sharry’s holiday fun guide! classic adirondack meat pie recipe!
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by Sharry L. Whitney
Trying to find the best deal on an iPhone for a Christmas gift? Fighting crowds for that must-have Sparkle Princess? I hate to tell you this, but chances are 5 to 10 years from now your son or daughter won’t even remember that “I-can’t-live-without-it” gift you bought them! Sometimes we get so wrapped up with shopping for what we think they “need,” we forget about what’s important. Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday or not, we all desire time spent with the people we love. Those are the things your family will remember. A simple thing, like cutting your own Christmas tree, or an elaborate event, like a holiday stage performance, will make lasting memories. Another way to make a memorable holiday is to give gifts that have a story. If you buy someone an antique, research its history and share it. If you buy a handmade item from a local artisan, include a printout of the artist’s biography or the process of making it—you will most likely be able to find it on their website or, better yet, take a picture with them if you can. Or ask the creator of the item if he or she has information you can include. The Zinn Brilliant ornaments I bought for my sisters (shhh, don’t tell them) came with little booklets that describe their fascinating history. After all your hard work putting together your thoughtful gifts and arranging family outings, don’t be discouraged when your son or daughter squeals at the new Transformers “Chomp & Stomp Grimlock” that Santa got them. I pretty sure that won’t be part of the Christmas stories they share with their children some day. Need some help getting into the holiday spirit? Check out our Family Holiday Fun Guide that starts on page 47.
MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014
PUBLISHERS Lance and Sharry Whitney EDITOR Sharry L. Whitney DESIGN & LAYOUT Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Delosh ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Collea (315) 292-3905 email: scolleamvl@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Jorge Hernandez, Brian Howard, Suzie Jones, John Keller, Frank Page, Susan Perkins, Matt Perry, Tim Pryputniewicz, Cynthia Quackenbush, Denise Szarek, 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 © 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Mohawk Valley Publishing.
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Images From Our Past:
The Work of Carl Frey from the Oneida County Historical Society by Brian Howard, Executive Director
The Mohawk Valley is home to a rich heritage and culture that spans the centuries. Our story is accessible due in large part to the historians, photographers, and journalists who documented the goings-on of their day. One of those visionaries was Utica photographer Carl Frey, who was born in the city to German immigrant parents in 1858. His body of work as a local photographer spanned more than fifty years. Frey got into photography as a teenager, working under the tutelage of L.C. Mundy in the early 1870s. In 1887 he and a partner, Abner Gardner, took over Mundy’s studio at 11 Broad Street. Gardner & Frey ended their partnership in 1897, after which Frey became the sole proprietor of the
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This iconic image of Genesee Street looking south was taken in the years preceding World War II.
business. Frey stayed at 11 Broad Street until 1920 and then moved his operation to 247 Genesee Street, remaining there until his death in 1937. Records indicate that his wife and stepsons continued the business into the early 1970s. Frey Photography was one of the most successful portrait studios in the upper Mohawk Valley. In addition to amassing thousands of family portraits over the years, Frey photographers recorded many of the iconic images that inform our understanding of the 19th and 20th centuries today. We are all the beneficiaries of his work.
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Frey’s portraits of individuals, groups, and families documented trends in clothing and fashion during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of the area’s early baseball teams posed at Frey’s first studio at 11 Broad Street in Utica.
Frey captured workers at the West End Brewery after the end of Prohibition in 1933.
The former Bagg’s Hotel as it appeared during the early 1900s.
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This year, pass down
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ADK Journal:
Bring the Wild to Your Window Story and Photos by Gary VanRiper
Bird migration is fully under way and sometime just before our Adirondack lakes freeze over, the Common Loons also will be taking off for the open water of the ocean. But many of the nearly 500 species of birds found in New York state will remain with us for the next few months and tough out the winter. And for those northerners who are not themselves “snow birds” but who like to stay closer to a warm fire indoors, it is possible to bring some of the movement and color of the wild to your windows and brighten up what can often otherwise be a gray and gloomy landscape. Attracting winter birds to your backyard is easy, especially if you can offer them any of the three basics for survival: food, open water, and shelter. Birds do need fresh, clean water throughout the year, and a
This Dark-eyed Junco was photographed through a window on a branch that was attached to a platform bird feeder.
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variety of heated bird baths are available commercially. Birds also desire protection from predators and, so, nearby shrubs are desirable where birds can fly safely back and forth from a feeder. There are birds of prey, such as owls and hawks that feed on smaller birds at feeders. Among the most common birds visiting feeders are Black-capped Chickadees and Dark-eyed Juncos. And during irruptive years, your feeders can be invaded by such species as Evening Grosbeaks that can wipe out large quantities of seed in a
Black-capped Chickadees are among the most common birds attracted to winter feeders.
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very short time. Grosbeaks are usually accompanied by additional species such as common Redpolls, but also by Northern Shrikes – those birds of prey that tag along to dine on your other feathered guests. If you would like to take photographs of birds from your window, consider using a platform feeder with your larger seed. Then attach branches to the platform on which birds can land while awaiting their turn to descend on their meal. Try to position the feeder in a place where the background is free from clutter – you want people to focus on the bird in your photo, not the snow blower. Using a long lens, you can shoot effectively through most window glass and fill the frame with the bird, making it appear you braved Antarctic conditions to get the shot. Other perches I have used include single fence posts
Common Loons will leave Adirondack Lakes just before first ice.
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on stands that can easily be moved from place to place, and the “recycled” Christmas tree that propped up in snow near the feeder provides both multiple perches and some natural shelter. Black-capped Chickadees can be rather friendly, and if you do venture outside to take photos, you may be able to attract one directly to your hand with some seed. I’ve actually had them land on my head as they flew from a nearby tree to the feeder and back again. Hmm. Come to think of it, that would make a pretty cool “selfie.”
This Evening Grosbeak was photographed on a strategically positioned fence post sprinkled with sunflower seeds.
Gary VanRiper is an author, photographer, and pastor at the Camden Wesleyan Church. He has written 13 children’s books with his son, Justin. Find out more at:
www.adirondackkids.com
Mohawk Village Market
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Butcher Block Meats (no pre-packaged meats) Specialty cuts - Storemade Patties & Salads Complete Grocery Line
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Let us be a part of your holiday tradition! Trays of assorted mini-pastries or cookies for gift-giving to clients, customers and friends.
Now Booking Holiday Parties Gift certificates Available
8524 Fish Hatchery Rd, Rome, NY 13440 315-533-7710 www.deltalakeinn.com
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
Champagne Brunch
Banquets
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All Breeds Welcome! Baths • Nails • De-Shedding • Day Care Cat Brush Outs • Teeth Brushing Pet Apparel & Supplies
Call (315) 736-7567 to schedule an appointment
Professional Pet Groomers 105 Main Street, Whitesboro
All types of trailers to transport all your toys!
Manufacturer of All-Aluminum, Custom Built trailers and ready-made trailers for snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATV, utility, and car haulers. Full service Repairs, Trailer Accessories & Parts to keep you on the road!
Boonville: 13080 Route 12, Open Mon-Fri: 7-5, Sat: 8-1, Call (315) 942-2399 Old Forge: 2895 Route 28, Open Mon-Sat: 8-5, Sun: 8-12, Call (315) 369-6334 www.blizzardmfg.com
The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl:
a visit to the
Little Falls public library I know most people go to their nearest public library to feed their library fix, but sometimes I like to expand my horizons. One recent afternoon I took a drive to the Little Falls Public Library. The first thing I did was ask if I checked out any books if I could return them to a different library within the Mid-York system. I could. However, I found Little Falls Public Library so charming, I take the excuse to make another trip there! When I mentioned that I hoped to write an article about the library, Marc Klimek, the aide at the desk invited me to walk around anywhere downstairs. We were standing in the “30-year-old new addition,” as he put it, but the rest of the library was a Victorian home which had been donated by Judge Rollin Smith in 1911. He offered to take me on a tour of the upstairs when his colleague returned from lunch. As I walked around I admired the woodwork and furnishings. I especially liked a fireplace in one room and the chandeliers in three rooms. Patrons were sitting at the library’s computers or at tables with their own laptops. Another room held shelves with glass figurines which I later learned were Staffordshire. A framed butterfly collection hung on the wall. That room also contained four very modern but comfortable-looking chairs upholstered in denim. I do like eclectic décor.
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Clockwise from left: A portrait of Judge Rollin H. Smith, who donated his home for the Little Falls Library, hangs on the wall; Eight-year-old Jasmin of Little Falls is having a hard time deciding between the many books; The original part of the library looks much the same as it did when Judge Rollins lived here; A display of miniature Santas is part of the library’s holiday decorations; Ornate woodwork, like this banister finial, can be found throughout the original section of the Little Falls Public Library. I wandered back to the main room and looked for some books. I chose three then sat down to work on a letter to a friend. Remembering a man in the other room on his laptop, I thought that someday maybe I’ll have a laptop to bring to a library. However, once I started writing in my paper notebook with a pen, I felt perfectly contented. But there I go dating myself. Soon the colleague returned from lunch and I got my tour of the upstairs. We started in the China Room. Two large cabinets held China collections that were once used by the family. It made me feel my own plates and such are terribly un-fancy. At least my collection is eclectic. A plaque just outside the door of the
room read “George Leonard Smith Memorial Library.” The plaque originally hung on an addition in the back of Smith’s home, where that library was housed. G.L. Smith, no relation to the Judge, was on the library board in the 1930s and ‘40s. His money paid for additions to the library. Floor to ceiling shelves held old books that had been donated by both Smiths from their personal libraries. Portraits of local notables hang throughout the library. More Staffordshire figurines decorate the director’s office. The director’s office also boasts a fireplace with a marbleized slate mantle and bookcases made by CJ Lindstrom, a local cabinet-maker of note. Marc was very knowledgeable about the
history both of the library and the area. I was delighted with my tour and with the books I had chosen. I’ll add Little Falls Public Library to my list of good places to go in the Mohawk Valley.
Little Falls Public Library
10 Waverly Place, Little Falls, NY
Mon. - Thurs.: 9am - 8pm, Fri. - Sat.: 8am - 5pm Sun.: Closed (315) 823-1542 www.lflibrary.org 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
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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)
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“December Skies”
A winter’s tale from John’s first Christmas EP
“My Sweet Christmas Present” A Christmas love story from his second Christmas EP
To download this month’s selection just go to:
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Dr. M. Tucciarone, D.C. 54 Dwight Ave., Clinton, NY 13323 (315) 381-2944 www.drtucciarone.com
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The Window King and Eleanor welcome you to The White House featuring rare and unusual antiques from our years of collecting!
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Holiday Traditions By Denise A. Szarek
Many of us have food traditions centered on the month of December. Depending on our ethnic origins they can be vastly different, but all celebrate the season and its abundance. For many of us the feasting begins with Christmas Eve. Most of us are familiar with the Italian “Feast of the 7 Fishes” and the Eastern Europeans celebration of the “12 Dishes,” or Wigilia, in Polish. For the English it’s Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, and for many Latin cultures the meal centers around a roast pig. In my family, Prime Rib and Yorkshire Pudding made up our traditional Christmas Day Dinner and they still do to this day. But on Christmas Eve we celebrated our questionable French Canadian roots. My grandfather came to Syracuse to be an engineer on the railroad from Ireland by way of Nova Scotia. I haven’t quite figured out where the French Canadian influence came from, but Christmas Eve was always celebrated with a Tourtiere,
or meat pie. The Christmas Eve Tourtiere was brought to the Adirondacks in the 1800s by lumberjacks from Quebec who were logging for the paper mills. It still can be found in bake shops and homes in and around Tupper Lake. I was curious—in researching the history of this dish—if there is any connection to the Mohawk Valley, and sure enough there is. And it lead me back to, of all things, the Passenger Pigeon (from Matt Perry’s article in last month’s issue), the French and Indian War, and the Huguenots. The French word for pigeon is tourtre. In New France it is tourte. Since the birds were so abundant during that time it would make perfect sense that it would have ended up in this dish. I still haven’t found the French Canadian ancestry in my lineage, but I’m glad we adopted the Christmas Eve Tourtiere! Our modern version now typically contains pork, but often includes game for a depth of flavor.
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What does this have to do with a winter farmers market you ask? All the ingredients for this pie can be purchased at your local farmers market or are already sitting in your pantry! The most important ingredients in this pie are the spices and I know they are abundant in your pantry during the holiday season: cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Like any dish passed down, every family has their own recipe but all will have some combination of these spices. The ingredients you will need from the farmers market: pork, beef, lamb, or veal, (you will even be able to find game meat depending on the market) potatoes, onions, butter or lard, parsnips, carrots, and root vegetables. Whatever your holiday food traditions, check out your local winter farmers market for the freshest meat, veggies, cheese, butter, milk, bread, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies! Happy Holidays From my family to yours!
The Country Store with More! Snacks, Beer, Pizza, Wings, Subs, Gas, Diesel, Non-Ethanol Gas, Gifts and much, much more! 2114 State Rte 29 Salisbury 315-429-3224 Open 7 Days a Week
Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Eve Tourtiere by Denise Szarek
Pie Crust 4 cups flour 2 tsp salt 1 ¾ cup lard or butter 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 T vinegar ½ cup ice water In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in lard or butter until pieces are pea size. Add egg, vinegar and ice water. Work mix into a soft dough ball. Divide in half and put one half aside for another pie or freeze. Cut the dough in half. On work surface dusted with flour, roll out bottom and top crusts. (2 pie yield)
Filling 1 lb ground pork 1 lb ground beef, veal, lamb or venison (or a combination) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cups beef stock or broth 1 tsp of each: cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg 1 T Herbs de Provence or Thyme or Summer Savory 3 cups mashed veggies: I use a mix of potatoes, carrots, parsnips and celeriac 1 T milk Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine pork, onion, salt, and beef stock. Simmer gently, stirring often, until all liquid evaporates, about 4 hours. Stir in spices. Add potato/veggie mix and beat well to combine thoroughly. (This mix can be made a few days ahead.)
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Serving Breakfast and Lunch
(315) 508-5083 28 West Main St., Little Falls
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
Open Mon-Fri: 7-6, Sat & Sun: 9-4 9182 River Rd, Marcy (315) 736-3252
Denise A. Szarek and her husband, Bernard, own Szarek’s Greenhouses in Clinton.
Snow Ridge
Phoenician R E S TAU R A N T
Open daily 7am-3pm, Closed Wed.
Line a pie plate with one crust. Spoon in meat/potato mix. Add top crust and flute the edges. Brush the top with milk and prick with a fork. Bake for 30 min. Can be served warm or cold, with a dollop of chili sauce or a chutney.
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Michael’s Restaurant!
• 22 trails and 6 lifts • Beginner trails to • PSIA certified ski & snowboard instructors -book your lessons now!
Holiday Special!
An ocean of poinsettias of all sizes and colors for your holiday decorating and gift-giving. Grown right here in our greenhouses! www.riverroadgreenhouses.com
4 Lift Tickets for $100! Good anytime! Offer expires 12/24/14 (315) 348-8456 4173 West Road, Turin, NY Like us on Facebook! www.snowridge.com
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The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl:
butternut barn Primitives in richfield springs I like shops with character, where the setting is as interesting as the merchandise. I discovered an excellent example of this at Butternut Barn Primitives in Richfield Springs, NY. I had carefully written down directions from the website, but the shop was easy to find, just outside the village of Richfield Springs in a beautiful rural setting. I was charmed as soon as we walked into the old carriage house. I felt as if I had stepped back in time. “This place is like a museum,” I said. One of my favorite kinds of museums: about American folk history. We wandered around looking at old furniture and decorations. I especially liked the rag dolls sitting in various places. Old clothes and aprons hung on the walls. Drying herbs and flowers hung from the ceiling. We were joined by Judie Stone, one of the shopkeepers, and chatted about the building and other things. She told us about restoring and modifying the
When plan “A” fails, go to...
PLAN B
“B” Prepared Emergency Preparedness • Camping Hiking • Self Reliance 8585 Turin Rd., Rome (315) 533-6335 WWW.PLANB-BPREPARED.COM Facebook: Plan B Emergency Preparedness
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A dusting of snow covers the old carriage house that is now home to Butternut Barn Primitives.
The low light, antique furniture, and drying herbs make you feel like you’re visiting a homestead in the 1800s.
Redmond’s
Red Deer Farm Locally raised venison:
Tenderloin • Roasts • Steaks Burgers • Snack Sticks Summer Sausage • Hot Dogs
Also antler gift products and dog chews
www.redmondsreddeer.com
9521 Steuben Valley Rd. Holland Patent (315) 865-8670
carriage house, which was originally built about 1848. The wooden spiral staircase leading to the upper rooms used to be a hole for a hay drop. She pointed out where the wood was different around the front door. The modifications blend in with the original structure, maintaining the atmosphere of times past. I purchased some note cards with pen-and-ink drawings of the shop. We also indulged in a couple of home-baked pumpkin cookies. I made plans to bring my mother and sisters to see the shop soon. The Barn also offers special events. We missed “Witches Night Out” on Oct. 24. We could have dressed as witches and gotten 20 percent off. I marked my calendar for “Christmas at the Barn” on Dec. 6 and 7 and got on the mailing list to receive notice of future events!
Butternut Barn Primitives
427 Butternut Rd., Richfield Springs
Open most days from 10am to 5pm from mid-April to December. From January through March customers can make an appointment by calling (315) 858-0964. For more information you can visit their website at www.butternutbarn.com.
NEW Event Facility! “Rustic in all the right ways!”
Let us help plan your next party, banquet, corporate function, wedding, or special event!
DiCastro’s Too Up to 80 guests! Call for a consultation (315) 336-0671 738 Erie Blvd. West, Rome
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
See what we have cooking on facebook! (315) 797-6835 2520 Oneida St., Utica
TREE FARM
(315) 737-5011 • 9716 Roberts Rd., Sauquoit Open daily: Mon-Fri: 9-8, Sat & Sun: 9-6
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Group MONDAYS 6:30-8PM (except holidays)
St. Elizabeth College of Nursing 2215 Genesee St, Utica - 1st floor For Info Call 768-7031
Where everything is homemade!
See us for your holiday party needs! Full menu catering options (pick up or delivery)
Italian cookie trays (all sizes)
2644 Genesee St., Utica 315-721-ROSA(7672) Mon: 10-4, Tues-Fri: 8-6, Sat: 8-2, Sun: Party Tray pick ups only www.rosastrattoria.com
DiBella’s
SINCE 1961
Extensive array of unique gifts for all ages!
Famous for custom made gift baskets. Order yours today!
Specialty beers, snacks, & pasta!
506 N. James Street, Rome • www.dibellasgifts.com Call or visit our website for current hours (315) 336-7890
7915 Rt. 28 Richfield Springs 315.858.2078
Open 7 Days a Week 9-5 Since 1929!
Come visit & browse the
ONEIDA COMMUNITY MANSION HOUSE
Gift Shop Apples, Cider, Homemade Pies & So Much More!
A wonderful array of distinctive and hand-crafted items. Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday Noon to 4pm
Plus home made treats and gift shop! 170 Kenwood Avenue • Oneida, NY • 315-363-0745 www.oneidacommunity.org
Shoppes at the Finish Line Nestled in the Revitalized Brewery District!
809 Court Street, Utica (Across from the Brewery Gift Shop) 315-733-0533
Let us help you put it all together at...
Healthy Eats &Tasty Treats at Utica Brews!
Serving breakfast & lunch featuring local products. Let us cater your holiday party, event, or business meeting! Call (315) 733-0533
Reversible!
Cafe open Mon-Fri: 8am-2pm Sat: 9-2 and evenings during events. FREE wi-fi!
Visit the Shoppes at the Finish Line for quality furniture & carpeting at reasonable prices, and unique gifts!
Open Mic Night!
A rainbow of scarves & texting gloves!
Thurs., December 11, 8-11pm
Also a Charity Drive! Please donate: Food (Feed Our Vets), Toys (The Neighborhood Center), Coats (Rescue Mission) Shoppes at the Finish Line open Mon & Thurs 10-8, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-4 www.shoppesatthefinishline.com
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Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-5pm, Thursday til 6pm
11 W. Park Row, Clinton 853-5299 Like us on facebook @ The Village Crossing
did you know?
clinton from the Clinton Historical Society
Clinton was settled in March 1787 and named after Governor George Clinton.
The outdoor skating rink at Meadow Street and Franklin Avenue opened in 1926 and ended in 1948 when the first Clinton Arena on Kirkland Avenue opened.
Clinton-born Elihu Root won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912.
Prominent American Red Cross founder Clara Barton attended a private school here.
Millions of tons of Clinton Hematite iron ore remain under ground here; it was mined from ca. 1800 to 1963 and used for cast iron.
Railroad builder Leland Stanford also attended a private school in Clinton.
SUNNYBROOK FARM (315) 841-4910
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
Grass-fed Beef, Pastured Poultry & Pork Gift Certificates Available
Give the gift of locally raised meat!
Winter Hours: M-F 8-4, Weekend Pick-Up by appt. only.
Williams Fence
2033 Brothertown Rd., Deansboro www.sunnybrookmeats.com
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MV history spotlight:
Proctor Motorcade from the Oneida County Historical Society
On June 23, 1907, Thomas Proctor (in the lead car directly behind the driver) along with a number of prominent citizens and city officials in 14 automobiles, toured the land that Proctor had given the city of Utica for its magnificent public park system. In 1891, Maria Williams and Thomas R. Proctor were married in Utica and went to Europe on their honeymoon. In England, they visited the famed Kensington Gardens and the great public parks in London and upon their return to Utica often mentioned that London’s parks were within the city—convenient for the public to reach easily and enjoy. The Proctors gave Utica more than 600 acres for a public park system within the city.This original black and white photo was digitally colorized by Carl Saporito of the Oneida County Historical Society (available for sale at the OCHS).
One of a kind Christmas Gifts!
A specialty gift shop featuring handcrafted, repurposed, upcycled and vintage home decor, jewelry and gifts.
Signature 81
Trenton Station
LIQUORS & WINES
Welcome to a historic landmark with an inviting atmosphere & exceptional customer service!
Good Friends Good Times Good Wines
A Destination for your Artistic Side Tues-Sat 11-6 • 17 College St., Clinton (315) 269-7799 www.signature81.com
An extensive selection of NY State, imported wines and liquors. Half & Full case discounts Owners Chris Buck and Terry Hudon Like us on facebook!
Open Mon-Sat: 9-9, Sun: 12-6, 8231 Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-4444
Gifts for the Knitters on your list! Holiday Hours: Sun-Mon: Noon-4pm, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Sat: 10am-4pm Fri: Noon-9pm Christmas Eve:
Quality Yarns at Affordable Prices
• Frog Tree • Trendsetter • Drunken Strumpet • Cascade • Berroco • Della Q and more!
10am-2pm
Beverly Warner • Cynthia Kershner
4 MeadowStreet, Clinton, NY(315) 381-3024 www.thetwoewes.com
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BISTRO AND WINE BAR
Experience the inviting atmosphere and incredible edibles!
Extensive wine list, beer & specialty coffee
•Tapas, soups, salads, paninis & creative dinner menu •Available for catered private parties •Original art work displayed and for sale!
8171 Turin Rd., Rome Wed-Fri 3-9pm (closed the week of Christmas) 334-7342 or 725-6178
new CD review
“Midnite Mike” Grimaldi By John Keller
CD: One Take Jake by “Midnite Mike” Grimaldi Local blues legend, “Midnite Mike” Grimaldi has released a new CD, One Take Jake. In a career that has seen Mike open for Kings – BB and Albert, his new album pays tribute to a third King – Freddie King. One Take Jake is true to its title. All the songs were single takes with no overdubs. Raw and real. But don’t let that fool you, this is a strong, full-on blues assault that gratefully avoids the obvious Freddie King tunes like “Hideaway” or “I’m Tore Down,” but heads into more album-oriented territory including King’s stop at Leon Russell’s Shelter Records label. Songs such as “TV Mama” and “Big Leg Woman (With a Short, Short Mini Skirt)” are hard-driving and fun, while tracks like “Boogieman” and “Nothin’ But A Woman,” really put Midnite Mike’s Southern drawl vocals to perfect use. His guitar is stunning throughout especially on “Living On The Highway.” Grimaldi’s band, The Bent Blinds (Hutson Wheeler/drums and Glen Rohner/bass) compliment Mike’s six-string exuberances beautifully. If there is one flaw, it’s that the drums are mixed a bit high in places that shake the focus away from the guitar. But this does not deter from a truly fine listening journey through Freddie King’s catalog as told by Midnite Mike. The ten tracks on One Take Jake flew by Turn to page 16 to much too quickly for me. Mike Grimaldi wears learn how to download Freddie King’s influence in his heart and lets it flow out generously in a showcase for his incredFREE mp3s from ible guitar and vocals for our listening pleasure. Freddie would be proud.
Midnite Mike!
Pure Goat Milk Soap Each bar is made with care from the finest vegetable oils, therapeutic grade essential oils and pure goat milk providing the ultimate in fine skin care and repair.
Great for the whole family!
HOLIDAY
Midinite Mike with BB King
CENTERPIECES
Cranberry Ridge Farm
cranberryridgefarmny.com goatmilk@frontier.com
315.964.9900
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MV up close:
Richfield Springs Story & Photos By Sharry L. Whitney
Do you recognize this architecture? Tell us where they are located & you could win an MVL mug from A&P Master Images! We are often so busy and in a hurry that we miss the interesting architecture and art that surrounds us. Take the time to look around and you might be surprised at what you find.
Clue: Turnpike travelers, decades ago, “parked” themselves here to wait out the snow. Email your answer to: www.mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com or mail: MVL, 30 Kellogg St. Clinton, NY 13323 Deadline: 12/30/14
All correct answers will be entered in a random drawing for an MVL mug from A&P Master Images, located at: 205 Water Street, Utica Open Mon-Fri: 9-5, Sat: 10-3
5 mugs will be awarded. Answer next month.
Answer to last month’s Up Close: The Stanley Theatre in Utica
Congratulations to the many people who knew that last month’s MV Up Close was the sculptures that grace the inside of the Stanley Theatre. The exterior design has Mexican influences while the interior is host to Habsburg lions, Indian faces, and a multitude of angels and cherubs.
Brenda’s Natural Foods Something Good & a Lot of It!
www.brendasnaturalfoods.com
Natural Food Cafe Now Open! 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
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Jewett’s Cheese House
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
B&F Milk Center
Coffee, Cappucino, Milk, Lottery Tickets, Groceries and more! Fresh bagels and donuts every Sunday!
Open 7 days a week (315) 736-6857 38 Roosevelt Dr., Whitesboro
Mohawk valley astronomical society
DECEMBER’S DIAMONDS by Carol Higgins
All that glitters is not gold or snow. December’s night sky offers many sparkling objects to observe, including planets, a colorful meteor shower, and stars that will form a large cross above the horizon on Christmas night.
can fit inside Jupiter?
Planets: Several planets glide into view.
Meteors: December offers one of the best meteor showers of the year plus a second one for good measure.
• Mars is in the southwest an hour after sunset and is definitely reddish-orange compared to other stars. • Venus appears mid-month in the southwest about 30 minutes after sunset. It’s bright white and climbs higher during the month. • Have you ever seen Mercury? Toward the end of December locate Venus after sunset then look slightly right and below for a small white dot. That’s Mercury. • Jupiter returns mid-month. It’s large and easily spotted in the east about 10 p.m. Use binoculars to see four small moons close to the planet – their positions change every few hours as they race around the gas giant. Did you know that about 1,300 Earths
• You’ll find Saturn in the southeast about an hour before dawn in early December. It moves higher in the early morning sky every day.
• The Geminid meteor shower, known for bright and colorful meteors thanks to asteroid debris, occurs December 4 through 17. The peak is December 13 to 14 when it can produce 120 meteors an hour. Look toward the southern sky anytime after dark, although most appear after midnight. Dress warmly, sit in a comfortable chair, and enjoy hot chocolate and your favorite snacks. No equipment needed, just look up. • The Ursid meteor shower produces fewer meteors but is still fun. It peaks December 22 after midnight, though meteors appear between Dec 17 and 25. Look toward the Little Dipper, almost straight up.
also is known as the “Northern Cross.” At the top is blue supergiant Deneb, the 19th brightest star in the sky. At the bottom is Albireo, a binary star with one gold and one blue star. To the right of Cygnus in constellation Lyra is blue-white star Vega, the second brightest star in the northern sky. Visible overhead all summer, Cygnus heads toward the western horizon as winter approaches then disappears until spring. On December 25 Cygnus is in an interesting orientation. At 8 p.m. Christmas Day look toward the horizon in the northwest, and you will see its stars aligned to form a large cross in the sky. Stargazing December 20: Join the Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society members for an evening of stargazing at the Barton-Brown Observatory in Waterville starting at 7:30pm. Visit www.mvas-ny.org for details. Wishing you clear skies!
Northern Cross: Constellation Cygnus
A Multi Dealer Shop
Featuring 60 Dealers displaying a diverse array of antiques and collectibles.
315-337-3509
Where friends send friends!
Open Daily 10-5, Closed Tuesdays
Get your $100 coupon at www.enjems.com
Come Spend the Day With Us! Route 233 Westmoreland, NY 1/4 mile North of NYS Thruway Exit 32 www.westmorelandantiquecenter.com
2010 Oriskany St. West Utica, NY (315) 733-0421
Carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, and vinyl 27
Local tv special
The King Who CancelleD ChRISTMAS
King Sagnor decrees that Christmas is cancelled.
by Malio Cardarelli
Back in 1970, when children’s Christmas television shows were referred to as animated cartoons, I was a father of two young boys: Paul, age 8, and Larry, only 4. Having always been inspired to do some creative writing, I came up with the idea of crafting a children’s Christmas show of my own, dedicated, of course, to Paul and Larry. Well, it is one thing to have an ambition and altogether another to execute it. Struggling for many months, I finally settled on the concept of writing a story of a cancelled Christmas. It would reflect the unthinkable—a year without this universally sought-after holiday. Okay, that’s the first part of the project—to establish the storyline. Now, I needed characters and fresh ideas to put it in motion. There’s really no explanation for how it entered my mind, but I came up with the idea of writing about two opposing elements, Love Glows and Ice Men, both in the North Pole, which would be under the domain of King Sagnor, whose harsh decree would become the pivotal element in the story: From this day forward, I now proclaim, this holiday season will not be the same; for Christmas is cancelled, it’s pretty absurd. Christmas is ended, and that’s my last word. It was at the point of writing this passage that the title was established—The King Who Cancelled Christmas. And in keeping with the mandate for a happy ending, all conflicts would be resolved, and the blessed day would be reinstated to everyone’s relief. At first, the story was a radio presentation, aired locally. But I wanted it to be for TV, so I fashioned the characters, the background, the props, and everything else needed for a visual presentation, using a well-used 35 mm camera to record it all. With the help of many friends and with the facilities of television station WKTV, a half-hour show was produced under the sponsorship of the Boston Store with sound track and slides, more than 200 of them. This was a two-year effort, but a gratifying one, especially since Paul had two speeches in the recorded show that has many times aired on local TV during the holidays. Some 25 years later, with the help of a computer, a book was created—all illustrations coming from the TV production. It is available locally wherever my books are sold or via www.BooksbyMalio.com. In reality, of course, Christmas is not cancelled, and as long as we are devoted to its true meaning, it never will be.
Do your Family a Favor...
Arrange your funeral plans. Pre-planning gives you peace of mind, takes the burden off your loved ones, and assures that your service will reflect your personal beliefs. 28
The mean-looking Ice Men of the North Pole.
A scene peeking in a snow-covered window.
This holiday season share good food, happy memories, and your plans...
Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors (315) 797-1900 470 French Road, Utica www.nunnandmcgrath.com
Visit us for preplanning options.
65 years in the Trzepacz Family
Yorkville Memorials
(315) 736-1781 1309 Champlin Ave, Yorkville
Scenes from The King Who Cancelled Christmas, a half-hour television show that was created using hundreds of photographs of posed figures and props.
Visit us today for all your holiday needs! Many Varieties to choose from:
Honey Crisp, McIntosh, Gala, Cortland, Ida Red, Crispin, Jonagold, Red Delicious, and More! Bosc Pears, Cabbage, Potatoes, and Squash!
We also carry:
Local Maple Syrup, Honey, and Adirondack Cheese!
Try our fresh baked cider donuts and pies.
Apple cake and pumpkin rolls make a wonderful addition to your holiday table!
Menu to go items!
Keep in mind our fresh salads, wraps, paninis and soups to go!
Sweet Apple Cider Too!
Family Owned for 70 Years 4695 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY (315) 736-5883 Open Mon-Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5
Banquet Room Holiday Parties - on site or catered
Welcome to “Our Home” with strong Italian roots and Gagoots!
Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoes Bicycle Parts/Repairs Accessories & Clothing
Your hosts Bob and Lorrie Arcuri Markason Serving traditional Italian Specialties just like Papa would have it. Like us for 3963 Oneida St., New Hartford (Washington Mills) (315) 507-2794
411 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-5571
Catering and Banquet Room Available! www.papajoesrestaurantny.com
www.dickswheelshop.com
MichaelT ’s Celebrating 30 years family owned in New Hartford!
ring! Call for holiday cate
Gift Certificates Available!
Come try our world famous riggies!
We’re also famous for our haddock and we offer a variety of fresh seafood specialties every day!
8390 Seneca Tpke, New Hartford • Serving dinner Tues-Sun starting at 4pm 315 724-4882 www.michaeltsrest.com
daily specials!
FURNITURE a different kind of store
Entertainment Centers, Jelly Cupboards, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, Rolltops, Curios, Amish Products, Reproductions, Lamps, Gifts & More!
(315) 768-1857
351 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro
OPEN: M, W, Th, Fri: 10-5, Sat: 10-4, Closed Tues & Sun
Signature81
INC.
Fresh Beer Battered Friday Fish Fry
Serving Lunch and Dinner Tues.-Sat.
17 College Street, Clinton Handcrafted Home Decor, Gifts & Vintage Finds
A Destination for your Artistic Side
Secret Lives Revealed in the December Forest by Matt Perry
All is not asleep in the December Forest. It may seem that way upon first glance, but a closer inspection reveals signs of activity all around. Though we may see neither hide nor hair (nor feather) of the animals themselves, their actions are dutifully recorded by the tracks they leave behind in the snow. A careful observer can glean a great deal of information by following footprints. Methods of hunting and foraging can be clearly indicated by well-preserved tracks. Last winter, while following the tracks of a coyote, I was able to get an excellent idea of how it spent at least a few hours of its evening. The animal spent some time near the entrance of a vole’s burrow, waiting for the rodent to emerge. Subsequent tracks and some bloody spots in the snow confirm that the predator’s wait was rewarded. With a small meal
Large feet allow the Fisher to more easily walk on top of the snow
Fisher tracks
secured, the coyote loped off into the ravine, possibly in search of another rodent burrow by which to stand vigil. Examining the footprints of wildlife provides us with a way to “watch” them when they are alone and not influenced by human observers. For many species, particularly predators, when they perceive they are being watched, they behave quite differently and we lose the ability to see them interact naturally in their environment. Another candid moment revealed by footprints involved a Fisher. The Fisher is a large weasel that has become much
Create time for you. From massage, facials, waxing, hand and foot treatments to spa packages and small group gatherings.
Christmas Gift certificates available online!
Open daily 9-5. Appointments every day except Tuesdays. 315.853.3300 7201 Route 5, Clinton www.timeformedayspa.com
more common in the Mohawk Valley in recent years. I was following the animal’s disproportionately large footprints as it crossed through the old woods, when I found something quite unexpected. The prints revealed that the animal went out of its way to visit a patch of ice that had formed in the tire ruts of an ATV trail. The Fisher approached the ice and then quite deliberately slid its body over it. It then proceeded directly to the next patch of ice and did the same thing. You can’t say that weasels don’t know how to have fun—at least when no one is looking.
HOLLAND PATENT
FARMER’S CO-OP More Than Your Average Farm Store!
See us for your winter clothing needs! New arrivals daily...
Red Wing Shoes • Carhartt Clothing • Wolverine Shoes • Muck Boots (kids too!) • LaCrosse Boots WigWam Socks • Kinco Gloves
Plus Blueseal feed, bird seed & suet, shavings, gates, fencing, dairy supplies & medicines, Ertl toys, Rada knives, and more!
Open to the Public!
Attention Dairy Farmers- Let us market your milk! (315) 865-5281 Open M-F: 9-5 Sat: 8-3 9560 Depot St. Holland Patent (behind the train depot) www.hollandpatentcoop.com
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Light up someone’s life with a beautifully unique lamp!
For the gifts you love to give and receive! Complimentary gift wrapping! Hours: Monday 12-4, Tuesday - Saturday 10-6 20 West Park Row, Clinton, NY 315.853.3650 www.kriziamartin.com
Give the Gift of Good Taste! Buy a $25 Gift Card & Get $5 FREE!
17 Ellinwood Dr., New Hartford (The Orchard Plaza)
(315) 768-8266
Serving Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week
www.mitsubarestaurants.com
Choose from our large selection of recliners.
Coming Up at The Stanley Dec. 6&7
The Nutcracker Presented by The Mohawk Valley Ballet Saturday, December 6th, 7:30pm Sunday, December 7th, 2pm
Dec. 12 & 13
Scrooge Presented by The Players of Utica Friday, December 12th, 7:30pm Saturday, December 13th, 2pm
Jan. 24 & 25
The 15th Annual Mohawk Valley Antiqefest Presented by Vintage Furnishings Saturday, January 24th, 10am - 5pm Sunday, Janurary 25th, 10am - 4pm
Jan. 27 & 28
Nice Work If You Can Get It Presented by Broadway Theatre League of Utica Tuesday, January 27th, 7:30pm Wednesday, Janurary 28th, 7:30pm
This Merry Christams Deal expires 12/31/14
Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine
Give the gift of comfort!
Feb. 17 & 18 Apr. 7&8
Sister Act Presented by Broadway Theatre League of Utica Tuesday, February 17th, 7:30pm Wednesday, February 18th, 7:30pm Beauty & The Beast Presented by Broadway Theatre League of Utica Tuesday, April 7th, 7pm Wednesday, April 8th, 7pm
* Schedule subject to change 261 Genesee Street l Utica, NY 13501 l Box Office 315.724.4000 l www.TheStanley.org
Route 5 , Sherrill 363-3131
www.froassfurniture.com Mon-Wed: 9-5:30 Thurs & Fri: 9-8:30; Sat: 9-5 Nothing captures the essence of your personal creative flair like...
Pre-owned Furniture & Decor
BITTERSWEET PINES 4900 St. Rt. 233, Westmoreland 853-3677 (1.2 mi south of Thruway Exit 32)
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
Now including Pet Retail Shop and Day Care! Unique Gifts for Pets & Pet Lovers! Day Care open: Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Retail Shop open: Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm
Grooming by appt. (315) 829-3900 5350 East Seneca St., Vernon
On the farm with Suzie:
Understanding Farmers’ Choices by Suzie Jones
A few short weeks ago, I was giving a farm tour to a group of college students and interns. It was a perfect fall day: The sky was a brilliant blue, the surrounding hills were dotted with yellows, oranges and reds, and the sun was still pleasantly warm on our shoulders. We visited the cheese plant, the hen house, the goats and sheep in the field, all the while talking about our farm’s various lines of business. The students asked questions along the way. We eventually came to our pastured chickens, where several groups of meat birds happily scratched the earth and soaked up the fall sun in a large, fenced-in area. I described how we moved the paddock around the field on a regular basis, pointed out the homemade shelters my husband had designed, and invited the students to investigate the thick, rich sward of healthy grasses the chickens left behind them. I contrasted our methodology with that of industrial, commodity chicken producers. I told the group how much I enjoyed raising chickens in a way that encouraged a varied diet and lots of exercise and how happy our customers are with the flavor
Herkimer Diamonds Imported Hand Rolled Incense Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Jewelry
People who raise their own chickens, like the editor’s niece Delaney Foss, can better understand other farmers’ challenges and choices.
Kitchen & Bath Cabinets Hardwood Flooring & Countertops
Natural Objects of Bright Pride
FREE In-Home Estimates Installation Available
Sticks n Stones
Corner of Rte. 8 & 20, Bridgewater
A little gift shop you have to see to believe! 126 East Main Street, Waterville Call for hours (315) 867-7616
Cabinetry for Every Budget!
315-822-0010
Showroom Open Tues 11-6, Wed-Sat 11-4 or by appt. www.knottybynature.com
Cabinetry by Shiloh, 6 Square & Waypoint 33
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Primo Pizza #
NEWPORT MARKETPLACE A New Kind of Main Street
7583 Main St., Newport, NY 13416 (315) 845-8822
OVER 40 VENDORS! NEW ITEMS ARRIVING DAILY!
Antiques Vintage Furniture Shabby Chic Country Chic Re-Purposed Handcrafted Items Unique Gifts Adirondack Collectibles Treasures Jewelry Primitives CeCe Caldwell Chalk and Clay Paints Local Honey Grass Fed Beef Cheese Organic & natural Food Store n
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Over 6,000 sq. ft. of Fun & Frugal Shopping!
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Tour our museum & shop our store this holiday season!
See Remington firearms and artifacts from the 1800s to today and shop for clothing, hats, and souvenirs in our Country Store.
MUSEUM & COUNTRY STORE
14 Hoefler Avenue, Ilion (315) 895-3200 • FREE ADMISSION! • Mon-Fri 8-5 (store closes 4:30)
Mon-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 1pm-8pm
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Delaney’s flock of chickens scratch for feed in the snow. and quality. I then surprised the students—and myself, a bit—by admitting that although I loved the way we were farming, I understood why large, industrial farms employ the methods they do. The students looked a little shocked—how could I, a small-scale family farmer “understand” the methods of large-scale commodity chicken farms? “Look around you,” I told them. “If I were to scale up to grow the tens of thousands of chickens housed in even one of the large producer’s barns, it would be impractical in our pasture system. That significantly limits our growth as a farm business. Plus, today may be a gorgeous day, but look at how exposed we are here to the elements. Scorching heat, freezing cold, rain, high winds—all are a constant battle. And we’ve been relatively lucky, but predators, too, are something a large-scale poultry operation doesn’t have to worry about. Their chickens are housed in temperature-controlled barns, safe from the elements, with automated watering and feeding systems…yeah, I get that!” I don’t know what sort of message the students took away with them that day. But for me, I had finally said aloud something that had eaten at me for some time. When my chickens fail to gain the weight required to keep our production on schedule, I understand other farmer’s choices. When cold night temperatures cause feed consumption to skyrocket, you bet I understand the need to control the environment. When extreme summer temperatures result in heat exhaustion and deaths, I absolutely understand why someone may not want to farm the
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© 2014 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 is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.
way we do. It’s not that I want to change the way we raise our animals per se; I just understand why other farmers may make the choices that they make. Their choices may not be my choices, but I respect them nonetheless. It’s probably fair to say that other farmers will read this and understand much better than most. Whether small or large, conventional or organic, every farm has its own set of challenges—its unique soils and microclimates, financial situation, farmer skills, market outlets— the list goes on and on. Farmers are an opinionated bunch, yes, but they are hesitant to tell other farmers how to farm. What may work for me may not work for you. Which is why I’m always duly impressed when I meet an individual “non-farmer” that has strong opinions on my or other farmers’ methods. I’ll give you a very specific example: A potential customer came to visit me at a farmers’ market and proceeded to ask all sorts of wonderful questions about our chickens. When I told her we bought our chicken feed, she became very agitated and told me I needed to grow the feed myself. I was dumbfounded. “I don’t know the first thing about growing corn,” I told her. Believe it or not, she actually screamed at me for being so irresponsible before she stomped away. Now, I might be tempted to write her off as completely nutty, but she came back the very next week to apologize and we ended up having a very nice conversation. I explained that, besides having to gain a whole new skill set (growing a specific crop), I’d need expensive, specialized equipment, land to grow sufficient quantities, a way to store the grain properly without losing quality or nutrition, and then an efficient way to grind or crack it so as to make it edible…not to mention the time to plant, cultivate, and harvest. The lady kindly admitted the issues were more complex than she had realized. How did she get so passionate about farming and form such strong opinions, I asked? She had read one book on the subject. She had never farmed…not one day in her life. That lady will never know it, but that interaction shook me to the core. It was personally upsetting and yet enlightening at the same time. I realized that while I want people to care passionately about their food, I also want them to appreciate the complexities of growing it. I want them to appreciate farmers, their talents and knowledge, and be willing to learn from them. The skill set and the challenges are far greater than most could ever imagine. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to sell directly to consumers and wish more farmers would (or could) do the same. Potential customers can quiz me on farming methodologies and philosophies to their hearts’ content. I genuinely enjoy these discussions and am in a privileged position to learn what is important to them. If my farming choices do not agree with their concept of how it should be done, they have every right to not buy our products. Every one of us should care deeply about our food and how it is raised. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous disconnect between consumers, our food, and the farmers—large and small—that grow it. More than anything, I wish people understood the challenges that farmers face…everywhere, every day.
“Their choices may not be my choices, but I respect them nonetheless.”
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 at: www.anotherjonesfamilyfarm.com
The elves are busy preparing your gifts at Clinton Jewelers! Silver & gold, rings, bracelets, pendants, gift certificates too!
CLINTON JEWELERS 19 College St., Clinton 853-3400 Extended Holiday Hours
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!
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Shop Little Falls, NY! Creative art & gifts for your holiday shopping!
Visit our gift shop!
From tin-cicles & tin stars to beautiful mittens and hats. Plus original art, pottery, jewelry & much more! New items arrive regularly. Gift Shop hours: Wed–Sat, 12–4
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts
piccolo cafe
401 Canal Place, Little Falls
Known throughout The Valley for hearty homemade soups, traditional Italian and zesty Mexican dishes! Check out our tempting specials on facebook every week!
315.823.0808
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Little Falls Antique Center More than 50 vendors on 2 floors! Canal Place, Little Falls Open Every Day 10-5 www.littlefallsantiquecenter.com
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As the Winter Solstice Approaches, the Seed Catalogs Arrive By Denise A. Szarek
For me December is a month filled with anticipation. Winter Solstice heralds celebrations of rebirth all throughout history. Just in time for holiday celebrations, seed catalogs arrive in the mailbox, signaling the renewal of the garden and flooding my imagination with grand plans. As a child, as the Christmas cards started arriving in our mailbox so did a smattering of seed catalogs. Mail doesn’t get any better than the combination of both. My dad would make sure they were tucked away in a special drawer so as not to be misplaced during all the holiday festivities. The week between Christmas and New Year’s was set aside to plan and lay out the next year’s garden. The seed catalogs were brought out and spread over the dining room table; with notepads and drawings, our small backyard was transformed into wonderful gardens. First, the old favorites were selected: Kentucky Wonder and Romano pole beans, on strings right by the back porch so little hands could help pick. Then the tomatoes: Roma, Big Boy, and Jet Star, which were put up into the best chili sauce in late summer. But the garden was never complete without green bunching onions. There was always a drinking glass on the kitchen table, half filled with water, holding a beautiful bouquet of freshly picked green onions. All summer
long my dad would start dinner by eating a few with a sprinkle of salt. Next, my sister and I were allowed to pick the veggies we wanted to grow. We would spend hours combing through the catalogs for just the right veggie by reading all the colorful descriptions. We would change our minds daily, and my dad patiently waited for the final decisions. On New Year’s Day all decisions were final, because the next day the seed orders went to the mailbox. Historically, seed catalogs reflect the times; during the Golden Era, the artwork in catalogs and on seed packets could be quite amazing. During World War II they took on a patriotic flavor with the birth of the Victory Garden. Now, we are enamored with the photography, which allows us to tell exactly what the plant or veggie will look like in our garden. On the farm and in our greenhouses we diligently source organic, non-GMO seeds from the following seeds companies. These are our favorites: Johnny’s Selected Seeds – 100% employee-owned seed company in Maine. Johnny’s focus is on small farmers rather than on backyard gardeners. They have adopted the safe seed pledge, vowing not to carry genetically modified seeds. Fedco Seeds – is a cooperative seed company, also based in Maine. Consumers own 60% and worker members 40%. Fedco offers a huge selection and the cheapest prices of untreated, open polli-
ernon Variety Shoppes
Weeden’ s Mini Mall
5349 Route 5, Vernon (315) 829-2105 Open 10-5 every day
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nated and organic seeds that I have seen. Baker Creek – publishes the most beautiful catalog I have ever laid eyes on, featuring artistic photos, recipes and quotes. They carry a huge selection of rare seeds from the 19th century. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - is a worker-run seed cooperative in Central Virginia. Also, their website offers a lot of helpful growing information, including a wonderful handout explaining how to save seeds. Seeds of Change – offers 100% organic seed grown by small farmers and professional growers. While the company produces high quality seed, they tend to be pretty expensive. High Mowing – sells 100% organic, untreated seeds. High Mowing grows the majority of its seed on its own farm in Vermont and has worked within the Vermont Community to bring local food businesses together. Their website features a great blog. If you haven’t read Ben Hewitt’s book, The Town that Food Saved, I highly recommend it as a great read that features the story of High Mowing. I love seed catalogs, and I bet I’d be hard pressed to find a gardener who doesn’t.
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Old Forge McCauley Mountain Ski Area “New York’s Best Family Mountain”
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Miles of Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails
Kurt Gardner photo
Enjoy a casual lunch or elegant dinner. Private Rooms available for small gatherings.
Brian Mattison, chef/proprietor
8 East Park Row in Historic Clinton Call (315) 381-3076 Dinner from 5pm, Thurs.-Mon. Lunch 11:30-2:30, Mon., Thurs.-Sat. www.acrosstherow.com
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A close-up showing the classical style of Doug Whitfield’s painting
Local Arts:
doug whitfield Story and Photos by Sharry L. Whitney
Artist Doug Whitfield’s studio overlooks Cedar Lake in Clayville. His workspace is comprised of a large easel in a small loft in his home that he shares with his wife, Franca, a collection of bonsai trees, and a host of characters he has created on canvas. His artwork hangs on every wall—his latest work, a triptych, stands in the corner of the living room. The women depicted in the set of three paintings appear aware of our presence and stand like guests waiting, indifferently, to be seated. Each holds an object of seeming importance that makes us curious as to its meaning. It is no surprise that Doug studied the work of Leonardo da Vinci, who is known for using numbers and symbols in his classical drawings. “I enjoy hearing people’s interpretations of my paintings,” he says, while admitting that sometimes they are more interesting than his own ideas. Doug has been drawing since he was a child and, since his very first painting at age 20, his favorite subject has been figures. Growing up in a family of artists, he knew at an early age that
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painting would be his life’s pursuit. He studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Mohawk Valley Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University. He received his A.A.S. in Design in 1965 and B.A. in Painting in 1968 at R.I.T. He earned Master Teacher Certification, Integrative Learning System in 1999 from Syracuse University. The artist studied and copied the works of the classical masters like Rembrandt and da Vinci. He was thrilled to see the recent exhibit at Munson Williams Proctor, The Golden Age of European Painting. “I visited the exhibit seven or eight times,” he says. “To see the actual paintings that I have studied for years was amazing. I wish I could own one so I could look at it every day.” Although Doug’s work is founded in classical painting, there is a sense of the surreal. “My compositions are dreamlike; they blur myth, history and fantasy together,” he states. Large, yet seemingly featherlight, figures occupy dreamlike compositions and appear to be on stage for our enjoyment. When asked why many of his figures seem to be overweight, he admits that it stems from not liking to paint backgrounds and preferring his figures to fill the canvas. Doug’s paintings are in private collections around the country and Europe and part of the
Last Dance Whitfield’s large figures are light on their feet and dance for our enjoyment.
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Offering Italian/American Enjoy your cuisine and featuring favorite drink Eat, Drink & Be Merry! from our homemade hats, gnocchi, Take out too! (315) 853-6013 Full Bar! and fusilli. 7756 Route 5, Clinton, NY Serving Certified Angus Beef. MON-THUR 3pm - 9pm, FRI - SAT 11:30am - 10pm, SUN 11:30am - 9pm
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Deli • Bulk Foods & Cheese • Chocolate Items Coffee (ass’t. blends) • Baking Supplies & Much More! Phone (315) 893-7437 Fax (315) 893-1854
Route 20 in Madison, New York www.earleyfarm.com 41
permanent collection at the Oxford Gallery in Rochester, NY. His 2012 show in Little Falls at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts was well received, and he was pleased to sell a number of paintings. To him, life is painting. Doug is often working on several pieces at the same time. Currently, he is preparing for an upcoming exhibit “The Condition of Music” that opens April 25th at the Oxford Gallery. The theme of the show takes its cue from the Victorian essayist Walter Pater’s famous dictum, “All art constantly aspires to the condition of music.” Doug is looking forward to the challenge of interpreting Pater’s adage in his painting. Even his career as a military officer— temporarily taking him and his family away from the area—couldn’t stop him from painting. Wherever Doug was stationed his work was featured in the local art shows. “I get tense and frustrated when I don’t paint,” he says. “Like an avid runner, you can’t live without it...you get emotionally out of shape.” You can see Doug Whitfield’s work and even the progression of a painting at his website: www.dougwhitfieldpaintings.com
Flight Doug Whitfield’s characters come to you as players in a fantastic theater, gesturing dramatically and striking romantic poses on their stage.
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Quality Products for 21 years!
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Fish Fry, Pizza & Wing Specials, Always Homemade Soups! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 8210 Route 12, Barneveld (next to DeSantis Meat Market) (315) 896-5047
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Where friends send friends!
Get your $100 coupon at www.enjems.com 2010 Oriskany St. West Utica, NY (315) 733-0421
Carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, and vinyl
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MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL EVENT!
Over 40 vendors on 2 1/2 floors!
Architectural/Salvage Dept. located in the Gallery!
Charles Dickens’ Christmas Party Sat., Dec. 13, 10-5
Mon, Wed-Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11:30-4:30 100 E. Main St., Mohawk (Thruway Exit 30) Closed Tuesdays (315) 219-5044
www.mohawkantiquesmall.com
Find our sweet syrup and products at: Deansboro Superette, Clinton Tractor Sammy & Annie Foods, Utica Westmoreland Antiques, Oneida Commons Olde Village Merchantile, Sherburne, & our shop at 7945 Maxwell Rd., Clinton
See us at the Farmers’ Markets!
www.shawsmapleproducts.com 315-725-0547 43
Local Arts:
Zinn brilliant Story and Photos by Sharry L. Whitney
If you happen upon Bill and Janet Rigby strolling through Cooperstown you might think they’re retired, but they are most likely just taking a break from their busy home-based business. Their workshop, located in the basement of their Victorian home on Elm Street, is how you would imagine Santa’s workshop--tools lined up in rows, colorful bottles of paint and brushes, glittering pieces of metal, and products in various stages of completion. The Rigbys are indeed as busy as Santa’s elves creating sparkling Zinn Brilliant ornaments. The molds they use to make the decorations were designed in the 1880s by Gustav A. Mayer, a New York businessman and inventor who came to the United States from Germany at age 19. The Rigbys happened upon the molds in the 1980s. They knew Mayer’s then elderly daughters who were selling off some of their father’s furniture. The molds were discovered in the drawer of a desk. The Rigbys purchased the 42 molds and then, with much experimentation, re-created the process and produced some ornaments. When the Rigbys shared their re-creations with the sisters, who by then were blind, they felt them and exclaimed, “It’s Poppa’s brillanten! But how?” They were sure they had surrendered all the molds to the scrap drive during World War II. The fact that they still existed seemed a miracle. The Rigbys, busy raising a family at the time, packed away the molds for another day. Now, in their “retirement,” they share the ornaments and the process with interested onlookers. Bill, an avid lifelong tinkerer, was behind researching the history and setting the groundwork for making Zinn Brilliant a reality. Janet, with a degree in Museum Studies and a passion for the
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Photos above: Gustav A. Mayer was a businessman and inventor; A sales flyer from the late 1800s depicting the ornaments available for purchase; Using the original, recently restored, elephant mold, Bill Rigby quickly dips the mold in hot, liquid tin then removes the cooled thin film of shiny metal. Although it appears to be encrusted with gems, the Zinn Brilliant ornament (left) is actually comprised of colorfully painted recessed reflectors.
history of everyday things, also was eager to revive this art that would have been lost. She hand-paints the ornaments and designs the packaging and presentation. “We should be retired, Bill says, “but the things we get involved in are too much fun!” You can see the mold-making process of Zinn Brilliant ornaments at the Rigby’s Christmas Shop, 73 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY. Open Thursday-Saturday: 10am-4pm through December 20th. You can also see the process and shop online at: www.zinnbrilliant.com
See more of their work on the next page...
Bill Rigby shows off one of the larger Zinn Brilliant ornaments made with the original 1880s mold. His wife, Janet, holds mascot Effie.
103 Main St., Whitesboro, NY 768-1462
Thinking of adopting a cat, kitten, or bunny rabbit? Spring Farm CARES Animal Sanctuary www.springfarmcares.org
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Tues-Fri 6-2 Sat & Sun 6-1
1212 Catherine St., Utica, NY 733-6603
IRONWOOD Furniture
AMISH MADE
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Wendy’s Diner Best Fish Fry Around!
Put on your fat pants and head to Wendy’s Diner!
1717 Route 8, Cassville (315) 839-5000
Mon-Thurs 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-8pm Sat 6am-1pm, Sun 6am-12(breakfast only) 45
Tools of the trade, clockwise from top left: Bill Rigby removes the ornament from the mold; A line up of some of the original molds from the 1880s; “Sun” ornaments waiting to be finished; Janet Rigby carefully paints the recessed reflectors with bright colors.
315-896-3934
8211 State Rt 12
Barneveld
Tues-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-2
adirondackart.com
Holiday Open House Sat., Dec. 13, 10-2
Book Signing with William J. O’Hern
author of Adirondack Wilds and many other regional titles. Last minute holiday gifts including framed art, local pottery, and 2015 calendars!
The Sandwich Chef
604 E. Main St., Little Falls (315) 508-5192
Food Pantry Drive Receive 1% off bill for each non perishable food item! Up to 8 items 46
M-Sat 7:30-5, Sun 9-4 , Breakfast til 11am
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.
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(315) 858-1010 1058 Route 28, Jordanville
just 4 miles north of Richfield Springs, or 9 miles south of Herkimer Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm, Sun: 11am - 4pm
Holiday Family FuN
The Sound of Music Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2pm. This classic musical will be performed live. $20/$15 Member, $5 Children View Arts Center, NY 28, Old Forge (315) 369-6411 www.viewarts.org
by Sharry L. Whitney
If you missed the Clinton Shoppers Stroll or the Santa Express train to Old Forge’s Christmas on Main Street, don’t worry, just mark them on your new 2015 calendar for next year. There are still plenty of family fun events and activities to get you in the holiday spirit! Here are a few ideas.
Classic Christmas Events The Nutcracker Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:30pm Presented by the Kirkland Art Center and Center Stage Dance Studio Adults $12, Children $8 Tickets: call the KAC at (315) 853-8871 and available at the box office of the Clinton Performing Arts Complex, Chenango Ave., Clinton www.kacny.org
The Nutcracker at the Stanley Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2pm Tickets call: (315) 724-4000 259 Genesee Street, Utica www.thestanley.org
Now Open!
TREASURES
LOST & FOUND CONSIGNMENT/RESALE SHOP
Scrooge, presented by Players of Utica Friday, Dec. 12, & Saturday, Dec. 13 Richard Enders stars in this annual favorite. Stanley Center for the Arts 261 Genesee St, Utica (315) 724-4000 www.playersofutica.org A Christmas Carol: the Original Staged Reading Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2-4pm Actors will do a staged reading of Charles Dickens classic story. Free. Utica Public Library, Utica www.uticapubliclibrary.org It’s a Wonderful Life: Film (1946) Friday, Dec. 19 at 7pm Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2:30pm & 7pm Adults $6, Children (12 & Under) $2 Capitol Theatre 220 W. Dominick Street, Rome (315) 337-6453 www.romecapitol.com It’s A Wonderful Life: Radio Play Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2pm. Performed by Pendragon Theatre. $20/$18 Adults, $5 children View Arts Center, NY 28, Old Forge (315) 369-6411 www.viewarts.org
KARAM’S Middle Eastern Bakery & Restaurant
Middle Eastern Specials and Groceries Pita and Flat Bread • Spinach & Meat Pies • Baklawa
Big Apple Plaza- 8441 Seneca Trpk, New Hartford
(315) 736-1728 137 Campbell Ave, Yorkville
Open Tues-Fri: 10-6, Sat: 10-4
Wonderland of Lights Through Jan. 1st, 5:30-8:30pm $8 per vehicle at gatehouse entrance. Masonic Care Community 2150 Bleecker St., Utica www.wonderlandoflights.info
Sounds of the Season Masterworks Chorale and Symphoria Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7:30pm Tickets: $8/$6 Wellin Hall, Hamilton College, Clinton (315) 859-4331 www.hamiltonpa.org B Sharp Musical Club Concert Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30pm New Hartford Presbyterian Church www.bsharpcny.org
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Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2pm & 5pm and Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3pm & 7pm Enjoy a live performance. Tickets: $15 (ages 13+), $10 (ages 6–12). Children under 6 free. The Farmers’ Museum 5775 State Hwy. 80, Cooperstown (607) 547-1450 www.farmersmuseum.org
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A Tuba Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7pm, Free Capitol Theatre 220 W. Dominick Street, Rome (315) 337-6453 www.romecapitol.com
Tapestry Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7pm Admission at the door is $10 adults, $5 seniors. St. James Episcopal Church 9 Williams St., Clinton www.facebook.com/TapestryTheAllCenturiesSingers A Tapestry Christmas Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3pm Holiday music from six centuries. $10 General Admission/$5 Students. View Arts Center, Old Forge (315) 369-6411 www.viewarts.org
Fort Herkimer German Flatts Town Park, State Rte 5S, next to Fort Herkimer Church
Sweetback Sisters Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular at the Mansion House presented by Earlville Opera Friday, Dec. 19 at 8pm Advance tickets: Adults $20, Children $10, call the EOH at (315) 691-3550 Oneida Community Mansion House Oneida, 170 Kenwood Ave., Oneida
Visits With Santa Saturdays between 11am-1pm, December 6, 13, and 20. Hamilton Center for the Arts, Lebanon Street, Hamilton www.thisishamiltonny.com Skate with Santa Saturday, December 6, 2-4pm, $5 (includes skates) Morrisville Ice Plex, 105 Madison Rd., Morrisville
MVCC Presents: The Concert Band Holiday Concert Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 7:30pm, Free Capitol Theatre 220 W. Dominick Street, Rome (315) 337-6453 www.romecapitol.com
Holiday Wagon Rides Saturday, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20, Noon-2pm Free Celebrate the holidays with an old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon ride around Hamilton. www.thisishamiltonny.com
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Open House with Santa & Mrs Claus Friday, Dec. 5, 4-6pm
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Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad Special Holiday Trains Santa Express Train Sat. & Sun., Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14 at 2pm Christmas Lights Train Sat., Dec. 6 & 13 at 6:30pm Reservations Required, call: (607) 432-2429 136 East Main Street, Milford www.lrhs.com Adirondack Scenic RR Polar Express Departs from Utica’s Union Station Thursdays at 6:30pm through Dec. 18th, and Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 4:30 & 7pm through Dec. 21st. Coach: $28/Adult, $24/Youth (2-12) First Class: $49/Adult, $42/Youth (2-12) Union Station 321, Main St., Utica (315) 724-0700 www.adirondackrr.com
Christmas Stories & Fun An Afternoon of Holiday Stories for all Tuesday, Dec. 2, 3:30pm-4:30pm Remsen Didymus Thomas Library 9639 Main St, Remsen
Children’s Holiday Event at Gems Saturday, Dec. 6, 1-4pm Festivities and pictures with Santa (12:30pm). Gems Along the Mohawk 800 Mohawk Street, Herkimer www.gemsalongthemohawk.com Puppet Shows: The Nutcracker and The Night Before Christmas Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 9:30 & 10am Thursday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 & 10am Friday, Dec. 12 at 9:30 & 10am Kirkland Town Library 55 1/2 College Street, Clinton (315) 853- 2038 www.kirklandtownlibrary.org John Porcino’s “A Heck of a Way to Stay Warm - Stories and Songs to Kindle Winter’s Hidden Light” Saturday, Dec. 13 at 3:30pm Tickets call: (315) 691-3550 or visit: www.earlvilleoperahouse.com Earlville Opera House 18 E Main St, Earlville
Family Christmas Party Friday, Dec.19 at 6:30pm Refreshments will be served and prizes awarded to those who come in their jammies! Old Forge Library 220 Crosby Blvd, Old Forge (315) 369-6008 www.oldforgelibrary.org
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7th Annual Christmas in Little Falls Saturday, Dec. 13th Indoor Farmers’ Market & Artisans’ Fair, Horse & Carriage Rides, Santa and more! www.christmasinlittlefalls.com
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Wassailing Weekends at Fly Creek Sat. & Sun. Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14 Demonstrations on how to make this traditional holiday drink. Fly Creek Cider Mill 288 Goose Street, Fly Creek (607) 547-9692 www.flycreekcidermill.com
Holiday Arts & Crafts Earlville Opera House 17th Holiday Artists Sale Friday, Dec. 5 at 10am Earlville Opera House 18 E Main St, Earlville www.earlvilleoperahouse.com
Sharon Springs Victorian Holiday Celebration Friday-Sunday, December 5th-7th www.sharonspringschamber.com
Tour The Oak & Ivy Bed & Breakfast Artisan and Craft Faire Sat., Dec. 6: 10-5, Sun., Dec. 7: 10-4 Decorated for the holidays. Local artists’ art and gift sale. Admission $5 600 North George St., Rome www.facebook.com/OakandIvyBedandBreakfast Fountain Elms Victorian Yuletide Through January 4, 2015, Open Tues-Sunday at 10am Fountain Elms, Genesee St., Utica (315) 797-0000 www.mwpai.org
Candlelight Evening at the Farmers’ Museum Saturday, Dec. 13, 3-7pm The landscape of the museum illuminated by hundreds of candles. Farmer’s Museum, Cooperstown www.farmersmuseum.org
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Traveling Trunk Holiday Craft Show Saturday, Dec. 6, 11am-4pm A small-scale craft fair promoting local shopping while giving back to libraries. Utica Public Library 303 Genesee Street, Utica
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The Music never stops:
Musician Mike Peek By John Keller
Following one’s heart and passion is a musician’s credo. One local musician has embodied this wholly. Mike Peek has been a fixture on the area’s music scenes for most of his life. He has been in several well-known and well-respected bands performing virtually every venue - north, west, east and south, and given his all toward each project. I encountered a young, ambitious Mike Peek at a Mountain Jam festival when he was in Feedback, a hard indie rock band. Since then, I’ve heard, and been encouraged, by his successive endeavors. His band for the last few years is soundbarrier (yes, small s). Performing a combination of modern and classic rock, they are constantly playing all over the Mohawk Valley. Besides being an ever busy musician, Mike, and his fiancée Missy Almas, give their extra time to saving and rescuing lost and abused animals. Once again, following his heart. I recently spoke with Mike about his musical past & present, as well as his humanitarian (pet-itarian?) pursuits. Who are your influences, both musically & personally? It’s been a long time since I really thought about influences. Back when I used to write a lot, I could find influence in almost anything if it affected me. Musically, The Goo Goo Dolls were (and still are) always able to do it for me. I felt that their singer/songwriter, John Rzeznik, wrote songs that felt similar to mine in subject matter, music that was from the heart and reflected an internal struggle. Personally,
being unhappy was a great lyrical influence. When you’re struggling to find who you are, you tend to have more to say.
Members of soundbarrier (yes, small s) from left to right: Rocky Graziano, Jim Roberts, Jeremy Schor & Mike Peek (Photo by Chris Penree)
Was Feedback your first band? We started as Atomix, then Disturbing the Peace. When Feedback first formed, I’d only played my guitar for a few months. I wasn’t trained as a singer, and my songwriting ability was amateur at best. But every musician starts somewhere. How long were you together and what happened to them? Feedback was together from 1999 until 2005. By the time we called it, I think we weren’t enjoying ourselves anymore and needed a change. We did get together once or twice after April Shroud disbanded just for fun. One of those concerts incidentally set into motion the chain of events that led me to my future wife. But, I was interested in starting something new. You followed Feedback with April Shroud. Where did the name come from? From the poetry of John Keats. Back in 2005, I was really into being an English major and was doing a lot of poetry analysis. Something about Keats’ subject matter as a Romantic Poet appealed to me, and the name April Shroud was in a line in his piece “Ode on
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Melancholy.” Even though you performed some original music with Feedback, April Shroud was predominately self-written material. Were you the main songwriter? I’d love to say that I was, but truth be told, Mike Schmitt was a heavy contributor. We cowrote a majority of the songs. In most cases, we’d have only half a set of lyrics and the other would find a way to finish them. In the final product, even bassist Walt Kresa had written lyrics for the album. Musically, we all contributed to the final product. Your songs are vivid and filled with strong feeling. Several are such great epic tales. It’s hard to not get drawn in. From where did you draw your inspirations? It’s still hard for me to put myself back in that mindset where I was when I wrote most of that material. Fresh off a difficult breakup, most of the songs were fueled by a strong desire to make things right, to be wanted, and to either undo or forget the past. It’s a fairly common understanding that artists produce their best material when in a dark place personally. Take us through your songwriting process. The process was always fairly structured.
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The lyrics usually came first, and then the music would sort of fall into place. Very rarely did I write lyrics to a musical piece that was already composed because it felt forced. Feedback tried that with “Secret Stairs” on the self-titled album, and it always just felt foolish. To make a narrative fit a piece felt wrong. I used to be able to hear unwritten melodies in my head all of the time. As of late, I don’t really hear the music very often. I might have a set of lyrics that had come to me over a period of time, but music doesn’t quite materialize the way it used to. It might have been like this for a while without my noticing, because in Through the Looking Glass, Jimm Raymer actually contributed a lot of the musical composition that I basically added to. Have you ever looked back at some of your songs and changed lines or complete verses years later to reflect your current outlook? Oh of course! The song “Alone” from my solo work got a complete revision from its original form on the self-titled Feedback album. Even the composition got stripped down and revised. Was Through the Looking Glass (TtLG) a continuation of April Shroud? What spurred the name change? Actually, when April Shroud ended, we all went separate ways. Most of the guys moved completely out of the area. TtLG more closely resembled Feedback because it had 50% of the same members. It was a new project entirely, however, as the songwriting took a more progressive direction. The addition of Jimm Raymer (a former metal bassist) and Jeremy Schor (who was five years younger than us and therefore into much different music) as drummer really shaped the kind of music we produced during that time period. Were there any recordings of TtLG, as there were with Feedback and April Shroud? We recorded a five-track disc with Lyman Christensen (formerly of Gecko Recording
Studio) back in 2011. In a departure from previous songs I’d written, the lyrics on this album were darker. It felt like there was more anger than sorrow. I don’t think it had as much to do with my personal life as much as the desire to explore the mindsets of other people. I think for that album, I was looking at the problems that the people I knew had instead of my own and wrote about that. Through all of your bands, there has been one constant - guitarist Jim Roberts. Tell us about him and his contributions to your projects and motivations. Jim has always felt like a brother onstage. We’ve played together for about fifteen years now, which is literally half our lives. I’ve always admired his ability to shred the guitar and get lost in what he’s doing. When we first started out, Jim seemed terrified of approaching a microphone, stood in his spot and never relaxed. Now, Jim is arguably one of the most animated musicians on our stage. We’ve even named some of his “personalities,” and the crowd eats it up. Jim is a “purist” when it comes to guitar. He’ll spend fifteen to twenty minutes sometimes just experimenting with the tones he can get out of his amplifier, and he’d probably be at it longer if we let him. That’s probably why his other band CP works so well for him. As a jam-band side project, their music is all instrumental. Jim really shines in that circumstance.
played bass for over twenty years.” We called him over to audition, and it’s been about three years now and we truly feel like a family. You have pretty much changed to a cover material band. What prompted this decision? Believe it or not, that was never our intention. Rocky and I both have an extensive history as songwriters, and we both still would really like to flesh that out seeing as we have yet to collaborate on original material. Something always seems to get in the way. Maybe it’s my fault, as I never seem to do anything with the bits and pieces I write. Maybe we’re too distracted by the other details in our lives. In the past two years I’ve bought, and am in the process of renovating, a house, and have gotten engaged. Jim has gotten married, and Rocky’s son is basically his top priority. Maybe a cover band is the result of a group of guys who really love music but just don’t have the time to say what they want to say anymore.
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Mike Peek
Now you have soundbarrier. Who is in this? When Jimm Raymer left TtLG, we weren’t sure what direction to go in. We were toying with the idea of ditching our current set-list and starting over. My fiancé introduced me to guitarist Rocky Graziano of The Bourbon Mothers at one point, and I texted him “My life would be so much easier if you played bass.” His response was simply “Dude... I’ve
Celebrating 30 Years!
Do you still perform originals in the band or in the side project The Other Guys? When we rebooted, we ditched everything, including the originals. We did perform one TtLG original for a few shows, but lost interest. We also played one of Rocky’s originals for a few shows, but haven’t done that in a while either. When playing certain venues, we try to play what the crowd wants to hear. For a while, we tried to throw them in but decided that it wasn’t the right time. We eventually stopped suggesting them. When Rocky and I play as The Other Guys, we do throw originals in more frequently because it’s just an acoustic duo and the collaboration isn’t quite as demanding. Instead of four guys trying to make a song work, it’s just two of us having fun with it.
Local musician, John Keller, is the owner of Off Center Records in downtown Utica, NY.
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You can catch soundbarrier on Friday, December 5 at “The Gig” at Exit 33 of Turning Stone Casino!
What do you hope that audiences take from your music? Years ago, I would have hoped that the music would help them realize that other people felt the same things they felt but wouldn’t talk about. I may have even hoped that people would think I was clever. Now that I’m in my thirties, I just want people to have a good time. If people are dancing, singing along and requesting to hear songs they know we play, then I feel I’ve done my job. Seeing that you’re right in the middle of it, what is your take on the local music scene? What can be done to improve it, in your opinion? Honestly, I know that there’s so much talent in the area. There are also so many venues that cater to the “little guy” just trying to get their music heard. Robin and Garrett at Tramontane have always been huge supporters of the local music scene. The bigger bars like those on Varick Street give the more established acts a venue to be heard and attract more profession-
al gigs such as weddings and private events. Ultimately, every kind of musician, band or venue has something special here. It really just depends on what you’re looking to do creatively. Improvement is such an abstract concept, because it suggests that there’s a problem. If I were to suggest a problem anywhere, it’s that I’ve encountered some bar/club owners that are unaware of what’s around them. One bar actually sent a scout to watch us perform to see if we were a fit for their venue. We had played every neighboring venue around them for years, so it wasn’t as if they hadn’t heard us at some point. They sent the scout for the first twenty minutes of our show, and then reported back that we wouldn’t get booked because we didn’t play any dance music. My response to that is “Of course we weren’t playing any. It was 8:00 at night and the bar hadn’t filled up yet. Why use our party material before the party starts?” I still refuse to even set foot at that bar since that event.
Changing gears, let’s talk about another interest that means quite a bit to you. You are involved in a pet rescue project with your fiancée, Missy. What does that entail? Missy might just be the most charitable person toward animals I’d ever met. Before her, I’d be empathetic and maybe even try to call around looking for a lost pet’s owner, but I would still have probably taken a “live and let live” approach. Since I met her, we’ve rescued easily over two dozen animals. This includes dogs, cats, squirrels... I’ve even walked up my front porch past a skunk that was three feet from my door without flinching. This year
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alone we’ve rescued or found “forever homes” for eight cats. Most notably, we’ve spent over a year slowly coaxing this sad, stray cat to stop hiding and crying under her car at night to the front porch, to eat out of a shelter we built, to spend the night in a basket on our porch, to actually come into our house. It has since been neutered and treated for fleas and ticks, and is on a waiting list at the Rome Humane Society. Missy truly cares, and I think that I’m a better person because of her. What would you like to see concerning animal abuse laws and issues? I’ve seen so many stories of neglect and abuse that I’m at times sick over the issue. I’ve seen instances of animals set on fire, had their tails cut off, their limbs taped together and tossed into rivers, and all I can think to myself is “what sort of human being can be so depraved that they would intentionally cause harm to another living creature?” I think animal abuse laws stop far too short of justice. People who actively cause harm to animals (that includes law enforcement officials who choose to shoot first and apologize later) should face strict punishments and forced psychotherapy. A felony charge would also be welcome. I do agree these things need to be addressed. Thank you for your time, Mike. Good luck with your music and pets. Where can we catch soundbarrier or The Other Guys next? Thank you, John! You can catch soundbarrier on Friday, December 5 at “The Gig” at Exit 33 of Turning Stone Casino! You can also check our Facebook pages for upcoming shows. www.facebook.com/SoundBarrierUtica or https://www.facebook.com/theotherguysutica
Local musician, John Keller, is the owner of Off Center Records in downtown Utica, NY.
MV Nature:
the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Story and Photos by Matt Perry
Over the past decade, a new enigmatic butterfly has begun showing up in the Mohawk Valley and throughout much of the Northeast. The Giant Swallowtail, as its name suggests, is a large species – easily bigger than most butterflies that occur in the region. With a wingspan that can reach 6.5 inches, it manages to edge out the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail for size ranking. The Giant Swallowtail’s super-sized wings make them strong fliers and, as a consequence, they can be difficult to get close to and to photograph. The female Giant Swallowtail is generally larger than the male and can glide far on a single flap of her wings. Quick, buoyant flight is characteristic of the species. Pale yellow on the underside of the wings makes them somewhat resemble the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail but unlike that more familiar species the top of the wings are dark brown or black and show bands of yellow spots. One of the bands stretches from the top of the abdomen to the forward tip of the wing, thus providing a very distinctive field mark. When in flight, they sometimes look like they have a large yellow “X” on their wings. Like other swallowtail species, the Giants are restless creatures. They don’t land on flowers to feed, but instead hover in front of nectar plants by rapidly beating their wings. As an adaptation for feeding on the wing, the species has an ex54
tra-long proboscis that allows them to probe deeply into flowers without getting very close. The female doesn’t even land when laying eggs! Instead she hovers next to the leaves of the “host-plant” and reaches out with her abdomen to lay single eggs. It stands to reason that if a butterfly is found in an area during the breeding season, then that species’ host-plant or main food-plant is likely growing somewhere in the vicinity. After all, butterflies don’t live by nectar alone. During their larval or caterpillar stage they must feed on specific host-plants. While some species are generalists and can use a variety of host-plants, many have more exclusive tastes. In the southeastern US where the heart of the Giant Swallowtail population resides, the species feeds on the leaves of citrus trees. In fact they are often considered pests by citrus tree growers who refer to them as “Orange Dogs”. The last time I checked, the Mohawk Valley isn’t known for its Orange trees; however, we do supposedly have Prickly Ash, which is a native shrub in the Rue or Rosaceae family (the family citrus trees belong to). However, since Prickly Ash is so hard to come by, I suspect the Giant Swallowtails are relying more on non-native cultivars. Garden plants which can serve as hosts for Giant Swallowtails include: Common Rue, Mexican Orange and
Above photos from left to right: The Giant Swallowtail chrysalis looks like a broken off branch. The adult Giant Swallowtail emerges from its chrysalis
Gas Plant. Hoptree, like Prickly Ash, is another native species that can be utilized by the Giants; but, as far as I can determine, that species is even more difficult to find than Prickly Ash. Some early naturalists claimed that Giant Swallowtails were not uncommon in the Northern States in the 19th Century. It’s thought that by the mid-20th Century, pesticide use and possibly changes in the butterfly’s habitat had eliminated the species from the northern portion of its range. This would suggest that the Giant Swallowtail is not new to the region but may instead be in the process of recolonizing areas within its historic range. My own history with the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly begins about 25 years ago with one otherwise forgettable grapefruit breakfast. After cutting the fruit in half, I noticed the seeds inside had sprouted and a few spindly shoots fell onto my plate. I almost threw them out, but opted instead to put them in soil. The seedlings responded with growth and were soon transferred to a pot. The plants, collectively known as “Mr. Grapefruit”, took up res-
idence in a window box in the kitchen where they eventually turned into a tight cluster of saplings. Fast forward to now and Mr. Grapefruit is a 6-foot tall tree that lives on the porch in summer and inside next to a sliding glass door in winter. Never the happiest potted plant in town, the tree never flowered and certainly never produced fruit, which is a good thing since the weight of a single grapefruit probably would break it in two. Then, something extraordinary happened late in August of 2011. I was inspecting the Grapefruit tree’s foliage and came upon 8 orange eggs the size of pinheads. The eggs were occurring singly on a few leaves and leaf-stems. Of course, these were the calling cards of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly! Apparently, like a moth to a flame (or more appropriately, like a butterfly to its host-plant) at least one female Giant was drawn in by this unlikely located citrus tree. About the eggs: sure they were tiny, but compared to other butterfly eggs I’ve seen, they were veritable bowling balls. Also, their relatively bright color really made them really stand out on the green foliage. I was excited about the prospect of seeing the entire life cycle of the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly unfold in such a convenient place, but I also had some concerns. It was nearly September and the Grapefruit Tree would soon need to be moved inside the house or else it would be damaged by frost. The time of year seemed especially problematic for a “southern” butterfly species to start its reproductive cycle. I didn’t see any way the butterflies could emerge from their chrysalises before the cold weather arrived. I also sincerely doubted that the Giants could survive a northern winter in their caterpillar or chrysalis stage the way that many of our winter-hardy butterflies can. Another problem was that I wasn’t sure if the Grapefruit Tree had enough leaves on it to satiate the caterpillars’ appetite. Surely the caterpillars of such a large butterfly species would be capable of going through a lot of salad. I looked into obtaining another citrus tree locally, but found nothing. (I wonder why
people don’t sell Orange Trees around here?) Then I found out that a friend’s co-worker had an ornamental Orange Tree in his office. I began to amuse myself with a plot that would entail dropping off the caterpillars at his office every night, letting them feed in the dark (which is what they prefer to do), and then picking them up in the morning before he came in to work. This sounded like a cunning plan, but of course I never carried it out. When
nighttime temperatures began to drop, The Grapefruit Tree was brought indoors along with 8 freshly hatched caterpillars – all happily munching away on the leaves. The caterpillars themselves looked like no other swallowtail larvae I’d ever encountered. While the Black Swallowtail’s caterpillar is green with bold black and yellow concentric rings going down its body, the Giant Swallowtail caterpillars are bird-dropping mimics. That is
The eggs of the Giant Swallowtail are orange and easy to find
Freshly hatched Giant Swallowtail caterpillars
Giant Swallowtail caterpillars avoid predation by mimicking bird-droppings
The caterpillar of the Black Swallowtail shows a much different pattern
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The Giant Swallowtail is the largest butterfly in our region
to say they look like excrement. So much so that when the first one ventured across the den, presumably in search of a place to become a chrysalis, I thought the cat had missed its litterbox. I actually came close to cleaning him up! This kind of mimicry is not uncommon in the insect world, which speaks to its success as a survival tactic. Interestingly, the head shape and scale-like markings on the thorax of older caterpillars (later instars) create a passable impression of a predatory snake. That means they are also snake-mimics! So if you can’t get a predator to leave by grossing it out, try scaring it away!
Besides the mimicry defense, these caterpillars, when threatened, can erect foul smelling horns from the back of their heads. The retractable, fleshy horns are called “osmeterium” and they are reddish in color. These strange organs are not exclusive to Giant Swallowtails; other swallowtail species also have them. A colleague recently observed them being deployed by a Black Swallowtail caterpillar. Unfamiliar with this defensive display, she thought she had injured it when removing it from some carrot greens. For some reason, most of the Giant Swallowtail caterpillars kept falling off the Grape-
fruit Tree. No sooner would I find one and return it to a branch, then it would fall off again. Finally the ones that just wouldn’t stay on the tree were put inside a small tabletop greenhouse along with some grapefruit leaves. This is where 4 of them ultimately became chrysalises. Two remained on the Grapefruit Tree and developed right through until the time came to shed their larval skins. I’ve watched this process before in several species, but this was my first time with Giant Swallowtails. In preparation, the caterpillar attached itself by its lowest pro-legs to a thick branch. Some caterpillars hang upside-down when they shed their skins, but not this species. With its head aligned above its body, the caterpillar stands upright and leans away from the tree branch. It uses a silk string as a harness to hold itself in place. Thus positioned, the caterpillar’s skin breaks starting at the top of the back and then sheds downward, managing somehow to slide beneath the harness and down to the base of the abdomen where it is cast off, revealing the chrysalis. When dry, the pupa or chrysalis is brown and of a rough bark-like texture. It looks remarkably like a broken-off branch since it is still held at an angle from the tree
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The Spicebush Swallowtail is also more common in the south
trunk by the harness. It is yet another example of uncanny mimicry employed by this species. Late in September, about 3 weeks after the first caterpillar became a chrysalis, the first butterfly emerged. It was truly amazing that such a large butterfly could come out of such a small package. The butterfly came out with its wings folded like a closed curtain, but for some reason, after the insect pumped its wings up with fluid, both the fore-wing and the hind-wing on one side did not completely
unfurl. I’ve seen butterflies in the wild with this deformity still capable of flight, but this one wasn’t so fortunate. Most of the other butterflies emerged with no issues and once their wings were dry, they were released into a meadow. Hopefully they immediately began to make their way south. By October, the number of wild plants that are still flowering in the Mohawk Valley is much reduced, so time was quickly running out. Meanwhile, what do you do with a flight-impaired Swallowtail? I put her in a
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large birdcage which I was able keep inside on cold days and move outside on warm days. She was able to fly a little bit and so I would occasionally take her out of the cage for “exercise time”. Feeding was difficult though; as I mentioned above, swallowtails hover when they feed and this individual was incapable of that. She would sometimes dip her proboscis into the flowers, sugar water, or over-ripe fruit that I offered, but more often she refused all food and eventually perished. It was very interesting having a pet butterfly, if only for a couple of weeks. The next summer, a procession of female Giant Swallowtails descended on the Grapefruit tree and laid about 2 dozen eggs on its leaves. There was no way this was going to work. That tree barely survived having 8 caterpillars chewing away on it the summer before. This time, I collected all but 6 of the hatched caterpillars and delivered them to the Butterfly Conservatory in Oneonta. The proprietor there was willing to give them a good home. She told me she even had a large citrus tree which was more than capable of feeding a large brood. The ones that I kept at home
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Despite heavy damage this Giant makes it to the Grapefruit Tree host plant
matured nicely, but then mysteriously disappeared from the tree before they were ready to become chrysalises. I suspected that a bird, chipmunk or Red Squirrel discovered them and turned them into a meal – or more likely, several meals. Sometimes even the best mimicry is not enough to fool a really determined predator. In the intervening time, I’ve purchased a small Orange Tree that can help share the burden with the Grapefruit Tree – that is, in case the Giant swallowtails provide us with another mother-load of eggs. Only a few eggs were found on the tree this past summer. Evidently some predator found them before they had a chance to hatch. In nature the vast majority of butterfly eggs laid will never turn into cater-
pillars and the vast majority of caterpillars will not survive to become butterflies. This is why butterflies need to lay so many eggs. If you would like to observe more butterflies and caterpillars in your yard, you don’t necessarily need to buy an Orange Tree, but you may consider planting (or allowing) other butterfly host-plants to grow. Many people understand the importance of providing flowers as nectar sources, but few want to harbor the sometimes weedier-looking food-plants. However, including these plants in your landscape gives butterflies another reason to visit your property and doing so would make a positive contribution to butterfly conservation. Some native plants that are good for drawing in egg-laying butterflies include: Pearly Ev-
erlasting, Turtlehead, violets, milkweeds and nettles. Grasses are the host-plants for many of the skipper butterflies as well as the Northern Pearly-eyed and the Common Wood Nymph butterflies. So, if you have the room, it’s a good idea to allow some space for grasses to grow tall. A few native trees that are also great butterfly food-plants include: American Elm, Black Cherry, Hackberry, hickories, willows and birches. Lastly, it is important not to use pesticides or herbicides around a property that is intended to be butterfly-friendly.
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 writes a weekly blog about the nature preserve, which can be found at: talesfromthewilds.blogspot.com
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Christmas Memories:
The Family Christmas Tree by Sue Perkins
Christmas Tree, 1960
The tradition of having a Christmas tree is credited to Germany dating back to the 16th Century. Lit candles would be placed on the Christmas tree. The first Christmas tree in America was recorded in the mid 1830s by German settlers in Pennsylvania. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that Christmas ornaments came from Germany and the popularity began to rise. In the early 20th Century Americans were mainly decorating with homemade ornaments along with dyed popcorn. The advent of electricity brought the Christmas lights. One of my fondest memories of Christmas was getting in the family car with Dad and driving to pick out the family Christmas tree. The Christmas trees were pre-cut and ready to go. The challenge for our Dad was to find a tree with enough branches to hang our ornaments on. One year the tree was
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“Charlie Brown” Christmas Tree, 1970s
so bad there was about a foot of space between the branches. Dad drilled holes into the tree to stick in branches to make it look fuller, but it didn’t help. I called it our “Charlie Brown Tree.” What a challenge it was trying to decorate that tree! At least there was space to hang long ornaments. It makes me laugh to this day thinking about it. When I was a teenager we went to the Darling Christmas Tree Farm on Shedd Road in the Town of Salisbury to pick out a tree and, for the first time, we actually had a full and nicely trimmed tree. The tree was so full Dad had to put a nail into the wall and tie a string around the tree to hold it up so it wouldn’t fall over. I still have some of the Christmas ornaments that you see in the pictures. My sister Mary and I would go to the
Dolgeville 5 & 10 and buy presents for our mother. It was usually a pretty handkerchief or an apron. One year, I bought an apron that was twice the size of my mother; she was petite lady. My mother wore the apron anyway because that’s what mothers do. For my father we would go to the Village Gift Shop (owned by Dan and Alice Green) in Dolgeville and buy Dad a tie tack. It was a treat to come to Herkimer to see their decoration and go to H. G. Munger’s Department Store to see the beautiful Christmas decorations. On the way up to Herkimer we would drive down Main Street in Little Falls to see their decorations. All the local Main Streets
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Christmas Tree, 1972
would be decked out for Christmas. Another fond memory is Dad driving us to St. Johnsville to see Mrs. Fowler’s outdoor Christmas display on her front lawn. Cars would come from miles around just to see it. I wish I had pictures of those displays.
Sue Perkins is the Executive Director of the Herkimer County Historical Society and historian for the town of Manheim.
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TALES FROM
SHAWANGUNK
Shawangunk nature preserve, cold brook
Chapter 3
by Peggy Spencer Behrendt
Peg with our homemade snowplow
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. See issues 1-12 for her diaries from their first year.
Chapter 3
December, Circa late 1970s
We caught a mouse last night that was playing the guitar…truly! We could hear the strings when he ran across them. Today when Tim played it, it sounded like a castanet because the mouse had stored ap-
ple seeds in it. I was releasing the mouse in the woods up the road on this misty morning of autumn tranquility, enjoying the ubiquitous peace of our Alpine woodlands, when I ran into a fellow trying to flush turkeys out to shoot. I got very upset and started crying. I yelled; “You’re shooting our friends!” and tossed the mouse jar at him. It bounced off his shoulder and he looked like he thought I was nuts. We got a card from an old friend saying, “Happy Solstice.” I’ve never heard of celebrating solstice, but all of a sudden this has profound meaning to me, to us. So much of our time here is spent in twilight with only the soft, gold light of candles and kerosene lamp illuminating our tiny cottage deep in the forest. Where is
the sun? The early morning skies are an ecstasy of vehement magenta, waning to a pallid pink for the first half of the day. A gloomy dusk takes up the remaining half after a brief and faint glimpse of our anemic sun obscured by viscous gray just over the treetops at noon. The nights are interminable. Too much reading in dim light causes eye strain, so I crochet or write in my diary. Occasionally, I draw or paint the few things I can see: Tim, or the wood stove, or the kerosene lamp. We go to bed, look at the stars, get excited about seeing a comet, reminisce, or sleep for the long, dark hours. Like the wild things we share our forest with; we must hibernate. I’ll be glad when the days begin to lengthen and the snow comes to stay because it will am63
Daughter Becky using the kerosene iron
plify the subdued skylight and brighten these brief solstice days. Was I looking forward to the snow? On the way home from church in Utica we enter a blizzard on Deerfield Hill. From a landscape of rust-colored fields laced with the muted white of aged goldenrod we pass through a shroud of white into another planet. Our fellow travelers are strewn about the road, spinning their wheels on ice and slush, sliding sideways and backward. “Slow down!” I command Tim. “We’ll
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go out of control!” “I don’t dare,” he grimly answers. “We’ll lose traction and never get up the hill.” I tightly grip the handle on the dash in front of me so my loose seat doesn’t toss me about, as we inch our way up, sometimes forward, sometimes sideways. I’m constantly afraid we’re going too fast, too slow, or about to collide with something. We reach the top in an eternity, and I’m impressed with Tim’s driving and the traction of this Super Beetle. The floor is flimsy, the defroster is practically non-existent and so is the heat, but it sure holds the road. We park at the end of our unplowed road and begin four to five months of hiking in the last half mile to return to our frozen cottage. Winter is truly here! I iron our city work clothes with sad irons. I heat them on the kerosene cook stove because the wood stove is rarely hot enough. It leaves a coating of black soot on the iron I have to wipe off with a wet rag. Lots of steam bursts out and I have to
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do it quickly so I don’t get burned by it. Did women in the past have this problem, too? I have to iron things inside out, just in case I missed some soot. But I can’t press out the smell of wood smoke that permeates our clothes. Like the Amish, I share similar clothes and goals of simplicity and self-sufficiency. One day when I’m looking in Lehman’s Non-electric catalogue for Amish families I see something I really want. “Tim, there’s a kerosene-powered iron here!” I exclaim, very excited. “No kidding!” he replies, unenthusiastic but politely expressing interest. “Yes! Just think. I could press our clothes and wouldn’t have to turn on the stinky cook stove and wipe off the iron every time I heat it up. We really need this so we can look acceptable when we go to work.” Tim sighs wearily. “How much is it?” “Oh, only $65 plus shipping.” “Well, if we get a wedding or an extra job somewhere we could put the money toward that. It would be a Christmas gift to ourselves.” We finally do get it and I am thrilled, but discover it’s complicated. You have to pump a knob to build up pressure, then release a valve, then light it in the right spot. It quickly gets very hot and makes a “sizzzzzzzing” sound. You can see the flame inside the iron. Sometimes it flares a bit and I hope it won’t catch the clothes on fire or scorch my hands. It works pretty well for a couple of years, but one day I light it and flames shoot up six to ten inches all around the edges of the iron. “Open the door!” I yell to Tim. “I’ve got to get this thing out of here!” Instinctively, I know better than to hold
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it in front of me as I walk, so back out with my mittened hand on the handle as shooting, hissing flames and black smoke trails behind filling our cottage. Somehow we turn it off. “No more!” I exclaim, and that experiment is over. Sad irons don’t seem so bad after all. Christmas Eve we go 25 miles to Salisbury Center for a lovely service in that old village Universalist Church but must leave immediately afterward to get to the Utica Church, over 30 miles away in 45 minutes down the scenic, but steep and windy Newport Road. This is scary even when the roads are clear. Lots of people will be disappointed if we don’t make it. I play music and direct a choir while Tim conducts a moving candlelight service. I crochet a beard for myself out of wool yarn from our sheep and dress as one of Santa’s Elves in a skit. The adults are amused and it’s fun play-acting with the kids. I decide I’m grateful I don’t have to wear one all the time. It’s itchy and hot. After the holidays I decide to make a handpulled plow. If I drag a board at an angle, it’ll just slide snow off to the side…brilliant, right? I build it, but it’s lots harder than I imagined to pull and
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Peg playing Santa’s helper with her crocheted beard
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the board just wants to straighten out. So it goes back into our scrap “Lumber Company.”
Tim picking up Larry in the row boat
Mid 1980s December We get a brief thaw that raises Misty Brook to flood level, swirling with ice and thick with snowy slush. A friend is expected to visit, but how to get him across? We only have two pairs of hip boots and one of them leaks, and since we have no phone, we can’t call him to cancel. Aha! How about tying a rope across the creek and ferrying him across in the old John Boat we found on the latest land we bought? We’ll simply glide along in the boat by pulling on the rope, hand over hand. Larry’s never been here before and looks seriously doubtful about taking a boat into that swirling chaos of potential annihilation. But our enthusiasm for the short boat ride catches on, so with trust and good will, he steps in with Tim and me and we push off. Snow falls on our heads and down our necks as we bump into the alder trees in the flood plain. We
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discover that it’s very hard to keep the boat facing in the right direction. The current wants to sweep it right out from under us with the potential of jamming into bushes and tipping over. I am seriously concerned and holding on desperately. “Oh, it’s always like this,” I explain with a superficially confident smile. “Isn’t it fun?” (Oh, please, let us make it!) We survive to tell this tale, but we never try the boat ferry again, and future visits with Larry are elsewhere. I’m always partly relieved when the holidays and running around are over and partly sad because someday it may be the last time I see the old ones in the family. Holiday dinners are so awkward for us now that we’re vegetarian. Yes, the stuffing can be baked outside the turkey, there are mashed potatoes, squash, and sometimes lasagna, but we discover that the communal connection is lost. We feel like outsiders and know that we are making others defensive about enjoying their meat dishes. I always dread the inevitable question from a
Kerosene lamp in winter dawn painting by Peggy
Pegs embroidered picture of Isaiah
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fellow diner as they savor their roast beef or turkey: “And why are you a vegetarian?” It’s a topic too awkward to address in that situation. On the way to a family dinner in a well-groomed, suburban community, we discovered we couldn’t go over 25 mph or Isaiah would do the rumba because the back end was so heavy with a pile of wet snow that had just fallen. We barely made it safely to my relatives’ house. When I entered, people were clustered around the window, totally appalled. “What’s he doing out there?” “It looks like he’s shoveling snow out of the truck!” “Why would he haul snow from the forest and dump it on our curb? Somebody make him stop!” Tim was trying to lighten the load so we could drive home more safely. I guess he should have chosen a different place to put it. We got ourselves a hand-cranked flour grinder that attaches to a table top. Now we can buy wheat berries in bulk for the winter and make our own freshly ground flour for bread. It has two, large, flat disks
that crush and pulverize the berries. We can even do corn meal, or buckwheat, or rice…such possibilities! I’m planning to try making sourdough bread since it doesn’t require using fresh yeast for every batch. That’ll save a few nickels and make us more self-sufficient. So far, though, we’re finding that grinding enough flour for bread is really a lot of work…exhausting, in fact. And the flour is so coarse; the bread doesn’t rise at all. Maybe if we grind it up twice...I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Look for more from Peggy’s memoirs next month! 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
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Detail from “Bottoms Up” by Clinton artist Sharon Burke on display this month as part of her show “Impessions” at the Artful Lodger in Clinton
december
GAllery Guide Nature’s Treasures: The Art of Pamela Underhill Karaz
Holiday Market Open House
Through December 2014
Saturday, December 6, 10am-7pm
Adirondack Art & Picture Framing
Cherry Branch Gallery
8211 State Rte 12, Barneveld, NY (315) 896-3934 www.adirondackart.com
Winslow Homer: The Nature and Rhythm of Life Through January 4, 2015 Works spanning Homer’s career.
Arkell Museum
2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY (518) 673-2314 www.arkellmuseum.org
Impressions: Watercolors by Sharon Burke
25 Main Street, Cherry Valley (607) 264-9530 www.cherrybranchgallery.com
Group Show of Members’ Work Holiday Show & Sale Through December 22, 2014
Cooperstown Art Association
22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-9777 www.cooperstownart.com
Totems of Life & Abstract Perfectionism, Paintings of Maria Rizzo and John Loy
December 18-March 7, 2015
Through December 21, 2014
The Artful Lodger Gallery
Earlville Opera House
7 East Park Row, Clinton, NY (315) 853-3672 www.artfullodger.net
18 East Main Street, Earlville, NY (315) 691-3550 www.earlvilleoperahouse.com www.mvcc.edu/gallery
A primitive mix of new and old purposeful clutter, handmades including wreaths, dolls, ornies, grubby prims, cabinets, framed prints, bird houses, finds, signs, seasonal wares & one of a kinds!
in a historic hotel and former stagecoach g stopp at the Hotel Solsville - Dining Room Open: Lounge Fri - Sat 4-9pm and in our Loun nge Full Menu Available! - Open for Lunch -Tavern Menu - 7 Days a Week from 11am - Country Style Dining
Your Hosts: The Dixon Family since 1992
- Comfort Food Special - Friday Fish Fry
6170 Valley Mills St., Munnsville (315) 495-2470
- Saturday Night Prime Rib Buffet
7243 Valley Rd Madison · 893–7698
www.hotelsolsville.com
Tue - Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11-4
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The works of Richard Barlow
Untamed Spirits and Wild Companions: Animals in American Indian Art Through December 31, 2014
Through December 12, 2014 Richard Barlow is Professor of Art at Hartwick College. His work has been exhibited nationally.
Fenimore Art Museum
Juergensen Gallery
5798 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-1400 www.fenimoreartmuseum.org
Information Technology building, MVCC Campus 1101 Sherman Drive Utica, NY www.mvcc.edu/gallery
The Photography of Bill Ryall
Mary P. Murphy Watercolor & Oils
Through December 31, 2014
Fusion Art Gallery
December 4-30, 2014 Artist Reception: Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-8pm
8584 Turin Rd, Rome (315) 338-5712 www.photoshoppeofrome.com
Kirkland Town Library
55 1/2 College Street, Clinton, NY (315) 853- 2038 www.kirklandtownlibrary.org
5798 Route 80 Cooperstown New York
2014-15 Season
Presenting World-Class Music, Theater, & Dance!
Hamilton College Jazz Ensemble December 9 at 7:30pm
The Jazz Ensemble concludes its semester with an evening of new works and jazz standards. Free admission
Nutcracker Ballet with Utica Dance
Saturday, Dec.13, 2pm and 7:30 pm Sunday, Dec. 14, 2pm and 7:30pm
Dorothea Lange’s America SEPT. 18 - DEC. 31 Dorothea Lange. Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California, 1936 All works are from the collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg. This exhibition was organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions.
FenimoreArtMuseum.org 72
OPENS SEPT. 18
Hamilton College Orchestra provides live musical accompaniment for the evening performances. Tickets and information at: www.uticadance.com
Box Office information and tickets
(315) 859-4331
www.hamilton.edu/college/performingarts
Student Art Show
Holiday Art “Garage” Sale
MV Center for the Arts
December 6 & 7 , 10am-5pm Art for under $100. A selection of art will remain through December 31st
December 6-19, 2014 Opening Reception: Sat., December 6, 2-4pm 401 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0808 www.mohawkvalleyarts.org
The Other Side
2011 Genesee St. Utica, NY www.theothersideutica.org
In Company with Angels: Seven Rediscovered Tiffany Windows
Adirondack Regional Textile Artists’ Alliance: On and Off the Wall
Through January 4, 2015
Through January 4, 2015 The exhibition features over 30 works in contemporary textiles by artists who explore, encourage, and exhibit fiber as art.
Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute 310 Genesee Street, Utica, NY (315) 797-0000 www.mwpai.org
View
3273 Route 28, Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6411 www.viewarts.org
Having an art opening? Let us know. Email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com
ING W O T R 24 HOU
Christmas Trees!
N O T CLIN SION I L L CO 315.853.5665
Wreaths & Kissing Balls
Fresh or Silk Christmas Arrangements
NEW! Visit our Baker’s Corner! ies,
PO Box 292, McBride Ave. Clinton, NY Fax: 315.853.4751
Your Hometown Florist!
Donuts, Half Moons, Cook Pies, Muffins! (Bakery open Sat & Sun) Fairy Gardens!
Gift Cards! Open 10am-5pm 7 days a week Gift Shoppe!
2774 Oneida St., Sauquoit, NY (315) 737-8181
MV Comics Featuring Rome artist & “Bob the Squirrel� creator, Frank Page! Catch Bob every day in the Rome Sentinel or at www.BobtheSquirrel.com
Foothills Forever Leather Mercantile Special
The BIG RED BARN filled to the rafters with antiques and vintage pieces, collectibles, glassware, furniture, accessories, and dealer supplies in all price ranges.
Over 20 Vendors!
Open Thursday-Sunday: 10-5:30 8124 Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-2681 74
discount prices!
James Dean style jacket in lambskin or cowhide for ladies & men with zip-in/zip-out liner!
Leather briefcase with shoulder strap
Ladies classic 3/4 lambskin & zip-in/zip-out liner!
New Hartford Shopping Center (315) 734-0922
GENESEE JOE’S LIVE & LOCAL:
NEW Local MUSIC This month, as a major proponent of local music and the bands that write their own, I’d like to talk about some recently-released great original local music. Central New York has a long history of awesome bands and very talented musicians. Everybody knows names like Bonamassa, Al Schnier and the guys in moe, as well as Fran Cosmo, who sang for Boston for years. Then there are the guys like Paul Angerosa of The Frogs and Vinnie and The Butchers, who never made it as big but influenced many CNY musicians. Let’s talk about some of today’s groups who have recently released albums. Item 6 is a great four-piece band fronted by Deb that released “Hit and Run,” a great post-punk effort led by the opening track, “Not another Love Song.” Another great band with an EP is After Earth; listen to “The Henchmen.” AE is hard and heavy and sounds radio-ready. It has opened for some big names; you should check them out. Bryan Howell and the Standalones also are high energy roots rockers who evoke raw ‘50s rock’n’roll with a ‘90s edge and flair. This group released “Welcome to the World,” which has garnered international attention. I can’t write about local releases without mentioning the band Wicked. Wow, talk about over-the-top rockers who bring glam back in a big way. They released a double album live LP on white vinyl. It has everything you remember from the ‘70s: a full gatefold with tons of photos on the inside. It also boasts a hand-painted cover by renowned local artist Stephen Fletcher, and the inner sleeves have photos and lyrics, too. Tony Touris also has a great new disc called “Hallelujah.” It’s straight-up melodic rock from a CNY veteran guitarist. Also look for the just released “Blood Brothers.” Look, too, for Antonio “Loyalty” Harris. Wow! This
See page 16 to download FREE local music!
guy is hip hop and it is as good as anything I’ve heard. He’s just cool and quick with a great production. Check out the song “Man I Just Got Paid.” One guy who supports local music more than anyone is Mark “Mega-nomics” Flagg. His collection and love of local bands is enormous. I had to get his input on some of these releases. Here’s Mega-nomics take: “...Into Shadow. “Unkown Darkness.” It keeps you through the whole disc. Really raw, emotional twist. A solid metal force cradled by powerful lyrics. 9 Ball. “DNA.” Energetic, alternative, groovy. Takes you for a fast ride, melodic grooves and funky beats. Falling From One. “Unconstricted.” A father, son, and friend team. Hard-driven heavy rock, emotional, spiritual and inspired. Josh Moriarity Band. “Called To Liberty.” Dedicated to serving God. A very uplifting, awesome sound and inspirational lyrics...” Thanks, Mark, for all you do for local music. Also, check out releases from these bands: Dave Snedicker, Rick Short Band, John Keller, Street Rock Mafia, J Schnitt, Masons Revolt, Ethan Harris, Max Scialdone, Jeremie Petrie, Justin Parker, Elephant in the Room, The Overnighters, Blind Owl Band, Rusty Doves and The Blarney Rebel Band. Of course, I must mention the local musician all-star cast on the Kelly’s Christmas Charity CD series produced and recorded locally by Kelly Yacco. All of these groups are on Facebook or ReverbNation. Check out Off Center Records in Utica and Re-Imagine Records in New Hartford for the local selection. I’m sure I have omitted many releases, and if I did, I apologize. We have a wealth of talent and a new wave of great CNY bands. Don’t sell yourself short. Please, I implore you, check out local original music. You won’t be sorry. Listen to Genesee Joe live on 92.7FM, The DRIVE.
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Advertiser Directory please support Our sponsors, they make this magazine possible Alpaca Products Hillcrest Alpaca, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Animal Sanctuary Spring Farm CARES, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Antiques Back of the Barn, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Bittersweet Pines, Westmoreland . . . . . . . . . 76 Black Cat Antiques, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Foothills Mercantile, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . 74 Fort Plain Antiques, Fort Plain . . . . . . . . . . . 5 FLittle Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . . . . 37 Mohawk Antiques Mall, Mohawk . . . . . . . . . 43 Newport Marketplace, Newport . . . . . . . . . . 34 Picker’s Dynasty, Ilion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . . . 48 Treasures Lost & Found, New Hartford . . . . . 47 Vernon Variety Shoppes, Vernon . . . . . . . . . 38 Vintage Furnishings & Collectibles, Utica . . . 47 Weeden’s Mini Mall, Blossvale . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Westmoreland Antiques Ctr., Westmoreland . . . . 27 The White House, Holland Patent . . . . . . . . . . 17 Art and Picture Framing Adirondack Art and Frame, Barneveld . . . . . 46 Evergreen Gallery, Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fynmore Studios, New Hartford/Boonville . . 45 Art Galleries Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown . . . . . . 72
Bakeries & Pastry Shops Bazan Bakery, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Florentine Pastry Shop, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Heidelberg Baking Company, Herkimer . . . . . 52 Remsen Country Bakery, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . 55 Star Bakery, Whitesboro and Utica . . . . . . . . . 45
Jewett’s Cheese House, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . 26 Three Village Cheese, Newport . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Banks Bank of Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Cider Mills Dyn’s Cider Mill, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . 22 Fly Creek Cider Mill, Fly Creek . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Bike Shops Dick’s Wheel Shop, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Boat Repair Stockhauser’s Auto & Marine Service, Prospect . . . 51 Bonsai Plants and Supplies At Last Pottery & Plants, Poland . . . . . . . . . . 10 Books Berry Hill Book Shop, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . . 47 Life Discovery, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Cabinets and Kitchens Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Knotty By Nature, Bridgewater . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Camping and Hiking Supply Plan B, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automotive Repair Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Stockhauser’s Auto & Marine Service, Prospect . . 51
Catering A Movable Feast, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 23 DiCastro’s Too, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dominick’s Deli & Catering, Herkimer . . . . . 50 Kikko’s Bistro and Wine Bar, Rome . . . . . . . . 24 Knuckleheads Brewhouse, Westmoreland . . . 78 Maria’s Pasta Shop, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Papa Joe’s, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Rosa’s Trattoria, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Awards & Engraving Speedy Awards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Cheese Jake’s Gouda Cheese, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . . 34
Auto Dealerships Steet Ponte Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Christmas Trees George’s Nursery & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Massoud’s Tree Farm, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . 21 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . . 60
Cleaning Supplies Norwex with Nicole, All-Natural Products . . . 67 Clothing Forever Leather, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Krizia Martin, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Village Crossing, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Coffee Shops Locavore, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tramontane Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Utica Brews, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Comic Book Stores Ravenswood Comics, New Hartford . . . . . . . 18 Consignment The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Treasures Lost & Found, New Hartford . . . . . 47 The Village Basement, New Hartford . . . . . . . 58 Delis Kountry Kupboard, Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Diners Liz’s Mohawk Diner, Mohawk . . . . . . . . . . 10 That Little Place on Main, Little Falls . . . . . 19 Village Diner, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
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Grooming by appt. (315) 829-3900 5350 East Seneca St., Vernon
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2349 Rte 12-B, Deansboro, NY 315-821-6188 Open Tues-Sat 10-5 dls@berryhillbookshop.com
Dry Cleaners M & M Cleaners, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Estate Sales Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . . 48 Events, Entertainment, & Open Houses At Last Pottery & Plants, Poland, Dec. 6 & 7 . . . 10 Candlelight Eve, Farmers’ Museum, Dec. 13 . . . 70 Hamilton College Performing Arts, Clinton . . . 72 Hamilton Hearth, Village of Hamilton . . . . 80 Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro, Dec. 6 . . 48 Santa at Sangertown, New Hartford . . . . . . . 8 The Stanley, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Farm Equipment Clinton Tractor, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Farm Produce and Meats Freedom Farm Market, Vernon . . . . . . . 77 Locavore, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . . 60 Redmond’s Red Deer Farm, Holland Patent . . . . 20 Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . 60 Sunnybrook Farm, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Twin Orchards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Financial Services Turnbull Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 11 Van Meter & Van Meter, Little Falls . . . . . . . . 58 Food & Grocery/Convenience Stores Avico Spice, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 B & F Milk Center, Whitesboro. . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Country Store, Dolgeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Deansboro Superette, Deansboro . . . . . . . . . . 14 Meelan’s Market, Clark Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . . . . . .12 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . . . 60 Reilly’s Dairy, Inc., Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Flooring Enjem’s Carpet, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Pohlig’s Hardware, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Florists Clinton Florist, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Buttercup Florist, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Michael’s Greenhouse, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . 73 Village Floral, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Funeral Services Nunn & McGrath, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Furniture Adirondack Furniture, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Country Emporium, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . 30 John Froass & Son, Inc., Sherrill . . . . . . . . . 32 Ironwood Furniture, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Jeff ’s Amish Furniture, Jordanville . . . . . . . . . . 46 Furniture Makers Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Garden Centers and Greenhouses George’s Nursery & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Michael’s Greenhouse, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . 73 Massoud’s Tree Farm, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . 21 River Road Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . . 19 Szarek Greenhouses, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Gift Shop s Artisans’ Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Cobbler and Company, Sharon Springs . . . . . 70 Country Connections, Boonville . . . . . . . . . . 48 DiBella’s, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dyn’s Cider Mill, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . 22 Evergreen Galley, Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Krizia Martin, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Life Discovery, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Little Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . . . . 37 Mohawk Valley Ctr. for the Arts, Little Falls . . 37 The Museum Shop at MWPAI, Utica . . . . 62 Newport Marketplace, Newport . . . . . . . . . . 34 Oneida Cmty. Mansion House, Oneida . . . . 22 Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Pathway of Pearls, Schuyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Remington Country Store, Ilion . . . . . . . . . 34 Sangertown Square, New Hartford . . . . . . . 8 Signature 81, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Shoppes at the Finish Line, Utica . . . . . . . . 22 Sticks n Stones, Waterville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Zinn Brilliant Ornaments, Cooperstown . . . . 8 Golf and Recreation Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, NY Mills . . 60 Guitar Shops Utica Classic Guitars, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hardware/Farm & Home Earley Farm and Hardware, Inc., Madison . . . 61 Holland Patent Farmers Co-op . . . . . . . . . . 31 Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Pohlig’s Hardware, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Turner Lumber, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Health and Fitness Fitness Farmacy, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 64 Heating Oil Little Falls Fuel, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Hobby Shops Adirondack Motorbooks, Holland Patent . . . 39 Locomotion Hobby, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hot Air Balloon Trips Royalty Ballooning, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . 10 Independent Living Acacia Village, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Insurance Turnbull Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 11 Iron Work - Architectural & Ornamental Raulli’s Iron Works, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Jewelry Clinton Jewelers, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Fall Hill Bead & Gem, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . 67 Lighting Mills Electrical Supply, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Liquor Stores and Wine Clinton Wine and Spirits, Clinton . . . . . . . . . 58
Freedom Farm Market Fresh cut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and swags. Gift shop featuring poinsettias, candles, mugs, giftware, home decor, pottery, soaps, maple syrup, jams, jellies, fairy garden items & more! Gift certificates available.
M-F: 9-5:30 Sat & Sun: 9-4 (315) 829-4880 4826 State Rt. 5, Vernon
WWW.UTICAROCKS.COM 77
Lotto Liquors, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Seneca Liquor, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Trenton Station Liquor & Wine, Barneveld . . . 24
Pizzerias DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Primo Pizzeria, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Maple Syrup Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . . . . 10 Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 43
Primitives Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . . 65
Media 1420AM The Fox WNRS, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 13 1450 WKAL, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 92.7 The Drive WXUR, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Clinton Courier, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Rural Star, Holland Patent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Weekly Adirondack, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 FOX33/WUTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Quilt and Yarn Shops Tiger Lily Quilt Co, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Two Ewes, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Monuments Yorkville Memorials, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Museums Farmer’s Museum, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . . 70 Fountain Elms, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Goodsell Museum, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Oneida Cmty. Mansion House, Oneida . . . 22 Remington Arms Museum, Ilion . . . . . . . . . 34 View, Old Forge, Quilts Unl. thru Dec. 7 . . . . . 42 Natural Food Stores Brenda’s Natural Foods, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Cooperstown Naturals, Cooperstown . . . . . . 14 Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 8 Sunflower Naturals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Tom’s Natural Foods, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pet Services Deb’s Dog D-Tails, Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Not Just Poodles Pet Salon, Whitesboro . . . 13 Pet Shops Wild Things, New York Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Pharmacies Garro Drugs, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Photography Fusion Art/The Photo Shoppe, Rome . . . . . 49
• Skidoo Snowmobiles & Gear • BRP Products • Red Wing Boots • Husqvarna Products • Kawasaki Mules and ATVS • Yamaha & Honda Generators and Pumps • Toy Chainsaws • Toy Leaf Blowers • Arctiva Gear and More!
8711 Industrial Drive Boonville • 942-4756 www.cjmotorsportsonline.com
Record Stores Off-Center Records, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ReImagine Records, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 5
Shoes Holland Patent Farmers Co-op . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Karaz Shoes, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Ski Resorts McCauley Mountain Ski Center, Old Forge . . . 39 Snow Ridge Ski Resort, Turin . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Small Engine Repair Stiefvater Outdoor Power, New Hartford . . . 69 Stockhauser’s Auto & Marine Service, Prospect . . 51 Soap Cranberry Ridge Goat Milk Soap . . . . . . . . . 25 Solar Panels Great Brook Solar, New Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Restaurants and Cafés Across the Row Bistro, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 39 Ann St. Deli, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Black Cat, Sharon Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Cafe Ucopia, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Copper Moose Ale House, Little Falls . . . . . . 18 Delta Lake Inn, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Dominick’s Deli, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Fitness Farmacy, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 64 Georgio’s, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Heidelberg Baking Co., Herkimer . . . . . . . . 52 Hotel Solsville, Solsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Karam’s Middle East Bakery, NY Mills . . . . 47 The Knight Spot, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Knuckleheads Brewhouse, Westmoreland . . 78 Michael T’s, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Mitsuba Hibachi, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ohio Tavern, Cold Brook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Papa Joe’s Restaurant, New Hartford . . . . . . 30 Phoenician Restaurant, New Hartford . . . . . 19 Piccolo Cafe, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rosa’s Trattoria, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sammy & Annie Foods, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Sandwich Chef, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Spaghetti Kettle, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Support Groups Obsessive Compulsive, Utica, Mon: 6:30pm . . . 21 Towing Services Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Recreational Vehicles CJ Motor Sports, Boonville . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Wine Bars and Ale Houses Copper Moose Ale House, Little Falls . . . . . . . 18 Kikko’s Bistro and Wine Bar, Rome . . . . . . . . 24
Trailers, Custom Blizzard Manufacturing, Inc., Boonville . . . . 13 Travel Agencies The Cruise Wizards, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . 52 Websites Utica Rocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Weddings and Banquets DiCastro’s Too, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, NY Mills . . . 60 Wellness Centers Pathway of Pearls, Schuyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Time for Me Day Spa & Wellness Ctr., Clinton . . 31 Windows RA Dudrak, Holland Patent . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Seamstress & Tailors Libbey’s Sew Blessed, Sherrill . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
www.knucklheadsbrewhouse.com
Knuckleheads BREW HOUSE
Homestyle American Fare From Wings to Prime Rib!
Check out our daily specials including Friday fish fry and Saturday wood smoked prime rib!
Happy hour every day 4-7pm featuring craft beers and a full bar.
Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Open til 2am 7362 East Main Street, Westmoreland (315) 853-1351
Stop in today and see why it’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
s ’ n o t l i m a H earthays! d i l o H H e th r o f e m Ho
Hamilton’s Hearth Home for the Holidays
It’s the most wonderful time of the year Wagon Rides Visits With Santa Holiday Movies & Concerts
e year! h t f o e m ti onderful its With Santa w t s o m It’s the on Rides • Vis Concerts Wag ay Movies & Holid
Relax and Embrace the Hamilton Experience! Shop, Dine, Gather during the Holiday Season with Family and Friends Boutiques Burst with Holiday Specials! Evergreen Gallery, Steph, Colgate Bookstore Maxwells, Broad Street Gallery and more!
Late Night Shopping Bonus -the perfect time to select the perfect gift. Dec 19-Shops open until 8pm Light Refreshments Available
thisishamiltonny.com
Photo by John Hubbard
Hamilton’s Hearth Hamilton for the Holidays Home for the Holidays
~ Two Exquisite Locations ~ It’s the most wonderful time of the year Wagon Rides ~ Visits With Santa Holiday Movies & Concerts
4480 E. Lake Rd, Hamilton www.thehamiltoninn.com 315.824.1245
1 Payne Street, Hamilton www.colgateinn.com 315.824.2300
The Colgate Inn and Hamilton Inn ~ two unqiue and beautiful locations in Hamilton for your holiday gathering. Both properties offer a variety of menus to choose from, that can be customized for any size group. Offsite catering is also available for your home holiday party. • Cocktail Parties • Buffets • Plated Dinners • Station Buffets • Guest Rooms & Suites (315) 824-2300
catering@colgateinn.com
Photo by John Hubbard
introducing Relax and Embrace the Hamilton Experience!
N I A T g A I Holiday Shop, IDine, Gather during theO M N STaTION
Season with Family and Friends
ourBurst new specialty toy store! Boutiques with Holiday Specials! Games Unique Specialty Toys Evergreen Gallery, Steph, Colgate Bookstore Puzzles Crafts Maxwells, Broad Street Gallery and more! Children’s Books
Late Night Shopping Bonus -the perfect time to select the perfect gift. Dec 19-Shops open until 8pm Light Refreshments Available
thisishamiltonny.com 3 Utica Street, Hamilton, NY www.colgatebookstore.com