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HOLIDAY 2015 nnyliving.com
Volume 5 No. 1
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Decorate with natural elements this season
Winning accessories for the holidays
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H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
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C o n tri b u tor s Katheen Smith Hirschey is a freelance writer and blogger who splits her time between Carlisle, Pa., and Sackets Harbor. In this issue’s ‘The NNY Life,’ she writes about her favorite holiday memory with her late father. (p. 8)
Neal Burdick is the editor of St. Lawrence University Magazine and a freelance writer who lives in Canton. In this issue’s ‘North Country Notes,’ he fondly recalls some of his favorite Thanksgiving memories with family. (p. 10)
Michelle Graham is the wellness director for the Downtown Watertown YMCA. She lives in Watertown. In this issue, she writes about how to survive the holidays without gaining weight and while staying healthy. (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 holiday decorating with natural elements found close to home. (p. 14)
Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.
Lorna Oppedisano is a former NNY Magazines staff writer and editor of Syracuse Woman Magazine. In ‘36 Hours’ she visits the bucolic town of Cazenovia, about 90 minutes south of most points in Northern New York. (p. 17)
Norah Machia is a freelance writer and former Watertown Daily Times reporter. In this issue’s cover story, she writes about a host of north country holiday traditions to help residents enjoy the spirit of the season. (p. 20)
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 roasted vegetable minestrone soup perfect for holiday parties. (p. 24)
Katie Machia is a fashion blogger, Watertown native and freshman at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In this issue, she writes about fashion trends for the holiday and winter seasons. (p. 26)
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Magazine Editor
Kenneth J. Eysaman
Contributing Writers
Norah Machia, Lorna Oppedisano
Photography
Justin Sorensen, Amanda Morrison and Jason Hunter
Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers
Magazine Advertising Manager Beth Hornbarger
Digital Advertising Director Thomas J. Penn
Ad Graphics, Design
Brian Mitchell, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules, Rick Gaskin
Circulation Director
MARKETPLACE 1000 Islands Cruet ............................... 13 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel ................... 29 A Touch of Grace ................................ 30 AAK Electric ......................................... 19 Blue Seal Pet & Farm Supplies ............ 22 Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina ........... 13 Cardinal Shoppe ................................. 30 Cavallario’s Cucina ............................ 30 Cazenovia Abroad & P.E. Mulligan .... 18 Cazenovia Equipment Company ...... 18 Cesario Family Dental Center .............. 3 Clayton Chamber of Commerce ...... 29 Clayton Chiropractic .......................... 29 Clayton Dental Office ................... 22, 29 Clayton Distillery .................................. 29 Clayton Marina .................................... 29 Clayton Shur Fine ................................. 29 Clayton Trading Co. ............................ 29 Coleman’s Corner ............................... 30 Community Bank Wealth Management .......................... 16 C&M Auto Repair ................................. 29 D.L. Calarco Funeral Home ................ 25 Dr. Guitar Music ................................... 30 Fairground Inn ...................................... 30 Finley’s Closet ...................................... 29 Food Bank of Central New York ........... 9 Foy Agency Insurance ........................ 22 Fred’s Quick Lube & Auto Service ..... 29
Publishers
John B. Johnson Harold B. Johnson II
Fuccillo Auto Group Parts & Service Center ........................ 30 Games-Grills-Etc. (Cazenovia Game Farm) ................... 18 Hilton Garden Inn ................................ 32 HighTower Advisors ............................. 15 Hospice of Jefferson County .............. 11 Immaculate Heart Central Schools ...... 11 Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors ...... 28 Karla’s Christmas Shoppe ................... 29 NNY Business 20 Under 40 ..................... 6 O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar .................. 29 Phinney’s Automotive Center ............. 29 Reinman’s Decorating Center ............ 29 Reinman’s Department Store ............. 29 River Hospital ......................................... 6 River Rat Cheese ................................. 29 Tunes 92.5 & 104.5 FM ........................... 7 Victorian Convenience Center .......... 29 Volunteer Transportation Center Chili Cook Off .......................... 23 Waite Motorsports ................................ 23 Waite Toyota .................................. 16, 30 Watertown Savings Bank ...................... 2 Weichert, Realtors Thousand Islands Realty ..................... 29 Wood Boat Brewery ............................. 29 WWTI TV 50 ............................................ 31 Ziebart Tidycar ..................................... 30
Mary Sawyer
NNY Living (ISSN 2165-1159) is published five times a year by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2011-2015. 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 Five 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 Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email bhornbarger@wdt.net, or call 661-2305 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail blabrake@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.
Contents
HOLIDAY 2015
Departments
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4 4 6 6 7
Contributors Marketplace Editor’s note Next issue Calendar
8 Calendar 10 North Country Notes 12 Wellness 14 Garden
All that’s Caz Adventure awaits just 90 minutes south in Cazenovia. north country holiday 20 ATraditions large and small
abound during a season to cheer. warm, healthy cup 24 ARoasted vegetable
minestrone is soup for the soul.
to accessorize 26 AAddseason some pop to your
winter outfit with these extras.
H OL I D AY 2 01 5 | N N Y LI V I N G
Columns
Volume 5, No. 1
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EDITOR’S NOTE
and proudly present
20UNDER40
NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders
Save
the date. Join us for a luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, to recognize the 2015 Class of 20 Under 40. Look for profiles of this year’s class in December’s issue of NNY Business. Luncheon is $22. Register and pre-pay by 5 p.m., Nov. 30, at nnybizmag.com and save $2. Need a hotel room the night before? Mention 20 Under 40 for a discount. Gold sponsors:
In this, our HolidaY ISSUE OF NNY LIVING, magazine writer Norah Machia writes about a handful of north country holiday and winter traditions that will help residents beat the winter blues and enjoy the spirit of the season. Her cover story begins on page 20. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE — Ever wish you could make it through the holiday season without fighting the battle of the bulge? Wellness writer Michelle Graham offers a how-to guide with in “12 Ken Eysaman healthy days of Christmas” on page 12. Want to look your vest this season? Fashion writer and Watertown native Katie Machia, a freshman at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology, writes about accessories to help make your holiday ensembles pop. Her feature begins on page 26. And on page 24, food writer Boo Wells shares a simple recipe for roasted vegetable minestrone.
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n our winter issue, coming in February, we offer a wide range of family-fun activities to help beat the winter blues.
n ASK-A-DOC RETURNS: A north country doctor answers questions about health. n DESTINATION QUEBEC: We head north of the border for some winter adventure.
Jefferson County Economic Development
H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
Leadership sponsors:
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Event partner:
Media partners:
www.nnybizmag.com
Warm regards,
I N O U R N E X T I SSU E
Also coming in our next issue:
Bronze sponsors:
CHANGES FOR 2016 — As we look forward to a prosperous new year, we plan a few changes for NNY Living. In 2016, readers can look forward to more familyfocused content in four seasonal issues of our premier lifestyle magazine, along with two issues of NNY Living Weddings and two issues of NNY Living Premier Properties. The main title will be published seasonally as Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn 2016, while our weddings magazine will be distributed in January and early August and Premier Properties in June 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 2016! As always, if you have any comments, suggestions or story ideas, email me at keysaman@wdt.net or call (315) 661-2399.
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.
CALENDAR
[ Arts, music. Theater, culture ] Alexandria Bay Saturday, Dec. 5 & Sunday, Dec. 6 n Kris Kringle Market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, Thousand Islands Winery, 43298 Seaway Ave. Holiday craft vendors Santa’s workshop Saturday and Sunday slated for noon to 2 p.m. each day. Free admission. Information: TI Winery, 482.9306 or thousandislandswinery.com.
Clayton Tuesday, Nov. 17 through Wednesday, Dec. 30 n Festival of Trees, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Thousand Islands Museum, 312 James St. Twenty-first annual festival. Free admission. Information: TI Museum, 686-5794, info@timuseum.org or timuseum.org.
Sunday, Nov. 22 n All I want for Christmas holiday craft fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive. Benefits local food pantry. Information: Kim Sherman, 777-1495.
Friday, Dec. 4 n Masquerade Ball, 8 p.m. to midnight, Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St. Benefits local families in need. More details to come. Information: Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization, info@tiylo.org.
Saturday, Dec. 5 n Christmas Parade & Fireworks Display: Christmas in the Islands, 6 to 8 p.m., downtown Clayton. Fifty-third annual event. More details to come. Information: Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 686-3771 or 1000islands-clayton.com.
Lowville Thursday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 22 & Saturday, Nov. 28 n Home for the holidays, call for hours, Lewis
County Historical Society, 7552 S. State St. Includes appearance from Santa Clause, train display, tree auction and more. Free admission. Information: historical society, 376-8957 or lewiscountyhistory.org.
Massena Saturday, Dec. 5 n One Stop Holiday Shop, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jefferson Elementary School, 75 Bailey Road. Sponsored by Massena Rotary. To benefit the Massena Boys and Girls Club. Information: Darcy Sharpe, 250-2433.
Ogdensburg Friday, Nov. 20 n All Hands on Deck, 7:45 p.m., Ogdensburg Command Performance, 1100 State St. Musical based on Bob Hope’s 1942 USO tour to the troops features a full orchestra with 40 classical Big Band hits, harmonies and comedy. Hosted by Ogdensburg Command Performance. Box office slated to open at 6:45 p.m.; auditorium opens, 7:15 p.m.; curtain, 7:45 p.m. Cost: $15 to $37. Information: OCP, 393-2625, ocp@ogdensburgk12. org or ilovetheatre.org.
Saturday, Nov. 21 n Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., State Street. More information to come. Information: Laura Pearson, 393-3620.
Potsdam Saturday, Nov. 28 n Art Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Potsdam Town Hall, 18 Elm St. Features local artists. Free and open to the public. Information: St. Lawrence County Arts Council, 265-6860 or slcartscouncil.org.
Syracuse Monday, Nov. 23 n Mythbusters: Jamie & Adam Unleashed, 7:30 p.m., Mulroy Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St. Live stage show starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series MythBusters, plans to include on-stage experiments, audience participation, video and behind-the-scenes stories. Cost: $46.05 to $ 164.55. Information: Mulroy Civic Center Theaters, 435-2121 or oncenter.org; Mythbusters, mythbusterstour.com.
Watertown Thursday, Nov. 19 n Healthy Cooking for the Holidays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton St. Aims to teach preparation of healthy recipes using seasonal ingredients. Class size limited. Cost: $35. Information: Community Nutrition & Health Educator April Neujean, 788-8450 ext. 265 or Aln48@cornell.edu.
Thursday, Dec. 3 n 21st annual Children’s Gift & Fund Drive, 4 to 8 p.m., Historic Paddock Arcade, 1 Public Square, presented by BCA Architects & Engineers and the Paul G. & Kathleen E. Carr Foundation. “Brighten the Holidays for a Child in Need” and welcome the Christmas season. Participate by donating two new unwrapped toys, one for a boy and one for a girl. No stuffed animals, please. Cash donations in lieu of toys also welcomed. Can’t attend? Drop you gift off at 327 Mullin St., Watertown. 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.
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THE NNY LIFE
Share the holiday season like our love that connects us
H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
BY KAThy hirschey
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Here come the holidays, the time of year when traditions and memories intertwine with new moments of the season. There is the blur of the Thanksgiving meal, our grateful souls devouring the company of loved ones, along with too much delicious turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. Then the string of days that leads us to Christmas, when we gather again with family, catching glimpses of our younger selves as we watch the children around us, their eyes sparkling in the lights from decorated trees. In these moments, where we watch the pure joy and excitement of the littlest among us, there is also the realization that we will never be as innocent and hopeful as they are. We have left childhood behind, and although there is still the joy of giving and celebration, we know that there is also sometimes grief and sadness. We have lost people we love, or may even be watching others fight illness or survive heartbreak. Christmas and Thanksgiving are days when we try to make new memories, sometimes while being weighted down with images from the past. Maybe we have had to say goodbye to someone we loved so much that their absence tinges our spirit with the color of loss. I have been thinking about all the things that affect us during what is supposed to be a festive period of thanks and celebration. Traditions that are altered by the empty space left behind by a loved one or the hanging worry that drapes over everything when you are watching someone fight to live. The way bad news can dampen our hope; the way feeling sad can lead to guilt and changes the landscape of these months. There are times for all of us that are dark. All too
often we try to keep these broken parts of ourselves hidden. Maybe though, sharing these things with each other can bring us peace and connection, which is what we want to feel during the holidays. I have learned to find comfort in remembering moments and images from holidays past. I am so lucky to have these memories and recollections. I am blessed to have people with whom I love to share these things whether we are laughing or crying. There is no perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas. Something always goes wrong as we try to find the good in painful situations. As we reflect on our past, we pause to remember the simple perfections and eloquent beauties of all that lives on in our memories. I have come to cherish the fact that I will have them for as long as I am here, like the memory I will share with you now. The last time I got a Christmas tree with my father, he was driving an old blue pick-up truck that he loved to bang around in. He had a can of beer between his legs when he pulled up. We were late, and I was a little irritated with his tardiness. I was shocked to see the beer. Who was this guy? The “Big Guy,” as my father was called, was usually late but always responsible. An afternoon beer in the car? We headed out to meet our large group of friends. It was a tradition, all of us picking out our tree together — a caravan of cars and trucks, sharing a special part of the holiday with each other. Anyone who knew my father is aware that he was not one for drinking and driving. I doubt he had ever sipped a drink in a car, although he did have a few mischievous golf buddies so I can’t be sure.
I decided that the fact he had a beer in the vehicle was a sign that he was embracing the freedom that comes from being just a little bad. He had never been bad. He was a rule maker, a rule follower and enforcer. He wasn’t a rule breaker. He was sick, and he knew he wouldn’t be traveling around on his own the next Christmas. He picked out the tree for his house, choosing one that was big and full before sneaking over to pay for my tree when I wasn’t paying attention. On the way home, our group stopped at a restaurant for snacks and warm drinks and I remember looking over at him in his flannel shirt, down vest and big brown hat. His hair was thick and flecked with gray, and he was laughing and talking with a friend. I was struck by how handsome he was and how much he loved people. He always wanted to belong to a tribe. He did in some ways — other times he skirted along the outside of all of us, hanging back, giving people space, being responsible. On the way home, we stopped for gas, and I bought a six pack of beer while he was filling up the truck. As we pulled back onto the road, I cracked open a can for him and handed it over. I opened one for myself. The Christmas music played on the radio, our trees flopping in the back of the truck and we rode along together, being just a little bit bad. This is one of my favorite Christmas memories. It took time to be able to think about it in a way that makes me smile, even as I shed a tear or two. I had this with him, these unexpectedly sacred moments. The holidays are meant to be shared, like our love that connects us to each other, and maybe, so is pain. I will make new memories this year and no, they will not all be happy, but they will be pure, human and real, and I will have them forever. To me, the perfect way to spend the season is by being present in each and every moment, whatever form it may take because that, after all, is where the best memories come from. H OL I D AY 2 01 5 | N N Y LI V I N G
Kathleen Smith Hirschey is a north country native who splits her time between Sackets Harbor, and Carlisle, Pa., where her husband, an Army colonel, attends the U.S. Army War College. Kathleen works in the human service field and spends her spare time writing, trying to become a better cook, attempting to outwit her teenage son, and dreaming of the day when she can live on a beach. Check out her blog Kathleenuntitled.wordpress.com, or email her at Kathleenmon1@hotmail.com
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north country notes
Over the river and through the woods for Thanksgiving memories
H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
BY NEAL BURDICK
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“Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go / The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the bright and drifting snow-oh … ” When I was growing up in the Champlain Valley, we did in fact go over the river (two, actually) and through the woods, as well as farm fields, to Grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving and Christmas, although, being an upto-date 1950s family, we traveled by car, and snowdrifts that early in the winter were rare, at least at Thanksgiving. “Nana” and her two widowed sisters lived in the lumber-mill hamlet of Peru, one of those New York state communities that, like Mexico, Denmark and too many others, got its moniker back when naming places for foreign countries was all the rage. It was 10 miles from my house in Plattsburgh, and going to her spacious and comfortable home for those holidays was something a young boy and his big brother began looking forward to as soon as school started and the leaves began to turn. Thanksgiving dinner at Nana’s defined “traditional.” You know that famous Norman Rockwell painting? He could have used my family as models. After what seemed to a 10-year-old boy like hours of hanging hungrily around while lots of old people talked to each other of apple prices (I had several relatives who were orchardists), the weather, the old days and whatever politician they didn’t like at the moment, which was most of them, we were summoned to a table bedecked with a shining white linen tablecloth and the finest family china and monogrammed, newly polished silverware. These, however, were hard to see, obscured by bowls of mashed and sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, acorn squash, cranberry sauce, nut breads, a gravy boat
or two and exotic relishes. Close by on a sideboard, awaiting their turn, reposed pies of apple, pumpkin, blueberry and rhubarb, all made of locally sourced ingredients in an era when that was not a fad. Near at hand was a decanter of sweet “secret family recipe” dandelion wine (I will never forget the time one of my great-aunts accidentally dumped way too much yeast into the concoction and literally blew the pantry door off its hinges), accompanied by a pitcher of cider for the youngsters and teetotalers, although I don’t recall many of the latter. Once everyone was properly seated, Nana would emerge from the kitchen, proudly bearing on a silver platter a large, steaming, golden brown turkey, at which point everyone would applaud. Why we were clapping for a dead bird with no head I could never quite determine, nor could I ever get a straight answer as to whether the acclaim was for the corpse or for the matriarch who was escorting it to the site of its imminent demolition. I suppose that custom goes back to Charles Dickens, or maybe even Colonial times, but it’s one I have not been able to pass along to my children, who simply look at me quizzically when I try to perpetuate it, for they are of the generation that has been less fearful of challenging grown-ups’ unexplainable behaviors than mine was. I looked quizzically at everyone, too, but would never have dared to refuse to take part in the performance, for it was simply what was done. As Tevye sang in “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Tradition!” I also looked quizzically at the gentleman who now approached the carcass brandishing a gleaming carving knife and fork. It’s a holiday, and this guy is about to slice up a greasy dead animal, and he’s wearing a suit and tie. As were the other men assembled, with the women in fine
Neal Burdick lives in Canton, where he is publications editor at St. Lawrence University and a freelance writer, editor and anthologist with special interest in his native North Country. He writes regularly for several regional periodicals. Contact him at nealburdick@gmail.com.
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H OL I D AY 2 01 5 | N N Y LI V I N G
dresses and cardigan sweaters. If you think I’m making this up, take another look at that Norman Rockwell painting. Times change, and that’s one tradition, speaking of Thanksgiving, that I’m thankful has lightened its grip. Pie, however, is a Thanksgiving tradition that has survived the cynicism of modern times, at least in my family. This observation gives me an opening to comment that one of the few times in my adulthood that we hosted Thanksgiving at our house in Canton, instead of going to the relatives’ in either Plattsburgh or Ohio, I took a glass Pyrex pie dish full of a perfectly baked pumpkin pie out of the oven and set it on the stovetop, not realizing I was parking it on a burner that was warming up to receive a tea kettle. Minutes later, the dish exploded, distributing pumpkin pie filling astonishingly far across the walls, ceiling, countertops, floor and every other surface in the kitchen, including me, and flipping a very warm piece of glass directly into my pants pocket, from which a wisp of smoke momentarily alerted me to the perilous situation. Nothing as cataclysmic as that ever happened at Nana’s. What we did do after dinner, though, I do not remember as well. Few households had televisions in those days, and football had not become the domineering activity that it is today, so no one could retreat to the den and soporifically watch a bunch of oversized men run into each other on purpose while denying themselves their own relaxing day with their families. We actually had to interact. The older men found easy chairs and gabbed some more until they fell asleep; I have since learned that some chemical in turkey induces this impulse, giving me just the excuse I need now that I am one of those older men. The women did the dishes (see “traditional,” above), then repaired to the parlor to play cards. We children headed outside to toss a football around, not just watch somebody else do it; kick piles of leaves; or wander down past the garden to the millpond to look for frogs. Every year, as if on schedule, my brother would fall in and have to traipse, mud-caked, back to the house and the wrath of our mother. At that point it was over the rivers and through the woods to home.
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WELLNESS
The 12 healthy days of Christmas Take steps to make this holiday season a happy and wholesome one BY MICHELLE L. GRAHAM
The holiday season is upon us, it is a time of joy and celebration. It is also a time of crazy schedules and a lapse in our best efforts for healthy eating and exercise. According to a recent statistic from Weight Watchers, the average person can gain as much as 7 to 10 pounds through the holiday season. You do not have to be a holiday statistic this year. Follow these simple rules and your 12 days of healthy and mindful behavior can be just an elf away. Focus on whole health and making your mind, body and spirit the best that it can be during this festive and chaotic time of year. On the 1st healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: The time for fitness
Find time to engage in some type of physical activity or exercise. The recommendation is to be active most days of the week. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week or more for heart health. Where can you find time in your busy day to be active? On the 2nd healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: mindful eating
Be armed and dangerous on the go store healthy snacks in your car and at home. Watch those extra fat grams in those wonderful festive drinks. Have one and enjoy it, then switch to low fat alternatives. The same goes for the eating celebrations. Remember it is one meal. Watch out for those high fat high calorie left overs staring you in the face. Share leftovers with family and friends and keep small amounts for yourself.
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On the 3rd healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: hydration
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When life gets busy we forget to hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids during the season and travel with water in your car, keep water at your desk and all around you. When we forget to hydrate, we can often feel run down and also have a tendency to get headaches. The holiday season is busy enough make a plan to stay well and stay hydrated.
On the 4th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: moderation
Enjoy all things this season. But use moderation to navigate foods and all the finery attached to being festive. Have cookies, but don’t eat the whole tray. Enjoy fun food, the key word enjoy but watch out for overeating. Your belly and your waistline will certainly thank you after the season is over. On the 5th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: alternative Foods
While attending holiday parties make a plan to bring healthy food fare. Most guests like trying healthy foods and they will be truly grateful you made the effort and care enough about yourself and others to prepare such healthy foods. On the 6th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: meal planning
Making a meal plan always serves you well. Start on Sunday and plan your meals for the week accordingly. Sparkpeople.com has a nutrition section that can also help with planning your weekly meals and they can even generate a grocery list based off your meal plans. This is a great website that can help you generate some healthy meal options based your food preferences. On the 7th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: stress management
It is no surprise that many people feel frazzled during the holiday season. Many unimportant things during the season derail our very promising plans. Make time to manage any stress you have in your life. Do yoga or relaxation or simply find a quiet corner to reflect. Your busy mind will thank you. On the 8th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: organization
Get yourself organized in every way. Do holiday shopping early. Make a plan to order gifts online to avoid the holiday crowds. Wrap gifts as you get them.
Get your home and work life organized. De-clutter and be ready to start a new. Be organized in all things this season don’t put off tomorrow what you can and should do today. On the 9th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: realistic New Year’s resolutions
As the New Year 2016 is quickly approaching make some planned realistic goals for the new and upcoming year. Be real with eating and weight loss goals and have a plan to implement the goal. Where can you find inspiration this season and New Year? Look all around people are living healthier all the time. Never hesitate to ask someone how they got to be a new healthier individual. On the 10th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: quality time with those who matter most
In our crazy chaotic and over scheduled life we often forget to stop checking things off a list and really enjoy the company of those that matter most. Take special moments to “make” someone’s day with a visit or a simple phone call. Isn’t this what the season is really all about anyway? On the 11th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: gifts from the heart
Our favorite gifts are often the ones that come from those that know us best. Give gifts this year that really mean something to the receiver. They don’t have to be expensive just a reflection of your relationship with that person. On the 12th healthy day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: blessings to count
Make everything matter this season. Count the blessings in your life and really be present to those that matter most. Life can change in an instant. Find time to really reflect on what matters most this season and don’t forget to count every blessing at least twice.
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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H OL I D AY 2 01 5 | N N Y LI V I N G
May you find the true meaning of the season. Big changes in life are truly found in the small things that we do. Set your healthy priorities in order today and focus on being the best you can be in the new year.
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TODAY’s GARDENER
Create a fresh holiday scene: Decorate with natural elements
H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
BY Brian HALLETT
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A recurring theme for the holidays this year seems to be simplifying and focusing on what is important. I am following this path, and I have tried to the last several years as well. I thought I would share a few simple and beautiful adornments for your home this holiday season. Collecting natural elements for decorating is a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors. Approach this challenge with an open eye as you walk your yard. Pinecones are a cheap (free) and rustic to elegant way to decorate your home for the holidays. I use all of the following natural elements for decorating my home: grape vine, birch sticks, sumac pods, milkweed pods, winter berries, red dog wood sticks, stones, crab apple branches and pine boughs. Use several varieties of pine boughs. If you are not in the situation where you have access to pine boughs, visit a Christmas tree farm and purchase a small misshapen tree and prune the branches off the trunk or ask for branches that have been trimmed off the trees. I would also add that you should never collect from state parks and always ask land owners permission to be on their property. Go outside and see what you can find that strikes you as beautiful. The sky is the limit. There are many beautiful examples of holiday decorating for front doors and the outside of your home in magazines and on social media, especially Pintrest. Beautifully decorated doors, window boxes and containers welcome your guest into your festive holiday home. Here are a couple of techniques I use to prepare containers for holiday decorating. When I clean up my window boxes
and large containers in the fall, I cut off the plants and leave the roots and soil in the containers. This used soil makes an excellent medium to hold sticks, branches and berries. If you cleaned and dumped your containers you can certainly fill them with some play sand and some potting soil. Once your container is decorated, pour a generous amount of water into the soil. This will freeze the branches and sticks in place and keep them from blowing away with a strong wind gust. I would also share that if you live in an especially windy spot, black zip ties found at your local hardware store in the electrical aisle, and florist wire is your friend. When I am decorating a window box, a container for my porch or by my front door, I will start by filling in the container with pine boughs. I then add some height with birch branches, red dogwood sticks, and milkweed pods. I will then fill in with sumac pods, crab apples on the branches, winter berries and pine cones, which can be wired in place if needed. There are two basic ways to design a container. You can create a wedge shape with your height in the back, filler in the middle and then something that trails. This wedge design works nicely for window boxes or containers pushed up tight to a wall. The other basic way to design is in the round. This container will be viewed from all angles. Place your sticks in the center for height, fill in the middle with pine boughs and allow some them to trail down. Fill in the middle with your natural elements such as your pine cones, winter berries, crab apples and sumac pods. When I decorate around a door I use
leaves have dropped in the fall. However, winterberry is considered poisonous if ingested, though only mildly so to cats and dogs. Winterberry plants are a common holiday decoration, but their leaves and berries are toxic to cats. Winterberry plants are a common holiday decoration, but their leaves and berries are toxic to cats and dogs. Add interest, fragrance and true holiday feeling to the outside and inside of your home when you use natural elements around your front door, in your window boxes, large planters, for your
center pieces and on your gifts. This year I am going to try to not spend any money on new decorations for the holidays apart from the one ornament we buy for our tree each year. This year my holiday decor is going to be based around nature and seasonal items which will be sure to give our home a festive feel and fill it with fragrance that speaks of the holidays. BRIAN HALLETT is an art teacher at South Jefferson Central School in Adams. His family owns Halletts’ Florist and Greenhouse in Adams, which celebrated 32 years in business last season.
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grapevine around the door. I secure it with picture-hanging strips and black zip ties. Once this is in place, I weave pine boughs, pine cones, berries and other natural elements into the grape vine. You can also install your grapevine and then secure natural pine swag from a local garden center on top of the grapevine and add in your other natural elements. You can always add some bling to your outside decorations with lights woven into your design. I have also used white, silver or gold spray paint to add some elegance to a container design. For example, sticks painted white and twisted with white lights can be a stunning base for a festive piece. Milkweed pods spray painted gold or silver are truly elegant looking as well. I also like to use natural elements inside. I enhance wrapped gifts with pinecones and other natural elements — such as cinnamon sticks, pine boughs and winterberries wired in place with thin florist wire and gift tags onto a velvet ribbon. I also like to create a small vignette on a shelf or table with a pine cone, pine bough, and some red berries. It’s a simple way to transition the natural design elements that you started at the front door throughout your home. Create a centerpiece that takes less than 10 minutes to assemble. Just place a hurricane vase holding a candle in the middle of a large flat bowl. Place pine cones in a purposefully random and natural way around the hurricane vase and then add pieces of pine bough and finish with winter berries, holly and fresh mistletoe for color and texture. Check with your local florist for fresh holly and mistletoe. I like using this centerpiece design because it is easy to move. You simply pick up the bowl and you can clear the table for a family game night. I want to add that I love winter berry and I use it both inside and outside my home. It just sparks an incredible pop of color to an arrangement or display. Winter berry is a beautiful red berry that we see in marshy, wet, slightly acidic soil growing around the north country. A native of eastern North America, winterberry, Ilex verticillata, is a slow-growing deciduous holly species that can grow up to 12 feet in height. The shrub’s best asset is its longlasting, bright red berries, which persist on the shrub long after the dark green
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H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
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OUTER WASHINGTON ST. WATERTOWN NY 315-788-6022
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Let's Go Places
36 HOURS
Cazenovia home
to holiday treasures Head south for small-town charm, big-time fun
TEXT BY LORNA OPPEDISANO | PHOTO courtesy CAZENOVIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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What sets Caz Pizza apart from the competition is the sheer size of the handstretched pies. For the not-so-hungry, the restaurant offers an unassuming 12-inch pizza. For the black-holes-for-stomach crowd, Caz has the 24-inch pizza, fondly dubbed the “Big K.” cazpizza.com
Friday, 4 p.m., Arrival Cazenovia offers travelers a handful of places to call home for the weekend, each with its own unique charms, and most with its own kitchen. Among the top recommendations are The Brewster Inn, 6 Ledyard Ave., The Brae Loch Inn, 5 Albany St., and The Lincklaen House, 79 Albany St. All three lodging choices also house restaurants and host events throughout the year. thebrewsterinn.com; braelochinn.com; lincklaenhouse.com
Friday, 8 p.m., Out on the town After taking on the Big K, it’s time to dance it off, and what better place to accomplish that goal than The Nelson Odeon. What once was the historic Nelson Grange building has been converted into a venue for meetings of the musical minds. The Odeon strives to support local Upstate New York artists, while also attracting regional, national and international acts. All performances are general admission, giving the audience a chance for an intimate connection with the performer. nelsonodeon.com
Friday, 6 p.m., Eat like a local Anyone familiar with Cazenovia will insist that at least once during your stay you eat at Caz Pizza. Bring your friends and bring your appetite. The menu includes the typical pizza joint go-tos: wings, calzones, salads if you’re watching the beltline and, of course, pizzas.
Saturday, 10 a.m., A hearty breakfast Cazenovia is a town surrounded by agriculture. And where there are farms, there are farmers markets. The Cazenovia Farmers’ Market offers everything from cheeses and breads to sweets and coffee,
and it’s all local. For a list of vendors, visit the Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce’s website. During the winter, the Cazenovia Farmers’ Market pares down to once a month, so plan your trip accordingly. cazenoviachamber.com/farmers-market; Facebook.com/CazenoviaFarmersMarket Saturday, noon, Agri-explore If you happen to be in the market for a Christmas tree, maple syrup, local hard cider or beer or almost any other farm-fresh product, look no farther than Critz Farms. Established in 1985, this family-owned business has grown from a small Christmas tree farm to one of the foremost agribusinesses in the region, and still remains focused on family traditions at its core. critzfarms.com Saturday, 2 p.m., Learn A library might not be a usual top vacation destination, but Cazenovia Public Library is no ordinary book hub. Not only has the library been established at its present location since 1890; the building is also home to an art gallery filled with local creations and a museum housing a mummy. Granted, it is the holidays,
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’Tis the season for travel. Pile the children into the sleigh, car or vehicle of your choice, and get ready for one of the most picturesque holiday towns in the area. The destination is Cazenovia, southeast of Syracuse. Whether the aim is shopping, sightseeing or just a relaxing weekend away from home, Caz has it all.
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Cazenovia Business Think Global and Buy Local!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
from the Greater Cazenovia Chamber Of Commerce
H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
Cazenovia Abroad & P.E. Mulligan
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but spook is never out of season. cazenoviapubliclibrary.org Saturday, 4 p.m., Small business Saturday If possible, plan your trip to Cazenovia before the holidays. With the variety of shops and boutiques sprinkled through the town’s modest downtown district, you’ll be able to cross a few items off your gift list. Among the most interesting and unique is Cazenovia Artisans, an artists’ cooperative gallery featuring locally-crafted products at reasonable and affordable prices. Also be sure to check out Amanda Bury Antiques, Cazenovia Abroad and The Key. cazenoviaartisans.com; amandaburyantiques. com; cazenoviaabroad.com; thekeyconsign.com Saturday, 7 p.m., Time for a bite For dinner tonight, it’s back to basics, and that’s just what Pewter Spoon Café & Eatery is about. As the restaurant’s website boasts, it’s “about the feel: warm, welcoming and comfortable.” The kitchen uses local produce and makes the majority of its items on site. Choose from a variety of salads, wraps and paninis, and pair your meal with beer, wine, hard cider or just “a darn good cup of coffee,” as the Spoon’s website writes. pewterspooncafe.com Sunday, 9 a.m., Fuel up Fuel up for the final day of your weekend away with breakfast at Dave’s Diner. Dave’s offers all of the morning essentials: eggs, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, pancakes and more. If you’re jonesing for a more substantial meal, the diner’s got you covered there, as well, with a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Facebook.com/Daves-Diner-Cazenovia-1501 033918391880
Cazenovia’s Main Street is home to many small shops and boutiques.
Sunday, 11 a.m., End with a flourish The last stop on this upstate adventure is Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. Founded by local artist Dorothy Riester, who turns 99 years old this year, the 104-acre park displays outdoor sculptures and indoor galleries created by emerging and established artists. Guests are invited to explore Stone Quarry Hill’s four miles of trails and more than 100 outdoor exhibits from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. sqhap.org
Don’t Wait Till Its To Late! Bus. 315-782-6152 Cell 315-778-6847 Fax 315-681-4366
LORNA OPPEDISANO is a former staff writer or NNY magazines. She lives in Syracuse where she is editor for Syracuse Woman Magazine.
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Getting there From Interstate 81 south at Watertown, the trip is about 87 miles and should take approximately 90 minutes. Take exit 29S to Interstate 481 South toward Dewitt. Then take exit 3E toward Fayetteville. Continue on New York 92 East/Highbridge Road to Albany Street, the main road in Cazenovia.
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COVER STORY
Keeping holiday
traditions bright Light displays, performances top north country’s seasonal offerings TEXT By NORAH MACHIA | NNY LIVING
M H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
Many traditions are celebrated by north country residents to mark the holidays, and this year is no exception. These events are often made possible by organizations or businesses whose members volunteer their time to help people commemorate the season. Some events are free, others have an admission charge, and many benefit the community as well. Here are some ways the holiday season is celebrated in Northern New York:
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Parades A traditional Christmas parade followed by a tree-lighting ceremony has drawn thousands to Public Square in the City of Watertown each year, said David A. Winters, president of the Downtown Business Association. The event continues to expand, and this year a “Downtown Watertown Window Decorating Contest” has been added, with prizes donated by the DBA, he said This year’s parade and tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 4, and the festivities will start at 6:30 p.m. with two singing groups (the General Brown
Sixth-Grade Chorus and the Northern Blend Chorus) to entertain spectators before the parade. At 7 p.m., the parade will enter Public Square from the Black River Parkway at Mill Street and continue through to the Woolworth Building at Court Street. The DBA and City of Watertown officials are working together to sponsor the event, Mr. Winters said. “The parade and tree-lighting used to be done separately, but it was then decided to combine the two events on the same day,” he said. A tree-lighting ceremony will be held following the parade, approximately 7:40 p.m. Afterwards, children will have an opportunity to meet with “Santa and Mrs. Claus” at the Gazebo in Public Square. The Downtown Business Association will provide cider, hot cocoa and coffee throughout the evening, Mr. Winters said. Several other north country communities will be having their own holiday parades, and many are sponsored through the local chamber of commerce offices. These include the South Jeff Chamber of
Commerce Christmas Parade at 4 p.m. on Nov. 28 (rain date is Nov. 29) in downtown Adams. This year’s theme is “Believe.” There will also be a tree-lighting ceremony after the parade, along with face-painting for children, and photos with “Santa and Mrs. Claus.” For more information, visit southjeffchamber.org. Clayton has held a parade each year for more than 50 years, and this year’s theme is “Christmas in the Island, Annual Parade in Lights.” It will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and fireworks are scheduled to follow. For more information visit 1000islands-Clayton.com Displays A North Country Festival of Trees, which is sponsored by the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation and the Watertown Family YMCA, will be held Dec. 4 through 6 at the Dulles State Office Building. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the North Pole” and more than 50 decorated trees will be on display. Many of the tree decorators “come back year after year, and they always amaze me with their new ideas,” said Steven N.
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES FILE PHOTO
This festive pirate ship won best display in 2012. The sixth annual Lights on the River is set for Dec. 12 to 22 at the Lisbon Beach Camping Grounds, Ogdensburg.
ships for Kids Programs, while Samaritan’s proceeds support its pediatric healthcare services and programs. For more information, visit samaritanhealth.com. A display of holiday lights along a onemile stretch against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River will be featured this year at the Sixth Annual “Lights on the River” event. The display will be held at the Lisbon Beach Camping Grounds, Ogdensburg, from Dec. 12 to Dec. 22. Thousands of visitors from across the north country, along with residents of Canada, came to view last year’s displays. The “Lights on the River” event supports more than 12 food pantries throughout St. Lawrence County. Although admission is free, monetary and non-perishable food donations are accepted. Food pantries operated by the following organizations will benefit from this year’s event: Canton Church and Community Program, Canton Neighborhood Center, Gouverneur Neighborhood Center, Hammond Neighborhood Center, Heuvelton Food Pantry, Lisbon Food Pantry, Massena Neighborhood Center, Norwood-Norfolk-
Raymondville Outreach, Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center, Potsdam Neighborhood Center, Richville Food Pantry and the Waddington Family and Resource Center. “Lights on the River” has raised more than $75,000 for the food pantries during the past five years. For more information, email event organizers at info@lightson theriver.org Performances The Crane Candlelight Concerts at the SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music will be held on Dec. 6, with two performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall. Although the concerts are free, donations will be accepted to support the Crane Chorus Endowment, said Alexandra Jacobs Wilke, SUNY Potsdam communications and government relations associate. More than 350 members of the Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra will join together to perform many of the classic carols featured in past years. These traditional concerts got their start decades ago when a “Christmas Sing”
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Rowell, Executive Director of Health and Wellness for the Watertown Family YMCA. One new feature this year will be several 4-foot wreaths on display, he said. Mitten donations will also be accepted at the designated “Mitten Tree.” Musical performances will be held throughout the weekend. The three-day event includes an opening night Gala with dinner, music and a live auction on Dec. 4 and a Sugarplum Ball (father/daughter dance) on Dec. 5. Reservations are required for both those events. The trees will be on display for all three days: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 6. There is no admission charge to view the tree displays, but donations will be accepted. The money raised from the three-day event is split between the YMCA and the Samaritan Foundation, said Mr. Rowell. Last year’s event drew more than 275 people to the Gala and 750 to the Sugar Plum Ball, in addition to those who came to view the trees. A total of $60,000 was raised last year. The YMCA uses the funds for its Scholar-
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brought together students and community members to sing favorite carols around the statue of Minerva in the Potsdam Normal School building, Mrs. Jacobs Wilke said. The formal Crane Candlelight Concerts began in 1932, after the Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra first prepared a full performance to precede the traditional “Christmas Sing.” “This is one of the biggest events of the year for The Crane School of Music, packing Hosmer Hall twice in one day for the concert,” she said. The concerts also attract an international audience online, through the college’s live streaming on the Crane YouTube channel: potsdam.edu/academ ics/Crane/streaming. In addition, past broadcasts of the Crane Candlelight Concerts are aired in syndication on public television stations throughout the United States and Canada, Mrs. Jacobs Wilke said. Those broadcasts are produced by the north country public television station WPBS-TV, which sends its own crew each year to film the performances. Those past performances can also be viewed at watch.wpbstv.org/ program/crane-candle light-concert.
For more information about SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, visit potsdam.edu/crane. Another popular holiday concert will be performed by the Northern Choral Society, based in Watertown, which includes members from throughout the north country. “Jesus Christ, The Prince of Peace” will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 327 Franklin Street. The Northern Choral Society was formed in 1954 and is partially funded by the Northern New York Community Foundation. It’s an ecumenical group that includes approximately 100 vocalists, along with an orchestra and a children’s choir. This season’s holiday concert will feature works from Johann Sebastian Bach to modern composers. Audience members will be invited to join in with the vocalists during three selected carols. The concert will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in 1945, with a special tribute to local veterans. John Williams’s “Hymn to the Fallen” from the score of the film “Saving Private Ryan” will also be included in the program.
The program will also feature a reading of the last letter written by a soldier from Watertown before he was killed in Normandy on June 21, 1944. This will be followed by Felix Mendelssohn’s “How Lovely are the Messengers that Bring Us the Gospel of Peace.” For more information, visit northern choralsociety.org This year will mark the 10th Anniversary production of “The Nutcracker” ballet by the In Motion School of Dance. There will be two performances at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the Dulles State Office Building. This season’s performance will feature more than 60 students ranging in age from 5 to 18, said Shereen Daly, owner. In addition, the shows will include two “guest dancers” from the Rebecca Kelly Ballet, based in New York City. The dancers, Giorgia Bovo and Nile Baker, will be making their fourth guest appearance in the Watertown production. Choreography for guest dancers will be done by the Rebecca Kelly ballet, but all other choreography for the show was created by Mrs. Daly and instructor Tricia Moore.
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purchased through tututix.com For additional events, or to stay updated on holiday activities throughout the north country, check out these websites: Greater Watertown North Country Chamber at watertownny.com; St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce at www. northcountryguide.com; and the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce at lewis countychamber.org. NORAH MAchia is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-year veteran journalist and former Watertown Daily Times reporter. Contact her at norahmachia@gmail.com
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Allison Carlos, playing the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy in the In Motion School of Dance’s 2009 production of “The Nutcracker,” checks a lipstick spot on her tutu as Meghan K. Oram, left, Allison O’Brien, and Savannah M. Grant gape at the mishap back stage prior to performing at the Dulles State Office Building. The 10th annual performance is set for Saturday, Nov. 28.
“The Nutcracker” tells the story of a young German girl, Clara, who falls asleep after a Christmas party at her home. She dreams that her toy nutcracker comes to life and battles a Mouse King and his army of mice. Her nutcracker turns into a prince after the fight, and takes Clara to the magical Land of Snow and Land of Sweets, where they are greeted by the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy. They are also entertained by Spanish, Arabian and Chinese dancers and the Waltz of the Flowers. “We’ve expanded the show each year,” Mrs. Daly said. “We’ve continued to develop the choreography, purchase and make new costumes, and add to the scenery and props.” Many families of performers help with
the annual performance, Mrs. Daly said. “We have a mother who made a growing tree backdrop that we now own, and another mother who has been hand-painting it since the summer,” she said. “We also have another dance family building something for our Mother Ginger, so that it will take on a grand look when she appears on stage.” Michael Boyce, a grandparent, will once again reprise his roles as both “Godfather Drosselmeier” and “Mother Ginger.” A graduating senior, Alexis Grant, will be featured in the production, along with several dancers who have been working en pointe since last year. Barry Pratt will be providing lighting design assistance. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger, and can be
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FOOD
Give the gift of food this season n Roasted vegetable minestrone a holiday staple
H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
BY BOO WELLS
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I have never had food poisoning. I realize that is a is a strange proclamation but given my mother’s unusual food safety habits or lack thereof, it is actually a miracle. As I have mentioned in previous columns, my parents entertained often. It seems like these days people don’t entertain like they did when I was growing up. My parents had dinner parties several times a month and, as a result, were asked out multiple nights a week (read: babysitters in Connecticut make bank because of social obligations). According to proper etiquette, when you were invited to a dinner or cocktail party you are then expected to reciprocate with an invitation to your next party. Keeping track of whom had invited whom to what was serious business. Martha Stewart helps you if you make the egregious faux pas of inviting Buffy or Bootsy (the real names of two of my parent’s friends) to your shindig before they have included you in their next gala. Or worse, not including Bink and his lovely new bride after they invited you to the club for drinks. My mother had a leather-bound book where she kept the names of the invitees to various parties, the date, the menu and the seating chart for the dinner if it was seated. Today there is probably an app for that. Back to the whole food poisoning thing. So, not only did I get fed a lot of very questionable leftovers and crappy TV dinners by babysitters, I have witnessed some pretty interesting ways of handling large quantities of food with very limited refrigeration space. Holidays were usually the worst. One Thanksgiving I brought a couple of college friends home for the long weekend. Home-cooked food, free laundry, and a private bathroom are
more than most poor students can resist and the dorms were closed. On Thanksgiving eve we hit The Shoe, a dingy biker bar turned preppy prepster’s bar during college breaks. After catching up with the hometown pals and several games of Whales Tails (read: preppy drinking game) we returned to the domicile to raid the fridge for a midnight snack. Here comes the psychologically scarring part: While searching for sustenance, we stumbled upon the Thanksgiving turkey. It was raw, stuffed, sitting in a large wooden bowl on the very top ledge of the upper kitchen cabinets, lest the dog jump up and eat it, covered with a damp dish towel. Need I say more? Does this not explain where all my food insecurities and other issues come from? At the time, we were not really phased by the salmonella factory we had happened upon. It was actually hysterical to us (read: drunk) so we did what any “normal” teens would do. We put a cigarette in the turkey’s mouth, actually, a butt, gave it a red cherry tomato nose and a pair of black Billy Holly sunglasses, covered it back up with the damp cloth, put it back on top of the warm upper cabinet and went to bed. The list of food infractions goes on and on. There were the gallons of homemade minestrone and chicken curry that were served at the annual Christmas day party. Hundreds of unsuspecting friends were invited for a buffet supper. Bring your house guests, bring your children, bring your appetite. My mother would make gallons of soup and curry in the months prior to the party. She would cook large batches, let them cool to room temperature on the kitchen counter and then store them in the freezer, which closely resembled a coffin, in our basement. The defrosting began a few days before the party. If it was a warm winter, defrosting took place on our back porch. If it was a cooler winter, the kitchen counter became defrost central. I don’t recall ever hearing about a guest getting food poisoning at one of my parent’s events. Maybe our immune systems were stronger back then, maybe I have an overactive imagination and don’t recall the food terror accurately or maybe the alcohol consumed along with the potentially hazardous foods killed all the scary bacteria. It should not come as much of a surprise that I don’t like leftovers, or that when I visit my parent’s house with my boys I forbid them from eating anything before I have a chance to inspect it — survival of the fittest. Enjoy cooking for your family this holiday season. Remember that “food is love” and feeding your friends and family is the best gift you can give them as long as you don’t give them food poisoning. 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.
Not my mother’s roasted vegetable minestrone
½ cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano INSTRUCTIONS
(Serves 6 to 8) INGREDIENTS 1 large bulb fennel, quartered, cored, and cut into 3/4-inch slices 3 inner ribs celery, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 Tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 8-ounce cans diced tomatoes 1 14-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed 1 14-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed 1 Quart chicken stock or vegatable stock 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary ¼ pound dried ditalini (or other small tubular pasta), cooked until tender, rinsed with cold water, and drained 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Heat the oven to 450° Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, toss the fennel, celery, and carrots with the oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Roast, tossing after 10 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter, until the vegetables are nicely browned and tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a cutting board, chop them coarsely, and put them in a large soup pot. Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the beans, chicken stock and 1 Tablespoon of rosemary to the pot. Bring to a boil, turn the heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thin with water, if necessary, to get the consistency you like. Stir in the cooked pasta, the remaining rosemary, parsley, ¼ cup of the Parmigiano, and salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of the remaining Parmigiano.
Have A Safe & Happy Holiday!
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H OL I D AY 2 01 5 | N N Y LI V I N G
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FASHION
Accessorize
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H OL I D AY 20 15 | N N Y L I V I N G
TEXT BY KATIE MACHIA | PHOTOS BY AFM PHOTOGRAPHY
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One of the most important things you can do to create a perfect winter look is to accessorize. This is often the last step in the process of getting dressed, but can be one of the most important. The designers of this year’s Fashion Week 2015 collections have got you covered with the most up-to-date accessories for your closet. Whether it be boots, handbags or jewelry, there are many new styles and colors to try. A good scarf is an essential winter item for anyone living in Northern New York, where it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop below zero. Many different styles were shown on the runways this past season, and by far the most popular style was the fur stole. This trendy piece is worn around one shoulder and wrapped across the stomach. It works best over a thick sweater or a coat, and you can finish it off with a slim belt tied just above your stomach. Another popular style is the slim scarf. Taking inspiration from the 1970s, this
look emits a cool and confident feeling. Wrap it once around your neck, and tie it the second time around, letting it hang loose. This looks great with any V-neck blouses or thinner jackets. It’s the perfect scarf to wear under your coat as well. If you want something more practical for the north country winters, go for a blanket scarf. This oversized accessory is meant to be worn around the neck, but can also be unfolded and thrown over the shoulders. These scarves usually come in warm fabrics and a variety of prints. Don’t be afraid to go for a bold print or pattern, but make sure your jacket is a neutral color. This scarf is perfect for those days when you don’t want to get out of bed and feel like you need to bring your blanket to the office. Bandanas are one of the hottest trends for this season, as this accessory is making a huge comeback. There are two ways to wear a bandana. You can fold the two ends of a bandana together and tie around your neck, or you can roll it and
tie it into a knot. Both looks are clean, classic, and very chic. This trend looks best with a V-neck sweater, basic longsleeve t-shirt, or a light cardigan. When it comes to jewelry, the trend this year can be described as “more is more.” Lots of layering, big bling, and sparkly things are all the rage. One of the major trends is the brooch, which is making a reappearance from the past. This piece of jewelry can make a huge statement on bags, jackets and blazers. The more the better, so mix multiple pins on a denim jacket for a retro look. For a classier and cleaner look, place a brooch on your handbag. The next big thing is the cuff earring. This style started to slowly emerge a couple years ago, with only a few people jumping onto the band wagon. The popular style used to be small and subtle, but this year extravagant, wild, “out-there” cuffs have made an appearance. Wear one of these earrings that wraps all the way up your ear to make a statement at
The fur stole is a trendy piece worn around one shoulder and wrapped across the stomach.
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Shoes are usually every womyour next Christmas party. They an’s favorite accessory, and if not, can also be dressed down with they’re still pretty high up there more casual pieces like a plain on the list. Some re-occurring T-shirt and jeans. styles that will be popular this Fancy pieces like pearls, winter include thigh-high boots, diamonds, and floral are going slip on sandals with fur, and patto have a heavy presence this ent leather boots. One style that season. The feminine jewels are is very wearable and easy to find perfect for holiday parties and in Northern New York is the ankle get-togethers. To ensure the boot. This trend has been popperfect balance of pieces, mix the ping back up from time to time, jewelry with solid colors, or more but it really had a hard-to-miss casual dresses. If you want to go presence on the runway this year. all out, a perfect pair of diamond These boots can be styled so many earrings or a gemstone statedifferent ways, the versatility is ment necklace would be stunning unbelievable. My favorite way to paired with a gown. wear them is with dark denim, Handbags are always a hot a cute skirt with thick tights, or topic every time a new season even a pair of culottes. comes around. They’re one of the A style that people tend to have most popular items, and designmixed opinions on is the “socks ers are always introducing new with sandals” trend. Whether styles, fabrics, and patterns. This or not you like this look, you’ll season, furry bags are expected probably be seeing more of it this to be extremely popular. These winter. It’s extremely practical for started to make their appearance when you don’t feel like wearing on the scene last year, but only boots all day at the workplace. recently have they been seen more Some popular winter accessories this season. Throw on a pair of colored socks, on the streets. They’re perfect for like gray, white, or black, and Northern New York, because they when you get indoors, take off your boots and put on a pair of are not only very practical for winter, but they can make any outslip on sandals, or strap on your favorite pair of wedge sandals. fit look instantly chic. This must-have bag can go with everything This looks great with a boyfriend jean or even a dress with tights. from a basic T-shirt and jeans to a fancy gown. Another popular accessory is the belt. This season’s motto There are so many great accessories to try this winter. The is “the wilder, the better,” with bows, loops, and additional key is to keep a good balance, and not add everything at once. extravagant detail being extremely popular. The runway shows The golden rule is to always take off one accessory before were filled with looks containing chains and metal belts. If you’re you go out if you’re wearing a lot of them. This will ensure not that adventurous and want to stick to a more subtle look, that you have the perfect combination of pieces. Remember take a plain black belt, loop the strap underneath the front, pull to always have fun with your accessories and add some bold it through behind, and stick it through the loop. This is a very pieces every once in a while. popular tying method, and looks great with sweaters, dresses, KATIE MACHIA, 17, is a Watertown native and freshman at the Fashion and even some light jackets. If you want to go for a bolder look, Institute of Technology in New York City. She writes about fashion on her try a big buckle belt. This accessory looks best paired with a blog, theaisleofstyle.com, and is a regular contributor to NNY Living. She also chunky sweater or mod-shift dress. models for print and runway shows.Contact her at theaisleofstyle@gmail.com.
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