NNY Living Winter 2014

L I v I ng NN Y

HOLIDAY / WINTER 2014

Volume 4 No. 1

nnyliving.com

A season to celebrate $2.95

/nnyliving @NNYLivingMag

GARDEN

FASHION

FOOD

TRAVEL

Poinsettia is the country’s best-selling potted plant

Wide range of party outfits on a budget

Add some punch to any party with easy crackers

Discover Albany’s old capital history

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H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

H OL I D AY / WI NTE R 2 01 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

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C ontri b u tor s Katie Stokes is a blogger and freelance writer who lives in Hounsfield with her husband and two small children. In ‘The NNY Life’ this issue, she writes about the often difficult task of saying good-bye to military friends in the north country. (pg. 14)

Michelle Graham is the wellness director for the Downtown Watertown YMCA. She lives in Watertown. She writes about how employers can do their part to help build a healthier north country workforce. (p. 16)

Boo Wells is a chef and owner of the Farm House Kitchen, a catering company and cooking school in Sackets Harbor. She shares an easy-to-follow recipe for savory Parmesan and herb crackers to punch up any dinner party. (p. 26)

Lenka P. Walldroff is a former museum specialist, conservator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and curator of collections for the Jefferson County Historical Society. She writes about the life and work of a Clayton man who held healing powers. (p. 12) Brian Hallett is an art teacher at South Jefferson Central Schools and an avid gardener. His family owns and operates Hallett’s Florist and Greenhouse in Adams. He offers tips for selecting and caring for the country’s top-selling plant: the Poinsettia. (p. 18)

Katie Machia is a fashion blogger and Watertown resident who is finishing her last year of high school.

She also models part time for print and runway shows. In this issue, she writes about fashion trends for holiday and cocktail parties. (p. 28) Lorna Oppedisano is a staff writer and editorial assistant for NNY Magazines. In this issue she writes about a host of north country holiday and winter traditions to help residents beat the winter blues. (p. 24)

MARKETPLACE

H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

1000 Islands Cruet ......................................... 17 Beardsley Design ........................................... 22 Center for Sight .............................................. 19 CFS Medispa .................................................... 7 CFS Hearing .................................................... 10 CFS Eye Boutique of NNY .............................. 27 Clayton Chamber of Commerce .................. 8 Community Bank ........................................... 31 D & D Power Sports ........................................ 23 Development Authority of the NC ............... 27 Dr. Guitar ........................................................ 13 Fairground Inn ................................................ 13 Feed the Soul Nutrition .................................. 23 Franklin Square Orthodontics ....................... 23 H & R Block ..................................................... 19 Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors ................ 15 Ken Piarulli / Ameriprise ................................ 13 Macar’s ........................................................... 19

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Meade Optical ................................................ 6 Morgia Masonry ............................................ 23 NNY Living Plaques ........................................ 19 NNY Community Foundation ........................ 25 Nortz & Virkler Ford .......................................... 6 Painfull Acres Amish Furniture ...................... 25 RBC Wealth Management ............................ 17 River Day Spa & Salon ..................................... 6 River Rat Cheese ............................................. 4 Volunteer Transportation Center .................. 10 Waite Motor Sports ........................................ 11 Waite Toyota .................................................. 10 Waterbury Fine Jewelers ............................... 17 Watertown Savings Bank ................................ 2 Watertown Spring & Alignment ...................... 6 Weichert Realtors ........................................... 15 WPBS TV .......................................................... 19 WWTI TV 50 ........................................................ 3

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Publishers

John B. Johnson Harold B. Johnson II

VP News Operations Timothy J. Farkas

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Staff Writer / Editorial Assistant Lorna Oppedisano

Magazine Design / Production Lauren M. Harrienger

Photography

Norm Johnston, Justin Sorensen, Jason Hunter, Melanie Kimbler-Lago, Amanda Morrison

Director of Advertising Michael Hanson

Magazine Advertising Manager Matthew Costantino

Ad Graphics, Design

Brian Mitchell, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules, Rick Gaskin

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

NNY Living (ISSN 2165-1159) is published six times a year by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2011-2014. All material submitted to NNY Living becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

Subscription Rates Six issues are $10 a year and 12 issues are $15 for two years.

Call 315-782-1000 for delivery.

Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net

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Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mhanson@wdt.net, or call 661-2305 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail bward@ogd.com, or call 661-2507 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y. a Forest Stewardship Certified facility.

Please recycle this magazine.

>> Inside WINTER 2014

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26 COVER STORY | 24 A labor of love Many traditions abound for north country residents to avoid winter blues this time of year. |

GUEST ESSAY | 9 FILM LOVERS UNITE The countdown is on to the Snowtown USA Film Fest. |

THE NNY LIFE | 14 BITTERSWEET GOOD-BYE Saying good-bye to military friends is always a tough task. |

GARDEN | 18 NO. 1 POTTED PLANT Caring for your Poinsettia will make it last the season. |

DESTINATION 20 CAPITAL CULTURE New York’s capital city is home to thriving arts, culture and culinary treats. |

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FOOD | 28 PERFECTING THE PARTY Add some zest to your latest party with savory crackers. |

FASHION | 28 PROJECT NNY RUNWAY Pick up some great wares for the cocktail party circuit without breaking the bank. |

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DEPARTMENTS

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4 CONTRIBUTORS 4 MARKETPLACE 6 EDITOR’S NOTE 6 NEXT ISSUE 7 CALENDAR 9 GUEST ESSAY 11 SOCIAL SCENE

H OL I D AY / WI NTE R 2 01 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

HISTORY | 12 CRACKING THE CASE After 137 years, the murder of a NNY native intrigues. |

WELLNESS | 16 A healthy workforce Employers, employees can make a difference at work. |

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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In this, our Holiday / WINTER issue of NNY Living, magazine staff writer Lorna Oppedisano writes about a handful of north country holiday and winter traditions that will help residents beat the winter blues. Her cover story is on page 24.

SOCIAL SCENE — This issue’s Social Scene section, on page 11, features more than a dozen faces from across Northern New York.

On Nov. 1, we joined the North Country Arts Council for “arts. beats. eats.” an opening reception for the council’s 66th annual Fall Ken Eysaman Art Show at the Dulles State Office Building. n n n BEST OF NNY — In our winter issue, coming in mid-February, readers will find a ballot for our Best of Winter installment of our Best of NNY series. Keep tabs on your favorite things to do and places to go as voting will open in early February. We’ll also have information in

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n our winter issue, coming in mid-February, we offer a wide range of things to do to beat the winter blues.

n ASK-A-DOC RETURNS: Dr. Grace Y. Burke answers questions about eye health. n DESTINATION SALT CITY: We head to CNY for somd close-to-home fun in Syracuse.

H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

n n n CHANGES FOR 2015 — As we look forward to a prosperous new year, we plan a few changes for NNY Living. In 2015, readers can look forward to five issues of our premier lifestyle magazine, along with two issues of NNY Living Weddings and two issues of NNY Living Homes & Premier Properties. The main title will be published seasonally as Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall and Holiday 2015, while our weddings magazine will be distributed in January and early August and Homes in March and September.

All of our NNY Living-branded magazines will be primarily distributed to home-delivery subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times, but readers who wish to only receive the magazine may do so by subscribing to NNY Living for a special rate of just $10 a year. Thank you for your continued support and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2015!

Warm regards,

I N O U R N E X T I SSU E

Also coming in our next issue:

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our sister newspapers and online.

A century of service to the north country

n PLUS: Social Scene, Arts, Food, Books, Wellness, The NNY Life, History, This is NNY, Today’s Gardener and My NNY. n FOLLOW US ON Twitter for updates at @NNYLivingMag and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NNYLiving. Catch exclusive previews and unique content on our website at www.NNYLiving.com.

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CALENDAR

[ ARTS, MUSIC, THEATER, CULTURE ] Alexandria Bay Saturday, Jan. 31 n 3rd Annual Vintage Snowmobile Show. Sponsored by the chamber of commerce. Information: Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531.

Friday Feb. 6 to Sunday, Feb. 8 n Labatts-1000 Islands Pond Hockey Tournament.

Sponsored by the chamber of commerce. This is a four on four hockey tournament of 24 teams in three age divisions. Teams will be placed in divisions of ages 21 to 34, 35 to 49, and 50 and older. Game schedules available at the time of registration. Registration for last year’s players open now. Registration open to public Tuesday, Dec. 30. Information/ register: chamber, 482-9531 or visitalexbay.org.

Saturday, Feb. 28 n 25th Annual Polar Bear Dip, Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina, 31 Holland St. Event to benefit River Hospital. Information: hospital, 482-4976.

three pond hockey in six co-ed divisions. Registration is now open. Cost: $400 per team. Information/register: riverhockeyclassic.com or chamber of commerce, 686-3771.

Saturday, Feb. 21 n Clayton Ice Fishing Derby, Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, 855 Graves St. Annual derby and ice shanty contest. Information: chamber of commerce, 686-3771.

Old Forge Saturday, Jan. 17 n Canal Street String Band, 7:30 p.m., View Arts Center, 3273 New York 28. With three voices, fiftyfive strings and a pair of cow bones, The Canal Street String Band puts a shine on old American music. Cost: $20; members, $15; students, $10. Information: 3696411 ext. 201, info@ViewArts.org or viewarts.org.

Friday, Feb. 13 to Sunday, Feb. 15

Thursday, Feb. 5 to Saturday, Feb. 14

n McCauley Mountain Winter Carnival, McCauley Mountain Ski Area. Event planned to feature competitions, ski races, fun and fireworks. Sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association and the Town of Webb. Information: McCauley Mountain Ski Area, 369-3225.

n Canton Winter Fest. Information: chamber of commerce, 386-2871.

Turin

Canton

Carthage Tuesday, Jan. 20 n Soup and Sandwich Sale, 4 to 6 p.m., Woolworth Memorial United, 25120 County Road 197, Great Bend. Information: chamber of commerce, 493-3590.

Saturday, Feb. 14 n 17th Annual Winterfest. Family fun to include cardboard sled races, horse-drawn sleigh rides, family games, scavenger hunt, raffles, reptile show, food, drinks and more. Information: Lori Borland, 493-3590.

Clayton Saturday, Jan. 31 n Pond Hockey Tournament, Clayton Marina, 50 State St. Fourth annual river hockey classic three-on-

Saturday, Jan 31 to Sunday, Feb. 1 n East Coast Snocross Races, Snow Ridge Ski Resort, 4173 West Road. Information: Judy, 348-8456.

Watertown Wednesday, Dec. 31 to Saturday, Feb. 14 n Snowtown USA, daylong events around city.

Planned events include opening reception, skating at the Watertown Municipal Ice Arena, craft fair, softball tournament, character breakfast and closing ceremony with fireworks. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

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Saturday, Jan. 10 n Enchanted Carnival, 1 to 6 p.m., Rhonda’s Footework, 146L Arsenal St., use Court St. building entrance. Event includes silent auction, games, food, face painting and performances. Cost: $10; family of up to six people, $25. Information: 771-8089 or rfwdance@gmail.com.

Tuesdays, Jan. 20 through May 5 n Jazz Rock Ensemble, 7:30 to 9 p.m., McVean Student Center, 4-112, Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St. Instrumentalists will rehearse and perform music from popular genres, including blues, jazz, musical theater and rock. Participants must supply their own instrument. All ages welcome. Instructor: Steven Lester. Cost: $40. Information/register: over age 60, contact liberal arts, 786-2414; all others, continuing education, 786-2438.

Thursday, Jan. 29 to Saturday, Jan. 31 n There is a Season: 6 Ten-Minute Plays, Savory Downtown, Best Western, 300 Washington St. Directed by Elizabeth P. Smith. Information: Mrs. Smith, 788-8781.

Saturday, Jan. 31 n Inaugural Heartbeat Ball, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St. This formal event is planned to include dancing, entertainment

by DJ Lennox, a silent auction, appetizers, drinks and photography by Sophia Putnam Photography.

Ball intended for adults and children ages 3 and older. All proceeds to benefit the Heartbeats for Madden Foundation. Cost: $40 per adult/child pair; additional child, $10. Information: facebook. com/hearbeatsformadden.

TEll us about it — Have an event you would like to include in NNY Living? Email us at nnyliving@wdt.net with the details or visit www. nnyliving.com and click Events.

H OL I D AY / WI NTE R 2 01 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

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by Rhonda Foote. Cost: $25 per person; couple, $40. Information: Rhonda Foote, 771-8089.

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GUEST ESSAY

North country loves film It’s been an exciting year for the north country with continued unprecedented collaboration across our seven-county region through the governor’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative and the growth in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, biotech and energy sectors to name a few.

This past year also brought great news for north country film enthusiasts and the industry.

For example, in August, Hollywood lights were shining on Tupper Lake as the State Theater hosted a special Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie premier in advance of TMNT’s release.

Tupper Lake saw a $1 million economic boost from the movie’s filming in the area, which provided big benefits to many local businesses and demonstrated the benefits of New York State’s Film Production Tax Credit program, which is helping the state become a premier location to film a movie or television show.

Earlier this year, the Development Authority of the North Country started accepting applications for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council Digital Film Conversion Loan Fund to help small theaters in the north country convert projection equipment to digital technologies and stay in business.

In addition, three new film festivals made their way to the region thanks to the work of some community-minded people who hope to share their love of movies.

In November, the first Lake Champlain International Film Festival, lcifilmfest.org, debuted in Plattsburgh at the beautifully restored Strand Center for the Arts Theater, showcasing its new state-of-the-art digital projection equipment, which was identified as a priority project in the first two rounds of the regional economic development grant process in its efforts to support destination attractions.

Next fall, in 2015, Los Angeles filmmaker Adam Paul is bringing the St. Lawrence International Film Festival, stlawrencefilm.com, to Potsdam, Canton and Ontario, working with the region’s colleges to grow an annual crossborder event.

But first, just as we kick off the new year, on Jan. 30 and 31, the inaugural Snowtown Film Festiva, snowtownfilmfestival.com, will launch in downtown Watertown. Partnering with the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce and the City of Watertown Parks and Recreation Department, a group of volun-

teers has been working hard for nearly a year to plan the winter-themed movie weekend. The idea to hold a winter-themed film festival was born behind a snow blower during last year’s “old-fashioned north country winter.”

Organizers agreed that one great way to celebrate the cold was by the warm glow of the silver screen.

According to local lore, Walter Cronkite first dubbed Watertown “Snowtown USA” after the BlizSteve Hunt zard of ’77 dumped 18 feet of snow on the city. Inspired by the legendary weather and the apropos nickname, the city has hosted a Snowtown USA winter festival for many years hence.

Ironically, Snowtown USA took a 16-year hiatus in 1997 due to weather-related cancellations. Last year, volunteers resurrected the months-long celebration and gave local

for a book signing and lecture on theaters across Upstate New York.

On Friday evening, Jan. 30, the weekend will open with a red-carpet reception and a feature film at the Dulles State Office Building on Washington Street.

On Saturday, the festival will show locally produced films on the big screen, followed by discussion panels with cast and crew members.

Local film maker Clay Dumaw is set to present his high-stakes poker thriller “Hold’em” and Michael Mustizer will join some cast and crew for a 10th Anniversary screening of his locally made World War-II drama, “The Coldest Winter.”

In addition, the local chapter of the Association of the United States Army is working with the committee to feature “Climb to Glory: Legacy of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troopers,” a 45-minute Warren Miller Entertainment documentary that “tells the story of the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troopers and how they transformed the U.S. Ski Industry after World War II.” The Saint Lawrence River Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and L.A. Carlson Organ Company will present the 1926 Harold Lloyd silent film “For Heaven’s Sake,” featuring live musical accompaniment from Watertown organist Jason Comet.

Efforts are under way to bring the organizers from Snowtown, Lake Champlain and St. Lawrence International Film Festival together with members of the Lake Placid Film Forum to share ideas and best practices, cross promote events and support each other’s pursuits to bring culturally enriching entertainment to the north country. With any luck, these new festivals will grow into the future, showcasing the arts, supporting the economy and highlighting all that the region has to offer.

Our north country region is truly in the midst of a resurgence, with the film industry playing a growing part. While these efforts bring both excitement and money to the region, they also represent the film industry’s economic impact in our state, and highlight the importance of continued partnerships at the state, regional and local levels to support the artistic and culturally enriching activities of the film industry.

Our north country region is truly in the midst of a resurgence, with the film industry playing a growing part.

STEVE HUNT is North Country Regional Director for Empire State Development and Executive Director of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. He serves as an advisor to the Snowtown Film Festival committee.

H OL I D AY / WI NTE R 2 01 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

film-enthusiasts an opportunity to create the new film-festival-within-a-festival. Now, along with hockey, snow sculptures, and fireworks, Snowtown USA will have its own film festival.

The film fest committee solicited submissions from filmmakers around the region and the world and is working with a number of local organizations and individuals on programming. Planning for the weekend continues, but highlights include a number of film selections and film-related workshops.

While there are no longer movie theaters in downtown Watertown, local organizers felt the picturesque downtown — occasionally compared to Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life” — was the perfect setting for the film festival, now and into the future.

In that spirit, the Jefferson County Historical Society will host an exhibit on “Old Movie Houses of the North Country” and feature founder and director of the Syracuse University Film Studies Center, Norman O. Keim, author of “Our Movie Houses: A History of Film and Cinematic Innovation in Central New York,”

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[ North Country Arts Council ‘arts. beats. eats.’]

SOCIAL SCENE

Dulles State Office Building, Watertown

Mark Irwin and Jessica Pierce, Watertown.

From left, AmberLee Clement, Bianca Ellis, and Michael Osendah, all of Watertown.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY LIVING

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY LIVING

From left, Rhonda Romeo, Ghita Schwerzmann, Linda Marra, Karen Beach, Barb Puccia, and Lynda Quinn, all of Watertown.

From left, Tom Charlton and wife, Lynette Bucci, Pillar Point, Lorraine Goodnough and Ed Olley, Watertown. The North Country Arts Council held its annual “arts. beats. eats.” opening reception for the 66th annual Fall Art Show and the Dulles State Office Building on Nov. 7.

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H OL I D AY / WI NTE R 2 01 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

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history

A warm healing touch Man who settled in Clayton attracted the sick in droves

H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

BY LENKA WALLDROFF

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The slower pace of life in the Thousand Islands region, its breathtaking nature and the serenity of the St. Lawrence River have been drawing people to Northern New York since the mid-1800s.

Our corner of the Empire State boasts an ethereal beauty that beckons people from near and far to visit and stay a while. Historically, people have come to vacation, seeking spiritual and mental rest, but for a period of nearly 25 years, there were also those who came to the Thousand Islands in search of physical healing. To that end, it is said that one person attracted more people to Clayton in one month than an entire summer tourist season: his name was Antoine Tetrault.

Mr. Tetrault, one of four children, was born in Salem, Mass., in 1881 to Louis and Alphonsie Tetrault. At age 7, his family moved to a small town in the Canadian province of Quebec. Antoine was orphaned at a young age, his parents dying within two weeks of each other, likely from the influenza pandemic that swept through Montreal between 1889 and 1890.

Before her death, Alphonsie Tetrault, a devout Catholic, instilled in her children a deep reverence for the Virgin Mary — a veneration that Mr. Tetrault carried throughout his life.

At age 19, Antoine took a job as a carpenter in a door and window factory in Montreal. In 1909, at the age of 28, he married Georgiana Pauze with whom he had 13 children. Antoine continued his work in the factory until he was diagnosed with cancer in 1929. Facing a life-threatening disease, Mr. Tetrault was concerned for the well-being of his family in the event of his death. As was his custom, Mr. Tetrault turned to prayer. It was then that he claimed to have heard a voice directing him to the Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre located just east of Quebec City. The Basilica of Saint Anne has been credited with

numerous miraculous healings and today receives nearly 500,000 pilgrims annually from all corners of the globe. It has been a popular religious pilgrimage destination from its inception in 1658.

It was at the Basilica that Mr. Tetrault claimed to have been healed from cancer.

Overcome with joy, he promised God that he would do anything to show his

PHOTO SPECIAL TO NNY LIVING

Antoine Tetrault was a devout Catholic who many believed held the healing powers of God. His Clayton home on James Street housed the Thousand Islands Arts Center.

gratitude for the miraculous reinstatement of his health. According to his personal history, it was then that he heard a voice telling him that he will go on to heal others. Immediately thereafter, he experienced a vision that presented God standing beside Jesus, with the Virgin Mary kneeling before them and a white dove flying above them with its wings outstretched. Mr. Tetrault’s description of this vision was translated into a fresco that now adorns the wall above the altar in St. Mary’s Church in Clayton.

Upon Mr. Tetrault’s return home, he shared the details of his visit to the Basilica with his family. His family believed that he was healed but discounted the validity of his religious vision, and to an extent, even suspected that he had

become mentally unhinged.

Then, less than a year after his visit to the Basilica, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 1930, Mr. Tetrault claimed to have had another vision that he called his “audience with God.” The vision presented him with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, followed by a voice telling him that he will cure people with his right hand. When Mr. Tetrault came to, he looked down at his right handit now bore a deep red mark and he felt tremendous heat in his palm.

The first person that he is said to have healed was his 5-year-old daughter who had contracted smallpox. Word spread and eventually the people who had previously doubted and even persecuted him began to come to him for healings of their own. While he had convinced his neighbors and family, the Canadian government and the medical establishment were both suspicious and within 10 years, harassment and persecution by the Canadian authorities forced the Tetrault family to move. In 1939, he accepted an invitation to settle in Clayton.

Mr. Tetrault bought a home at 314 John St., the present location of the Thousand Islands Arts Center. He treated patients at his home, many of whom left their crutches and prosthetics behind in gratitude. In fact, there is a well-known picture of Mr. Tetrault standing in a room full of crutches, each tagged with its previous owner’s ailments — diseases they claimed Mr. Tetrault had cured them of.

Patients would arrive in private ambulances or buses from as far away as California, Florida, and the western Canadian province of Alberta. Some people were healed right away, some illnesses required a number of treatments. Mr. Tetrault didn’t profess to be able to help everyone, however, and wouldn’t hesitate to turn away those whose illnesses he felt were beyond his ability to heal. He didn’t have a set fee for his services, accepting whatever the individuals felt they could afford to give.

Lenka P. Walldroff is former curator of collections for the Jefferson County Historical Museum.

She is a former museum specialist and conservator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. She lives in Jefferson County with her husband and two children. Her column appears in every issue.

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It is reported that Mr. Tetrault often saw up to 150 patients in a day. Those requiring his aid would come to his home, receive a number, and could then go and wait on the benches in his waiting room or outside in the garden for their turn. Upon entering his office, the patient would sit on an examination table fully clothed. He preferred that his patients not tell him any of their symptoms or what they believed was wrong with them. He would press on parts of the body and ask if the patient felt any pain. He claimed through this process that he would receive the patient’s pain into his own body. In this way he treated a number of afflictions including failing eyesight, paralysis, arthritis, heart murmurs, and even some cases of cancer.

One would suspect that so much notoriety would change a person, but by all accounts, Mr. Tetrault is said to have remained remarkably humble, generous, and kind throughout his life. He never claimed to possess any power of his own, but only said that it was God working through him that made the healings possible. He also remained a very devout Catholic, not only attending daily Mass, but also taking numerous trips to St. Mary’s Church to pray throughout the day. A young woman, whose family home stood between Mr. Tetrault’s house and the church, and was therefore privy to his general comings and goings, commented that his visits to the church were so regular that one could set a clock by them, adding that it was as if “he were living and communicating directly with God.” Despite the strength of his religious convictions, he never advocated any particular denomination in his healings and treated all people alike — regardless of their religious affiliation or socioeconomic background.

Mr. Tetrault died in 1963. In 1969, after purchasing the Tetrault house, the Craft School, now known as the Thousand Islands Arts Center, converted the Tetrault home into classroom and gallery spaces.

However, in honor of Antoine Tetrault, the museum reserved one of the rooms in the house as a memorial to Clayton’s most famous faith healer, adorning the walls with healing testimonials left by his patients. Every year, on the second Saturday of June, St. Mary’s Catholic Church holds a healing mass in Antoine Tetrault’s memory. Mr. Tetrault is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clayton.

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THE NNY LIFE

Nothing will end complaints when it comes to lost friends

BY KATIE STOKES

Have you ever heard the advice that to avoid being branded a complainer, you shouldn’t point out a problem for which there is no solution? In theory, it’s good advice, but I think for some things it’s completely impractical. Even laughable. Sometimes, to keep moving forward when you’re faced with the same problem again and again, all you can do is gripe.

For example, I will moan and groan about the perpetual loop of meeting, getting to love, then bidding farewell to my military friends until the day I die.

Because what is the solution here? Not make any more friends? Pshaw. Impossible. It’s far too painful not to kick and scream and wail at least a little. Perhaps it’s a skill I just haven’t quite managed to learn. I know plenty of my friends face our good-byes with stoicism, and even

That’s not to say I don’t keep in touch with all of them. It’s not like I close the book on my friends the moment the back door of the moving van slams shut.

But a Facebook connection can’t begin to touch the connection that is listening to each other’s laughter, the fizz of a conversation fueled by slight changes in body language, our appreciation of discussing each other’s points-of-view in the moment, using words and shrugs and gestures.

So, yes, call me a complainer. A bellyacher. A wimp. Call me whatever word means the most pointless whiner in the world. I’m that.

Making new friends after having your heart ripped to shreds over and over is difficult. For me, it’s impossible not to complain about pain that ranks

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Despite the pain, I will never stop coming back for more life-altering connections with women who inspire and encourage me more every time we see one another.

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grace, and I can’t help but envy them.

Because I just can’t do it.

I have a photo from a get-together with my book club friends that was taken at the end of summer 2013. There is a group of eight of us holding our glasses of wine, looking tan and relaxed.

It was a great night on the shore of Lake Ontario, and you can see how each other’s company lit each of our faces as much as the summer sunset we watched that night. Now, a little more than a year later, only two of us from that photo remain in Northern New York. The other friends from that photo have all moved away, or are about to.

so high on the scale.

Because despite the pain, I will never stop coming back for more of these lifealtering connections with women who inspire and encourage me more every time we see one another, and I will never stop hoping that someday, we can share another glass of wine and complain together about our time apart.

Katie Stokes is an Oklahoma native who has called Northern New York home for more than a decade. She is a freelance writer and blogger and the mother of two children, Diva and Hunk.

She and her husband are raising their children in Hounsfield. Visit her blog at www.NNYLife.com.

Her column appears in every issue of NNY Living.

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WELLNESS

A fun path to employee wellness Follow these easy tips to enhance your life and boost health

H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

BY MICHELLE L. GRAHAM

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Work place employee wellness is not a new topic. It has been a hot topic for many years. The question is how can work place wellness enhance your life?

As you move into the new year make your 2015 goals all about you. How can you empower those around you to live and embrace healthier living? One place to start is at work. If you consider that we spend a large portion of our days at work it only makes sense that healthy living should not just be your focus outside the walls of your office, but inside as well. If your employer does not practice workplace wellness see if you can coordinate a small committee to get the ball rolling to a better and healthier work environment.

Top 10 ways to make work a healthier place to be for you and your coworkers: 10. Make meetings active get up and move during a meeting, you can even make a small group meeting a walking meeting.

9. Consider a standing workstation, you can actually burn more calories throughout the day by standing. You do not have

to stand all day perhaps a part of your day could be standing. Another great idea is to sit on a large physiotherapy ball.

Often you will see individuals with back problems use these. Not only will your back feel great, but you can also engage the core, which includes the muscles of the abdominal, back and pelvis.

8. Get a group together for your lunch hour to walk, play basketball do Yoga or take a fitness class. Not only can this build camaraderie among coworkers but it can improve your overall health and fitness in the process.

7. Encourage your employer to incentivize their employees by getting an annual physical. Your health is very important not just to you but to your employer as well. A healthy, happy employee is also a more productive one. Perhaps an annual gift card drawing can entice staff to get a yearly check-up.

6. Implement a healthy meeting menu.

Encourage only healthy foods at your monthly meetings. Make this into a contest and taste a sampling of sorts and then vote on the best foods. Ask your employer to give a gift card as an incentive.

This does not have to be expensive just something small.

5. Offer smoking cessation classes, diabetes prevention classes and nutrition classes to encourage healthier living.

Get staff together for a lunch-and-learn session, which can not only encourage healthy behavior, but can be a teambuilding exercise as well.

4. Many pharmacies will come in to the workplace to do flu clinics and give out flu shots. This is another way to improve overall workplace wellness by encouraging employees to get an annual flu shot.

Not only can this help decrease absenteeism in the workplace, but it also helps to decrease the spread of the flu to coworkers and their families.

3. If there is space available at your

workplace, see if your employer can make this into a small exercise or stressfree space. Being able to decompress in a stressful situation can make a world of difference. This could be a space where adults in the workplace get to have a peaceful time out. This same space can also house some exercise equipment perhaps even a DVD player to play exercise videos during lunch or a break.

2. Don’t get side swiped by all the crazy snacks that people like to bring into work.

Be the change you wish to see in the world at work. Bring your own healthy snacks to share and you will be amazed at how receptive people are to having healthy snacks all around. You could also implement a station at work for healthy vending. A healthy snack site is a cool idea and can be implemented quite easily.

1. Practice being positive. The effect being positive and kind in the workplace can have an overwhelming impact on customers and staff alike. We live in a sometimes cynical world and a kind word and smile can change an individuals’ day. The little things that we engage in can truly have a large impact on those all around us.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how implementing work site wellness can benefit you and other staff. Workplace wellness is a slow process. Implementing positive change is not always easy, but with right people and support from your employer the sky is the limit. Small changes in the workplace that support healthier living can improve the overall work environment and attitude during our sometimes stressful busy work day.

What can you do in 2015 at work to move you and your coworkers closer to healthier living?

Michelle L. Graham, MS, is wellness director for Watertown’s Downtown YMCA. Contact her at ymca_mgraham@yahoo.com. Her column appears in every issue.

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TODAY’s GARDENER

Follow these simple tips for a long-lasting Poinsettia

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BY Brian HALLETT

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Poinsettias are the No. 1 selling potted plant in the United States, which is interesting because they are only available for about six weeks out of the year. Poinsettias come in dozens of varieties, sizes and colors. A local greenhouse, nursery, farm stand or florist, is the best place to go to explore a wider range of poinsettias whether you want a traditional or modern look in your home this season Each year, the day after Thanksgiving, I have traveled with my father and grandfather, then with my children, and now with my nephews to Bridgeport to a fourth-generation greenhouse where we hand-select and bag poinsettias. The glow of thousands of bright red poinsettias on a greenhouse bench unparalleled. These smaller local outlets do an excellent job of caring for their plants, which means you will take home a healthier poinsettia that will last you through the season.

Although its origin is Mexican, the poinsettia is named after American Joel Poinsett, who brought the plant to the United States to grow in his own greenhouse. Growers have been experimenting with colors and size, or branches, since. Some varieties to look for include: “Monet” with large, large cream-color

bracts that are speckled in a deep pink; the “Midnight Monet” with a darker value of burgundy on the bract; and for those who prefer reds, look for “Winter Rose Red.” This variety of has been around for a few years, but is gaining popularity every year.

Poinsettias are traditional holiday plants that will last through the season and beyond. It is important to select the best plant for your home. The following are a few selection pointers: n Choose a plant that is dark green foliage down to the soil line. n Choose bracts, the colored leaves, that are completely colored. n Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves. n Choose plants that are not drooping or wilting. n Avoid purchasing plants that are displayed in tall paper or plastic sleeves.

Plants held in sleeves for a long period of time will deteriorate quickly. n Check the plant soil. If it’s wet and the plant is wilted, this could be an indication of root rot. n Check the underside of the leaves for insects like aphids or whiteflies. If you find your poinsettia develops these pests gently wash the leaves with a mild water and soap bubbles mix, Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap. n Do not purchase plants that are in cold, drafty places and be sure to transport your plant covered with a protective sleeve or bag. We use garbage bags around our poinsettias to deliver them and you could do this if you were giving a poinsettia as a hostess gift. n Finally, do not leave poinsettias in a cold vehicle.

Once you have your poinsettias home, if properly cared for, they can last well beyond the holiday season. Here are some simple tips for keeping your poinsettias looking their best: n Keep poinsettias away from drafts and heat sources. Do not place on top of electronic equipment, near fireplaces or doors. n Optimal temperatures are around 68 to 70 degrees. The colored bracts will retain

color if temperatures don’t go above 70. n Provide at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day. n Do not leave poinsettias standing in water under the pot. n Allow soil to dry out between watering but not so much that the plant wilts. Allowing the soil to dry out prevents root rot. n There is no need for fertilizer during the bloom time.

Each year we get a few phone calls at the florist shop from people who are worried about poinsettias being poisonous to children and pets. I have a 70-pound black lab that is pretty much a stomach with legs, but I still love her. She will eat anything.

I think common sense needs to come into play when decorating in the reach of children and pets. However, poinsettias are relatively harmless. A study conducted by the Ohio State University, stated that a 50-pound child would have to eat more than 500 poinsettia bracts, or colored leaves, to reach toxic doses.

There is some concern that poinsettias are poisonous for pets. That’s a question that seems to come up this time of the year at the florist shop. I talked with my friend and veterinarian Dr. Melanie Geurtsen and the true answer is no, poinsettias are not normally fatal if ingested by pets. Poinsettias can cause some intestinal upset in your pet that may result in some vomiting and salivation, or drooling, or even sometimes some diarrhea for your dog or cat. There may even be some reddened skin if the sap from the plant gets on your pet’s fur. When concerned with anything your pet may have ingested always check in with your favorite veterinarian.

Be adventurous this decorating season.

Instead of picking out the same old poinsettia; challenge yourself to try a new variety, size, or color and enjoy your healthy plant through the entire season.

BRIAN HALLETT is an art teacher at South Jefferson Central School in Adams. His family owns Halletts’ Florist and Greenhouse in Adams, which celebrated 30 years in business last season.

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36 HOURS

Add some history to your winter in New York’s capital Albany packed with arts, culture, nature and cuisine

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TEXT BY AMY DURANT | PHOTOS courtesy albany county CVB

At 400 years old this year and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States, Albany is more than just the capital of New York state. The city has everything a visitor could ask for in a destination: history, a vibrant arts scene, award-winning restaurants and beautiful green spaces.

Residents have the best of all worlds: not only can they enjoy the offerings of the Capital District — the well-known term for the Albany area, which encompasses Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, as well as the various cities, villages and towns surrounding them — but they are positioned close enough for a quick trip to New York City or Boston if a larger city is desired. If it’s more of an idyllic feel they’re after, the options are endless; the number of nearby lakes, rivers, forests and parks more than fit the bill.

Winter in Albany is a beautiful time, and the area offers plenty of activities for the more adventurous like skiing and ice-skating and the more comfort-seeking like warm fireplaces, delicious food and endless cups of tea.

FRIDAY, 1 P.M., HIT THE WATER Albany is on the Hudson River, and one of the more interesting exhibits available to tour is the USS Slater, a destroyer escort that served in the United States Navy during World War II and the last one remaining afloat in the United States today. Take a tour of the ship and go back in time to the ’40s, and then visit the museum for some ad-

ditional history. Be sure to dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes — you won’t have your sea legs yet.

Your time on the water will work up an appetite. Head to Quackenbush Square and The Olde English Pub and Pantry, where you’ll think you’ve been transported to jolly old England. You’ll have your choice of English pub fare, from fish and chips to shepard’s pie, plenty of English stout, and of course, sticky toffee pudding for dessert, if you have the room. ussslater.org; theoldeenglish.com FRIDAY, 3 P.M., SOAK IN STATE HISTORY A trip to Albany wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the state Capitol, which offers daily tours. The Capitol building is one of the most beautiful historic buildings you’ll see in the area, with art, carvings, impressive architecture and stunning views.

It’s also a working building, with state workers and politicians darting here and there as you tour. Be sure to keep an eye out for the carving of Abraham Lincoln on the Great Western Staircase — if you’re lucky, the guide will tell you about the history of Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth in Albany — and see if you can spot the Capitol Demon, who may only come out for the Halloween tours in October.

Once you’ve finished your tour of the Capitol building, head across the street to the New York State Museum in the Empire State Plaza. As you walk, take in the

architectural wonder of The Egg and the public artwork on the Plaza, and once in the museum, check out the carousel as well as the many exhibits celebrating New York history and art. The museum store has many one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs to pick up on your way out. ogs.ny.gov/esp/ct/tours/Capitol.asp nysm.nysed.gov FRIDAY, 6 P.M., HOBNOB WITH THE ELITE OVER DINNER The Ginger Man boasts legislators, politicians and judiciary appointees amongst its clientele, but you’ll be too busy enjoying its decadent food and carefully-chosen wine to notice. Of special note is the lobster mac and cheese, which gets rave reviews from everyone who’s been lucky enough to try it. albanygingerman.com FRIDAY, 8 P.M., SIT BACK, RELAX, AND TAKE IN A SHOW Downtown Albany is home to two awardwinning theaters: Capital Repertory Theatre and The Palace Theatre. The two are within walking distance of one another, and offer a variety of shows all year long. Capital Rep performs a mixture of classics and newer work, with fine performances by both local and professional actors, while the Palace boasts tours by comedians, Broadway shows, and concerts, as well as classic movies shown on their big screen and performances by the local symphony. With so many options to

Clockwise from top, Albany’s Times Union Center; Nipper, the world’s largest man-made dog, stands atop the Arnoff Moving and Storage building; and the historic New York State Capitol building, which offers daily tours throughout the year. choose from, you’ll be sure to find something you love to end your evening. palacealbany.com capitalrep.org FRIDAY, 11 P.M., TIME FOR SOME ZZZs Less than a mile away, you’ll find the upscale and centrally located Hilton Albany.

Right in the heart of downtown, but still quiet and posh, you’ll be able to relax and get a good night’s sleep for your continuing Capital District adventure. If you’re not quite ready to sleep, pop down to the bar; there are often conferences in the area, and this is the gathering place for the attendees — sometimes famous writers, artists, or politicians. hiltonalbany.com

SATURDAY 10 A.M., LACE UP YOUR WALKING SHOES The best way to get to know Albany is by being in the heart of it — so dress warmly, put on your most comfortable walking shoes, and get ready for a walking tour. The Albany Visitors Center has a helpful map

SATURDAY NOON, CELEBRATE YOUR VACATION VICTORY How better to celebrate the victory of a successful walking tour than with a visit to the Victory Café? Although their food is all very fresh and reasonably priced, the standout here is the pizza. The creative titles and delicious assortment of toppings makes this restaurant a local treasure. The Greek pizza, a white pizza with mozzarella, Feta, olives, and artichokes, is a must-try.

You can’t have lunch without dessert, and this is a perfect time to try one of Albany’s most famous dessert spots — Cheesecake Machismo. With regular flavors such as Grasshopper, Caramel Toffee, and PB & J, and specials such as Butter Rum Apple and Hazelnut Brownie, this shop has quickly become a go-to for locals in the know. They’ve even made cheesecake wedding cakes. thevictorycafe.com cheesecakemachismo.com SATURDAY 2 P.M., CULTURE YOURSELF The Albany Institute of History and Art is

more than 200 years old and is most famous for its collection of Hudson River School paintings, but there’s much more to be seen.

The museum also is home to an extensive Ancient Egypt exhibit, complete with mummies, and has a gift shop with a number of unique gifts and mementos.

Once you’re done at the museum, it’s time for a quick drive-by to see one of Albany’s other works of art — this one a little less momentous, but no less famous. On top of the Arnoff Moving and Storage building, which used to be the RTA building, a former RCA distributor, on Tivoli Street, you’ll find Nipper the RCA dog — and no, don’t worry about missing him. He’s 25 feet high, weighs four tons, has been there since 1954 and, as the world’s largest man-made dog, he’s one of Albany’s most well-known landmarks. albanyinstitute.org arnoffmovingstorage.blogspot.com/2011/05/ nipper-worlds-largest-man-made-dog.html SATURDAY 5 P.M., ENJOY A CENTURY OF GOOD TASTE Jack’s Oyster House has been around for more than a century100 years and has been continuously owned by the same family, guaranteeing quality as time has gone by. Stop in for their seafood – the restaurant has won a number of prestigious awards, and once you try the food, it will be easy to see why. jacksoysterhouse.com

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SATURDAY 9 A.M., TREAT YOURSELF TO A DECADENT BREAKFAST Before you start your day, treat yourself to one of Albany’s best breakfast spots — Café Madison. The raspberry oatmeal pancakes are highly reviewed both for taste and their health factor, and there are more varieties of gourmet omelets than you can even imagine. cafemadison.bmtmgt.com

you can print before you go, and you can easily walk to 22 different locations and read, or listen, if you’d like to download the audio tour, about the history of each as you take them in at your own pace. By the time you’re done, you’ll know more about the area than most natives. albany.org/includes/content/docs/media/ WalkingTourBrochure_web_FINAL.pdf

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SATURDAY 7 P.M., SKATE YOUR NIGHT AWAY In late November, one of the pools in the Empire State Plaza becomes an ice skating rink and this area becomes renamed the Empire “Skate” Plaza. Strap on some skates and relive your childhood dreams of being an Olympian right in downtown Albany — there’s no better way to get in the winter spirit than with a rink full of happy people around you, trying just as hard as you are not to fall down. winter.empirestateplaza.org/empireskate-plaza-ice-rink

SATURDAY 9 P.M., LIGHTS IN THE PARK Price Chopper hosts an annual Holiday Lights in the Park event from late November to early January. Grab some hot chocolate to warm up from ice skating and head on over to Washington Park to end your night — there are more than 125 displays and scenes made out of holiday lights waiting for you as you drive through. It’s a sparkly wonderland in the dark park and truly delights the child in you. If you’d like to stop at the Lake House, there are crafts and refreshments waiting for you inside. albanycapitalholidaylights.com

SUNDAY 9 A.M., SWEETEN UP WITH BREAKFAST Hop on over to Stuyvesant Plaza, where

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brisk walk on the trails and enjoy nature in the cool hush of winter. albanypinebush.org

Albany’s Palace Theater is a versitle cultural venue that’s worth a stop on your visit to the capital region.

Peaches Café, one of the area’s best-kept secrets, is tucked away. Its selection of Belgian waffles and pancakes will make you swoon, and if you’re feeling especially decadent, you can get them with a scoop of ice cream or chocolate chips on top. Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? peachescafe.net SUNDAY 11 A.M., COMMUNE WITH NATURE Albany is home to the Pine Bush, one of only approximately 20 remaining inland pitch pine scrub oak barrens worldwide.

Take a drive out and explore the Discovery Center, where you can learn more about what makes the Pine Bush special, why it’s worth preserving and the various plants and animals that inhabit this area, or take a

SUNDAY 1 P.M., TAKE IN SOME LOCAL COLOR The Albany Pump Station is a brewing company and pub all in one location. The varieties of beer will make even a connoisseur jump for joy, and the food is hearty and delicious. The atmosphere is historic — the building is an old pump station, hence the name, and every effort has been made to keep the feel of the original building, making for a memorable trip. evansale.com SUNDAY 3 P.M., BRING HOME SOME SOUVENIRS Albany has no lack of shopping opportunities — to its sprawling Crossgates Mall, to its smaller and recently renovated Colonie Center, to the numerous big and small shops that run along Wolf Road — there’s something for anyone who’s looking for anything.

Take a little down time to walk through some stores and see what’s offered. What’s a trip without some souvenirs to bring home? shopcrossgates.com shopatcoloniecenter.com wolfroadonline.com SUNDAY 5 P.M., TASTE SOME HOME-GROWN DELIGHTS The New World Bistro Bar is a fairly new addition to the Albany restaurant scene, but has made quite a splash. This is mostly due to its flamboyant founder, Ric Orlando, who has made a number of appearances on The Food Network. But Mr. Orlando isn’t all flash — his food lives up to the hype. He emphasizes using locally sourced, homegrown ingredients as often as possible, and does so in creative ways not often seen in the area. Don’t leave without trying the CAGE Blackened Stringbeans or No-Crash Brown Rice Risotto – and if you get the ice cream sandwich for dessert, it really does serve two, with some left over. newworldbistrobar.com GETTING THERE To reach Albany from points north and west, make your way to New York State Route 12 to Interstate 90 eastbound. The drive is approximately two and a half to three hours. There are also inexpensive round-trip flights from Ogdensburg to Albany year-round.

AMY DURANT is a copyeditor and social media editor for the Watertown Daily Times as well as a freelance writer, blogger and copyeditor.

She lived for 12 years in the Capital District and earned creative writing and theater degrees from Binghamton University. Follow her on Twitter: @ lucysfootball. Contact her at adurant@wdt.net.

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COVER STORY

Traditions abound

for seasonal fun

North country doesn’t fall short on activities

By LORNA OPPEDISANO | NNY LIVING

H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

’Tis the season for traditions. AnD IN the north country, we’re no stranger to holiday habits. Whether you trek out each year to chop down a tree or buy a pre-cut, prefer to make an appearance at all the parties or stay home by the fire, adorn your home with strands of lights or simply put a candle in the window, the season to celebrate is upon us. Celebrate holidays. Celebrate friends. Celebrate family.

Here are a few ways to enjoy the season.

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Tree Traditions The north country offers many places to find the perfect fresh-cut tree and Christmas decor.

Hemlock Haven in Sandy Creek is one of the top tree destinations in the region. Michele and James Forsyth have been welcoming families to their tree farm for 14 years. They offer a cutyour-own experience for those looking for the complete adventure or pre-cut if you don’t feel like trekking out into the fields, as well as flowers, gifts, candles and wreaths. Call 387-5553 or visit hemlockhavenfarm.com to learn more.

Simmons Farm, 10188 State Route 12, Copenhagen, is family-run business specializing in wholesale and retail of Christmas wreaths and decorations. Call 688-4470 or visit simmonsfarm.net to learn more.

Bear Dance Tree Farm, 401 Lincoln Road, Canton, and family-run as well, offers a variety of trees and wreaths. Call (1) 407-760-3752 or visit beardancefarm.com to learn more.

TOAST TO 2015 Venues across Northern New York are gearing up to offer celebrations to ring in the New Year. The Paddock Club, in Watertown’s historic Paddock Arcade, 1 Public Square, plans to open its doors at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 for a New Year’s Eve Celebration, complete with entertainment from Kab Band and Big Daddy DJ, party favors, a champagne toast at

midnight with no cover charge. The bar plans to close at 2 a.m. Call 786-6633 to learn more.

This is the inaugural year for one New Year’s party in the north country: “Viva Las Vegas ‘A New Year’s Eve Celebration’” at the recently opened 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive, Clayton.

“This is a historical feat for our property,” said Todd Buchko, the hotel’s general manager. “It’s our first major event open to the public.”

Mr. Buchko explained that this event was inspired by a similar New Year’s Eve celebration that saw success at the Harbor Hotel’s Watkins Glen location five or six years ago.

For the celebration, the hotel plans to offer a number of festivities, including overnight accommodations, a bottle of Harbor Hotel champagne, a cocktail reception, dinner stations, an open bar, live music and dancing with “New York Rockin’ Revue,” a champagne toast at midnight and a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet. The one night package pricing begins at $319 per couple, plus tax and gratuity, based on room type. The two-night package begins at $419 per couple. Call 686-1100 or visit 1000islandsharborhotel.com to learn more.

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES Once the gifts are given, the champagne is toasted and the tree is pitched to the curb, winter can start to feel a lot colder. The snowflakes that once seemed so perfect for a picturesque white Christmas don’t appear quite so welcoming. Here are a few more north country traditions to help you fight off that snowy slump.

The Massena Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its annual Winter Carnival this year from Thursday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 25.

“We are celebrating the frozen fun of the north. Our theme is called ‘Frozen Fun,’” chamber director Kathleen Kelly-Ori said. “We have quite a great selection of events for families,

organizations or individuals of any age.”

The core events planned are sponsored by the chamber and free to the public. The carnival kicks off with opening ceremonies and the unveiling of ice sculptures at the chamber office.

“We will have an ice sculpture forest right here at the chamber,” Ms. Kelly-Ori said.

Throughout the 10-day carnival, ice sculptures will be waiting to greet the community in front of various businesses around town as well.

Among festival events sponsored by the chamber are a frozen fun parade, vendor market and demonstrations, youth hockey tournament, trivia night, public skating, frozen fun kids party and more. This year’s carnival includes a photography contest as well. The chamber asks that photos be submitted before Monday, Jan. 5.

The last weekend of the Winter Carnival is loaded with fun events to get your blood pumping and your spirits up, including a frozen fun 5K walk/run and fireworks, both planned for Saturday, Jan. 24. A lot of people tend to come out for the 5K, Ms. Kelly-Ori said.

Community organizations are also hosting carnival events in conjunction with the chamber’s events.

“Everybody gets involved. As you can see, there’s something for everybody,” Ms. KellyOri said. “Part of our mission as the chamber is to provide an excellent quality of life for our citizens. And I think that when we do something like this, it brings the community together.”

Watertown is embracing the season for the second straight year with Snowtown USA. The festival is planned to run from Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Saturday, Feb. 14.

The tradition of Snowtown began in the early 1980s, after the famous blizzard of 1977.

“They just took advantage of the fact that Walter Cronkite called Watertown ‘snowtown U.S.A.,’” said Kylie S. Peck, the Greater Wa-

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tertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce’s outreach and development director.

The first run of Snowtown USA lasted until 1997, when interest dwindled, Ms. Peck said.

She cited extreme weather as the culprit. Apparently, the weather stayed on opposite ends of the spectrum in those years; it was either too cold, or there was not enough snow for the city to rightfully claim its celebrated title.

Last year, some community members expressed interest in breathing life back into the festival. The chamber worked with the city’s Parks and Recreation department and local businesses to see if the idea was plausible.

“Once we all got together, we found out there was a lot of interest with businesses and individuals,” Mrs. Peck said.

This year, the committee behind the event has plans to expand and extend Snowtown USA, including the addition of an exciting and totally new element: a film festival, slated for Saturday, Jan. 31.

“Interested community members brought the idea to the table,” Mrs. Peck said. “It was a really great fit, and something to do inside.”

She said that the committee is doing its best to make the film festival an event appropriate for all ages. While they are planning part of the festival to be family friendly, there will also be a film and reception for adults, she explained.

Other events planned for Snowtown USA include an opening reception, skating at the Watertown Municipal Ice Arena, a craft fair, a softball tournament, a character breakfast and a closing ceremony with fireworks. Last year, the character breakfast was a wildly popular event, Ms. Peck said, drawing roughly 600 people.

Snowtown USA is an important tradition for Northern New York.

“As we all know, the winter is our longest season, and it’s nice to give exposure to things that the community might never try or know that you can do around here,” Mrs. Peck said. “When you do a large event like this, you really sense how close-knit our community is.” n LORNA OPPEDISANO is a staff writer and editorial assistant for NNY magazines. Contact her at loppedisano@wdt.net or 661-2381.

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FOOD

What does your fridge tell you? n Punch up any dinner party with savory crackers

H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

BY BOO WELLS

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I recently stumbled across some pretty entertaining personality surveys while surfing the Internet. Personality surveys are amusing, but, generally, completely ridiculous: “What is Your International Spy Name,” “What Gender is Your Brain,” “What Does Your Birthdate Mean For Your Love Life,” Once the survey is complete you are presented with your personality profile, which is either completely absurd or eerily accurate.

Truth be told, I have a combative relationship with the contents of my refrigerator. Like a fish is drawn to bait, I took the survey, “What Do The Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?” I learned that the variety of condiments on your fridge door indicates how adventuresome you are and how willing you are to try new things. The quantity of take-out containers on your fridge shelves reflects how culinary challenged you are — or how lazy. A short attention span or the loathing of leftovers is indicated by a plethora of Tupperware containers filled with the remains of bygone dinners, small aluminum foil wrapped packages with unrecognizable protein nuggets. A freezer loaded with ice cream and treats to warm up when an unexpected guest arrives for tea indicates how much you love a distraction and relish any excuse to avoid your to-do list. When it came to my refrigerator personality the report was incredibly accurate and slightly offensive. The questions are simple and the answers telling.

With the holidays upon us, my refrigerator is more crammed than usual and my negative feelings toward leftovers become even more pronounced. Not only do I dislike looking at foodfilled plastic containers in my ridiculously narrow refrigerator, I also fear for my life, or at least my toes, every time I open the fridge door. The 80 percent of the population who love leftovers

claim to love the taste of day- or week-old food. They rejoice at opening the fridge and having dinner just a nuclear blast away. I have not met a person who shares my level of distain for reheated food though I can appreciate coming home from a busy day of herding children and being able to combine a little of this, a little of that and, Voila! Dinner.

Some people eat leftovers because they know that wasting food — any food — is bad for the planet. As a nation, we throw out way too much food and if people like me stopped hating leftovers the world would be a better place. But in my mind leftovers are gross and a meal made with love and fresh ingredients tastes oh so much better.

Instead of serving leftovers tomorrow, I suppose I could transform tonight’s leftovers into a casserole to be tucked into the freezer for another evening. Being able to pull a slightly recycled meal out of the freezer and magically have dinner on the table shortly thereafter might be awesome. While I like the idea of distressing the witching hour, I find being that organized totally boring. Bottom line, I can’t stand the idea of eating last week’s dinner even if it has been molded into a new form, no pun intended. I would rather save my freezer space for important foods like homemade savory herb and cheese cracker dough, nuts that can be quickly seasoned and roasted, ice cream, and other quick treats I can pull out for the unexpected guest.

The lesson: side by side refrigerators are impossible, even hazardous. Eating leftovers will save the planet and the ability to whip up some homemade crackers for an unexpected guest will make you look like a culinary rock star and might even prove the survey’s personality profile dreadfully inaccurate.

Boo Wells is chef and owner of the Farm House Kitchen, a catering company and cooking school in Sackets Harbor. Contact her at sacketsfarm housekitchen@gmail.com or visit www.thefarmhousekitchen.com.

Savory Parmesan crackers INGREDIENTS 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 sticks salted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup milk 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce INSTRUCTIONS In a food processor bowl fitted with a steel blade, add flour and cayenne pepper and pulse to combine. Add butter, and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal for roughly 8 to 10 seconds. Add cheese, milk and Worcestershire sauce and pulse until well combined. Form a mixture into

a 2-inch-diameter log, and wrap in parchment paper. Transfer the log to the refrigerator, and chill until very firm, at least 1 hour, or put in the freezer for another time. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove log from refrigerator, and cut into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.Bake the shortbread until golden brown and firm in the middle. Rotate sheet tray halfway through baking to ensure even baking. Transfer shortbread to wire racks to cool.

Bake remaining dough.

Savory herb crackers INGREDIENTS 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon Kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 3 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk INSTRUCTIONS In a food processor bowl fitted with a steel blade, combine flour, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Pulse the flour mixture a few times to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the cheese and pulse until combined for roughly 8 to 10 seconds. With machine running, add the milk and process until dough comes together. Form mixture into a 2-inch diameter log,

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY LIVING

Made-from-scratch Parmesan rosemary crackers and spiced nuts will add some punch to a dinner party. and wrap in parchment paper. Transfer the log to the refrigerator, and chill until very firm for at least 1 hour or put in the freezer for another time. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Slice chilled log into ¼-inch

thick slices. Transfer slices to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake immediately, rotating sheet once until crackers are golden brown and firm in the center. Transfer to a rack to cool.

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H OL I D AY / WI N TE R 20 1 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

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Watertown Family YMCA Aquatics Director Brooke Boulter models a short black sequin dress with a red necklace and matching black purse at the Crystal Restaurant on Public Square. All items were found at Solitary Consignment on Public Square. The black heels are from the model’s closet.

FASHION

Dress for success during party season A wide range of options are available at a pair of unique stores that won’t break your bank TEXT BY KATIE MACHIA | PHOTOS BY AFM PHOTOGRAPHY

This store is jam-packed with a variety of hand-picked name-brand clothing, handbags, and cool vintage clothing at very reasonable prices. Many items were brought in by customers, who sold the clothing for cash or store credit, depending on condition.

Thrifted also offers a range of items from classic vinyl record selections “to anything you might need for your next Pinterest project,” Ms. Tillson said.

Another great place to find the perfect holiday outfit at a reasonable price is Solitary Consignment, 34 Public Square, which opened 12 years ago. Denise McLane owns the resale boutique.

Shoppers can bring their clothing there to be sold on consignment, or they can just shop for women’s clothing and accessories throughout the store. Solitary Consignment carries a large variety of new and gently used items, including many designer labels at discounted prices.

There are numerous “unique and highend” dresses and gowns available at Solitary Consignment that could be worn for the holiday season, store manager Jacob Rutigliano said.

When people shop for outfits to wear during the holidays, they “stay true to the holiday colors” of red, green, gold and silver, he said.

Not a big dress person? A popular trend this holiday season will be rompers and one-piece jumpsuits. You can dress these up with a nice jacket, jewelry, and some heels.

“We will start to see the halter look make its comeback this year and well into next,” said Ms. Tillson. “Halter dresses and jumpsuits for the holidays, halter tops and rompers come spring.”

When it comes to jackets, bold colors and faux furs are in more than ever now.

Different lengths and colors of fur can be paired with a fancier dress for a strong

H OL I D AY / WI NTE R 2 01 4 | N N Y LI V I N G

The holiday season offers a great excuse to put on some red lipstick, a little black dress and get dressed up. It’s also a wonderful time to try new trends.

But sometimes it can be difficult to find that one perfect outfit. What you may not know is there are some great gems right in downtown Watertown.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect one-piece jumpsuit for a work party, or a fancy gown for a holiday ball, you can find many options and save yourself some money by shopping at two boutiques that sell “gently used” clothing for the holidays.

Some unique clothing pieces at low prices can be found at Thrifted, 106 Court St. The store was opened in February 2013

by Watertown entrepreneur Alisha Tillson. While the business is a “thrift store at heart,” according to its owner, it also offers a unique shopping experience with its bright walls and quirky décor.

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The black sweater and black-and-white patterned knee-length flowing skirt worn by Brooke Boulter on the steps of Flower Memorial Library came from Solitary Consignment on Public Square. Black booties are from her closet.

The red short dress modeled by Brooke Boulter at the Paddock Arcade came from Thrifted on Court Street. The black heels are from the model’s closet and the black necklace is from the writer’s closet.

New Year’s Eve look. You can find faux furs at each downtown store. Also, a nice structured red or grey pea coat can add the finishing touch to any holiday outfit.

The best way to go from a day-to-night look during the holiday season is to start off with a simple black dress and some nice flats, and later in the day add a statement necklace and some heels for your night look. This works with almost any outfit combination. By adding some heels and jewelry, you can instantly transform your look.

If you’re looking for the perfect outfit to wear out with friends, try a LWD — Little White Dress. This style dress had made a big comeback on the runways. You can find this trend on runways such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and many others. You can pair this trend with anything from a denim jacket to a nice fitted black coat, depending on how fancy you are dressing.

A fun trend to try at a work party that people have been wearing for years is the knee-length skirt. You probably see this quite often. It can be worn two different ways. You can go for a tight fitted pencil-style skirt or a looser fitted flowing skirt. My best advice is to have fun with patterns and mix and match.

If you want to be bold for New Year’s Eve this year, try a coordinate set. These looks have been all over the runway and in the magazines these past few months. Co-ordinates are a matching top and skirt or top and shorts set. You could go for a classy black or red set. Or, if you’re feeling bold, go for a sequined set.

“Black, gold and silver metallic dresses are always popular for New Year’s Eve,” Mr. Rutigliano added.

You are guaranteed to turn heads with this trend If you’re looking for a great place to go out with your friends, The Crystal Restaurant, located at 87 Public Square is a prime location for the holidays.

While there, you can try one of their famous “Tom and Jerry” drinks. The restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, so you can stop in for a nice breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This spot is perfect if you’re looking for a great place to meet up with friends to celebrate the season. n Katie Machia, 17, is completing her last year of high school and writes about fashion on her blog www.theaisleofstyle.com. She also models part time for print and runway shows. Contact her at theaisleofstyle@gmail.com.

SE PT E M B E R / O CT OB E R 20 14 | N N Y LI V I N G

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