Mohawk Valley Living 75 December 2019

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HOLIDAYS HOME FOR THE

EXPLORING THE ARTS, HISTORY AND CULTURE OF OUR REGION

75

Victorian Yuletide:

A “Little Women” Christmas On view through December 29

DECEMBER 2019

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Saturday, December 14 | 3–7pm Join us for one of the region’s best-loved holiday traditions. Hundreds of candles adorn the grounds, free carousel rides, music, bonfires, warm wassail, savory foods, horse-drawn wagon rides, and characters from Charles Dickens’ Classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Candlelight Evening is sponsored in part by NYCM Insurance, Five Star Subaru, Community Bank, Haggerty Ace Hardware, Cathedral Candle Company, and Dyn’s Cider Mill. Free carousel rides sponsored

by Matthew Sohns and family. The event is also made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Adults (13-64):$12.00, Seniors (65+): $10.50, Juniors (7-12): $6.00.

Children (6 and younger) and Members are free.

5775 ROUTE 80, COOPERSTOWN, NY

FARMERSMUSEUM.ORG

Victorian Yuletide:

A “Little Women” Christmas On view through December 29

Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York I 315-797-0000 I mwpai.org

Next Issue:

January 1st

MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE

Available exclusively at our sponsors.

Visit our website for list of pick-up locations.

December 2019

contents 6 10 14 17 19 24 25 28 29 35 39 41 42 46 49 53 55 58 66 68 74 75 77 78

Oneida County History Center ADK Journal Grey Fox Mercantile Wanna Play? Cafe Holiday Fun Guide Breweries/Wineries Events Valley Girl MV Astronomy Club Restaurant Guide Antiques Guide Local CD Reviews MV Crossword December in Nature Local Photography On The Farm with Suzie MV Gardens & Recipes Gallery Guide MV Nature Herkimer Co. Historical Society Tales from Shawangunk, Part 63 Genesee Joe Advertiser Directory Sponsor News Contest Answers

PUBLISHERS Lance and Sharry Whitney EDITOR Sharry Whitney

Home Sweet Home

DESIGN & LAYOUT Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Malenowski

by Sharry L. Whitney

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Collea

Today a friend told me her son had recently become interested in fly fishing and she asked me for advice on where to buy him a gift. I was happy to tell her she could get him the best gear right here. I gave her the contact info for JP Ross in Whitesboro.

I remembered the company from when we featured them in the magazine in 2014 and on the show 12 years or so ago. I thought, how easy it is to shop locally if we just put in a little effort. Her son doesn’t live in the area anymore, but how impressed will he be to receive such a fine gift made in his hometown.

I do love shipping New York maple syrup from our sponsors to our relatives in California, South Carolina, and Texas. I know that sweet taste will transport them back home, back here, to our childhood tromping through the snow and tapping trees.

It makes me happy to imagine my friend’s son heading out to some remote stream somewhere to practice his newfound sport and, when the other fishermen—impressed that this neophyte has such a fine fishing rod—inevitably ask, he’ll respond, “Made in Utica, NY, of course!” •

CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Carol Higgins, Brian Howard, Suzie Jones, John Keller, Melinda Karastury, Susan Perkins, Matt Perry, 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 and television show that explore the area’s arts, culture, and heritage.

Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Mohawk Valley Living, Inc. Printed at Vicks in Yorkville, NY.

watch mvl every sunday!

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

Riggie is roaming around and hiding in the advertising areas of the magazine. Next to him you’ll find a letter. Find all the Riggies and rearrange the letters to answer this riddle. Enter by the 15th of the month to be entered in a $200 shopping spree at 1 or 2 of our advertisers! (Excluding media and banks) One entry per household per month. Mail to: Riggie’s Riddle, 30 Kellogg St., Clinton, NY 13323 or email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com NOTE: Please enter Riggie’s Riddle and crossword puzzle in separate emails.

New Hartford

It’s New Year’s Eve Where will you be?

You’ll find me On Genesee!

14 letters, 4 words (one abbreviated)

See the answer and winner to last month’s riddle on page 78

Mohawk Valley Living is brought to you by

Steet-Ponte autogroup

Turnbull

INSURANCE SERVICE

Give the Gift of Creativity!

More Classes, New Workshops 10% Off for New Students Classes Begin January 21

SCHOOL of ART

Community Classes for Adults, Teens, and Kids

315-797-8260

mwpai.org

the Oneida County History center

seymour House By brian Howard

Driving down Whitesboro Street in Utica, it’s difficult to envision the stretch between Genesee and the Memorial Auditorium as the bustling, built-up neighborhood that it once was. Today a lot of this area is green space, parking lots, or shovel-ready for development.

Looking back through the years paints a very different picture.

Whitesboro was one of the earliest streets to be established in Utica. Its genesis was as one of many Native American trails through the region that roughly paralleled the Mohawk River. Its juncture to the east with Genesee Street created a triangle of land on which the first substantial commercial development would occur in the early 1800s. The first streets to appear in the city after the native trails were ‘improved’ were here—running east to west they are Hotel, Seneca, Washington, and Broadway.

The neighborhood was a draw for Utica’s elite. Evidence for such was in the grand homes that were constructed along Whitesboro Street. One of the earliest would be home to Utica mayor, two-time New York State governor, and Democratic presidential nominee Horatio Seymour. This is the property that was 100 Whitesboro Street and its story presaged the decline of this once vibrant residential area.

What became known as the Seymour house was built in 1810. David W. Childs was a wealthy attorney who came to UticaRfrom Pittsfield, ions Massachusetts and served as the village’s eflect oonclerk.

Full Mfirst He purchased property on the northwest corner of Whitesboro rt Center and Hotel Streets and built the home with bricks

“Seymour House” was built in 1810. It would become home to Utica mayor, twotime NY State governor, and Democratic presidential nominee Horatio Seymour.

The home at 100 Whitesboro Street enveloped by a growing city.

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imported from Holland. The three-level house featured hand-hewn timbers with a kitchen and hearth in the basement. Fireplaces warmed several first and second-floor rooms. A garden that was by all accounts beautiful and impressive was located behind the house and featured several fountains and statues.

David Childs died in 1826. Accounts vary but it is thought that Horatio Seymour’s father, Henry, purchased the house around this time. Concurrently, Horatio was enrolled at the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy (Norwich University) in Vermont.

The Seymours were well-established occupants by the time the city of Utica was incorporated in 1832. An article in the July 1, 1905, Utica Observer newspaper describes the scene as an Independence Day parade formed in 1832: “The procession formed on Whitesboro Street in front of the York House, the once-famous hostelry, still standing on the north side of Whitesboro Street at the foot of Hotel Street, under the name of the Atlantic Hotel, built by the Holland Company in 1797 to accommodate the settlers, who, coming up from New York in covered wagons or in bateaux up the Mohawk, were glad to rest at least overnight in this comfortable house on their way to the western part of the state . . . Almost directly across the street Horatio Seymour, the young orator of the day was living with his father, Henry Seymour . . .”

Horatio served as mayor of Utica in 1842-43 and simultaneously represented the area in the New York

By 1910, the home that was once the residence of Utica’s Mayor Seymour was redeveloped as a commercial structure.

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Get one free!

Christmas Open House!

December 14th & 15th

Refreshments Samples-Giveaways

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7

State Assembly. It was from his Whitesboro Street home that he was elected to serve as the state’s governor twice, 1853-54 and 1863-64. But he was a lover of nature and, as such, endeavored to leave the city for the hills of Deerfield. The house he built there was his primary residence after the mid1860s, culminating with his selection as a reluctant nominee for the presidency in 1868.

The Whitesboro Street house stayed in the Seymour family into the 20th century.

By 1910 its life as a residence had ended; with its redevelopment as a commercial structure, the aforementioned garden was replaced by several industrial additions.

Longtime manufacturer Divine Brothers then used the house for administrative offices until they relocated to Seward Avenue during World War II. World-renowned fly fishing rod maker Horrocks-Ibbotsen moved in after Divine and at some point painted the house a hideous black. The Murray Warehouse Corporation then took over ownership.

In April 1980, the building’s owner, Ben Movsh, offered to give the house away to any nonprofit willing to remove the indus-

Home of Governor Horatio Seymour, circa 1910

Horatio Seymour at home

Give the gift of Comfort & Joy!

Illustration of Seymour House

Alyssa Sadallah, Executive Pastry Chef

Custom Cakes, Cookies & Gourmet Pastries

Taking holiday orders now!

Seasonal Cupcakes & Cookies, Truffles, & More!

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

Visit Our Showroom!

Give the gift of comfort!

•Carpet •Hardwood •Laminate

Route 5 , Sherrill 363-3131

large selection of recliners in stock

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

•Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Vinyl Tile

Michael SanFilippo Owner

315-733-3697 Why pay more? Come to Mike’s Floor Store!

3 Main St., Whitesboro • EMAIL: mikesfloorstore@gmail.com

trial additions and restore it for historical purposes. There were no takers. A lot was made of its tie to Horatio Seymour, but none of the building’s natural allies—the Bagg’s Square Association, the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, and our own Oneida County Historical Society—had the resources available to save the structure.

The last known occupant was Damsky Brothers Wholesale Produce; 92-year-old Sam Damsky used the building to run his business as late as February 1984. Sadly, Horatio Seymour’s family home was razed later that year.

Like so much of Whitesboro Street and the Bagg’s Square neighborhood, it now only exists in photographs. The site is now a parking lot adjacent to P.J. Green, Inc.; no marker exists to describe the amazing story of one of Utica’s most prominent and accomplished politicians. •

Oneida County History Center

1608 Genesee Street, Utica (315) 735-3642

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

Seymour House covered in vines. Despite efforts to save the historic structure, it was razed in 1984.

TIRE & TIRE REPAIR

Most Tire Brands Available

For Passenger and Light or Commercial Trucks Call for appointment recommended

Millington Ave., Poland • (315) 826-3848 Mon-Fri: 8-5, Sat: 8-Noon, Closed Sun

Always wanted to run?

Train with us and get it done!

Our new program offers a training plan, coaching, group runs, apparel, and more. Visit: www.the-sneaker-store.com/pursuit

4490 Commercial Drive, New Hartford (315) 736-9237 Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 12-5pm • www.the-sneaker-store.com

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

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All! 9

adirondack journal Atlantic Ocean Sunrise

The

Adirondack Kids Migrate South

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Story and Photos by Gary VanRiper

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

Turnbull

INSURANCE SERVICE

600 French Road, New Hartford • 315.735.9201 www.turnbull-insurance.com

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Heartsome Handicrafts

...because handcrafted is treasure.

Gift ideas created by local artisans!

Kid’s Holiday Events!

Visit our Facebook page for events

• Letters to Santa • Bake Cookies for Santa • Make Homemade Gifts

48 New Hartford Shopping Center

New Hartford • (315) 507-3020 • Mon-Sat: 10-5, Closed Sun See our craft class schedule on our Facebook page

Many readers of Mohawk Valley Living are aware that my son, Justin, and I created, write, and publish The Adirondack Kids series of children’s books. More than 150,000 copies in the series have been sold so far and we are more than excited as we are about to enter 2020. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary with the release of our 20th book in 20 years along with a special, expanded 20th-anniversary edition of The Adirondack Kids volume 1!

For several years, we have known what we hoped book twenty would be about, and for months had been reading books and articles and lining up contacts in preparation for a trip to do our “live” research. We know not only what the Adirondack Park looks like, but what it sounds like, smells like, feels like and tastes like. But in order to do the necessary research for the setting of our next story, we were about to enter what for us would be very unfamiliar territory.

Then, in early September, Hurricane Dorian suddenly disrupted and changed our initial plans, but this was nothing compared to how the hurricane radically changed the plans and very lives of hundreds of residents and business owners at what was our original

Cape Hatteras Seashore bird life

Gary photographing ghost crabs

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Our dinner menu offers fine French & American cuisine.

Experience Chef John’s artistic flair in every dish. Popular favorites remain available. For a more casual evening, try our bar menu full of flavorful options.

Located at historic Canal Place, Little Falls (315) 823-1170 Serving dinner Tues-Sat at 5pm www.canalsideinn.com

Truck Bed Covers!

2 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro • (315) 736-5851 www.boulevardtrailers.com • Mon-Wed: 9-6, Thurs: 9-5, Fri: 9-4, Sat: 9-1

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Gee Gee Rosell, owner of Buxton Village Books, had a wealth of knowledge to share and greatly helped us with our research.

Don’t Forget Our Val-U Pak Specials!

Mohawk Village Market

Gift Certificates

10% off any amount!

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

Your old-fashioned, full service butcher!

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

Serving you Monday-Saturday!

24 West Main Street, Mohawk • (315) 866-3344 12

choice of setting: Ocracoke Island of North Carolina’s Outer Banks!

With rigid deadlines for writing and illustrating the new book, we decided to set the story just north of Ocracoke on Hatteras Island. While Dorian left its mark on that island as well, there was still access. And that is where my wife, Carol, and I recently spent nine days exploring and photographing still shots and taking video footage of the landscape and seascape for references to be used later as illustrations. We also interviewed the local people (birders, fishermen, gallery and restaurant owners, a bookstore owner and an author of a children’s book series from that region, The Lighthouse Kids!).

A real highlight was being granted the opportunity to interview a number of 4th and 5th-grade students at the Cape Hatteras Elementary School. It was a lively discussion and so valuable to hear first-hand what it is like as a young person growing up on a shifting sand bar surrounded by the ocean and a sound.

So, what connects Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands of the Outer Banks in

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Shell hash

North Carolina with the kids from the Adirondacks? Well, winter is when the actual writing of our adventure stories takes place, and if all goes according to schedule, you’ll have the answer to that question by this summer when we release The Adirondack Kids #20: The Amazing Migration Vacation! • Gary VanRiper is an author, photographer, and pastor at the Camden Wesleyan Church. He has written 15 children’s books with his son, Justin.

Find out more at:

www.adirondackkids.com

Ghost Crab

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Mohawk Valley road trip

Grey Fox

FelTING Photos By Melinda Karastury

Grey Fox Mercantile is a fun little shop located at 70 Genesee St. in New Hartford. It was opened earlier this year by artist Erin Gardner in 2015.

The retail store offers felting kits and supplies, workshops, and a selection of handcrafted gifts and needle felted sculptures. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn about upcoming workshops.

Artist Erin Gardner instructs participants the art of wet felting and needle felting at her shop in New Hartford.

Grey Fox Mercantile

70 Genesee St., New Hartford Open Wed-Fri: 10-5, Sat: 10-4 (315) 525-6374 www.greyfoxfelting.com

Cutting open your wet felted “geode” reveals your colorful, unique design!

Beginner Workshop: Wet Felted Winter Geode

Saturday, December 7, 10-11:30am MWPAI Museum of Art $15 MWPAI members; $20 general public Tickets: (315) 797-0055

Children ages 5+, space is limited. No experience necessary. All materials are included, and you will leave the workshop with a beautiful geode to display in your home or on your tree.

Alana cuts her “geode” in half and removes the “resist” in the center which makes the sculpture hollow like a real geode.

Grey Fox Mercantile owner, Erin Gardner, has her felt sculptures on display in her shop .

14 14

Supplied photo

Elise Pezzulo, Alana Karastury, Melinda Karastury, and Karen Pezzulo are all newbies to the art of felting, but find the geode workshop fun and rewarding.

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27 West Main St., Little Falls, NY 13365 Ph. 315-823-1100

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Paintings, Photography, Drawings, Jewelry, Candles Fleece, Felted & Woven Garments, Knitwear, Wood Carving, Pottery, Baskets, Tinware, Lighting, Stained Glass, & much more!

Open 7 days a week at 1 College St, Clinton • (315) 853-1453 Follow us: Artisans’ Corner of Clinton, NY

Holiday Gift Baskets, Christmas Trees (Pre-Cut and U-Cut!), Wreaths, Cookie Trays, & Stocking Stuffers!

North Star Orchards Farm Market & Bakery

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

www.northstarorchards.com Follow us on social media for seasonal updates

16

Mohawk Valley road trip

THE

Wanna PLAY? CAFE

Photos By Melinda Karastury

Wanna Play? Cafe on Auert Ave. in Utica is a unique gaming cafe with a large selection of new and old board and card games with a focus on social interactions and friendly competition. They also host college night, trivia, improv game night, Scrabble tournaments, and a Wanna Play? game night. The cafe’s extensive menu features lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages, drinks, weekly specials, and vegan and gluten-free options.

Warm up with a chai tea latte with almond milk.

Tyler Benoit and Sean Robertson opened Wanna Play? Cafe in 2016.

Wanna Play? Cafe

15 Auert Ave., Utica, NY Open: Mon-Thu: 11am–9pm, Fri & Sat: 11am–11pm www.wannaplaygamecafe.com (315) 790-5966

So many board games at Wanna Play? Cafe!

A colorful salad is just one of the healthy options offered at Wann Play? Cafe in Utica.

Elise and Alana would rather play “Would You Rather.”

17

The Olde w

Kountry Market Your Source for: Gift Boxes-Shipped!

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

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

DECEMBER

HOLIDAY FUN GUIDE

A holiday favorite: Candlelight Evening at the Farmers’ Museum.

This annual event will take place Sat., December 14th, 3-7pm.

Mohawk Valley Performing Arts: The Nutcracker

Come visit with Santa!

Saturday, Dec. 7, Noon-3pm

Naturewood Knoll Tree Farm Christmas Shop

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm Sunday, Dec. 8, 2pm

2408 State Route 169, Little Falls (315) 823-1133

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

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

Naturewood Knoll

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

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

2408 St. Rt. 169, Little Falls (315) 823-1133

See Santa!

Sat., December 7, 12-3

Savor the fresh, rich flavor of hand-crafted chocolates!

Shop Local!

We are not JUST a Drapery Store.

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

Now1inGenesee the NewSt,Hartford Shopping New Hartford, NYCenter!

315-793-1994

Christmas Trees!

Displayed indoors or cut-your-own!

Fresh Wreaths Customed Designed by Order!

Mail order wreaths available!

• Custom Gift Trays • Holiday Party Trays • Chocolates for any occasion

Visit our Christmas Gift Shop

Call for special orders!

TREE FARM

11 Ellinwood Dr., The Orchard, New Hartford (315) 765-0256 • www.meyerschocolates.com Tuesday-Friday: 10-5, Saturday: 10-3

Massoud’s

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

We deliver worldwide!

Village Florals

Holiday Special!

30-50% Off Selected Items

Fresh- Arrangements, Poinsettias, Wreaths, Garlands & Swags Silk- Arrangements, Decorated Trees, Wreaths, Garlands, & Swags Plus New Fashion Accessories, Bath, Body & Home Decor!

Skinny & Company products available

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

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

Unique Garden Gift Shop!

Fresh-Cut Trees/Live Wreaths Holiday Centerpieces Kissing Balls & more!

8442 St. Hwy 28, Richfield Springs www.melindasgardenbarn.com

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Masterworks Chorale with Symphoria Winter Concert Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7:30pm

Wellin Hall, Schambach Center

Christmas in Little Falls • Saturday, December 14h

Historical tours, free horse and carriage rides, visit with Santa Claus, caroling, indoor farmers’ market and an artisans’ fair.

City of Little Falls • www.christmasinlittlefalls.com

Hamilton College, Clinton • www.hamiltonpa.org

Annual Service of Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 8, 4pm

The Hamilton College Choir continues a holiday tradition by performing at the Annual Service of Lessons and Carols.

Hamilton College Chapel

Winter Ensemble Concerts

Presenting World-Class Music, Theater, & Dance!

A full schedule of year-end concerts featuring the Hamilton College Choir and College Hill Singers, Hamilton College Orchestra, Hamilton College Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, and Student Soloists.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 9pm: “Doc” Woods leads the Hamilton College Jazz Ensemble, Café Opus.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm: The Chamber Ensembles annual musical tour of the Schambach Center Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:30pm: Hamilton College Choir and College Hill Singers perform under direction of Danan Tsan Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm: Ubaldo Valli conducts the Hamilton College Orchestra Saturday, Dec. 14, 6pm: Student Soloists Concert All events are free and open to the public and are in Wellin Hall, Schambach Center, unless otherwise noted.

Box Office information and tickets

(315) 859-4331

www.hamilton.edu/college/performingarts

Victorian Yuletide: A Little Women Christmas Through December 29, 2019 Charity and spending time with family are at the root of Christmas celebrations in Alcott’s beloved coming-of-age novel, Little Women, and is this year’s focus of this year’s Victorian Yuletide.

Fountain Elms

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

Candlelight Evening The Farmers’ Museum Saturday, December 14, 3-7pm

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

Holiday Cabaret

Saturday, December 21, 7:30pm

The Farmers’ Museum

Tickets $15 online at: www.playersofutica.org

5775 Highway 80, Cooperstown www.farmersmuseum.org

Players of Utica

1108 State Street Utica • (315) 724-7624 • www.playersofutica.org

Victorian Christmas Open House

Holiday Hoot at the Utica Zoo

Sun., December 8, 1-4pm,

Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-3pm

Tour the festively adorned historical society decorated by Blooms and Blossoms, Green Thumb Garden Club, Sherrill Garden Club and Madison County Historical Society Volunteers. Come enjoy holiday music from area musicians and groups. Free and open to the public.

Bring the whole family for a day full of holiday fun! Get your photo with Santa, enjoy a hot cocoa bar with cookies and candy canes, make a holiday ornament, write a letter to Santa, animal meet and greets, as well as treats and gifts for sale to benefit the Zoo.

Madison County Historical Society

Utica Zoo

435 Main Street, Oneida www.mchs1900.org

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

Dashing Through the Snow, Ilion Little Theatre

Mohawk Valley Choral Society: The Many Moods of Christmas

Fri. and Sat., Dec 6 and 7 at 7:30pm and Sundays, Dec. 1 and 8 at 2pm

Sun., December 15, 7:30pm

It’s four days before Christmas in the tiny town of Tinsel, Texas, and a colorful parade of eccentric guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn and deck the halls with holiday hilarity.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church 2222 Genesee St, Utica www.mvchoral.org

Ilion Little Theatre

13 Remington Ave., Ilion www.ilionlittletheatre.org (315) 894-3203

urbanik’s paint co.

See us in our new location!

Best Paint! Best Prices!

Best Service!

1420 Oriskany St., Utica • (315) 724-5129 Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm, Sat: 8am-1pm • www.urbanikspaintco.com

Children’s Bookstore

Visit our Facebook page for our daily Advent Specials!

Books mak great gifts!e

The handyman’s choice since 1948

Lumber • Doors • Windows • Mason’s Supplies Roofing • Insulation • Treated Lumber Mon: 10-2, Tues-Fri: 10-7, Sat: 10-4

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

(315) 896-2631 Vanderkemp Ave., Barneveld

Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5pm, Sat: 7:30am-Noon

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Utica Dance presents The Nutcracker Ballet

Gingerbread Houses

Friday, December 13, 7pm Saturday, December 14, 2pm & 7pm Sunday December 15, 2pm

Build your own Gingerbread House to take home. Space for this program is limited. Please register online or call.

Ages: 5 - 12

MVCC Utica Campus

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

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Tour Thursday, December 12, 7:30pm

The first time this show has ever been to Utica.

American neoclassical music group that blends classical elements with new-age and rock.

Stanley Theater

261 Genesee St., Utica www.thestanley.org • (315) 724-4000

Ben & Judy’s

Sugarhouse

Mon., December 16, 6:30pm,

Candy Sleigh Craft Tues., December 17, 4:30pm

Create a sled to enjoy. Please register for this event. Ages 11-15

Utica Public Library

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

Pure maple products.

We can ship anywhere!

Call (315) 899-5864 to purchase products or schedule a tour!

Christmas Open House!

• Refreshments!

• Samples!

• 5% OFF when you mention this ad!

You shop, we’ll ship!

Sat & Sun, December 7th & 8th Sat & Sun, December 14th & 15th

Friday, December 13 7:00 PM

Sarkus-Busch Theater Free and open to the public.

(Saturday 9-4, Sunday 12-4)

Open all remaining Saturdays ‘til Christmas

Also available at: Peter’s Cornucopia, Twin Orchards, and Stoltzfus Family Dairy 22 38

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

Celebrate the season with traditional holiday music

as performed by the String Orchestra of New York City.

SONYC, founded in 1999, comprises some of this nation’s extraordinary string players in a critically acclaimed tour de force ensemble.

LOCAL CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS Buttenschon Christmas Tree Farm, 9663 Luke Rd., Marcy • (315) 865-4849 Candella’s, 9256 River Road, Marcy • (315) 736-8782

Please call to confirm hours and availability.

Massoud’s Tree Farm, 9716 Roberta Road, Sauquoit • (315) 228-8296 Naturewood Knoll Tree Farm - 2408 State Rt. 169, Little Falls • (315) 823-1133

Country Roads Tree Farm, 9647 Taberg-Florence Road, Taberg • (315) 336-0477

North Star Orchards, 4741 State Rte 233, Westmoreland • (315) 853-1024

Douglas Tree Farm, 7885 Postal Road, Oriskany • (315) 737-5032

Pumpkin Trees, 6247 Wilson Road, Vernon Center • (315) 404-3562

Evergreen Acres, Fairway Lane, Sauquoit • (315) 768-7579

The Ransom’s Tree Farm, 9821 State Rte 365, Holland Patent • (315) 865-5069

Henderberg’s Tree Farm, 6579 Henderberg Rd. South, Rome • (315) 737-5032

Shuster Tree Farm, 4535 Senn Road, Rome • (315) 709-9357

Keith Tree Farm, 9382 Keith Road, N. Brookfield • (315) 228-8296

Trenton Trees, 8982 Trenton Falls-Prospect Road, Remsen • (315) 896-4264

Litchfield Christmas Tree Farm, 590 Silver St., Ilion • (315) 894-1347

Toy Shop

Art & Gift Gallery & The Photo Shoppe

Because Play Matters

Enroll in Leap’s Rewards Program for special holiday discounts!

Specialty

Toys

*MVL Select Tree Farm!

Events

20 additional Artisans!

Gifts, Art Work, Jewelry, Knit Items, Handmade Ornaments, Collectibles, Antiques & more!

8584 Turin Rd., Rome • (315) 338-5712 Holiday Hours Mon-Sat 10-5, Sunday 11-2

See facebook for schedule

DECEMBER EVENTS!

• Polar Express: Dec. 13, 6:30pm • Paint n’ Sip Juice: Dec. 15, 1-2:30pm • Letters to Santa: until Dec. 19 • Gift Making Workshop: Every Sat. 10am-7pm

Our Facebook page has the details

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

• Maple Syrup & Honey • Garland

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees!

Balsam Fir Fraser

36 New Hartford Shopping Center

Candella’s

Mon-Sat 10-8pm, Sun 12-4pm • www.ladyandleap.com

9256 River Road, Marcy (315) 736-8782

315.758.1652 or 877.721.PLAY

farm and GREENHOUSES OPEN DAILY, including sunday

What’s on tap

at local Breweries & Wineries Brimfield Winery

8300 Brimfield St., Clinton • (315) 853-8175 www.brimfieldfarmwinery.com

Closed for the season. See you in the spring!

288 Goose St, Fly Creek (607) 547-9692 • www.flycreekcidermill.com

Weekends through Dec. 22, 10am-4pm: Wassailing Weekends featuring the traditional cider-based holiday drink 720 Varick Street, Utica • (315) 793-7593 www.nailcreekpub.com

Saturday, December 14, 12pm: SantaCon Utica

Sunday, December 29, 2-5pm:

Grainger

Sunday, December 1, 2-5pm: Matt

December 30 - January 7: - Closed Reopen: Wednesday, January 8th

Sunday, December 8, 2-5pm: Max

Woodland Farm Brewery

400 Academy St., Prospect • (315) 205-4045 www.prospectfallswinery.com

Scialdone

Thursday, December 12, 6-9pm: Sip and Paint, register with thethirstypainters.com

Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard

Nail Creek Pub & Brewery

Prospect Falls Winery

Customer Appreciation Day, music by the Cathie Timian Trio

6002 Trenton Rd, Utica • (315) 864-3051 www.woodlandbeer.com

Sunday, December 1, 2-5pm: Nick

& Jay

Friday, December 13, 6-9pm: Open Tuesday, December 3, 5-8pm: Ned Mic, register with cathie@timianhome. Campbell com Sunday, December 8, 2-5pm: Wild Wool Sunday, December 15, 2-5pm: Frank Diskin Tuesday, December 10, 5-8pm: Saturday, December 21, 2-5: The

Vada March

December 23-25 - Closed

Common Roots

Cathie Timian Trio

Friday, December 27, 6-9pm:

Open Mic, register with cathie@timianhome.com

Friday, December 13, 7-10pm: Our Sunday, December 15, 2-5pm: Pocket Change

Tuesday, December 17, 5-8pm: Taryn Suprenant

A

LIQUORS & WINES

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Local wine, gifts, and more!

400 Academy Street Prospect, NY 13435

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Wed-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6

Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

315-205-4045

HALF & FULL CASE DISCOUNTS

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

8231 State Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-4444

Wine & Spirits Ilion

FAMOUS Liquor & Wine Offering Holiday Discounts!

Wine, Liquors, Champagne, Cordials & More!

Stock up for the Holidays!

1 New Hartford Shopping Center #46 New Hartford (315) 507-4060

Mon: 11-7, Tues-Fri: 10-8, Sat: 10-9, Sun Noon-5

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We do Birthday Parties!

Open Bowling Daily!

STATE BOWL

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

Add some holiday spirit with local handcrafted spirits!

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

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

The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl

Kayla Marie Creations in mohawk

by Cynthia Quackenbush

I found the cutest place to do a lot of my Christmas shopping.

I can’t take credit for finding it, though. Sharry Whitney emailed me, suggesting Kayla Marie Creations as a place to write about.

Was she ever right! The only problem is, I was so busy shopping, I forgot I was on assignment!

Full disclosure: I have been down with a sinus infection and did not get to the place until scandalously close to deadline. In fact, if my deadline had not loomed, I may not have gotten there yet. However, I was determined not to miss the December issue to tell people about this wonderful spot!

I had consulted the Facebook page and knew it was on Route 5S in Mohawk. Leaving work one Tuesday, feeling like crap, I said to myself, “Just see where it is.” Of course, I drove by and had to turn around (I am pretty much incapable of finding a place on the first try). I went ahead and stopped in and met Kayla Marie. What a nice lady! I was thoroughly enchanted with the store and promised to return.

I did two days later, with my husband Steven graciously accompanying me. The store smelled as good as I remembered (my sinus infection did not completely impair my sense of smell), and I saw even more wonderful items. The smell was from a pine candle on a candle warmer, and Kayla had mentioned that there was always something new.

On my first visit, I had particularly admired a wooden sign reading, “JOY” with a wreath for the “O”. They told me it was teak, a premium wood. On the second visit, in that space was a sign with a pick-up truck carrying a tree, reading, “Have Yourself

Kayla Marie Creations in Mohawk is a fun place the check off some items on your shopping list.

All the items at Kayla Marie Creations are hand-painted or stamped in their woodshop.

Quality. Experience. Inspiration.

• Kiln Dried Hardwoods and Softwoods • Hardwood and Pine flooring • Mouldings • Wall Coverings Phone: 607-286-9201 Follow us on facebook www.wightmanspecialtywoods.com Wightman Specialty Woods • Siding Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm Sale! 6” & 8” Hemlock Sat: 8:00am - 12:00pm boards now 10% off 146 County Highway 35a

Now Buying Hardwood Logs

Portlandville, NY 13834

25

a Merry Little Christmas.” Kayla told me it was reclaimed pallet wood. I never would have known that. I just love to do my best to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

I learned that they have a woodshop out back, and all the signs are hand-painted. Everything: koozies, wine bags, glasses, mugs, are hand-painted or stamped. There is a wonderful variety of pictures and sayings, profound, humorous or both.

Kayla said, “A lot of my signs that I make for the shop to sell are typically a reflection of what is going on in my life at the time.

This is why you will see a lot of family and motivational signs as that is what gets me through my days and inspires me.”

One of my favorites was the wine bag reading, “The tree isn’t the only thing getting lit,” but I also liked the one warning that contents may increase chances of getting on the Naughty List.

Luckily, I have more than one wine lover on my Christmas list.

Speaking of Naughty Lists, I also liked a picture of Santa holding a Nice List that you could have customized with your children’s names. You could also change it to a Naughty List, which I believe would be more appropriate for my own family.

Custom designs of all sorts are available.

I was naturally more interested in Christmas designs this time of year, but the shop features year-round beauty. I was very interested in a rack of handmade earrings. The designs were large but lightweight. Perfect! I pointed out my favorites to Steven since I also had a birthday coming up.

As I tried to mentally make the Christmas list I should have written down before shopping, Steven picked up a lovely picture of a gnome and said, “I want this.” I loved it too. Kayla said her mother had made it. There were other adorable gnomes, but we liked the one Steven picked best. I also picked up… something

Located in Munnsville, Custom Woodcraft has been handcrafting wood furniture and designing beautiful cabinetry since 1979.

You’re not just buying cabinets, you’re investing in a tradition.

Custom Woodcraft Quality Cabinetry & Furniture Crafted exclusively for you 2509 Perry Shumaker Road Munnsville (315) 843-4234

1-800-843-3202 26

Fun hand-painted and hand-stamped gifts for every taste are available at Kayla Marie Creations.

Owner and creator, Kayla Marie Elthorp.

Asthma?

Allergies? Pets?

We can help!

Rainbow

Sales • Service • Supplies 4299 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford • (315) 525-7232

for… someone on my list (well, I can’t very well say what it is, can I? This issue will come out Dec. 1, and my family reads it!). Steven also wanted a koozie that read, “Drink up, Grinch!”

Koozies were $5 each or 2 for $8, so, of course, I had to pick one out too. After debating between one that would fit a bottle and one for a can, I went with the can. It read, “Bottoms up!” and showed Santa’s feet sticking out of a chimney. Tee hee!

The shop is owned by Kayla Marie Elthorp. It is a 100% woman-owned small business. She opened the store in May 2019, after being in business for four years selling at craft shows. She still does craft shows, making her booth look as much like the store as possible. The store was previously an insurance office and an apartment. It is now redone with beautiful woodwork and a distinctive metal ceiling. The ceiling came from a whiskey barrel storage facility. The wood is all locally sourced. Shopping local is very important to Kayla. As it is to Mohawk Valley Girl! Now I have another wonderful local place to shop.

You can check out photographs of many of her beautiful designs on the Facebook page. But don’t neglect to go check it out in person! Tell her Mohawk Valley Girl sent you. •

Kayla Marie Creations

262 State Route 5s, Mohawk (315) 360-0058 Open: Tues, Wed, Fri: 10-5, Thurs: 10-7, Sat: 9-Noon

Whether on the “naughty” or “nice” list, you’ll find something for everyone at Kayla Marie Creations.

Available in December...

Shop USA Made, Artisan Made, Shop Shop Local, Shop...

Fantastic Apples!

Including Honey Crisp, Empire, MacIntosh, Macoun, Jonagold, and many more. Also Pears, Butternut Squash, Potatoes and Cabbage.

Local maple syrup, honey, and Adirondack cheese!

Also Cider Donuts and Refreshing Apple Cider!

Fresh Sweet Apple Cider!

Try our Cider Slushies!

Family Owned for 70 Years 4695 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY (315) 736-5883 Open Daily 9-6, Sunday 10-5

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www.thevillagecrossing.com Tues-Fri: 11am-5pm, Sat: 11am-4pm 11 W. Park Row, Clinton (315) 853-5299

Mohawk valley astronomical society

the wandering north star by carol higgins

Constellations are familiar patterns of stars, and many have been documented for thousands of years. Eighty-eight constellations are recognized by the International Astronomical Union, covering the northern and southern hemispheres. Five are visible all year long from the Mohawk Valley, while others make their way across the sky as the seasons change. Of those five, one is quite special because it is the home of a well-known and important star.

The constellation is Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper) and the star is Polaris, the North Star.

The technical name of Polaris is Alpha Ursae Minoris. It is the brightest star in the constellation and is the end star in the handle of the Little Dipper. But Polaris isn’t just another star, it plays several important roles. It has been used by sailors for hundreds of years to navigate the seas, by astronomers while setting up their telescopes, and is the target for research because for some reason it does not behave like other stars in its classification category.

You have probably noticed that stars move across the sky at night. But did you know that Polaris doesn’t move? Since the Earth spins and its axis is pointed to Polaris, over the course of a night all other stars appear to rotate in a circle around it.

To check this yourself, here’s a fun experiment. In a dark location away from city lights, point your camera at Polaris and

open the shutter to take a long exposure.

Star trails over Barton-Brown Observatory, Waterville After about 30 minutes take a look at your Image credit: Charles Higgins picture and you will see that Polaris has stayed in place but the stars have created streaks. They are known as “star trails”, mented over thousands of years. Instead, it and the inset photo shows an example of is brighter than expected and so far no one star trails centered over Barton-Brown Obknows why. But wait, there’s more! servatory in Waterville taken over a period Hanny’s Voorwerp.

Image Credit:Polaris NASA, ESA, Keel, Galaxy ZooNorth Team Although is W. currently our of one hour.

Star, it will not stay that way forever.

If you stand on Earth’s north pole, PoAbout 4,000 years ago when the Egyplaris will be directly over your head. As tians were building pyramids, Thuban in you travel south toward the equator, the the constellation Draco was the North Star. star is located at an angle from the horizon In roughly 13,000 years, the star Vega will that exactly matches your latitude. That is have the honor. The reason the designation how Polaris is used for navigation. Some wanders over time is due to the pull of the telescopes can track objects in the night Sun and Moon on our planet. They subtly sky. Astronomers align those telescopes to cause our planet’s axis to change, a process point to Polaris, which will compensate for called precession that completes one cycle the constant spinning of the Earth. every 26,000 years. We won’t notice any Like many objects, Polaris has dedifference for centuries, so no need to relivered surprises over the years. In 1780, write astronomy books just yet. But don’t astronomer William Herschel discovered worry, in another 26,000 years, Polaris will that Polaris has a close companion star. return as the North Star.

However, it wasn’t until 2006 that we got Wishing you clear skies! • our first look at all three members of this triple star system thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope. Another surprise relates Join MVAS from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM to its brightness. It is a Cepheid variable star going through a dim-to-bright cycle on Saturday, December 28 for an every four days. That cycle is a reliable evening of stargazing at Barton-Brown trait of these types of stars (although the Observatory, 206 White St., Waterville number of days can be different), but Polaris isn’t following the traditional rules The event is free. based on an analysis of observations docu-

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GOODSELL MUSEUM Mills Electrical Supply Local Adirondack History Over 50 Years in Business Your Headquarters for All Your Electrical & Lighting Needs!

• Electrical Supplies • Indoor/Outdoor Lighting • Commerical and Residential • New Contractors Welcome

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

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

FREE TO THE PUBLIC Museum Hours:

Tues – Sat, 10AM Museum Hours:– 3 PM

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

28

BARNEVELD

alder creek

the mvl

restaurant

guide

Michael’s

Alder Creek Inne

HOME STYLE COOKING

•Daily breakfast

Serving Lunch and Dinner Eat In or Take Out

Friday Fish Fry!

& luncheon specials •Ask about our family bowling special!

Welcome Snowmobilers!

Where the 3 Trails Meet Rooms are Available

11573 Rt. 12, Alder Creek • (315) 942-2200

8125 Rt.12, Barneveld, NY

Wed - Sat: 12-9, Sun 12-8, Closed Mon-Tues

(315) 896-2871 Open early every day!

*Quick Draw now available!

BOUCKVILLE

cassville “Home cookin’ at it’s finest!”

S’mores waffles at Suzi’e Place!

Closed Nov. 10Dec. 5

n Ope for r! ne Din

Friday Fish Fry: 11:30am-8pm

Serving breakfast and lunch daily

1/2 lb.

Juicy Angus Burgers!

Specialty Sundaes!

Variety of soft serve ice cream flavors, milk shake flavors, & parfaits!

& Ice Cream Too!

6798 State Rt. 20, Bouckville

1717 Route 8, Cassville (315) 839-5000

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

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

CLINTON 1

#

Primo Pizza at the Kettle

Where good friends Meet to Eat! Enjoy breakfast or a quick lunch!

8170 Seneca Tpke., Clinton (315) 732-3631 Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat & Sun 6am-1pm

Clinton

ALE HOUSE

Family owned & family friendly!

Casual dining - Lunch & Dinner

Featuring NY State craft breweries & full bar (Utica Comets games live streamed!)

Live entertainment every Friday! • Wed. Trivia Nights!

43 Meadow Street, Clinton (315) 381-3021 Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri: 11-1am, Sat & Sun: Noon-1am, closed Tues.

315-381-3231

The Most Unique Upside Down Pizza You Ever Tasted!

y Place Holid! a Orders

to Pie Rolls & Tomahrs. (need 24 notice)

Weekday Specials Tues- 20” X-Large Cheese Pizza . . . $10.95 Wed- Small Cheese Pizza & 20 Wings . . $16.95 Thurs- 2 Large Cheese Pizzas . . . $17.95 (plus tax / toppings extra)

Every Day Specials

Specialty Rolls

S a u s a g e . . . . . . . . $10.95 S p i n a c h . . . . . . . . $10.95 A n t i p a s t o . . . . . . $12.50 Sausage & Greens . . . $13.50 S t r o m b o l i . . . . . . $10.95

Large Cheese & 20 wings . . . . $22.95 Large Cheese & 30 wings . . . . $30.95 (plus tax. celery, blue cheese, toppings extra)

Holiday Hours!

Mon., December 23, 1-7pm Christmas Eve until 4pm New Year’s Eve until 8:30pm

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

7756 Route 5, Clinton Located next door to Spaghetti Kettle www.primopizzeria1.com 29

clinton

9 West Park Row, Clinton 315.853.3052 Nolasinclinton.com MVL Ad_Layout 1 7/8/15 3:05 PM Page 1

Looking for an excuse to go out? Look no further than Nola’s in Clinton with specials like this Seared Scallops with Rosemary Gnocchi and Sautéed. Spinach, Butternut Squash Puree, Medjool Dates, Pumpkin Seeds and Roasted Pearl Onions in a Sherry Balsamic Gastrique.

Herkimer

cold brook

RESTAURANT & BAR Casual American Cuisine

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

Mon. 4 - 9pm • Tues.

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

Life is Good at The Ohio Tavern!

good food, good wine, good friends, good times

123 Mohawk St., Herkimer • 866-1746

www.jamosrestaurantandbar.com • Open 7 days a week! 11am-9pm

LEE CENTER r Book you rty a p y a d holi today!

229 (315) 533-7

Catering Banquets & too!

Let it snow!

We're located right on the C-4 snowmobile trail!

Saturday night is Prime Rib Night at Gone Coastal!

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

5345 Lee Center-Taberg Rd., Lee Center

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

little falls

The

Open Daily 7am-3pm

Want a great breakfast or lunch at a great price? Do like Little Falls people do and visit Ann Street!

823-3290

Breakfast, Lunch, Homemade Soups & Sandwiches and our delicious Desserts Including our Famous Cream Puffs!

Canal Place, Little Falls Next to Showcase Antiques

Cafe at Stone Mill

Sit & enjoy a view of the Mohawk River!

Coffee, lattes & teas Desserts & baked goods Ice cream, milkshakes & floats Soups, sandwiches, salads & kids menu (our menu changes weekly)

410 Canal Place, Little Falls

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Open Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat: 10-5; Thurs & Fri: 10-7; Closed Sun

iendly d gluten fr Vegan an Yes, please!

muffins?

LITTLE FALLS

MADISON in a historic hotel and former stagecoach g stopp at the Hotel Solsville Dining Room -- Dining RoomOpen: Open: Fri & Sat 4-9 Lounge Fri - Menu Sat 4-9pm and in our Loun nge Full Available!

Full Menu Available!

- Open for Lunch-Tavern Menu Menu -7Open Lunch from -Tavern Daysfor a Week 11am 11am 7 Days a Week -- Country Style from Dining Dining Country Style -- Comfort Food Special

Your Hosts: The Dixon Family since 1992

Special ComfortFish FoodFry -- Friday

-- Saturday Prime Rib Fry Friday FishNight Buffet & Full Menu

- Saturday Night Prime Rib Buffet

Check our Facebook page for entertainment schedule!

7243 Valley Rd Madison · 893–7698

www.hotelsolsville.com

MARCY

C

Our dinner menu offers fine French & American cuisine.

Experience Chef John’s artistic flair in every dish. Popular favorites remain available. For a more casual evening, try our bar menu full of flavorful options.

Located at historic Canal Place, Little Falls (315) 823-1170 Serving dinner Tues-Sat at 5pm www.canalsideinn.com

NEW HARTFORD

Homemade comfort foods Full menu available til 2am!

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

Call us today for your Holiday Party Catering!

9663 River Rd., Marcy

Order your Christmas Cookie Trays now!

Take Out & Delivery!

315-797-7709

Fresh Haddock Giambotta Mushroom Stew Chicken & Biscuits Meatloaf Goulash & More!

Mon-Thu 6am-2pm, Fri 6am-7pm, Sat 6am-1pm, Sun 7am-1pm

Fish Fry Central

Beer battered or hand breaded, Riverside Diner has your Catch of the Day!

Also booking Holiday Office Happy Hours!

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

Enjoy the Phonecian’s lunch buffet & salad bar, Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2pm and Wednesday night dinner buffet, 4:30-8:30pm

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

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

623 French Road, New Hartford (315) 733-2709 31

new hartford

ROME

Brenda’s Natural Foods Something Good & a Lot of It! www.brendasnaturalfoods.com

“We are your home town pizzeria!”

Natural Food Cafe! past 5 years!

Voted #1 pizza for

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

Featuring: Gluten-free options & homemade soups!

Natural Groceries • Supplements • Local Foods Organic Produce & Plants

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

Weekend Specials!

Haddock Specials

Prime Rib Every Sat. Night!

Gluten Free Menu!

Wood Fired za!

Brick Oven Piz

Authentic Homemade Pasta Available!

5 Signature Sauces To Create Your Own Entree!

(315) 33PIZZA

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

DiCastro’s BRICK OVEN

salisbury

The Country Store with More!

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

Gif� Certificate� Availabl�!

8524 Fish Hatchery Road | Rome, NY 13440 315-533-7710 | www.DeltaLakeInn.com

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

Serving fresh & homemade breakfast and lunch

Welcome new advertiser Jenny’s Diner in Utica!

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703 Varick Street, Utica (315) 507-4272

32

Mon-Fri: 5am-11am, Sat: 7am-11am, Closed Sun

We’re toasted!

A cafe with outta the way options!

814 Charlotte St., Utica • (315) 733-5060 • Mon-Fri: 7-3, Sat: 8-2, Sun closed

Noyes Street Cafe Serving Breakfast & Lunch

Casual American Fare

Daily Specials

Chili Dogs Hamburgers, BBQ Shakes & More!

• $2 Coffee & Donut • 2 for $5 Hamburgers or Chicken Sandwiches • $10.99 - Fish Fry

Fish Frys on Wed, Thurs & Fri!

900 Noyes St., Utica • (315) 723-7437

1401 Oriskany St. West, Utica

Mon-Fri: 9-3

Eat in or Take out

(315) 724-0136 • Mon-Sat: 11am-8pm

Taking Holiday Orders!

Serving Breakfast Daily until 12:30pm (Sundays ‘til noon)

1256 Albany St., Utica • 315-790-5200 Wed-Sun: 7am-2pm

~Merry Christmas~

Please Place Christmas Orders By December 16th!!

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

Open: Monday-Friday: 9-2 185 Genesee St., 2nd Floor, Utica

315 735-7676

Friday Fish Fry • Breakfast Served All Day

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

Our Handmade Italian Christmas Specialties: Assorted Cookies, Struffoli, Pitta 'nchiusa And More; Including Gluten Free Cookie Options!!

Shop In Store For Our Line Of Pasta, Sauces, Starters And Ready To Cook Meals!!

Contact Us For All Of Your Ordering Needs: Greens, Eggplant “Parm”, Meatballs, Rolls And Our Christmas Specials; Including Lasagna, Stuffed Calamari And More!!

Look For Our Expanded Christmas Hours!!

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Open Monday -Through- Friday 8:00AM -To- 4:00PM

33

Utica

one y r e v e t f The gi o return! loves t Breakfast & Lunch Catering Available

Breakfast Sandwiches Deli-Style Wraps/Sandwiches Salads, Soups & more!

Homemade Baked Goods & Multi-Color Bagels - a kid’s favorite!

Free Delivery(min. $20) • Family Owned & Operated!

219 N. Genesee St., Utica

(315) 790-5353 • M-F: 6-4; Sat: 7-3; Sun: 7-2

Contemporary American • Private Functions • Reservations Recommended

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

West Winfield

Vernon

American & Italian Cuisine Serving Lunch & Dinner

THE

The “Jake Break” burger at The Black Stallion

Burger surrounded by long hots, bacon, bleu cheese, gouda mac and cheese bites, lettuce, tomato, and greens!

BLACK STALLION

Call for your Xmas celebration reservations or catering needs!

5656 Route 5, Vernon • (315) 829-2203

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

Whitesboro

Enjoy Southern Style BBQ in the rustic charm of a renovated grain mill!

• Monday night 60¢ wings • Friday night $18 brisket special • Sundays opening at noon for lunch

121 South St., West Winfield

(315) 822-5349 Sun: Noon-8, Mon: 4-9pm, Thurs-Sat: 4-11pm, Closed Tues & Wed

Yorkville

Serving Lunch & Dinner Lunches Served Fri, Sat & Sun Happy Hour Daily 4-7, $2.50 Drafts & $2.75 Well Mixers Tues: $9.99 Prime Rib & $2.99 All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti Open Wed: $7.99 Pasta Specials, 10 Boneless Wings $6.00 New Year’s Eve! Thurs: $15.99 All-U-Can-Eat Chicken Riggies Dinner at 3:30 Taking reservations now Sun: .60c Wings at bar

Buy a 25$ Gift Certificate & Get a 5$ Bonus Gift!

409 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro • (315) 736-7869 34

CLEAVER’S BBQ

Catering & Banquet Facilities Available • www.69steakhouse.com

KARAM’S Middle Eastern Bakery & Restaurant

Traditional Lebanese fare for breakfast & lunch!

Middle Eastern Specials and Groceries Pita and Flat Bread • Spinach & Meat Pies • Baklawa

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

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

mv living

antique shopping guide Little Falls

christmas in little falls december 14th!

Fort Plain

SHOWCASE

Antiques of CNY Little Falls Mohawk

Antique Center

MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL

Celebrating 21 years in business!

Attic Addicts The Queen’s Closet

Pristine, Practical, and Priced Right!

Specializing in estate sales, large and small.

Conducted with respect and dignity.

We take the pressure out of estate liquidation, moving, or downsizing.

Call for a consultation:

(315) 736-9160

Consignment at its Finest!

Clothing Jewelry Household Items Furniture

Black Cat ANTIQUES & GIFTS A little bit country, a little bit primitive!

Your destination for furniture, hand stenciled signs, vintage clothing, warm glow candles, silk arrangements & more!

Multi Dealer Antique Shop

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

Primitives • Furniture • Artwork Smalls • Antique Accessories

New consignment by appointment only

22 Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville (315) 736-9160 Facebook: The Queens Closet & Attic Addicts

14 East Main St. Earlville (315) 691-5721

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

Wed-Sat: 10-4, Sun: 11-3 • (315) 264-1755

4803 Rt. 31, Vernon

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Visit a simpler time during the Christmas at the Barn Open House at Butternut Barn Dec. 7 & 8!

Dawn Marie’s Treasures Canal House Antiques Hazel Mae’s Multi-Dealer Shop Specializing in antique furniture, glassware, jewelry, books, linens, and so much more.

Located in Canal House Antiques Rug Hooking • Punch Needle Wool • Supplies • Classes

6737 Route 20, Bouckville (315) 893-7737

Merry Christmas!

Vintage & New Gifts

13 College St., Clinton

(315) 796-9099 • Hours: Mon-Fri 11-7, Sat 10-5

New Location! Now at 13 College St.! (next to Cremeria)

Give a unique treasure as a gift this holiday season!

Adding new items weekly. Also offering homemade local gifts.

Christmas items available at both locations: 13 College St. & Johnny Appleseeds. Gift cards also available!

Follow us on Facebook!

Open Thurs-Sun 10-4, Closed Mon-Wed

Fort Plain Antiques & Salvage

LLC

Attention Shoppers!

Friday Thru Ja Black n1

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Holiday Sale

REGULAR SHOP HOURS: Tues - Sat — 10 - 5 Also by Appointment Closed Sun and Mon

We have Extended Hours for the Holiday!!

Sunday, Dec 22 10 - 5 Monday, Dec 23 10 - 5 Tuesday, Dec 24 10 - 2

Like Us On Facebook!

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

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

Look for our 1960s Texaco sign!

(315) 893-7752

6790 Rte 20, Bouckville

www.thegallerycoop.com

Linda’s House of Treasures

Come in and find your treasure!

Clothing - Men’s, Women’s, Kid’s Household items & Furniture Jewelry • Books • Games & Toys Creative memories • Crafts Seasonal & More!

3921 State Route 26, Vernon Center (315) 761-8041 • Tues-Fri: 10-5, Sat: 10-4

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Merry Christmas!

Foothills

Mercantile

Antiques,Vintage, Gifts & Furniture!

Over 30 Vendors!

Christmas Sales

Little Falls

Antique Center

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

More than 50 vendors on 2 floors!

Christmas in Little Falls!

Saturday, December 14th

Antiques • Art • Crafts Thruway Exit 29A 25 West Mill St., Little Falls Open Every Day 10-5 315-823-4309 Handicapped-accessible

www.littlefallsantiquecenter.com

Main Street Gift Shoppe

Newport’s Best Kept Secret for Primitive Gifts!

Primitive Country Christmas Open House

Sat. & Sun., Dec. 7th & 8th 11:30am-3:30pm 7431 Main St Rt. 28 Newport, NY

OPEN: Wed-Sat 11:30am til 7pm (315) 845-8835 www.mainstreetristorante.com Check out our popular Ristorante onsite!

Over 160 Vendor booths and display cases!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14th, 10-5

Christmas HOLIDAY PARTY

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

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

(315) 219-5044 www.mohawkantiquesmall.com

MOHAWK ANTIQUES MALL

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

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MADISON INN ANTIQUES FURNITURE • TOOLS BOOKS • COLLECTIBLES GLASS • PRIMITIVE Visit with Santa!

Dec. 8th, 1-4

7417 St Rte 20 • Madison 315-893-7639 Open Thurs-Sun 10-5

The Online Exchange

THE POTTING SHED ANTIQUES

Antiques make great gifts!

We Can Help You Buy, Sell, and Trade Globally!

Now an FFL dealer!

6338 St. Rt. 167, Dolgeville

(315) 429-5111

www.TheOnlineExchange.Net Registered user of ebay

Merry Christmas from Don, Nancy & Staff!

2019u

u

best BEST OF THE

VOTED #1

View our inventory & estate sale schedule online: www.thepottingshedantiques.com

Santa’s coming!

Renewed & Rescued

315-736-5214

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

Antique & Unique!

Buy • Sell • Trade

142 N. Main Street, Herkimer

(315) 628-1506 • Tues - Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3

See The Man

Rose

Painted and Repurposed

An eclectic mix of vintage, antiques, & home decor

6831 Indian Opening Rd., Bouckville

Dec: Open daily: 10-4 Jan & Feb: Open Fri, Sat, & Sun: 10-4

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

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5000 sq. ft. Multi-Dealer Store Best Variety Vintage Christmas 103 Showcases & 26 Display Booths

Showcase Antiques of CNY

375 Canal Place, Little Falls (315) 823-1177

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

Victorian

315-893-1786 • 3371 Maple Ave., Bouckville www.victorianrosevintage.com

Join us for Christmas in Little Falls, Sat., Dec. 14th!

“Spin the Wheel” up to 15% off!

Complimentary Homemade Christmas Cookies & Coffee

Quality Consignments & More

Consigners wanted!

Women’s clothing & accessories Men’s casual clothing Household items & decor, furniture, jewelry, and local artisan products

Purchase any Antique Ornament from our 10’ tree & you could win a $25 gift card! Nov. 23-Dec. 24

Open Daily 10-5 • Handicap Accessible www.showcaseantiquesofcny.com

Weeden’ s Mini Mall

Loaded with Antiques, Vintage, Collectibles, & many kinds of Unique Items! Over 40 Years in Business!

8056 Route 13, Blossvale (Located 4 miles North of Sylvan Beach) (315) 245-0458 Open 10-5 every day

music in the valley

jack & the jukebox their latest cd

By John Keller Jack & the Jukebox has been on the local music scene for a few years. Their wild stage presence, multi-leveled talent and wide-ranging musical influences have made them a must-see event wherever they perform. Jackalico, Aaron Myatt and Timothy B. Parker form this eclectic group and bring their fresh perspective to the forefront.

This self-titled album is their sophomore effort, and one listen lets you know that between the first and this, they have honed their sound to near perfection.

The vocals are crisp; the music is eye-opening and the approach is positive.

The album begins with “Big Lemon.” It’s a true roller coaster ride!! An arpeggio guitar followed by a cacophony of piano, drums, and strained vocals propels the listener ever forward. Then a sudden stop filled with a beautiful piano and soothing vocals only to be jerked back to the obverse reality. It is an introduction to what awaits through the album.

“Lil’ Chocolate” is a disco-flavored tune paired with 80’s synth band vocals. Definitely a dance number. “If you think you’ll be gettin’ back to dinner on time, you ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

The indie sounding “Kaleidoscope” is a head-nodding

melody with all members turning in great performances.

All instruments meld well with the lead vocals and harmonies. As the song concludes, the drums kick into overtime and push it through the end.

“Laughing Gas’” introduction is reminiscent of Culture Club (sorry, but it is). This followed by groove and psychedelic spurt. Right in the middle is a section that reminds one of Yes. The song is well put together and keeps the listener on their toes, or ears. It truly does put one in the mindset of being on laughing gas.

A bass intros “Moonwalking to the Center of the Sun,” moving to the full band. Varying time changes and locked in instruments keep this one just teetering on the rails. “It’s time to take a step back and watch the sun turn a new shade of black.”

The Jack & the Jukebox album fully reflects the spirit of the Jack and the Jukebox band. Free-spirited, free-formed and very talented.

There are 10 tracks of their ingenuity. If you’re a fan of Zappa, indie rock and/or just something different, this album is for you.

If you ever get a chance to catch them live, DO IT! You won’t be disappointed! Keep up on their activities at www.facebook.com/jackandthejukebox •

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UTICA INDOOR STORAGE LLC Grand Opening Special!

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mv crossword

december Crossword

All answers found in the pages of this magazine!

Solution will appear in next month’s issue

Across 1. Enjoy a ___ of FoJo Coffee, our crossword puzzle sponsor!

4. You can ___ Sneaker Store’s new 5K training program.

6. Our new advertiser has a well-known name, Johnny ___. See page 37 or 77.

9. Deck the ___.

10. New local self-titled album, Jack & The ____. See CD Review.

13. Many advertisers offer easy ready-to-go local gift baskets, like ___ ___ Market. Page 18.

14. Adirondack Kids 20th book is called The Amazing Migration ___.

16. The historic “___ House” was lost to demolition. See Oneida Co. History Down 1. Signs of the times, Kayla Marie ___, see page 25.

2. Suzie Jones’ little abandoned lamb.

3. Peggy writes about this even on December 21st.

5. Mmmmm, bashed ___! See MV Gardens.

7. Christmas in ___ ___ is December 14th. Don’t miss it! See page 18.

8. Wanna ___? See page 17.

11. ___ By Nature. See Page 62.

12. Suzie’s chore this month is checking sheep ___.

15. ’Tis the season for ___ socks. See page 15.

Find FoJo Coffee at: Hamilton Whole Foods, Heartwood Gifts, Sherburne; Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville; Joe’s Jerky, Sherrill; Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville; Parry’s, Hamilton; Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford; Rosemont Inn, Utica; Waterville Bakery

November Puzzle

Clue: December is the month to: Unscramble the letters in the yellow boxes then email answer to: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com by 11/15/19. You will be entered to win an MVL Mug and a bag of delicious, fresh-roasted FoJo Beans coffee!

Cascade, Plymouth, & Hand-Dyed Yarns Knit and Crochet Supplies Classes: Beginners to Advanced!

Love & Stitches 214 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro Hours: Tues-Fri: 4-7, Sat: 10-5 315 570-3316 • www.loveandstitchescny.com

Cold Cuts, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Imported Provolone, & much more!

Visit us for all your Italian Favorites!

You’ll love our prices!

1150 McQuade Ave., Utica Mon: 8-4; Wed-Fri: 8-4:30; Sat: 8-Noon; Sun & Tues: Closed • 315-724-5578

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MV NATURE

december in nature

White-breasted Nuthatch

story and photos by Matt Perry December in nature can be a time of revelations. Snow cover can help to reveal the secret lives of wildlife. For eight months, the activities of our resident Fishers, Coyotes, and Foxes (among others) have remained largely invisible to us. By the interpretation of footprints or tracks in the snow, we can see what those wild denizens are up to. Their tracks tell us not only what species they are, but what an evening of hunting and/or foraging was like for them. Following a single set of tracks can put you in a wild animal’s place and help you to understand its behavior, albeit after the fact.

Perhaps counter-intuitively, a set of footprints can provide you with a much more candid look at wildlife behavior than actually seeing the animal in the flesh. That’s because wild animals tend to behave differently when they know they are being watched by people. When they are being observed they are more guarded and don’t go about their business in the same way.

The vast majority of visual encounters with shy wildlife species are brief and usually involve the animal hightailing it out of view as fast as their legs can take them.

My favorite animal tracks to follow are laid down by Fishers, Coyotes, and Bobcats. These largely predatory animals lead the most interesting lives. Their curiosity and problem-solving abilities can occasionally be discerned by examining their tracks, just as their diet can be ascertained by examining their droppings or “scat”. If I follow the tracks of a Fisher long enough, I find the places where the animal marked the boundaries of its territory. These “signposts” are composed of scent from specialized glands and from the animal’s urine or feces. The signs are almost always left in a strategic place where there’s a high likelihood that other animals (especially other Fishers) will encounter them. Information conveyed through a signpost can include the sex and breeding status of the animal that created

it. Of course, you need to be another Fisher in order to interpret that information. Bridges or logs spanning creeks are frequently chosen by Fishers as places to leave signs. Our footbridges at the nature sanctuary are regularly anointed by territorial Fishers and Mink (both are members of the weasel family). I recall coming upon some Fisher scat. It was in the middle of a small footbridge over a creek. The dark scat was composed largely of wild grapes. It also contained the fur of a Gray Squirrel. That gave me a good idea of what the Fisher had for dinner as well as what it had for dessert! I came upon an-

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Taking Holiday Orders Now!

other bridge that held scat of a territorial mink. An examination of it indicated that the animal had dined on Crayfish. Large pieces of the Crayfish’s exoskeleton were undigested and plainly visible in the scat.

Following the footprints of a Fisher can lead you on an adventure spanning a few miles of territory. Invariably, when I follow the tracks of a Fisher, they will cut across more than one property border.

December also features wildlife species that are not so elusive or hard to come by. I’m referring to songbirds and the wintertime cast of characters that are drawn to our feeding stations. Although several of the bird species that frequent the bird feeders in winter are the same ones that we see in the summer, a few are unique and can only be found in Central New York during the colder months. The American Tree Sparrow is a prime example of a winter-only resident. In the summer, the Tree Sparrow breeds in Canada. They travel south to us in November and then leave for the north country in April. By December they usually seek refuge in the brush

Fisher tracks

Fisher tracks

Coyote

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and weedy habitat around the periphery of yards, meadows, and roadways. They come out by the half-dozen to get birdseed and then retreat back to their tangled lair. Superficially, they resemble our summer resident Chipping Sparrows, but a close examination through binoculars can reveal their differences. The most obvious field marks of the Tree Sparrow include its bi-colored bill, which is partly yellow and their legs which are noticeably darker than those of the Chipping Sparrow. In December, American Tree Sparrows don’t sing their breeding songs, but instead, make “sip” notes as well as a light squealing sound which to my ears resembles the noise a small rope and pulley would make. We need to wait until

Beaver footprints

The White-throated Sparrow is a reliable winter resident

Fisher tracks in the snow

N

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6237 State Hwy 28, Fly Creek

later in March for the Tree Sparrow to sing its song which is composed of light trills and quiet clear whistles.

There are several other bird species that can only be found in the Mohawk Valley in wintertime and some of those will be featured in the January nature article. Until then, keep an eye on your bird feeders and see what different visitors are showing up. •

The Fisher is a large member of the weasel family

American Tree Sparrow

Visit our Historic Museum & shop in our Country Store

For the gifts you love to give and receive!

We are located on Catherine Street in Ilion, NY Open Monday-Friday: 1–4pm Questions? Call us at 315-895-3200 or 315-895-3301

Complimentary gift wrapping! clothing and giftware for men, women, children and infants

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

MUSEUM & COUNTRY STORE

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localphotography photography club local The Utica Public Library, Located at 303 Genesee Street, Utica. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places October 29, 1982.

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New Eagle Trail Overlook at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Eastern portion of the site connecting to Amsterdam 2019 Jenny Galough

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On the farm with Suzie Suzie and her friends Sue, Shawnda, and Kristin in front of her childhood home in northern Wisconsin, 1980

cold&snowy decembers

by Suzie Jones

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Sue and Suzie stand behind Kristin, Tara, Suzie’s little sister Erika for Suzie’s 11th birthday.

(That’s not wine in the glasses, Suzie’s mom liked making special occasions seem more special with grape juice in wine glasses! )

đ&#x;“¸

In my humble opinion, cold and snowy Decembers are the absolute BEST. December is my birth month, so my favorite memories of this time of year are when we had plenty of snow for my birthday.

Every year, I would invite my closest friends for a sleepover party. We’d spend nearly the entire time outside in the snow. We’d hike a mile or so to get to the very best sledding hill. There is nothing in the world quite like a perfect sledding day! If there was enough snow—and the snowplow driver was kind enough to make a big pile at the end of our driveway—we’d build fantastic snow forts.

Kristin would dig the first tunnel and was famous for how quickly she could punch through the icy snow. Shawnda was in charge of snow removal. Sue and Tara were always pushing the limits as to how many “rooms� we could build in the snow pile, without risking structural integrity. After what seemed like hours, we’d spill back into the house. Our woolens were heavy with ice, our cheeks red from the cold, and our sides sore from laughing. We were so happy!

Cold and snowy Decembers are still the absolute best, even though I’m not having sleepovers and building forts with my pals anymore. Now, I am tending to lots of sheep and goat moms and their babies, even if it is my birthday.

Every morning throughout lambing and kidding season, I check for newborns that might have arrived overnight. One wintry morning, I found a mother ewe, Bella, cleaning and chatting with one small newborn baby lamb. An older but healthy and experienced mom, I immediately suspected Bella might have had more than just the one. (As with human babies, singles are always bigger than

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twins, and especially bigger than triplets.)

Bella’s little girl was suspiciously small, so I searched around the barn for a sibling. Trying not to disturb the other sleeping moms and their babies, I eventually found not one, but two other newborns.

Did all three belong to Bella? No other moms were paying the least attention to these other newborns, nor was anyone calling out for them. I brought all three babies to Bella and allowed a moment of sniffing and talking. Bella recognized two of the babies, but not the third. Ok… now what? Could this third belong to someone else? I proceeded to check for other new moms. This “check” involved a lot of looking at sheep butts. Not to be gross, but I was looking for trailings, fresh blood, and swollen “bits”—in other words, signs of a recent birth. (I know how jealous you must be! My job is very glamorous, indeed.)

After examining every sheep’s rear end in the barn, I concluded that Bella must have had triplets. Triplets! It doesn’t happen very often on our farm, perhaps only once or twice a year. And it was a first for Bella.

Except she would only acknowledge having

What are you looking at? Bella doesn’t bond with newborn “Peep,” one of her triplets.

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Bottle feeding Peep twins.

I proceeded to put Bella and her babies in a “jug,” a small temporary pen to encourage bonding.

She wouldn’t allow the third newborn to suckle, so I milked out just over an ounce of colostrum for baby Peep*, as I now call her. I fed and watered Bella, and left the four of them to rest.

Unfortunately for Peep, Bella never warmed to her. I now bottle feed Peep three times per day.

Since I do not have a ready supply of sheep’s milk, I’m feeding her regular cow’s milk with an egg whisked in for added fat and protein. (Sheep’s milk has roughly twice the protein and fat found in cow’s milk.) Peep now thinks I am Mom and follows me everywhere.

As the cold and snow continue throughout December and into the New Year, I’ll send Christmas cards to my old friends and thank them for the great memories. Maybe I’ll go sledding with my daughter, Margaret, who loves snow about as much as I did as a kid.

And for my birthday, I believe you’ll find me red-cheeked in the cold barn, happily checking sheep bums! • *As in “Bo Peep”!

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rutabaga

the forgotten holiday veggie

by Denise A. Szarek

The week before Christmas, there it would be in mother’s grocery cart, that ugly, purplish, waxy ball….the rutabaga! That meant it was going to find its way to the Christmas dinner table, and we were going to have to eat some before the presents could be opened.

Another Christmas ruined!

The family rule was, what you put on your plate had to be eaten…..but that didn’t stop a good healthy dollop of rutabaga making its way to your plate if it was thought you didn’t take enough.

It wasn’t just the holiday table on which the rutabaga showed up! Any Sunday roast beef dinner had the chance of having the dreaded rutabaga in attendance!

It was always fixed the same way: peeled and chopped into cubes, and the heck was boiled out of it. Then it was mashed with some butter, salt, and pepper. No amount of extra butter made it taste any better.

Needless to say, as an adult, it has never graced any table of mine let alone a holiday table since. In fact, we don’t even grow it on our farm. I just couldn’t bring myself to force unsuspecting CSA members to figure out what to do with it.

Rutabaga comes from the Swedish word rotbaggar or “Root Bag”. It is also called swede or yellow turnip. It has the same leaves as the cabbage and similar fleshed root as the turnip. It tastes like a mix of the two. This biennial plant has been eaten in Europe since the 18th century and has seen many countries through many famines. It is chock full of vitamins and minerals. It is harvested in October and November. If you purchase it in the grocery store (something, in my opinion, you should never do) you will find it covered in a waxy coating. This is not only to preserve it, but also to cut down on its smell as it ages. If you are interested in eating rutabaga, buy it directly from a farmer, it will be fresh and no waxy coating,

the taste of fresh rutabaga is so far superior to those waxy orbs in the grocery store.

As many of you know, Bernie and I visited Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in October to attend the Celtic Colours International Music Festival. While we were there we attended two different concerts.

Each with its own distinct culinary dinner immediately preceding the concert. The second night’s concert was in Louisbourg, N.S. in a beautiful replica of The Globe Theatre, yes Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre! The acoustics were phenomenal and the music was the best of our trip.

But before the concert, we had tickets to a regional Roast Beef dinner at the Louisbourg Methodist Church’s Calvin Hall! We all sat at long tables in the church hall and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet folks from all over the world. Our little table, had folks from California, Tennessee, Australia, and Ontario. By the time the meal was served, we had had a chance to meet everyone at the table and share our experiences in Cape Breton and at the Music Festival.

When dinner was served each plate had a beautifully carved portion of roast beef, peas, mashed potatoes and bashed neeps! Bashed neeps – many of you of Scot descent are already laughing. After my first few forkfuls, I asked, “What are bashed neeps?” The Aussie answered– swedes-yes another name for the dreaded rutabaga!! But it was wonderful! Nothing like the bitter waxy orb of my childhood.

The meal has been on my mind since our return from vacation. So last week I emailed the Church and asked if they would be willing to share the recipe with me. I received a wonderful email back, with the recipe enclosed. Now I’m even considering growing them on the farm. So along with our prime rib, kielbasa and pierogis, “Bashed Neeps” will grace our holiday table this Christmas! Just in case I’ve piqued your interest in this forgotten veggie here’s the recipe:

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MVL RECIPES

Bashed Neeps

By the Louisbourg Church Ladies 2 medium rutabagas – about 3 lbs 3 T heavy cream 2 T butter ½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper ¼ tsp nutmeg – fresh ground Brown sugar – sprinkle to taste Peel and chop rutabaga into cubes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the chopped rutabagas. Boil for 30-45 minutes until fork tender. Drain and return to pot. Mix in cream, butter, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mash until creamy and more cream and butter if necessary. Taste and add brown sugar. Top with more ground nutmeg, salt & pepper to taste.

Mix in chopped chives if desired. Enjoy! No really, enjoy!

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DECEMBER

gallery GUIDE

Detail of “Blue Flowers” by Henry Fehlner, grandson of Jayne Morris Stoll, part of the exhibit “It Runs In The Family: An Intergenerational Art Show” at the Kirkland Town Library in CLinton, December 2-30.

Holiday Open House featuring Martha Deming Through January 2020

Reception: Sat., Dec. 7, 11am-2pm Includes works in watercolor, gouache, and pastel.

Adirondack Art & Picture Framing

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

Water-Marks: Etchings, Monotypes & Paintings by Deborah Geurtze Through December 29, 2019

The work of artist Geurtze reflects a deeply rooted connection to the landscape of NY State.

Arkell Museum

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

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Michael Price Through Dec. 20, 2019 Work of fantasy artist whose works have graced the walls of hundreds of galleries both nationally and internationally.

Earlville Opera House

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

Christmas House of Vendors’ Work Through December 2019 Open House: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, 10am-5pm Jewelery, knit items, handmade ornaments, blown and fused glass gifts, collectibles, and antiques.

Fusion Art Gallery

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

Otsego On Ice: Histories of Wintertime Sport Through December 31, 2019 A new exhibit illustrating the varied ways locals used to play in the ice and snow– from the early 1800s to the 1950s. Discover ice skates, snow shoes, and sleds from the 19th century, accompanied by historical photography, paintings, and more.

Fenimore Art Museum

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

It Runs In The Family: An Intergenerational Art Show

Susan Roth: Black is a Color Through March 13, 2020 Interview with artist: Friday, December 6, 5:30pm-6:30pm RSVP by December 3 to jodell@goldenpaints.com or call (607) 847-7671

Artists and their family members will display their work together, showcasing the talent that runs in their family.

Sam and Adele Golden Gallery

Kirkland Town Library

December 2-30, 2019 Reception: Tues., Dec. 10, 6-7:30pm 55 1/2 College Street, Clinton, NY (315) 853- 2038 www.kirklandtownlibrary.org

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Celebrating Our 15th Year on TV!

Dreamscapes, Paintings and Mixed Media by Yulia Levkovich

Robert Huot Paintings Through January 19, 2020 A retrospective look at Huot’s core motivation creating conceptually interesting and skillfully crafted paintings for 60 years.

December 6-26,, 2019 Reception: Fri., Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30pm

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Wintry Mix: Art of Ice and Snow Through January 11, 2020

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Annual Arts Legacy Exhibition

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December 13-31, 2019 • Reception: Fri., December 13, 6-9pm

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Having an art opening? Let us know for a free listing in our monthly guide! Email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com

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Photo: Sharry Whitney

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Mohawk Valley nature

Peregrine Falcons 2019 Breeding Season part 2

story & photos by matt perry

Archie lands on a low perch 58

For part two of the 2019 Utica Peregrine Falcon saga, we skip ahead to mid-June when all four nestlings were fully feathered and ready to venture into the skies above downtown Utica. A few weeks earlier, the youngsters were named via a public naming contest. From the first to hatch to the last, their names were: Keisha, Archie, Penelope, and Rue. Keisha and Penelope were medium-sized females, Archie was a large male and Rue was a small male. Every year in mid-June, the Utica Peregrine Falcon Project (UPFP) organizes “Fledgewatch”. This is the single most important activity our organization sponsors. The health and safety of vulnerable young falcons are at stake at this time. Indeed, the success or failure of a breeding season can hinge on how well we perform our tasks during fledgewatch. Volunteers taking part in fledgewatch gather onsite to observe the falcon nest and wait for the young birds to “fledge” (to make their first attempts at flight).

In 2019, our first day of fledgewatch was June 15. By that point, the four juveniles had been increasingly active around the nest box. They had been taking full advantage of the box’s side platforms (dubbed “verandas”). They were even pushing beyond the verandas and onto adjacent window ledges. With Peregrine Falcons, it doesn’t matter what the hatching order was, males develop faster than females and they tend to leave the nest first. Our expectations were that either Archie or Rue would be the first ones to fledge.

On June 16, the young falcons roused at 5:00 am and began exercising and moving onto the verandas. Astrid, their mother, first visited the box at 6:00 am but didn’t bring any food. The four nestlings protested with squealing begging calls as she

The nestlings in juvenile plumage

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flew off. Astrid returned moments later with a meal. She dropped it off at the box and that triggered a mad scramble among the chicks. When Astrid left, she flew directly over to the State Building and landed on a wide window ledge. We interpreted this as a demonstration flight intended to show the youngsters what to do when they fledge. Essentially, she was encouraging them to fly straight across the canyon and to land on one of the wider ledges on the State Building. At around 9:20, the young were doing what we call “hop-flights” between the box’s perches and the verandas. These tiny flights help them to test their wings and, most importantly, practice their landing techniques. As we’ve learned over the five previous breeding seasons, it’s not the flying that young Peregrines have trouble with, it’s the landings. As it happened all four nestlings were highly motivated learners and all took part in hop-flights.

In the late morning, we noted that Rue was more active than the others. He was doing competent hop-flights between the box perch and the verandas. He then tried a hop-flight up to the roof of the nestbox but missed. He could have accidentally fledged at that point, but he managed to regain his footing. At about 2:30 PM, Rue was getting rambunctious.

He joined Keisha on the east veranda. He then pushed beyond the veranda and onto an adjacent window ledge. Owing largely to his relatively small size, compared to his siblings, Rue was most adept at negotiating around the base of the pillars where the ledges are extremely narrow.

At approximately 5 p.m. Rue became the first nestling of the season to fledge. It was not intentional. He had been moving along a ledge and tried to go around one of the other nestlings. He lost his balance and fell.

Fortunately, he was able to make use of his wings immediately. With wings flapping continuously, he powered his way halfway across the canyon and attempted to land on the Grace Church steeple. He was too low for the upper ledge and tried to land on the wall. He then tried to land

Rue lands on a low window ledge

Nestlings practice winging flapping

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on a high ledge, but his approach angle was bad. He veered off and climbing up the wall of the window well and scratching at the glass headed back towards the Adirondack Bank building only to circle with his talons. Rain resumed at around 7 p.m. and by nightfall, all back and land on a low window ledge of the east face of the State the falcons including Rue seemed to be settled for the night.

Building.

On June 17 at 9 am, we thought we missed Rue leave the State Since we couldn’t see Rue from our “base camp” in the Grace Building. It turned out that he was still there on that same ledge, Church parking lot, I stationed lying flat against the ledge and myself on an adjacent street to napping. By 9:30 am he was the south. From there I could up again and was repeatedly see both him and the action at ramming himself into the winthe nestbox. I watched Robins dow. We had never seen any of make dives at him and scold our falcons do that before and him from nearby ledges. I we could only hope it wasn’t paid close attention to every indicative of a brain injury. The move Rue was making. I was nestlings at the box area were all able to see him stretch and active and upon hearing them, exercise his wings and there Rue became increasingly excitdidn’t seem to be any injued. Finally, at 1:15 pm, with no ries. We watched for signs of warning, Rue took flight. With the parents acknowledging strong and steady wing beats, he where Rue was, but at that made his way east and towards Archie is released back into the canyon point neither had done a flyby. the County Building. He gained At 6 p.m., Ares flew through altitude and veered north. He and landed high up on the made a good landing on a high north face. Astrid dropped off some food at the box and got the ledge on the Courthouse building. He was hungry and was asking three remaining nestlings squealing. Those activities roused Rue. his parents to bring food. According to workers in the building, He stretched his wings and acting like he was going to fly. But inRue was calling so loudly that they were compelled to look outside. s the ledge and the building, he kept flying nfrom io ct e stead of flying away Finally, at 5:20 pm, Rue took off from the courthouse. He made fl e R n o o ull Mthe Finto window. Fortunately, he was too close to damage himself, a direct course towards the Adirondack Bank and landed compebut heAkept it r– striking the glass dozens of times. He also tried tently on the roof of the building. Astrid made a couple of passes rt Ceatnte et 80 Main Stre 13316 Camden, NY 9 (315)820-426

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by Rue, flew around the building and landed on an upper steeple perch. And then, amazingly, Rue lifted off again, headed straight for Astrid and upped her from her steeple perch! Not only did he displace her, but he stole her perch. It was quite astounding for a new fledgling to have the audacity to up his mom and the skill to land on a steeple ledge.

The latter feat is something fledglings don’t master until they have at least a few days of flying under their belts.

On June 18, the excitement began in mid-morning when Keisha and Archie accidentally fledged. While negotiating around the edge of the box Keisha lost her balance and fell. In the process, she knocked Archie off his perch. As they fell, she grappled onto his back. He hung upside-down from the perch for a few seconds before both birds opened their wings and flew. Together they headed south over Genesee Street and quickly disappeared from our view. Later in the morning, I located Keisha. She was perched on a narrow window ledge on the highest high floor of an apartment building

Ares launches off the corner of the roof

62

located just south of the “canyon”. Essentially, she was in someone’s apartment window.

It wasn’t the safest location, but at least it was relatively high. When I found Archie, he was on a very low ledge (only around 8 feet high) and next to the ground floor entrance of M&T Bank (the Gold Dome building). This was not an ideal place to be; he was too close to the road and pedestrian traffic. Importantly, his parents were unlikely to drop food off to him in such a low spot.

I remained on Genesee Street to monitor both Archie and Keisha. While Keisha seemed content to stay where she was, Archie was exploring the ledge which extended along the west side of the building. As far as I could tell, he seemed uninjured. Still, he was dangerously low, and passersby were stopping to take pictures of him.

When he decided to move, instead of flying up, he flew low across the front of the building and tried to land on top of a mailbox! He couldn’t get his talons into the metal box; he slipped down the side of it, landing on the sidewalk. From there he loped along the concrete and headed into the road.

By then I had crossed the street and attempted to stop traffic. Somehow, I managed to corral Archie off the road. He walked up the sidewalk and turned east on Bank Place. By that point we knew we had to capture him and evaluate his fitness, so we netted him and

Ares brings food to Keisha at the nest

placed him into a carrier. Deb would check him over and, if he was deemed fit, he would be released sometime before evening.

In the early afternoon, Rue was walking all around the roof of the Adirondack Bank, checking on the various objects in his path. Peregrines are curious raptors and Rue looked like a safety inspector, making sure all the equipment was properly installed and battened down. His awkward gait made him look like a parrot or a Brown Booby and hardly the elegant raptor our minds conjure up when we think “Peregrine Falcon”. At 2:10, Rue was up again. He made a strong flight to the State Building and attempted to land on a window ledge. He miscalculated and ended up grappling onto the wall between ledges. He hung upside down like a bat for a few moments before pushing off again. He flew back to the bank roof where he made a good landing. It was a good reminder to the fledgewatch volunteers that even after a few good flights a fledgling can still encounter difficulties.

In the early evening, Deb and I checked Archie over thoroughly. There appeared to be nothing wrong with him; getting him back to his family as soon as possible was the best answer for many reasons. We had one problem; we couldn’t let him go through the access hatch in the back of the nestbox (our usual method). Penelope was still in the nest and had yet to fledge.

We didn’t want to risk her prematurely fledging, so we were forced to look at other options. Also, at the time Keisha was perched on a ledge right below the box and we didn’t want to displace her. Our options were limited – essentially release him on the bank roof – a place he had never been - or release him onto a ledge to the west of the nestbox. Earlier in the season, Bob Williams, UPFP member and our original falcon box builder, had installed a new falcon perch on a window ledge located several window ledges west of the nest box. To minimize disturbance to Penelope & Keisha, we opted to release Archie through an office window and onto the new perch. Within 20 minutes of being released, Archie was loping his way east along the window ledges and heading toward the nest. At 7:30, Ares landed on top of a pillar just as Archie came around its base and hopped onto the west veranda. He then bypassed the box and joined Penelope on the east veranda. He had made it home!

On June 19 at 5 a.m., we confirmed the locations of all four juveniles. That day was spent with the three fledglings doing some short exploration flights. Meanwhile, Penelope stayed in the nest.

Penelope finally fledged mid-afternoon on June 20. On her first flight, she attempted to displace her mother from her perch on the steeple. She missed her mark and tried grappling onto

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Rue rushes to take food from Astrid

Two fledglings spar over the canyon

the steeple wall. She slipped and tumbled about twenty feet before catching air and resuming flight. However, she was very low and so put down on the relatively low roof of one of the buildings in the church’s compound. Directly after landing she wandered all around the roof. She did some hop flights and got on top of a partition. She was very close to where fledgewatch volunteers were stationed in the parking lot, albeit she was a few stories higher. She seemed safe enough, although we were unsure if her parents would protect her and/or make food drops to her on such a low roof. There was nothing we could do about it.

That was until her explorations led her down into a gap between two roofs. Essentially, she had trapped herself.

She couldn’t scramble up the sheer walls, nor was there enough room to fly out. Tim Johnston was at fledgewatch with Deb. He gained admittance to one of the church buildings. He was then able to go through a small window that accessed the ally where Penelope was. He scooped her up in a net without much difficulty. During the process, Astrid was swooping around the canyon and calling in protest. It was a marked difference from the non-reaction displayed by the parents during Archie’s rescue. Deb gave Penelope a quick check-over in the church’s garage and then the fledgling went into a pet carrier. She would be checked out again inside the bank building. If she was undamaged, she would be released back into the canyon in the same manner Archie was.

At 6:10 p.m., both parents were continuously hazing the 15th floor of the bank building. It had nothing to do with us. We hadn’t gone near any windows, nor had Penelope been moved to the release site yet. Still, Astrid was in full alert mode. She paused her hazing activities periodically to check on Keisha and Archie at the nest box.

Astrid’s agitation regarding the fifteenth floor of the bank had us concerned about our planned release of Penelope. It was impossible to avoid majorly annoying Astrid. Still, we had no choice but to go through with it. There was nothing wrong with Penelope and the sooner she returned to the fold the better it would be for her and for Astrid. At 6:30, we

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Mid-air food transfer between Ares and a fledgling

Keisha clutching food in her talons

were in place and ready. We had the carrier containing Penelope against the office window. We opened the window and Penelope was free to go. Of course, Astrid freaked out; repeatedly hazing the 15th floor and giving constant cackle alarm calls. After a few minutes, Penelope moved out onto the window ledge. She flinched and ducked whenever her mother swooped by. Just as Archie had done upon his release, she hopped onto the perch. As it happened, one of Astrid’s close passes caused Penelope to jump from the perch and fly into the canyon. Luckily, she made a competent flight to the west face of the State Building. She missed her intended landing place but was able to pull herself up to one of the thin ledges on a relatively high part of the building. She did well with her “second fledging”.

This was just the beginning of all the post-fledging excitement. Archie kept exercising and practicing his hop-flights and landings around the box area for another few days. When he finally “re-fledged” his flights were strong, and his landings sound.

Penelope’s skills also rapidly improved, and

by June 22nd the four siblings were engaging is some mid-air sparring with each other.

They also did a fair amount of chasing their parents through the canyon. As usual, it was

a spectacular event to behold in the center of downtown Utica. After a great deal of supervised practice being Peregrines, the juveniles left the canyon and by the beginning of August, the Utica territory reverted to being solely the domain of Astrid and Ares. With this latest batch of youngsters, the pair had produced a total of 19 young in six years. It was a solid accomplishment and is a testament to the city that tolerates and facilitates their breeding.

All falcon fans are encouraged to help us out during the 2020 fledging season. As this breeding season clearly illustrated, we need people on the ground to ensure these majestic raptors prosper and enjoy as much success as possible. Updated information on the Utica Peregrine Falcons can be found at our website: uticaperegrinefalcons.com •

Matt Perry is Conservation Director and resident naturalist at Spring Farm CARES in Clinton. He manages a 260 acre nature preserve which is open for tours by appointment. Matt is also regional editor of “The Kingbird”, which is a quarterly publication put out by the New York State Ornithological Association. Matt’s short nature videos can be viewed on the web. Look for Spring Farm CARES Nature Sanctuary on Facebook.

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Herkimer county historical society

Jennie M. Bingham

Bible Study Professor and Author By sue perkins

Miss Jennie M. Bingham was born in Fulton, New York the daughter of Rev. Isaac Sabin Bingham (1819-1893) and Jane Mills (1821-1894) Bingham. Jennie had five brothers Charles, Melville, Wilbur, George and Franklin and one sister Mary.

Rev. Bingham entered Methodist Episcopal Ministry the year after graduating from Cazenovia Seminary in 1838. His first church was in LeRoy, New York. 1860 he was the editor of the Northern Christian Advocate. Rev. Bingham served in DeKalb, LeRoy, Carthage, Lowville, Evans Mills, Adams, Syracuse, Watertown, Rome, and Herkimer.

Jennie spent most of her life in Watertown. In 1892 she is living in Herkimer with her parents. She is listed as doing literary work. It was from 1892-1906 Jennie was a Professor of English Bible Study at the Folts Mission Institute in Herkimer. About 1906 Jennie moved to Syracuse to live with her widowed sister Mary Bingham Myers. In the 1910 Census, Jennie is listed as an editor and publisher of a magazine.

Jennie’s first article published was a little story entitled “A Hospital Sketch,” which appeared in the “Christian Union.”

Among her early productions was a missionary story, “A Grain of Mustard Seed” (18S1). Eight-thousand copies were sold during the first six months after publication, the proceeds of which founded a home in Japan. Jennie wrote literature, essay writing, fiction, poetry, Sunday-school helps and art criticism.

She also reviewed books. Some of her short stories have ap-

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The Herkimer Democrat, Herkimer published Jennie M. Bingham’s booklet, “Five Christmas Stories”

peared in “Harper’s Young People.” She is the author of two books “Annals of the Round Table” (1885), and “All Glorious Within” (1891). She supported charities of New York City, and part of her labor has been in visiting then and writing concerning them. A few of the charities were the Newsboys’ Lodging-House, Five Points Mission, Flower Mission, Florence Night Mission, and Children’s Aid Society.

In our collection at the Herkimer County Historical Society is a booklet “Five Christmas Stories” by Jennie M. Bingham published by the Herkimer Democrat, Herkimer, and N.Y., undated. The five stories are “How Hallock Learned the Meaning of Christmas,” Roxany,” A Christmas Vision,” “Saint Hilda,” and “The Story Daddy Told Me.” On Christmas Eve Hallock and Murray fraternity brothers did this Christmas was anything special. On their way home from gambling, they stole a family’s small Christmas tree, which had striped candy hung on it, a sugar elephant and a doll for the children of Tom and Hepsy Jones. There was cardboard with the words on it “Thou shalt call His name Immanuel, God with us”. They set the tree up in their dorm room.

An excerpt from “How Hallock Learned the Meaning of Christmas”: “Both young men had grown sober. What seemed fun last night was not fun at all this morning”… “All right, sir. Let’s go down to the city short meter, and buy some trinkets for Tom’s kids, and set ‘em up a fine, first-class Christmas tree, and leave it by the door, right the door-bell and git.”

When the family got up Christmas morning and discovered the Christmas tree was gone. What a sad scene it must have been.

“The door-bell rang with a quick, sharp pull, accompanied by thumping and noise. The babies cried so that Hepsy did not get to the door right off, and Tom and Buddy were ahead of her…. Such shouting and commotion and general “taking on” had never been known in Hepsy’s house before There might have been a lively plundering scene only that Hepsy brought thing to order hastily, had the tree brought in properly and set up, and the family assembled, their fasces washed (This with difficulty), and the gift distributed according to direction. And then so many packages red, “For Hespy”, What did it mean?

Never mind: It meant secondarily, that Hepsy had a new dress, some very bright colored ribbons, a gorgeous hat, and the first dollar bill she had ever owned in her life.”

Hallock and Murray learned their lesson about stealing.

They made a less fortunate family’s Christmas better anonymously.

According to Jennie obituary that was in the “Syracuse Journal” of June 28, 1933, she had moved to Syracuse 27 years ago (1906). She taught Bible lessons at the Y.W.C.A. and organized classed in First and Fourth Presbyterian churches and First Reformed Church while living in Syracuse. She was also a member of the Methodist Church. Jennie left an estate of $10,000. •

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Shawangunk nature preserve, cold brook

TALES FROM

SHAWANGUNK Chapter 63

by Peggy Spencer Behrendt 68

Peggy cleaning out the ashes

In 1974, Tim and Peggy Spencer Behrendt set off on an adventure. They began a new life in the woods of Cold Brook, NY, without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. These are excerpts and reflections from Peggy’s journal chronicling their adventures and also her childhood memories growing up in Westmoreland.

Winter solstice draws near and the dark of night creeps into daytime like an eclipse that relentlessly tries to envelop every ray of light.

Until the snow comes to brighten the earth and blanket the plants, it lies as dark as the cloud-laden skies that hover only a few yards above the treetops, occasionally brushing them with tendrils of grey. The darkness is depressing. It’s a difficult time of year.

After the kaleidoscopic extravagance of colors sported by our deciduous trees in autumn, it takes time to begin to appreciate the subtlety of soft, deep maroon dogwood bushes and sumac blossoms; the multiple hues of buff and beige in cattails, cornfields, and wild grasses; the tawny rust of tamarack trees and cinnamon ferns; the deep umber of decaying leaves; and the cheery red polka dots of wild rose hips and highbush cranberries.

There are new discoveries, too, because we can see farther, now that the cloak of summer leaves has lifted; “Oh, I didn’t know there was a house there.” “I never saw that beautiful pond beyond those trees before!”

There is much to appreciate in nature even in the darkest time of year. Tim wrote this poem to the earth one December: Attention and honor to the SUNRISE for it brings light and life to all To the WATERS of the earth, for they nurse the living To the great COLD from the northwest, for it quiets the earth and draws people to the hearth To the WINDS of the spheres, for they whisper melodies to those that can hear To the PLANTS of the soil, for they offer themselves to the hungry To the STARS of space, for they humble us and fill us with awe To the CREATURES of the earth and sky for their incredible variety astounds us To BEAUTY for it makes the day worth living To MEMORY for it recaptures the treasured past and makes it live again

It’s the big holiday time of year, but the prosaic chores of living must still be addressed. Maintaining mainstream standards of American cleanliness in 1974 was a challenge to us in our quest for a simpler life.

It became painfully obvious that I was failing at this one day after church when one of the senior ladies took me privately aside to kindly explain

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Peg does laundry using a hand-cranked wringer

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69

Tim still washes oatmeal dishes in the creek until it freezes over

how “odor clings to the new polyester fabric that’s becoming popular.” As I was wearing my favorite polyester knit sweater, I instantly understood the implication of her statement and realized I’d been too casual about how many times I could wear it before washing it. I graciously thanked her and left with as much dignity as I could pretend to have. When I told Tim about it, I burst into tears, but I knew that she had done me a favor.

This brought to my attention that our clothes also smelled of wood smoke, because they were stored in the loft, and operating our non-airtight wood stove at that time frequently caused smoke to rise and permeate that space. I made a closet for them with cotton calico curtains, which helped a little. We each had our college trunks to hold work clothes and undergarments. But, learning how to bathe ourselves, and wash, iron and dry clothes in the winter, in our tiny, one-room cottage with no running water and no bathroom was a challenge, but we’ve got it figured out after 45 years here.

We do our chores during the brief, daylight hours; Tim brings in firewood and water. I clean out the ashes, cook and do laundry. He takes out any mice that we’ve captured in hav-a-hart traps during the night. We try to find out where they come in and block it up with screening, but they eventually find another entrance. Our cat Mittens doesn’t pay any attention to them, in fact, her food probably attracts them. But if I put her food away, she’ll interrupt my sleep during the night begging for it.

They motivate us to keep things in mouse-

Peg climbs the ladder to our loft

proof containers. I’m furious and hate them when they’ve ruined something nice that I neglected to put away, but it doesn’t diminish my empathy for them. I set the traps with peanut butter on a piece of cracker, including a bit of apple as a source of moisture, and a little wad of tissue so they can make a nest and keep warm during the night if the fire goes out. I say hello in the morning and tickle their little pink feet as they look at me with great, dark eyes. Tim releases them far down the road toward the creek, with a few scraps to tide them over.

I had a childhood friend, Peter Burg from Clinton, who went a step further. If he caught a mouse during the winter, he would keep it in an aquarium until spring, so it would have a better chance at survival.

Tim still likes to wash dishes in the creek until it freezes over. The little fish, frogs, and striders are gone, but he enjoys seeing the translucent movement of our clear, clean water flowing over little stones, twigs, and sand. Of course, he doesn’t use soap in the creek and doesn’t need to because I use very little oil in cooking. Tim had a job working in the college cafeteria for his room and board where he often had to wash extremely greasy cookware. Meanwhile, he was learning in physiology classes how tiny our capillaries are which are needed to take oxygen and nutrients to our tissues.

He realized that doesn’t take much to clog them up! He decided then to never eat anything he couldn’t wash off with just water, and that resolution (as well as a meatless, sugarless, and minimal salt diet) may be partly why he is still so healthy at 82 (requiring no medications!). I have trouble convincing him to protect his hands with rubber gloves though, and his hands sometimes hurt from the nearly freezing water.

Our loft becomes particularly important this time of year. It is a place where we can get warm to the depths of our bones; a place of refuge and needed alone time; a place for

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71

a more intimate view of sky light, however dim; and, a place to dry our laundry.

We ascend on small pieces of wood nailed about 18” apart on a vertical support beam in the middle of the cottage, similar to the ladder to the loft of my family barn when I was growing up. Tim and I climb it like squirrels going up and down a familiar tree. Some of the handholds were taken off our first firewood pile 45 years ago. At the time I said to Tim: “These will never hold up!”

But obviously, they have, and fortunately, so have we as we are still climbing it in our 70’s and 80’s!

I climb up, sit on the ledge, and make sure I have a solid foothold. Tim hands the wet laundry up in a bucket. The heat feels wonderful for a couple of minutes but soon becomes oppressive unless I open a window. I may have to strip down to keep from getting soaked in sweat while hanging it. It was dripped out in the shower stall, and now I hang it on hangars. We tried letting the laundry freeze-dry outside, but they became great, rigid, frigid boards. It was hard to even get them off the clothes-line without breaking them, much less maneuver them into the house. It’s comic really, to see one’s undergarments stretched out into sculptural marble scarecrows.

In my family, we celebrated Christmas and Thanksgiving. I was pleasantly surprised when I met Tim to learn that there are other meaningful holidays this time of year that are honored in the churches he serves; Winter Solstice: celebrating the lengthening of daytime in the northern hemisphere, Hanukkah: the Jewish Festival of Lights, and Diwali: from India celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance (usually celebrated in October).

Of course, there was lots of music, sometimes a little play, a visit from Santa or even dancers. The unifying factor is the beauty, magic, and importance of light, because the pervading darkness and cold at this time which can be a bit scary and oppressive. Aren’t we fortunate to have the freedom to celebrate and enjoy cultural diversity? A good friend told me that she and her family used to have to celebrate their religious holiday secretly, behind curtained windows in the country she grew up in.

Tim considers keeping the Vegetable Christmas Tree all to himself

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Edible snowmen out of cheese balls & cherry tomatoes make a healthy hors d’oeuvre

Tim and I had only candles and kerosene lamps for light during the long winter nights; no television or radio; no telephone. Our “running water” was beneath our frozen brook which we accessed by chopping a hole in the ice each day. Our only heat was from a tiny, wood cook-stove that couldn’t hold a fire for the whole night, so we cuddled together for warmth under a great pile of blankets. Our 24-year-old truck was parked a half-mile down a snow-laden, unplowed road. It was tough and challenging, but it was also a great adventure and here is how we had fun.

Letter to our children, December 1974 We’ve been relaxing and having more play

activities at our house since the colder weather started. I’m whittling a spoon out of wood and Tim’s carving your names on your chairs. I’ve been drawing pictures to go with little stories Tim and I have made up and I made up some new tunes on the recorder. We’ll put on a forest story and music show for you when you come.

Sometimes I’ll hear your Dad singing outside somewhere or he’ll hear me singing and we pretend we’re Prince Charming and Cinderella singing to each other in the forest. One time he had his green jacket on and did a funny dance and looked like an elf. Sometimes we’ll make scary faces at each other through the window.

It was special for me to be with my blood relatives at my family Christmas celebration, to see the children and the old folks. Although we will have our time with you and Tim’s relatives later, we missed you. We always feel a bit guilty about all the gifts we get which have to cause alteration of nature by humans in order to make them. On one of our cards was a quote from Epicurus; “Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.”

It was a very mellow and happy day for us.

We all really love and care about each other.

We’ve had some heavy bitterness, disagreements, and anger in the past, but as each year comes and we are less needful and dependent on acceptance from each other, we find more pleasure and

meaning in our relationships.

Now, our parents are gone and Tim and I are the old folks. When we get together with our children and their families, we try to find healthy choices for festive foods to share at the holiday celebrations. Last year I made a raw “vegetable tree” out of colorful vegetables decoratively cut and skewered into cone-shaped floral foam with toothpicks. Another year, our son-in-law Gael made charming snow-men out of cheese balls with peppercorn eyes and cherry tomato halves for jackets and hats. Swirls of thinly sliced cucumber on a wood skewer made effective, edible pine trees.

When the first snow finally comes, the darkness of the earth is suddenly transformed into a white diamond-studded universe of exquisite beauty. The days will soon be lengthening. There is hope for a brighter future, but there is much to satisfy and be grateful for in the present. Present: the greatest gift of all. • 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

73

GENESEE JOE’S

live & local

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell ROCK!

December is here and lets talk about the band Forbbiden (with two b’s). I recently spoke with them and they told me, the sounds of the seventies are brought back to life with a new twist from some of the Mohawk Valley’s own singer songwriters. Bandmates of Forbbiden are, Ethel French, keyboard; Spencer Scherz, bass; Frank Marrotta, drums; and Lex French, lead guitar. They have written and produced a new CD, Howling at The Moon.

Forbbiden is a New Rock band with an old style. The band is made up of four unique people with a common love of music. The music of Forbbiden is retro-seventies rock and roll. Born out of New York’s Mohawk Valley, Forbbiden has its own unique style of music. Written and composed by local musicians and artists, Spencer Scherz and Lex French, the music tells stories people can relate to.

The original music of Forbbiden is a mixture of seventies rock, blues and country. It dances in and out of sounds like the Grateful Dead, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, and Bob Dylan. Forbbiden has just come out of the studio SubCat in Syracuse and have released the band’s first CD, Howling at the Moon. You can find video of Forbbiden’s Howling at the Moon on Youtuube. CDs and DVD’s are available upon request. (315) 725-6667 or forbbidenband@gmail.com

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In other news: Check out Classified as they rock the inaugural Bank Of Utica, City of Utica Outdoor New Years Eve Party! The City of Utica is partnering with Bank of Utica to host an outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration. The free party will take place on Genesee Street and feature live music, ice carving, food and drink specials, as well as other entertainment. The clock tower at the Bank of Utica will countdown to midnight, when there will be a firework display to ring in the new year.

HOLY moe.ly! Look for 2 nights of Jam band excellence at the Stanley Theater on Dec 30 & 31. Moe.’s NYE runs are legendary and this year it’s in their hometown. Tix at The Stanley box office, thestanley.org, and 315-724-4000.

Dec 3rd check out the 92.7 FM The Drive, Aerosmith “Dueces Are Wild” trip give away at The Killabrew Saloon in New Hartford. Someone will win a trip for two with airfare to Las Vegas to see Aerosmith Rockin’ the MGM Grand.

Listen on Christmas Eve during the day for Genesee Joes annual christmas party on the air. And he will host an on air NYE party too!

Advertiser Directory please support Our sponsors, they make this magazine possible Antiques Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Black Cat Antiques, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Bull Farm Antiques, Vernon . . . . . . 35 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . . 36 Canal House Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . . 36 Dawn Marie’s, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Foothills Mercantile, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . 37 Fort Plain Antiques, Fort Plain . . . . . . . 36 Gallery Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . 36 Linda’s House of Treasures, Vernon Center . . 36 Little Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . 37 Madison Inn Antiques, Madison . . . . . . 38 Mohawk Antiques Mall, Mohawk . . . . . . . . 37 The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . . . 38 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . 38 See the Man Antiques & Collectibles, Sherburne . . 38 Showcase Antiques, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 38 Valandrea’s Venture, Bouckville . . . . . . . . 38 Victorian Rose, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Weeden’s Mini Mall, Camden . . . . . . . . 38 Art Classes & Supplies Full Moon Reflections Art Center, Camden . . . . 6 Art Galleries/Museums Adirondack Art & Frame, Barneveld . . . . . . 54 The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . 2 Full Moon Reflections Art Center, Camden . . 6 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Art and Custom Framing Adirondack Art & Frame, Barneveld . . . . 54 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Heartwood Gift Barn, Sherburne . . . . . . . 50 Art Schools MWPAI School of Art, Utica . . . . . . . . 5 Auto Dealerships Steet-Ponte Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Szarek’s Succulent Shack

Automotive Repair Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Precision Unlimited, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Awards & Engraving Speedy Awards, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bakeries and Pastry Shops The Friendly Bake Shop, Frankfort . . . . . . 53 Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . . . 34 Ramon’s Bakery, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Rosato’s Pizzeria & Bakery, Utica . . . . . . 33 Star Bakery, Whitesboro and Utica . . . . . . . 50 Wicked Sweets, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Barbers Master Barber Andrew Trojnar . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bike Shops Dick’s Wheel Shop, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . 6 Books Berry Hill Book Shop, Deansboro . . . . . . . 51 Treehouse Reading & Arts Ctr., NY Mills . . 21 Bowling Adirondack Diner and Lanes, Barneveld . . . . 29 State Bowl with Cosmic Bowling, Ilion . . . . 24 Breweries and Wineries Prospect Falls Winery, Prospect . . . . . . . . . 24 Cabinets and Kitchens Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . 26 Knotty By Nature, Bridgewater . . . . . . . . . 62 Candy and Chocolate Meyers Chocolates, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 19 So Sweet Candy Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Catering Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Willie’s The Original Bagel Cafe, Utica . . . . . . 34 CBD Products RAW ADK, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Utica Hemp, New Hartford, Utica . . . . . . . . 44 Cheese (see Produce) Children’s Programming Treehouse Reading & Arts Ctr., NY Mills . . . . . 21 Christmas Trees & Wreaths Candella’s Farm, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Naturewood Knoll, Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Massoud’s Tree Farm, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . 19 Clothing Kayla Marie Creations, Mohawk . . . . . . . . 10 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Village Crossing, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Consignment The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . . . 38 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Renewed & Rescued, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dance Supplies The Dance Boutique, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . 9 Delis Bosonne’s Sausage, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Little Italy Imports, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meelan’s Market, Clark Mills . . . . . . . . .

Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . .

Pulaski Meat Market, Utica . . . . . . . . . .

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

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Diners Adirondack Diner and Lanes, Barneveld . . . . . 29 Charlie’s Place, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Jenny’s Diner, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Riverside Diner, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Sheri’s Diner, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Suzi’s Place, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Garden Centers, Greenhouses, and U-pick Candella’s Farm, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Melinda’s Garden Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . 19 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . . . . . 16 Szarek Greenhouses, Westmoreland . . . . . . . . . 50

Dog Sitting Barney’s Angels, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Gift Shops/Shopping The Artisan’s Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 16 Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . 57 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . 36 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Grey Fox Mercantile, New Hartford . . . . . . 66 Heartsome Handicrafts, New Hartford . . . . . . 10 Johnny Appleseed, Erieville . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Kayla Marie Creations, Mohawk . . . . . . . . 10 Krizia Martin, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lady and Leap Toy Shop, New Hartford . . . . 23 Main Street Gift Shoppe, Newport . . . . . . . 37 Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 15 Remington Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . 45 The Tepee, Cherry Valley . . . . . . . . . . 59 The White Begonia, Sherrill . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Entertainment, Events & Activities Fountain Elms Victorian Yuletide, Utica . . . . . . 3 Goodsell Museum, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . 28 Hamilton College Performing Arts, Clinton . . . . 20 Herkimer College Great Artists . . . . . . . . 22 Hotel Solsville, Solsville . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Little Falls Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Estate Sales Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . . . 38 Farm Equipment Clinton Tractor, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hobby Hill Farm Sales, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 67 White’s Farm Supply, Waterville/Canastota . . . . . . 80 Farm Markets Cooperstown Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dunham Public Library Winter Market . . . . . . . . . 66 Wyndfield Acres Farm Store, Little Falls . . . . . . . 12 Feed, Animal Carhart’s Feed & Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . 51 Felting Grey Fox Mercantile, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 66 Financial Institutions Bank of Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Financial Services Van Meter & Van Meter, Little Falls . . . . . . 25 Firewood and Wood Pellets Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Flooring Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Mike’s Floor Store, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . 8 Florists Village Florals, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Funeral Services Prince-Boyd & Hyatt, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Furniture Ironwood Furniture, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Jeff ’s Amish Furniture, Jordanville . . . . . . . . 60 John Froass & Son, Sherrill . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Furniture Makers Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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General Contractors Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . . . . . . 12

Goldmine Jewelers, New Hartford . . . . . . . 57 Lawn Mowers, Leaf and Snow Blowers SD Power, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Lighting Mills Electrical Supply, Rome . . . . . . . . . 28 Liquor Stores and Wine Famous Liquor & Wine, New Hartford . . . . . . . 24 lion Wine & Spirits, Ilion . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Trenton Station Liquor & Wine, Barneveld . . . . 25 Maple Syrup (see Produce) Massage Therapy Universal Wellness, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 7 Meats, locally raised (see Produce) Media 92.7 The Drive WXUR, Utica . . . . . . . . . 74 FOX33/WUTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Weekly Adirondack, Old Forge . . . . . . . . . . 44 WKAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Golf Courses and Driving Ranges Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, NY Mills . . 59

Monuments & Memorials Yorkville Memorials, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Grocery/Convenience Stores The Country Store, Salisbury . . . . . . . . . .

Deansboro Superette, Deansboro . . . . . . .

Little Italy Imports, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . . . .

Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . .

Musical Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons Big Apple Music, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 39

32 51 41 12 18

Handyman/Repairs Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . . . . . . 12 Hardware/Lumber/Farm & Home Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville . . . . . . . . . . 44 Turner Lumber, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Wightman Specialty Woods . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hemp and CBD Products Utica Hemp Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ice Cream Cafe at Stone Mill, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 30 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Natural Food Stores Brenda’s Natural Foods, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 32 Cooperstown Naturals, Cooperstown . . . . . 57 Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford . . . . . . . 69 Sunflower Naturals, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . 46 Tom’s Natural Foods, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Optometrists Towpath Vision Care, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 42 Paint and Painting Supplies Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Urbanik’s Paint & Wallpaper Co., Utica . . . . . . . 21 Pet Supplies Carhart’s Feed & Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . 51 Physical Therapy Inertia PT, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Insurance Farm Family Insurance, Boonville . . . . . . . . 50 Gates-Cole Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . . . 55 HBE Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Turnbull Insurance, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 10

Pizzerias DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . .

Primo Pizzeria, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rosato’s Pizzeria & Bakery, Utica . . . . .

Tony’s Pizza, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . .

Interior Design/Custom Window Treatments The Added Touch Drapery, New Hartford . . . . . . 50

Portable Toilets and Bathrooms Mohawk Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 & 46

Ironwork and Custom Fabrication Raulli’s Iron Works, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Primitives Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . 57 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . 36 Main Street Gift Shoppe, Newport . . . . . 37

Jewelry Alison’s Jewelry & Repair, Utica . . . . . . . . . 7

32 29 33 32

Produce, Local Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . .

Grassy Cow Dairy, Remsen . . . . . . . . . .

Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jones Family Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . .

North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . .

Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . .

Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . .

Tibbits Maple, New Hartford . . . . . . . . .

Twin Orchards, New Hartford . . . . . . . .

Wyndfield Acres Farm Store, Little Falls . .

. . . . . . . . . .

22 51 19 52 16 53 72 51 27 12

Quilt and Yarn Shops/Services Love & Stitches, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Heartworks Quilts & Fabric, Fly Creek . . . 44 Tiger Lily Quilt Co, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Real Estate John Brown Team, Coldwell Banker . . . . . . 62 Restaurants and Cafés Ann St. Deli, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Black Stallion Restaurant,Vernon . . . . . .

Cafe at Stone Mill, Little Falls . . . . . . .

Canal Side Inn, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . .

Cleaver’s BBQ, West Winfield . . . . . . . . .

Clinton Ale House, Clinton . . . . . . . . .

Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Country Store, Salisbury . . . . . . . . . .

Delta Lake Inn, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . .

Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . .

Hotel Solsville, Solsville . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jamo’s Restaurant, Herkimer . . . . . . . . . .

Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . .

Killabrew, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Main Street Ristorante, Newport . . . . . . . .

Michael’s Alder Creek Inne, Barneveld . . . .

Nola’s Restaurant, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes St. Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ohio Tavern, Cold Brook . . . . . . . . . . .

Outta The Way Cafe, Utica . . . . . . . . .

Patio Drive-In, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phoenician Restaurant, New Hartford . . . . . .

Rosato’s Pizzeria & Bakery, Utica . . . . . . . .

RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . . .

Route 69 Steakhouse, Whitesboro . . . . . . . .

Sammy & Annie Foods, Utica . . . . . . . . . . .

The Tailor and The Cook, Utica . . . . . . . . . .

Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Willie’s The Original Bagel Cafe, Utica . . .

The Willows, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

30 34 30 31 34 29 65 32 32 32 30 31 30 34 31 37 29 30 33 30 32 33 31 33 33 34 33 34 29 34 34

Shoes Karaz Shoes, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 The Sneaker Store, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Village Crossing, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Small Engine Repair J.B.’s Small Engine Works, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Storage Units Utica Indoor Storage, LLC, Utica . . . . . . . . . . 40

sponsor news The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed Just six miles outside of Cazenovia is the location of a co-op style artisan marketplace, known as The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed. The family-owned store opened in 2017 and now hosts over fifty vendors in the historic Erieville location.

The Shoppes offer jewelry, pottery, home décor, furniture, antiques, women’s clothing, primitive, modern, handmade, books, toys, quilts, cutting boards, vinyl records, wool and yarn, honey, candles, soaps, jams and jellies, CBD oil, wind chimes, silk flowers, willow furniture, and so much more!

The re-opening in June of 2017 was the culmination of the owners’ dream owners to make Johnny Appleseed the household name it once was. Inside the store is the Apple Kitchen (open Saturdays and Sundays), offering soups, sandwiches, and baked goods along with award-winning New York State Wine and Beer. Chef Patrick also creates fresh-made desserts along with Coffee Mania Coffee. The Apple Kitchen also offers Orchard Ridge, their personalized brand of NYS wine, for sale in the glass and by the bottle.

The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed are open year round, Wednesday through Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-5. For a list of all the vendors, visit the website: www.johnnyshoppes.com, or visit them on Facebook. For information on how to become a vendor, email: johnnyshoppes@yahoo.com.

Sneaker Store Announces New Pursuit 5K Training Program The new “Pursuit 5K Training Program” is a training group intent on welcoming new runners and supporting them on their journey to tackle their first 5K. The group will guide new runners with proper training, fun, friendship, accountability, and support every step of the way.

When you join “Pursuit,” you will receive a 12-week training program, coaching by RRCA certified coaches, discounts on race entries and at The Sneaker Store, access to weekly group runs, a private members Facebook group, a training shirt, and a custom medal on race day. “Pursuit” launches 1/4/20, and we welcome you to a free, no-obligation information session on 12/15 at The Sneaker Store @ 3pm. More information and Sign Up: https://www.the-sneaker-store.com/pursuit 77

Snowmobiles/ATVs Hobby Hill Farm, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Tire & Tire Repair Get a Grip, Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

LAST MONTH’S riggie’s RIDDLE ANSWER

Towing Services Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Toy Shops Lady and Leap Toy Shop, New Hartford . . . . . . 23 Trailers and Truck Caps Boulevard Trailers, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tree Services and Tree Farms Rick Turk Tree Service, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 62 Vacuum Sales Rainbow, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Websites Utica Remember When . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Weddings and Banquets Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club, NY Mills . . . . 59 Wellness Universal Wellness New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 7 Yarn and Knitting Supplies Love & Stitches, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Yogurt Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . . 72

The answer to last month’s puzzle, about what “November is the month for,” is: Traditions.

The winner drawn from all correct entries is: Maria Canarelli of Cassville

cornhusk doll

The answer to last month’s riddle, about an Iroquois legend that teaches that no one is better than another, is: Cornhusk Doll The winner selected from all correct answers is: Ross Cristman of Holland Patent

Mills Electrical Supply Over 50 Years in Business Your Headquarters for All Your Electrical & Lighting Needs!

• Electrical Supplies • Indoor/Outdoor Lighting • Commerical and Residential • New Contractors Welcome

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

Complete Collision and Mechanical Repair Since 1987

78

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W W W. W H I T E S FA R M S U P P LY. C O M KubotaUSA.com KubotaUSA.com © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete © Kubota Tractor This material for descriptive purposes Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express implied, or anydisclaimer. liability from use of20% this down, material.

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