s the gist of the song “Dead Bird Blues.” As our protagonist...or antagonist, in Danny Stitches’ case...is getting his Thunderbird repaired, he plays a local dive. As things progress, he needs to leave town quickly. A great story song following a loping guitar rhythm. “The Cave” brings the listener to a border town in Mexico. Violins help inspire Danny’s guitar and aid in the deep expression of his voice as he relates this tale. Danny’s words are extremely visual. He describes every detail of this evil place and its patrons: “There’s nothing you can barter. Nothing you can trade. You’ll have to leave your heart and soul down in The Cave.” The final track on the disc is his interpretation of “The Lane County Bachelor.” This is an old folk song recorded by many per-

formers over the years, including the aforementioned Sons of the Pioneers. Stitches’ version is lengthy and is preceded by a narration of where his story comes from. This eerie tale is chilling and unnerving but none the less riveting. Time stands still as you listen, pulling you into this tale of...I’ll let you decide what it’s about! As the Crow Flies is, at its heart, a concept album. Each song is a piece of a greater story. There are segues that cohere the concept. Danny’s imagination (one hopes it’s just imagination) is vivid and descriptive, his melodies simple and reminiscent of a cowboy on the prairie strumming away to the coyotes call. Danny’s songs make for great campfire entertainment. Recorded at HELLbent Studio and engineered by Frank Carentz, who also provided most of the extraneous instrumentation. Danny Stitches’ As the Crow Flies is a grand and welcoming departure from the usual bombardment of electric everything. You can find Danny’s CD at his solo or Casanova Frankenstein shows or by contacting him at www.facebook.com/dannystitchesmusic. •

315-853-5001

STOREMADE:

• Electrical • Hardware • Tools • Plumbing • Paint Supplies/Stain • Automotive • Bulk Nails & Screws • Midwest Fasteners Open 7 Days a Week!

Kielbasa, Sausage, Hams, Patties, Salads, Variety of German Style Frankfurters

The 4 Corners in Clark Mills

Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 8-1, Closed Sun & Mon

as Christm Decors! & Gift

www.facebook.com/simprimitive • Open Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-2

The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl

naturewood knoll christmas tree farm by Cynthia Quackenbush, photos: Melinda Karastury

Sometimes I need a little Christmas. I found a great place to get a healthy dose of the holiday spirit outside Little Falls, at Naturewood Knoll Christmas Tree Farm. Full disclosure: I was not looking for a Christmas tree. My husband, Steven, and I have not had a Christmas tree in years. We make up for it with lots of other decorations. We actually have too many Christmas decorations. I doubt we are the only ones who keep buying more anyway. I drove out Route 169, admiring the scenery as always. I was watching numbers on mail boxes, but an OPEN flag helped me find the place. As I got out of my car, I met Kathy Lowery, the owner, carrying some boxes into the sweet, rustic building that houses the shop. As I walked in, I noted an electric fireplace with two little red chairs in front of it. I immediately thought of my 3-year-old great nephew. He would look so adorable sitting there! There were also some stocking stuffers and toys I’m sure he would love. Walking into the back of the building, I saw a real fireplace with nutcrackers on the mantle. I remarked that my husband collects nutcrackers. “We also collect Santas and snowmen,” I admitted, deciding not to mention our various Halloween collections as well. Kathy put on some Christmas music while I continued to walk around, admiring ornaments, crafts, gifts, toys, and more. Two trees were covered with ornaments. I hesitated over some mulling spices and hot buttered rum mix, especially the hot buttered rum. Who me, drink rum? Actually, you could just use hot water with that one and get the flavor. I was intrigued but did not purchase any. I noticed a trunk that held a variety of items, some of which were obviously second hand. Kathy told me these were donations, and proceeds from their sales are donated to the Little Falls food

Click’s Cakes Local wine, gifts, and more! 400 Academy Street Prospect, NY 13435 Wed-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6

315-205-4045

ProspectFallsWinery@gmail.com Facebook.com/ProspectFallsWinery @WineB4Wildrness “Wine Before Wilderness”

Specialty Cheesecakes & Desserts Catering & custom cakes available Variety of desserts (315) 985-9035

Open: Tues-Fri 7-4, Sat 9-2, Sun 9-12, Closed Mon

220 S. Main Street, Herkimer

The old farm house overlooks the gift shop at Naturewood Knoll

You can cut your own Christmas tree at Naturewood Knoll in Little Falls

The cozy gift shop at Naturewood Knoll is pretty as a picture

Holiday Extravaganza!

Sunday December 17th Noon - 5:00 pm

30% off one item! *not valid on already discounted items

Refreshments served

Liberty Tabletop USA made flatware Wed & Sat: 11-4:30, Thurs & Fri: 11-7 • (315) 363-3003

622 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill

Serving Rome & Utica Since 1946

WKAL

TALKRADIO 1450

pantry. I certainly had to purchase something from that. I found some craft bows for a very attractive price. I don’t know yet what I will do with them but feel sure I will think of something. I also purchased, from the stocking stuffers’ collection, a little penguin that walks when you wind him up. I love little wind-up toys! They carry work by local artists and craftspeople – “friends and friends of friends,” Kathy said – so, merchandise changes from year to year. They started planting trees in 2009 and put up the shop in 2010, building an addition last year. Santa will visit from noon to 3 p.m. on December 2. Ed View will be their Santa. Kathy told me they have an antique sleigh that will be on display. I was already planning to return at least once, to make sure I see everything available. I can think of numerous family and friends – in addition to my great-nephew – who will love the place. I was in the shop before Thanksgiving. The tree business begins after that holiday. They carry some trees from outside suppliers, as well as offering some of their own already cut. However, customers can also cut their own trees. Now that is something I have never done. A future adventure for Mohawk Valley Girl? •

Naturewood Knoll Tree Farm

2408 State Route 169, Little Falls • 315-823-1133 Cynthia M. Quackenbush, a.k.a. “Mohawk Valley Girl,” writes a daily blog about her everyday adventures in the Mohawk Valley. Follow her frugal fun at: mohawkvalleygirl.wordpress.com

Christmas Trees! Displayed indoors or cut-your-own!

Fresh Wreaths Customed Designed by Order! Mail order wreaths available!

Visit our Christmas Gift Shop

Massoud’s TREE FARM

(315) 737-5011 • 9716 Roberts Rd., Sauquoit Open daily: Mon-Fri: 9-8, Sat & Sun: 9-6

Italian pastries, cookies, wedding & specialty cakes. Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe 707 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 315-735-9712 Mon 7-5, Wed-Fri 7-5, Sat 7-3, Sun 7-Noon

The Tepee, no longer a stop along the way. It’s the destination!

CHERRY VALLEY NEW YORK Since 1950!

7632 Hwy. 20 607-264-3987 CALL FOR HOURS www.thetepee.biz

Erin Brown, D.D.S.

Now Accepting New Patients 2702 Genesee St., Utica (315) 797-0030

www.neighborhoodfamilydentist.com info@neighborhoodfamilydentist.com

Located in Munnsville, Custom Woodcraft has been handcrafting wood furniture and designing beautiful cabinetry since 1979. You’re not just buying cabinets, you’re investing in a tradition.

Custom Woodcraft Quality Cabinetry & Furniture Crafted exclusively for you 2509 Perry Shumaker Road Munnsville (315) 843-4243

1-800-843-3202

1420 Champlin Ave, Utica, NY (315) 732-2350 www.thehearthshopcny.com

Don’t Forget Our Val-U Pak Specials!

Mohawk Village Market

Gift Certificates

10% off any amount!

Order Now For The Holidays!

Beef Rib Roasts Bone-In or Boneless Morrell E-Z Cut Hams Bone-In Pork Roasts Bone-In, Boneless or Crown Fresh Turkeys • Meat Platters

Your old-fashioned, full service butcher! Butcher Block Meats (no pre-packaged meats) Specialty cuts - Storemade Patties & Salads Complete Grocery Line

Serving you Monday-Saturday! 24 West Main St., Mohawk (315) 866-3344 www.mohawkvillagemarket.com

downtown utica

what’s up downtown! by michelle truett

Terrace Café at Fountain Elms, MWPAI, Utica

The Terrace Café is a seasonal eatery located in Fountain Elms at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute. It opened in 1998 to expand the visitor experience at the Museum of Art. The Institute wanted visitors to view the collection and then be able to relax with coffee or a meal. The café has seen a few incarnations over the years, from fine dining to a “help yourself” cafeteria style. The current setup is working well for guests – full table service with a menu filled with specialty salads, sandwiches, quiches, and soups. Their pressed brie and bacon sandwich with apples and fig jam is a favorite, and the varied tastes on the menu are complemented with great drink options from infused waters and flavored lemonades to espresso and lattes. Other nice options are their always-available kid’s menu and gluten-free and vegetarian items that are available each day as well. The full menu is available online. Along with the foods, the ambiance of the café is what you will remember! It’s true Victorian elegance with glass tables, ironwork chairs, and tall paned windows that let in plenty of natural light. Just being inside Fountain Elms transports you to a different era. Weather permitting, outdoor seating is offered on the patio, nestled among the trees and overlooking the spacious Sculpture Grove below. It’s a view and atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else in the city. Chef Vanessa Donino comes to us from Harlem via New York City, Washington D.C., and Nevada. She has honed her culinary craft in all of those cities at high-end restaurants and farm-to-table farmers markets alike, as well as studying under a prodigy of renowned pastry chef Jacques Torres. This, of course, makes the café’s dessert menu a must try. Chef Donino’s “no waste” philosophy, wealth of experience, and culinary creativity result in surprising and delicious items on the menu throughout the season. The café is a wonderful place to host group lunches, and they are even equipped to welcome bus tours. Don’t let your next visit to the museum go without a meal at the Terrace Café. With the holiday season approaching, be sure to request a Victorian Yuletide tour of Fountain Elms or enjoy the return of Jewels of Time – Watches from the Proctor Collection exhibition, opening December 16. The last day of the season is Saturday, December 30, so stop in to the café soon! It will reopen in late spring, 2018. •

Located at the Shoppes at the Finish Line Mon: 9:30 - 8, Tues - Fri: 9:30 - 5 Sat: 10- 4 54

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All!

Background photo by Matt Ossowski

Hours: 11am-3pm, Tuesday–Saturday (Closes for season after Dec 31st) 315-797-0000 ext. 2138

BOUCKVILLE

BARNEVELD

the mvl

restaurant

“Home cookin’ at it’s finest!”

HOME STYLE COOKING

Friday Fish Fry!

•Daily breakfast

guide

(315) 896-2871 Open early everyday!

CASSVILLE

CLINTON

Now r n fo Ope er! Dinn

Friday Fish Fry: 11:30am-8pm

& luncheon specials •Ask about our family bowling special!

Serving breakfast and lunch daily

6798 State Rt. 20, Bouckville

8125 Rt.12, Barneveld, NY

(315) 893-4044 • Open Mon-Sat 6-2, Sun 6-Noon

1/2 lb. Juicy Angus Burgers! NewSpecialty Sundaes! 50 Soft Serve Ice Cream flavors! 50 Milk Shake flavors! A Variety of Parfaits!

& Ice Cream Too! 1717 Route 8, Cassville (315) 839-5000

Open 7 Days a Week • Open 6am-8pm or later, Serving Breakfast 6am-Noon

Cooperstown

Where good friends Meet to Eat! Enjoy breakfast or a quick lunch! 8170 Seneca Tpke., Clinton (315) 732-3631 Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat & Sun 6am-1pm

Serving Breakfast and Lunch

Choose from a delicious variety of healthy options made fresh daily! We serve local produce, cheese, eggs, and Stagecoach Coffee.

Visit our deli case for hard to find cheeses! Take-out available! 7629A State Highway 80, Cooperstown • (315) 985-8096 Open year round! Tues-Sat 6:30am - 2pm

Primo Pizza

Open Christmas Eve until 4!

at the Kettle

315-381-3231

The Most Unique Upside Down Pizza You Ever Tasted!

Celebratining 8 Years ! Clinton

Specialty Rolls

Sausage . . . . . . . . 10.95 Spinach . . . . . . . . . 9.95 Antipasto . . . . . . . 11.95 Sausage & Greens . . . 12.95 Eggplant . . . . . . . . 10.95 Local delivery after 4

Weekday Specials Tues- 20” X-Large Cheese Pizza . . . . $9.95 (Toppings 2.25 ea, X-Cheese 2.95)

Wed-Small Cheese Pizza & 20 Wings . . . $15.95 Thurs- 2 Large Cheese Pizzas . . . . . $16.95 +Tax / Toppings Extra

Every Day Specials

Sm. Cheese & 20 wings. . . $18.95 Lg. Cheese & 20 wings. . . . $22.95 Lg. Cheese & 25 wings. . . . $25.95 Lg. Cheese & 40 wings. . . . $33.95 Lg. Cheese & 50 wings. . . . $38.95 (plus tax. celery, blue cheese, toppings extra)

Tues-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 1pm-8pm

7756 Route 5, Clinton Located next door to Spaghetti Kettle www.primopizzeria1.com 55

HERKIMER

Celebrating 30 Years!

22 years in business!

RESTAURANT & BAR Casual American Cuisine

Serving healthy and delicious salads, grilled sandwiches, and homemade soups.

Seafood & more!

good food, good wine, good friends, good times

Heidelberg Bread & Café 3056 Rte 28 N., Herkimer (315) 866-0999

Raw or cooked • Eat in or take out!

123 Mohawk St., Herkimer • 866-1746

200 King St., Herkimer (315) 866-5716

www.jamosrestaurantandbar.com Now Open 7 days! Sun-Thurs: 11-9, Fri: 11-11, Sat: 11-9

Wed-Thurs 11-7; Fri 11-8; Sat Noon-7

Ilion

Mon-Sat: 7am-6pm, Sun: 7am-5pm Find us on Facebook!

Baking all natural breads – available throughout New York State

little falls

LEE CENTER

Open Daily 7am-3pm

ll New Fras! Flavo

Book your holiday party today!

Roasted fresh daily on site! Come taste the difference!

Breakfast, Lunch, Homemade Soups & Sandwiches and our delicious Desserts Including our Famous Cream Puffs! Canal Place, Little Falls Next to Showcase Antiques

Catering & Banquets too!

(315) 533-7229

Quality Food • Fresh Ingredients Relaxing Atmosphere • Offering Daily Specials!

Breakfast and Lunch

70 Otsego St., Ilion

823-3290

5345 Lee Center-Taberg Rd., Lee Center

Mon-Fri: 6-2, Sat: 7:30-2 • (315) 985-0490

Wed & Thurs 3-9, Fri & Sat 11:30-9, Sun 11:30-8, Closed Mon & Tues • www.gonecoastalrestaurant.com

www.mooserivercoffee.com

MADISON

MARCY

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Take-out • Catering

7239 Route 20, Madison

www.quacksvillageinn.com (315) 893-1806 Sun, Tues-Thurs: 6:30am-7pm, Fri & Sat: 6:30am-8pm

American Family Fare!

9663 River Rd., Marcy

Fresh Haddock • Giambotta

Ice Cream window open til 9 every night!

Take Out & Delivery!

797-7709

Mushroom Stew • Chicken & Biscuits Meatloaf Goulash & More!

Mon-Thu 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-7pm, Sat 6am-1pm Sun 7am-1pm, Ice Cream 11-8:30 Daily

NEW HARTFORD

Homemade comfort foods Full menu available til 2am!

22 beers on tap, specializing in NY State craft beers!

2017u Best Fish Fry

Best Wings best FIRST PLACE Best Craft Brew BEST OF THE

10 Clinton Rd., New Hartford • (315) 732-9733 Mon-Sat: 10am-2am, Sun: 12pm-2am www.killabrewsaloon.com 56

Phoenician R E S TAU R A N T Enjoy authentic Lebanese Cuisine

Full Buffet & Salad Bar served Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30 Wednesday Night Buffet 4:30-8:30, Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat Full Menu Available Mon-Thurs 11:30-9pm, Fri & Sat 11:30-10pm

623 French Road, New Hartford (315) 733-2709

NEW HARTFORD

Experience the taste of Naples!

Celebrating 50 years in business!

Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford (315) 724-0185 • www.laureyspizzeria.com

7 days a week: 11am-10pm

Craft Beer & Wine Available!

2017

u uBEST OF THE

best

ERS

A O.D. READ

IC VOTED BY UT

Eat in!

Gift Certificates Available!

Our Dining Area seats up to 35! Specializing in Authentic Neopolitan Pizza! Using only the highest quality ingredients! Pizzas only take 90 seconds in our 800+ oven!

8636 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford • (315) 864-3728

Mention this ad for Large cheese pizza and 20 wings Only $20.99!

“We are your home town pizzeria!”

Beer & Wine available!

past 5 years! Voted #1 pizza for

(315) 736-4549 • Open 7 days a week • 4462 Commercial Dr., New Hartford

Mon-Sat: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays Menu online at: mangiamacrina.letseat.at

www.tonyspizzeriaanddeli.com

Locally Owned & Operated

1700 North James St., Rome (315) 336-1111 Breakfast & Lunch daily 7am-3pm

PIZZA • WINGS • SUBS • EAT IN • TAKE OUT • FRIDAY FISH FRY!

Catering Available • Homemade Desserts Every Day

2634 Genesee St., South Utica (315) 724-6795 Breakfast & Lunch daily 7am-3pm Dinner Wed - Sat 5pm-10pm

4784 Commercial Dr., New Hartford (315) 736-1363 Breakfast & Lunch daily 7am-3pm

www.raspberriescafeutica.com • Facebook: Raspberries Rome / Raspberries Utica • Kids Menu Available

MVL Ad_Layout 1 OHIO

Newport

7/8/15 3:05 PM Page 1

Try our homemade pies!

Good Old-Fashioned Country Home Cooking Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Friday Fish Fry!

8218 State Route 28, Newport • (315) 845-8922

Mon: 6am-2pm; Tues, Thurs, Fri: 6am-8pm; Sat: 6am-2pm; Sun breakfast: 6am-noon Closed Wed • pattyjeansrestaurant@gmail.com

OLD FORGE

Specializing in the area’s only coal-fired pizza oven! Mexican & American Fare Sushi selections too!

Eat in or Take out

Featuring Daily Specials

127 North St., Old Forge

Tues-Thurs: 11:30am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30am-10pm, Sun: 11:30am-8:30pm, Closed Mon • (315) 369-3141

Life is Good at The Ohio Tavern!

Oriskany Falls

Oneida

Fresh to you!

2755 826-5050 2755 State State Rt Rt.8,8,Cold ColdBrook, Brook,NY NY•13324 (315)•826-5050

Mon. 4 - 9pm • Tues. Wed. - Sun. 12&Noon Open Wed - SunClosed 12-9,•closed Mon Tues- 9pm Great Food • Great Spirits • Great Times

Catering Available Every Day

MARIO’S PIZZERIA 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE!

Homemade, Hand-tossed

Pizza! Calzones • Wings eat in or take out

Chesterfield’s

tuscan oven

Ask abouizt za yp our dailia spec ls!

Catering available too!

Full Italian dinner menu! friday fish fry

Cold subs/Hot tunnels 184 N. Main St., Oriskany Falls

2184 Glenwood Plaza, Oneida

(315) 821-7288

(315) 361-9900 • Dining room hours:Tues-Wed: 3-9; Thurs-Sat: 12-9; Sun: 3-8; Closed Mon

Tues-Sat: 11-10, Sun: 11-9

ROME

There’s no place like Rome for the holidays!

Champagne Brunch

Banquets

8524 Fish Hatchery Rd, Rome, NY 13440 315-533-7710 www.deltalakeinn.com

Brenda’s Natural Foods Something Good & a Lot of It!

Featuring: Gluten-free options and homemade soups!

Natural Groceries • Supplements • Local Foods Organic Produce & Plants

236 W. Dominick St., Rome (315) 337-0437 M-F 9:30-6, Sat 10-3

Weekend Specials! Haddock Specials

www.brendasnaturalfoods.com

Natural Food Cafe Now Open!

Weddings

Prime Rib Every Sat. Night!

Wood Fired za! Brick Oven Piz t Take Ou y! & Deliver

Authentic Homemade Pasta Available! 5 Signature Sauces To Create Your Own Entree!

(315) 33PIZZA

615 Erie Blvd. W., Rome Open M-Thurs 11-9, Fri & Sat 11-10, Sun 12-8

DiCastro’s BRICK OVEN

sharon springs

salisbury

The Country Store with More!

www.countrystoreny.com

Order your delicious fruitcakes & sugar plums!

Snacks, Beer, Pizza, Wings, Subs, Gas, Diesel, Non-Ethanol Gas, Gifts and much, much more!

Mon-Thurs 11-3, Fri-Sun 8-3 195 Main St., Sharon Springs (518) 284-2575

2114 Rte 29, Salisbury 315-429-3224 Open 7 Days a Week UTICA

www.blackcat-ny.com

simple. fresh. delicious.

It’s Christmas time in the city!

Now serving wine & beer!

breakfast • lunch • espresso • pastries • cakes

Holiday Cookie Trays!

Signature Cakes, Grab-n-go cakes, Cookies, In-house Macarons, Pastries, Cheese Cakes & Pies

“Chaufan Mixto” A delicious medley of chicken, beef, vegetables, and rice Luisa Martinez - chef

1315 Genesee Street, Utica

(315) 864-3057 Open Mon & Tue 10am-10pm, Thurs-Sun 10am-2am, Closed Wed

53 Franklin Square, Utica • (315) 790-5747

Cafe Hours: Mon-Thurs 7-7, Fri & Sat 7-9, Sun 8-1 (breakfast only)

Bakery (at the back of Bite Cafe) 52 Seneca St, Utica

Bakery Hours: Mon-Sat 7-3, Sun 8-1 (bakery items available in cafe after 3pm)

bitebakeryandcafe.com

#downtownutica

Sheri’s

EASTSIDE DINER Breakfast • Lunch Homemade & Fresh Daily!

Friday Fish Fry • Breakfast Served All Day

2199 Bleecker St., Utica (315) 790-5250 Mon-Thurs, & Sat 6-2, Fri 6-5, Sun 7-2

1st Floor

Breakfast, Lunch, “Grab-and-Go!” Deliveries, 8am-2pm Take Out & Catering!

Contemporary American • Private Functions • Reservations Recommended

Check out our weekly specials on facebook and at www.rososcafe.com

Open: Mon-Fri 9-2 185 Genesee St 2nd Floor, Utica

315 735-7676

900 Culver Ave., Utica • 315-765-0271 • Open Tues-Sat 4:30-9pm www.willowsofutica.com

UTICA

vernon

American & Italian Cuisine Serving Lunch & Dinner

~Merry Christmas~

H a n d m a d e - A l wa y s F re sh - N e v e r F ro z e n ! !

Handmade Italian Specialties: Assorted Regular And Gluten Free Cookies, Struffoli, Pitta 'nchiusa, Turdilli, Torrone, Croccante, Panettone And More!!

THE

BLACK STALLION

Call us to discuss your upcoming wedding or party

5656 Route 5, Vernon • (315) 829-2203

www.theblackstallionny.com Open 6 days a week for Lunch & Dinner, Closed Monday

Nothin’ Fancy Cafe

Shop Our Line Of Pasta, Sauces, Starters And Ready To Cook Meals; Other Local Products Too!! We Can Also Ship Our Products!!

-(315) 896-2173Contact Us For Your Open Monday -Through- Friday Holiday Catering 8:00AM -To- 4:00PM Needs: 4th Anniversary Open House: Greens, Eggplant “Parm”, Meatballs And Saturday, 12/2, From 9:00 AM!! More!! Plus Christmas Expanded Holiday Hours: Open Specials, Including Saturdays Through Christmas!! Stuffed Calamari!! -www.sammyandanniefoods.comNow Making Gluten Free Options Too!!

Family owned- The Vullo family has been catering to your menu needs since 1972!

Great Food • Great Service • Great people

Gluten Free Options!

Serving breakfast, lunch, & Friday dinners Eat in or take out • Catering available too!

Book your wedding, banquet, or party at our Event Center on-site (seats up to 200) Affordable 7,000 sq.ft., Wooden Dance Floor, We Cater or Bring your own!

10 Ruth St., Vernon • (315) 829-4500

Mon-Sat: 5:30am-3pm. Fri: til 8pm, Sun: 5:30am-1pm, Facebook: Nothinfancycafevernonny

WASHINgTON MILLS

Check Out The Great Specials at Route 69 Steakhouse! Whitesboro

RESTAURANT

LUNCH AND DINNER • DAILY SPECIALS • FRIDAY FISH FRY

Famous For Our Tenderloin Steak Sandwich

Call now to book your holiday party! • Banquet Room (Seats up to 35) Open at 11am, Saturday open at 4pm, closed Sunday & Monday

3963 Oneida St., Washington Mills • (315) 864-8149 Yorkville

Serving Lunch & Dinner Lunches Served Fri, Sat & Sun Happy Hour Daily 4-7, $2 Drafts & $2.50 Well Mixers Tues: $9.99 Prime Rib & $2.99 All U Can Eat Spaghetti Wed: Kids eat free w/each adult entree purchase, 10 boneless wings -$6.00 Thurs: All U Can Eat Chicken Riggies Sun: .60c Wings & $13.99 16oz Sirloin Dinner

Catering & Banquet Facilities Available

409 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro • (315) 736-7869 www.69steakhouse.com 60

THE STEAK & PICKLE

KARAM’S Middle Eastern Bakery & Restaurant

Traditional Lebanese fare for breakfast & lunch! Middle Eastern Specials and Groceries Pita and Flat Bread • Spinach & Meat Pies • Baklawa

Tues - Fri: 9am - 5pm, Sat: 9am - 3pm

(315) 736-1728 • 137 Campbell Ave., Yorkville www.karamsbakery.com

Serving Wine & Beer!

MV Comics Featuring Rome artist & “Bob the Squirrel” creator, Frank Page! Catch Bob every day in the Rome Sentinel or at www.BobtheSquirrel.com

315-853-5001 INC.

STOREMADE:

Kielbasa, Sausage, Hams, Patties, Salads, Variety of German Style Frankfurters

The 4 Corners in Clark Mills

Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 8-1, Closed Sun & Mon

The handyman’s choice since 1948

Bicycle Parts, Accessories & Clothing Repairs on All Makes & Models of Bikes Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoes

(315) 896-2631 Vanderkemp Ave., Barneveld

411 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-5571

Lumber • Doors • Windows • Mason’s Supplies Roofing • Insulation • Treated Lumber Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5pm, Sat: 7:30am-Noon

www.dickswheelshop.com

mv living

antique shopping guide Spotlight on

Little Falls Fort Plain

SHOWCASE Antiques of CNY Little Falls

Antique Center

Mohawk

MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL

Save the Date Saturday, December 9th

Christmas in Little Falls www.christmasinlittlefalls.com

Celebrating our 19th year in business!

Attic Addicts The Queen’s Closet

Pristine, Practical, and Priced Right!

Specializing in estate sales, large and small.

Consignment at its Finest!

Clothing Jewelry Household Items Furniture

Conducted with respect and dignity. We take the pressure out of estate liquidation, moving, or downsizing.

Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm Sat: 10:30am-3pm

Call for a consultation:

New consignment by appointment only

(315) 736-9160

22 Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville (315) 736-9160 www.thequeenclosetatticaddicts.com

Vintage & New!

Furniture, Home Decor, Jewelry, Clothing & Accessories Also consigning vintage, quality items.

Open Daily 10-5

Today’s New Modern

10242 Route 12N, Remsen

51 Franklin Square, Utica (315) 272-8800

(315) 831-8644

www.backofthebarnantiques.com

Open Wed-Sat: 11-6, Sun-Tues: call for appt.

BlackCat

ANTIQUES

A little bit country, a little bit primitive! Your destination for furniture, hand stenciled signs, vintage clothing, warm glow candles, silk arrangements & more!

Multi Dealer Antique Shop

Primitives • Furniture • Artwork Smalls • Antique Accessories 14 East Main St. Earlville (315) 691-5721

Open Tues-Fri: 9-4, Sat: 9-2, Closed Sun & Mon

Canal House Antiques Multi-Dealer Shop

Specializing in antique furniture, glassware, jewelry, books, linens, and primitive rug hooking accessories

(315) 893-7737

Open Thurs-Mon 10-4, Closed the month of January

6737 Route 20, Bouckville, NY

Over 30 Vendors!

Wed-Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11-3 • (315) 264-1755

4803 Rt. 31, Vernon

Dawn Marie’s Treasures Merry ri h C stmas & Happy New Year!

Vintage, Gift & Gourmet 18 West Park Row, Clinton (315) 796-9099 • Open Mon-Sat 10-6

Shop Dawn Marie’s this Holiday Season! For your holiday gathering & decor: We have it! Cards, Candles, & Chocolates: We have it! Furs, designer bags, jewelry: We have it! Unique & affordable gifts for everyone: We have it!

Foothills

Mercantile Huge selection of antiques, vintage pieces, collectibles, glassware, furniture, accessories, and a rustic & country gift shop!

Holiday Open House

Fri. Dec 1st 10-7, Sat. Dec 2nd & Sun. Dec 3rd 10-5:30

337 Genesee St., Utica

in g e hopp(315) ar 738-1333 rt s ly Sta fo rt www.vintagefurn.com he holi

Fort Plain Antiques 30% O FF & Salvage Holiday Sa l Nov 15 - ja n1

Don’t Wait for Black Friday!

START SHOPPING EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

now!

SHOP HOURS: Tues - Wed — 12 - 4 Thurs - Fri — 12 - 6 Sat — 12 - 5 Also by Appointment Closed Sun and Mon Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

Like Us On Facebook!

Vendor Discounts, Door Prizes & Refreshments!

Open 7 Days: 10-5:30 • 8124 Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-2681

55 Willett St., Fort Plain, NY • www.fortplainantiques.com • 518-993-1045 • 518-332-0395

The Gallery Antiques at Pinebrick A multi-dealer shop specializing in advertising, petroliana, lamps, glass, furniture & quality smalls.

Look for our 1960s Texaco sign! (315) 893-7752

6790 Rte 20, Bouckville • www.thegallerycoop.com

The Gingham Patch Unique Decor for the Primitive Lover!

Many new holiday items, along with Primitive & Country Antiques! Closing for the winter Dec. 23rd at 3pm Reopening again in April!

Green Bag Weekend! Dec. 14th-17th 25% off Xmas Cards & Calendars! 3490 Pratts Rd., Bouckville • 315 893-7750 • Like us!

www.GinghamPatch.com • Hours: Thurs-Sat: 11am-5pm, Sun: 12-4pm

Little Falls

Antique Center More than 50 vendors on 2 floors! Canal Place, Little Falls Open Every Day 10-5 315-823-4309 www.littlefallsantiquecenter.com

NEWPORT MARKETPLACE Top Notch Garden Center Rt 28, 7583 Main St., Newport (315) 845-8822

OVER 56 VENDORS! NEW ITEMS ARRIVING DAILY!

Main Street Gift Shoppe

Newport’s Best Kept Secret for Primitive Gifts! Prim Trees, Santas, Snowmen, Candles, Lighting, Olde Century Colors Paint, Signs, Furniture & more!

Primitive Christmas Open House

Sat. Dec. 2nd and Sun. Dec. 3rd, 11:30am - 4pm Refreshments and Door Prizes! Bring a Friend!

7431 Main St Rt. 28 Newport, NY

OPEN: Wed-Sat 11:30am til 8pm (315) 845-8835 www.mainstreetristorante.com

Antiques • Vintage • Handcrafted Items • Alpaca Hats, Gloves & Socks Honey • Cheese • Natural & Local Foods • Grass-Fed Beef • Kombucha Local Maple Syrup • Organic Herbs • Muck Boots • Garden Gifts

Christmas Ornaments from Germany & Poland Custom Live Wreaths

Christmas Gifts

For those who crave the unique! Open 7 days a week at 9 • Gift Certificates Available • Like Us!

Over 160 Vendor booths and display cases!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 10-5

Christmas HOLIDAY PARTY

“Karaoke” Xmas music, the MAM Holiday train show, as well as MAM’s very own SANTA CLAUS! Come one, come all, for a day full of fun and excitement!

100 E. Main St., Mohawk (Thruway Exit 30)

(315) 219-5044 www.mohawkantiquesmall.com

MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL

Mon, Wed-Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11:30-4:30 Closed Tuesdays

ONEIDA COMMONS

The Online Exchange

Vendor Mall

Over 40 Vendors

Tue-Sun: 10-5

Dec 7: LADIES NIGHT Wine Tasting/Gifts/More

Gifts • Home Décor Jewelry • AVON Antiques • Collectibles Local Artisans & Crafters Nelson Farms Local Foods 315-280-0577 157 Cedar Street, Oneida

oneidacommons.com

Minutes from I-90 & TS Casino!

We Can Help You Buy, Sell, and Trade Globally! Now an FFL dealer! O 6338 St. Rt. 167, Dolgeville

(315) 429-5111

www.TheOnlineExchange.Net Registered user of ebay

Antique & Unique! Buy • Sell • Trade

See The Man 54 N. Main St., Sherburne (607) 316-8463 • Open Wed-Sun

Purchase any Antique Ornament from our 10’ tree & you could win a $25 gift card! Nov. 24-Dec. 24

Join us for Christmas in Little Falls, Sat., Dec. 9th! “Spin the Wheel” up to 15% off! Complimentary Homemade Christmas Cookies & Coffee 75 Antique Dealers Quality Antiques, Collectibles, Furniture, Art and Jewelry

Showcase Antiques of CNY

375 Canal Place, Little Falls (315) 823-1177 Open Daily 10-5 • Handicap Accessible www.showcaseantiquesofcny.com

Victorian

THE POTTING SHED

Rose

ANTIQUES

Antiques make great gifts!

Check out our inventory and our House Sale Schedule: www.thepottingshedantiques.com

315-736-5214

Don & Nancy Hartman, 52 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro (Next to Kinney’s)

ernon Variety Shoppes

Antique & Variety Shoppes

5349 Route 5, Vernon (315) 829-2105 Open 10-5 every day

Painted and Repurposed

An eclectic mix of vintage, antiques, & home decor

6831 Indian Opening Rd., Bouckville

Open Daily 10-4 • (315) 893-1786

Vintage & Antique Furniture Open Fri, Sat & Sun 10-4 (315) 893-7162

3371 Maple Ave., Bouckville www.victorianrosevintage.com

A Multi Dealer Shop

Featuring 60 Dealers displaying a diverse array of antiques and collectibles.

315-337-3509 Open Daily 10-5, Closed Tuesdays

Located 4 miles North of Sylvan Beach

Weeden’ s Mini Mall

100 Shops Located under One Roof

8056 Route 13, Blossvale (315) 245-0458 Open 10-5 every day

Come Spend the Day With Us! Route 233 Westmoreland, NY 1/4 mile North of NYS Thruway Exit 32 www.westmorelandantiquecenter.com

Herkimer county historical society

Adelaide Williams White

from Women Belong in History Books by Roberta Seaton Walsh

Freedom Farm Market Fresh-cut Christmas Trees, Handmade Wreaths and Swags, Poinsettias, Giftware, Home Decor, Candles, Mugs & More! Gift certificates available.

M-F: 10-7, Sat & Sun: 9-5 (315) 829-4880 4826 State Rt. 5, Vernon 66

In 1931, the New York State League of Women Voters presented a memorial tablet to the State of New York to hang inside the State Street entrance to the Capitol building commemorating the women foremost in the cause of women’s suffrage. The names of four women from Oneida County appear on the tablet: Miss Lucy Carlile Watson (Utica), Miss Janet Price (Rome), Mrs. Samuel J. Bens (Utica), and Adelaide Williams White (Rome). Adelaide Williams was born in September 1864 in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, N.Y. She was the fifth child and third daughter of Dr. Julian T. Williams and Julia King Thompson. Adelaide attended Dunkirk Union schools and then one year at Vassar College. Adelaide had four sisters: Henrietta “Ella” Clarke

Order Your Christmas Floral Arrangements! Fresh or Silk Available!

Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Kissing Balls & Garland! Your Full Service Florist!

Christmas

SelectedleIt! ems

50% off!

Gift Cards! Gift Shoppe!

Open Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5 (Closed Dec 25th - Jan 31st) • www.michaelsgreenhouse.com

2774 Oneida St., Sauquoit, NY (315) 737-8181

Williams Scott (1854-1911), Jessie Carlisle Williams Hinkley (1858-1919), Mabel Walton Williams (18661946), and Geraldine Williams (1860-1867), and two brothers: Henry Kirk Williams (1856-1944) and Gerald Bismarck Williams (1870-1952). The Williams family was one of the earliest pioneer families of Chautauqua County. In 1820, Adelaide’s grandparents Dr. Ezra and Sarah King Clarke Williams left the relative civilization of Oneida County, intending to move west to Sandusky, Ohio. When their lake boat docked at Dunkirk, N.Y., Dr. Williams was so impressed with the area that he decided to settle right there. Adelaide returned to Oneida County in 1904 when she married Dr. Harry Draper White, a medical doctor and president of the staff of Rome Hospital. Dr. and Mrs. White were the parents of one daughter, Julia Kirke White, born in 1907. When Adelaide first became involved with the wom-

Naturewood Knoll

Tree Farm Open through Dec 23 Wed.-Sun., 10am - 6pm

2017 Season

Prince-Boyd & Hyatt

Trees, wreaths, greens, fine art, toys, ornaments, stocking stuffers!

(315) 823-1133

210 West Court St. Rome • 336-1510

See Santa!

Sat., December 2, 12-3

Presenting World-Class Music, Theater, & Dance!

Winter Choir Concert

Home For Funerals, Inc.

Home-like surroundings for your convenience & comfort.

2408 St. Rt. 169, Little Falls

en’s suffrage movement, the National American Woman Suffrage Association was the largest volunteer organization in the country with 2 million members. But, in 1913, when Alice Paul, a young Quaker social worker and her fellow activist split from that organization, Adelaide followed them when they founded the more militant Congressional Union for Women’s Suffrage and later the National Woman’s Party. Three area women helped solicit money for the National Women’s Party: Adelaide Williams White, Lucy Carlile Watson, founder of the Utica Political Equality Club, Mrs. Samuel J. Bens, also of Utica. Although they did not actually join Alice Paul in picketing the White House in 1917, they were part of a 50-member Mohawk Valley women’s group that supported her efforts to secure the vote. Adelaide Williams White was also the first president of the Political Equality Club of Rome, N.Y. On Sept. 1, 1914, the Rome Daily Sentinel reported that the club had

Saturday, December 2, 7:30pm

The Hamilton College Choir and College Hill Singers present a program featuring Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies and Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs.

Pre-arrangement Plans with prey-payment or no payment options.

Handicapped Accessible

Hamilton College Orchestra Winter Concert

www.princeboydhyatt.com

Friday, December 8, 7:30pm

Heather Buchman conducts the Hamilton College Orchestra in Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major, “The Great.”

These Winter Concerts are free & open to the public

(315) 859-4331

www.hamilton.edu/college/performingarts

held its first meeting the previous day. The decision was made at that meeting to extend an invitation to Miss Helen M. Todd to come from San Francisco to speak to the group. Miss Todd was the author of Getting Out the Vote and a very dynamic and popular speaker on women’s suffrage. It was significant that she came from California because she had actually voted in a state election there. Three years earlier, California had passed Amendment 8, granting women the right to vote in state elections, almost a decade before the 19th Amendment provided women’s suffrage throughout the United States. There was extensive newspaper coverage of Miss Todd’s appearances at the Oneida County Fair in Boonville and at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. The following year, still under Adelaide’s administration, the Political Equality Club’s invited speaker was Mrs. A. C. Hughston, the New York organizer for the Empire State Suffragist Campaign Committee. Adelaide Williams White was a staunch supporter of women’s suffrage until her death on July 7, 1917, at the age of 53. Funeral services were held first at her home at 217 West Embargo Street in Rome, N.Y. Her family then accompanied her body on the train to Dunkirk, N.Y., where a simple service was held at the home of her older brother, Henry. Burial followed in the family lot at Forest Hill Cemetery in Fredonia, N.Y. Had she lived just five more months, Adelaide would have been able to vote for the first time in the state election of Nov. 6, 1917. The 1917 victory for women’s suffrage followed 50 years of fund-raising, picketing, and rallies, and in spite of the fears of newspaper columnist Farmer Radford that when a woman received the right to vote, “political gossip would cause her to neglect the home, forget to mend our clothes and burn the biscuits.” •

THE WORLD’S #1 SELLING TRACTOR HAS

THE 1 YEAR-END DEAL #

Shown: 1526

Get monthly payments for as low as $ MO*

193/

Hobby Hill Farm Sales

SMITH TRACTOR

0000 Street Name .Town Name .dealersite.com 000.000.0000 8727 Turin Road, Rome • 315-571-5398

*1526 Shuttle w/loader. 2.99% for 84 months with 0% down. For a limited time only. With approved credit. Program restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. All offers expire December 31, 2017.

The Herkimer County Historical Society opened a new exhibit on Women’s Suffrage on Nov. 4, 2017, at the Suiter Museum Building: 400 North Main Street, Herkimer We are open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays. Women Belong In History Books Vol. 1 & 2 are for sale at our gift shop. They are $25 each.

Sue Perkins is the Executive Director of the Herkimer County Historical Society and historian for the town of Manheim.

Offering all the comforts of home!

THOMPSON APPLIANCE & FURNITURE

20% Off Furniture Sale! *excluding already discounted items

Shawangunk nature preserve, cold brook Peggy (upper left) and her two younger sisters, Christmas morning, 1958

TALES FROM

SHAWANGUNK Chapter 39 by Peggy Spencer Behrendt

BEADS & GEMS

GROCERIES • GAS • CAR WASH • NYS REDEMPTION CENTER • DELI/PIZZA

Reilly’s Dairy, Inc. PLUS

SAUQUOIT SELF STORAGE! Featuring Little Falls & Herkimer Diamond Jewelry

Since 1942, when we delivered to you!

32 W. Main St. • Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0454 •

www.fallhillbeadandgem.com

9553 Pinnacle Rd., Sauquoit (315) 737-5560 69

ready. Dad had a cigar in his mouth and was having a disagreement with Mom; the discarded wrapping paper was all piled up in front of my brother, Dave; and Penny had her new doll in front of her face. “We weren’t ready, Timmy, they admonished me. But, I think it showed the reality of the moment.”

are sensitive to everything that occurs to them. And modern research is now supporting this, finding proof of many ways they do react to the environment, to us, and to each other. Tim apologizes, and says he’s just giving them a haircut. What’s wrong with me? Why am I so I hope we can gather what we need betired? I’m not doing that much but feel fore snow lies on the branches. Otherwise, sluggish and unpleasantly sleepy. I think we must brush or shake off each piece we that our indoor air quality with wood heat in cut. It’s cold. It’s wet. It the winter is not so good. I bundle up to go takes lots longer and out in the frosty cold to get some fresh air hurts our hands after a while. and gather balsam for wreaths. Balsam wreaths are our most popular I’m struck by the annual holiday gift for family and friends. beauty of the frost I make them completely out of natural ma- edgings on the mosses terials, and we have many acres of supplies and chestnut-colored available. It pleases us that it doesn’t kill grasses that crunch any trees or plants, and they’re completely beneath our boots. “I recyclable. I guess it doesn’t contribute to should have brought the camera to take a picture the local economy, though! Though pruning can get tedious, it’s of this,” I muse out loud. pleasant and easy to stroll around the edges “I got my first camera of our forests to snip six-inch ends off the for Christmas when I was branches. Tim feels a little guilty, because about 10,” Tim reflects, although trees might seem like non-entities, “and took my first picture we see them as living things that react and right away. No one was In 1974, Tim and Peggy Spencer Behrendt set off on an adventure. They began a new life in the woods of Cold Brook, NY, without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. These are excerpts and reflections from Peggy’s journal chronicling their adventures and also her childhood memories growing up in Westmoreland.

“We weren’t ready Timmy!” his family said, when he took this first picture with his new camera, 1947

FARM FRESH

www.grassycowdairy.com

ENJOY

The ability for our cows to graze fresh Central New York grass every Spring, Summer, and Fall is of utmost importance to the health and happiness of our cows. 100% of our quality milk products are made from milk from our own happy, healthy cows.

Take a break from your hectic, hurried, slow Aged cheese, ground beef,high-tech eggs,day&tomore! down and Enjoy Country Quality. Come visit our creamery

Farm store open daily 9628 Prospect Road, Remsen 831-3276

and get your fresh cheese curd today – made right in your own backyard. Rte 12

COUNTRY QUALITY

Fresh cheese curd Thursdays Rd

REMSEN

GRASZSINGYDAICOW GRA

Main St

cis Rd

Rd ry he Ha tc Fis h

ction Rd

ct Jun

R pect

Jones

Pros

Open Mon-Fri: 7-5:30, Sat & Sun: 9-4 • 9182 River Rd, Marcy (315) 368-4497 • www.riverroadgreenhouses.com

Prospe Plank Rd

Kissing Balls • Wreaths • Fresh Cut Trees Christmas Dish Gardens • Cyclamens • Frosty Ferns

Fran

dle

An ocean of poinsettias of all sizes and colors for your holiday decorating and gift-giving. Grown right here in our greenhouses!

Prospect Rd

Steuben St

Mid

the

Jam

Grassy Cow Dairy is where you will find rich, creamy, squeaky, cheese curd made fresh with today’s dairy milk making them…..a squeak above the rest!

365 PROSPECT

ada Cre

West Can

Hinkley Reservoir

GRA

You will taste the difference!

Hink ley

GRASZSINGYDAICOW

A Squeak Above The Rest

Kountry Kupboard II

Our Mission: To use our farm’s fresh dairy cow milk to produce wholesome dairy products with the highest quality possible so that our customers can experience and enjoy the taste of fresh, farm-made milk products.

9628 Prospect Road, Remsen NY

From Rt 12: Turn onto Steuben St at the blinking yellow light, turn left onto Main St. then right onto Prospect Rd. From Rt 365: Near Village of Prospect, at blinking light, turn north onto Prospect Rd toward Remsen.

A division of Earley Farm & Hardware, Inc. Hint: Love that super-fresh squeak? Every Friday is cheese making day on the farm, so stop into the creamery for the freshest, squeakiest curd in the county.

“Always a Great Deal More at the Kupboard!”

www.grassycowdairy.com | e: info@grassycowdairy.com Deli • Bulk Foods & Cheese • Chocolate Items p: 315.831.3276 Daily Lunch Specials • Daily Fresh Baked Goods

Phone (315) 893-7437 Fax (315) 893-1854

Open M-F 8-5, Sat 8-4, Closed Sundays

Route 20 in Madison, New York www.earleyfarm.com

DECEMBER SAVINGS December 1st - December 31st 2017

~Yerba Prima~ Psyllium Husks Supplements

30% Off ~~Now~~ Essential Oils

Tim’s dad published their high school paper that won international awards W e both laugh. “Yes, it’s a classic.” I agree. We are working close together now, my best friend and I, enjoying the divine fragrance from the cut balsam. I feel the same comfort I got from being with my dad when I was young. “My father seemed most content working with wood,” I tell Tim. “When I was little, I would hang out with him in his woodworking shop, and kept out of the way by drawing numbers and pictures on little scrap wood pieces that were left over. “I’d say: ‘Am I helping, daddy?’ and he’d reply: ‘You’re helping just by being here.’” “He usually worked on big things like kitchen cabinets or repairs,” I continue. “But one year he made something different. It looked a bit like a double-decker coffee table, stained a warm, reddish-brown with a little rail all around the top, and it showed up under our Christmas tree. It was a bunk bed for dolls and the rail was so the dolls wouldn’t fall out and get hurt. I loved it, and was especially thrilled to realize that he had made it for me. I think we all particularly treasured the things our parents personally made for us.” “That’s probably partly why you like carpentry,” Tim reflects. “It makes you feel close to him. And that’s probably why I like writing and publishing books. My dad taught journalism and published the school paper

Peggy harvests willow and balsam from the forest for wreath making

20% Off

~~Supplement Sales~~

~~Naturtint~~ Permanent Hair Color

~Nature's Way Vitamin & Herbal Supplements...25% Off ~Garden of Life Entire Line...20% Off

1049

Reg. $16.99

~Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish ~~Derma E~~ Oil...25% Off ~Natural Vitality Calm...25% Off ~MegaFood Foodstate Supplements...20% Off

Bulk Organic Medjool Dates

Skin Care Products

25% Off Bulk Pistachios

$7.49/lb.

$6.79/lb.

Reg. $11.99/lb.

Reg. $8.99/lb.

Earth Balance Buttery Spreads

399

Reg. $5.99

California Olive Ranch Olive Oil Extra Virgin

849

Reg. $13.49

King Arthur Measure For Measure Flour

32 FL OZ

349

Reg. $4.69

Endangered Species Chocolate Bar

16.9 FL OZ

Lifeway Kefir Eggnog & Pumpkin Spice

3 LB

25% Off Prince Of Peace Ginger Candy Chews

Reg. $12.99

$ 69

Reg. $2.29

Mon-Fri 9-8, Sat 9-6, Sun 11-4

New Hartford Shopping Center 724-4998

Visit our cafe serving fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, realwww.peterscornucopia.net fruit smoothies and organic coffee!

I’m warm, I start easing the willows into little circles to hold the balsam tips. “The Sally knows the basket maker’s thumb,” I say. It is an old basket maker’s adage. “Sally” refers to the Latin for willow, “Salix.” Willows only bend cooperatively under an expert hand and thumb. Although I teach others how to make these The men from Worden’s Music of Utica deliver a wreaths now, I usually make the piano deep into the forest and over a narrow bridge wreath bases myself. Otherwise, they kink and break and I have to Sheet music of one of the old on hike out for more willow. tunes on Peggy’s family piano. a huge, When I finish with these, I take noisy (and dangerous) lettera break by playing piano. I had to press with line-a-type. It won international muddy dismantle our big, old upright when awards, you know.” depressions make it hazwe tore off the south wall and put Tim chuckles and adds: “He seemed ardous and I don’t want a repeat of a bad glass in for passive solar heat. But, since I happiest in the print shop where there were sprain I got in my youth. play music to earn money for Tim’s Sunday pretty girls around. He was always par- One year we received a beautiful, six- services and weddings, I need to be able to ticularly nice to me there and would even foot wooden toboggan from Santa. This practice. Ray Humann, owner of Worden’s cheerfully give me money if I asked.” was a very exciting alternative to the old Music near the Stanley Theater in Utica, Tim heads for home and I decide to go wood sleds with steel runners, or the dent- was a member of our church and offered to my wild “Willow Mart” below the big ed, aluminum saucers we were sliding on. a piano that was an octave short on each Beaver Pond and gather some willows for But the first time out, careening down the end. Yes, it could fit in our now smaller cotthe wreath bases. As I cross the dirt road, steep meadows of Brockway Hill behind tage, would cost less than a full piano, and, I smell the pungent musk of deer. I don’t my grandparents’ house on Welsh Bush especially important, they promised free particularly like this scent, but am pleased Road, I got thrown off and sprained my leg delivery! to know that they abide, and are safe here. quite badly. I decided to stick to saucers “Woo-hoo!” A new piano! I can manMaybe I’ll see one! after that, and am now particularly careful age without the extra octaves, right? (But I A cool winter breeze has come up and the about keeping my feet under me. would miss them). I don’t recall if we told sun peeks out between clusters of scuttling I start to feel cold, and hurry home bent Ray how far off the road we are. Did I forclouds. The wide open feeling of the pond over with a feed sack on my back bulging get to tell him that the piano would have to and bright expanse of sky above is a wel- with boughs, and a big handful of willow be moved along a long, narrow path through come change from the cloistered tangibility withes under my arm. I truly feel like a a swamp and over an even narrower bridge of dense evergreen trees. I stop and breathe peasant, and it pleases me. over a brook? Then I thought, with a shuddeeply, filling my cells with this fresh air, Inside, the wood fire is blazing merrily. der, “What if it falls into our creek?” faintly warmed by winter sunshine, before Now, it’s my friend again, and I stand close Our bridge consisted of only two, 10-inch descending into the willow copses below. I until I start to smell the fibers of my wool wide planks set side by side on cinder blocks. have to move carefully here. Hillocks from pants heating up. When the heavy rains of fall and spring grass clusters, roots, dead branches, and Tim has mint tea ready and as soon as came, the bridge sometimes floated down-

Surprise the ones you love with a cruise vacation! Cruises from 3 days and longer to fit your schedule & budget!

Call 315-768-1700 Toll Free: 1-866-722-SHIP(7447) 214 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro www.The Cruise Wizards.com

LIQUORS & WINES

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

HALF & FULL CASE DISCOUNTS 8231 State Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-4444

Friends helped us get my first, old clunker in here by rolling it through the swamp on top of old door panels. One family I know tried to move one downstairs in their house, by themselves. It got away from them, crashed into the wall Peggy’s grandparents in Clark Mills with their newly enlisted below, and remained Navy sons; Roland and Royston and their wives. (in the middle lodged there for sevare Peggy’s parents, Roland and Betty), 1942 eral years! I finally thought, “When is stream. our path the most stable, and when do Other things we not have to worry about falling in have fallen into the brook--groceries, the creek? Why, when it is frozen, of books, tools, etc. When the kids were teens, course!” And so, we ordered the piano we heard splashing and cursing a few times after winter set in, and hoped for the from young visitors to the Children’s Cot- best. tage who stumbled in when departing after Ray’s son’s worked hard and cheerdark. One time I carried my older sister, fully, and it didn’t take them that long. Joyce, over it when it was flooded and she Then, Ray (who was active in the Utididn’t have boots. She laughed quite ner- ca arts community and provided the vously the whole time, perhaps worried I Steinway grand at the Stanley) kindly might purposely drop her, in retribution for helped me learn how to tune it. There are over 200 strings! This saved us a childhood disputes. Pianos are really tricky to move. lot of money!

I still love to play the old sheet music that our parents had on the piano when we were growing up, titles like “Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey,” “The Grandfather’s Clock,” “Nature Boy,” “Peg o’ My Heart”… Tim’s mom even played for silent movies when she was young. I still have a copy of “Remember Pearl Harbor” from 1942 by Danny Reid and Sammy Kaye. It coincided with my parents’ wedding and the enlistment of my dad and his brother in the Navy. They were the first generation on the British side of the family to serve for the USA. We are lucky that they survived this war, but this sentimental and rousing little tune reminds us of the sacrifices made by all the young Our son pulls his son on a sled up Shawangunk Road, 1980s

Wine & Spirits Ilion

10 East Main St., Ilion • (315) 894-8142

A Four Seasons Destination for Home & Garden!

Open Mon-Sat: 9-9, Sun: 12-5 • All credit cards accepted

Family owned and operated since 1975

Handmade Balsam Wreaths & Fresh cut Christmas Trees available Nov. 24th - Christmas

In the Gift Shop:

5 rooms filled with great gift ideas! Primitive-Classical-Whimsical! Seasonal items too!

APPLES • APPLE CIDER • CIDER DONUTS • PIES! Sharon Springs Farm Girl Artisanal Vinegars made right here! Come for a tasting! Locally made and sourced products: Cheese, honey, maple syrup, jellies & more. Always fresh and available!

7869 State Rte 10, Sharon Springs • 518-284-2256 Open every day 9-5, Closing for the season December 23rd • sunnycrestorchards.com

Jewett’s Cheese House

Celebrating Our 13th Year on TV! Watch Mohawk Valley Living

A family business since 1970 NY State aged cheddar 1-20 years old! Over 400 items of cheese & gourmet foods.

Sundays on FOX33 7:30am & 11pm • WUTR TV20 11:30am

(800) 638-3836 934 Earlville Road, Earlville (between Poolville and Earlville) Open Mon-Fri: 9:30-5, Most Sundays 10:30-3, closed Sat. www.jewettscheese.com

men and women of WWII. They made it possible for us to pursue our lives in freedom, to feel safe, and have a voice in our government. We are supremely grateful. Because we are free, we have been able to come here and try this lifestyle of minimal harm and impact on the earth, but it was lonely for us a lot the first years we lived here. We sometimes fantasized about friends moving into places nearby so that we could have the occasional companionship of friendly neighbors. We’d drive by an empty camp and imagine which old friend we’d like to see living there. That didn’t transpire, but something more wonderful did. When we bought land to save and protect, we set aside a few parcels to give to our children as their inheritance, and it was probably the smartest and most significant thing we ever did. Our son and his family came to live just up our road in a house he built on his. Later, a daughter and her husband would also build a home, as well as a grandson and his wife. Because of this, we are blessed with their close companionship as we age. We’ve been

able to watch their children grow up, and now, their children’s children. Of course, we’ve had troubles, but following Great Uncle Earl Hubbell’s advice, “Don’t get too involved,” and practicing forgiveness when needed, has made living so near to kinfolk mostly a positive experience and a source of joy and comfort. Sometimes we run into each other on walks up the road, and continue on for a while together, or stand around in the middle talking, because there’s no traffic to worry about. They, as well as family members who live elsewhere, share our affection for the pristine naturalness of Shawangunk and our commitment to protect these valuable forest wetlands for the sake of our precious earth and our fellow inhabitants. Love, respect, forgiveness, and accep-

Peggy and Tim often meet family on the road and walk together. Here, Tim walks with grandson Todd, his wife, Kim, and great-granddaughter, Sylvia, 2016 tance have kept us together as a family; through thick and thin, over great distances, and many days of our lives. • The Shawangunk Nature Preserve is a deep ecology, forever wild, 501©(3), learning and cultural center. Tim and Peggy still live there and can be contacted through their website.

www.shawangunknaturepreserve.com

This year, pass down

Pa s t . A h t i W t n e s Pre

With the delicate beauty of handmade metal ornaments, cast on original molds from 1880. Their brilliance will be a treasure forever. See the history unfold:

www . zinnbrilliant . com Or Visit: 73 Elm Street Cooperstown, Mention this ad for a free SEVEN day trial membership. One offer per person

Holiday Shop Hours:10 am to 4 pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (Except Thanksgiving)

GENESEE JOE’S

live & local HO HO HO! Happiest of holidays to you and yours!

Once again this year I will do the live on air Genesee Joe’s Christmas Rock Stravaganza! I’m finalizing the line-up as of this writing. Kelly Yacco and friends, and Strung Sideways are in, and so is Thunderwatt. Keep an ear on The Drive for the full line-up of musicians. Last year I had members of Showtime, Nineball, Grit N Grace, The Bomb, Red Hush, Matt Lomeo, and many, many more. We will do this full band live show on Christmas Eve starting at noon. In other 92.7 The Drive news, get ready to reach into Santa’s sack for great prizes...more info TBA. Keep listening. More importantly, this month I want to simply wish everyone a peaceful and happy New Year and happiest of holidays. As an advocate and fan of local musicians, I can truly tell you how much talent we have in this area. Regardless of the genre, we are truly loaded with great players. Please do yourself a favor and go see some live local music. If you’re headed out

for New Year’s Eve, check out the club listings at 927thedrive.net. I have a full list of great bands at your favorite places. Thank you all for another wonderful year on the air. Thank you for coming out to see the band and have a healthy and prosperous New Year. If you want your band featured here, Send an e-mail to geneseejoe@927thedrive.net • Listen to Genesee Joe live on 92.7FM, The DRIVE.

Advertiser Directory please support Our sponsors, they make this magazine possible Antiques Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Back of the Barn, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 A Beautiful Mess, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Black Cat Antiques, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . 63 The Bull Farm Antiques, Vernon . . . . . . 63 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . 63 Canal House Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . . . . 63 Dawn Marie’s Treasures, Clinton . . . . . . 63 Foothills Mercantile, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . 63 Fort Plain Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Gallery Antiques at Pinebrick, Bouckville . . . 64 The Gingham Patch, Bouckville . . . . . . . . 64 Little Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . . 64 Mohawk Antiques Mall, Mohawk . . . . . . . . . 64 Newport Marketplace, Newport . . . . . . . . . . 64 Oneida Commons, Oneida . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . . . 65 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . 65 See the Man Antiques & Collectibles, Sherburne . . 65 Showcase Antiques, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 65 Valandrea’s Venture, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . 65 Vernon Variety Shoppes, Vernon . . . . . . . . . 65 Victorian Rose, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Vintage Furnishings & Collectibles, Utica . . 63 Weeden’s Mini Mall, Blossvale . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Westmoreland Antique Center . . . . . . . . . 65 Aplliances Thompson Appliances, Oneida . . . . . . . . 16 Art Classes & Supplies Full Moon Art Center, Camden . . . . . . . . 26 Art Galleries Adirondack Art & Frame, Barneveld . . . . . 26 Full Moon Art Center, Camden . . . . . . . . . 26 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 View, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Art and Picture Framing Adirondack Art & Frame, Barneveld . . . . . 26 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fynmore Studios, New Hartford/Boonville . . 34 Artists and Art Studios Frank Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Attorneys The Law Office of Stephanie Adams, PLLC . . 24 Authors Local Grumpy Tomatoes, Autumn Kuhn . . . . . . 21 Auto Dealerships Steet-Ponte Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Automotive Repair Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Precision Unlimited, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Awards & Engraving Speedy Awards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 12 Baby Goods Bunny and Bear Baby Goods, Clinton . . . . . 15 Bakeries, Pastry, and Candy Shops Bagel Grove, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . 11 Click’s Cakes, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Florentine Pastry Shop, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Friendly Bake Shop, Frankfort . . . . . . 24 Heidelberg Baking Company, Herkimer . . . 56 Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . . 60 North Star Ochards, Westmoreland . . . . . . 43 So Sweet Candy Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Star Bakery, Whitesboro and Utica . . . . . . . 24 Wicked Sweets, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Banks Bank of Utica, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bike Shops Dick’s Wheel Shop, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . 61 Books Berry Hill Book Shop, Deansboro . . . . . . . 24 Treehouse Reading & Arts Ctr., NY Mills . . 19 Bowling Adirondack Diner and Lanes, Barneveld . . 55 State Bowl with Cosmic Bowling, Ilion . . . . . 21 Cabinets and Kitchens Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . 53 Knotty By Nature, Bridgewater . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Catering Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Maria’s Pasta Shop, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Nothin’ Fancy Cafe, Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Cheese (see Produce) Children’s Programming Treehouse Reading & Arts Ctr., NY Mills . . 19 Christmas Ornaments Zinn Brilliant, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Christmas Trees Candella’s Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . . . . . 42 Freedom Farm Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . 6 Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Massoud’s Tree Farm, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . 52 Michael’s Greenhouse, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . 6 Naturewood Knoll Tree Farm, Little Falls . . 14 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . 43 Clothing Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . 63 The Village Crossing, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Walk-in Closet, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Coffee Moose River Coffee, Ilion . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Comics Ravenswood Comics, New Hartford . . . . . 19 Community Organizations Mohawk Valley Food Action . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Consignment The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . 65 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Walk-in Closet, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) Szarek Greenhouses, Clinton . . . . . . . . . 20

NYS INSPECTIONS • OIL CHANGES • TUNE UPS • COLLISION WORK • AC

Watch Mohawk Valley Living Sundays on FOX33 7:30am & 11pm WUTR TV20 11:30am

Celebrating Our 13th Year on TV!

Complete Collision and Mechanical Repair Since 1987

7509 Route 5 • Clinton, New York 13323 • Phone 315-853-8804 76

Delis Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . . 32 LaFamiglia Bosonne’s Sausage, Utica . . . . . 32 Dentistry Neighborhood Family Dentistry, Utica . . . . 53 Diners Adirondack Diner and Lanes, Barneveld . . 55 Charlie’s Place, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Riverside Diner, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Sheri’s Diner, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Suzi’s Place, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Dog Sitting Barney’s Angels, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Estate Sales Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . 65 Events, Entertainment, and Activities Fountain Elms, Victorian Yuletide . . . . . . . . 3 Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . 2 Goodsell Museum, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hamilton College Performing Arts . . . . . . 67 Herkimer College Presents Danú . . . . . . . 17 Little Falls, Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Remington Arms Museum, Ilion . . . . . . . . 17 Shop Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Stanley, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 View, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Farm Equipment Clinton Tractor, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Hobby Hill Farm Sales, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 68 White’s Farm Supply, Waterville/Canastota . . 80 Farm markets North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . 43 Parker’s Clapsaddle Farm and Market, Ilion . . 47 Sunnycrest Orchards Market, Sharon Springs . . 73 Top Notch Garden Center, Newport . . . . . 64 Feed, Animal Kast Hill Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Financial Services Van Meter & Van Meter, Little Falls . . . . . . 54 Fireplaces The Hearth Shup, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Firewood and Wood Pellets Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Fitness & Gyms Curves, Herkimer and Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Paragon Athletic Club, New Hartford . . . . . 74 Flooring D & D Carpets, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Florists Clinton Florist, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Michael’s Greenhouse, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . 6 Village Florals, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Funeral Services McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn, Utica . . 38 Prince-Boyd & Hyatt, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Furniture Ironwood Furniture, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jeff ’s Amish Furniture, Jordanville . . . . . . . 36 John Froass & Son, Sherrill . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Furniture Makers Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . 53 Garden Centers and Greenhouses Candella’s Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . . . . . 42 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . 43 River Road Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . . . 70 Sunnycrest Orchards Market, Sharon Springs . . 73 Top Notch Garden Center, Newport . . . . . 64 Gift Shops/Shopping Artisans’ Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . 21 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . 63 DiBella’s Gifts, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Krizia Martin, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Little Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . . 64 Melinda’s Garden Barn, Richfield Springs . . . 37 Main Street Gift Shoppe, Newport . . . . . . . . 64 Naturewood Knoll Tree Farm, Little Falls . . 14 Newport Marketplace, Newport . . . . . . . . . 64 Oneida Commons, Oneida . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Remington Country Store, Ilion . . . . . . . . . 17 Simply Primitives, Boonville . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The Tepee, Cherry Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 White Begonia, Sherrill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Golf Courses and Driving Range Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, NY Mills . . 27 Grocery/Convenience Stores The Country Store, Salisbury . . . . . . . . . . 59 Deansboro Superette, Deansboro . . . . . . . 31 Kountry Kupboard, Madison . . . . . . . . . . 70 Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . . . . 53 Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . . 32 Reilly’s Dairy, Inc., Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Hardware/Lumber/Farm & Home Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville . . . . . . . . . . 36 Pohlig Enterprises, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Poland Hardware, Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Turner Lumber, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Wightman Specialty Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hearing Consultants Hearing Health Hearing Centers, Rome . . . . 8 Horse Boarding Kast Hill Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Insurance Gates-Cole Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . 12 Farm Family Insurance, Boonville . . . . . . . 44 Turnbull Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 9 Interior Design/Custom Window Treatments The Added Touch Drapery, New Hartford . . . 26 Jewelry Alison’s Jewelry & Repair, Utica . . . . . . . . 42 Fall Hill Beads & Gems, Little Falls . . . . . . 27 Goldmine Jewelers, New Hartford . . . . . . 31 Marble Road Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354 Lawn Mowers J.B.’s Small Engine Works, Utica . . . . . . . . 45 SD Power, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Lighting Mills Electrical Supply, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 33 Liquor Stores and Wine Ilion Wine & Spirits, Ilion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Trenton Station Liquor & Wine, Barneveld . . 72 Maple Syrup (see Produce)

Meats, locally raised (see Produce) Media 92.7 The Drive WXUR, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 75 FOX33/WUTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Weekly Adirondack, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . 14 WKAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Monuments & Memorials Burdick & Enea Memorials, Clinton . . . . . . 27 Yorkville Memorials, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Natural Food Stores Brenda’s Natural Foods, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 58 Cooperstown Naturals, Cooperstown . . . . . 23 Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 71 Sunflower Naturals, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tom’s Natural Foods, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Optometrists Towpath Vision Care, Little Falls . . . . . . . 30 Paint and Painting Supplies Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Pohlig Enterprises, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . 30 Urbanik’s Paint & Wallpaper Co., Utica . . . . . 11 Pet Supplies Gemini Pets, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Pharmacies Garro Drugs, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Physical Therapy Inertia PT, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Pizzerias DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . . Laurey’s Pizzeria, New Hartford . . . . . . . . Mangia Macrina’s Pizza, New Hartford . . . Mario’s Pizza, Oriskany Falls . . . . . . . . . Primo Pizzeria, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony’s Pizza, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . .

58 57 57 58 55 57

Portable Toilets and Bathrooms Mohawk Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Primitives Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . Main Street Gift Shop, Newport . . . . . . . . Simply Primitives, Boonville . . . . . . . . . . .

21 63 64 50

Produce, Local Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . . . . 38 Grassy Cow Dairy, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . 70 Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Jones Family Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . 28 Meelan’s Meat Market, Clark Mills . . . . . . . 50 Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . 15 Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . 44 Sunnybrook Farm, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . 13 Sunnycrest Orchards Market, Sharon Springs . . 73 Three Village Cheese, Newport . . . . . . . . . . 16 Tibbits Maple, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 24 Twin Orchards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 27 WintersGrass Farm Raw Milk, Sauquoit . . . 13 Quilt and Yarn Shops/Services Heartworks Quilts, Fly Creek . . . . . . . . . 48 Tiger Lily Quilt Co, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Real Estate Hunt Real Estate, Welcome Home Team . . . 31 Scenic Byway Realty, Richfield Springs . . . . 47 Record Stores Off-Center Records, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Restaurants and Cafés Ann St. Deli, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bagel Grove, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bite Bakery and Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Cat, Sharon Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Black Stallion, Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . . Chesterfield’s Tuscan Oven, Oneida . . . . . . Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Country Store, Salisbury . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Lake Inn, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . Fat Cats, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . . Heidelberg Baking Co., Herkimer . . . . . . . Jamo’s Restaurant, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . . Killabrew, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Street Ristorante, Newport . . . . . . . . Mangia Macrina’s Pizza, New Hartford . . . Mi Casa, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nothin’ Fancy Cafe, Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . Ohio Tavern, Cold Brook . . . . . . . . . . Patty Jean’s Country Restaurant, Newport . . Phoenician Restaurant, New Hartford . . . . The Pickle Boat Grill, Old Forge . . . . . . . . Quack’s Village Inn, Madison . . . . . . . . . . Raspberries Cafe, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Riverside Diner, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . . . Route 69 Steakhouse, Whitesboro . . . . . . . Sammy & Annie Foods, Utica . . . . . . . . . . The Steak & Pickle, Washington Mills . . . . . Sunflower Cafe, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . . Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Willows, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56 59 59 59 60 58 22 59 58 58 56 56 56 56 60 56 64 57 59 60 58 58 56 58 56 57 56 59 60 60 60 55 55 59

LAST MONTH’S riggie’s RIDDLE ANSWER The answer to last month’s “Harvest Riddle” is Succotash. This traditional dish is a descendant of a Native American corn soup made with the “three sisters”: beans, corn, and squash along with various meats. The winner, selected from all correct answers, is Elizabeth De Simone from New Hartford. She is spending her prize money at Peter’s Cornucopia and North Star Orchards.

Shoes Karaz Shoes, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Sneaker Store, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 7 The Village Crossing, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Small Engine Repair J.B.’s Small Engine Works, Utica . . . . . . . . 45 SD Power, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Snowmobiles/ATVs Hobby Hill Farm, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Towing Services Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Tree Services and Tree Farms Massoud’s Tree Farm, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . 52 Turk Tree Service, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Travel Agencies The Cruise Wizards, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . 72 Websites Utica Remember When . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Weddings and Banquets Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, NY Mills . . 27 So Sweet Candy Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Wellness Infinity Tree Healing, New Hartford . . . . . 13 Wineries Prospect Falls Winery, Prospect . . . . . . . . . 51 Yogurt Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . 44

We are are not not JUST JUST aa We Drapery Drapery Store. Store. Cell Shades Wood Blinds & Shutters Vignettes & Pirouettes Silhouettes & Woven Woods Vertical Blinds & Panels Roller & Solar Shades Also a complete line of upholstery for bedspreads, draperies and upholstered headboards, etc, 1 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY 315-793-1994

Serving Rome & Utica Since 1946

WKAL

TALKRADIO 1450

Stop in today and see why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so easy to do business with Steet-Ponte! Steet-Ponte Chevrolet

Steet-Ponte Ford Lincoln Mazda

3036 State Route 28 Herkimer, NY 13350 (315) 866-5080

5074 Commercial Drive Yorkville, NY 13495 (315) 736-3381

Steet-Ponte Volkswagen

Steet Toyota Scion

5046 Commercial Drive Yorkville, NY 13495 (315) 736-8291

4991 Commercial Drive Yorkville, NY 13495 (315) 736-8241

Steet-Ponte auto group

www.steetponteautogroup.com

White’s Farm Supply, Inc. White’s White’s Farm Farm Supply, Supply, Inc. Inc. White’s Farm Supply, Inc. Your Power Equipment Specialists Your Your Power Power Equipment Specialists Specialists Your PowerEquipment Equipment Specialists Your Power Equipment Specialists CANASTOTA LOWVILLE WATERVILLE Canastota CANASTOTA CANASTOTA LOWVILLE LOWVILLE WATERVILLE WATERVILLE 4154 ROUTE 31 Lowville 8207 ROUTE 26 Waterville 962 ROUTE 12

4154 Route 31 3131 8207 Route 26 2626 962 Route 12 1212 4154 4154 ROUTE ROUTE 8207 8207 ROUTE ROUTE 962 962 ROUTE ROUTE 315-697-2214 315-841-4181 (315) 697-2214 (315)315-376-0300 376-0300 (315) 841-4181

315-697-2214 315-697-2214 315-376-0300 315-376-0300 315-841-4181 315-841-4181 www.whitesfarmsupply.com

WWW.WHITESFARMSUPPLY.COM WWW.WHITESFARMSUPPLY.COM WWW.WHITESFARMSUPPLY.COM