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MOHAWK VALLEY LIVING MAGAZINE
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On the cover: Harvesting now and then, Peggy today and her friend’s relative Mable Newell in the 1950s
contents 6 10 14 17 21 24 28 29 32 35 36 40 45 47 52 54
Oneida County History Center ADK Journal Restaurant Guide Antiques Guide August in Nature Valley Girl MV Crossword MV Gardens Fun Guide MV Astronomy Club On The Farm with Suzie Matt Perry’s Nature Gallery Guide Tales from Shawangunk, Part 81 Advertiser Directory Contest Answers
August 2021
PUBLISHERS Lance and Sharry Whitney
Summer: Act Two by Sharry L. Whitney
Those little sunflower seedlings I set out (what seems like just yesterday) are now towering over me. Blueberry bushes are heavy-laden with fruit and the cicadas are reminding us that it’s midsummer. Our writers are also reveling in deep summer. Peggy immerses us in the sensuous season and Suzie welcomes summer visitors. Gary takes us along on a migration vacation, Matt reminds us that our feathered friends are preparing to leave us again, and Carol teaches us the celestial origins of the expression, “dog days of summer.” Soak it up, I remind myself, as I strive to find the balance between summer activity and relaxation. A summer day in the shade (drifting between reading and daydreaming) is a day just as well spent as hiking or swimming. I hope you enjoy escaping into these wonderful summertime stories that I am privileged to present. •
EDITOR Sharry Whitney DESIGN & LAYOUT Lance David Whitney ASSISTANT EDITOR Shelley Malenowski ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Susan Collea CONTRIBUTORS Peggy Spencer Behrendt, Carol Higgins, Suzie Jones, Melinda Karastury, Rebecca McLain, 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 © 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of Mohawk Valley Living, Inc.
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 $100 shopping spree at one 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.
Before summer says “so long,” Let’s celebrate with art and song. This Village of Clinton event is family time well spent! Hint: 4 words, 19 letters See the answer and winner to last month’s riddle on page 54!
Mohawk Valley Living is brought to you by
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the Oneida County History center
Historic Bicycle Paths Connect to Today By Patrick Reynolds
Director of Public Programs, Oneida County History Center In the late 1800s, a new hobby spread across communities of central New York. It provided a new sense of freedom never before experienced for many. What was this new hobby? Bicycling. Not only did it foster a feeling of freedom and exploration, but it also contributed to the growth of good roads in the region. The development of the safety bicycle made the growth of this sport possible. Early bicycles of the 1870s and 80s were high-wheelers or penny farthings. These featured a very large front wheel and, although exciting to ride, they were considered uncomfortable “boneshakers” which were considerably dangerous because of their awkward design. They never took off in huge numbers. In the 1880s, the safety bike was developed. These bikes resemble modern bikes in that they featured chain drive, air-filled tires, and a relatively comfortable leather seat. They were lighter and less mechanically complex. Although not inexpensive, safety bikes caught on like wildfire. They were widely popular and were the first to put America “on wheels. “ One should consider the other options available to understand their popularity. Railroads and trolleys provided transportation but were mostly limited to larger towns. Smaller villages could be reached by stagecoaches. There were multiple, daily stagecoaches to travel from Rome to the outlying towns of Lee, Delta, Taberg, Camden, and more. A horse and wagon were an attractive option for those with a little more resources; however, bicycles offered freedom to get around without all the other difficulties of owning a horse such as feeding, cleaning, and housing the animals. Rome is in a rather flat area and bicycling proved to be an easy way to get around; because of this, ridership surged and it truly became a bicycle city. Clubs and associations of riders developed as the popularity of riding grew. The Rome Bicycle Club was formed in 1884 and was the first group to impose speed limits to riding on sidewalks in the city (speed needed to be kept no greater than one mile in eight
There was a boom in bicycle clubs in the 1880s, like the Rome Bicycle Club formed in 1884
Early map of local bicycle paths The development of the safety bicycle led to the growth in the popularity of the sport
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minutes). The club disbanded in 1887 and became a purely social organization, the Fort Stanwix Club. Its replacement, the Rome Cyclers, had a much greater impact on local cyclists and the city of Rome. In 1889, the Rome Cyclers were formed by a group of like-minded riders who banded together to arrange competitions and promote the sport. They were best known for Memorial Day races held at Riverside Park where up to twenty teams competed from nearby cities such as Utica and Syracuse. Up to 200 racers would be on hand. Overland races between Rome and Clinton were also held. The rise in the popularity of bicycles was a bit of a problem for those walking on sidewalks. Bikes crowded sidewalks and daredevils would traverse these walkways at breakneck speeds. Bicycles also scared many horses. The Rome Cyclers formed a Sidepath League to develop bicycle-only trails where cyclists could enjoy comfort and freedom to roam as they pleased. These paths ran alongside the highways and were six-foot-wide, cleared of brush and stone, and paved with crushed stone or cinders. Access to the trails was by subscription and a small medallion or license plate was affixed to each bicycle that used the path. In a letter encouraging support, the Sidepath League urged that “everyone who rides a bicycle will readily appreciate the value of these paths and it is hoped that all will pay their share. The amount asked for from each—$1.00 — is small compared with the benefits you are receiving.” By 1897, built over twenty miles of improved paths were built. The Good Roads Movement was started in Massachusetts in 1880 by the League of American Wheelman. Agitated by the poor roads in the United States, the Wheelman advocated for governments to improve country roads to allow people to better get around. The members of the Rome Cyclers were no doubt influenced by the American Wheelman and locally took matters into their own hands.
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The cyclists must be credited with having made the first efforts to get good roads started. They were responsible for the first crushed stone street in Rome—a sample on N. James Street between Park and Stanwix streets. In 1893, they raised money through subscriptions to purchase a steam-powered stone crusher which they gave to the city. The large machine was capable of crushing over twelve to fifteen tons of stone per hour. It was set up in what is now Fort Stanwix Park. The city bought a steam roller and the steam roller engine operated the stone crusher. Cobblestones were drawn, crushed, and spread on the street, and the roller packed them down. These efforts started the first paved roads in Rome. Before that, the only improved roads were cobblestone on parts of James and Dominick Streets. The popularity of bicycling in the 1890s lived a strong, but brief life, yet the legacy of the Good Roads Movement lives on. The last meeting of the Rome Cyclers was in 1896. Other mechanical contraptions such as motorcycles and automobiles would soon take over the roads. Recreational biking is currently making a resurgence. Modern cyclists in Rome can find several trails which are very similar to the old sidepaths. The Mohawk River Trail starts at Bellamy Park and runs north along the Mohawk River for approximately five miles, it passes several interesting historic spots including the former sites of Kent Amphitheater and the County Home. For the more adventurous, the Canalway Trail runs through Rome and Utica. Maintained by the Canal Corporation, the Canalway Trail is a network of approximately 300 miles of multiple-use trails across upstate New York. It follows the towpaths of both active and historic sections of the New York State Canal System as well as adjacent abandoned rail corridors. The History Center will host a ride along the towpath near Marcy on August 24, 2021. Riders will stop along the way to learn about the canal including the location of “The Cut.” Dug on the Mohawk River in 1730, this was the first artificial channel for navigation created in what would become New York State and it symbolizes the beginning of the Canal Age. Visit www.oneidacountyhistory.org/programs.html for more information. •
Ride the Towpath with the Oneida County History Center Tuesday, Aug 24 at 6pm This six-mile ride is very flat. The rides are guided and typically include a speaker who will illuminate history, ecology, and future plans along the route. All riders who have at least some experience on a bike are welcome. Helmets required. Free. Contact Patrick Reynolds for more info: preynolds@oneidacountyhistory.org
Oneida County History Center
1608 Genesee St, Utica (315) 735-3642
Open Tues.-Fri. 10-4, Sat 10-2 www.oneidacountyhistory.org
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adirondack journal
The Adirondack Kids Celebrate 20 Years of Storytelling
story & photos by Gary VanRiper
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Wine & Spirits Ilion
10 East Main St., Ilion • (315) 894-8142 Open Mon-Sat: 9-9, Sun: 12-5 • All credit cards accepted
It was way back in the December 2019 issue of Mohawk Valley Living when we announced the 20th volume in The Adirondack Kids® children’s book series, created with my son, Justin, would be released in the year 2020. And as everyone knows, it was just a few months later, in March 2020, when our country came to a virtual halt due to the pandemic. With all the uncertainty, the production of our 20th volume was also delayed, but happily only a year! We can now announce that this month, on Saturday, August 14, there will be a belated 20th Anniversary Celebration with a Book Launch for The Adirondack Kids #20: The Great Migration Vacation, at the Inlet Public Library in the hamlet of Inlet, New York. An accompanying Art Show is also on display already and will be there during library hours through Columbus Day weekend. The show features the original artwork of Susan Loeffler for all twenty book covers along with original black-and-white interior book illustrations by my wife and Justin’s mom, Carol VanRiper. Inlet, in the west-central Adirondacks, is an easy day trip for those from the Mohawk Valley. Just minutes from the camp that has been in Carol’s family for more than 100 years, the community is also where the main characters in our stories hail from and is the epicenter for the book series. We have always revolved each of our stories around some important person, place, or thing – teaching, without preaching. Our latest story is no exception. At first blush, it is easy to see how very different the landscapes are between the Adirondacks of New York and North Carolina’s Outer Banks – the most obvious being the mountains versus the relative flatness of the multiple islands. I had one main connection between the two geographic locations in mind, but while doing the ‘live’ research while doing research on Hatteras Island discovered so many connections it was not possible to work them all into the storyline! There were plows removing drifting sand, (rather than snow), from the highway. There were vast, unbroken views of the natural world. The same hurricane reshaping the landscape on the islands did the same to the Adirondack
Carol VanRiper has done the interior illustrations for The Adirondack Kids book series since volume #4. photo by Jan Grzesik
Susan Loeffler has done the full color artwork for The Adirondack Kids® series of books for twenty years.
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mountains. Class sizes in some schools are small and there is a great reliance on tourism, much of it seasonal. There were Adirondack chairs and fires with s’mores and multiple creatures, including snowbirds, migrating from north to south and back north again, the cycle continuing year after year. The list goes on, and as the Adirondack Kids meet some Carolina Kids during their great migration vacation, they bond and discover many of these similarities while all together. We hope we might get to meet some of you who migrate from the Mohawk Valley to the mountains this month. The book launch and signing event on August 14 begins at 1:30pm at the library located near the bend along Route 28 at the center of the hamlet of Inlet. Justin and I are scheduled to do a short presentation for those gathered at 2 p.m. There will also be refreshments. And if you can corner Carol to sign a book as well, you will be one of the very few to do so over these past 20 years! For more information and library hours, contact the Inlet Public Library at 315-357-6494. • Gary VanRiper is an author, photographer, and pastor at the Camden Wesleyan Church. He has written 19 children’s books with his son, Justin.
New Syrup Certified Organic! Maple Tours Available www.benandjudyssugarhouse.com
Available at: Juliano’s Farm Market, Mosher Farms, Peter’s Cornucopia, Stoltzfus Dairy, and Twin Orchards 770 Beaver Creek Rd., West Edmeston • (315) 899-5864 • Find us on Facebook!
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Inlet Public Library was the site for the 10th anniversary of The Adirondack Kids and will be for the 20th.
All twenty of Susan’s original pieces for each cover is on display now through mid-October at the Inlet Public Library, Inlet, NY
Learn more at: www.adirondackkids.com
CHOOSE AN IMAGE
Young Justin VanRiper at Moss Lake. Our annual trip became a family tradition.
7632 Hwy. 20 607-264-3987 CALL FOR HOURS www.thetepee.biz
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Full Bakery
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the mvl restaurant guide
cassville
CLINTON
MARCY
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2755 826-5050 2755 State State Rt Rt.8,8,Cold ColdBrook, Brook,NY NY•13324 (315)•826-5050
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little falls
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New Hartford
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Breakfast, Lunch, Homemade Soups & Sandwiches and our delicious Desserts Including our Famous Cream Puffs! Canal Place, Little Falls Next to Showcase Antiques
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rome
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Open: Mon, Thurs, & Fri: 4-9pm Sat: 12-9pm, Sun: 3-8pm, Closed Tues & Wed
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64 North Main St., Sherburne (607) 674-4397
Open every day and Open year-round 15
Utica
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Sheri’s
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10 Boneless Wings $6.00 Thursday: $15.99 All-U-Can-Eat Chicken Riggies 409 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro • (315) 736-7869 Catering & Banquet Facilities Available • www.69steakhouse.com
www.theblackstallionny.com • Open Wed & Thurs 3-9, Fri & Sat 3-10, Closed Sun, Mon & Tues
Yorkville A
Over 80 years serving the Mohawk Valley! Visit our 3 locations:
Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville • Ilion Marina, 190 Central Ave, Ilion • Maynard Dr., Marcy 16
KARAM’S Middle Eastern Bakery & Restaurant
Traditional Lebanese fare for breakfast & lunch! Middle Eastern Specials & Groceries • Pita & Flat Bread • Spinach & Meat Pies • Baklawa
(315) 736-1728 • 137 Campbell Ave, Yorkville Tues - Fri: 9am -5pm, Sat: 9am - 3pm • www.karamsbakery.com
mv living
antique shopping guide AUGUST 16-22
House The Gingham Patch Canal Antiques
Valandrea’s Venture
Whistle Post Antiques Madison
Victorian
The Gallery Antiques at Pinebrick
Rose
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ANTIQUE GALLERY
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Celebrating 21 years in business!
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BlackCat
ANTIQUES & GIFTS A little bit country, a little bit primitive!
Furniture, handmade felt wall hangings and pillows, silk wreaths & arrangements, Warm Glow candles and more!
Bear Path Antiques Open Daily 10-5 10242 Route 12N, Remsen
(315) 831-8644
www.backofthebarnantiques.com
A general line of quality, affordable antiques including furniture, primitives, smalls, china, and antique accessories. Open Thursday-Monday: Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
14 East Main St. Earlville (315) 691-5721
If coming from a long distance call to check hours
(315) 369-9970 • 13912 State Rte 28, Otter Lake
Broad St. Flea Market 601 Second Street, Utica
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Open Tues-Fri: 9-4, Sat: 9-2, Closed Sun & Mon
Celebrating Our 45th Season ~ Offering Early Antiques Primitive Wares Needfuls Purposeful Stuff Open Most Every Day: 10-5
(315) 941-0925 • Wed-Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 10-4, Closed Mon & Tues
Indoor & Open Year Round!
Large selection of vendors with an even larger variety of items!
New products from Handmade Soy Candles, Lucky Bamboo, CBD Products, to Incense & Craft Items, Furniture & Household Items- new & old Like Us! Large selection of DVDs & CDs
Inventory always changing so Stop in often! Vendor applications always accepted.
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Canal House Hazel Mae’s Antiques Located in the Shoppes Multi-Dealer Shop
Specializing in antique furniture, glassware, jewelry, books, linens and so much more.
at Johnny Appleseeds 3402 Old State Rd, Erieville Rug Hooking • Punch Needle Wool • Supplies • Classes
6737 Route 20, Bouckville (315) 893-7737 Open Thursday - Monday 10-5
Multi Dealer Antique Shop
Primitives • Furniture • Artwork Smalls • Antique Accessories Wed-Sat: 10-4, Sun: 11-3 • (315) 264-1755
4803 Rt. 31, Vernon
ANTIQUE GALLERY
6768 Route 20, Bouckville (315) 893-7676 Open Apr-Oct: 10-5 daily; Nov-Dec: 10-4 daily January-March: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10-4 www.depotantiquegallery.com
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Our lovely gallery offers a full range of antiques, fine furniture, and vintage collectibles!
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 Route 20, Bouckville
MADISON INN ANTIQUES
Little Little Falls Falls
Antique Center More than 50 vendors on 2 floors! Antiques • Art • Crafts
Open 6 days a week, 10-5, Closed Tues Handicapped-accessible • 315-823-4309 Thruway Exit 29A, 25 West Mill St., Little Falls www.littlefallsantiquecenter.com
Like us on Facebook!
FURNITURE • TOOLS BOOKS • COLLECTIBLES GLASS • PRIMITIVE Space available Call: 315 335-1689
7417 St Rte 20 • Madison 315-893-7639 Open Thurs-Sun 10-5
We’re Worth the Trip…
All kinds of Unique Vendors under one roof. Artisans, Crafters, Antiques to Retro including Food Items.
Vendors Wanted!
142 North Main Street, Herkimer • 315-628-1506 or 315-219-9195 Open Tues & Wed: 10-5, Thurs: 10-6, Fri:1 0-5, Sat: 10-4, Sun: Closed A Division of Herkimermall, LLC www.MohawkValleyCommunityMarket.com
rs! butte the e l p d? Ap from boar reserves awk p u c oh ep the ’s in handmad now at M arket! t a h e W ther Hous ity M And o Earhart Commun y Valle
Over 160 Vendor booths and display cases!
Beat the Heat!
Shop for an Antique! Inventory Always Changing
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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The Online Exchange, LLC Offering all types of Auction and Appraisal Services (973) 984-6900 • 20 Beach Street, Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003 www.nyeandcompany.com
ESTATE & HOUSE SALES • APPRAISALS • ALWAYS BUYING
THE POTTING SHED ANTIQUES
ALL U.S. COINS WANTED
Buying and Selling Coins, Large Selection of Jewelry (gold, silver, costume), and Antiques. Buying scheduled by appointment. Thurs & Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4, Closed Sun-Wed • www.thepottingshedantiques.com
315-736-5214
Don & Nancy Hartman, 52 Oriskany Blvd., Whitesboro (Next to Kinney’s)
Renewed & Rescued Quality Consignments & More
Consigners wanted! Household Items & Decor Refinished Furniture, Jewelry, Local Artisan Products 142 N. Main Street, Herkimer
(315) 628-1506 • Tues - Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 10-2
uuuuuuuuuuu u u u u u u u BUYING & SELLING Antiques, u u Mid-Century, and Vintage thru 1975 u u OPEN 10AM-5PM, Closed Wed. u u *5,000 sq.ft. Multi-Dealer Store u u *BEST Variety of UNIQUE Finds u *103 SHOWCASES u u *26 DISPLAY BOOTHS u u u *1,000’s of Affordable “Smalls” For Sale u u *Get on our Monthly CUSTOMER WANT LIST u u (315) 823-1177 u u u 375 Canal Place, Little Falls u Next Door to Ann Street Deli u u u uuuuuuuuuuu
showcase antiques
Victorian
Rose
Painted and Repurposed
Vintage, Antiques, Crafts & Collectibles
6831 Indian Opening Rd., Bouckville
Open Daily 10-5
Vintage & Antique Furniture Open Fri, Sat & Sun 10-4 (315) 893-7162
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315-893-1786 3371 Maple Ave., Bouckville www.victorianrosevintage.com
We Can Help You Buy, Sell, & Trade Globally!
Registered user of ebay
Now an FFL dealer! (315) 429-5111 • 6338 St. Rt. 167, Dolgeville
Antique & Unique! Buy • Sell • Trade
Annual Antique Affair August 13th-22nd
See The Man 54 N. Main St., Sherburne (607) 316-8463 • Open Wed-Sat 10-5
Weeden’ s Mini Mall
Loaded with Antiques, Vintage, Collectibles, & many kinds of unique items! Over 40 years in business! Over 100 shops under one roof! 8056 Route 13, Blossvale (Located 4 miles North of Sylvan Beach) (315) 245-0458 • Open 10-5 every day
MV NATURE
nature in august
Great Egret
story and photos by Matt Perry
In August, most birds are finished breeding and their goals quickly shift from raising families to fall migration prep. With their young following along, parent birds involve themselves in serious foraging. They aim to build up their fat reserves and do it as quickly as possible. That is the energy they need to fuel their southward migration. Bear in mind that some will be traveling as far as South America. Although they are gearing up for migration, most songbirds are still present and accounted for in the vicinity of their breeding grounds, but their foraging leads them to keep moving around the habitat. Some will join with allied species and form loose flocks. At this time of year tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and warblers all make common cause and can be seen in the same space. A quarter century ago, I used to celebrate my birthday (late August) by going up into the southern Adirondacks and observing the pre-migration activities of songbirds. Back then it was not difficult to find flocks containing over one hundred birds. All would be actively feeding in the forest canopy and moving from tree to tree. Those flocks were very warbler heavy and consisted of that area’s local breeders. Included were Blackburnian Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Northern
Parula Warblers, Yellow-rumped Wa r b l e r s , and Magnolia Warblers. None of them were singing and so I needed to identify them the old-fashioned way – by sight. With the larger flocks, they often moved so quickly that several would sprint by while I was busy trying to identify the one in my binoculars. That meant I could only afford to spend about a split second on each bird. Closer to home at the nature sanctuary, many of the local breeding birds are gathering in the Black Cherry tree groves and around the Mountain Ash trees. The cherries and ash berries are popular with Brown Thrashers, Gray Catbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, thrushes, and Orioles. Although the warblers and vireos are not so interested in those fruits, I do see them hitting other berry laden areas. The Vireos (consummate insectivores) are partial to the fruit of Virginia Creeper Vines. I have also seen Black-throated Blue Warblers feed on viburnum berries and the berries of Spikenard (a Ginseng relative). For the most part the insectivores, when they are eating fruit, concentrate on the va-
rieties that have a richer fat content. The dogwood berries tend to be fat rich as is the fruit of the Bayberry bush, although I rarely see the insectivores partake of the latter fruit. We start seeing the first migrant sandpiper types show up in the Mohawk Valley in early August. Some of these shorebirds are freshly back from breeding on the Arctic Tundra. When with us, their mission is the same as that of the songbirds; to fatten up as much as possible. They accomplish this by feeding voraciously on the invertebrates that live in the mud and shallow water. Although larger mud flats can attract over a dozen species of shorebird, our beaver ponds bring in only a handful of species. Most often we see the Spotted Sandpiper and the Solitary Sandpiper. The former species is a local breeder while the latter breeds in Canadian forests. Immature Spotted Sandpipers lack the liberally spotted underside of the adult but can berecognized by its incessant tail dipping
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behavior. Also, their wingbeats are very shallow and that helps to distinguish them in flight. However, the piping call notes of the Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers are similar and it is sometimes hard to discern which species you’re hearing. Large wading birds like herons and egrets begin to concentrate in good fishing habitat in August. Sometimes we are fortunate to get a Great Egret visiting one of the beaver ponds. The egrets have been an increasing presence in the Valley in the last two decades and they may be local breeders. Sometimes they nest in the same colonies along with their cousins, the Great Blue Herons, but I have yet to hear of an egret nest occurring in any of our local heron rookeries. We were lucky enough to have a great egret spend more than a month with us a couple of years ago. Unlike most of his tribe, he did not spook easily, and it was possible to remain at the pond with him and observe him for extended periods. Like other herons, the Egret is an ambush hunter. He relies on patience and a slow stealthy approach. He waits until his target is in range and then plunges his stiletto-like bill into the water and grabs it. It is
Monarch Butterfly
Black-throated Green Warbler
Personal, Business & Life Insurance Planning
LIQUORS & WINES
Enjoy Summer!
From a local company established in 1866
Turnbull
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600 French Road, New Hartford • 315.735.9201 www.turnbull-insurance.com
Kitchen & Bath Cabinets Hardwood Flooring & Countertops
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315-822-0010
Showroom Open Tues 11-6, Wed-Sat 11-4 or by appt. www.knottybynature.com
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Good Friends Good Times Good Wines
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 12pm-6pm
HALF & FULL CASE DISCOUNTS 8231 State Route 12, Barneveld (315) 896-4444
PULASKI MEAT MARKET
FREE In-Home Estimates Installation Available Corner of Rte. 8 & 20, Bridgewater
Rose-breasted Grosbeak feeds on Mountain Ash berries
Immature Spotted Sandpiper
Cabinetry by Shiloh, Aspect & Waypoint
Homemade Polish Foods Variety of Kielbasa • Cold Cuts Pierogi • Golabki
1201 Lenox Ave., Utica • (315) 732-8007
www.polishfoodutica.com • Mon-Fri:9-5, Sat: 9-4:30, Sun Closed
Great Grilling Options!
hard to believe that something in all white plumage could sneak up on anything, but somehow it works. It is not just the birds that provide a show in August. Flowers and butterflies also deserve some attention. Mid-summer is when the Monarch Butterfly migration really gets underway. Their epic journey from as far north as the Canadian provinces, all the way to the mountains of Mexico is one of nature’s most extraordinary events and we are fortunate to be in line to see part of it. The many flowers at our nature sanctuary make great stopover habitat for the Monarchs who also lay their eggs on our milkweed plants as they pass through. In August there is still a chance the eggs can hatch. However, it becomes a race against time for the larvae to pupate and for the adults to emerge before cold weather stops them in their tracks. Eggs laid in September rarely have enough time to hatch and develop into flying adults. There is a great deal occurring in August and much of the action occurs in wide open spaces, like wetlands, mudflats, meadows, fields, and forest borders. My advice to those interested in nature and/or nature photography is to get out there and discover it. •
Gathering of Great Egrets
Juvenile Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Blackburnian Warbler
Family Monuments Mausoleums & Columbariums Granite Cleaning & Repairs Cemetery Lettering Pre-Need Memorials
Preplanning Provides Peace of Mind
Gina Trzepacz-Timpano
(315) 736-1781 1309 Champlin Ave., Yorkville
Bossone’s Sausage & Meat Co. Prince-Boyd & Hyatt Home For Funerals, Inc.
Home-like surroundings for your convenience & comfort. Pre-arrangement Plans with prey-payment or no payment options.
CBD Done Right! Joint Pain & Mobility Relief Lowers Stress & Anxiety
210 West Court St. Rome • 336-1510
Fights Inflamation • Sleep Aid • Pet Products
www.princeboydhyatt.com
WWW.RAWADK.COM 8063 State Rt 12, Barneveld 315.896.5054
Handicapped Accessible
THC-Free Options Available BEST Prices in the Mohawk Valley CBD OILS • EDIBLES • TOPICALS • VAPES
Utica’s Pork Store
Try our Famous Sausage!
Deli items • Beef • Steaks • Cheeses • Dry Goods Sundays: Fried Meatballs & Fried Dough!
711 Bleecker St., Utica
(315) 765-6409 Open: Thurs & Fri 9-4, Sat 8-2, Sun 8-Noon 23
The Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl
Gold Rush Adventure Golf
Mohawk Valley Girl got a whole crew together for some mini golf at Gold Rush Adventure Golf in Westmoreland
in Westmoreland
I was watching a PGA event on a widescreen in a sports bar, listening to the bartender explain some of the finer points of the game. “All I play is putt-putt,” I admitted. “And I haven’t done that in years.” Imagine my delight when I got a chance to play a round of miniature golf at Gold Rush Adventure Golf in Westmoreland. The course is celebrating 30 years in business, a wonderful milestone. I had driven by the place and been intrigued, so I recruited a few family members. My fellow golfers were my sister Cheryl and her daughters Dana, Kimberly, and Jenna. Also included were Dana’s husband, Dan, and their children, Sheppie and Evie, ages 6 and 3. The lady at the booth asked us to split into two foursomes. Cheryl, Jenna, Evie, and I were in the first group. Evie jumped right in, apparently understanding the game at a glance. At least, she knew the object was to get the ball in the hole. How to hold the club, she had no idea. That is one reason why it is fun to play golf with a three-year-old. Later Cheryl tried to teach her the right way to hold the club, but I don’t think she ever caught on. I had the scorecard for our foursome. I dropped it in the bag with my tablet and notebook, never to refer to it again. It was more fun not to keep score, and it would have been
Barney’s Angels
Dog Sitting & Daycare
(315) 525-3330 • Home Environment • Clean & Safe • Friendly • Spacious • Daily FB videos
4361 Acme Road, Ilion
Big dogs welcome too!
www.barneysangelsdogsitters.com
There are surprises around every corner at Gold Rush Adventure Golf! They celebrate 30 years this summer!
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We Are Open!
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
All Sizes! Put the car back in the garage! A family run business specializing in the manufacturing of affordable, well-contructed:
Storage Sheds Gazebos Pole Barns Garages (attached or unattached) Decks Free estimates for Pole Barns & Garages (315) 853-5285 4932 Rt. 233, Westmoreland Fully insured with over 30 years experience! See examples at: www.ssheds.com
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difficult to tabulate Evie’s gyrations in any case. And it might have been a little embarrassing to keep track of how many swings I had to take sometimes! “Tiger Woods, I’m not,” I said. Nobody minded. After a few holes, Evie declared that she was tired of playing, she wanted to be with her mother. She still had fun looking at all the displays and graciously posed for pictures. She especially liked the cow with the “Got Milk?” sign. Sheppie joined our foursome. He was taking more of an interest in the game, meticulously counting his strokes and calling the totals back to his father, who was keeping score. He went ahead of me on an around-the-curve hole and was able to call back to me that I had made it in one stroke. Wow, a hole in one (maybe I AM Tiger Woods)! I sure couldn’t do that when I tried! I was, in fact, paying less attention to my game than to all the decorations and displays. Pirates, skeletons, dinosaurs, Old West characters, and more. Even Santa Claus! Some of the displays had plaques giving information about them. I was particularly fond of the skeletons, myself. There are several bridges and benches for
Even when they weren’t playing golf, MV Girl’s grandniece and grandnephew, Evie and Sheppie, had fun at Gold Rush Adventure Golf!
Get Something Growing at Green Lakes Home & Garden! Dr. Ginger Oliver, PT, AIB-VR/CON
Dr. Ryan Oliver, PT
Physical Therapy
Your 1-Stop Shop for All Your Planting Needs!
• Orthopedics & Sports Physical Therapy • Vestibular, Concussion & Neurological Rehabilitation • Medical & Fall Prevention Physical Therapy • Health & Wellness Memberships
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Now accepting new clients. Call us today!
2504 Genesee St. Utica • (315) 765-0063 25
picture-taking. I love a good photo op! The course itself is challenging, with bumps and slopes where you might not expect them. I was particularly surprised at the hole where your ball dropped down to a different green at a lower level. Partway through the course, I went back to the clubhouse to purchase a few bottles of water. After our game, we enjoyed ice cream treats. When we turned in our clubs, a nice lady in a tie-dye shirt gave me a couple of “Buy One Get One” game tickets. I didn’t need the incentive to return, but what a nice perk! “I love your tie-dye,” I told her, after thanking her for the coupons. “It’s all I wear,” she said. She told me they had been adding to the course every year. I later found out she was Jane Denslow, the owners’ daughter. As I mentioned, they are celebrating 30 years in business, and it is not surprising that they are still going strong. •
Gold Rush Adventure Golf
853 NY-233, Westmoreland Open 7 days a week: Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-8 (315) 853-1337 • Note: Cash only www.goldrushminiaturegolf.weebly.com E
The Olde w
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.
Kountry Market Your Source for:
Gift Boxes-Shipped! Homemade Pies Bulk Foods & Spices Canned Goods, Candies, Jams, Deli Meats & Cheeses, Yogurt, Baked Goods, Outdoor Furniture, Gifts & More!
Custom Woodcraft Quality Cabinetry & Furniture Crafted exclusively for you
6505 Route 5, Vernon, NY 13476 (315) 829-3035 Mon-Wed 9-5, Thur-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-4
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2509 Perry Shumaker Road Munnsville (315) 843-4234
1-800-843-3202
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august Crossword
All answers found in the pages of this magazine! Solution will appear in next month’s issue
Across 5. Don’t miss this August event! See our Antiques Guide map. 6. The term used for the old method of checking inside eggs before selling them. See Tales from Shawangunk. 8. The shishito pepper name come from the Japanese word for this animal. See MV Gardens 12. Early bicycles were known as ___, because of the uncomfortable riding experience. 13. “Dog days of summer” expression comes from this star. 14. I Love Mohawk Valley ___! 15. We experienced this a lot this summer! Down 1. Too much stuff in the attic? Find this “Addict Liquidation” expert under Estate Sales in our advertiser directory in the back of the magazine. 2. Matt Perry admires the intelligence of these birds. 3. “Grill masters” know to buy their meat at this market in Clark Mills. 4. Dish served at The Black Stallion or DiCastro’s Brick Oven, e.g. 7. Adirondack Kids celebrates their 20th book: The Great ___ Vacation. See ADK Journal. 9. An activity Peggy tries to avoid. See Tales From Shawangunk. 10. Yikes! Suzie found some timber ___ under her roof! 11. Looking for family fun? You’ll strike gold at Gold ___! See Mohawk Valley Girl.
MVL Crossword Puzzler:
After a week in the hot summer sun, you may find yourself in one of these? Unscramble the letters in the yellow boxes then email your answer to: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com by the 18th of this month. You’ll be entered to win an MVL Mug and a bag of delicious, fresh-roasted FoJo Beans coffee!
Berry Hill Closed in January Book Shop
Heartworks
Over 75,000 used books!
2349 Rte 12-B, Deansboro, NY 315-821-6188 Open Tues-Sat 10-5 dls@berryhillbookshop.com
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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Quilts & Fabrics
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, Thurs, Fri: 8-4, Wed: 8-3, Sat: 8-Noon, Closed Sun & Tues • 315-724-5578
Full Service Quilt Shop Baby Lock/Koala Dealer Famous for Flannel!
(607) 547-2501
Hours: Wed-Fri 11-4, Sat 11-2, Closed Sun-Tues
www.heartworksquilts.com Margaret@heartworksquilts.com
6237 State Hwy 28, Fly Creek
mohawk valley Gardens & recipes
battle royale:
Shishito vs. Padron Peppers by denise A. Szarek
These little green powerhouse peppers are trending right now. From Spanish tapas bars to Sushi restaurants you will find them on many restaurant menus. Almost all commercially sold peppers are “cousins.” Both Shishito and Padron peppers are from the cultivar Capsicum annuum var. annuum. Shishito peppers are the East Asian variety of the cultivar and are named because the tips of the peppers resemble the head of a lion – shishi in Japanese. On the other hand, Padron peppers are from Spanish seed of the cultivar from the municipality of Padron in northwestern Spain, hence its name. We have been growing both Shishito and Padron plants for sale at our farm stand for several years and the Shishito plants far outsell the Padrons. But we had never done a side-by-side comparison of the two peppers. Visually they are slightly different: shishitos appear to have a brighter, more reflective surface and they are a tad longer and twisty-tipped with more ridges. Either of these peppers is very mildly spicy and even a bit sweet, but occasionally you’ll come across one that’s got some serious kick. The recipe I’m sharing this month results in a really fun game of snack roulette, meaning that now and then, someone will eat a hot pepper! For Shishitos, it’s said 1 in 10 peppers are hot; for Padrons it’s 2 in 10, but we’ve found a ton a variance – occasionally we’ll get a batch that’s all mild, and sometimes a breakdown of 50/50 spicy/mild. So consider yourself warned! So one Sunday evening, with friends who love these peppers, we decided to get to the bottom of the Shishito- vs- Padron debate. In the end, the Shishito brought a great, unique flavor and a surprising change up to the table. Once pan-fried, the Padrons have a smoky flavor and melt in your mouth texture that is pretty irresistible when
topped with a little sea salt. They were delicious on pizza and in eggs. But as far as other cooking ventures – the Shishitos ended up being just a tad more versatile. Bring on the Shishito. These peppers are also great pan-fried, and are just as easy to prep- but have a slightly sweeter flavor. Some of us said floral, some herbal, others said maybe a hint of citrus. However you describe it, Shishitos possess a brighter note to rival the padron’s more earthy flavor and pair better with tamari, sesame, or lemon since their less intense smoky flavor mingles well with others instead of competing with them. In terms of texture, Shishitos can work a little less blistered and browned – their skin is a little thicker and silkier and can hold up in sautés without compromising flavor. In addition, they were preferable to Padrons for cheese stuffing – Shishitos are my new jalapeno popper without the burn! The culinary battle-royale concluded early when we all got too full from the many ways we cooked these peppers. We hadn’t been able to determine a winner, since both had been so good in their own ways. But we all did agree that gorging on peppers late on a Sunday evening was not a great way to start a Monday morning! One thing I do know, once you get the hang of blistering these little gems, you’ll never order them in a restaurant again. It’s not that they’re not a delicious thing to order at a restaurant, but the thing is, once you figure out how insanely easy it is to make this healthy, salty, snacky appetizer at home, it’ll be hard to convince yourself to shell out restaurant cash for a little plate of these peppers. They’re just too easy! And too great to reserve for times when you’re dining out. Once we got the hang of them, we were blistering Shishito and Padron peppers at least once a week (and sometimes more often) all season long!
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Edward Smith
Your personal handyman! A quick solution to your everyday problems.
Contractor • Custom Woodworking INSURED • CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
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& H A R D WA R E
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•Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Vinyl Tile
Michael SanFilippo Owner
315-733-3697
We Sell & Service
Garage and Entry Doors
Residential & Commercial
Why pay more? Come to Mike’s Floor Store!
Family owned and operated for over 50 years!
3 Main St., Whitesboro • EMAIL: mikesfloorstore@gmail.com
Open M-F 8-4:30 • (315) 735-5577 • www.jmdoor.net
505 Broad St., Utica
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MVL RECIPES
Blistered Shishito or Padron Peppers by Denise Szarek
Ingredients: 2 cups Shishito or Padron peppers ¼ cup olive oil Coarse Sea salt and fresh ground coarse black pepper
Set up your grill for direct grilling and heat to medium-high. In a bowl, toss the peppers with olive oil. Tear off a 12- by 15-inch piece of aluminum foil. Place it dull side up on your workspace. Arrange the peppers in the center in a single layer. Bring the long edges of the foil together. Fold twice. Next, fold the short edges twice to completely enclose the peppers. Arrange the packet on the grill grate and grill, turning once or twice, until the peppers are blistered, 12 to 15 minutes. Carefully open the packet and season the peppers with sea salt and pepper. If grilling Shishito hit them with a tsp of lemon zest for a bright citrus note! Serve hot!
Gather blueberries to your heart’s content at Blueberry Brooke!
Take home a bucketful (7-8 pints) for $20!
Our hillside meadow is filled with bushes heavy-laden with ripe, organic blueberries. Whether picking alone or with friends and family, you will find quiet joy in a long afternoon or sunny morning spent in the serene company of our blueberry bushes. Our bushes and paths are beautifully tended and the fruits are easy to gather.
Please call to confirm availability: (315) 749-3547 • 6827 Van Hyning Rd., Deansboro • www.blueberrybrooke.com
The best way to enjoy beautiful Raquette Lake is from the deck of the W.W. Durant! Breathtaking scenery. Fascinating history. Scrumptious food.
Nurture the mind, body and soul cruising and dining aboard the W. W. Durant on Raquette Lake. Reserve online or call today for a reservation (315)354-5532
Raquette Lake Navigation Co. 224 Main St., Raquette Lake, NY
www.RaquetteLakeNavigation.com
Family Summer FuN GuidE: August
Friendly Competition Gold Rush Miniature Golf
18-hole course with adventure for all! Daily 10am-9pm • (315) 853-1337 Route 233, Westmoreland www.goldrushminiaturegolf.weebly.com
Palm Springs Miniature Golf
by Sharry L. Whitney
Animal Interaction
18-hole mini golf fun for the whole family! Daily 10am-9:30pm • (315) 736-4316 9411 Maynard Drive, Marcy www.palmspringsminigolf.com
It’s Summer: Act II. Still time to get out and enjoy the many family fun destinations and events throughout the Mohawk Valley!
Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo
TAke a Boat Tour!
Attractions to beat the heat! Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Open daily 10am-6:30pm through August 22. Shorter hours through Sept. 6th. 3183 State Route 28, Old Forge www.watersafari.com
Petting areas, animal shows, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Daily 10am-4pm (315) 336-1930 5135 Rome New London Road, Rome www.fortrickey.com
Raquette Lake Navigation
Dining, sightseeing & special events cruises. Call: (315) 354-5532 224 Main Street, Raquette Lake www.raquettelakenavigation.com
Family Fun EVents Movie Night at Fort Stanwix
Friday, August 6, 9pm. Enter by 8:30pm to gain admittance. The Oneida Indian Nation will provide three films highlighting the Nation’s culture and its history as America’s First Allies
Utica Zoo Sylvan Beach Amusement Park
Open Noon-9pm (10pm by demand) Thur.-Sun. (and Monday holidays) through Labor Day www.sylvanbeachamusementpark.com
Home to more than 200 domestic and exotic animals from around the world. Daily 10am-4pm • (315) 738-0472 1 Utica Zoo Way Utica www.uticazoo.org
Celebrating
30 Years!
A Family Favorite for a Fun Mini Golf Adventure!
Gold Rush Adventure golf Rt. 233, Westmoreland 315-853-1337 • Open Every Day! Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-8 32
Now serving Hershey’s Ice Cream!
Available in August... Fantastic Peaches!
As well as several varieties of early apples, sweet corn, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, melons, cabbage, potatoes.
Local maple syrup, honey, & ADK cheese! Also sweet apple cider, and refreshing apple cider slushies!
Come enjoy our own homegrown Fresh produce!
Family Owned, Family Grown Happiness Grows Here!
A family oriented U-Pick apple orchard where you and your family can create memories year after year. Our cider is produced on the premises using only our own homegrown apples. You can taste the full flavor of the fruit! Once you have picked your apples be sure to stop in and browse the country market. Enjoy farm fresh fudge, old fashion candy, homemade jam, country crafts & florals, fresh organic eggs, mums, aged NY cheese, maple syrup, local honey, fresh made cider donuts and of course our refreshing apple cider. We also have sample tastings of our jar goods on the weekends. We invite you to start a family tradition at Windy Hill Orchard. The Seeberger Family
Family Owned and Operated for 70 Years 4695 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY (315) 736-5883 Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Top Mohawk Quality Village Meats! Market
Your old-fashioned, full service butcher!
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Serving you Monday-Saturday! 24 West Main St., Mohawk (315) 866-3344
Store & U-Pick Opens Sat., Sept. 11th, 2021 577 East St., Cassville, NY
(315) 822-0046
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Open 7 days a week: Mon–Fri: 10am-5pm; Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
Polish Days in Utica Aug 21, 4-10pm, Aug 22, 1-7pm, Free Traditional food, dancing, music, games 810 Columbia Street, Utica (315) 732-0089
Pillage the Village of New York Mills! Tuesday, August 17, 6:30pm Live music and food vendors. We be appreciatin’ thems that be lookin’ like pirates! Come dressed in yer pirate garb! Main Street, New York Mills
Woods Fest III Weekend August 7- 8 A family-friendly event with music, vendors, food trucks, and craft beverages on-site. Woods Valley Ski Area NYS Route 46, Westernville www.woodsvalleyskiarea.com
Herkimer County Fair
Aug 17-22 • www.herkimercountyfair.org
STOMP at The Stanley
Mon, Aug 16, 7:30pm & Tue, Aug 17, 9pm (315) 624-9444 www.broadwayutica.org Stanley Theatre 261 Genesee St, Utica
Event schedule: www.iliondoodah.com
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Mohawk valley astronomical society
august skies
Constellation Cygnus and the North American nebula
by carol higgins
Welcome to August and the “dog days of summer.” Did you know the expression has its origin in astronomy? The ancient Greeks and Romans knew the star Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, and the Sun dominates the daylight hours. Since Sirius and the sun rise together in the early morning sky during July and August, they incorrectly concluded that the combination of the bright light from the two stars produced the high temperatures of the summer months. Sirius is in constellation Canis Major (the Great Dog) and is also known as the “dog star,” thus the “dog days” expression. August is known for its stunning night skies and the year’s best meteor shower. The smoky Milky Way stretches from north to south and several notable stars and constellations are visible. A constellation is a bright group of stars that form a recognizable pattern and many have been documented and studied for thousands of years. They divide the sky into regions that change with the seasons as our planet orbits the Sun. Constellations served as an important tool for navigation, a source for storytelling and folklore, and a calendar to plan the planting and harvesting of crops for many civilizations. Speaking of constellations, did you know a graceful swan majestically glides above our heads in the night sky
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this month? It is constellation Cygnus, the Swan, and the inset image shows its brightest stars. Cygnus begins its trip across the sky after sundown in the east and moves toward the west along with all other stars ly like North America and the Gulf of as the night progresses. It is overhead Mexico. It is a favorite target of astroHanny’s Voorwerp. Image Credit: NASA, ESA,take W. Keel, Galaxytime-exZoo Team around midnight. photographers, who long The star at the “head” of the swan posure photos using a sensitive camera is Albireo and is quite a sight in bin- connected to a telescope. A photo taken oculars or a telescope. Not only can by MVAS club member Charles Higyou see two stars, but one is clearly gins is in the inset image. yellow-orange while the other is sap- And best of all, August brings the phire blue. The “tail” of the swan is a Perseid Meteor Shower. It occurs when star named Deneb, the brightest star in debris from comet Swift-Tuttle hits our the constellation. It is a blue-white su- atmosphere and heats up and glows. pergiant and is about 200 times larger We can expect to see meteors most than our Sun. As you look at Cygnus, of the month, but the best nights (the you’ll see another pattern formed by its peak) are August 11-12. Look toward stars – a cross. The constellation is also the northeast and constellation Perseus, known as the Northern Cross. although meteors can appear anywhere In addition to the prominent stars, in the sky. That night the waxing cresthe region is rich with deep sky objects. cent Moon sets around 10 p.m. in the Open star cluster NGC 7092 is home Mohawk Valley, giving us excellent to a group of about 30 stars and will dark conditions. It may be possible to appear as a small hazy patch dotted see as many as 100 meteors and firewith stars. Another object is the North balls per hour, especially between midAmerican Nebula (NGC 7000), best night and dawn. seen from a dark sky location. This So head outside in August and enemission nebula is a star-forming re- joy the warm temperatures and beautigion with thousands of young stars in- ful night sky. Oh, and don’t forget the side of a haze of glowing hydrogen gas. snacks and mosquito repellent! It is best known for its shape – striking- Wishing you clear skies! •
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On the farm with Suzie
summer visitors by Suzie Jones
Bonfire with visitors at Jones Family Farm
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GET SPECIAL SUMMER SAVINGS ON THE OFFICIAL TRACTOR OF TOUGH Harper and Margaret with cousins Hannah, Abby, and Maya
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Summer and farming go hand in hand. It started gradually in May with tilling, rock picking, and planting. First cut hay came and went in early June. By July, our pastured chickens were ready for processing and farmer’s markets were bursting at the seams with Swiss chard, cucumbers, radishes, and lettuces. August is when the show really ramps up with tomatoes, sweet corn, and county fairs. These are the days when farmers work from sunup to sundown, with nary a break in between. Unless that is, we get visitors. Summer and vacations also go hand in hand, and this is the only time of year many folks can get away. Toss in a global pandemic and you’ve got tremendous pent-up demand and long-overdue trips! My parents visited for an extended weekend in late June, stealing away for a few days in between concerts (my dad is a musician and band director) and babysitting obligations (my mom runs a daycare out of their home). They weren’t able to be here on a Thursday and were sad to miss their favorite farmer’s market in Clinton. But Dad happily mowed our lawn while I washed eggs and Peter made cheese. We went out for wood-fired pizza at Mangia Macrina’s in Little Falls and cooked fabulous meals at home, but mostly enjoyed catching up after 2 years (!) since their last visit. Next came Peter’s brother Charlie, his wife Dana, and their three girls. Like my parents, we had not seen them since 2019. Charlie and eldest daughter Hannah are both avid bird watchers and generally love hiking so they went on long walks into our woods and down to our creek while we did chores. A few times we were able to join them. On what was meant to be a rainy day, we took them to the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, so we enjoyed both the indoor art exhibits and the lovely grounds. Again, we ate like kings the length of the visit, alternatively going out to eat (one particularly amazing dinner at The Tailor & the Cook!) or preparing lavish meals at home. Their stay ended with a friendly game of volleyball, a campfire, and fireworks. Our farm store, too, has been getting quite a few visitors these days. “Trail Blazers” checking out each of the eight CNY Cheese Trail locations stop in to buy our cheeses and gelato, ticking off their visitor’s cards as they go. The Herkimer Diamond Mine and KOA Campground just minutes from our farm also provide a steady source of visitors, with hot and dusty “miners” looking for a cold treat or campers needing eggs and milk for their breakfast. We are nearly always working in the cheese plant and stop what we are doing to say hello, and to ask how they found us. We’ve met some very friendly people from all parts
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Suzie serves watermelon mint salad with her feta cheese for their summer visitors
Anita Fitzgerald
Local paintings and prints from a local favorite
of the US and beyond, summer visitors that are simply charmed by the area and our beautiful surroundings. No matter what time of the year, visitors to a working farm are sure to find it fun and educational, if not a little messy. Be sure to wear appropriate attire and shoes that can get dirty. Be open to meeting farm cats and dogs, and consider leaving your pets at home. Our dogs can be a bit over-friendly, if not intimidating to non-dog-owners. Archie, a rambunctious Border collie, certainly doesn’t realize how muddy his feet are when he jumps to greet visitors. If you visit, ask Archie to find his Frisbee! As is usually the case, we’ve also had a couple of unwanted visitors this summer. Our oldest daughter Harper saved a young goat from a coyote just the other day. It was a small coyote, and it had not harmed the goat…yet. Harper ran at it with arms flailing and it quickly ran away. Husband Peter spent the remainder of the evening watching over the goats while they grazed; his trusty .22 at his side. We’ve seen the bold animal a couple of times since, and we wonder how long he plans to stay. We also uncovered a nest of young timber rattlers. Curled under a stack of tin roofing, they were almost as surprised as we were to have their housing moved. I like them even less than the coyote! Unwanted visitors aside, I am always happy to see people visit our farm. Young and old get a chance to reconnect, breathe in the fresh country air, and perhaps learn something new. And after a long period of social distancing, it is certainly a welcome change to see loved ones again. I hope you get time to unwind and enjoy the special people in your life. It may mean the chores get pushed back, or that you fall behind in some of your work, but it’s worth it. Enjoy your summer while it lasts! •
Suzie Jones and her husband, Peter, own Jones Family Farm in Herkimer. Together, with their children, they produce specialty goat cheeses and gelato. Find them at local farmers’ markets and online at www.anotherjonesfamilyfarm.com
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Mohawk Valley nature Canada Goose pair climbs up a beaver dam
Sticking Up for the Under Birds part 2
story & photos by matt perry
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Of the native bird species that find themselves in conflict with people, it may be the Canada Goose that consistently gets into the most trouble. Breeding success over the last fifty years has brought their population size to where it was believed to have been in the pre-colonial period. Locally, they went from being largely a migratory visitor – a flyover bird, to a reliable resident breeder; one found on just about every pond and wetland. In recent times they get in the most trouble at airports, golf courses, parks, and lakes where they sometimes gather in large numbers. Often there are calls to cull nuisance geese and lethal methods are often employed to lessen their numbers at airports. However, for the most part, geese in populated areas are begrudgingly tolerated. Of course, there is a long hunting season for Canada Geese in New York State and so their population is annually whittled down by snipers. I have noticed that over the last two decades the number of successfully breeding Canada Geese in the wild has substantially decreased. I suspect this is not so much due to human culling, but more with the general recovery of nest/ egg predator populations as well as the increasing occurrences of extreme flooding events. At our nature sanctuary, geese nest at our beaver ponds. Canada Geese are very territorial during the breeding season and so only
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one or two pairs can breed per season. The dominant pair works to keep away all other would-be breeders. In the last dozen years, the nest of our most reliable resident pair has failed five times. Once we installed a nest platform in the middle of the pond, our goose pair (named Roddy and Lydia) accepted it and their breeding fortunes instantly turned around. They suddenly had successful nests every year. Obviously, in a healthy ecosystem where predators are active, the Canada Goose population is naturally kept in check and there is no need for culling. I am a big fan of Canada Geese. I admire them for their flying skills, their tenacity, their intelligence, and their family values. They can easily become habituated to people and close views of their behavior are possible. Geese are particularly good parents, although only the female incubates the eggs (which is a long and arduous commitment). The male’s role is to defend the nest site from rival pairs of geese – other would-be nesters, and from predators. Once the eggs hatch, he helps the female lead the youngsters around the habitat. For the entire month-long period they remain un-flighted. The male is typically the more aggressive overseer of the goslings, and he will not hesitate to confront any animals he deems a threat to his charge, whether it is a
Canada Goose mother with hatchlings predatory mink or a vegetarian beaver. Woodpeckers occasionally find themselves at odds with people for one reason or another. Pecking and/or drumming on houses as well as their habit of chiseling on or otherwise perforating shade trees are the chief complaints about them. All woodpeckers drum. They use their bills to rap on wood. The speed and pattern of the rapping can be used to identify the species. Woodpeckers also produce vocalizations, but it is their drumming that is used to make territorial pronouncements during the breeding season. The male woodpecker strives to find a tree
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that resonates well – one that can project his drumming as far out as possible. He usually chooses a large, sometimes hollow tree for this. However, sometimes a woodpecker will find something that resonates even better – something like a metal chimney on a rooftop. Once the woodpecker’s power to project is discovered, he may return to the metal time after time and hammer away at it. I’ve known a few folks to complain about woodpeckers tapping on their wooden shingles. In these cases, the woodpecker was not drumming but foraging. They Male Northern Flicker were being blamed for perforating the shingles, but what the woodpeckers’ attention revealed were the insects that had already burrowed into the wood. In this case, the woodpecker could be commended for alerting the homeowner to the infestation. Similarly, when woodpeckers go to town chiseling away on a shade tree in someone’s yard, it typically means the tree had already been compromised by insects. Since these insects almost invariably inhabit deadwood, the woodpecker is guilty only of carving into a dead tree or a dead part of a living tree. Essentially the woodpeckers are not harming, but in fact, are assisting the tree by ridding it of Carpenter Ants and bark beetles. There is one exception to the rule here. The woodpecker known as the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can harm trees. As their name suggests, the sapsucker makes its living by drilling small holes in living trees and drinking their sap. Although this behavior never benefits the tree, when sap-holes are not too numerous, trees can still lead a healthy and long life. However, when a tree has particularly tasty sap (according to the sapsucker) the tree may become riddled with sap holes. These wounds can leave a tree open to disease, insect infestation, and/or fungal infection. A tree with too many holes in it may lose the ability to transport enough sap to its leaves to survive. It would be difficult to overstate the importance of woodpeckers in the environment. Not only do they reduce the number of tree-damaging insects active in a forest, but they also provide nesting cavities for scores of other bird species and other animals. They are essentially the housing contractors of the animal world. The cavities that woodpeckers chisel out are used by them the first season but are
Male Pileated Woodpecker
Female Northern Flicker
A
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then available to be used by anything else in successive seasons. Birds like Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Great Crested Flycatchers, Screech Owls, and so many others who cannot create their own cavities, largely rely on woodpeckers for housing. The Rock Pigeon or feral pigeon was originally an old-world species. They were introduced in the Americas as early as the 1600s although some sources claim they were brought over in the 1700s. They are generally strong fliers and well adapted to live among people in both urban and rural settings. They most often make their nests in human-made structures including city buildings, bridges, and barns. They are primarily grain-eaters but will occasionally feed on insects and other small creatures. Pigeons are capable of flying long distances to remote feeding sites; they may return to the nest hours later to feed their young. Pigeons produce a semi-digested gruel called “crop-milk”; this is what they use to feed their young. Although not universally despised, the Pigeon has more detractors than supporters. The most vehement of which sometimes refer to them as “rats with wings”. Their flocking and roosting habits and, most of all, the copious amounts of droppings they produce in areas they frequent, are chiefly responsible for soiling their reputation. On the other hand, there are a sizable number of folks (sometimes referred to as Pigeon Fanciers) that breed and/or race pigeons. Others are kept as pets by people that appreciate exotic-looking
Screech Owls use holes created by woodpeckers
The extinct Passenger Pigeon was native to New York State
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Pigeon varieties. Interestingly, Charles Darwin kept and bred Pigeons. It was the selective breeding of Pigeons for specific characteristics that helped him bolster his theory of natural selection. Sometimes it seems that people are waging perpetual war against Pigeons. Flocks are regularly poisoned, shot, and their roosts are foiled by anti-pigeon perching devices. Not being a native species, they are not eligible for protection under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and that leaves them open for all manner of abuse. Still, some of us can appreciate the beauty of their form, their intelligence, and their graceful flight. Their flight profile is not unlike that of the falcons that prey on them. Even experienced falcon watchers may momentarily mistake a flying Pigeon for a falcon. The relationship between Peregrine Falcons and Rock Pigeons is a critical one. It is doubtful that Peregrine Falcons would be able to inhabit cities and nest so successfully without a reliable Pigeon population to prey on. In Utica, the female of the resident falcon pair (Astrid) specializes in catching Pigeons. We have little evidence that she has ever preyed on any other species. Raptors themselves have been vilified throughout most of the history of our republic. Many, regardless of species, were labeled “chicken hawks” or “hen hawks” and generally shot on sight as chicken thieves. Whether or not the species was even capable of securing barnyard fowl was immaterial. As perceived enemies of agriculture, hawks were persona non grata throughout the countryside, and gunners that killed them would congratulate them-
City dwelling falcons prey on Pigeons
selves on a good day’s work. Even the Bald Eagle, the emblem of our country, was not immune from persecution. Famous birding destinations like Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, where migrating raptors concentrate, were originally places hunters gathered to shoot raptors out of the sky. Legal protection was a long time coming for birds of prey and did not come about until modern ecological awareness stressed the vital role predators play in the environment. A newly found acceptance of raptors was part of the impetus to ban the pesticide DDT (which decimated populations of Eagles, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcons.) It also provided an incentive for
Congress to pass the Endangered Species Act in the early 1970s. Thankfully, legal protection, ambitious captive breeding programs, and wild releases eventually led to restored raptor populations. To this day raptors do not enjoy universal acceptance. Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks continue to be resented by some backyard birders; their taste for songbirds being the crux of the conflict. However, raptors have come a long way down the road of acceptance. Many people, non-birders and birders alike, become captivated by online nest cameras. Nests of Owls, Eagles, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcons are all available to watch on the internet. Detailed views of nesting behavior rarely observed by naturalists only a generation ago, can now be studied and enjoyed by even the most casual observer in the comfort of their homes. There are many other bird species that people hold a grudge against for one reason or other; many I did not touch upon in this two-part article. I did not mention gulls, Mute Swans, Double-crested Cormorants, or several other bird species that people regularly complain about or have in the past acted against in some way. In this era of climate change, ecosystem collapse, and rampant species extinction, I believe a compelling
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case could be made to reexamine our attitudes towards those common, “troublesome” species that live among us. These birds that can tolerate our lifestyles, our urban sprawl, our exploitation of the land, and our pollution may be exactly the species we need to be with us at this time. They may be the very species that survive this era and proceed to spawn a new diversity of species in some future epoch. As exemplified by Darwin’s Finches on the Galapagos Islands, a great diversity of species can come from a few hardy castaways. So don’t be too hard on our common nuisance birds, they may just be the keepers of the flame and the key to a future that still has birds in it. •
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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GALLERY GUIDE
Detail of Nature Revealed, an abstract encaustic painting by Linda Bigness. Her work is on display this month at the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton along with demonstrations of the encaustics process.
Made in New York: The Art of Wood
Believe In Yourself: What We Learned From Arthur
August 20–September 24, 2021 Reception: Friday, August 23, 5-7pm
August 7–December 31, 2021 This exhibition will delight young visitors with an inside look at Marc Brown’s artwork and stories, and features artwork from Arthur, the Monster series, collaborations such as the Mary McScary and Dinosaur series.
A fine craft invitational show exclusively for New York State wood artisans and craftspeople.
Cooperstown Art Association Main St., Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-9777 www.cooperstownart.com
Fenimore Art Museum
5798 Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-1400 www.fenimoreartmuseum.org
Ken Marchione Works Progressing
Ways With Wax
August 9–September 17, 2021 Closing Reception/Artist Talk Friday, September 10, 5:30pm
Through September 4, 2021 Demonstrations on July 31 and August 14 A unique exhibit featuring the work of artists Doreen LaScola, Alice Yi, and artist/instructor Linda Bigness, who will give free demonstrations of the process of encaustics on Saturday, July 31 and Saturday, August 14.
Exhibit for viewing by appointment only.
4 Elements Studio
730 Broadway, Utica, NY (315) 765-6923 www.4elementsstudio.org
Kirkland Art Center Fu
ections ll Moon Refl
Open: Tues & Thurs: 10-2, Sat: 1-4 E. Park Row, Clinton, NY • (315) 853-8871 • kacny.org
Art Center
et 80 Main Stre 13316 Camden, NY 9 (315)820-426
Full Mo
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Reflect i Full Moon Art Cen Reflections ter 80 Main
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Quilts by the Ilion Piecemakers Quilt Guild Through September 1, 2021
Little Falls Library
0 Waverly Pl, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-1542 www.lflibrary.org
MVCA Juried Regional Show August 5–September 18, 2021 Reception: Saturday, August 14
The Women’s Fund of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. presents an exhibit and auction celebrating the 19th Amendment
MV Center for the Arts
401 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0808 www.mohawkvalleyarts.org
Big Prints
40th Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors
August 13–September 27, 2021
A dynamic exhibition of large-scale relief prints made during the sixth annual Big Ol’ Steamrollin’ Print invitational (BOSPI) 21 at MWPAI
August 7–September 26, 2021 Reception: Friday, August 6
The Other Side
View
2011 Genesee St., Utica, NY Hours.: Thurs: 12-3pm, Sat: 12-3pm or by appointment www.theothersideutica.org
3273 Rt. 28, Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6411 • www.viewarts.org
Having an art opening? Let us know for a free listing in our monthly guide! Email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com
Custom Order Personalized Sugar Cookies! Cupcakes • Macarons Cookies • Pies Cinnamon Rolls
S’mores too!
3963 Oneida St., New Hartford • Tues-Fri 8-3, Sat 8-2, Closed Sun & Mon • (315) 507-2525
Be a part of Clinton’s history by making a donation to the Once in a Generation Capital Campaign!
In celebration of the Kirkland Art Center’s 60th Anniversary, the KAC has launched its first capital campaign in 30 years to address two priorities: 1. Make urgently needed renovations and repairs to the roof and windows. 2. Build a new culinary arts program in response to community interest. Help preserve this cultural anchor for the Village of Clinton and Town of Kirkland. Invest in the next 60 years of exhibitions, art and dance classes, concerts, performances, and community events that help make Clinton and Kirkland a desirable place to live, work, and study.
9 ½ East Park Row
Please consider a donation by check or by credit card PO Box 213 online. Clinton, NYNY 13323 Kirkland Art Center, 9 1/2 East Park Row, PO Box 213, Clinton, 13323 www.kacny.org •315-853-8871
The Kirkland Art Center is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (EIN15-0618473). Your donation is tax deductible as allowable by law.
Shawangunk nature preserve, cold brook
TALES FROM
SHAWANGUNK Chapter 81
by Peggy Spencer Behrendt
Summer rainbows over a farm on Lake Julie Rd., Remsen
47
In 1974, Tim and Peggy Spencer Behrendt set off on an adventure. They began a new life in the woods of Cold Brook, NY, without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. These are excerpts and reflections from Peggy’s journal chronicling their adventures and also her childhood memories growing up in Westmoreland.
We love the scent of newly mown grass, but don’t care for mowing. Other than public trails and the dead wood we pick up for firewood, we manage the 520 acres of the Shawangunk Nature Preserve by leaving it alone except for a small clearing for our organic vegetable garden, some flowers, a few trails, and a bit of grassy yard. It seems too violent to barge through grasses and wildflowers with madly twirling sharp, metal blades or nylon string. We know that there are little frogs and toads, beetles and ants, spiders and tiny salamanders innocently gathering food, making families, eagerly living their moment of consciousness amid eternity among these plants. So, we procrastinate. “Oh, we’d better wait until the dandelions go to seed,” we say at first. But they are soon followed by the lovely forget-me-nots, and the white and purple clovers. “The bees need the flowers for food,” is our next excuse (as indeed they do). Eventually, the grass gets uncomfortably tall, so we cut it around the patches of flowers. We mow, but are minimalistic and do it with re-
gret. I asked my friend, Janice, who grew up on a local farm in the 1950s how she felt about haying time. “I loved the haying season!” she replied. “You felt such a sense of accomplishment when the day was over. The hay was cured so you knew it would be good for the horses and cows to eat, and it smelled so good! We also felt like we’d beat Mother Nature by getting the hay in before the rain came and spoiled it. We’d won the race again!” I was curious to know if her mother helped with haying since this was one of the important tasks of running their dairy farm on Tibbitts Road and was their sole source of support. “No,” she replied. “Dad took care of tasks related to cows and milking. Mom oversaw the household and egg production. She carefully candled each egg before packing them up to sell. Candling (so named because it was first
ING W O T R 24 HOU
N O T CLIN SION I L L O C 315.853.5665 N
Janice’s relatives, Joyce Endries and Mable Newell harvesting fruit to sell on a family farm in Washington Mills 1950s
Pegs Chevy got painted lavender instead of plum
d o n e with a candle), involved looking inside each egg (30 dozen two times a week) to see if it had any blood spots. Those would be kept for our own use. To look inside them, she placed each egg on a small, round hole she’d cut into a round, oatmeal container with a light bulb shining inside of it. The light would glow through the egg, showing what was inside. My sisters and I fed the chickens, and Dad brought water to them in buckets from
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the water trough in the farmyard which was fed Anne, Tim, and John by a pipe from a spring debating the color plum further away.” “She took care of cooking, cleaning, laundry, and food preservation. She always wore a dress and apron, even when she climbed the steep, vertical ladder to the top of the silo during corn harvest to pull the rope that would direct the pipe shooting corn into the silo to make sure it filled the silo evenly. It was a dusty, risky job” They had a large, productive asparagus patch, and her mom would bundle it up on the porch steps in onepound bunches, which she confidently measured (from long experience) by wrapping her hand around it. The bundles were then set it in a pan of water to stay crisp until they got to the market to sell. One time, the storekeeper wanted to weigh them to make sure they were a pound, and she was so insulted, she sold them at a different store thereafter. Other chores for this farm wife involved carrying hot water from the house to the barn twice a day and washing the milking machines with it so that bacteria could not grow and spoil the milk. All of her chores had to be timed around taking my friend and her sisters to school in their car, unless the weather was fair, as it was 2.7 miles away and there was no bus service. She often picked up other local children, especially during inclement weather. She had little time for reading or recreation, and even when sitting down, kept occupied by darning socks or knitting mittens. Their phone was an important source of socialization as well as information. At that time, most phones had a party line. One had to wait until others were finished talking before making a call, but it provided regular contact with neighboring women. “What would the farm wives talk about, I asked?” “Oh, they talked about recipes,” she said, “who got the first laundry hung out on Monday morning, who’s running around with whom, who’s drinking too much, who’s ambitious with their land and crops, who got stuck with a bad purchase at the auction, who’s milk is not pure, who’s going into debt…” I well appreciate the blessing of the telephone, as we didn’t have one for many John shows us how years at Shawangunk. hard he works as Finally, our friend PatTraffic Control rick Harney bought Officer a spool of telephone wire for us, and one
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Anne gets Peg to kayak with her on Black Creek exhausting day, put on his WWI leather aviator helmet and helped Tim and I roll the big, heavy, bulky spool a half-mile through our woods, over and under dead trees, through our creek to our house to connect us. What a celebration we had when we made our first calls to the family from our home in the woods in the late 1970s! Since most calls were long-distance and costly, life at Shawangunk was still pretty quiet until friends bought a camp on our road. When they started coming in August, it became our jolliest time of year.
We are all serious, socially concerned, re- ple, violet, mauve, or what?” sponsible citizens, most of the time, but our “Plum,” I declared with conviction, “is a playful selves come out when we’re together purply blue.” and it’s almost like being children again. In “It’s not purply blue, it’s reddish-purple!” the year 2000, we all pretended to get quite exclaimed John with exaggerated disdain. passionate over what color to paint my newly “It’s what you get when you fall going to acquired 1951 Chevy. It had been intended the outhouse without a flashlight after dark!” to be for our youngest daughter when she re- added Howard with a grin. turned to the US after living several years “Look at this catalog,” pronounced Tim, in France, but we didn’t consider the fact pounding his fist on it like a pulpit, “It shows that since she preferred to live in a large all different kinds of plum; amethyst, grape, metropolitan area, having a car was more hyacinth, lavender… All you have to do is of a handicap than an asset. So, we gave pick one!” her some money for a computer and “But they all look the same by internet instead, and I got her bulky, candlebut charming black Chevy for doing errands. I wanted to hand-paint it a plum color. Our friends decided to stick their oar in on what the color plum really meant, and it became a good excuse to linger together after bounteous potlucks as we sat in flickering candlelight on their rustic screen porch with the drone of hungry mosquitoes just behind the screen and a lovelorn whippoorwill calling from the dark recesses of the forest. Plum,” mused Sunithi, with Peg harvests tomatoes with half-hearted concern, “is an ambiguher kitten, Little Behr ous color. Are you talking about purF
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light!” protested Julie, frowning over the dim magazine. “I have the answer,” announced Anne, with decisive conclusiveness as she returned from the kitchen; “Here is a real plum. That should put an end to any further discussion.” We protested; we vociferated; we whined. It turned out to be one of the more passionate debates we had over nothing. It lasted for days and was so much fun! (We ended up painting the car with Rustoleum lavender spray paint as it was the only option I could afford.) But we don’t just sit around, eat and debate. Sometimes, we give each other mini-concerts in the evening on my piano after eating out at a local restaurant of quality and charm; strains of Debussy, Haydn, or Bartok echoing melodically among the woodlands. We take walks under twinkling stars and soft moonlight below the canopy of great trees on Shawangunk Road whispering summer secrets to us until we reach the broad sky and land of farm fields just beyond, perfumed by newly mowed hay and patches of sweet-scented wild milkweed. We might lie in the moss of the old airport meadow watching for shooting stars during a meteor shower, speaking quietly of the miracle of life and the wonders of the universe until the mosquitoes chase us home. And there are always interesting, and sometimes challenging hikes to Hinckley Lake or to Black Creek where we take canoes and kayaks to the nearest sandy beach for a bracing cold swim, or to a great cliff of baby smooth, slippery grey clay to slip and slide
on. If it’s warm enough, we might pick up a piece of clay and spread it on every inch of bare skin for a beauty bath, turning ourselves into living statues reminiscent of mythological gods and goddesses. We bravely plunged briefly into these cold waters one particularly cool August day and I felt very smug about having brought warm clothes to slip into afterward. I sat all cozy and warm in my kayak waiting for the others to shiver out of the water and back into their crafts until someone tossed me a football. I reached out to catch it and tipped myself right back into the cold water, then had to paddle all the way home in my wet clothes, feeling quite chastened for the sin of smugness. John sometimes offers to be the Traffic Control Officer when there may be a particularly large turn-out for a Preserve event. This gives us an excuse to have endless discussions on job expectations, his lack of salary, and buggy working conditions with pretend misunderstandings, strikes, and dismissals. Except for the potential to get stuck in the soft shoulders of Shawangunk, not much traffic direction is truly needed, since it’s a dead-end road with a large parking area and turn around with little parking signs that Tim puts up. But the debates are fun! When he reads this, John will probably pretend to be offended and get quite huffy about this minimalization of the importance of his job as Traffic Control Officer, but we will invite him and Anne over for morning omelets with fresh herbs and cheese with tea and toast to mollify any bruised feelings, then get together in the evening for an Andy Hardy movie.
John and Anne’s children and our grandchildren ran around together and had their own world of adventures; rafting and swimming in Black Creek, sliding down the sand cliffs of Hinckley Lake, climbing a Shad Berry tree to snack on wild fruit, mini flirtations with local kids within biking distance, (which explained why one young lad was suddenly climbing around on the rafters like a young monkey when a young lady came to visit) or a treehouse to build. When they leave, I return to quiet hours harvesting the well-earned bounties of our garden, knowing it is good, healthy food for us to eat; enjoying the same sense of accomplishment farmers feel when they get the hay in. As I reflect on these times, these rich, full days of August with dear friends, I think of a poem by W. H. Davies; “Sweet chance, that led my steps abroad beyond the town, where wildflowers grow…a rainbow and a cuckoo’s song…how rich and full the days are now… a rainbow, and a cuckoo’s song may never come together again...” How rich and full are these brief days together with friends and family. •
The Shawangunk Nature Preserve is a deep ecology, forever wild, 501©(3), learning and cultural center. Tim and Peggy still live there and can be contacted through their website.
www.shawangunknaturepreserve.com
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Advertiser Directory please support Our sponsors, they make this magazine possible Antiques Antiques & Art Westmoreland . . . . . . . . . 17 Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Back of the Barn Antiques, Barneveld . . . . 18 Bear Path Antiques, Forestport . . . . . . . . . 18 Black Cat Antiques, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . 18 Broad Street Flea Market, Utica . . . . . . . 18 The Bull Farm Antiques, Vernon . . . . . . 18 Butternut Barn, Richfield Springs . . . . . . . 18 Canal House Antiques, Bouckville . . . . . . . 18 The Depot Antique Gallery, Madison . . . . 18 The Gallery Antiques at Pinebrick, Bouckville . . 19 Little Falls Antique Center, Little Falls . . . . 19 Madison-Bouckville Antique Week . . . . . . 19 Madison Inn Antiques, Madison . . . . . . . . 19 Mohawk Antiques Mall, Mohawk . . . . . . . 19 Mohawk Valley Comm. Market, Herkimer . . . 19 The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . . . 20 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . . 20 See the Man Antiques, Sherburne . . . . . . . 20 Showcase Antiques, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 20 Valandrea’s Venture, Bouckville . . . . . . . . 20 Victorian Rose, Bouckville . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Weeden’s Mini Mall, Camden . . . . . . . . 20
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36 24 21 49
Clothing Paca Gardens, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . 17
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28 41 31 33 34 33
Financial Services Van Meter & Van Meter, Little Falls . . . . . 51 Flooring Mike’s Floor Store, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . . 29 Funeral Services Prince-Boyd & Hyatt, Rome . . . . . . . . . 23 Furniture Ironwood Furniture, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 11 Jeff ’s Amish Furniture, Richfield Springs . . 10 Furniture Makers Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . . . 26
Antique Auctioneers Nye & Company Auctioneers . . . . . . . . . 20
Consignment The Online Exchange, Dolgeville . . . . . 20 The Queen’s Closet, Yorkville . . . . . . . . 17 Renewed & Rescued, Herkimer . . . . . . . 20
Apartments and Independent Living Steinhorst Square Apartments, Utica . . . 42
Contractors Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . 29
Art Galleries/Museums The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown . . . . 9 Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown . . . 27 Full Moon Reflections, Camden . . . . . . 45 Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 46 Kirkland Art Center, Clinton . . . . . . . 46 Yorkville Framing & Art Gallery, Yorkville . . 45
Delis and Meats Bosonne’s Sausage, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Little Italy Imports, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Meelan’s Market, Clark Mills . . . . . . . . . 6 Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . 33 Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . 26 Pulaski Meat Market, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Art and Custom Framing Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 46 Heartwood Gift Barn, Sherburne . . . . . . . 6 Yorkville Framing & Art Gallery, Yorkville . . 45
Diners Charlie’s Place, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sheri’s Diner, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Gift Shops/Shopping Artisans’ Corner, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . Fusion Art Gallery, Rome . . . . . . . . . . The Tepee, Cherry Valley . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Dealerships Steet-Ponte Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dog Sitting Barney’s Angels, Frankfort . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Automotive Repair Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Doors, Residential & Commercial JM Door Co., Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Golf Courses and Driving Ranges Brimfield Driving Range, Clinton . . . . . . 11 Woodgate Pines Golf Club, Boonville . . . . 34
Awards & Engraving Speedy Awards & Engraving, New Hartford . . 44
Employment Opportunities Durham Schools Services, Utica . . . . . . 41 Orgill Distribution Center, Rome . . . . . . 5 Steet-Ponte Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bakeries and Pastry Shops Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . Love Bites Bakery, New Hartford . . . . . . Ramon’s Bakery, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . Star Bakery, Whitesboro and Utica . . . . .
16 46 16 42
Bike Shops Dick’s Wheel Shop, Herkimer . . . . . . . . 12 Blueberries U-Pick Blueberry Brooke, Deansboro . . . . . . . . Candella’s Farm & Greenhouses, Marcy . . . Herkimer Blueberry, Herkimer . . . . . . . North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . .
30 34 34 31
Books Berry Hill Book Shop, Deansboro . . . . . 28 Treehouse Reading Room, New York Mills . . 7
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Cabinets and Kitchens Custom Woodcraft, Munnsville . . . . . . 26 Knotty By Nature, Bridgewater . . . . . . . 22
Estate Sales Attic Addicts, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Potting Shed Antiques, Whitesboro . . 20 Events, Entertainment, and Activities Cheese Festival, Little Falls . . . . . . . 55 Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Old Forge . . 31 The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown . . . . 9 Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown . . . 27 Goodsell Museum, Old Forge . . . . . . . . 53 Gold Rush Adventure Golf, Westmoreland . . 32 Herkimer County Fair . . . . . . . . . 31 NYS Cannabis Art & Music Fest, Mt. Vision . . 2 Raquette Lake Navigation . . . . . . . . . .31 Farm Equipment Clinton Tractor, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hobby Hill Farm Sales, Rome . . . . . . . . . 38 White’s Farm Supply, Waterville/Canastota . . 56
Furniture Rustic and Woodcrafts Thorn Apple Hill, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Garden Center and Greenhouses Candella’s Farm & Greenhouses, Marcy . . . . 34 George’s Farm Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . 13 Green Lakes Home & Garden, Richfield Spgs . . 25 Juliano’s Farm and Greenhouses, Utica . . . . 13 North Star Orchards, Westmoreland . . . . 31 Szarek’s Succulent Shack, Clinton . . . . . . 12 General Contractors Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . 29 . . . .
39 21 46 12
Grocery Stores, Co-ops, & Convenience Stores Deansboro Superette, Deansboro . . . . . . 35 Little Italy Imports, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Olde Kountry Market, Vernon . . . . . . . . 26 Mohawk Valley Comm. Market, Herkimer . . . 19 Mohawk Village Market, Mohawk . . . . . . 33 Richfield Springs Comm. Food Cooperative . . 8 Handyman/Repairs Ed Smith Contractor and Handyman . . . . 29 Hardware/Lumber/Farm & Home Lincoln Davies, Sauquoit . . . . . . . . . . . Morgan’s Hardware, Waterville . . . . . . Turner Lumber, Barneveld . . . . . . . . . . Wightman Specialty Woods . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
39 44 11 38
Hearth Shops and Fuel Buell Fuel Hearth & Home, Deansboro . . . 50 Ice Cream Shops Gilligan’s, Sherburne . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Papa Rick’s Snack Shack, Rome . . . . . . . 15 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Insurance Farm Family Insurance, Boonville . Gates-Cole Insurance, New Hartford HBE Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . Turnbull Insurance, New Hartford .
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Interior Design/Custom Window Treatments The Added Touch Drapery, New Hartford
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. . 12 . . 50 . . . 13 . . 22 .
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Ironwork Raulli’s Iron Works, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Jewelry Alison’s Jewelry & Repair, Utica . . . . . . . . . 7 Fall Hill bead & Gem, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . 7 Goldmine Jewelers, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 40
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Lighting Mills Electrical Supply, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 35 Liquor Stores and Wine Ilion Wine & Spirits, Ilion . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Prospect Falls Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Trenton Station Liquor & Wine, Barneveld . . . . 22 Maple Syrup Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . . . . . 12 Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . 34 Tibbits Maple, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . 44 Media WFXV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 WKAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Weekly Adirondack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Monuments & Memorials Yorkville Memorials, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Musical Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons Big Apple Music, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . 8 Natural Food Stores Brenda’s Naturals, Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Cooperstown Naturals, Cooperstown . . . . . . . . 36 Peter’s Cornucopia, New Hartford . . . . . . . . 48 Optometrists Towpath Vision Care, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . 23 Paint and Painting Supplies Urbanik’s Paint & Wallpaper Co., Utica . . . . . . . 51 Physical Therapy Achievement Therapy & Wellness, Utica . . . . . . 25 Inertia PT, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Pizzerias DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 15 Primo Pizzeria, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tony’s Pizza, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Pools and Spas Swan Pools & Spas, Ilion and New Hartford . . . . . 40 Portable Toilets and Bathrooms Mohawk Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Primitives Between Us Sisters, Munnsville . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Produce, Local Ben & Judy’s Sugarhouse, West Edmeston . . . . . . Grassy Cow Dairy, Remsen . . . . . . . . . . Jewett’s Cheese, Earlville . . . . . . . . . . . . Jones Family Farm, Herkimer . . . . . . . . Shaw’s Maple Products, Clinton . . . . . . . . . Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . Tibbits Maple, New Hartford . . . . . . . . .
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12 36 24 21 34 49 44
GOODSELL MUSEUM Local Adirondack History
2993 State Route 28 Old Forge, NY 13420
315-369-3838 www.webbhistory.org Headquarters of the Town of Webb Historical Association
A
Quilt and Yarn Shops/Services Heartwork Quilts & Fabric , Fly Creek . . . . . . . . 28 Tiger Lily Quilt Co, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Restaurants and Cafés Ann St. Deli, Little Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Black Stallion Restaurant,Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Buffalohead Restaurant, Forestport . . . . . . . . . 15 Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 DiCastro’s Brick Oven, Rome . . . . . . . . . 15 Gilligan’s, Sherburne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Gone Coastal, Lee Center . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville . . . . 16 Killabrew, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ohio Tavern, Cold Brook . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Phoenician Restaurant, New Hartford . . . . . . 15 Riverside Diner, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . 14 RoSo’s Cafe & Catering, Utica . . . . . . . . . . 16 Route 69 Steakhouse, Whitesboro . . . . . . . . 16 Voss’, Yorkville, Ilion, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wendy’s Diner, Cassville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Willie’s The Original Bagel Cafe, Utica . . . . . . 16 The Willows, Utica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Shoes Karaz Shoes, New Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Storage Sheds & Garages Shafer & Sons, Westmoreland . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Pleasant View Structures, Vernon . . . . . . . . . 43 Tents and Awnings Brownies Tent & Awnings, Clinton . . . . . . . . . 51 Towing Services Clinton Collision, Clinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Tree Services and Tree Farms Rick Turk Tree Service, Rome . . . . . . . . . . 47 Weddings and Banquets Club Monarch, Yorkville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Wineries Brimfield Farm Winery, Clinton . . . . . . . 51 Prospect Falls Winery, Prospect . . . . . . . . . 51 Yogurt Stoltzfus Family Dairy, Vernon Center . . . . . . 49
last month’s crossword solution
The answer to last month’s puzzle about what the berry hidden in the puzzle (blueberry) is known as: Super Food. Our winner is: Marleen Asaro of Newport
The answer to last month’s riddle about a local German festival is:
Bavarian Festival
winner: Chris Ceely of Clinton. She chose a shopping spree at Meelan’s Market in Clark Mills!
sponsor news Water Safari Introduces Three New Rides! Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge introduced three new attractions this summer: Mamba Strike, Serengeti Stampede, and Killermanjaro’s Revenge. Serengeti Stampede is a 293 ft. long four-lane mat racer. The vision of this ride evokes the racing and playful nature of animals that stampede through the Serengeti, a vast land found in Africa. The Mamba Strike is a 285 ft. enclosed body slide that loops around Serengeti Stampede after the trapdoor floor opens and drops guests onto the slide. Mamba Strike is named after a venomous snake that originated in Africa. Killermanjaro will have its revenge! Many guests were sad to see the legacy ride “Killermanjaro” go, so what better way than to come back bigger and better, while showcasing the original speed slide at Water Safari! Killermanjaro’s Revenge is a 207 ft. long speed slide that drops guests through the floor into the slide and zooms them to the finish in one long drop. “The team at Enchanted Forest Water Safari is extremely excited to welcome guests back to the park this summer! We have been busy preparing the park for reopening, when we can finally introduce our new rides!” says Katie Wojdyla, Vice President & Director of Marketing. “We are committed to providing a safe experience for all of our guests. Please review WaterSafari.com for the latest up-to-date guidelines.” 54
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Celebrating 75 Years In Business Waterville
962 Route 12 (315) 841-4181
Lowville
8207 Route 26 (315) 376-0300
Canastota
4154 Route 31 (315) 697-2214
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