Mohawk Valley Living March 2014 Issue

prized maple syrup scones recipe inside!

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MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING

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EXPLORING THE ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE OF OUR VALLEY

MARCH 2014

Maple Syrup Producers Guide Signs of Spring Musician Brian Premo

Clinton Potter

Snowy Owls visit the valley 4th Generation business in remsen

#6

Time Traveling Washington?!

MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE March 2014

PUBLISHER Vincent R. Whitney EDITOR Sharry L. Whitney DESIGNER Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Delosh CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Jeana Ganskop, Brian Howard, Suzie Jones, John Keller, Frank Page, Susan Perkins, Matt Perry, Tim Pryputniewicz, Cynthia Quackenbush, 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.

Printed at Vicks in Yorkville, NY.

Thank you for all the letters and phone calls about our “time traveling” president. In February’s article, “Historical Herkimer County,” we inadvertently mixed up the ‘8’ and the ‘7’ in the date: 1783, which implied George Washington starting his tour of the Mohawk Valley after he began it! And nearly 3/4 century after his death! The correct dates are: July 18, 1783 to August 5, 1783. Thank you for the many, often humorous, responses to our error.

Sweet Spring

by Sharry L. Whitney

Although I enjoy the snow for cross-country skiing, by the time March comes around I am as eager as anybody for signs of spring.

In our area (and exclusively our part of the world) one of the first indications that winter is coming to an end is the appearance of maple syrup buckets clinging to the maple trees.

This sweet product is unique to our part of the world, first introduced to Europeans by the indigenous peoples of North American.

If you’ve never made maple syrup, you should give it a try - if only to understand the process and the work involved. Believe me, you’ll never complain about the price of maple syrup again! We wanted our children to experience maple syrup making and although we only have three sugar maples in our yard, we managed to produce about a gallon of syrup. We bought tiny 4 oz. canning jars (yes, they make them that small!) and Lance designed labels, “Whitney’s Three Maple Farm.”

For Christmas that year, we sent our homemade gifts to our relatives on the West Coast and down South - a sweet treat from our neck of the woods and unique to our corner of the world!

Visit a local maple syrup producer this month. Maple Weekends are March 22-23 and March 29-30.

Next Issue:

April 1st Available at our sponsors and your closest Stewart’s Shop. Visit our website for a complete list of pick-up locations.

Gordon Konner Tibbitts, 5th generation producer.

contents 4 7 8 12 15 18 19 22 24 26 30 32 33 35 37 38 41 42 44 45 46

Oneida County Historical Society Made Here Woodland Wildflowers On the Farm with Suzie Maple Syrup Producers Notes from the Road Owls Head Mountain Artist: Nancy Hirschey Snowy Owl Irruption Our First Year: 1974 Gallery Guide Ilion Free Library Evan’s Equipment Co. Musician: Brian Premo MV People Wind’s Bakery Ilion Indoor Farmers Market Herkimer Co. Historical Society Jazz Band: Prime7 Recipe: Maple Scones MV Comics

On the cover: Plowline: Images of Rural New York Photography Collection.

The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown, New York.

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Did you Know? from the Oneida County Historical Society

by Brian Howard, Executive Director & Jeana Ganskop, Director of Collections and Outreach

Lucy Carlile: a Fight for Her Right Lucy Carlile Watson left her house at 270 Genesee Street in Utica early Tuesday morning on November 5, 1915.

It was Election Day and she had much to do. That day, voters would accept or reject a bill to amend the New York State Constitution to give women the right to vote.

Lucy was leading 100 Utica women who had volunteered to be ‘watchers’ at the polls and keep an eye open for any election fraud. At the day’s end the suffragettes lost the statewide vote. But Lucy Carlile Watson – fearless, tireless – continued the fight for women’s suffrage. A statewide political equality club was formed and members picked Lucy to head the group.

Two years later, voters passed the bill and two years after that, the New York State Legislature ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and women, finally, had won the right to vote. For her efforts on behalf of women’s suffrage, the name “Lucy Carlile Watson” is inscribed on two bronze tablets placed in Albany and in Washington by the National League of Women Voters: the Suffrage Memorial Tablet in the Capitol in Albany and at the League headquarters in Washington.

When she died in 1938 at age 83, then Utica Mayor Vincent R. Corrou said: “Her death removes from Utica one of its outstanding citizens. Her activity in civic, religious and charitable circles will always place her definitely in the memories of all Uticans.”

Have Gin, Will Travel This pocket-sized glass flask with protective leather covering is travel-friendly to satisfy your thirst – anytime, anywhere – beverage of your choice. For further convenience, the flask even has an outer metal cap that stores conveniently over the screw-on cap and doubles as a shot glass! Along with other artifacts, newspaper articles, pictures, and maps, this 1920s era flask helps tell the story of Prohibition in Utica. How did the Volstead Act impact this area? Stop by the Oneida County Historical Society and view the exhibit in person to find out.

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Home of History Liberated Women “Flap” Their Wings We tend to think of the 1920s as a glitzy, glamorous, and wild decade. While Hollywood – and our imaginations – might take it a little far, there was certainly a reason it is known as the “Roaring ‘20s!” Fashion and dance of this era go hand in hand. This gold and silver beaded 2-piece dress has an underlayer with a plain top and beaded fringe bottom with a matching outer dress. The dangling fringe, weighted down by the beads, is designed for movement.

This dress may have been created as an auction item (and therefore more detailed and elaborate than a typical 1920s dress), but perspiration marks suggest it saw a lot of wear. Imagine a young lady dancing the Charleston in this dress – her arms and legs going this way and that and the beaded fringe flying out in all directions, enhanced by the double layers of the dress!

When the population in the Mohawk Valley began to decline in the last quarter of the 20th century, scores of churches closed or consolidated.

Many congregations left behind grand structures that have been repurposed for use as community centers, private businesses, and even homes.

One of those former churches – built as the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Utica – is now home to the Oneida County Historical Society. This massive Greek Revival structure is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year (2014), the last 26 as a home for local history!

Oneida County Historical Society 1608 Genesee Street, Utica

Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4, (315) 735-3642 www.oneidacountyhistory.org

GOODSELL MUSEUM Local Adirondack History

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

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

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

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

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2014 Season

Presenting World-Class Music, Theater, & Dance!

Brainstorm!: Reverberations Over Time

Enjoy casual dining overlooking Clinton’s “Central Park”

Sunday, March 9, 3pm Wellin Hall, Free

Heather Buchman returns to conduct the Hamilton College Orchestra in the annual lecture/demonstration Brainstorm! concert.

Silent Film: It

Tuesday, March 11, 7:30pm Wellin Hall, Free

Travis Newton conducts a chamber ensemble in a newly-written score by Patrick Doyle to accompany a showing of the 1927 silent film, It. The film will be shown at 7:30pm, preceded by remarks by the composer, Patrick Doyle, at 7pm.

Brian Mattison chef/proprietor

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Box Office information and tickets (315) 859-4331 www.hamilton.edu/college/performingarts

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Made Here

Utica

Sharon Springs

Mu-Mu-Move Over Processed cereals

Harnessing Heroes

What happens when two NY City artists move to Sharon Springs? They begin making healthy muesli cereal, of course! Co-owners of Mu Mu Muesli, Mike Shuster and Lisa Zaccaglini, started making muesli for themselves as an alternative to highly-processed, sugar-filled cereals. They now make the raw, unprocessed product for everyone! It was rated as one of the top 5 “Most Scrumptious” cereals in the country by Vegetarian Times. Available at local health food stores or shop online.

Henry Sturges helped found Utica Suspender Co. in 1909 on Columbia St. in Utica, where the company made suspenders and straps. It moved from downtown to uptown and began making webbing – evolving into the production of engineered webbings and straps for fire fighting, fall protection, and the military. The company holds a patent on energy-absorbing webbing that reduces shock in a fall. Sturges Manufacturing celebrates 105 years in business this year.

Sturges Mfg., Inc., 2030 Sunset Avenue, Utica (315) 732-6159

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Early Signs of Spring: Woodland Wildflowers Story & Photos by Matt Perry

March is a time of transition for the forest. After about three months of apparent stasis, life again expresses itself in some loud and colorful ways. One of the first and most obvious transformations is in the audio realm, as birdsong and woodpecker drumming begins in earnest. For the most part these early territorial proclamations come from species that have spent the win-

In March, the Hairy Woodpecker begins drumming in earnest .

ter here. The lengthening days and increasing temperatures prompts these birds to prepare for the coming breeding season.

All forests and woodlots are not the same. It’s virtually always the case that younger woods lack a well-developed community of perennial wildflowers. More typically it is the mature deciduous forests that possess the most diverse, and therefore the most interesting, Heat created by the Skunk plant communiCabbage’s bloom can melt snow. ties. These types Its foul odor attracts insects. of forests are the least commonly encountered, but in the Mohawk Valley we are fortunate to have a few premier locations where woodland wildflowers thrive. A relatively small proportion of our own woodlands at Spring Farm’s nature preserve fall into that highly

prized category; however, every year our younger woods improve and, minus the pressures of logging and development, we will eventually have a much larger area of viable habitat for shade-loving native plants.

In March or in April, depending on the year, the forest comes to life starting at the ground level. Spring wildflowers begin to push out of the earth even though in some places – particularly in the gorges, swamps, and on north facing slopes – snow and ice may still linger. For at least a month, before the tall trees of the forest canopy begin to leaf out, these flowers will have the benefit of unimpeded sunlight. It also means that they can enjoy the undivided attention of the season’s earliest pollinators.

One of the first flowers to emerge is the Skunk Cabbage – it is also among the most unusual. This member of the arum family has the extraordinary ability to generate its own heat - enough heat (about 35° F above the ambient temperature) to melt snow and to provide a warm welcome for cold-blood-

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ed insect pollinators. In order to create heat, this plant cycles through as much oxygen as some small mammals do.

The starch stored in the plant’s hearty root system provides the necessary energy to sustain high temperatures throughout the blooming period.

The Skunk Cabbage’s bloom bears little resemblance to a conventional flower. The spath, which is no more than a modified leaf, appears as a pointed hood over the spherical multi-flowered head called a spadix. Pollinators are attracted inside the hood by the plant’s warmth and by the slightly foul odor that the flowers produce (hence the name Skunk Cabbage). The odor is reminiscent of decaying flesh. In fact, some of the insects attracted to Skunk Cabbage are the same that seek out and feed on carrion.

Sharp-lobed Hepatica is another wildflower that emerges very early in the season and it has the distinction of being one of the most sought-after by wildflower enthusiasts. Not so much to pick it, thankfully, but just to see it and perhaps photograph it. I’m not so sure why this species captures the fancy of so many; perhaps purely because it’s one of the showier of the spring ephemerals. Another possible reason is that after a long winter so many of us are suffering from a severe case of wildflower withdrawal! It’s true that being one of the first to bloom tends to make it stand out on a forest floor covered by a uniformly drab blanket of leaf litter.

The Hepatica blossoms usually grow in small clusters. They have petal-like sepals which range in number

Sharp-lobed Hepatica flowers are an early sign of spring.

Spring Beauties grow like a ground cover on the forest floor.

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from 5 to 11. Some may be pink or lavender, but most are white. They stand on stalks up to 4 inches high and may or may not nod. The flowers have relatively long white stamen which emanate from a greenish center. Hepatica usually retains foliage from the previous year; those old leaves might appear dark green or reddish-brown and are sometimes quite tattered. Each leaf has 3 distinct lobes which are slightly pointed - hence the name Sharp-lobed Hepatica. At the time of blooming, the plant’s new foliage begins to emerge, but appears folded and low to the ground. The new stems are remarkably hairy. This adaptation helps to protect the plant from the cold temperatures of early spring. Occasionally, I notice hepatic plants that have been snipped off and eaten by browsing animals, but I suspect that most animals find them unpalatable. Indeed, Hepatica seems to be able to thrive in habitats where other well-known flowers like Trilliums, Solomon ’s Seal, and Jack-in-the-pul-

pit are made scarce from over-brows- remain closed.

Asa Gray (1810-1888), world reing.

Spring Beauties are another one nowned Harvard botanist and arguably of the earliest wildflowers to bloom one of the most famous people to hail in the forest. Unlike Hepatica, they from the Mohawk Valley, was first inoften grow in large spired to study botany by rafts and can resemfinding and identifying Spring Beauties. It was ble a ground cover.

April, 1828, and Gray In particularly rich was studying to become a woodland habitats, Physician at the Fairfield they may cover acres Medical Academy. In of ground. Spring some unknown and most Beauties have narlikely long lost forest row or lance-like in the Fairfield area, the leaves which are be18-year-old Gray identitween 3 and 5 inches long. The flowers fied his first wildflower themselves stand 3 with the help of a botato 5 inches high and ny manual. The manual, are about 1/3 inch written by Amos Eaton, a across. The plant’s 5 Renowned botanist Asa Gray (1810-1888) school teacher from the Alpetals are white and have narrow pink bany area, proved to be lacking some or purple stripes, which from a dis- vital information. There are 2 species tance makes the flowers appear pink. of Spring Beauties which occur in the The blooms close at night and on an Northeast and only one was shown in especially dark cloudy day, they may the manual. This led Gray to initially

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Pussy Willow is one of the first of the trees to flower.

Coltsfoot is another of the first spring wildflowers to emerge.

A Raccoon sleeps the day away in a hollow tree.

Red Trillium is usually the first of the trillium species to appear.

come to the wrong conclusion about which species he was looking at. Gray never seemed to forgive Eaton for his manual’s shortcomings and that was no doubt partly responsible for a testy encounter that two men shared a few years later. Gray went on to eventually publish many books on botany including some that would set the standard for the modern identification guides that are used in the field to this day.

The presence of an abundance of Spring Beauties, Trilliums, Hepatica and dozens of other spring woodland wildflowers are one of the surest signs of a healthy forest ecosystem. If

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Scarlet Elfcup is a bright red fungus of the early spring.

the herbaceous plants in the forest understory are thriving, it’s highly likely the rest of the forest community is also in good condition and fit for the myriad of organisms that rely on it for their habitat. Woodlands that have been subject to logging or to other more severe development projects are quick to lose that diversity and as a

result are far less interesting places to visit and study. It’s up to people who care about forest health and about the continued existence of sensitive native wildflowers to protect those areas where they still do exist. And by protecting the habitat of the flowers we also protect the habitat of the birds and other wildlife.

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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On the farm with Suzie:

Are you a Locavore?

by Suzie Jones

Have you ever heard of a “locavore”? A term coined back in 2005, it describes a person who eats foods grown locally. Now, “local” can mean different things to different people – say, 50 miles, 100 miles, or even an entire region, but you get the idea…locavores are people who strive to consume foods that are produced by neighboring farmers. My grandparents, if they were alive today, would most likely scratch their heads in bemusement: “Um…where else would your food come from?”

But today’s modern food system of grocery stores and vast distribution routes is the result of amazing leaps forward in agriculture, shipping efficiencies, and food science. No matter where you live, you can get out-of-season produce like tomatoes and

strawberries in the dead of winter. And when you consider how far many of these products have traveled (the average grocery store item has traveled 1,500 miles), they are remarkably inexpensive, unblemished, and available in seemingly limitless quantities. Why would anyone care to be a “locavore”?

I’ll tell you why. Because the farther food has to travel to get to your table, the less satisfying it is – on every level.

The flavor and freshness argument is easy to make. Take the strawberry, for instance. Everyone in the Mohawk Valley has had a freshly picked strawberry, perhaps at one of our fabulous youpick farms at the peak of its season.

Remember how that tasted?

Now, think back to the last time you bought strawberries from the grocery store in January. Descriptors like “flavorless” and “Styrofoam” come to my mind. They may look beautiful, but they are a far cry from the ripe, juicy local strawberry.

And what

about our local economy? If foods are being shipped in from around the world, how does that affect our local, small family farms? If it’s not killing them, it is surely slowly choking them out of existence. OK, as a local farmer, perhaps I’m being a bit dramatic. Let’s consider for a moment, then, how important it is to our overall local economy to spend dollars on locally grown foods. It is well documented that money spent at locally owned independent businesses generates a much greater economic benefit to the community. Called the “local multiplier effect,” studies have found that $0.68 of every dollar spent locally stays local, compared to $0.43 of every dollar spent at a chain or franchise. Other regions have gone so far as to estimate the economic opportunity lost due to imported foods. The Edible Economy Project estimates that central Illinois loses about $5 billion annually because people buy food and agricultural inputs from outside the area.

Perhaps not so easy to grasp is the effect our modern food system has had on our connection to our food. In my November article, “I Like a Good Story with my Meal,” I argued that food tastes better when we know more about

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Serving “The Heart of Utica” Since 1910

our guide to local

maple syrup producers

by Sharry L. Whitney

ALP Farms

383 Murray Hill Road, St Johnsville, NY (518) 762-1182 Open year round Saturdays 1-5pm Operated by the Popp family since 1932.

Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse

770 Beaver Creek Road, West Edmeston, NY (315) 899-5864 Open Maple Weekends, also serving pancakes every Saturday in March, 8am-1pm. Available at several locations including Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford Shopping Center.

Burt Homestead Farm

One of the very first signs of spring in the Mohawk Valley is the appearance of maple syrup buckets hanging from the sides of sugar maples. Increasingly common are the blue tubes zig-zagging from tree to tree carrying sap to collection barrels.

The cooking of tree sap is a truly American tradition. Maple syrup was first introduced to Europeans by the indigenous peoples of North America. One old Iroquois legend explains how a hunter pierced a maple with his tomahawk. While he was away the sap dripped into a vessel that was then used to boil venison.

He returned home to the sweet smell of meat cooking in syrup.

Native Americans traded maple syrup with the Europeans who were eager for the sweetener because sugar had to be imported from the West Indies and was expensive.

Another humorous, albeit sad, legend we came across on our journeys was that of Gerrit Boon, who founded the village of Barneveld in 1793. It was said that he had been attracted to the area because of the abundance of maple trees. He erroneously believed that maple syrup could be harvested year round. In 1798, he returned to his home in Holland a failure in the maple syrup business. Some of the historic homes in Barneveld have gutters made from the old maple syrup troughs from the maple syrup “boon!”

The following is our guide to just some of the many local sugarhouses where you can buy maple syrup products. Many hold tours and pancake breakfasts this month.

200 Burt Road, Cold Brook, NY (315) 826-3949, Call ahead In the Burt family for over 200 years and recognized as a Century Farm in 2002. Will host tours for groups/schools. www.burthomesteadfarm.com

Ferncliff Sugarbush

433 Warren Road, Mohawk, NY (315) 866-2682, Call ahead At local farmers markets and shows.

Frasiers Sugar Shack

144 Church Street, St. Johnsville, NY (518) 568-7438 Open Maple Weekends: March 22 & 23, March 29 & 30, 2014 Bruce began making maple syrup with his father, Cy, in 1972 with 200 taps. He now taps about 1,500. www.frasierssugarshack.com

Grant Maple

3784 Mohawk Street, New Hartford, NY (315) 737-5014, Call ahead At local farmers markets and shows.

Grimm’s Maple Products

3546 Fishcreek Landing Rd, Blossvale, NY (315) 571-5151, Call ahead

Congratulations Erin!

Stop in and enjoy her own sundae, the “Olympic Medalist Erin Hamlin Sundae!”

9698 Main St. Remsen (315) 831-8400 Tues - Sun: 11-9 www.thesoda-fountain.com

Enjoy authentic Lebanese Cuisine

Full Buffet and Salad Bar Served Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30 Wednesday night Buffet 4:30-8:30 Serving lunch and dinner Mon-Sat 623 French Road New Hartford (315) 733-2709

Visit for tours and sampling during March and see us Maple Weekends!

We are a dealer for maple equipment and supplies, helping beginners & professional producers. www.shawsmapleproducts.com 315-725-0547 15

Ingles Maple Products

382 State Highway 28, Richfield Springs, NY (315) 858-0368, Open most weekdays: 8am-9pm and weekends: 8am-5pm, call ahead.

Open Maple Weekends www.inglesmapleproducts.com

Link Maple Farm

2014

Maple Syrup Weekends!

March 22-23 and March 29-30

4045 MacFarland Road, Taberg, NY (315) 336-3030, Open year round Maple season hours through April 6th, Mon-Wed: 2:30-5pm, Thurs&Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat: 9am-1pm, Annual Open House last weekend in March for free tours: 10am-4pm New York State Blue Ribbin winner 2011, 2012, 2013 www.linkmaplefarm.com

Meadow View Farm

126 Meckler Road, Frankfort, NY (315) 797-0860, Call ahead At local farmers markets and shows.

Mill Creek Maple Supply

1551 County Highway 20, Edmeston, NY (607) 965-6920 Open Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm All the supplies you need to make maple syrup.

Millers Mills Maple

955 Richfield Hill Road, Richfield Springs (315) 858-2855, Call ahead

Mud Road Sugar House

278 Mud Road, Ephratah, NY (518) 863-6313 Call ahead, open year round.

Open Maple Weekends Tours and wagon rides.

Operated by four generations of the Duesler family.

Murcray Sugar Shack

155 East Elwood Road, Fort Plain, NY (315) 868-8219, Call ahead

Steam rises from the chimney of the sugarhouse at Link Maple Farm in Taberg.

NY Country Harvest

6000 Munz Rd Oriskany Falls, NY (315) 525-7711, Call ahead

“We deal in cars on a small scale” 103 Main St., Whitesboro, NY 768-1462 Tues-Fri 6-2 Sat & Sun 6-1

1212 Catherine St., Utica, NY 733-6603 Tues-Sat 6-2

Four Generations and Growing 8874 Tibbitts Rd., New Hartford 315-793-3114 www.facebook.com/tibbittsmaple www.tibbittsmaple.wordpress.com

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Open Mon., Wed., Fri., 12-6

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Paradise Maple 291 Newville Road, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-3436 or (315) 717-8595 Open 7 days a week Will host tours for groups/schools. At local farmers markets and shows.

Renodin’s Produce

847 Hall Road, Cold Brook, NY (315) 826-7873 Weekends, Call ahead

Ringwood Farms Maple 147 Bartlett Road, Cooperstown, NY (607) 549-2087 or (607) 435-5701 Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, call ahead.

A 3rd generartion farm operated by the Bartlett family for 80 years. www.ringwoodfarmsmaplesyrup.com

Shaw’s Maple Products

7945 Maxwell Road Clinton, NY (315) 853-7798 Open Maple Weekends or call ahead. At local farmers markets including Westmoreland Winter Market (1st Sat. of month 9am-Noon) and at Clinton Tractor and Deansboro Superette. www.shawsmapleproducts.com

1986: Little Gordon Tibbitts“helps” his Dad, Gordon, prepare for the upcoming season. They represent 3rd and 4th generation maple syrup producers

Stannard’s Maple Farm

166 Stannard Hill Road Cherry Valley, NY (607) 264-3090 Try their maple jelly.

Stone House Farm

305 Lynk Road, Sharon Springs, NY (518) 284-2476 Open Maple Weekends, also pancake breakfasts every Sat & Sun through April 20, 2014 with wagon rides to sugarbush. All kinds of maple products, producing over 1,000 gallons annually. www.stonehousefarm.us

Tibbitts Maple

8874 Tibbitts Road, New Hartford, NY 315) 793-3114 or (315) 794-2752 Open first Maple Weekend: March 22 & 23 or call ahead.

4 generations and growing. www.tibbittsmaple.wordpress.com

V.V.S. FFA Maple Market Maple popcorn, one of the many ways the Shaws use their maple syrup.

PLAIDE PALETTE “That Little Shop of Celtic Wonders” 45 Main Street, Cherry Valley (607) 264-3769 www.plaidepalette.com M-F 10-4, Sat 9-4

5275 State Route 31, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, Verona, NY (315) 829-2520 / (315) 335-0887 Open Maple Weekends, also free student-guided wagon rides to sugarbush woodlot and tours of maple sap house.

Cafe, bakery, and store featuring our own jarred sauces, starters and seasonings and local farmers’ raised and produced products for sale.

Lunch served daily!

Pashmina, wool, and cashmere blend scarves galore!

Incredible, beautifully designed ponchos!

(315) 896-2173 Open M-F 8-4 717 Bleecker St., Utica www.sammyandanniefoods.com

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Notes from

The Road East Utica

A Caribbean Vacation For Your Tastebuds Take a culinary trip to the Caribbean, without boarding a plane, with authentic Spanish food at El Barajo.

Hilaria Soto serves up food from her homeland, the Dominican Republic, like rotisserie chicken served with beans and rice (always delicious) and for the more adventurous, there is oxtail and pig ears.

Serving lunch and dinner Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm El Barajo Restaurant 672 Bleecker St., Utica (315) 732-2181

Dolgeville

Escape to the Tropics Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses in Dolgeville is a colorful oasis on a cold, grey day. When you enter the greenhouse your winter doldrums will be washed away by an ocean of African violets. Most African violets seen today are varieties that were bred by the world-famous hybridizer, Lyndon Waldo Lyon, who is buried in Dolgeville. Today his grandson Paul Sorano carries on the family business, hybridizing and shipping thousands of African violets all over the world. Open: Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm, Sat: 10am4pm, 14 Mutchler St., Dolgeville.

The village celebrates its horticultural history every summer during the Dolgeville Violet Festival, the 2nd Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of June. www.violetfestival-ny.com While in town stop in for a great meal at a great price at Arthur’s, a part of the Dolgeville community since 1895.

www.lyndonlyon.com www.violetfestival-ny.com

Utica Take a Swim!

The recently renovated Jorgensen Athletic/Events Center pool at MVCC in Utica is open to the public as are the racquetball courts and indoor track. Pool is open Mon-Fri: Noon-1pm, 4pm-5pm and Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8am-9:30pm, Sat and Sun: 1:30pm-4pm, Fee $3, semester passes are also available.

The athletic center is open Mon-Fri: 8am-9:30pm, Sat: 8am-4pm, Sun: 1pm-9pm. Racquetball court fee $10/hour/court. Reservations may be made up to one week in advance.

Jorgensen Athletic/Events Center MVCC,1101 Sherman Drive, Utica (315) 792-5541 Before or after your swim, stop by the Juergensen Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Information technology building to see the ever-changing exhibits.

El Barajo on Bleecker St.

O O

nce upon a time, on a quiet little farm…

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owls head mountain, a wise choice Story and Photos by Gary VanRiper

“What might be a good day trip in the Adirondacks?” That is the question I am most frequently asked by beginning hikers.

For those in the Mohawk Valley area who have already tackled the modest hikes up Bald, Black Bear, and Rocky Mountains along the Fulton Chain of Lakes – it might be time to consider venturing deeper into the Park.

Owls Head Mountain near Long Lake can be a great choice for those who have a full day to spend away. Long Lake is about a two-hour drive from Utica. The trailhead for this mountain is located off NY 30N just outside the village proper on Endion Road.

Just over a mile and half on Endion and you

View while seated on the summit will see the parking area on the right.

I have made this 3.1-mile hike (6.2 round-trip) three times so far – once solo, once (at sunrise) with a foster son and a third time with our church youth group. Owls Head is also a fire tower mountain, so there are great views from the cab all the way around. And if climbing the tower makes you nervous, there are plenty of great views from the summit itself.

John Freeman’s book, Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills, rates this “a moderate climb, steep at the end.”

My first round trip on this hike took three hours, with another hour spent on the

summit. Depending on the time of day you arrive at the trailhead and how long you decide to linger on top, a four-hour roundtrip hike can leave plenty of time for other activities. And that is what is nice about Long Lake. Members of our youth group chose to plunge into the lake at the public beach to cool off after their hike on the mountain. Those who like to shop visited Hoss’s Country Corner. This Adirondack landmark is a day-trip destination in itself for many. And for the famished, everything is available, from fine dining to ice cream cones. You can probably guess which won out with the young people.

As always, take the normal precautions

White-tailed Deer on the Moss Lake trail

Shop from Home!

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before venturing into the wilderness. Do your own research and be sure when you arrive to sign in at the trailhead register. This is for safety and to let officials know what kind of use the trail is getting. Along with proper seasonal clothing, carry plenty of drinking water and a first aid kit. This trail is normally marked with red discs, but pack an updated map as well. And if there is any question as to your fitness, check in with your physician before hiking for a green light.

And by the way – a bonus feature of this hike? Because Owls Head Mountain is a fire tower mountain, it also qualifies toward fulfillment of the Fire Tower Challenge.

Check out the website of the Saratoga-Glens Falls Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club for details. www.adk-gfs.org/firetower.challenge.6.php

The public beach at Long Lake.

Hoss’s Country Store – an Adirondack landmark.

Gary VanRiper is an author and photographer. He has written 13 children’s books with his son, Justin.

Find out more at:

www.adirondackkids.com

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View from the fire tower cab on Owls Head Mountain.

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Local Arts:

Nancy Hirschey Story and Photos by Vincent R. Whitney

Nancy Hirschey has been involved with Clinton Pottery for the last 3 years. Over the past couple years she has been developing Clinton Leaf, a series of different pieces of flatware that use a method of imprinting leaves into pottery.

The process starts with collecting leaves.

While walking her youngest child, Lillian, to school in the fall Nancy brings along a basket so they can collect any interesting leaves they see along the way. Nancy takes note of the location as well as the type of tree that the leaves came from.

To make the pottery, she begins by pressing clay through a slab roller to flatten it, she then shapes the clay and uses a special tool to edge the piece. The leaves are then arranged on the surface and rolled into the clay. The pieces are then placed in specialized forms that Nancy made to create the right shape for the flatware.

The clay is then left to dry until about leather hard, after which the leaves are removed. The imprints are subsequently outlined with a needle tool. After the piece is bone dry, she paints on iron oxide, with the excess being scrubbed off after it dries. The piece is

Nancy demonstrating some of the many steps in turning local leaves into works of art, a process she has been developing at Clinton Pottery.

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then put in the bisque kiln, which hardens the piece at 960 C (1760 F). After the piece is hard, the glazes are painted on. Many different glazes are used to give the leaves different colors and textures, and then a white glaze is added on top of the piece. The iron oxide that remains in the outline of the leaves bleeds into the glazes, adding different colors and ultimately a unique look – as unique as each leaf.

All of the leaves used in the art are collected locally, many from prominent trees in the area such as the Alexander Hamilton Ginkgo Biloba tree in the center of Clinton. Nancy says that her art is inspired by her four children, and it is apparent in the sense of wonder her pieces invoke. The work also preserves the fleeting beauty of a leaf, captured forever in her work.

Clinton Leaf flatware can be found at Clinton Pottery in Clinton, as well as on your table at Nola’s restaurant – a special set of plates was designed just for the establishment.

Rolling the leaves into the soft clay, leaving an imprint in the clay as it dries.

In the finished works the iron oxide from the imprints blends into the glazes, making every piece unique.

The Snowy Owl Irruption

by Heather Perretta, BS, MS, Interpretive Naturalist Photos by Pamela Underhill Karaz

We are experiencing the largest irruption, or mass migration, of snowy owls in decades, according to Cornell University’s Ornithology Lab. The Mohawk Valley is one of the many places they are calling home. During last summer’s breeding season in the Arctic an abundance of food resulted in more young owls surviving and migrating to the US this winter.

Locally, the Town of Fairfield has a large population of snowy owls. They have also been observed in the City of Rome, the Towns of Russia, Deerfield, and other locations where open fields make suitable habitat.

Now is the time to experience this snowy owl event. As spring approaches they will return to the Arctic and it is unclear if this recent mass southern migration will continue.

Here is a list of tips to make your owl observing experience successful: Visit www.eBird.org to view a current map of snowy owls sightings (Under ‘Explore Data’, click ‘Range and Point Maps’, type in ‘snowy owl’ in the species field, zoom in until you see the points.)

During the day snowy owls are most active from dawn until 10:30am and 2:30pm until dusk.

Owls perch on utility poles, fence posts, barn roofs, silos, trees, and stand on knolls in cleared fields, airfields, and lakeshores.

Observe owls from a distance. If the owl seems agitated, defecates, or takes flight it is time to back away.

Consider sharing your findings at www.eBird.org by filling out the online form. Data collection is important to understanding habits and habitat preferences of snowy owls.

Our connection to the natural world becomes quite clear when we look into the big, vibrant, intelligent, yellow eyes of the snowy owl. It is at once exhilarating and quite humbling to witness this majestic creature.

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A female snowy owl takes flight. Females can be identified by their heavy “barring.” Follow Pamela Underhill Karaz’s snowy owl photography on Facebook, search: Snowy Owl Obsession.

Our First Year: 1974

Shawangunk nature preserve, cold brook

by Peggy Spencer Behrendt

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. Their goal was to experience a worthwhile existence while minimizing harm to the environment. These are excerpts from Peggy’s journal chronicling their first year.

Part 6

March 1974 “Your stuff is in my space.”

I’m beginning to understand the meaning of “Cabin Fever.” For weeks, when we’re not struggling with difficult travel to work, we’re inside most of the time, imprisoned by cold, snow, and ice. It’s easy to get snippy, each blaming the other for anything that’s wrong. We decide to make a conscious effort to treat each other as cordially as we would a stranger and not complain so much.

We negotiate where we Papa “Behr” chair built by Tim out of an old saw horse and a broken church pew; artwork carved by Tim.

Mon: 9:30 - 8:00, Tue - Fri: 9:30 - 5:00 Sat: 10:00 - 4:00 26

A happy and safe beaver living in Shawangunk.

can leave our stuff and for how long. I can’t fill my chair with stuff, and then sit in Tim’s chair and vice versa. If it doesn’t work, we re-negotiate.

Sometimes friends ask why we don’t rent a normal apartment somewhere and get better paying jobs. Tim has two masters degrees, and certifications in guidance counseling and ministry. I have a bachelor’s degree. But, in seminary, he decided to dedicate his ministry to serving the small churches that might have trouble getting professional services. I tried teaching school music but disliked the role of disciplinarian and prefer to give private lessons with eager students. We love the beauty and simplicity of voluntary peasantry, learning skills directly related to meaningful living, intimately experiencing nature and discovering how gently we can live and comfortably survive. We will learn how deeply we can get into this, how resilient we are, how resourceful...and how innocent.

We are considering giving up dairy products and wool so that we aren’t dependent on any kind of animal products. Can we survive without animal products here?

I am learning about vegetarian sources of protein like beans combined with whole grains, tofu (used in Asia for centuries), and nuts. I would like to grow all our own food if we can.

I am eager to start learning about all the

The Mohawk Valley’s premier quilt store offering high quality fabrics, notions, and quilting classes for all levels. Located at The Shoppes at the Finish Line in West Utica.

wild plants around us as soon as the snow melts - for food, for medicine, for love of their tenacious beauty.

Tim made our table and kitchen chairs out of an old sawhorse and a broken pew and now we have time to decorate them.

We carve “Papa Behr” and “Peggy Behr” (for Behrendt) with flowers, trees, two bears walking hand in hand. We enjoy looking through our book on the “Three Bears” for architectural ideas.

The snow is melting more than accumulating and our forest realm is no longer pristine white. Once virgin snow is now ornamented with sprinkles of green and orange pine needles. There are little brown disassembled pine cones in tiny mounds left by the red squirrels who are now having grand games of tag, spiraling around and around the huge hemlock tree trunks at dizzying speed.

Dark drifts of black pepper stipple the melting snow, often accumulating in our footprints. I bend Peggy “Behr” chair built by Tim out of an old saw horse and a broken church pew; artwork carved by Peggy.

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down to look at them and quickly stand up again, startled. The specks are jumping! Are they fleas or something worse? I am afraid to look too closely without my glasses for protection.

I learn that they are aptly called “springtails” because they can jump over 100 times their size, and are no threat to me. They’re always here but are more noticeable in the snow. Suddenly, I realize that I am smashing many of them with every step I take and am appalled! Now I understand why the Jains of India sweep the walks in front of them. But how can I avoid this? Finally, I rationalize that because the snow is soft, maybe they’re just getting pushed in, and have to accept that one can’t totally eliminate causing harm to other creatures and live, one can only minimize it.

An ice storm creates a rainbow rain.

The ice that has enveloped each and every bare twig and bark of trees begins to melt and each droplet of transformed water becomes a miniature rainbow in the sun, cascading from the high limbs in showers of kaleidoscopic lights, drenching all who dwell below. It is unlucky if we happen to

be under an evergreen when breezes shake the wet limbs, creating waterfalls of frigid, wet, rainbows. Chunks of sharp edged ice also fall loose creating miniature ice storms under the blue sky. I wonder how the squirrels and birds can deal with it?

We learn that the land right next to ours if for sale and I start negotiations with the owner/realtor. Finally, though, I lose my temper, and call him a nasty name because the true acreage is much less than advertised and he won’t lower the price accordingly.

We’re bummed out when it’s sold quickly to someone else and I realize I’d better let Tim do any future land purchase negotiating.

We’re eager to get out more and explore because it’s not so cold. We can walk on the remaining snow now, but still need snow shoes to hike in the forest because there is hidden brush under the snow that can collapse suddenly under us.

Near a stream, we’re horrified to see two naked animal corpses. It’s seems very strange. When we find a chewed off beaver leg by a leg-hold trap we suddenly understand that they’d been trapped for their fur

Peggy splitting firewood. and skinned.

One year later, I discover the cause of this when I decide to stay home alone for a week while Tim visits the children during winter break. I look forward to doing crafts, keeping the waterhole clear of ice, experi-

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encing peaceful hours savoring winter in the woods with the chickadees. But I hear the crunch of boots on snow passing toward Black Creek then back again in a few hours.

I am curious, so follow the tracks afterward and soon learn their purpose. I find unrelentingly cruel traps in the woods baited with meat, ready to snap unforgiving steel jaws on the neck or leg of unfortunate creatures. Ostensibly set for animals with luxurious fur such as mink, otter, bobcat, fox, rabbit, beaver, it will also capture hawks, owls, porcupines, pet dogs and cats without prejudice.

I know that some will applaud this and some will condemn it (It’s illegal to interfere with traps on public land), but I snap each one with a stick. “Whack!” It makes me jump and the branch leaps out of my hand and breaks.

It snows hard now and I am glad my tracks will disappear. I realize I am in a serious situation because the trapper will be angry and I am home alone. The sun comes out the next day and I decide to let the fire go out so he doesn’t smell smoke and know I’m here. I sit on our roof in the sun to keep warm.

Each day I follow his snowshoes, or skis, or steps, carefully covering mine with

snow when I turn for home. I place bits of fur from my grandmother’s old fur coat by the traps. It is exacting and tiring but I feel good about saving animals from torture. I only allow myself a fire at night.

Tim returns and thinks I’ve reverted to some sort of wild-woman, going all day without heat and snapping traps.

The next time we go out to our truck, the tires are flat. We think our nearest neighbor must be the trapper and he has retaliated.

This could easily escalate into a very dangerous feud that would make life here unbearable.

But Tim has an idea. After getting our tires inflated, we go to his house to talk to him. I am worried about our reception. Will he come to the door with a gun? Will he shoot first and ask questions later? I stand far back while Tim knocks.

The door slowly opens.

“What do you want?” he asks in a surprisingly calm voice. He is unarmed and I relax a little.

“How much money do you usually make from trapping?” Tim asks.

“We’d like to pay you to leave the skins on the animals.”

He is receptive and I am very relieved and impressed. He is only trapping because he needs the money to survive and it is a hard task for a man in his mid-60s. We make a deal that costs us several hundred dollars, but it is worth the sacrifice and it saves us probably many years of antagonism with our nearest neighbor and many hours of torture and death to our fellow creatures at Shawangunk.

Ink drawing of Peg walking through their Tim helps him apply for forest in the winter, by Peggy.

Social Security. That extra income ends his need to

Peg and Tim sitting inside their cottage with the Spears Into Pruning Hooks post in the foreground and the mouse proof ice box in the back to the right. trap here and we become good friends and neighbors. He sells us his skinning knife and we add it to our center post where an old military sword and fabricated spear hang and we’ve carved the words, “Swords into plowshares, Spears into pruning hooks.” Now we add: “and Hunting knifes into vegetable cutters.”

In my journal I write: “I am Red Robin Hood of this forest and I take power from those who needlessly destroy other life forms so that these precious other life forms may be protected and altered minimally by my species.”

I learn about the power of empathy and kindness toward all...not just the innocent and helpless. And realize that there is much to know about the endlessly different moods and varieties of snow and ice as it changes through the winter season, and a very long season it is! We learn a lot this winter and appreciate the tenacity, patience, and strength of the animals, birds, plants, bugs, and trees who survive these winters without furnaces, without grocery stores, without clothes.

Winter slowly, so slowly relents into spring.

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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MARCH

GAllery Guide Of Time and the Mohawk River Through June 1, 2014

Arkell Museum

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

An Artistic Discovery March 7 - 28, 2014 Annual congressional exhibit for Otsego County high school students.

Cooperstown Art Association

22 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-9777 www.cooperstownart.com

Library Quilt Show featuring Gail Strout

Lisa Iannello-Landscapes

Opening lecture: March 6 at 7pm Hallie E. Bond Through March 31, 2014

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 22, 12-3pm Through May 10, 2014

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

The Landscape Revisited: Martin Weinstein, Jonathan Beer, Sandra Gottlieb

Earlville Opera House

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

Utica Art Association Art Exhibit

Opening Reception: Monday, March 3, 4-6pm Through May 2, 2014 The Landscape Revisited presents three New York artists specific vocabularies examining how memory works in images and feelings with reflection and remembering through what is real and imagined.

Edith Langley Barrett Fine Art Gallery Library Concourse, Utica College 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY (315) 792-5289 www.utica.edu/gallery

Opening reception: Friday, March 7 Through March 28th

Gannett Gallery, first floor of Kunsela Hall, SUNYIT 100 Seymour Rd Utica NY (315) 792-7819 www.sunyit.edu/gannett_gallery

Chadwicks CM Marketplace

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!

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6170 Valley Mills St., Munnsville (315) 495-2470 Tue - Sat: 10-5, Sun: 11-4

Hollow Dreams, recent paintings

by Stephen Perrone Opening Reception: Saturday, March 1, 6-9pm Through March 22, 2014

The Other Side

2011 Genesee St. Utica, NY www.theothersideutica.org

MVCC Faculty Select Student Show

Opening reception: Tuesday, March 11, 1pm Through April 11, 2014

Juergensen Gallery 2nd floor Information Technology building, MVCC Campus 1101 Sherman Drive, Utica, NY www.mvcc.edu/gallery

The Social Portrait: Work by Six Photographers

Winter Air

Reception: Sunday, March 2, 3-5pm Through March 29, 2014 And Raku Fest, Saturday, March 8, bid on beautifully crafted clay pizza oven drying to benefit the KAC pottery program.

Through April 27, 2014

A juried group exhibition of visual works that convey the very distinct but intangible sensations of walking outside on a cold day.

View

Kirkland Art Center

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

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

Shoes, Hats, and Handbags! or Who Really Needs a Glass Slipper, Anyway?

Artist reception, Saturday, March 29, 7-9pm

Brenda J. Antonowicz

Opening reception: Saturday, March 15, 2-4pm Through April 26, 2014

Cathy will introduce her collection of mosaic shoes and other accessories and mixed media art.

Brenda’s fascination with texture, color, depth, and dimension is revealed by her use of various materials and mediums.

Signature 81

9273 Kellogg Road, New Hartford, NY (315) 269-7799 www.signature81.com

Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts 401 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0808 www.mohawkvalleyarts.org

Bar Scenes, Victor Lenuzza

Opening reception Wednesday, April 2, 6:30pm-9pm Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Through March 31st

The Dev

41 Devereux St, Utica, NY (315) 732-1340 www.thedevutica.com

In Context: The Portrait in Contemporary Photographic Practice Through July 27, 2014

In Context brings together conceptual artists whose practices address an underlying sociopolitical agenda as well as photojournalists and social documentarians who utilize conceptual strategies to subjectively shape the portraits they create.

Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College

198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 859-4396 www.hamilton.edu/wellin

Having an art opening? Let us know. Email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com

Raulli’s Iron Works

Custom hand-made iron railings, fences & gates.

www.raullis.com 133 Mill St., Rome, New York 315-337-8070

LocomoTion Hobby

Trains & More!

315-336-6300 www.locomotionhobby.com

831 Black River Blvd N, Rome, NY

Signature81 A Destination for your Artistic Side Explore & Create Home Decor - Specialty Gift Shop Vintage - Classes Wed-Thurs: 11-5, Fri: 11-6, Sat: 11-4 9273 Kellogg Rd, New Hartford (315) 269-7799 www.signature81.com

Art Exhibit: Shoes, Hats, and Handbags! or Who Really Needs a Glass Slipper, Anyway?

Kielbasa & Hot Peppers Tiny’s Fish Fry The Best Grilled Reuben & Tiny’s Famous Burgers

Gallery opening for Cathy Marsh Saturday March 29, from 7-9pm

Famous for Food Since 1931!

A collection of mosaic shoes (and other accessories) and mixed media art.

Cathy's journey on her feminine(ist) side.

Open Mon-Fri at 11am, Sat at 3pm Happy Hour 4-7pm 1014 State Street, Utica, NY 732-9497 31

The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl:

A visit to the Ilion free public library My default ‘Thing to Do’ at almost any time is to go to the library. In the Mohawk Valley, we are blessed with many beautiful libraries. Recently my husband, Steven, and I made a trip to the Ilion Free Public Library.

The library is in an historic-looking stone building. I learned from the library’s website that it was designed in a Romanesque style by New York City architect George P. Chappell and erected by local builder Albert N. Russell. This was after Clarence W. Seamans purchased the land.

Seamans was a local philanthropist of some note – founding and planning the library in Ilion. I was particularly interested to learn that he had worked for Eliphalet Remington and Sons. He later became president of the Remington Typewriter Company. I was at the Remington Museum recently where I admired an old Remington Typewriter. I like to think that typewriter was partly responsible for the library I was in.

From the inside, the library looks more modern. The most beautiful room is the Remington Room - a meeting room and art gallery. The room hosts events such as bake sales and plant sales and also serves as a meeting place for groups. Steven and I were particularly interested in a display case of artifacts and photographs from Ilion’s past. The room also contains a large table with chairs and a long sofa.

“You could sit on that sofa and read a

book,” I suggested to Steven, but he was not equipped with a book at the time.

On a wall just outside the Remington Room are several pen and ink drawings of historic buildings in Ilion. We enjoyed looking at those before browsing the shelves. As usual, I had to restrain myself from getting more books than I have time to read. I showed Steven a biography of Bob Fosse (we’re big fans of his movie All That Jazz). We may return and check that out soon. Steven perused the DVDs but did not find anything.

We also looked at the schedule for Friday’s “Lunch and a Movie” and Thursday’s “Snack and a Movie.” For the former, you BYO bagged lunch and the Friends of Ilion Library provide a beverage. For the latter, the Friends provide the snack and beverage.

As we left the library, we noticed a fundraiser sale for the Friends of Ilion Library. Knitted and crocheted items were offered as well as some lovely note cards.

We did not have time to looks things over as much as we would have liked. Just another reason to return to Ilion Free Public Library. It is located at 78 West Street in Ilion, NY. Open Mon., Tues. and Thurs.: 10am-8pm; Wed. and Fri.: 10am-6pm; Sat. from 10am-1pm, closed Saturdays during the summer. Hours are subject to change. For Historical Room hours, or more information, call (315) 894-5028. Or visit www.midyorklib.org/ilion.

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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

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)

Subscribe!

MVL Magazine is FREE to pick up every month, but subscriptions and back issues are available.

Visit our website for more info: www.mohawkvalleyliving.com

MV Generations:

evans equipment co. in remsen

After a good snowfall, you won’t find Terry Evans working at his family’s tractor business - he’ll be out riding the trails. And besides, he’s retired. His son Ryan is minding the store now – busy serving customers, doing inventory, and plowing the parking lot. Ryan is the fourth generation Evans to manage the family’s tractor equipment store, Evan’s Equipment Co. Inc., in Remsen. The business was first opened in 1945 on Main Street in Remsen by Maynard Evans, Terry’s grandfather. Terry says back then they used to sell Ford, Oliver-Cletrac, and other tractors, but he’s not exactally sure because it was before he was born.

The business moved to its present location, at 10664 Terry Evans Route 12 in Remsen, in 1965 after the four-lane was built. and his son Ryan They also became a Ski-Doo snowmobile dealer and Terry became hooked. He started racing snowmobiles in 1967 and moved up through the ranks of the racing community. His brother Greg was the “pit crew” and they were racing nearly every weekend throughout the 1970s, sometimes three or four races a week. He came in 2nd in the USSA World Series of Snowmobiling MOD Stock 1 in 1975. He retired from the racing world in 1978 and got busy raising a family and helping manage the family’s tractor business with his brother and his father, Austin.

Terry retired from the business last year and now enjoys his hobby of rebuilding classic sleds. He even entered a ‘71 Elan Blizzard Racer Modified in the Boonville Snowfest Vintage Sled Race this past February, although he now has a rider. “A young guy,” he says, “who’s crazy enough and still has his knees.” Although Terry’s knees are “shot” from years of competitive snowmobiling, he still enjoys taking his sled for a ride. And when he’s not working on an old sled or busy with “stress-free” jobs like sweeping the showroom floor – and especially after a good snow – you’ll find him hitting the trails.

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Photos from top to bottom: Evan’s Equipment’s first location on Main St., Remsen; Austin and Terry Evans at a Ski-Doo convention in 1972; Terry Evans during his racing years.

Above: 1971 Modified Elan Blizzard Racer Left: 1946 Ford Model #2N, originally sold by Maynard Evans

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The Music never stops:

brian premo

By John Keller Photos by Marc Goldberg

Central New York is bursting with talent.

There are a great many up-and-coming musicians that deserve to be noticed. One of these performers is Brian Premo.

Brian is a native of the Rome area. His father, Bob, along with his uncles Chuck & Stan Premo, have been keystones in the local music scene for many years. Brian has been following in their footsteps and making a broad path of his own. Since the release of his first full-length CD last year, Brian has continued to record and perform, as well as produce recordings for others. Brian’s solo work is captivating and lyrically expressive. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Brian perform over the past few years and I continue to be impressed with his comfort on stage and his presence.

I recently spoke with Brian on the various aspects of his career.

What got you started towards a career in music?

I was born into a musical family. As far back as I can remember there were always musical instruments in arm’s reach; it just felt natural to be surrounded by it. I started to actually learn music in third grade when I took up the trombone in school. In high school I joined the jazz band and learned bass guitar. After high school I joined a band called “Shade” and at that point there was no turning back. The passion and musical aspect of my life continued to grow as the years went on. It’s more than a career to me; I can’t live without it. Whether I publicly pursue it or not, music is, and always

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will be, my life.

from a few happier tunes.

Coming from such a well-known musical family, what advice or assistance have you been given?

My brother Jason was the first to really take me under his wing. When I was first learning guitar he would spend hours with me. His patience was never-ending and I will always be grateful. And my dad...the impact of my dad’s presence in my life and music can’t even be put into words. His guidance and support have been absolutely astounding. He has especially helped me out with learning the basics and ins and outs of recording. His studio is always open to me to experiment in, and he is always there to put me back on track when I get lost in there. I’m constantly borrowing gear from him, too. He and I have slightly different approaches towards music though. He is very “old school.”

His advice has always been: “Keep doing music, but don’t quit your day job.” Whereas I like to believe “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

I think it’s safe to say that a lot of his grey hairs are thanks to me.

Where do you see you and your music five years from now?

I’m not sure. It’s funny how your dreams and aspirations change as you get older. It used to be all about “getting signed,” but I’m at a place now where I just want to make ends meet writing, recording, and performing my music. I don’t need to be rich and famous. In five years, hopefully I’ll have another album or two under my belt. I would love to do a small venue tour.

We will see. One thing is certain – I will still be making music.

How would you describe your style of music?

This has always been a hard question for me to answer. It has elements of folk and pop with some adult contemporary. It’s raw and can be a little rough around the edges, but I prefer it that way. I like it to feel genuine and not over-produced. My songs tend to be a bit melancholy. I suppose my catalog would benefit

You’ve begun to record and produce other artists. Who are these artists and what started you on this sideline?

It really started at a Songwriters’ Circle at the Tramontane Cafe. That night the featured artists were Roger Smith, you (John Keller) and me. I had heard Roger in the past at open

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Who have been your biggest influences?

Damien Rice was a huge influence when I first started doing the singer-songwriter thing.

He would stand up in front of a huge crowd with just his guitar and unapologetically spill his heart out. His songs were so powerful that he didn’t need a band to get his point across.

Other artists that I find to be influential are Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams, Frank Turner, Black Lab, Dashboard Confessional, and Augustana. There are a lot of others but the list would never end.

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mics, but to sit next to him on stage while he performed his songs was really special and it moved me. After the show, I asked him if he had any recordings of his songs, and to my surprise he said, “ no.” Well, I found this to be unjust on a galactic scale, so I offered to record him in my dad’s studio. He agreed and I believe it was within a week that we recorded his “Blues” album. That experience, from start to finish, is something that I will cherish my entire life.

After we finished “Blues,” I thought to myself, “Hey, I can do this.” More importantly, I thought, “I genuinely enjoy doing this.” Roger went on to record his second album, “Rolling Away” with me as well.

Other artists I have worked in the studio are Shaye Jennings (who can make any studio sound like Abbey Road), Anthony Angiulli, AKA “The Elephant in Room,” Justin Parker, and “Indisposed,” a 2-man acoustic rock group out of Westmoreland. What I’m aiming for with the studio is recording people who can’t afford to shell out money in a higher-end studio, but still want quality recordings. I work best, but am not limited to, acoustic-oriented acts. I keep prices low, so it’s perfect for singer-songwriters, college kids or high school kids who don’t have a lot of money but want to put together a good demo or an affordable album.

This is still a work in progress, but I’m very passionate about doing it, so I see it continuing to grow in every way as time goes on.

experience, but it can also get pretty intense.

It’s a very humanizing experience.

a month, it makes a huge difference. And it’s appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

Where do you get the inspirations for your songs? What’s your songwriting process?

Honestly the songwriting process has always been pretty grueling for me. I almost feel like I have no control over the songs. They come when they want to come and I really can’t force them at all. I can go months without writing a song, then I can write two songs in a week. I’ve worked with other artists, who can write song after song. Anthony Bianco and J. Schnitt are two great examples. These guys are songwriting machines. It’s high quality stuff, too. Songwriting for me is more like an exorcism. A lot of my songs don’t come from the happiest of places. I wrestle with the emotions or issues for a while, and when the emotions and issues reach breaking point I purge a song from it and I feel temporary relief. Once that core of a song is established, then I can start to craft it a bit.

The whole experience is strange and can be pretty frustrating but I’ve learned to live with the fact that art creates itself and we, the “artists,” are actually the tools or medium that is being used to create that art. Where it all comes from, I have no idea.

Finally, what advice do you have for anyone venturing into a music career?

Quit your day job. Seriously, the music road can go in a lot of different directions, uphill, downhill, zigzags and detours. I guess what is important is that you follow your heart.

It will tell you if you are on the right path. I will say, at least from my experience, that it’s not always easy. Whether it’s writers block, or you have a gig and nobody shows, or people are there but show no sign of appreciation for what you are doing. It can hurt but that’s what they call “paying your dues.” I’ve been playing out for about 10 years now and I’m still paying my dues, and probably will be until I die. Some days it feels like a blessing and some days it feels like a curse, but if it’s your passion, it doesn’t really leave you any choice but to follow it. So if you feel that fire, go for it!

“I’m still paying my dues, and probably will be until I die.”

What do you find most fun or fascinating about recording others?

It’s interesting to see what the recording process does to the artist recording; the headspace they go to; the way that they channel their music. For example, recording Roger was on one end of the spectrum and recording The Elephant in the Room was completely on the other end. It can become an almost therapeutic

You can find Brian Premo on Facebook www.facebook.com/BrianPremoMusic

How do you view the music scene in CNY? Any recommendations for change?

This area has so much talent. I would say that we have more talent than we have venues to showcase that talent right now. I see a lot of musicians working to help each other out and that’s really cool. We have a great community for that here. I would like to see more support for the local talent. You can get 100 people on Facebook “liking” the fact that you are playing at this place or that, but if none of these people actually attend the events, the events won’t be there to be liked anymore. Local artists need you. Even if you go out to support one event

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MV People:

Time to Climb Part 1: by Ruth Ann Dandrea

It might be that the rugged terrain and spec- “The Glen.” “My father said if he ever caught tacular vistas of the Adirondacks breed a partic- me there, he’d kill me.” With a defiant smile she ular kind of person. It might be that continual remembers, “I went every chance I got.” She becontact with the wonder of outdoors, combined gan her high peaks venture in 1985 trekking up with the opportunity for solitude, simply lures Mount Marcy with her sons Mike and Steve and this type of person. But whether the Adiron- two counselors from the New England Music dacks produce Renaissance women or Renais- Camp in Maine. Sanderson had spent her sumsance women are drawn to the mountains, they mers as Head Counselor for Women at the camp are undeniably and plentifully here. Included while she was a music teacher at Poland High among their ranks is the incomparable Bonnie School. Seeing the world from the top of the Sanderson. highest mountain in the state satisfied the soul.

Early last fall, Sanderson turned seven- And Sanderson continued hiking even when her ty-five years old. This milestone was summers were filled with administrative work as reached just a couple of months principal of Hamilton Elementary School. after summitting her forty-sixth There she was invited to join expe...at sixty-two ditions of the Colgate Hiking Club, high peak. The achievement years of age... which she accepted, “just for fun.” garnered her entrance into the Sanderson decided

Then, in 1991, after a sumelite band of intrepid climbers maybe she ought mer of all work and no play, Sandwho’ve trudged their hiking “to get serious erson spotted an advertisement for boots, day packs, and wool about the High a High Peaks Traverse on the last hats up difficult trails to stand Peaks.’” weekend before Labor Day. She called, atop all of New York State’s high they had room, and off she went for four peaks – mountains with elevations in excess of 4000 feet. days with the Adirondack Club. Day one of The world must look different from up there. hiking brought them to the famed John’s Brook Accomplishment must enable one to view the Lodge. On day two, according to the chronicle panorama and see opportunity. Many of the en- in the ADK Club paper, they tackled Big Slide, tries in Sanderson’s hiking journal, no matter “a modestly challenging, shake-down hike,” on how difficult or demanding the climb, conclude, a windless, eighty-degree day. The third day, the “Already thinking about the next one.” Indeed, group split up, with Sanderson and her partner even in her small kitchen overlooking a frozen climbing Gothics, and returning via Armstrong and snow-covered Kayuta Lake, Bonnie is plan- and Upper Wolf Jaw. The last day, the group ning her climbs for the coming summer. “I want submerged themselves in the cold natural Jato do MacNaugton,” she explains, “because cuzzi along the southside trail of John’s Brook. although it was not included by the Marshall For Sanderson, according to the article, climbbrothers as one of the high peaks, it does reach ing high peaks presented “another way to enjoy the required four thousand feet in elevation.” life.” The weekend also inspired the idea of be Sanderson grew up in Chadwicks and began coming a forty-sixer. her love affair with the wild in a woods called But this idea got put on hold for the next sev-

eral years, as Sanderson moved up the administrative ranks from principal to superintendent, first in Harrisville, then in Remsen in 1994. Summers were too busy for much hiking, she remembers.

Instead she spent a vacation each year with three friends, forming a “bike quartet,” tent camping, and touring in Maine, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.

Her tenure as superintendent was not entirely without time in the mountains, though.

Struggling to make meetings meaningful and uninterrupted, Sanderson realized she needed to get her staff out of the building. So, during her first summer at Remsen, she announced that the following week’s meeting would include a hike up Black Bear Mountain. The school’s business manager arrived in dress clothes and shoes. He thought she was kidding. The story goes that on the ride north, he and the high school principal plotted which one of them would push Sanderson off the mountain top. Instead, “It was a nice meeting,” Sanderson recalls. She’d brought along lunch; the group ate, admired the view, and “made decisions together that reflected the needs and wants of the community.” Nobody was interrupted by a phone call.

It was when she retired in 1999 at sixty-two years of age, that Sanderson decided maybe she ought “to get serious about the High Peaks.”

Realizing that a day would come when she’d no longer be able to make the rigorous climbs, she began “bagging peaks,” a venture she’d previously disdained as too methodical, and she joined the Tramp and Trail Club.

And she started keeping a journal...

Continued next month.

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MV Heritage:

wind’s bakery whitesboro, ny

Driver Casey Harp in 1933 (18 years old)

A Slice of Local History Wind’s Bakery Inc. was established in New York Mills in 1893. It was started by Wybo E. Wind, who originally came to the area from the Netherlands to work in the knitting mills. The entreprenuer bought out the Barnes Bakery in New York Mills and then, four years later, he moved the business to Clinton St. in Whitesboro. Wind’s Bakery was one of the first bakeries in the area to deliver baked goods. At its height, it was among the largest bakeries in the country with a fleet of 20 trucks and 30,000 square feet of floor space. During peak periods of production they employed 60 people and supplied stores and restaurants throughout Central and Northern NY. The bakery closed in 1956.

Found inside of Wind’s Aunt Martha and Home Kind loaves of bread were promotional cards featuring artwork depicting various scenes.

With just water and a paintbrush you could color your collectible card. It was a “magic” process known as “paint without paint.”

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

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Where friends send friends!

Breakfast, Lunch, Deliveries, Take Out, Catering

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2010 Oriskany St. West Utica, NY (315) 733-0421

Carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, and vinyl

Wybo E. Wind, founder of Wind’s Bakery, died in 1947 and the business closed nine years later. People still collect items and novelties from the bakery, like brushes, advertising materials, and collectible cards.

Whitesboro Historical Society

Hours by appointment only.

Call Village Historian Judy Mallozzi at (315) 736-1613 10 Moseley St., Whitesboro, NY

Additional materials provided by Potting Shed Antiques in Whitesboro.

Overlook Mansion

315-823-1907 A Spectacular Setting

the Grapevine Healthy Gluten-free, Vegan, Halal specials, homemade soups & authentic Mediterranean cuisine

Go Green!

Go Grapevine!

B&B Weddings Meetings Special Events 55 Douglas Street, Little Falls www.overlookmansion.com

120 Genesee Street, New Hartford Shopping Center (315) 733-0257 Open Mon. 10-3, Tue - Sat: 10-9 www.grapevinenewhartford.com

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We install windows and doors for mobile homes & double wides!

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R.A. Dudrak (315) 865-8888 Rte. 365, Holland Patent

The Ilion indoor farmers market

by Cynthia Quackenbush

Farmers markets are getting a lot of well-deserved attention lately from people who want to buy local and eat healthy.

Some of us have appreciated farmers markets all along for another reason: they’re fun.

One of my all-time favorite farmers markets is the Ilion Indoor Farmers and Artisans Market at Clapsaddle Farm, 437 Otsego Street. My husband, Steven, and I have been going there since it was an outdoor market on Fridays during warm months. When it moved into the Victorian barn and opened Fridays and Satur-

days year round, we liked it even better.

The market’s Old World atmosphere starts right away with a drive over a single-lane wooden bridge. There is a separate exit and visibility is good, so there is rarely the problem of two cars in opposite directions wanting to use the bridge at once.

Parker’s Cider Mill is in a nearby building. Ooh, that’s good cider. I’m not even a big apple cider drinker and I like it.

A variety of vendors offer a wide range of goods in the farmers market.

Jewelry, antiques, wooden furniture, hand crocheted and sewn items are available, to name a few of the non-food products.

You can also purchase produce, fudge, cheese, meat, eggs and baked goods from various local suppliers. I especially like the display of jars on wooden shelves at the end of the barn. I’ve bought two kinds of pickles and one mustard so far.

I always enjoy chatting with the different vendors.

For me the biggest attraction at Clapsaddle Farm is folk artist Jim Parker, who owns the farm and runs the market. Prints, t-shirts, coffee mugs and note cards featuring his works are available. I have an Ilion t-shirt and two prints so far.

I had some note cards, but I’ve used them all. Ah, a good reason for another visit.

Jim is perhaps my favorite person to talk to at the market. We’ve talked about local history, art as therapy, and various venues where he has taught art, most notably to Amish children in the region.

The market is open Fridays from noon to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

It is well worth a visit. For more information call (315) 894-4660. Their Facebook page is: Parker’s Historic Cider Mill and Farmers Market. To learn more about folk artist Jim Parker, visit www.jimparkerartist.com/119.html.

Brenda’s Natural Foods Shop in Italy today, & cook up an Italian dinner tonight!

Rocco Gualtieri’s

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Historical Herkimer County:

portraits

by Susan R. Perkins

Henry Gillette Munger

Henry Gillette Munger (1846-1933) was born in Camden, NY. He married Ellen A. Searles (1847-1824) in 1867. Both are buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Herkimer, NY. They had five children Frances M., Elizabeth, Bertha, Fred, and Mabel.

Henry Munger and his family moved to Herkimer in 1869 where he purchased the one-room New York Store on North Main Street and opened a store there in 1869. The store moved to the Earl Block on North Main Street which doubled the space of his previous store.

The Earl Block burned on February 9, 1917 and Munger built a new store comprising a basement and two floors of selling space. He employed the first female clerk in Herkimer and was also first to train a woman as a buyer. Munger’s was such a popular department store that people from all over the Mohawk Valley came to Herkimer to shop there. You could buy your Girl Scout and Boy Scout handbooks and uniforms there. It had an elevator and pneumatic tube system to send the money up to the cashier and the office. Munger’s closed in 1977.

Munger was founder of the First National Bank of Herkimer and First National Bank of Frankfort and was a national Republican committeeman.

Munger built his Victorian Style home at 426 North Main Street in Herkimer in 1880 with three stories and 14 rooms. The architect was Albert N. Russell of Ilion, NY. The porte-cochere was later made into a sun room. The garage out back of the house has a turntable inside.

Henry G. Munger portrait (above) painted by L.S. Trimm, 1939.

For all your baking needs!

Rev. John Peter Spinner Rev. John Peter Spinner (1768-1848) born in Werbach, Germany. He was originally Catholic, but became Protestant in 1800. Rev. Spinner married Maria Magdelena Fedelis Brement Spinner (17771867), who was born in Lohr, in the kingdom of Bavaria. They were married before coming to America, arriving in New York City. He came to German Flatts in Herkimer County in 1801 to preach at the the Dutch Protestant Reformed Church of German Flatts a.k.a. the Fort Herkimer Church. He was also the pastor of the Dutch Protestant Reformed Church of Herkimer. Spinner gave his sermons in German but kept his church records in Latin. As the English speaking people started coming to the church, they insisted Spinner give his sermons in English. He would not comply, so they told him he could preach at German Flatts Church, at Fort Herkimer. They brought in Rev. James Murphey in 1836 to preach at the Herkimer church. Spinner also preached in Columbia, Warren, Indian Castle, Manheim, Schuyler and some towns in adjoining counties. He served from 1801-1848. John and Maria had nine children. Their eldest child was Francis Elias Spinner (1802-1890), who became Treasurer of the United States from 1861-1875.

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Restaurant Equipment & Supply Since 1920

703 Bleecker St, Utica, NY (315) 732-4746 M-F 8:30-5 Sat 8:30-Noon www. njflihanco.com 42

604 E. Main St. Little Falls, NY Mon-Sat 7am-5pm Breakfast from 7-11am

Call (315) 508-5192

Col. James A. Suiter

Atwell Martin painted by Swiss artist, John Karlen.

Atwell Martin Atwell Martin (ca. 1830-1889) was a trapper and guide for sportsmen around the area of Atwell, North Lake, and South Lake in the Adirondacks. “After having been disappointed in love in his early years, this occurrence soured Atwell against humanity in general and women in particular. So he endeavored to bury himself in a spot, which at the time, would be very remote and almost inaccessible, at what is now North Lake which at that time was called Lake Sophia,” taken from North Lake the Jewel of the Adirondacks, by Charles B. Sperry and Claire C. Sperry, 1981.

Atwell built a shanty at the foot of the lake.

He died penniless at the Herkimer County Poor House, age unknown.

Col. James A. Suiter (1816-1906) was born in Herkimer and was educated in common schools. He took up the trade of saddle and harness making, learning from his uncle John D. Spinner. In 1840, he went into business for himself, which lasted over fifty years. Suiter was made second lieutenant of Co. E First Regiment in the Mexican War. In April of 1861, Suiter enlisted in Co. G of the 34th Regiment, was elected Captain of the company, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. On March 20, 1862, he was commissioned as Colonel of the regiment. He led his regiments through the battle of Fair Oaks, Glendale, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and fourteen other engagements. “Old Billy,” the horse that he rode during the war survived also and returned with him to Herkimer. Suiter married Catherine Bowers and they had three children: Dr. Augustus Walter Suiter, Mary A. Suiter, and James A. Suiter. They lived on North Washington Street, which is diagonally across from the Herkimer County Correctional Facility. Dr. Suiter’s home today houses the museum and storage facility of the Herkimer County Historical Society.

Photo (above): Col. James A. Suiter and his horse “Old Billy”.

Portrait (above right ): Col. James A. Suiter Sue Perkins is the Executive Director of the Herkimer County Historical Society and historian for the town of Manheim.

The New Book

Frankfort

Available now!

Herkimer County Historical Society Open M-F, 10-4 400 North Main Street Herkimer, NY 13350

Restoring history for the past 43 years.

Subscribe!

MVL Magazine is FREE to pick up every month, but subscriptions and back issues are available.

Visit our website for more info: www.mohawkvalleyliving.com

12 Kellogg Rd., New Hartford (315) 732-7111

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GENESEE JOE’S LIVE & LOCAL:

Prime7

Over the past few months I’ve been hearing about a great jazz band playing in the area that has my old friend, and one time bandmate, Johnny Enoch in it. I knew I had to find out who and where they were playing, because I know Johnny can really do it, so this had to be a great band.

Prime7 is a band comprised of all local musicians, most born and raised here in Central NY. Their lead guitar player Rick Andrews is from Rome, NY, percussionist Wayne Mitchell Jr. is from NYC now residing in Marcy, NY. The rest of the band members, Terrence V. Thornton, keyboards; Johnny R. Enoch, bass; Malcom Parker, drums; and Saxophonist, Dion Abraham, are all from Utica, NY. This a great jazz group and these guys have not only mastered their own instruments but can even switch it up and play each other’s instruments as well.

The band cites the influences of Fred Hammond, Snarky Pup-

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py, Robert Glasper, Tye Tribbett, and locally, the one and only Dr. Michael Woods, jazz musician and Professor of Music at Hamilton College.

Band leader, Terrence finds it hard to compare the band’s sound to anybody, but does call it “a melting pot of various genres.”

The group is currently working on assembling the material for an album. When they feel they have enough they are planning to book studio time.

Terrence says the group’s goals are “To uplift someone and to put a smile on their face and to come out with an album.”

If you want to check out a really hot jazz band catch them Sunday nights at the Tramontane Cafe Open Mic night or one of their gigs at Tiny’s Grill on State St. in Utica. Find them on Facebook by searching “Prime Seven”.

Listen to Genesee Joe live on 92.7FM, The DRIVE. www.927thedrive.net

Maple Scones Scones:

recipes:

Maple Scones It seems every time I go to a farmers’ market I discover another product made from maple syrup. The latest craze seems to be maple cotton candy and lollipops. I even bought some maple pepper at Shaw’s Maple Syrup stand at the Clinton Farmers’ Market this past summer.

They encouraged me to try it, but the bottle ended up sitting in my cupboard for a couple months. Then one night we were roasting chicken for dinner and we were out of lemon pepper. “Hmmm,” I thought, “how about that maple pepper?” The aroma that was soon wafting from the oven and the savory sweet glazed chicken that followed, made me sad to think that I had waited so long to try it.

It seems the uses for maple syrup are endless. Here’s a simple scone recipe shared by Carol Shaw. I wonder what other delicious maple syrup concoctions they’ll come up with for the farmers’ markets this summer!

2 c. all-purpose flour 1 tbsp. baking powder 4 tbsp. butter 3/4 c. heavy cream 1/4 c. maple syrup

Maple Glaze:

1 c. maple syrup 1 1/2 c. confectionary sugar Preheat oven to 375 degrees. For the scones, melt butter and combine with remaining ingredients in a bowl. Mix to a light dough, approximately 2 minutes. Roll out to 1/2” thick on a generously floured board and cut into desired shape. Place on a cookie sheet and brush with 1 beaten egg.

Bake until firm – approximately 15 minutes.

Combine the glaze ingredients and mix. Glaze scones while hot.

To mix it up: add some raisins, pecans, or walnuts. Find a maple leaf cookie cutter for an extra special treat.

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MV Comics

With Rome artist & “Bob the Squirrel” creator, Frank Page!

FURNITURE a different kind of store

Entertainment Centers, Jelly Cupboards, Dining Rooms, Bedrooms, Rolltops, Curios, Amish Products, Reproductions, Lamps, Gifts & More!

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(315) 768-1857

351 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro

OPEN: M W Th Sat 10-5, Fri 10-5, Sun 12-4, Closed Tues 46

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Bicycle Parts, Accessories & Clothing Repairs on All Makes & Models of Bikes Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoes 411 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-5571 www.dickswheelshop.com

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

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White’s Farm Supply, Inc. 962 New York 12 Waterville (315) 841-4181

4154 State HWY 31 Canastota (315) 697-2214

384 Center St. Franklin (607) 829-2600

8207 New York 26 Lowville 376-0300