BOB DYLAN REMASTERED: Drawings from the Road
May 25 – September 15
An exhibition celebrating yet another aspect of Bob Dylan’s creativity: his talents in visual art. Dylan started what is known as his “Never Ending Tour” in 1988. As he traveled through North America, Europe, and Asia, he sketched glimpses of his life on the road. Dylan made three different collections of his drawings by “remastering” these works, adding vivid watercolor and gouache to digital enlargements of the drawings to create a new, special edition set entitled “The Drawn Blank Series.”
Sponsored in part by The Clark Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Putnam.
This exhibition was provided by Pan Art Connections. Image created by Taina Väisänen/TAKT Oy & Janne Alhonpää/Ensemble Oy
May 18 – September 8
Above: Miley Cyrus, singer-songwriter, New York City, USA, 2003
Right: Haight Street Rat, 2010, Banksy. Aerosol - stencil on redwood siding
Sponsored in part by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Putnam, and Nellie and Robert Gipson.
Sponsored in part by The Clark Foundation and Nellie and Robert Gipson.
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AMERICAN LANDSCAPES
June
Albert Bierstadt (1830–1902), Autumn Woods, Oneida County, State of New York (detail), ca. 1886. Oil on linen. New-York
Our hearts go out to our friends and neighbors in Rome, NY. Scan the QR code to donate to the emergency response fund established to directly support the city’s recovery efforts.
Greener Grasses
by Sharry L. Whitney
We often take things in our region for granted, assuming greener grasses elsewhere. Recently, while working on the sets at the Theater at Woodshill in Sauquoit, (Much Ado About Nothing, August 1-10) lovely Elizabeth Wilcox—who plays the witty, outspoken Beatrice—spontaneously invited me and my son to share a meal with her family visiting from Minnesota. They were on their way to the Baseball Hall of Fame, a cornerstone of our region’s tourism industry. As you probably know, Mohawk Valley Living has always been about exploring the lesser-known destinations, or microtourism, a term I once dared to believe that I had coined!
When Elizabeth’s relatives arrived, they brought a bounty of Jones Family Farm cheeses and ice cream! The family had discovered this wonderful farm and enjoyed a friendly visit with the ever-busy Peter Jones amidst his cheesemaking.
The beautiful summer evening meal on the barn deck was a celebration of local flavors: Utica greens, chicken riggies, and a garden-fresh salad from the Wilcox gardens topped with JFF creamy goat cheese. The guests were delighted to discover these new dishes. Desserts of local rhubarb and peach/blueberry pies were complemented by a variety of JFF ice cream options, including Froot Loops flavor!
I am certain the visiting fans went on to have a memorable experience at the Baseball Hall of Fame, but their culinary adventure through the greener grasses (and Utica greeens) of our Mohawk Valley surely left an enduring impression.
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. Submit your answer by the 15th of the month to be entered in drawing for a $100 shopping spree at the advertiser of your choice! (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.
Winner of July’s puzzle: the cowboy music standard “Red River Valley” was once called “Bright MOHAWK VALLEY” Winner: Laurie Cox of Niskayuna, NY
Mohawk Valley tourists from Minnesota enjoy a dinner of local cuisine. (l-r) Ashley Bress, Mike and Mary Ann Schokmiller
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 & 25 | 10AM–5PM Event is included with regular museum admission. More at FarmersMuseum.org.
Find a variety of demos, exhibits, vendors, and hands-on activities featuring wool carding, spinning, weaving, quilting, knitting, and more - with a focus on the traditional process of natural dyeing of fibers. See demos of a variety of textile techniques. Groups participating include the Fenimore Quilt Club, Susquehanna Quilt Club, and Butternut Valley Spinners.
animals at Play
by matt perry
Young Red Squirrels are often seen chasing each other and frolicking among the trees
Through play Beaver kits learn how to adapt their environment
Sibling Peregrines spur each other on to perform amazing stunts
Fawns bound through meadows and chase each other with exuberance
It’s no surprise to see our animal companions at play. Dogs often play with each other and with us. Domestic Cats also engage in play and can enjoy the activity even as adults. This behavior is true for larger domestic animals as well. Young Cows, Horses, and Pigs will play when given the chance. These domestic animals are not exceptions in the animal kingdom. Indeed, play is a fundamental aspect of life for many wild animals, serving as a key element in their survival and overall well-being.
While play may seem like a simple and frivolous activity, it has profound implications for an animal’s physical, social, and cognitive growth. Understanding the importance of play in wild animals provides insight into their behaviors and the evolutionary advantages that play confers.
One of the most obvious benefits of play is the enhancement of physical abilities. Through activities such as chasing, wrestling, and mock fighting, young animals develop strength, coordination, and agility.
Play is also essential for the emotional well-being of wild animals. It provides an outlet for excess energy and helps reduce stress. In highly social animals, play can alleviate tension and prevent aggression. Play can stimulate the release of endorphins
and other neurochemicals that contribute to feelings of happiness and relaxation. This is particularly important in environments where animals face numerous stressors, such as predation, competition for resources, and environmental changes.
Beavers at Play
Beaver play often involves activities that mimic adult behaviors and environmental interactions. Young Beavers, or kits, engage in playful activities such as chasing and wrestling. Kits frequently chase each other around their lodges—above and below water. These chases may feature many splashy dives and exuberant vocalizations. Diving and splashing improve their swimming abilities and also help them learn how to navigate their aquatic environments effectively. Kits often engage in wrestling matches. Wrestling helps Beaver kits develop physical strength, agility, and coordination. Engaging in play helps Beavers devel-
op cognitive and problem-solving skills. Beavers are known for their ability to manipulate objects, and kits often play with sticks, stones, and other natural materials. By manipulating objects and experimenting with different building techniques in a playful context, young Beavers learn the intricacies of dam construction and lodge building. This type of play enhances their understanding of cause and effect, spatial relationships, and the mechanical properties of materials.
Play is essential for the social develop-
ment of Beavers. Through playful interactions, young Beavers learn important social cues and behaviors crucial for maintaining harmony within the colony. Play helps establish social hierarchies and roles within
the group, ensuring that each Beaver understands its place in the social structure. Play also serves to strengthen the bonds between family members. Beavers are highly social animals that live in close-knit family groups. Playful interactions help to reinforce the relationships between parents, siblings, and other colony members. This bonding is vital for cooperative activities such as building and maintaining complex infrastructure.
Play also contributes to the emotional well-being of Beavers. It provides an out let for their energy and helps reduce stress, promoting a positive emotional state. In the relatively safe environment of their lodge or pond, play allows Beavers to express themselves freely and enjoy their natural curiosity and creativity.
Falcons at Play
Before young Peregrine Falcons can fly, their play is primarily confined to the nest and its immediate surroundings. During this stage, their activities are focused on developing motor skills, strength, and coordination. One of the earliest forms of play involves vigorous wing flapping and hopping around the nest. This activity helps strengthen their wing muscles in preparation for flight. Nestlings watch each
other with rapt attention as they take turns flapping their wings, making small jumps, and otherwise mimicking the actions they will need for their first flights.
Items found in and around the nest, such as feathers, stones, and pieces of prey, become tools for play. Young falcons use their bills and large feet to pick up and manipulate these objects, enhancing their dex-
Talon grappling among young falcons enhances grip strength
practice pouncing on small objects or each other within the confines of the nest. This behavior mimics the hunting technique of capturing prey and helps them develop their talon coordination and grip strength.
Young falcons engage in gentle beak sparring, where they touch and swipe their bills together. This behavior is akin to courtship and serves as practice for the social interactions they will participate in later in life.
Once the young Peregrine Falcons fledge, their play expands dramatically to include aerial activities and interactions with the broader environment. This stage is critical for refining the skills they will need to survive independently. Newly fledged falcons take to the skies, engaging in breathtaking aerial maneuvers. They practice swooping, diving, and twisting in mid-air, which helps them build strength and agility. These acrobatics are not just for fun; they are essential exercises for mastering the flight techniques needed for high-speed chases and precise hunting dives. Young falcons often chase each other or other birds in mock hunts. These chases simulate real hunting scenarios, allowing the young birds to practice speed, timing, and coordination. Sibling chases can become quite elaborate, involving complex pursuit patterns and evasive maneuvers. Through repeated ae-
Young falcon siblings seek each other out for play
Young Deer like to splash around in the water on a hot day
rial play, juvenile Peregrines learn to control their flight patterns, manage their speed, and accurately target their movements. These skills are essential for capturing prey, avoiding obstacles, and navigating their environment. Without the opportunity to engage in these playful behaviors, young falcons would struggle to develop the precision and endurance required for successful hunting.
Play in White-tailed Deer
Play is an important part of the development of young White-tailed Deer. Through play, fawns learn essential survival skills, develop physical abilities, and form social bonds. Even at a young age, fawns exhibit exploratory behavior. They sniff and nibble on objects within their reach, such as leaves, twigs, and grasses. This exploratory play helps them become familiar with their surroundings and develop their senses.
As they get older, the play that fawns engage in becomes more overt, as they take part in bouts of running and chasing after each other. This high-energy play helps them build muscle strength, speed, and endurance. It also improves their agility and coordination—essential for evading predators. One of the most characteristic playful behaviors of fawns is leaping and bounding through the air. These exuberant movements are not only fun but also strengthen their legs and improve their ability to navigate their environment, including jumping over obstacles. “Stotting” is the name given to the behavior where Deer spring into the air with all four legs simultaneously. This
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Young Deer sometimes try to get older Deer interested in play
boosting the fawn’s endurance and agility.
Mock sparring is another play activity in which young Deer partake. Older male fawns engage in gentle head-butting and sparring matches with their peers. This behavior mimics the fighting techniques they will need as adults to establish dominance and gain access to females. It also helps them develop their neck and shoulder muscles.
Play is also essential for the social development of fawns. Through playful interactions, they learn important social cues and behaviors, and with White-tailed Deer there is a wide range of postures, gestures, and other behaviors to learn. During play, fawns learn to communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent marking. These skills are vital for maintaining social relationships and coordinating group movements. Playful interactions often involve establishing hierarchies within the group. Through play, fawns learn to navigate social dynamics, which will be important for future roles within their group or herd.
Play in White-tailed Deer is not limited to physical development; it also fosters cognitive growth. Through playful exploration, fawns learn about their environment, identify potential dangers, and discover safe paths. This exploratory behavior is critical for developing spatial awareness and memory—essential for locating food sources, water, and safe bedding areas. Play allows fawns to practice problem-solving skills. For example, when young Deer encounter obstacles during their playful activities, they must figure out how to navigate around or over them. This problem-solving practice is crucial for their ability to adapt to new and changing environments, enhancing their overall survival prospects.
Adult Deer may also take part in play. I recall watching a
two-year-old doe playing in a beaver pond on a hot day. She made short gallops, reared up like a bucking horse, and splashed down into the water repeatedly. She was having fun and appreciated the relief afforded her by the cool water.
The importance of play in the animal kingdom extends beyond mere fun and enjoyment; it is a critical aspect of development that spans physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. From the playful wrestling of young Beavers to the aerial acrobatics of fledgling Peregrine
Falcons, these activities prepare young animals for the complex and often harsh realities of their natural habitats. The skills honed through play ensure that animals are not only physically fit and agile but also equipped with the cognitive tools necessary for problem-solving and adaptation. Observing the playful behaviors of animals provides a window into the integral processes that underlie their growth and survival. These behaviors, while seemingly simple and carefree, are vital components of an animal’s life, ensuring that they are well-prepared to face
the challenges of their ecosystems. By recognizing and appreciating the significance of play, we can better understand the rich and dynamic lives of the animals that share our world. •
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AUGUST
In the woodlands and meadows of the Mohawk Valley, August is a time of abundance for many tree species. This is when much of the region’s fruit crop begins to turn ripe. One notable example is the native Black Cherry tree, whose fruit ripens during this month. This fruiting period is a crucial time for various species of wild songbirds, which rely on the nutrient-rich cherries to feed their young families, fuel their late summer activities, and help them develop the energy reserves they require for fall migration.
Wild Black Cherry trees are common throughout eastern North America, thriving in diverse habitats from forests to overgrown fence rows. These trees can grow over 80 feet tall and are recognized by their dark, flaky bark and glossy, serrated leaves. In spring, they produce clusters of small white flowers, which later develop into dark purple, berry-sized cherries. By August, the cherries are fully ripened and ready for consumption. Although slightly bitter to human taste, these fruits are a vital food source for wildlife. The trees play a significant role in forest ecology, providing food and shelter for various animals, and contributing to the area’s biodiversity.
As the cherries ripen, songbirds flock
to the trees, taking advantage of the bounty. These cherry enthusiasts include the American Robin, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, and Northern Flicker. American Robins are perhaps the most conspicuous and recognizable visitors to laden Black Cherry trees. While adult Robins are characterized by their reddish-orange breasts, juvenile Robins have duller breast plumage which exhibits constellations of dark spots. Both young and old Robins behave boldly at the cherry banquet and consume copious quantities of the fruit. Typically side by side with the Robins, and every bit as bold, are the Cedar Waxwings. These birds are known for their sleek, elegant appearance, distinctive crest, and a black mask across their eyes – they are devoted consumers of wild cherries. Cedar Waxwings travel in flocks and can quickly strip a cherry tree of its fruit. Indeed, waxwings are consummate fruit consumers, notorious for their “sweet tooth”. They seem to appreciate the high sugar content of the cherries which provides them with the energy necessary to carry out their nomadic lifestyle.
Other common patrons of the cherries are Gray Catbirds, with their slate-gray plumage and cat-like scolding calls. Like many cherry devotees, Catbirds are omnivorous but show a marked preference for fruit in late summer. The cherries provide essential nutrients that support their skulking behavior and help prepare them for migration, which will take place in September and October. A relative of the Catbird, and one just as skilled with songbird mimicry is the Brown Thrasher. Thrashers also relish the ripe cherries, although seeing them partake is usually more of a challenge given the species’ retiring nature. The thrasher is a Robin-sized songbird, characterized by mostly brown plumage, a heavily spotted light breast, a slightly downcurved bill, a long tail, and striking yellowish eyes. A Thrasher at the cherry feast may give the impression of a kid caught with their hand in a cookie jar – they often appear aston-
An American Robin conspicuously feeds on the cherries
ished that they’ve been found out. They usually respond with a sharp “smack” warning call and a quick retreat into dense cover. Like their Catbird cousins, the Thrasher’s task is to fatten up on fruit and accumulate the energy reserves necessary to undertake their upcoming migration.
One of the last times in the season I will see our resident Baltimore Orioles will be at the cherry banquet. Of course, the adult male Baltimore has vivid orange and black plumage and is among the most recognizable songbirds in the East. Female and immature Orioles possess duller orange plumage but are nearly as distinctive. Orioles use their narrow dark bills like tweezers to select the ripest cherries, and like true acrobats, they may hang upside down to access the hardest-to-reach fruit. Their dedication to feeding is due largely to their accelerated migration schedule. As it happens, most orioles depart our region before the end of August; very few remain here into September.
One of the most unexpected patrons of the cherries is the Northern Flicker. This rather oddly plumaged woodpecker species with its striped back and polka-dotted front, is normally considered a strict insectivore – their typical diet consists of mostly ants and beetles. However, in August, when ripe fruit becomes plentiful, flickers may be seen foraging in the Black Cherry trees among the more expected cherry patrons.
A young Baltimore Oriole fattens up on cherries in preparation for migration
A secretive Brown Thrasher can sometimes be glimpsed taking advantage of the cherry bounty
A female Scarlet Tanager also partakes of the berry-sized cherries
The relationship between wild Black Cherry trees and songbirds is a prime example of mutualism. The birds benefit from the nutritious fruit, while the cherry trees benefit from the birds’ role in seed dispersal. As birds eat the cherries and later excrete the seeds in different locations, they help propagate the species, ensuring the continued presence of Black Cherry trees in the ecosystem. Additionally, the presence of fruit-eating birds attracts other predators and scavengers, contributing to a dynamic food web. The activities around cherry trees during this time enhance the biodiversity and health of the forest ecosystem. •
august Crossword
3. Native American word for “leaping waters.”
5. Deer “play” by springing into the air with all four legs, called ___.
7. Jones Family Farm attended this cheese con vention in Buffalo, abbr.
9. This group of police officers ‘D’ serves Oneida County.
10. The fruit of this tree provides important nutri ents to birds this month. (2 words)
11. Tim and Peggy like to bike to this nearby reservoir for a swim.
13. It’s always easy to do business with ___-Ponte!
16. This bi-monthly market in Herkimer offers vendors, music, and food.
Down
1. This family diner in Clinton will celebrate 30 years in 2027.
2. This funeral home has served the community for 156 years. See page 29.
4. This boilermaker company opened in Utica in 1928. (2 words)
6. This month’s recipe is this South Indian relish 7. The Big Dipper is not a constellation, it’s an _____.
8. One of the 17 at Utica State Office Building..
12. Often used in Utica pasta dishes, abbr.
14. Peaches are in season at ___ Orchards, see page 30.
15. Utica Blue ___ baseball team.
The American Cheese Society’s (ACS) annual convention was recently held in Buffalo. A 4-day event, activities ranged from local tours and tastings to information sessions on food safety, cheese defects, cooperative models, and third-party audits. Attendees were dairy farmers, cheesemakers, affineurs, distributors, and retailers. They all had one thing in common: the love of cheese made in the United States.
The ACS tries very hard to include and engage cheese professionals across the United States and therefore holds its convention in a different third of the country every year. (Last year’s was in Des Moines, IA; next year, Sacramento, CA.) Being in Buffalo, this was my singular opportunity to meet fellow cheesemakers, taste award-winning cheeses, and fangirl on semi-famous cheesemongers I follow on Instagram. Woo-hoo!
Our farm participated in two rather exciting (for us) events: the ACS cheese competition and “Meet the Cheesemaker.” While we didn’t win any awards at the competition, we did get the equivalent of A’s across the board and received some very nice tasting notes and helpful feedback. Interestingly, we scored the very highest in aesthetics and slightly less so in technical aspects. As self-taught cheesemakers, this didn’t come as a surprise!
For “Meet the Cheesemaker,” we set up a table amongst nearly one hundred other makers from all over the US. We sampled our cheeses and spoke with buyers from Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Kroger, food writers from Culture magazine, and distributors and retailers from South Carolina, Texas, North Dakota, and beyond. It was an exhausting few hours, but my eldest daughter Harper did much of the setup and helped me throughout the event. As our new, official feta maker, this was a great opportunity for her, too.
Admittedly, I felt quite out of my depth. Our little farm table was next to Lactalis and across from Cypress Grove. Makers of the first US cheese to win best cheese in the world, Rogue River Blue, was just down the aisle. We were teeny, tiny unknown fish in a very large and prestigious
I needn’t have worried. Attendees’ deep love of cheese—and the relative curiosity in a microscopic “newcomer”—meant a warm and inviting reception. I’m so glad we did it! •
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
We didn’t have to improve load lift capacity by up to 22%. We already had the competition beat. And we didn’t have to increase the backhoe’s digging depth by 30%.* But we did. And now, after more than a 1000 hours of testing from the scorching heat of Texas to the frigid air of Michigan, the new 2024 MT2 models are here. Proven and ready to outperform expectations of what tractors this good should cost. Start Blue. Stay Blue.
Start Blue. Stay Blue.
It was quite a hot day, and I wished somebody was selling water. One of the vendors told me there was water at the table where they were selling 50/50 tickets. When I got there, a young man was purchasing $10 worth of tickets, quite convinced he was going to win. I believed him so didn’t buy any tickets myself. When I asked about water, one of the young men at the table said, “It’s too hot today to charge for water.” Since they were nice enough to give me water, I bought $5 of 50/50 tickets. Hey, you can’t
win if you don’t play.
The last booth we visited was Herkimer Handknits by Deni Finch-Frederick, the market manager. I purposely suggested we go around the booths as we did, to save the best for last. I have wanted one of Deni’s beautiful shawls for a long time! Now I finally have one. I hope there is a chance to wear it soon. Perhaps I can take it with me when I go to dinner, in case the place is over-air-conditioned.
We were still there when they drew the 50/50. No luck for me! The winner
Brookwood Market West German St.,
Herkimer
Open 2nd and 4th Sundays 10am-2pm through October Follow
THE APARTMENT CONNECTION
Deborah Bali • Andrew Samel • Angela Pohleven
charlie’s place in clinton
by Maryann Vanderpool-Imundo
“Where good friends meet to eat.” That’s the slogan of Charlie’s Place Breakfast and Lunch on Route 5 in Clinton which celebrates its 27th anniversary next month. Here, folks can enjoy classic American comfort food in a place where everyone seems to know each other’s name.
“I wanted to have a place where people could make friends over good food,” said Charlie’s Place owner, Karen Knauth, “like the TV show Cheers without the alcohol.”
The diner’s colorful signage has splashes of pink and teal accenting the smiling caricature of Knauth, suitably descriptive of its bright perky ambiance and the ubiquitous greeting, “Good Morning.”
The sound of clattering dishes, pleasant chitchat, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee surround Knauth as she declares the familiar adage: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Research supports her motto. Breakfast eaters have more energy, greater mental acuity, maintain a healthier weight, have lower blood pressure, and are basically happier.
Charlie’s Place’s breakfast options are: Omelets, Scrambles, Breakfast Sandwiches, Egg Benedicts, French Toast, Pancakes, Oatmeal, Cereal, and Charlie’s Favorite Concoctions: Garbage Plate (ham, onions, peppers, home fries, cheese, toast, eggs, toast); The Mountain (eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, onions, peppers, home fries, hash browns,
Charlie’s Place on Route 5 in Clinton has been a local favorite for nearly 30 years
Borgia, Karen Knauth (owner), and Sue Green love their customers
cheese, toast); and Giambrotte (eggs, Italian sausage, greens, home fries, mozzarella cheese, peppers, toast).
Finding gratification in providing people with hardy sustenance and a pleasant start to their day has earned Knauth many loyal friends and customers.
Seated at the counter is regular customer Butch Bellows enjoying a BLT Club Sandwich. Eager to vouch for Charlie’s Place’s merit, Bellows said, “I come here every day. The food is very good. They serve you well, and the prices are right. The waitresses are very, very nice and make you feel wanted.”
One of the “very, very nice waitresses” Bellows mentioned is head waitress Sue Green. She greets all of the customers with a cheerful smile and welcoming dialogue. “I’m very lucky,” said Knauth, “I probably have the best waitresses in the area.”
Breakfast is available all day, and likewise, lunch is available in the morning. Knauth said, “If someone wants a cheeseburger and fries for breakfast, that’s fine with us,” Knauth said,
When describing her meals, Knauth said, “We give big food for a small price. Our burgers are all hand-pattied with a half pound of beef. They’re delicious and we sell a lot of them. We also offer two homemade soups a day.”
Other Lunch options are: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, French Dip (shaved beef, provolone, French Roll, au jus), Chicken Parmigiana, Tuna Melt, Sausage
Hearty vegetable soup Cream of broccoli soup
Butch Bellows enjoys a BLT, his favorite
and Mozzarella Panini, Salads, Wraps, Club Sandwiches, Reubens, and Quesadillas.
Daily specials are written on a dry-erase board. This afternoon Strawberry shortcake is featured. However, Knauth’s response when asked to describe her desserts was a surprise. She said, “I just send people to Bonomo’s for ice cream. We don’t want to compete with them. They’re our good friends and customers.”
Knauth’s pay-it-forward mindset is paying it right back to Charlie’s Place. The owners of the new establishment, Maggiolino Italian Restaurant, (located directly across the street), Justin and Tiffany Maggiolino are frequent customers and new friends. They’re seated at a cozy booth having a late breakfast with their daughters. “We love coming here,” said Tiffany Maggiolino, “It feels homey, like your Grandma’s kitchen.” •
Charlie’s Place
8170 Seneca Tpke, Clinton, NY • (315) 732-3631
Open Mon-Fri: 6am-2pm, Sat & Sun: 6am-1pm
Maryann Vanderpool-Imundo is a poet and freelance creative writer. She is an active member in the Oneida Chapter National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She enjoys history, writing, public speaking, ballroom dancing and line dancing.
fortrickey.com for
“Experience the joy of kind and gentle interaction with animals”
• August 10th – Pirate Theme Day
• September 6th – End of Summer Bash
• Sept 14th – “Adults Night Out” 7pm-10pm
• October 5th – Crafts at the Zoo
• October 9th – Homeschool Day
• Weekends Only (Sept 21st- Oct 27th) FALL FUN DAYS
• Sept 24th-Oct 22nd – Toddler TUESDAYS
• Nov 23rd & 24th –“Small Business Saturday” Weekend
49 - 3 Miles West of Rome (315) 336-1930
Summer 2024 Historic Tours
Aug 15 & 18, Sept 19 & 22
Reserve your spot today! www.florissantethemansion.com
doesn’t love a good period drama? We sure do, and this house has seen it all! Murder mystery, sibling rivalry, ties to presidents past, and even the Titanic! Tour this historic mansion, built in 1886 after a devastating fire destroyed the Pre-civil war stone mansion on Dec 9, 1884.
The Maggiolino family: Justin, Giovanna, Ganriella, and Tiffany enjoy a late breakfast
Guests enjoy the large, inviting dining room at Charlie’s Place in Clinton
summer nights
by carol higgins
The lazy, hazy days of summer are here, and there are many spectacular sights in the beautiful night skies of August. Whether you look through a telescope or just sit back in a comfy chair on a pleasant evening to admire the stars and constellations, there is something interesting for everyone to see. And speaking of constellations, did you know that some of your favorite summer star patterns are not constellations? They are known as asterisms, and several are visible this month.
Spotting stars that form familiar shapes is nothing new. In ancient times they were used as the basis of folklore, calendars to determine when to plant crops, and tools to navigate the seas. Researchers believe Ice Age cave paintings of two animals drawn over 15,000 years ago represent constellations Taurus and Leo. Star catalogs created around 6,000 years ago by the Babylonians and other early civilizations clearly depict constellations.
Both constellations and asterisms are comprised of stars that form recognizable patterns, but there is a difference between the two. 88 constellations are officially cataloged and recognized by the scientific community and the International Astronomical Union (IAU). They are the result of efforts in 1928 to set the standard for star maps and names that cover the entire
sphere of space visible from Earth. Each has a formal name, a 3-digit Latin abbreviation, a defined border, and named stars.
In contrast, asterisms are not formally recognized by the astronomical community. They are just fun and easily identified patterns that are widely known. The best example is the Big Dipper, an asterism formed by some stars in the constellation Ursa Major (see the inset picture). Seven stars form the handle and bowl of the dipper, and together with 12 other stars comprise the constellation’s shape.
Some asterisms contain stars from more than one constellation. Have you ever noticed the first three stars that appear overhead just after sunset? They form the large Summer Triangle asterism, containing three of the brightest summer stars: Deneb, Vega, and Altair, located in constellations Scorpius, Lyra, and Aquila respectively. Speaking of Deneb, it is also a member of the Northern Cross asterism in the constellation Cygnus. Climbing almost directly overhead as the night goes on, five stars form a large cross with Deneb at the top.
Another target is one you likely already know. The Cassiopeia asterism gets its famous “W” shape from the five brightest stars in the constellation Cassiopeia. But by far, one of the most impressive asterisms is the Teapot in the constel-
Ursa Major and the Big Dipper are asterisms, not constellations
lation Sagittarius. Look in the southern sky for eight bright stars that form the teapot’s kettle, handle, lid, and spout. But best of all, “steam” appears to be rising from the spout. It is actually the glowing gas and dust of our Milky Way galaxy stretching across the sky!
To help you during your stargazing adventures, you’ll need a map. One good option is a star map you can download and print for free from the www.skymaps.com website. The first page shows the current month’s constellations, asterisms, and other notable objects, while the second page lists interesting targets to search for. Think of it as a fun star scavenger hunt for the whole family, plus you’ll get to know your way around the sky.
And last but not least, make sure you look for “shooting stars” this month. The popular Pleiades meteor shower is active from July 17 to August 24. It peaks the night of August 11/12, and after the Moon sets around midnight it could be possible to see up to 60 meteors per hour. This a great month for stargazing, so keep looking up!
Wishing you clear skies! •
Hanny’s Voorwerp. Image Credit: NASA, ESA, W. Keel, Galaxy Zoo Team
Garden Ornaments
A Cool Relish for a Hot Summer
by Nat Levin
It’s ironic that summer produce begins to peak when most people prefer to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. One solution to this dilemma is to have a variety of dips and spreads in the fridge for handy, low-effort snacking. Consider this recipe a guide rather than firm instructions: the quantities can be scaled easily, the garlic increased or decreased to suit your taste, a small handful of herbs can become a large handful, and lemon zest could be swapped for lime or orange zest.
Tadka, or tempering, is a technique found in South Asian cooking and offers a delicious and mysterious layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the beets and the tartness of the yogurt. Without the tempered spices, this is more of a tzatziki (Greek yogurt-based sauce), but with the tadka, it’s firmly in raita (Indian yogurt-based sauce) territory. Whatever you end up calling it, try this relish with crackers, carrots, or pita; on falafel wraps or veggie burgers; or as an accompaniment to curries, dals, and flatbreads.
Beet-Yogurt Relish:
-1 medium beet (any variety), about the size of a tennis ball, trimmed, scrubbed, and cooked until fork-tender. Cook in an Instant Pot for 15 minutes at high pressure, or on the stovetop at a hard simmer for 30 minutes. I cook beets in larger batches and use the rest in salads, pickles, or soups
-1 cup plain Greek yogurt
-Small handful of soft herbs, finely chopped. Purple basil, dill, mint, Thai basil, cilantro, parsley, and chives are all great options
-1 large garlic clove, finely minced or pounded into a paste
-Zest of a small organic lemon, about 1.5 tablespoons
-1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Tadka:
4 tablespoons neutral oil
2 dried red chilis
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
Generous pinch of green cardamom Makes about 1.5 cups
For the relish: Drain the beets and let cook, then remove the skin of one medium beet. Grate into a medium bowl, and add the rest of the relish ingredients. Mix until combined, then refrigerate.
For the tadka: Heat four tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the spices. Be prepared to cover quickly; the mustard seeds will pop. Shake the pan until all the spices are covered in oil, then remove from heat and let sit for fifteen minutes to infuse. Strain the spices out and pour half the oil, about two tablespoons, over the relish, and stir to combine. Reserve the rest of the oil for an other batch. Best served chilled. •
Falafel, Babaghanoush , Taboulie, Grape leaves, Spinach pies.
6am-6pm, Sat: 6am-5pm, Closed Sun
Jack Riffle and Natalie Levin of Local Foods Mohawk Valley
2024 GALLERY GUIDE
Banksy:TheHaightStreetRat
Through September 8, 2024
Banksy’s work expresses strong political and social statements and is believed to be a driving force behind the street art movement.
Fenimore Art Museum
5798 Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-1400 fenimoreartmuseum.org
10th Annual Just Add Water
Through
At the Westwood Gallery: AJourneyThroughTime
Through August 27, 2024
Rotating selection of work by artists who have played important roles in shaping the Mohawk Valley art community.
4 Elements Studio 1607 Genesee St., Utica, NY The Westwood at 131 Genesee St., Utica 4elementsstudio.org
RegionalJuriedArtShow
August 24–September 28, 2024
Reception: Fri., August 24, 6-9pm Mohawk Valley Center for the
(315)
43rd Annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolor August 3 - September 28, 2024
View
Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6411 viewarts.org
Utica BOILERS
By by Patricia Murphy
One thing I’ve learned from volunteering at the Oneida County History Center is that this area has an important history as a place of innovation and the manufacture of many products. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Utica mills and factories produced textiles, pottery, shoes, and silverware. Some of these persist today; change and innovation have also helped “Utica” products retain a reputation for quality.
The Utica Boiler Company is that kind of company. In 1928, Earle C. Reed founded two companies, the Utica Radiator Corporation and the Dunkirk Radiator Corporation. The company’s manufacturing facility in Utica, New York called “The Utica Companies” made cast iron radiators and baseboard heating. The company grew and, in the 1950s, began designing and manufacturing boilers. Over time the name of the company was changed to Utica Boilers and more product lines were added.
Boilers operate by heating water within a vessel using gas, oil, or coal. This heated water, either turned into steam or kept in liquid form depending on the type of boiler you have, is then sent through a system of radiators placed throughout a home to provide indoor heating. As the radiator’s internal temperature rises, the air around it gives off heat.
The Utica Boilers manufacturing facility, now known as ECR International, was located at 2201 Dwyer Avenue in Utica, New York. The facility closed on January 4, 2024, after 96 years in operation. The company moved its manufacturing operations to its
Oneida County History Center volunteer
Earle C. Reed founded two companies in 1928, the Utica Radiator Corporation and the Dunkirk Radiator Corporation.
Dunkirk plant in Western New York. The Utica facility is now for sale. Today, Utica Boilers is a leading brand of ECR (Earle C. Reed) International, an organization under the umbrella of Granby Industries, LP, a division of TerraVest Industries, Inc. of Canada. Utica Boiler retains its company name.
One of the many ways that the Utica Boiler company shares its commitment to the community of Utica is its continued support of the world-famous Boilermaker Road Race. The 15K Road Race was founded in 1978 by Earle C. Reed [Earle Reed’s grandson] as a way to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary and to give back to the community that had supported the family business. Interestingly, at that time the business was named Utica Radiator). In its first year, the race started with a budget of $750 and had 800 runners. Today the race has grown to draw more than 19,000 competitors from all around the world and, along with the famous 15K race, also hosts a 5K event, kid’s race, and wheelchair event. In 2023, the Boilermaker attracted over 20,000 runners from around the world.
An interesting feature of Utica Boilers is that their date of manufacture can be determined by the serial number. I learned this when I bought an old house in Clinton that had a Utica Boiler in the basement. Looking up the date of manufacture is easy. Just go to https://www.building-center.org/utica-hvac-age/. Instructions on the website can walk you through the process. Below you’ll see a picture of a radiator like you might see in many older homes in our area. The Utica Boiler Company is one of many companies that contributed to a time of innovation and invention. •
TALES FROM SHAWANGUNK
by Peggy Spencer Behrendt
Dramatic clouds grace our bike rides
up in Westmoreland.
I clearly remember the day I learned to balance on a bike almost 70 years ago. It was counterintuitive to point my wheel in the direction I was tipping instead of the opposite. How amazed and delighted I was when I went against my instincts, and it worked! Gently, I rolled down the gentle, grassy slope by my childhood home without having to fall over. Our one-gear girls’ bikes with tubby tires weren’t easy for us to pedal, but we used them a lot to get to Jimmy Nolan’s Candy and Variety Store, or the library in Clark Mills over a mile away. (Mom later told me in confidence that she believed that there was a “One Armed Bandit” (slot machine) in the back room!). I usually got a package of Smith Brothers Wild Cherry Cough Drops for a nickel and a comic book for ten cents. Sucking on one while reading the other was childhood bliss. How incensed I was when the price of comics went up to twelve cents!
Bike rides are among our favorite summertime activities even now, and we’re tickled to have our great-grandson August (age 7) join us on multi-generational excursions.
He was able to start on a pedal-less bike, using his feet for propulsion which allowed him to learn balancing without unnecessary tumbles.
A beautiful combination Tim and I enjoy is a ride to Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area just over 4 miles from us followed by a swim. We have retirement-gifted ourselves with nice electric bikes and gliding along with or without power gives us the same sense of flight and freedom biking gave us as children. There are still gears to facilitate up and down slopes if we’re up for the exercise and allow us to save the electrical power assistance for steep climbs or a rest. Tim keeps it simple with one gear and one level of electrical assistance, whereas I only turn that on when I really feel the need.
Essential bike dress for us is a brimmed hat with a veil and chinstrap, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants because we are magnets for the voracious summertime paparazzi of
deerflies. Once off our dirt road and on pavement, we can usually lift our veils and talk without the risk of accidentally eating one. I look over at Tim to see if the swarm has thinned out yet. Some of them rudely hitch a ride on my rearview mirror when they get tired.
It’s worth the bother. When it feels too hot to move and we are bored with inactivity, a bike ride rejuvenates us. The moving air cools and refreshes. The stirring of our blood and breathing restores our energy and there’s
and are enjoying hopping about on newly formed legs.
The quietness of bike riding allows us to hear things, too – a scolding red squirrel, a chipmunk clucking loudly about some discerned danger, the snorting of a perturbed deer, the delightfully musical tune of a bobolink…. Above all this musical magic are great cream puff clouds in curious shapes framed by the bluest blue a sky can be.
We waft through delicious scents, the ambrosia of pink and white milkweed blossoms, newly cut grass, and mysterious perfumes from undiscerned blossoms.
As we enter the tree canopy of the State Park area the temperature cools dramatically bringing welcome relief. We are greeted
always something special to see besides the bounty of beautiful wildflowers, ferns, and tasseled grasses. Yesterday we saw a scampering young fox, and the day before a little ermine was running around in circles in the road. We tried to urge him off, but he insisted on returning to this strange repetition.
Sometimes we stop to lift a caterpillar, turtle, or salamander off to safety, and other times we slow down and steer carefully through a mass of teeny toads or frogs that have just emerged from their tadpole stage
Anne paints at Hinckley beach..
by the refreshing scent of long needle pines and cedars as we glide over masses of copper-colored needles decoratively cluttering the grounds.
I enjoy going into the changing shed. The squeaky groan of the door hinges, the paintworn floor, the golden glow of aged pine wood is classic Adirondack. The culmination of our little road trip is a refreshing swim in clean water with white-winged seagulls gliding in the sky above, the calls of excited children playing at the beach, adults painting, or relaxing. People are happy here.
I wrote this in my diary when I was 15 in 1964:
“I went with the Seymours on a picnic up to Hatch Lake. We went swimming, and they had brought along a tractor tire tube. What a blast! We were all squirming to get on and we’d fall off and the thing would roll over. Everyone grabbed at everyone else to get on. It was crazy! Once, we came into a deadlock. Most everyone had fallen into the middle, and we were all so tangled up no one could move! Finally, by struggling to the utmost and nearly getting drowned at that, we got untangled.We laughed all the time. It was nuts!
“We had a real neat lunch and then played kickball up on the hill. The three boys against seven girls. We got tired of it quickly though
because they beat us too easily!
“Wewentbackinswimmingandhadjust as much fun as before. Once, when everyone had gone in and I was out on the tube alone, a cute boy came up & rested.We talked for a while, but he eventually left.Au revoir.”
Dark clouds on the horizon are moving in our direction so we hurry home on our bikes occasionally looking back at them to gauge how much time we have before they reach us. I wonder if birds are making similar evaluations when they perch on the highest tip of an evergreen tree like a Christmas ornament? Do they notice variables like the wind direction, temperature, qualities of the
Our family has enjoyed Hinckley Park since the 70s
clouds, etc., and modify their activities accordingly?
Tim says, “They can probably predict the weather better than we can. I think they have senses that we don’t.”
So, I imagine a conversation: “Alert! Alert! Looks like it’s raining cats and dogs in the west and it’s coming our way!” yells Blue Jay.
“I’d better get back to the nest before that wind hits! I can see it shaking the treetops not far from here!” chirps Robin.
“I’m heading to the shelter of Big Hemlock Tree. The ground next to the trunk is the last to get wet,” murmurs Deer.
Indeed, reliable scientific sources indicate that many creatures such as sea turtles, worms, some birds, wolves, and even butterflies sense the earth’s magnetic field and use it to guide them. Some creatures sense electric fields, nutrients, infrared radiation, and exhaled carbon dioxide to function. Mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide 30 feet away.
It’s fun to consider what colors there may be that we cannot see and what mystical influences we cannot discern that other creatures can, but I’m satisfied with and cherish the precious senses and wonderful abilities we humans have. Let us take good care of these, and revel in this precious gift of living. • “Tales from Shawangunk” Book
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
SPONSOR news
Foothills Rural Community Ministry
Foothills Rural Community Ministry is a non-profit registered 501(c)3. It is mostly volunteer-run, providing food, clothing, and more to individuals and families in need for nearly 40 years. Serving seven townships in rural northeast Oneida County, programs include a food pantry, pet pantry, thrift shop, back-to-school student supply program, Christmas baskets, a summer lunch program for kids, Food $ense, and a coffeehouse music program. It provides food for over 200 individuals every month working with the Central NY Food Bank. The demand for assistance is overwhelming. The goal of Foothills is to maintain programs through
personal donations and grants. Foothills has rented space at the Holland Patent First Presbyterian church house for all programs since its inception. However, it has outgrown its space and organizers are looking to construct anew building to have the space to expand its programs.
The community has the power to make a positive difference in the lives of so many families. Please take the time to visit the Foothills Rural Community Ministry website at www. foothillsruralcommunityministry.org/ and consider donating to help continue to provide for families in need. Your help is greatly appreciated. •
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on the �rst implement purchased. Offers
Terms subject to change. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety and product information see dealer or KubotaUSA.com. Your Kubota Limited warranty gives you speci�c legal rights. You may have other rights which vary from state to state. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety and product and incentive offer information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the Owner’s Warranty Information Guide for the Kubota limited warranty on all products. Visit KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers for more information.
Your Kubota Limited warranty gives you speci�c legal rights. You may have other rights which vary from state to state. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety and product and incentive offer information, consult your
on EDA/UCC Data from 01/01/2019 - 12/31/2023 for sales of new tractors 0-200 HP in the USA. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2024. $0 Down,
