NNY Living July/August 2014 by NNY Business

L I v I ng NN Y

JULY / AUGUST 2014 Volume 3 No. 5

nnyliving.com

The food issue

$2.95

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SPECIAL

GARDEN

ARTS

TRAVEL

More than 300 reader picks in Best of NNY

Spruce up your summer drinks with fresh herbs

Former Warhol associate to show works in Clayton

Find fun on a summer trip to the Finger Lakes

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18876 County Route 66 Watertown, NY 13601 Phone: 315-782-1824 Fax: 315-782-3537 Email: marysurdo@gmail.com

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>> Inside JULY /AUGUST ’14

29 42

51 44 COVER STORY | 42 ‘PARTY ON A PLATE’ For the culinary-crazed, food is more than a fuel for the body, it nourishes the soul. |

SOCIAL SCENE | 14 NNY SOCIAL LIGHTS Networking for a cause at premier local events. |

NNY LIFE | 20 SAVORING THE SIMPLE A challenging journey with a child to enjoy basic foods. |

BEST OF NNY | 29 THE VOTES ARE TALLIED Readers have spoken and we listened. The results of our Best of NNY Summer include 331 reader picks.

GARDEN | 54 A PINCH OF HERBS Summer’s bounty of fresh herbs just beg to be mixed with a wide array of tasty drinks and cool cocktails.

DINING | 48 A NEW TASTE IN TOWN The Capt. Simon Johnston House in Clayton has taken on a new life as a fine dining delight on Riverside Drive.

FEATURES | 51 ABUZZ WITH BEEKEEPING Small time beekeepers play a critical part in the world of north country honeybees as the insects fight for survival.

FOOD | 56 GREEN EGGS AND ... The coolest cooker you’ve ever seen has arrived just in time for a backyard grilling experience like no other. HISTORY | 58 A GILDED LOVE STORY Much has been shared about Boldt Castle and its abandonment, but what do we know of George Boldt?

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ON THE RIVER | 18 START YOUR ENGINES How a sleepy little river town became home to the ABM. |

CONTRIBUTORS Michael Folsom is the director of marketing and communications at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. In ‘On the River,’ he writes about the how the ABM’s Annual Boat Show & Auction and Race Boat Regatta got their start on the river. (p. 18)

Michelle Graham is the wellness director for the Downtown Watertown YMCA. She lives in Watertown. She writes about how to find inner peace by adding a handful of different yoga techniques to a regular exercise routine. (p. 26)

Katie Stokes is a blogger and freelance writer who lives in Hounsfield with her husband and two small children. She runs the blog www.nnylife.com. In ‘The NNY Life’ this issue, she writes about the challenges of her son’s sensitivity to food when he was younger. (p. 20)

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 of George Boldt, whose legacy lives on in Boldt Castle. (p. 58)

Boo Wells is a chef and owner of the Farm House Kitchen, a catering company and cooking school in Sackets Harbor. She makes pizza dough with her newest culinary treat: the Big Green Egg, an extraordinarily versatile outdoor cooker. (p. 56)

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 a few ways to punch up summer drinks by adding garden fresh herbs. (p. 54)

Victoria Wiseman is a freelance writer stationed at Fort Drum with her husband, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. She visits The Johnston House Restaurant on Clayton’s Riverside Drive for a look at fine dining at its best. (p. 48)

Grace E. Johnston is a staff writer and editorial assistant for NNY Living. In our cover story, she writes about north country Chef Rebekah Alford and ‘hidden chef’ Fred Garry. In 36 Hours, she visits the Finger Lakes town of Skaneateles. (p. 24, 42)

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MARKETPLACE

1000 Islands Cruet ............................................... 22 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel ................................... 27 A Lo Boricua Restaurant ...................................... 62 A New Attitude ..................................................... 16 Americu Credit Union ............................................ 2 Asian Market .......................................................... 9 Bayview Shores Realty ........................................ 37 Cavallario’s Cucina .............................................. 4 Channelside ......................................................... 55 City of Kingston ...................................................... 7 Clayton Dental Office ......................................... 14 Clayton Opera House ........................................... 8 Clipper Inn ............................................................ 21 Community Bank ................................................. 63 Cosmetic & Laser Medispa at CFS ..................... 22 DLaux Properties .................................................. 37 Development Authority of the NC ..................... 57 Di Prinzio’s Italian Market & Deli ......................... 27 Exit More Real Estate ........................................... 37 Foxy’s Restaurant ................................................. 60 Fuccillo Automotive ............................................ 40 Green Thyme ....................................................... 13 GWNC Chamber Farm & Craft Market .............. 10 Hilton Garden Inn ................................................ 13 Ken Piarulli / Ameriprise ...................................... 50 La Bella Fonte Italian Steakhouse ...................... 15 Macar’s ................................................................. 46 Meade Optical .................................................... 52 Mike’s Pig Pen ...................................................... 62 MiMi’s Depot Café ............................................... 52 Montague Inn ...................................................... 19 Morgia’s Pasta ....................................................... 4 Natali’s Restaurant at C-Way Golf Club ............ 41 NNY Living Magazine .......................................... 19 NNY Community Foundation .............................. 53

North Country Paving .......................................... 19 Nortz & Virkler Ford .............................................. 40 Old Garage Deli .................................................. 62 Phinney’s Automotive ......................................... 40 Reinmans Department Store .............................. 41 Ren Rumble Roofing ............................................ 19 Restaurante de Riccardo’s ................................. 17 Ridgeview Inn ...................................................... 62 Rainbow Shores Lakeside Dining & Cottages ............................................... 53 River Audio ........................................................... 64 River Day Spa & Salon ........................................... 4 River Rat Cheese ................................................. 21 Roberts Automotive ............................................. 40 Sackets Harbor Brewing Co. ................................ 3 Shuler’s Restaurant .............................................. 62 St. Lawrence Pottery .............................................. 8 Stratton Hardware ................................................ 59 Summer Haven .................................................... 50 Sunny Bank Restaurant ....................................... 55 The Antique Boat Museum .................................. 12 The Cape Winery ................................................. 55 The Clubhouse Restaurant .................................. 62 The Farm House Kitchen ..................................... 59 The Johnston House Restaurant ......................... 26 The Little Barn Bulk Foods .................................... 10 The Mustard Seed .................................................. 4 Thousand Islands Realty ..................................... 37 Thousand Islands Arts Center ............................. 21 Waite Motor Sports .............................................. 47 Waite Toyota ........................................................ 61 Watertown Savings Bank .................................... 61 Watertown Spring & Alignment .......................... 40 Wood Boat Brewery ............................................. 52 WWTI-TV 50 ........................................................... 28 Yellow Barn Winery ................................................ 4

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 Grace E. Johnston

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 Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mcostantino@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.

36 HOURS IN ...

ABOUT THE COVER

24 SUMMER IN SKANEATELES Perched at the head of a Finger Lake of the same name, this bucolic town packs plenty for a weekend stay or the season on one of America’s purest lakes.

COLUMNS

8 EDITOR’S NOTE 18 ON THE RIVER

DEPARTMENTS

9 10 11 12 14

20 THE NNY LIFE 54 TODAY’S GARDENER

UPFRONT BEST BETS CALENDAR BOOKS SOCIAL SCENE

22 24 38 56 58

WELLNESS 36 HOURS IN ... ARTS FOOD HISTORY

For our cover shot, Photography Editor Norm Johnston styled a portrait of Rebekah A. Alford, executive chef and co-owner of Rainbow Shores Hotel & Restaurant near Pulaski. Our cover story about north country chefs and cooks begins on page 42. Norm used a Nikon D700 with an 18200mm lens, ISO 100, f/5.6.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

FEW THINGS IN LIFE UNITE US LIKE A good meal and friends and family with whom to share the bounty of great food. In this, our annual food issue, we visit four “foodies” who take pleasure in preparing food for others. In our cover story, which begins on page 42, you’ll meet professionally trained Chef Rebekah A. Alford who, at just 36, is creating a culinary destination at Rainbow Shores in northern Oswego County. You’ll also meet three people who, through cooking for others, have found joy and a way to relax. These “hidden chefs” are among the most creative in the north country. Also in this issue, writer Victoria Wiseman takes readers to Clayton where, on Riverside Drive, the former Capt. Simon JohnKen Eysaman ston House is once again teeming with life as the region’s newest fine dining restaurant. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, Chef Boo Wells introduces us to the versatile Big Green Egg, one of the most innovative and amazing outdoor cookers we’ve seen. What’s better than a few great cocktail recipes to wash it all down? Garden columnist Brian Hallett shares a few of his favorites while incorporating fresh herbs from his garden. Finally, a feature by Johnson Newspapers staffer Leah Buletti looks at a different side of food as beekeepers work to maintain healthy hives of all-important bees that

n our September/October issue, we look at the health of community theater groups across the north country.

n CPS AT 25: Potsdam’s Community Performance Series celebrates 25 years. n DESTINATION WESTERN MASS: We visit Stockbridge and the Berkshires region.

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n n n SOCIAL SCENE — This issue’s Social Scene section, which begins on page 14, features 42 faces from across Northern New York. On June 18, we joined the River Community Wellness Program at Bay House Artisans for its Soldier Art Show Reception. On July 19, we joined the Thousand Islands Land Trust for its annual Summer Gathering at Cuthbert Farm in Chippewa Bay. n n n BEST OF NNY — With hundreds of ballots cast and counted, NNY Living readers have spoken and we’ve tallied their picks for the Best of NNY Summer. Beginning on page 29, we present the results of more than 325 picks for best NNY laser and skin treatment, fitness, ice cream, local wine, craft beer, burger, farmers market, farm stand, weekend getaway, park, fireworks, day hike, and much more in 25 categories. On eight pages are the best of your best: the 331 winners of our first NNY Living Best of NNY Summer Readers’ Choice Awards. Our September/October issue will include a ballot for our Best of NNY Fall. Keep checking our Facebook page and website for details on how you can participate. Warm regards,

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

Also coming in September/October:

are so critical to pollinating countless crops.

n PLUS: Social Scene, On The River, 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.

UPFRONT

[ NORTH COUNTRY NEWS & NOTES ] Flower Library trustees name new director

St. Lawrence Arts Council sets fall Art Markets

The St. Lawrence County Arts Council will host two additional Art Markets this year: Nov. 29 and Dec. 13. Similar to the concept of a farmer’s market, the events are opportunities for community members to meet local artists, see their work, and purchase in person from the artists. Art Markets are free and open to the public. A map and complete listing of artist vendors will be available at www. slcartscouncil.org.

Margaret J. Waggoner is the new executive director of the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library. Ms. Waggoner has more than 10 years of experience as an executive director of three libraries in Wisconsin. She has held that role at the New Glaurus Public Waggoner Library since 2012, and previously served in that capacity at the Kaukauna Public Library and the Surring Area Public Library. Prior to working for the libraries, Ms. Waggoner owned Mitchell Travel Inc. in Voorheesville for 20 years. Ms. Waggoner earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and a master’s in library science from SUNY Albany. Former executive director Barbara J. Wheeler retired in June after working with the library for more than 10 years. Reference and genealogy librarian Yvonne Reff has served as interim executive director.

Zoo at Thompson Park receives $5k donation

JCC seeks short stories, poetry for writers contest The English department at Jefferson Community College, Watertown, is accepting submissions for its 2014 North Country Writers Contest, open to all residents and friends of upstate New York. The contest is a chance for aspiring writers to be published online and earn cash prizes. There is no entry fee. The deadline to enter is Friday, Sept. 12. Contact the JCC English Department at 786-2328 or jpierce@ sunyjefferson.edu for entry details.

Summer movies continue in Chaumont series

The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park hosted its 6th annual Zoom event in June. Members of the Highway Legends Car Club presented the zoo with a $5,000 check. The donation was the result of money raised during the Two Nations Car Show 1000 Islands Extravaganza held May 16 to 18.

The outdoor summer movie series is under way on the lawn of the Alexander Copley House, Main Street, downtown Chaumont. Movies are free and open to the public. Each movie is preceded by a classic Warner Brothers cartoon and shown at sunset from 8:30 to 10:45 p.m. The film series continues Friday Aug. 8 with “The Wabbit who Came to Supper” followed by “The Goonies.” On Friday Aug. 15 “Duck Amuck” will show followed by

“Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” Visit lymecommunityfoundation.org to learn more.

ABM offers free sailing and rowing program

The Antique Boat Museum is again offering its Tuesday night sailing and rowing program. This free weekly event takes place through Aug. 12 and begins at 5:30 p.m. It is open to the public and to all ages. No previous sailing experience is required. For those not interested in sailing, St. Lawrence Skiff rowing is free daily at the museum with paid admission, in addition to the Tuesday evening events. Museum staff will be on hand to assist those in need of coaching or who desire an experienced sailing partner. Visit abm.org to learn more.

Crane School of Music alumnus earns Emmy

John Angier ’88, a graduate of SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, was recently awarded a Daytime Emmy Award. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences handed out its Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmys on June 20 at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. Angier took home the Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition Award, in recognition of his score for the Nickelodeon children’s show “Bubble Guppies.” Originally from Hudson, Quebec, Mr. Angier holds a master’s degree in music technology from New York University. He and his wife, Jacqueline live in New York City.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

A sia n M a rk e t 552 State Street, Watertown • 788-0412

The Asian Market is open to everyone! We offer a friendly shopping environment and have everything for your Asian cooking needs. If you want to try something new and enjoy a unique shopping experience, please come and see what we have to offer. We carry many hard to find items including: Specialty Meats, Vegetables, Fruits and Fish; Varieties of Noodles, Dumplings and Rice; Spices, Seasonings, and Sauces; Snacks, Drinks and Ice Cream; and KIMCHEE!

We have foods from Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia!

PARKING IN THE REAR

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Visit the

BEST BETS

ALEXANDRIA BAY

[ EDITOR’S PICKS ] FRIDAY, AUG. 22 n Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan, 7:30 p.m., Clayton Opera House, 405 Riverside Drive. Houston Opera tenor and Clayton native Sean Brabant brings together musical colleagues from Houston and the Eastman School of Music, along with Kathryn Ingerson, Chris Hyde-Hall and local vocalists to present this classic light opera. Tickets: $39 preferred; $29, center; $24, side seating. Information and tickets: 686-2200 or claytonoperahouse.com.

CHAUMONT SATURDAY, AUG. 23

FRIDAY, AUG. 8 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 17 n Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days, throughout the village. 10 days of mayhem and merriment! Live music each Friday evening, Pirate Invasion each Saturday afternoon and children’s parade each Saturday. Crafts, Pirate Skits, storytelling, and Little Pirate Adventure Cruise make this a memorable 10 days for the young & young at heart! Information: Alex Bay Chamber, 482-9531 or alexbay.org.

n History on the Water: 2014 Jefferson County Historical Society Awards of Distinction, Crescent Yacht Club, 27300 Independence Point Road. 5:30 p.m. cocktails; 6:30 p.m. awards; 7 p.m. dinner. The Jefferson County Historical Society will present The T. Urling Walker Award of Distinction, The Robert R. Sturtz Award of Distinction, The Historical Society Preservation Award and The Paddock Leadership Award. $45 per person, register by Aug. 15. Tickets, information: Historical Society Museum, 228 Washington St., Watertown, 782-3491.

SYRACUSE THURSDAY, AUG. 21

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE TUESDAY, AUG. 26

Located at the Peer Farm 17937 State Route 3, Watertown (3 miles from the Mall, toward Sackets)

(315)788-1253 • thelittlebarnbulkfoods@gmail.com

n Natalie Salzman in Concert, 7 p.m., Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, 3446 State Route 28. Hailed as “fresh, original, and deeply-felt,” Salzman is a classically-trained harpist and singer/songwriter based in Nashville; influenced by Emmylou Harris, & Bonnie Raitt, she fuses Folk, Americana, Country, Blues, and Pop, creating a new musical style on her instrument. Tickets: $20 per person; $12, members. Information: adirondackarts.org or 1- (518) 352-7715.

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HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9-6; Sun. 10-3

 John F. Martin Deli Meats   Dutch Valley Bulk Foods   Croghan Bologna/Aged Cheddar   Fresh CHEESE CURD   Local Maple Syrup/Honey   Local Jellies/Jams   Full Deli - Serving Subs/Sandwiches/Deli Platters/Salads   Premium Soft Custard At KOOLER's Ice Cream Shop!!   Stop By Our BUTCHER SHOP - Fresh Cut Steaks, Chicken, Pork, Ground Beef, Fiorentino Italian Sausage & MORE! Call 788-1253 Or Email For More Info Or To Place An Order! Also Find Us On FACEBOOK!

 Custom Made GIFT BASKETS  Cheese Basket • Breakfast Basket • Pasta Basket • Sportsman/Sweets Basket Surprise That Special Someone With A Beautiful Gift Basket!! Baskets Are Custom- Made Just For You, And We Ship All Over The U.S. !

FARMERS MARKET - Every Thursday 1-7 KOOLER's ICE CREAM NOW OPEN

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CLAYTON FRIDAY, AUG. 8 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 10 n Antique Raceboat Regatta, Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St. Celebrating “The Year of the Outboard.” Come hear the engines roar as vintage and antique raceboats run the fly-by course in French Bay all weekend. For event details and information visit, www.apba.org/vintage.

n Brad Paisley, with Randy Houser, Leah Turner and Charlie Worsham, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd. Brad Paisley will kick off the Grandstand concert series at the Great New York State Fair as he brings his high energy summer tour to the Fairgrounds on opening night. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show: $65, $55, and $45. Information, tickets: nysfair.org/concerts.

CALENDAR

[ ARTS, MUSIC, THEATER, CULTURE ] CANTON TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS UNTIL OCT. 31 n Canton Farmers Market, celebrating 40 years. Village Park, Main Street. Information: gardenshare.org/content/farmers-markets.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 n Autism Walk, 10 a.m. to noon; registration, 9 a.m., Canton Park, Main St. Walk will feature bounce houses, concessions, games, and more. Free T-shirts for walkers who raise $50 or more while supplies last; gift bags for the first 300 to register. Walk is 1 mile along Route 11. Non-competitive walk to raise support and awareness for community members with Autism. Information: slnysarc.org/autism-walk.

CAPE VINCENT SATURDAY, AUG. 16 n Fort Haldimand Tour, 9:30 a.m., with Thousand Islands Land Trust and Douglas J. Pippin, SUNY Oswego professor of anthropology. Meet in Cape Vincent for boat ride to Carleton Island. Water and snacks provided, bring own lunch. Wear comfortable shoes. Information: tilandtrust.org, 686-5345.

CARTHAGE

dinner and an auction at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by Scotty’s BBQ House and Catering Company, featuring unlimited steamed clams, clam chowder, sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs, coneys, salt potatoes, corn on the cob, assorted salads, watermelon and desserts. Complimentary beverages including wine and beer to be provided by Bella’s Bistro. Vocalist Sam Hopkins and pianist Jim Burr will perform. Tickets are $100 per person, all inclusive. Reserved table seating is available upon request. Advanced reservations are recommended by Monday, Aug. 4. Tickets available at the door. To purchase individual tickets or reserve a table, call the Jefferson Community College Foundation at 786-2458.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUG. 16-17 n Clayton-1000 Islands Gun and Sportsmen Show, Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cerow Recreation Park Arena, 615 East Line Road. 75-plus exhibitors with new, used, and collectible firearms; knives; decoys; fishing, archery and sporting goods. Talk with gunsmiths, hunting guides, and collectors/sellers of military memorabilia and collector edition guns. Dealers sell, buy and trade. NCIS required for gun sales/purchases. Benefits Rotary Club of Clayton, $5 admission, $4 for military with ID. Information: 782-6917.

FRIDAYS THROUGH OCT. 2

THURSDAYS TO SEPT. 11

n Farm and Craft Market, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Market Pavilion Riverside Dr. Friday, July 25, Customer Appreciation Day; Friday, Aug. 22, Military Appreciation Day; Friday, Sept. 26, Autumn Glory Day. Sponsored by the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce. Information: 493-3590.

n Clayton Farmer’s Market, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Village Park Circle. Vendor applications available. Information: Beth Rusho, 686-3771, ext. 4, beth@1000islands-clayton.com.

SATURDAY, AUG. 2 n 16th Annual Gospel Fest, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Turning Point Park Gazebo, State St. 11 a.m. to noon, The Proverbs from Canada; noon to 1 p.m., Bruce Erb from Pulaski; 1 to 2 p.m., Pete Rose from Holland Patent; 2 to 3 p.m., Lea Teachout & Misfits from Orwell; 3 to 4 p.m., Heavensbound Gospel from Carthage; 4 to 5 p.m., The Burkes from Rome; 5 to 6 p.m., Sara Grotremont from Tylerville; 6 to 7 p.m., The Hermman’s from Holland Patent. Information: 493-2022.

CLAYTON SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUG. 9-10

FRIDAY, AUG. 15 n The JCC Foundation will hold a clambake and cocktails fundraiser at the Antique Boat Museum, Clayton. Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. followed by

THURSDAYS THROUGH OCT. 23 n Farmer’s market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Green, Main Street. Information: gardenshare.org/ content/farmers-markets.

HENDERSON HARBOR SATURDAY, AUG. 2 n Shakespeare: “As You Like It” 7 p.m., 12469 County Route 123. The play will be presented by the Adirondack Lake Center for the Arts. Pre-sale tickets: $20 at the gate: $15. Bring your lawn chairs. Coolers welcome. Information: hhpaa.org or Eunice Wescott, 938-7333.

SATURDAY, AUG. 9 n ‘Hospice Hustle’ Walk for Hospice, 8:30 a.m., registration; 9:30 a.m., start. Parking at A Place to Play then bus to Henderson for three mile walk through harbor. All proceeds benefit Hospice of Jefferson County. Information: Penny McCrea, 938-5069 or Hospice, 788-7323.

OGDENSBURG THURSDAYS THROUGH SEPT. 25 n Ogdensburg Green Market, 2 to 5 p.m., Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center; Saturdays, 9 a.m.

POTSDAM TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY THROUGH SEPT. 30 n WWII display, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Potsdam Public Museum, 2 Park St. Includes U.S. uniforms, maps, posters, booklets and items brought from Germany that include a Nazi uniform and banner. Information: 265-6910, potsdampublicmuseum.org.

SYRACUSE SATURDAY, SEPT. 20 n Pops Series, 7:30 p.m., Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater. Begins with the “Wizard of Oz.” Conducted by Sean O’ Loughlin, a full symphony orchestra will play new transcriptions of Harold Arlen’s brilliant lost scores to the classic film. Hearing Judy Garland’s original 1939 studio recordings backed by lush, love orchestration will transport children and adults alike. College students $5; 18 years and younger, free.

THERESA FRIDAYS THROUGH SEPT. 26 n Music in the Vineyard, 6 to 9 p.m., Venditti Vineyards, 42780 New Connecticut Road. Sip sangria, listen to music. No cover charge. Bring a picnic and blanket/chairs. Information: Jana, 287-0500.

WATERTOWN WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCT. 1 n Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce Farm & Craft Market, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesdays, 317 Washington St. Information: Toni Miller, market manager,tmiller@watertownny.com or watertownfarmersmarket.weebly.com.

SATURDAY, AUG. 2 n Military and Veterans Community Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St. To educate military and veterans on services available. Booths for agencies to display services. Set up 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 and 9 a.m. Saturday. Information: Deb Baxter, 425-4400, ext. 58173, debra.baxter2@va.gov.

FRIDAY, AUG. 8 & SATURDAY, AUG. 9 n New York State Zoo at Thompson Park Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too 5:30 to 9 p.m. Taste food from local eateries, sample craft beer, cider and wine. Live music each night. Discounted tickets available for groups of six. Tickets and information: nyszoo.org or 782-6180. 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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n 50th Annual Antiques Show and Sale, Cerow Recreation Park Arena, 600 East Line Road. Presented by the Thousand Islands Arts Center. The show will feature over 80 quality antique dealers displaying furniture, jewelry, glassware, china, books and much more. Show hours are Saturday,10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission charged, children under 12, free. Information: tiartscenter.org, 686-4123.

GOUVERNEUR

to 1 p.m. through Sept. 27, Library Park. Information: gardenshare.org/content/farmers-markets, Sandy Porter, 1- (561) 801-3896.

BOOKS

Books of local interest

A second installment of the “Adirondack Treasure” series has been released. The novel “Adirondack Treasure: Isle Royale” by Matthew J. Glavin and Michael J. Dolan, published by North Country Books, Utica, features a treasure that was buried on an island in the St. Lawrence River during the French and Indian War. The island, known today as Chimney Island, was the site of a French fort and the location of the final battle of the war on what was to become American soil. The island is three miles downstream from Ogdensburg. The story also involves Middle Eastern terrorists working with North Korea to launch a missile with an electromagnetic pulse warhead from a ship in the St. Lawrence River. The first book in the series, “Adirondack Treasure — The Bonaparte Legacy,” was released about three years ago. Both authors live in Cranberry Lake. “Adirondack Treasure: Isle Royale” sells for $19.95 and is available at online bookstores. n n n

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“Fishing the Great Lakes of New York: A Guide to Lakes Erie and Ontario, Their Tributaries and the Thousand Islands” has been released by Burford Books, Ithaca. Its author is Spider Rybaak, Constantia, who writes an outdoor blog for Oswego County Tourism and frequently lectures on fishing in the area. He also teaches fishing classes at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center on Wellesley Island. Among the topics the book details are access points, best fishing seasons, tackle tips and target-tailored fishing strategies. The book sells for $16.95 and is available at online retailers or from the publisher at burfordbooks.com.

n n n Utica native Frank Lentricchia has released his second novel featuring former private detective Eliot Conte. The book is published by Melville House Publishing. The Washington Post called the character “part Mike Hammer and part William S. Burroughs” after the publication of the first book in the Eliot Conte series, “The Accidental Pallbearer,” in 2012. “The Dog Killer of Utica” is set in the author’s hometown. Eliot Conte has returned to his old love, teaching American literature, and has a new romance. But his newfound peace doesn’t last long when one of his students disappears and a string of texts and emails suggest a terror plot is underway. At the same time, the community is shaken by a series of brutal dog killings. Mr. Lentricchia is a professor of American literature at Duke University, Durham, N.C. “The Dog Killer of Utica” sells for $15.95 and is available at online bookstores. n n n Mark D. Irwin, zoo technology program director and associate professor of biology at Jefferson Community College, shares his knowledge of animals as co-author of his first published textbook, “Zookeeping: An Introduction to the Science and Technology,” issued by University of Chicago Press. Endorsed by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, “Zookeeping” will be used in classrooms and zoos around the world. Dr. Irwin, who lives in Watertown, has taught at JCC since 2002. He holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Guelph, Ontario. The book sells for $95 and is available at online bookstores. n n n Kensington Publishing in July released

“Secrets of Hallstead House” by Watertown native Amy M. Reade. The novel concerns the fictional Macy Stoddard, who had hoped to ease the grief of losing her parents in a car crash by accepting a job as a private nurse to the wealthy and widowed Alexandria Hallstead. “But her first sight of Summerplace is of a dark and forbidding home,” according to a book synopsis. “She quickly finds its winding halls and shadowy rooms filled with secrets and suspicions. Alex seems happy to have Macy’s help, but others on the island, including Alex’s sinister servants and hostile relatives, are far less welcoming.” Macy begins wondering if her fate will become “just one of the many secrets” of the house. Ms. Reade attended Cornell University and then went on to law school at Indiana University in Bloomington. She practiced law in New York City before moving to Beesley’s Point, N.J., where, in addition to writing, she is a wife, a full-time mother and a volunteer in school, church and community groups. “Secrets of Hallstead House” will be available on the publisher’s website at www.kensingtonbooks.com when released as an e-book for $3.79. It also will be available as a print-on-demand selection for $15 on Amazon.com. n n n Ogdensburg native Kate Bracy has selfpublished, through Dystel and Goodrich Literary Agency, the novel ”That Crazy Little Thing.” The novel, set in a small town based on Ogdensburg, concerns the fictional character Melanie Davis. “Her history with men leaves her gun shy; her teenaged daughter can’t string two civil words together; her best friend Donna

just found out she has a life-threatening illness,” according to a synopsis of the novel from the publisher. “When Donna also reveals a decades-old secret that still haunts her, Melanie makes it her mission to solve the mystery.” The book sells for $11.69 in paperback and $5.99 on Kindle. The book won the IndieReader Discovery Award for women’s fiction in May at Book Expo America in New York City and three other awards. Ms. Bracy grew up in Ogdensburg and now lives on an island near Seattle, Wash.

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n n n Boonville resident Larry J. Myers has self-published, through Infinity Publishing, the religion and spirituality book, “Then If My People.” The words for the title, the author says, were taken from Second Chronicles, Chapter 7, verse 14. While then addressing God’s chosen people of ancient Israel, it promised them healing for their land if they returned to God. Mr. Myers, a 1952 graduate of Lowville Academy, believes that the same principles apply to our nations as well as each individual. The book sells for $13.95 on the publisher’s website at infinitypublishing.com and on other online bookstores. n n n

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Excelsior Editions, an imprint of SUNY Press, has released “Adirondack: Life and Wildlife in the Wild, Wild East” by Edward Kanze. Mr. Kanze and his wife, Debbie, in 2000 moved from their home north of New York City to the Essex County town of Bloomingdale. The book tells their story of putting down roots in the area, where Mr. Kanze’s family history dates back to 1797. Mr. Kanze has previously worked as a naturalist, park ranger and nature writer in Australia and New Zealand. In addition to personal vignettes, the book provides a crash course in Adirondack geology, climate, flora, fauna and history. The book sells for $19.95 and is available on the publisher’s website at www. sunypress and other online book stores.

SOCIAL SCENE

[ Soldier Art Show Reception ] Bay House Artisans, Alex Bay

Lt. Col. Todd Bajakian and wife, Michele.

From left, Patty Strife, Carthage and Heather Miller, art therapy student, SUNY Oneonta.

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From left, Dr. Thomas Keller, medical director, Cassidy Davis, Dr. John Huszonek, River Community Wellness Program. River Hospital hosted its Soldier Art Show Reception on June 18 at Bay House Artisans, Alex Bay, as part of the River Community Wellness Program.

From left, Patty Wagoner, board member, River Community Wellness Program and Kathy Morris, first vice chairwoman, River Community Wellness Program.

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[ Soldier Art Show Reception ] Bay House Artisans, Alex Bay

From left, Marlon Zapata, Jhency Galeano and Arantxa Zapata.

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From left, Tom Roberts, Theresa; Sue-Ryn Burns, Wellesley Island; Laurie Petersen, Redwood

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From left, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Dave Ridley and wife, Roxann, Nancy Taylor-Schmitt, board member, River Hospital and Fred Schmitt, Clayton.

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SOCIAL SCENE

[ Thousand Islands Land Trust Summer Gathering ] Cuthbert Farm, Chippewa Bay

Judy and Bill Munro, Murray Isle.

Ron and Beth Watson, Wellesley Island.

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From left, Will Ramseier, Clayton, George and Ann Grobe, Grindstone Island.

From left, Tanner Baloh, Clayton, Gavin Hambrose, Clayton, Brendan Baloh, Clayton, and Alex Mercer, Clayton.

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SOCIAL SCENE

[ Thousand Islands Land Trust Summer Gathering ] Cuthbert Farm, Chippewa Bay

Zell Steever, former Thousand Islands Land Trust trustee, Grindstone Island, and Liz Raisbeck, Grindstone Island.

Harold and Johanna Hambrose, Clayton.

GRACE E. JOHNSTON PHOTOS | NNY LIVING

From left, Janice McPhail, Grindstone Island, and Patti Wood, former Thousand Islands Land Trust trustee, Clayton.

From left, Carol Munro, Thousand Islands Land Trust trustee, Bluff Island; Jake Tibbles, Thousand Islands Land Trust executive director, and Ken Deedy, Thousand Islands Land Trust trustee and former executive director, Grindstone Island.

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ON THE RIVER

How an event for the ages began in a little river town BY MICHAEL FOLSOM

IT WAS 1965. THE NIGHT DEPOSIT box was overflowing at the local bank and the small St. Lawrence River village of Clayton was bustling with activity. The antique boat show was born and quickly became one of the largest, most widely attended and financially beneficial events along the river. The event helped to put Clayton on the map in the boating world and in terms of tourism draw. The Clayton show, the first of its kind in North America, also boasted pride, dignity and a prestige among locals and participants. An event created by locals, for locals, would manage to take on a life of its own and organizers found themselves with a real treasure of interest. Those very locals would soon form an auxiliary of the Thousand Islands Museum and then later break off to create what was known as the Thousand Islands Shipyard Mu-

an original boat show participant. Not only does Clayton hold the title for North America’s longest-running antique boat show, but it also serves as the birthplace of vintage raceboat regattas, which it began in 1992 and the trend has now spread across the country, helping to create a vintage class within the American Power Boat Association. The 2014 season at the museum carries a full slate of activity to celebrate the 50th annual antique boat show. In May, the ABM launched its newest exhibit, The National Motor Boat Show, which encompasses the entire Launch Building and highlights the first 50 years of motor boat history with an assortment of boats on display from the late 1800s through the mid-1940s. However, the biggest celebration and slew of activity will take place at the

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While the event reaches a milestone, it’s not hard to look back and see what the show has meant to the community. Small businesses have prospered from an influx of foot traffic every year during the first week in August, while motels tend to reach full occupancy.

seum. The group had realized that what started as a boat show had much more potential and support was growing. The boat show would continue to serve as the centerpiece of what would later become the present -day Antique Boat Museum on Mary Street. Today, the museum prospers with more than 320 boats in its own collection — the largest such collection known in the world — to go along with thousands of boating artifacts. The collection has iconic pieces such as the world’s largest runabout, Pardon Me, the 106-foot houseboat, La Duchesse, and Idyll Oaks,

beginning of August, as the museum hosts the 50th annual Antique Boat Show & Auction, along with the running of the Antique Raceboat Regatta, presented by RBC Wealth Management and with support from I Love NY. Festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1 and feature opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. On Saturday, the show is filled with activities, demonstrations, keynote speakers, children’s crafts, live music, and more. Also that night the popular Block Dance returns for the first time in many years and will take you back in time with a 1950s and ’60s cover band. And then,

from Aug. 8 to 10, the raceboats will speed across the water. And while the event reaches a milestone, it’s not hard to look back and see what the show has meant to the community. Small businesses have prospered from an influx of foot traffic every year during the first weekend in August, while motels tend to reach full occupancy. Restaurants up and down the St. Lawrence River have extensive wait times and gas docks have a regular flow of boats alongside. And the night deposit box at the bank? It continues fill up with green. It is sure to be an exciting span of 10 days in Clayton and if you’ve never made the trip, it’s well worth considering. This great little river community is ready to welcome you, shake your hand and say hello, or even make room for you at their table in that crowded restaurant. Plus, the stories to be told are endless. MICHAEL J. FOLSOM is director of marketing and communications for the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. Michael grew up visiting the Thousand Islands in Cape Vincent at his grandmother’s camp. He is the creator and organizer of the annual Clayton waterfront event Sailing Seaway Clayton/ Seaway Splash. He also runs the blog The ShipWatcher. He and his wife, Christie, their daughter, Lucy, and dogs Polly and Franklin spend summers in Clayton. Contact him at michaelfolsom@abm.org.

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THE NNY LIFE

A challenging journey to enjoy the simplest of foods BY KATIE STOKES

CAN YOU THINK OF SOMETHING you learned in life that first obliterated, then completely reassembled your worldview in a brand new way so that you always, from that point on, saw things differently? My understanding of food was permanently altered during my son’s first two years of life with a food intolerance called FPIES, short for Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. When “Hunk” was just three months old, I gave him a bottle of soy formula that made him so violently ill, he nearly went into shock. Because the doctors thought he just had a stomach virus, it took two more episodes of severe vomiting several days apart, two hours after drinking the formula, before I figured out the connection. Hunk was a breastfed baby, but I had

changed forever. Before, when I had hummus, it was out of a container labeled “Hummus.” But when it came time for me to break down the exact things I was eating for my baby’s sake, everything changed. I was confronted suddenly with the challenge of really considering a food’s benefit, right down to the types of proteins is contained. Everything that passed my lips wasn’t just a choice I was making for myself. What I was doing could directly affect my child in a really negative way. It didn’t take long before label-reading became an instinct. It wasn’t just hummus anymore — I was eating chickpeas, tahini (made of sesame seeds and oil), garlic and whatever other proprietary ingredients make your average hummus a marketable product. Forget satisfying cravings, impulse snacking, or even eating for plea-

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I know what it’s like not to be able to eat whatever you want. I also learned that the world of food expands well beyond the horizons of a grocery store’s shelves.

given him the formula in an effort to combat the colic that had plagued him throughout his first few months. It’s been suggested that colic and reflux may be caused by a baby’s intolerances to certain proteins. Sometimes finding and eliminating the culprit can make a colicky baby more comfortable. Since no one could figure out why my son would react so extremely to the formula — FPIES is exceptionally rare, and most doctors have still never heard of it — I decided I had to figure out how to keep him healthy by altering my diet and eliminating most of the top allergens in the typical American diet: soy, dairy, gluten, nuts, corn, and eggs. That’s how my relationship with food

sure. I had to learn how to use food as a simple tool that made me healthy enough to care for my family. Food introductions for my son were also rife with doubt and fear. Because FPIES children often suffer from “mini reactions” to a vast array of foods, we introduced solid food into his diet one simple food at a time, then waited a week to see if anything changed. To ensure that his basic nutrition requirements were being met safely, we also regularly visited an allergist and a certified dietitian. Each new food was carefully researched and its benefits were weighed over other foods that might have given him more nutritive bang for his buck. We gave him extra

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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virgin olive oil before he ever had sweet potatoes to see if we could enhance his eating experience (and add in fat) by frying things like green bananas and green beans, both safe foods. The cupcakes I made him for his first birthday were gluten, dairy, soy, egg and nut-free. They were made of buckwheat, gluten-free oatmeal, brown rice flour, vanilla rice milk, palm oil, pulverized organic sugar (powdered sugar often has corn starch), baking soda, and xantham gum. I spent three months introducing those ingredients into his diet one at a time. The cupcakes looked, smelled, and even tasted like “real” cupcakes and my son was none the wiser. We were lucky. After a little more than two years of adding foods into my son’s diet one at a time while we watched him for symptoms of a full or mini-FPIES reaction, he is now able to eat anything he likes, with just a few minor exceptions. After wondering briefly if my son would even be able to have birthday cake, and chatting on Internet FPIES forums with moms whose children never will, I won’t look at food the same way again. No one knows why, but more children now than ever suffer from severe and even deadly food allergies and intolerances. There are some adults who have never found a safe food (Google EGID, or eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders), and they get all their nourishment from special elemental formulas with proteins that are “pre-digested.” Based on our experience, I know what it’s like not to be able to eat whatever you want. I also learned that the world of food expands well beyond the horizons of a grocery store’s shelves. Why buy a product — a granola bar, for instance — with 20 ingredients, when I know I can make them on my own with just five? I learned there is a mysterious relationship between food allergies and intolerances and gut bacteria that is only now beginning to be deciphered through careful research. But most of all, I learned how to enjoy the simplest of foods. I now take as much pleasure from a ripe piece of fruit as I used to take from a piece of birthday cake. Even a strawberry is too dangerous a food for some, and I will never again discount the freedom to enjoy one freely.

WELLNESS

Learn to find your inner peace Incorporate yoga and unlock energy you never knew you had BY MICHELLE L. GRAHAM

MAKING AND KEEPING AN EXERCISE program can be challenging. I am constantly revising and re-working programs for Y members. One key is to direct individuals to keep their routine interesting and diverse. Many people with whom I work think that a great exercise routine has to be all hard core. This could not be farther from the truth. Finding a wonderful balance to exercise and life is critical. I have often recommended incorporating yoga into an exercise routine. Truly the health benefits are amazing. According to the American Association of Yoga, the term yoga means “to join or yoke together.” The collaboration of joining the body and mind can very be harmonious. The building blocks of yoga incorporate meditation, breathing and exercise. There are many types and styles of yoga.

follows a very specific sequence of some 26 poses. This type of yoga is very popular. Be prepared to sweat in this discipline. This format takes place in a heated environment of 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. It might not be the right style for just anyone, especially those with specific health conditions or concerns. ASHTANGA YOGA is based on ancient yoga teachings and is often referred to as “power yoga.” It is a more physically demanding style of yoga and incorporates constant movement. Many athletes or former athletes enjoy the intensity of this discipline the most because of the physical nature of this style of yoga. RESTORATIVE YOGA is a terrific way to way to relax and calm the mind. Especially after a busy workday or week. Restorative classes use props like bolsters,

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Yoga can bring more than just a challenging physical workout. It can easily clam your mind, body and spirit and take your workout or your life in a direction you ever dreamed possible.

Finding the right discipline for you is the challenging part. Some of the more popular disciplines of yoga include but are not limited to Hatha, Bikram, Ashtanga, Restorative and Vinyasa. Each have great benefits. So many practices so little time. HATHA YOGA is a popular style that teaches a variety of different postures. A class considered Hatha is generally a gentle and slow type of yoga. It is perhaps a perfect beginning for anyone just starting out and wanting to learn the basics. After participating in such a class you may find that you are more flexible and relaxed. BIKRAM YOGA is more structured as it

blankets, and blocks to assist the body through a series of poses. In this practice, poses are often held for a period of time. Still, the focus remains on connecting the mind and the body. Many of the poses in restorative yoga also focus on breath work and poses in the lying position. VINYASA YOGA or “flow” classes are known for their fluid, movement. In Vinyasa yoga every class is different. Teachers choreograph their classes to easily transition from pose to pose and because no two instructors are exactly the same, each class is different. If you like to move this is the style for you. The benefits of yoga can include im-

MICHELLE L. GRAHAM, MS, is wellness director for Watertownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown YMCA. Contact her at ymca_mgraham@yahoo.com. Her column appears in every issue.

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proved posture and flexibility. Of course these seem obvious but did you know that participation in yoga can decrease stress, decrease pain, improve heart function and decrease blood pressure? It can also release toxins from the body. Yoga can improve strength, balance, muscle tone and enhance endurance. A great quality of the practice of yoga is that it may help fight depression in some individuals as well. There are so many therapeutic qualities with yoga. The emphasis on the mind, body and spirit can enhance many systems. Yoga is not for everyone but for most people it can be safe. Some of the most common injuries from yoga are often self-induced. Finding a good instructor is another key. They can modify movements or postures and help guide a new participant based on their own fitness level and health issues. Some of the contraindications for yoga are epilepsy, severe mental disorders, organic heart disease, cancerous tumors, blood disorders, infections of the musculoskeletal system, severe spinal injuries and recent head injuries. Before you begin any exercise program you should speak with your physician to discuss if yoga is the right exercise for you and your health. Of course I have only scratched the surface of yoga. If you are looking for a class to try you might want to consider checking out Satyana Yoga Studio in Watertownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Paddock Arcade or the Kripalu Yoga Center in Adams Center. Both are very well established studios and have great reputations. The YMCA also offers wonderful yoga classes at the downtown and fairgrounds branches. I have taken yoga classes through the years and I always love the feeling of quieting my mind while achieving a sense of calm. There are many ways to integrate yoga into your life. Besides a class, you could buy a video use a yoga app on your smartphone or tablet. Active participation in a class from a knowledgeable instructor is the best first step. You may find that yoga can bring more than just a challenging physical workout. It can easily calm your mind, body and spirit and take your workout or your life in a direction you never dreamed possible.

Clockwise from top: Residents and tourists stroll along Skaneatelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pier for the best view of antique boats during Skaneatelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual Antique and Classic Boat Show. (Thomas J. Grant photo) Lakeside apartments as seen from Skaneateles Lake. Polo players prepare for a match at the Skaneateles Polo Club field on Andrews Road. Built as a stagecoach stop in 1807, the Sherwood Inn serves as a favorite resting place for travelers and locals. Downtown Skaneateles shops welcome patrons from near and far. (Matthew Conheady photo, NYHistoric.com)

36 HOURS

Summer fun in Skaneateles Finger Lake one of the purest in North America

TEXT BY GRACE E. JOHNSTON | NNY LIVING

And if you’re looking for the tasty delicacies, you won’t have to travel far. Skaneateles offers some of the greatest gastronomy in the area, whether you crave breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack. Follow your taste buds and enjoy a plethora of local classics. FRIDAY 1 P.M., EXPERIENCE HISTORY THROUGH ART You don’t need to plan extravagant trips to the world’s most famous cultural centers or flea markets to satisfy your artistic curiosities. Known for some of the most unique and award-winning artistries around, neither the village of Skaneateles nor the broader Finger Lakes region will disappoint. Begin your arts exploration with a stop at the John D. Barrow Art Gallery, which contains 268 paintings highlighting the local community in the mid- to late-1800s. Don’t forget to grab a light lunch at Skaneateles Bakery before heading to the gallery. It’s a new version of an old staple and you’ll want to fill up on its yummy sustenance. From scones to grilled gruyere sandwiches, you’ll not only eat well, but be welcomed like a “regular.” www.barrowgallery.org www.skaneatelesbakery.com

2 P.M., LEARN TO SAIL Sailing is perhaps the most environmentally connected and responsible of any recreational activity. Not only are its participants out in nature, but nature impacts every aspect of the sport. In all ways and on all days, sailing provides a connection to nature that is complete and harmonious. Skaneateles Sailing Club offers learn-to-sail lessons to individuals or small groups on weekdays, evenings, and weekends. www.skansailclub.com 4:30 P.M., COOL START. DELIGHTFUL FINISH Visit Anyela’s Vineyard for an afternoon respite. Anyela’s is the only public winery in Skaneateles. The story of Anyela’s Vineyards began three generations ago in Eastern Europe and continues on the hillside high above Skaneateles Lake. The Nocek family combines its viticultural experience with the cooler climate patterns and fertile soil to grow select grapes. Taste many of their wines and choose one to sit on the patio or in front of the fireplace to enjoy. But save room for dinner, you’re going to need it. www.anyelasvineyards.com 6 P.M., DINNER AT ROSALIE’S Endorsed by former President Bill

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SKANEATELES (SKAN-EE-ATLAS) IS an Iroquois word meaning long lake. And it is just that, a 16-mile stretch of one of the purest and most beautiful lakes in North America. One feels a sense of belonging here, whether it’s to escape for a weekend or to stay for the season. The village is a beautifully petite and storybook “walking village” built directly on the north shore of pristine Skaneateles Lake on the eastern edge of New York’s Finger Lakes region, about 20 miles southwest of Syracuse. It is a scenic village with quaint, tree-lined streets, 19th century homes, alluring antique shops, boutiques, art galleries and enticing restaurants. Skaneateles and the Finger Lakes region are well known as a four-season destination and provide an abundance of attractions and activities throughout the year for guests of all ages, including seasonal festivals, vineyard and wine tasting tours, boating, polo, hiking, and spa retreats. On the lakefront are a picturesque gazebo and a long pier that juts out into the water. Elegant homes line the east and west banks of the lake leading south from Skaneateles. The best way to enjoy the lake is to do as locals do: Plunge into it. Lake activities abound.

Clinton and sportscaster Bob Costas, Rosalie’s Cucina is a must for any gourmet, serving up a wide array of luscious authentic Tuscan dishes. Be sure to make a reservation before you arrive. www.rosaliescucina.com 8:30 P.M., TAKE IN THE NEWEST, OLDEST PUB IN TOWN The LakeHouse Pub with its handsome interior is well suited to the charm of its surroundings. The Pub has the look and feel of a neighborhood establishment with its focal point — a large copper-topped bar — serving up a wide array of local brews. www.lakehousepub.com 10 P.M., BED DOWN IN HISTORY Built as a stagecoach stop in 1807, the Sherwood Inn has been a favorite resting place for travelers and locals for more than two centuries. The Inn has been meticulously restored to the beauty of a bygone era with four fireplaces, pegged wood floors, antique furniture and fine wood detailing to create a relaxing harmony away from every day cares. www.thesherwoodinn.com SATURDAY 9 A.M., CRUISE U.S. MAIL HISTORY Enjoy a scenic U.S. Mail Boat Cruise on

Skaneateles Lake. Mail has been delivered by boat on Skaneateles Lake since steam-powered boats were on the water in the 1800s, except during the two world wars. Enjoy a narrated history of the lake and its landmarks aboard the Barbara S. Wiles, a 36-passenger mahogany vessel first launched in 1937 and one of the few U.S. Mail Boats still in operation. Estimated cruise time is three hours and includes a box lunch. www.midlakesnav.com 1 P.M., INDULGE IN RELAXATION Situated on 12 acres in the storybook village, Mirbeau Inn & Spa is a 34-room spa resort that combines the amenities of a French country inn, a world-class spa and nationally acclaimed fine dining, all with the elegant comforts and residential feel of a wine country estate. The inn and spa buildings are clustered around sumptuous Monet pond gardens. The exterior architecture, interior décor and landscape design are reminiscent of a Provencal French Country Estate. Mirbeau Inn & Spa was designed to evoke the warmth and comfort of a private French wine country estate to give guests the feeling that they’ve truly “gotten away” even if they’re just a few miles from home. www.mirbeau.com/skaneateles

4 P.M., TAKE A WALK THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY The heart of Central New York is home to endless historical gems. Skaneateles and its surrounding areas offer endless opportunities for exploration, ranging from turn-of-the-century architecture to stops along the Underground Railroad. Enjoy a scenic walk among historic properties in and about the area. All are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first four are within walking distance of the village center: Skaneateles Historic District, Reuel E. Smith House, James and Lydia Canning Fuller House and Hazelhurst. Estimated touring time, 1.5 hours. www.nps.gov/nr 6 P.M., TAKE A ROMANTIC DINNER CRUISE End your day with a Midlakes Dinner cruise as the sun sets over Skaneateles Lake. Included in the Romance package are a private table for two, flowers and wine. All which are yours to take with a note to your sweetheart, too. www.midlakesnav.com SUNDAY 9 A.M., GUPPY FALLS Take a short morning drive to the Skaneateles Conservation Area and hike to

Indoor and Outdoor Seating

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Outside Patio Bar Open Late!

Fine Dining

Open Wednesday - Monday - Dinner 5-10pm - Lunch Noon - 4pm - Breakfast Thursday - Sunday 8am - Closed Tuesdays

315 • 686 • 3663 - 507 Riverside Dr., Clayton, NY 13624

Guppy Falls, a 20-foot high waterfall that slopes over slippery shale that is perfect for the nature photo lover. From Skaneateles, follow New Seneca Turnpike, route 41 for 1.5 miles to the intersection of Gully Road. Turn left on Gully Road and follow for a mile until you see the turn-off on the left. Tens of miles of trails are prime for hunting, fishing, camping and, in the winter, crosscountry skiing. www.nyfalls.com/waterfalls/guppy-falls 1 P.M., SEE A POLO MATCH In addition to hosting home matches on Sunday afternoons in July and August at the polo field, 783 Andrews Road, the Skaneateles Polo Club plays in leagues and tournaments in Lake Worth, Fla., and Aiken, S.C., during the rest of the year. The club continues to involve newcomers in the sport, and plays benefit games for local charities. Match admission is $2 per car, making an afternoon of Skaneateles polo one of the most extraordinary cultural values in Central New York. Find the club on Facebook. The Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce also posts updates on matches to its site. www.facebook.com/pages/Skaneateles Polo-Club; www.skaneateles.com 5 P.M., RENT A BOAT Be adventurous and explore Skaneateles Lake on your own. The Sailboat Shop offers rentals of sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, and power boats by the day or week. Each rental comes with all the requisite safety equipment. Power and pontoon boats come fully fueled and, for an additional charge, the boats can be stocked with food or drinks of your choice. www.thesailboatshop.com

n GRACE E. JOHNSTON is a staff writer and editorial assistant for NNY magazines. Contact her at gjohnston@wdt.net or 661-2381.

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GETTING THERE From most points north, take Interstate 81 south to Camillus. Take exit 22-23B on the left for I-81 south toward I-690 west/ Carousel Center Drive. Take exit 23B toward Carousel Center Drive. Take a slight left toward Bear Street west then turn right onto Bear Street west and take the ramp onto I-690 west. Take exit 6 to merge onto NY-695 south toward Auburn/NY-5 west. Turn right to stay on NY-5 west then turn left onto NY-321 south. Follow to T with East Genesee Street in Skaneateles.

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e asked NNY Living readers to share their picks of the best of everything that Northern New York has to offer in the summer season. Hundreds of you responded, packing our Best of NNY ballots with more than 400 selections for best NNY laser and skin treatment, fitness, ice cream, local wine, craft beer, burger, farmers market, farm stand, weekend getaway, park, fireworks, day hike, and much more in 25 categories. On the pages that follow, are the best of your best: the 331 winners of our first NNY Living Best of NNY Summer Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Awards.

Nails Lovida Watertown, 788-0482 Facebook.com

Studio 162 Massena, 705-0020 studio-162.com

New Heights Reiki Lowville, 681-1637 facebook.com/NewHeightsReiki

Studio 162 Massena, 705-0020 studio-162.com

Mint Julep Spa and Salon / Curled Salon Watertown, 788-1805 curledsalon.com

Open Sky Wellness center Watertown, 376-2256 openskycenter.com/healthyliving

Elements Day Spa Lowville, 376-0102 elementsdayspaandsalon.com

Jody Wallace Soulspa Healing Arts Studio Pierrepont, 386-3725 jodywallace.amtamembers.com

Adam French Acupuncture Watertown, 785-9588 adamfrenchlac.com

Glow Skincare and Spa Canton, 379-1080 glowspa.org Hair Express Ogdensburg, 393-4177 hairexpress34.com Nice Nails Watertown, 785-9341

BEST LASER/SKIN TREATMENT Cosmetic & Laser Medispa at Center for Sight Watertown, 523-4503 comseticandlaser medispa.com Simply You Wellness Spa Massena, 769-9319 simplyyouspa.com

BODY & SOUL BEST MANICURE / PEDICURE River Day Spa and Salon Clayton, 285-5048 facebook.com/River DaySpaSalon

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The Body Shop Potsdam, 262-0482 bodyshopfitnessandsalon.com

Marcy Day Spa & Salon Watertown, 782-4920 marcyspa.com Lee Nails Watertown, 782-2220 bestleenails.com

River Day Spa and Salon Clayton, 285-5048, facebook.com/RiverDaySpaSalon Glow Skincare and Spa Canton, 379-1080 glowspa.org

BEST DAY SPA A New Attitude Salon & Spa Watertown, 788-2639 anewattitudewny.com Simply You Wellness Spa Massena, 769-9319 simplyyouspa.com The Body Shop Potsdam, 262-0482 bodyshopfitnessandsalon.com Marcy Day Spa & Salon Watertown, 782-4920 marcyspa.com

NOTE: Telephone numbers are all in the 315 area code unless otherwise noted. Businesses not listed with a Web address can be found on Facebook by searching for the business name and location.

The Ritz, Watertown, 782-5170 theritzdayspa.com

Light Touch Acupuncture Watertown, 769-7610 lighttouchacupuncture.com

Harmony Day Spa Watertown, 777-4215 relaxingharmony.com

River Wellness Clayton, 767-7391 riverwellness.net

River Day Spa and Salon Clayton, 285-5048 facebook.com/RiverDaySpaSalon

NNY Massage Watertown, 778-9221 nnymassage.com

Hair Vogue Lowville, 376-3551 hairvoguesalonandspa.com Urban Nature Spa Watertown, 681-6054 urbannaturespa.com Glow Skincare and Spa Canton, 379-1080 glowspa.org Mirror Lake Inn Lake Placid, 1- (518) 302-3010 mirrorlakeinn.com/spa-sevices Sassyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salon and Spa Watertown, 786-1880 sassyshairandnailsalon.com

BEST YOGA STUDIO / ALTERNATIVE HEALTH The Mustard Seed Watertown, 788-2463 mustardseed naturalmarket.com Satyana Yoga Watertown, 783-0588 satyanayoga.com

Family Chiropractic Care Watertown, 782-3138 watertownchiropractors.com

BEST FITNESS Cold Blooded Cross Fit Watertown, 486-1294 coldbloodedcrossfit.com SUNY Potsdam Fitness Center Potsdam, 267-2000 potsdam.edu/athletics/fitnesscenter YMCA Watertown, 782-3100 watertownymca.org Planet Fitness Watertown, 661-6366 planetfitness.com Page Fitness Watertown, 786-8032 pagefitness.com Jefferson Fitness Center at Jefferson Community College Watertown, 786-2200 sunyjefferson.edu

Lori Gooding Acupuncture Watertown, 405-2323 acupunctureinwatertown.com

Thousand Island Fitness Center Alexandria Bay, 482-2845 thousandislandfitnesscenter. samsbiz.com

Dingman Chiropractic Watertown, 788-0804 drdingman.com

Curves Lowville, 376-4777 lowvillecurves.com

Lake Ontario Pilates Sackets Harbor, 1- (901) 482-8777 lakeontariopilates.com

Sackets Harbor Brew Pub Sackets Harbor, 646-2739 sacketsharborbrewpub.com

Stewart’s Shops Locations throughout NNY stewartsshops.com

Viking Fitness Clayton, 955-5016 Facebook.com

Channelside Clayton, 686-2940 channelside.com

The Cowlick Watertown, 785-9948, Facebook.com

Henderson Harbor Water Sports Henderson Harbor, 938-7240 hendersonharboryc.com

Cavallario’s Top of the Bay Alexandria Bay, 482-4968 cavallariostopofthebay.com

Treats and Tiques Natural Bridge

River Yoga Clayton, 523-0627 riveryoga.net

BEST ICE CREAM

Tarbell Pilates Hogansburg, 842-0141 tarbellpilates.com Star Spangled Cross Fit Watertown, 778-3423 starspangledcrossfit.com Northern Physical Therapy Clayton, Ogdensburg, Leray 686-1757, nptny.com

Jodi’s Dairy Bar Brownville 782-0322 Twin Leaf Hogansburg, 1- (518) 358-9012 twinleafstores.com Chilly Delight Potsdam, 265-3713 facebook.com/chillydelight The Gal’s Place Alexandria Bay, 804-6415 thegalsplace.com Scoopuccino’s Potsdam, 268-8780 scoopuccinos.com Pennock’s Sackets Harbor, 646-2409

DINING & DRINK BEST OUTDOOR DINING Tin Pan Galley Sackets Harbor, 646-3812 tinpangalley.com

Frosty’s Watertown, 782-7811 Custard Cottage Gouverneur, 287-2010 Lickity Split Dexter, 727-0959 facebook.com/liketysplitice creamshoppe Saturdays, Sundaes and More Sackets Harbor, 783-9641 Wimpy’s Ice Cream Shop Three Mile Bay

Maxfield’s Potsdam, 265-3796 facebook.com/MaxfieldsPotsdam

Ben and Jilly’s Cool Craze Watertown Facebook.com

The Boathouse Sackets Harbor, 646-2092 thesacketsboathouse.com

Castle Ice Cream Clayton, 686-2753 Facebook.com

Roxie’s Road Café Carthage Cold Stone Creamery Watertown, 681-4548 coldstonecreamery.com The Scoop Clayton, 686-3676 facebook.com/TheScoopClayton Martha’s Dandee Cream Queensbury, 1- (518) 793-0372 marthasicecream.com Family Ice Cream Lowville, 376-7511 Facebook.com Philly Fuels Philadelphia, 642-5562 Facebook.com Byrne Diary Locations throughout NNY Byrnedairy.com Duck Out Ice Cream Chaumont, 649-2535 Facebook.com J&B Ice Cream Carthage, 519-1377 Facebook.com Big Mama’s Baldwinsville, 302-4254 Facebook.com Kooler’s Watertown, 783-4794 Facebook.com Midway Ice Cream Shop Watertown, 486-8122 Yelp.com Trolley Ice Cream Henderson, 783-6009 M&M Ice Cream Shop Adams, 232-2614

Dairy Queen Watertown, 681-4316

BEST LOCAL WINES The Cape Winery Cape Vincent, 768-7137 tiswinetrail.com/ the-cap-winery Thousand Island’s Winery Alexandria Bay, 482-9306 thousandislandswinery.com Coyote Moon Winery Clayton, 686-5600 coyotemoonvineyards.com Bella-Brooke Winery Hammond, 375-3044 bella-brookevineyard.com River Myst Winery Ogdensburg, 713-4702 rivermystwinery.net Tug Hill Winery Lowville, 376-4336 tughillvineyards.com

BEST CRAFT BEER Skewed Brewing Watertown, 788-2337 skewedbrew.com Coyote Moon Clayton, 686-5600 coyotemoonvineyards.com Ommegang Cooperstown, 1- (800) 544-1809 ommegang.com The Flashback Lounge Watertown, 775-8378 facebook.com/TheFlashback Lounge Barkeater Brewery Lowville, 376-2337 barkeaterbrewing.com Sackets Harbor Brew Pub Sackets Harbor, 646-2739 sacketsharborbrewpub.com The Hop’s Spot Sackets Harbor, 646-2337 thehopsspot.com

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Bella’s Clayton, 686-2341 bellasonlinenow.com

Yo-Johnny Frozen Yogurt Watertown, 788-0130 yo-johnny.com

Good Ol’ Wishy’s Croghan, 346-6728 Facebook.com

Adrian’s Grand Island, 1- (716) 773-9242

BEST BURGER

Ruby Tuesday Watertown, 786-2089 rubytuesday.com

Boathouse Sackets Harbor, 646-2092 thesacketsboathouse.com

The Hop’s Spot Sackets Harbor, 646-2337 thehopspot.com

Kirkland’s King Eagle Diner Carthage, 519-3004 facebook.com/KKEDCarthageNY

Coach’s Corner Massena, 769-2127 coachscornernny.com

Between the Buns Potsdam, 265-8888 Betweenthebuns.com

Blue Heron Chaumont, 649-2240 theblueheronresturant.com

Wood Boat Brewery Clayton, 686-3233

O’Brien’s Clayton, 686-1110 facebook.com/obriens.clayton.ny

Turtle Island Café Willsboro, 1- (518) 963-7417 turtleislandcafe.com/

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Watertown, 221-4258 fiveguys.com

The Spicy Olive Café Hammond, 324-5111 facebook.com/SpicyOliveCafeLLC

Maggie’s on the River Watertown, 405-4239 makeitmaggies.com

Cooper’s Landing Henderson, 938-5819, cooperslandingrestaurant.com

The Flashback Lounge Watertown, 775-8378 facebook.com/TheFlashbackLounge

Towpath Inn Turin, 348-8122 towpathinn.com

Pine Cone Grill Wanakena, 848-2121 pinecone-wanakena.com

Murray’s Old Irish Inn Waddington, 388-4820

Fairgrounds Inn Watertown, 782-7335 colemanrestaurants.com/fairgrounds

Little Sister’s Inn Herrings, 486-9181 facebook.com/LittleSisters InnAtHerrings

Longway’s Diner Watertown, 782-1131 longwaysdiner.com

Tj’s BBQ, Lowville, 874-4034 tjs-bbq.com

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Riley’s on the River Alexandria Bay, 482-7777 rileysbytheriver.com Savory Downtown Watertown, 788-0272 savorydowntown.com

SHOPPING

TGI Friday’s Watertown, 785-5651 tgifridays.com

The Barley Pub Belleville, 846-5885 Facebook.com

Jose O’Connor’s Carthage, 493-0081 joseoconnors.com

Cavallario’s Cucina Watertown, 788-9744 cavallarios.com

Petals n Pots Greenhouse Cape Vincent 654-2856 potsandpetals.com

Mike’s Pig Pen Watertown, 681-4027 mikespigpen.com

Riverview Brasher Falls, 389-4100 facebook.com/riverview barrestaurant

The Ole Smokehouse Madrid, 322-4125 olesmokehouse.com Johnny D’s Restaurant Watertown, 782-6108 Facebook.com Coleman’s Corner Watertown, 782-6688 colemansresturants.com

Rustic Golf and Country Club Pillar Point, 639-6800 rusticgolf.com Channelside Clayton, 686-2940 thechannelside.com Koffe Kove Clayton, 686-2472 Chappy’s Diner Watertown, 782-9437

Seaway Gardens Watertown, 405-1489 The Garden Center Watertown, 788-7770 Valley Greenery Colton, 265-3437 valley-greenery.com Colwell’s Farm Market and Garden Center Glenfield, 376-7402 colwellsfarmmarket.com

Guignard’s Greenhouse Lowville, 376-3327 localharvest.org

BEST GARDEN CENTERS

Sackets Harbor Brew Pub Sackets Harbor, 646-2752 sacketsharborbrewpub.com

Rhodes Greenhouse Henderson, 938-5152 rhodesgreenhouses.com

Miller’s Greenhouse Lisbon, 393-0374 millersgreenhouses.com

The Crescent Chaumont, 649-3622 facebook.com/TheCrescentRest

Jake’s Wayback Burgers Watertown, 681-4328 waybackburgers.com

The Last Call Evans Mills, 629-4335

Willow Tree Florist and Landscaping Potsdam, 265-2842 willowtreefnl.com

Deluke’s Garden Center Clayton, 686-4769 delukesgardencenter.com Agway Locations throughout NNY agway.com Hallet’s Florist & Greenhouse Adams, 232-2000 hallettsflorist.com Sonny’s Florist Gift & Garden Center Watertown, 788-1130 Lowes Locations throughout NNY 779-0059 lowes.com

BEST SPORTS AND / OR OUTDOOR GOODS Dick’s Sporting Goods Watertown, 786-8681 dickssportinggoods.com Olympia Sports Oswego, 342-3746 olympiasports.com Wear on Earth Potsdam, 265-3178 facebook.com/WearOnEarth Gander Mountain Watertown, 779-1200 gandermountains.com Herb Phillipson’s Watertown, 786-9900 herbphillpsons.com Basic Outdoors Star Lake, 848-4096 facebook.com/BasicOutdoors Black River Adventurer’s Shop Watertown, 786-8800 blackriveradventures.com

Cold Blooded Cross Fit Watertown, 486-1294 coldbloodedcrossfit.com

BEST SEASONAL BOUTIQUES Porch and Paddle Cottage Shop Clayton, 686-3148 porchandpaddle.com Freighters Lake Placid 1- (518) 837-5102 Season’s Specialty Gifts Massena, 764-7671 seasons-gifts.com Karla’s Christmas Shoppe Clayton, 686-1906 karlaschristmasshoppe.com Bev & Co. Sackets Harbor, 646-7083 bevandco.com Eagle Shoppe Clayton, 686-3413 Little River Fudge Alexandria Bay, 482-2188 lilriverfudge.com

BEST FARMER’S MARKETS

Hilda’s Place Clayton, 686-4211

GWNC Farm & Craft Market Watertown, 788-4400 watertownmarket.com

Park Antiques Wellesley Island, 778-2400 wellesleyisland.net Marguerite’s Cranberry Emporium Lowville, 376-4411 mcegifts.com Finley’s Closet Clayton, 783-1017 facebook.com/FinleysCloset

Tea Thyme Sackets Harbor, 646-3416 handmaidensgarden.com Corbin’s River Heritage Clayton, 686-2275 facebook.com/CorbinsRiverHeritage

Potsdam Farmers Market Potsdam, 1- (716) 725-7782 thepotsdamfarmersmarket.org Cape Vincent Farmers Market Cape Vincent, 654-2481 capevincent.org Carthage Farmers Market Carthage, 493-3590 carthageny.info Central New York Regional Market Authority Syracuse, 422-8647, cnyrma.com Lowville Farmers Market Lowville, 804-6410

Chaumont Farmers Market Chaumont, 783-5649 farmersmarkettown.com/ ChaumontNewYorkFarmersMarket Clayton Farmers Market Clayton, 686-3771 1000islands-clayton.com

Colwell’s Glenfield, 376-7402 colwellsfarmmarket.com Behling’s Spookhill Farm Adams Center, 583-3550 facebook.com/behlingspookhillfarms Little m Farms Watertown, 788-2966 Facebook.com

BEST FARM STAND

Best by Farr Evans Mills, 629-4801 facebook.com/BestByFarr

Amish Roadside Farm Stand Depauville

Wyn-De-Elm Farm Watertown, 489-9615 facebook.com/wyndeelmfarm

Martin’s Farm Stand Potsdam, 265-1246 martinsfarmstand.locallygrown.net Old McDonald’s Farm Corn Sackets Harbor, 583-5737 oldmcdonaldhasafarm.com The North Country Store Philadelphia, 642-0646 ncsbulkfoods.com Noble Farm Canton, 854-1853 gardenshare.org/content/noble-farm

Black River Valley Farms Carthage, 493-0559 Facebook.com North Branch Farms Henderson, 523-0760 northbranchfarms.com Beartown Farms Antwerp, 287-9188 beartownfarm.com Overton’s Farm Stand Adams

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Linda Gibbs Handmade Watertown, 783-4250 lindagibbshandmade.etsy.com

Canton Farmer’s Market Canton cantonfarmersmarket.org

facebook.com/Lowville FarmersMarket

FAMILY & KIDS BEST PUBLIC SWIM SPOT Westcott’s Beach State Park Henderson, 938-5083 nysparks.com/parks

Robert G. Wehle State Park Henderson, 938-5302 nysparks.com/parks

Keewaydin State Park Alexandria Bay, 482-3331 nysparks.com/parks

Westcott’s Beach State Park Henderson, 938-5083 nysparks.com/parks

Cedar Point State Park Cape Vincent, 654-2522 nysparks.com/parks

Postwood Parks Potsdam, 265-4030 vi.potsdam.ny.us

Long Point State Park Chaumont Bay, 649-5258 nysparks.com/parks

Black Pond Ellisburg, (518)-891-0235 dec.ny.gov/outdoor

Village Docks Clayton, 686-5552 villageofclayton.org

Robert Moses State Park Massena, 769-8663 nysparks.com/parks

North Elementary Pool Watertown 785-3750 watertown-ny.gov

Southwick’s Beach State Park Henderson, 846-5338 nysparks.com/parks

BEST SUMMER MUSIC SCENE

Concerts on the Waterfront Sackets Harbor, 646-2321 sacketsharborbattlefield.org Grassroots Festival Trumansburg, 1- (607) 387-5098 Grassrootsfest.org Norwood Village Green Concert Series Norwood, 353-2437 nvgcs.org Blues on the Bay Alexandria Bay, 482-9531 visitalexbay.org New York State Fair Syracuse, 487-7711 nysfair.org/concerts Wine Down Lowville, 376-4336 tughillvineyards.com

DPAO Summer Concert Series Watertown, 782-0044 dpao.org/concerts.htm

Oswego Harborfest Oswego oswegoharborfest.com

Stone Mills Arts & Craft Fair La Fargeville (August) stonemillsmuseum.org

Armory Square Syracuse armorysquareofsyracuse.com

Lisbon Homecoming Lisbon, 393-5988 lisbonny.net/Homecoming.htm

moe.down Turin (August) moedown.com

Clayton Opera House Clayton, 686-2200 claytonoperahouse.com

Higley Association Ice Cream Social & Fireworks Colton higleyflow.com

Cream Cheese Festival Lowville (September) creamcheesefestival.com

Wolfe Island Music Festival Wolfe Island wolfeislandmusicfestival.com Tin Pan Galley Sackets Harbor, 646-3812 tinpangalley.com Indian Summerfest Chaumont, 408-7405 facebook.com/IndianSummerfest

BEST FIREWORKS (Independence Day Celebrations) North Country Arts Council Concert in the Park nnyart.org Village of Clayton townofclayton.com Village of Sackets Harbor sacketsharborny.com Village of Alexandria Bay visitalexbay.org

BEST SUMMER FESTIVAL French Festival Cape Vincent (July) capevincent.org/ frenchfestival.asp Waddington Homecoming Waddington (August) waddingtonny.com Black River Fall Festival Watertown (September) publicsquare.com Potsdam Summer Festival Potsdam (July) northcountryguide.com Seaway Splash Clayton (June) sailingseawayclayton.com Can-Am Festival Sackets Harbor (July) canamfestival.com

Village of Norwood norwoodny.org

Thunder in the Bay Alexandria Bay (June) visitalexbay.org

Star Lake Fire Department Star Lake Facebook.com

Fort Drum Riverfest Alexandria Bay (June) drummwr.com

Village of Carthage carthageny.info

Woodsmen’s Field Days Boonville (August) starinfo.com/woodsmen Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days Alexandria Bay (August) visitalexbay.org

Can-Am Festival Sackets Harbor canamfestival.com

Antique Boat Museum Antique Boat Show & Auction Clayton (August) 686-4104, abm.org

French Festival Cape Vincent capevincent.org

Colton Country Days Colton, (July) facebook.com/ColtonCountryDay

Made in New York Festival Sackets Harbor (July) madeinnny.com Tri-Town Summer Festival Brasher Falls (August) tritownsummerfestival.com West Potsdam Field Day & Demolition Derby Potsdam (July) 244-5700 Indian Summer Festival Chaumont (September) facebook.com/IndianSummerfest

BEST DAY HIKE Robert Moses State Park Nature Center Massena, 769-8663 nysparks.com/parks Wellesley Island State Park Fineview, 482-2722 nysparks.com/parks Stone Valley Trail Colton, 262-3175 adklaurentian.org Black River Trail Watertown, 785-7775 Indian River Lakes Conservancy Redwood indianriverlakes.org Whetstone Gulf State Park Lowville, 376-6630 nysparks.com/parks Northville Placid Trail Lake Placid, 1- (800) 395-8080 nptrail.org Grindstone Island Tour Clayton, 686-5345 tilandtrust.org Chaumont Barrens Chaumont, 387-3600 dec.ny.gov/outdoor

DIVERSIONS & ACTIVITIES BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY Lake Placid Lake Placid CVB 1- (518) 523-2445 lakeplacid.com Westcott’s Beach State Park Henderson, 938-5083 nysparks.com/parks Enchanted Forest Water Safari Old Forge, 369-6145 watersafari.com Great Escape Queensbury, 1- (518) 792-3500 sixflags.com/greatescape City of Rochester Visit Rochester Tourism, 279-8300 visitrochester.com Thousand Islands Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531 visitalexbay.org Niagara Falls Niagara USA Tourism Council, 1- (716) 282-8992 niagara-usa.com Antique Boat Museum Clayton, 686-4104 abm.org Adirondack Mountains Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, 1- (518) 846-8016 visitadirondacks.com

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(Fireworks at Local Festivals and Events) Lewis County Fair Lowville lewiscountyfair.org

Robert G. Wehle State Park Henderson, 938-5302 nysparks.com/parks

Alexandria Bay Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531 visitalexbay.org

Knickerbocker Elementary Playground Watertown, 785-3740 watertowncsd.org

Skaneateles Lake Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, 685-0552 skaneateles.com

BEST SUMMER CAMP

Cooperstown Cooperstown / Otsego County Tourism, 322-4046 thisiscooperstown.com Blake Campgrounds South Colton, 262-2640 visitadirondacks.com/camping/ blake-mcneil-campground Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat Lake Clear, (518) 891-1489 lodgeonlakeclear.com

Beaver Camp Lowville, 376-2640 beavercamp.org Unirondack Lowville, (845) 675-9001 unirondack.org

Thompson Park Zoo Watertown, 782-6180 nyszoo.org Ohio Street Playground Watertown, 785-3755 watertowncsd.org

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Town Hall Theater Lowville, 376-2421 townhalltheatre.com Burrville Cider Mill Watertown, 788-7292 burrvillecidermill.com Remington Museum Ogdensburg, 393-2425 fredericremington.org/

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Clayton Opera House Theatre Week Clayton, 686-2200 claytonoperahouse.com

Yo Johnny’s Three locations in Watertown yo-johnny.com

Aqua Zoo Alexandria Bay, 482-5771 aquazoo.com

Camp Trefoil Harrisville, 782-1890 gsnypenn.org

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Flower Memorial Library Watertown, 785-7705 flowermemoriallibrary.org

Kid’s Kingdom Ogdensburg, 393-1980 ny-ogdensburg.civicplus.com

Robert Moses State Park Massena, 769-8663 nysparks.com/parks

Jumpin’ Fun! Inflatable Massena, 842-2714 jumpinfunrentals.com

Destiny USA Syracuse, 466-6000 destinyusa.com

Time-out Castorland, 301-0001 timeoutcastorland.com

Oswegatchie Educational Center Croghan, 346-1222 oswegatchie.org

Sherman Street Playground Watertown, 785-3760 watertowncsd.org

Snack Shack Watertown, 955-3415 snackshackfamilyfuncenter.com

Antique Boat Museum Clayton, 686-4104 abm.org

Alexandria Bay Drive- Inn Alexandria Bay, 482-3874 baydrivein.com

Thompson Park Watertown, 785-7775 watertown-ny.gov

Wild Center Tupper Lake, (518) 359-7800 wildcenter.org

Seaway Valley Rentals Ogdensburg, 528-9318 seawayvalleyjumpers.com/home/

Salmon Run Mall Regal Cinemas Watertown, 782-2843 regmovies.com

Adirondack Museum Blue Mountain Lake, 1- (518) 512-7311 adkmuseum.org

Camp Antique Boat Museum Clayton, 686-4104 abm.org

Westcott’s Beach Henderson, 938-5083 nysparks.com/parks

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Zoofari (vote tie) Watertown, 782-6180 nyszoo.org

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Enchanted Forest Water Safari Old Forge, 369-6145 watersafari.com

Camp Wabasso (vote tie) Redwood, 628-5048 ccejefferson.org/ 4-h-camp-wabasso

Thompson Park Zoo Watertown, 782-6180 nyszoo.org

Camp Shiloh Eaton, (212) 737-8258 campshiloh.org Henderson Harbor Watersports Program Henderson Harbor, 938-7240 hendersonharboryc.com Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center Greig, 348-8833 aldersgateny.org Camp Guggenheim Saranac Lake, 393-2920 dioogdensburg.org/guggenheim.html

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ARTS

VIVA,VIVA! Former Warhol associate, ‘Factory Girl’ artist Viva Hoffmann returns to native region to showcase works at Clayton’s Thousand Islands Arts Center

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TEXT BY NORAH MACHIA | PHOTOS COURTESY VIVA HOFFMANN

VIVA HOFFMANN CLEARLY RECALLS the day she “stopped painting” like a traditional artist. It was in the 1960s, and she was working with pop art sensation Andy Warhol at his New York City studio nicknamed “The Factory.” It was the heyday of the ’60s pop culture movement, and Warhol had been attracting an array of creative artists, writers, actors and models to his studio. Those who worked with the famed artist were nicknamed “The Factory Girls” and “The Warhol Superstars,” and Ms. Hoffmann became one of them. “I was told to stop painting with the traditional brush and easel method because I was now considered performing genius,” she recalled in phone interview from her home in Palm Springs, Calif. “I bought rolls of seamless paper, tacked it on the walls.” Then she began attacking the canvas with broad strokes and no pencil drawing preparation, becoming part of Warhol’s visual art movement known as pop art. Warhol’s works were famous for combining artistic expression, celebrity culture and advertisement. Ms. Hoffmann later returned to the more

traditional brush and easel method when she went outside the walls of “The Factory” to paint landscapes, including several in New York City’s famed Central Park. She was born Janet Sue Hoffmann,

the oldest of nine children whose father was a Syracuse lawyer. The family spent many summers at their home on Wellesley Island, which was sold several years ago, although there is still some property owned by the family on the island. Her family became friendly with the family of Wellesley Island home designer and builder Steven Taylor, who met Ms. Hoffmann when she was a teenager. Many years later, Mr. Taylor and his wife, Nellie, ran into Viva painting on her dock outside the family’s Wellesley Island home, and they were taken back by her paintings of the St. Lawrence River, Mr. Taylor said. “They were amazing,” he said. “Her painting style is very loose, almost impressionistic. I don’t know anyone who can paint the surface of water like she can.” The Taylors bought some of her paintings and also introduced their friends to her work as well. When she moved to California, the Taylors continued to stay in contact with Ms. Hoffmann. Mr. Taylor then decided he wanted to help promote Ms. Hoffmann’s paintings of the St. Lawrence River.

Top, artist Viva Hoffmann at work last year. Middle, the artist paints a scene along the Pacific Coast near her home in California. Right, Ms. Hoffmann painting a field of flowers in California. Opposite page, a portrait of the artist by Patsy Cummings.

at times, although he did attract a large and interesting group of eclectic artists to work with him. His work included a variety of media, such as drawing, printmaking, painting, silk screening, photography, music and film. It was during the 1960s that he started to paint iconic American objects such as Campbell’s Soup cans and CocaCola bottles, along with celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe.

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He has worked with the Thousand Islands Art Center — Home of the Handweaving Museum, 314 John St., Clayton, to organize an exhibit of Ms. Hoffmann’s work. There will be about 40 works on display, with 12 for sale, and the rest on loan from private owners, in an exhibit that opens to the public Friday, Aug. 1. “The Arts Center is very excited and fortunate to feature the extraordinary paintings of Viva Hoffmann this summer,” said Leslie W. Rowland, executive director. “I think it’s pretty amazing that a small organization like the Thousand Islands Art Center, in a tiny but terrific market like Clayton, has the wherewithal to stage exhibitions of this caliber.” “The only way this is at all possible is because of the generosity of our members, sponsors and the community at large,” she added. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31. The show itself runs through Aug. 29, and members will be admitted free, while non-members will have a $5 admission charge. After leaving New York in the 1990s and moving to California, Ms. Hoffmann, who studied art in Paris, continued her landscape painting. She painted landscapes in California and on Wellesley Island when she came to visit in the summer. Ms. Hoffmann developed a deep appreciation of the natural beauty and serenity of the region, which she reflects in her paintings. But she refrains from calling her work “abstract.” “I don’t consider myself an abstract impressionist,” she said. “They are so serious. I really wouldn’t put a particular description on my paintings at all.” During the 1960s, there was “a whole backlash about artists taking themselves too seriously,” she said. After joining the group of “Factory Girls,” in the mid-1960s, Warhol decided to call Ms. Hoffmann “Viva.” She acted in several of his films, including “Midnight Cowboy,” and “Play It Again Sam.” Ms. Hoffmann worked behind the scenes as well. “I typed up a lot of scripts for him,” when the newly emerging method of video art was becoming more popular, she said. Ms. Hoffmann laughs recalling her days with Warhol, noting that some of the stories that had circulated about the activities at “The Factory” were a little exaggerated

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Ms. Hoffmann also traveled with Warhol when he would visit college campuses to talk about his art. When members of the audience asked questions, “I would help him answer them as ridiculous and existential as possible,” she said. She recalled vividly the day she was talking on the phone from her room at the famed Chelsea Hotel on West 23rd Street when Warhol was shot at his studio by a disgruntled feminist writer, who had accused him of stealing her script. “I heard the shots and it sounded like someone was cracking a whip,” she said. “I called back twice, and then hopped the subway and immediately went down there. It was pretty shocking.” Warhol survived the shooting, although news reports said he lived a more cautious life after the incident, including tightened security at his studio. He later died in 1987 in New York City. “Superstar,” a semi-autobiographical account of her life with Warhol and her days at “The Factory,” was written by Ms. Hoffmann in 1974. Ms. Hoffmann has two daughters. Her oldest is Alexandra Auder, whose father was Ms. Hoffmann’s former husband, video artist Michael Auder. Her second daughter, Gaby Hoffmann, was also born in New York City. Gaby’s father was the late Anthony Herrera, a soap opera star known for his role as the James Steinbeck in “As the World Turns.” Viva and her daughters were featured in a New York Times Magazine article last year that described the girls being raised by their single mother in the Chelsea Hotel. Gaby Hoffmann became a child actress, and was featured in films such as “A Field of Dreams,” “Uncle Buck” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” She recently completed work in the film “Obvious Child,” and has had a reoccurring role on the television series “Girls.” Mr. Taylor said he has met both daughters, and called them “lovely girls.” “Viva did a great job raising them,” he said.

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n NORAH MACHIA is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-plus-year veteran journalist and former Watertown Daily Times reporter. Contact her at norahmachia@gmail.com.

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Viva on Viva By VIVA HOFFMANN

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At 5, I was a courtroom artist because my criminal lawyer father made me draw everyone’s portraits. Then he sent me to the Everson Museum School in Syracuse because, since I finished everyone’s else’s art projects in kindergarten, the nuns decided I had talent. Then off to Marymount College in Tarrytown because I could spend junior year in Paris studying with various artists the nuns deemed acceptable until led by me, we art students absconded to the Grand Chaumiere and the Academie Julian — bastions of Impressionist bohemia — where we drew nude models day after day while simultaneously attending the Sorbonne. Back in Tarrytown the nuns were upset that we had no paintings of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame to hang on the corridor walls and we spent a semester re-tacking up the nudes the nuns kept removing. After graduation I spent some time at the Art Students’ League, worked as a model and acted in a couple of Warhol movies before being told by Paul Morrissey that painting was dead and anyway, I was a ‘performing genius’ — the irony that Andy himself was painting up a storm apparently not occurring to me. At a Tim Leary book signing party the vice president of Putnam Brothers asked me to write a book because he’d read an obscene satire I’d written on the Berrigan Brothers (who were from my hometown) and the draft files, (based on Lysistrata by Aristophanes) and published in ‘The Realist,’ so, in Gore Vidal’s spare bedroom in Rome I wrote the first couple chapters of “Superstar.” Meanwhile, I’d acted in a few European films, gotten married, gave birth to Alexandra, and met Christopher Isherwood who told me anybody can write a first book, the trick is to write a second. Accordingly, I wrote “The Baby,” published by Knopf. I acted in a few more movies, obtained a divorce and had another baby, in that order. I put my children to work as actresses while I practiced journalism and then one day I saw someone coming out of Central Park with a beautiful painting of grass strapped to the Julien easel on his back. The following day I bought some canvases and headed for the park, propping the stretcher against [younger daughter] Gaby’s stroller. I was unable to use her as a ballast because she insisted on getting down on the grass and painting on the spare canvas so I had to buy an easel. For a while we worked side by side but her paintings were better. Nevertheless, when in 1998 I moved back up to the St. Lawrence River, Steve Taylor, an architect I knew began buying mine. When his wife, Nellie, advised that I quit writing and paint full time, always eager to drop one thing and pick up another on the merest suggestion, I plunged ahead. During my second winter of frozen pipes and hauling water from holes in the ice I moved back to California, painting mainly poppy fields in the Antelope Valley, flame trees in Santa Monica, coreopsis at Point Dume and some beaches in Mexico.

COVER STORY

Passion on a plate Culinary trained and self-taught, meet four food lovers who put a pinch of love into their dishes BY GRACE E. JOHNSTON, KATIE STOKES & BOO WELLS NNY LIVING

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SOME MIGHT CALL HER UNASSUMING. NOT FOR A LACK OF CONFIDENCE, BUT NOTICABLY RESERVED, QUIET AND UNFLINCHINGLY FOCUSED. IT’S 10 A.M. ON A MID-WEEKDAY WHEN REBEKAH A. ALFORD MEETS FOR AN INTERVIEW ON THE SUN-SOAKED DECK AT HER OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH LAKESIDE RESTAURANT. IT’S CLEAR THAT SHE DOESN’T RELISH THE SPOTLIGHT. SHE’S HUMBLE. THE BREAK FROM ROUTINE TO TALK WITH A REPORTER IS UNUSUAL. SHE’S DRIVEN. AND RESOURCEFUL. BOTH ARE TRUTHS FOR MANY PEOPLE WHO GREW UP ON A BUSY DAIRY FARM. QUALITIES MOST SUCCESSFUL FARMERS POSSES ARE THE SAME A CHEF MUST MASTER TO CONDUCT THE ORCHESTRA OF ACTIVITY IN A KITCHEN.

“Creating a restaurant is a labor of love demanding total commitment of time, energy, intellect, emotion and passion,” said Paul E. Sorgule, president of Harvest America Ventures and former executive chef at the Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid. Ms. Alford is his former student and she is doing just that. A local farm girl-turned executive chef and entrepreneur, she is making her culinary mark on Central and Northern New York. At just 36, Ms. Alford manages Rainbow Shores Hotel & Restaurant in partnership with her parents, Renee R. and Timothy C. Alford, offering beautifully prepared and highly flavorful, contemporary American cuisine just 100 feet from the shore of Lake Ontario.

“I put my life and passion into this,” she said. Ms. Alford refers to her youth as the best and worst of times, another truth of farm life. Growing up on the family homestead, Locust Hill Farm, Mannsville, Ms. Alford learned the value of hard work. “My mom always said: ‘It’s hard to be passionate about a paycheck, but easy to be passionate about a hard-earned dollar,’” Ms. Alford said. Her entrepreneurial spirit is undoubtedly drawn from this reality. “If I hadn’t grown up on a dairy, I probably wouldn’t be like this,” she said. “It’s a completely different mindset when you’re working for yourself.” Mr. Sorgule, who now runs his own res-

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY LIVING

Above, Rebekah A. taurant and culinary Alford, executive chef school consulting and co-owner of business, has known Rainbow Shores Hotel Ms. Alford for 16 & Restaurant, on the years, first as her outdoor dining deck. instructor at Paul Above left, Ms. Alford Smith’s College, later puts the finishing as her executive chef touches on a desert. at the Mirror Lake Inn and now as a consultant to her growing business. At every stage he has seen her skills develop as she hones her culinary and managerial prowess. “She is meticulous to the point of being a perfectionist,” he said. Ms. Alford was the garde manger at the Mirror Lake Inn under Mr. Sorgule, where she prepared appetizers, salads and desserts.

that it’s nearly intoxicating. Coupled with dynamic sunsets, live music, white lights, drinks served in Mason jars and, of course, an incredible meal, the full experience is near euphoric. Two weeks before opening the restaurant, Ms. Alford came down with appendicitis from the stress and worry of the inevitable unknowns of opening day. Yet, her focus and ambition remained impervious. “I didn’t have time for appendicitis,” she smiled. As executive chef at Rainbow Shores, Ms. Alford is still “on the line” every night; the “line” referring to the kitchen space where the cooking is done. Those who work “on the line” are “line cooks”— essential foot soldiers in any functioning restaurant. “It’s all about symmetry of motion,” Mr.

Sorgule explained. Ms. Alford is involved in every aspect of her kitchen. She is comfortable in every cooking medium. It began with baking Christmastime “braid” bread at 13 and has since developed into a full range of culinary dexterity. Although, it was not until she owned her own restaurant that she worked “on the line.” “I taught myself grilling and sataying, and learned very fast,” she smiled coyly. Through her varied work experience and education, Ms. Alford has learned to understand the science and techniques associated with the selection, preparation and serving of foods to small and large groups as well as how to develop recipes and menus, determine overall food cost, and maintain inventory control.

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“Her artistic flair was on every plate,” he said. “I’d hire a farmer any day of the week,” he said fondly. Ms. Alford attended Paul Smith’s College, Brighton, from 2003 to 2006 for culinary arts and later worked at the AAA Four Diamond Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, Lake Placid, and the Relais & Chateaux Lake Placid Lodge. She and her parents partnered to buy Rainbow Shores in 2010 and are now in their fifth season of operation. “It was very hard to leave Lake Placid,” she said. But this was a one-in-a-million opportunity. “The scenery alone is inspiring,” she said. Nestled along a dirt road off Route 3, the property opens up to a pristine view of Lake Ontario where the air is so fresh

“Once you own your own restaurant, it’s no longer just about the food, but also about the management,” Mr. Sorgule said. Ms. Alford takes both elements in stride. “I like it to look like a party on a plate,” she smiled. Toppings are like confetti, an accompaniment to the entree, she explained. Fresh fruits with meats and fresh herbs are her staples, adding alluring layers of flavor to every dish. Ms. Alford has the likeness of an artist, combining irresistible colors and flavors to tantalize every sense. “I can’t deal with repetition,” she said. The restaurant offers a small core menu with a specials menu that changes daily. “Chefs do a lot of research and development,” Mr. Sorgule said. “We develop flavor memory in our subconscious as we try new foods. And just like music, there are endless combinations.” Ms. Alford thrives on creativity. “I will stay up all night and work all day to create something special and unique,” she said. As a young, single mother to a 16-yearold boy, Ms. Alford has managed to break through the ceiling of a historically maledominated field by reason of her work ethic, eye for perfection and ambition. “She is a trailblazer and model for young women entering the field,” Mr. Sorgule said. Her secret ingredient to making it all work? “I smile a lot,” she said. “You have to have fun.”

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Rev. Frederick G. Garry, Watertown

Frederick G. Garry, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Watertown, managed the near-impossible: He found a way to make vegetables irresistible to children. “My children fight over Brussels sprout, asparagus, beets and potatoes” he said. His magical key? Roasting. “You just play with things,” he said. “It started with me wanting to make my own spaghetti sauce. And it was terrible.” That was his senior year of high school. But his cooking enterprises weren’t totally thwarted. College proved slow and dull for the Rev. Mr. Garry, so he started baking bread to challenge himself and pass the time. Then when he married, his next “jag” was cheesecakes. “We were so poor that my goal became trying to make it for less than $3,” he said. Cheesecakes can be an ongoing source of woe for the home baker, though. They can fall and crack, the crusts can get soggy and they can be lumpy and may not always set. Good thing the Rev. Mr. Garry has been known to cook the same dish 1,000 times

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY LIVING

The Rev. Frederick G. Garry, Watertown, shows off his Mexican cream corn. The Rev. Mr. Garry learned to cook as a young man in college and has since mastered several dishes. Nowadays, he cooks to relax.

to get it just right. “I can be a little obsessive compulsive in making and re-making recipes,” he said. For example, in an attempt to perfect this simple concoction, the Rev. Mr. Garry made his version of scrambled eggs for two years until it hit the proverbial bull’s-eye. To this day, his favorite dessert is warm cheesecake and coffee. Warm because his method of making and re-making recipes ensures that every aspect has been fully vetted and known to be perfectly delicious as prepared. For the Rev. Mr. Garry, the key to cooking is knowing how to do basic things unquestionably well. But it can be the simple things

that are hardest to make well, he explained. A native of San Diego, the Rev. Mr. Garry knew what it is to taste authentic Mexican food. That taste followed him to Northern New York. But with a distance of more than 3,000 miles to Southern California, the craving for “good Mexican” became insatiable. He began to experiment, starting with Mexican pickled carrots, pico de gallo and then Mexican rice-turned paella. “Paella is more fun,” he smiled. Cooking is how the Rev. Mr. Garry relaxes. “Give me music, a fair amount of wine and to be left alone for two hours,” he said. His specialties are fish tacos, fresh pasta lasagna and fresh raviolis.

For the Rev. Mr. Garry, butter is everything and salt is not far behind in importance. “My food would never be in light magazines or recommended by your physician,” he smiled. There are flavors that only salt can bring out, he explained. Balsamic glaze is also a great “cheater” method to make anything taste better. It has robust flavor and texture, looks fancy and lends itself to an overall sensual palate experience. Cooking and eating encompass all the senses: the sight of vibrant color combinations, the sound of sizzling oil in a frying pan, the feel of a chilled glass of sangria on a hot summer’s day, the smell of fresh herbs and spices soliciting invigorating scents and the taste of epicurean delight procured from simple recipes done really well. “I’m not a chef,” the Rev. Mr. Garry said. “I just cook.” — Grace E. Johnston

Dr. Gregory J. Healey, Canton

I like doing slow-simmered dishes like that, but I also love grilling. ” Though Dr. Healey has been cooking nearly his entire life, his style as a cook really developed as an adult, and has served as a balance to his work as a physician. “In a medical practice, it’s so busy. After the family got old enough that we could have late dinners, I would come home from work and just start cooking at the end of the day, and I really just found it relaxing. And because the kids were older, I could get away with making more inventive things. It gives you a chance to be creative.” As the head of a blended family with seven children, plus the oldest of a brood of seven, Dr. Healey’s skills as a cook to the masses have come in handy over the years. “I often end up hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas, so you learn to cook for 35 to 40 people at a time doing that.” When he cooks for a big crowd, Dr. Healey depends on large cuts of meat and his grill, which he uses all year, no matter the weather. For large groups, “I’ll just do a whole filet on the grill — those will feed quite a few people. I’ll just do that on the grill with a nice béarnaise sauce. That’s always a real winner. “The secret to making a sauce is to make it at the end. It’s kind of a timed thing. That’s the only fussy part of that. You just have to do the meat at the right time and the sauce at the right time, and everyone’s happy.” One memorable meal came courtesy of a patient who gave Dr. Healey a rack of venison. Inspired by the novelty of fresh game

meat, Dr. Healey decided to adapt a recipe he’d found in a French cookbook. “I barbecued the venison in the wintertime on the grill. I cooked it to medium rare and I made some baguettes, sliced with garlic butter, with a raspberry roulette. I took the baguette and put a little bit of raspberry on top and then set the venison on top of that with some cracked pepper for venison sliders.” Dr. Healey said he often follows recipes and reads cookbooks to get ideas. “I get ideas from local restaurateurs like the 1844 House here in Canton, but I change it up or modify it a bit, and that’s just fun,” he said. — Katie Stokes

Vito Marinelli, Sackets Harbor Most restaurant people are different than normal people. In his book, “Kitchen Confidential,” Anthony Bourdain’s description of restaurant kitchens and the people who work in them is scarily accurate. Restaurant people thrive on chaos and revel in the hustle and bustle of feeding too many people all at the same time. When it get crazy in a restaurant kitchen the adrenalin starts pumping, the energy level begins to soar, everyone gets into a groove and it feels really good. The restaurant world is addicting but it isn’t just about the adrenaline buzz, it is also about the art of impeccable service and soul satisfying food. Vito Marinelli comes from a large Italian

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When Dr. Gregory J. Healey, a pediatrician at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, is consulted as a professional, people seek his expertise as a physician. In truth, his expertise as a physician is a close second (in years at least) to his experience as a cook. That’s why he’s considered one of the north country’s foremost “hidden chefs.” Dr. Healey first picked up a wooden spoon at the age of 10. “I was the oldest of seven children, and it was my job to help out by cooking for the family. My parents worked and ran their own business, so they said, ‘Do you think you can help out with the cooking?’ I said ‘sure.’” Dr. Healey started with the basics, with lessons from his mother. His early specialties included casseroles, roasts and “ordinary” family dinners. But Dr. Healey stays away from most baking. His first foray into the kitchen as a child cured him of that. “I wanted to bake a cake for the family, and I had kind of watched my mother bake cakes, so I got the cake ready, and got it all iced up, and when my mother ate the cake that night she said, ‘Wow, this icing is interesting. You made this yourself?’ I said, ‘Yup,’ and she said, ‘What’d you make it with?’ I said, ‘Well, I made it just like I saw you do it. I used icing sugar and flavoring and lard.’ She said, ‘Lard, eh?’ I had somehow mistaken the butter for lard. I had watched her use lard to bake pies. But God love her, she ate the lard icing.” Dr. Healey now sticks to “meat-centered meals” because, he said, “I’m often inspired by what’s available, so if I go to a store and see a nice veal shoulder, I’ll decide to make osso buco. That’s not always available, and

MELANIE KIMBLER-LAGO | NNY LIVING

Dr. Gregory J. Healey cooks eggs benedict recently at his Canton home. The oldest of seven children, Dr. Healey began cooking when he was 10 to help his parents care for his siblings. His love of food continued.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY LIVING

Vito Marinelli traded a 9-to-5 job as a hospital patient-relations advocate to return to the restaurant industry nearly 30 years ago. He recently partnered to launch Sackets Harbor Coffee Roasters.

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family, a family where every day there is a reason to celebrate with food, family and friends. Mr. Marinelli’s love of good food — food made with fresh and local ingredients — comes from being part of a family of cooks. His mastery of the art of service comes from 30 years in the business, the great chefs under whom he has trained and the impeccable standards he has gleaned from the dining rooms of awardwinning restaurants. In 1932 Mr. Marinelli’s grandparents, first-generation Italian immigrants, were married and settled in Auburn at the head of Owasco Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region. They set down roots in the temperate

climate where fruit trees flourished, grape vines thrived and garlic the size of a child’s fist grew readily. They planted a large vegetable garden and started a family. Food and family became the theme for generation after generation of the Marinelli clan. Mr. Marinelli worked as a line cook in a local eatery to help pay for his education while in college. After graduation he worked as a hospital patient relations advocate. But the 9-to-5 setting lacked the excitement and energy to which he had grown accustomed in the restaurant kitchen. The infectious energy and love of good food drew Mr. Marinelli back to the restaurant world. His education in fine dining began at

the Park Circle, in Syracuse. Mr. Marinelli moved from the kitchen to the front of the house, starting as a bus boy and working his way up to the coveted position of server. The Inn Between in Camillus was his next classroom. Opened in 1972 by Norm and Betty Coleman, the upscale restaurant still operates today. Mr. Marinelli spent winters in Florida, working at Restaurant Maureen in Longboat Key. He learned about wine and classic cuisine at this well-regarded French restaurant. In 1995 he joined the husband-wife team of Rose and Tony Hanson at Old Stone Row in Sackets Harbor. According to Mr. Marinelli, the Hansons were doing great things with fresh local food. Much like his family, the restaurant served good food, good wine and attracted good company. “Food is about family and friends, gathering, good conversation and laughs,” Mr. Marinelli said. “I just can’t get enough of it.” It was the most enjoyable time in his career. If the restaurant hadn’t closed, Mr. Marinelli said he would still be working there. After more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, Mr. Marinelli is ready to slow down a bit and explore some new ventures, but not ones that are too far away from the world he has known for so long. In partnership with long-time friend and Sackets Harbor native Kelly Reinhardt, Mr. Marinelli has started Sackets Harbor Coffee Roasters. The pair has traveled the East Coast taking classes and meeting roasters, learning the art of the perfect cup of coffee. They have set up shop in Sackets Harbor and plan to start retailing their product in the near future. Coffee now brewed from Sackets Harbor Coffee Roaster’s beans is being served at The Boathouse. For Mr. Marinelli, coffee is a natural extension of his love of food and friendship. With his passion for good food and excellent service, Sackets Harbor Coffee Roasters freshly roasted coffee beans are bound to be exceptional. — Boo Wells

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DR. GREGORY HEALEY’S VENISON SLIDERS INGREDIENTS 1 rack venison 1 baguette Garlic butter 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries 2 ounces Cointreau 1 tablespoon sugar Teriyaki sauce Montreal steak seasoning Cracked pepper Shaved Parmesan cheese INSTRUCTIONS Bake or buy a baguette and slice it in ½-inch thick slices. Prepare garlic butter by crushing cloves of garlic into the butter then, after forking the garlic evenly into the butter, spread some thinly on each baguette slice. Arrange on a baking sheet and broil under the broiler until browned. Remove from oven and set aside. Prepare a raspberry comfit using 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries in a small saucepan. Add 2 ounces of Cointreau and a tablespoon of sugar. Heat gently and stir until a smooth mix. Keep warm. Prepare the rack of venison with your favorite seasoning. Teriyaki sauce with Montreal steak seasoning is a good choice. Cook at the highest temperature possible on an outdoor grill, or at 500 degrees in the oven, for 20 minutes. While cooking, turn rack on the grill once, then lower the temperature to moderately high and cook another 20 to 30 minutes or until the venison is medium rare. Carve about half the venison off the rack in one chunk, creating a piece about 3 inches in diameter and 8 to 10 inches long. Carve it crosswise to produce slices that will fit on the baguette, overflowing the bread a bit. The rest of the rack with the meat still on should be split along the ribs. Separate them and cook on the grill a little longer. Serve with a napkin and eat directly off the rib. Assemble the sliders by taking a piece of the baguette and spreading a little warm raspberry on it and adding a slice of warm venison. Add a little cracked pepper and shaved parmesan cheese and get it into your mouth as soon as possible.

THE REV. FRED GARRY’S MEXICAN CREAM CORN

Cilantro Olive oil

INGREDIENTS 1 yellow onion 3 ears of corn 3 jalapenos 4 ounces gorgonzola 8 ounces heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS Heat pan with oil. Sauté diced onion, corn and jalapenos, either diced or julienned. Add cheese, cilantro, and cream until cheese and cream are blended. Serve as a side dish or in lieu of soup. Jalapenos can be deseeded for a less spicy dish. The amount of cilantro is a matter of taste. More cilantro equals more taste.

VITO MARINELLI’S SUMATRA BEEF MARINADE

2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons Worchester sauce

INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons crushed dry roasted peanuts 5 tablespoons salted butter 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 8 ounces) 4 garlic cloves, finely minced 1 cup brewed Sackets Harbor Roaster’s Sumatra coffee ¾ cup creamy peanut butter ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1½ tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce

INSTRUCTIONS Melt butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add crushed peanuts and sauté for approximately 1 minute. Add onion and garlic to the pan and continue to cook until the onion becomes translucent. In a large bowl, combine the coffee with the remaining ingredients (peanut butter through Worchester sauce). Add in the sautéed peanut mixture. The marinade is now ready. For the most flavorful results allow the beef to marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours. Tip: Combining your steak and marinade in a gallon-sized Ziploc plastic bag is an easy and tidy way to marinate meat.

(Serves eight)

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The Johnston House, 507 Riverside Drive, Clayton, opened to patrons in June offering fine dining on the St. Lawrence River. Opposite page, a seafood entrĂŠe with fresh asparagus. NORM JOHNSTON | NNY LIVING

FEATURES

Old Clayton, new cuisine Johnston House comes to life on Riverside Drive, offering patrons an experience like few others BY VICTORIA WISEMAN | NNY LIVING thought about letting Johnston House become something more. “I said to my wife last fall that maybe what [I’d] do is build the restaurant out and then lease it out.” The result is a painstakingly restored and upgraded historic home with a roomy, well-designed patio that draws foot traffic like no other spot in Clayton. There’s ample seating inside and out, with elegant touches like an indoor scotch bar that feels like a club room, and a patio that wraps around two sides of the house. On one side, there’s

a chic outdoor bar, on the other, an inviting fire pit with some open seating. There’s even an elegant koi pond water feature. “I’m like a kid in a candy store. When I get involved in projects I go overboard; the passion takes over,” Mr. Howland said. As the restaurant was renovated, he met

with four different restaurant operators to find the perfect culinary counterpart for this historic space. The entrepreneurs he chose wanted to do something no one else around was doing — offer an experience, a place to sit and stay a while. “I think the inspiration was the property. It’s a great backdrop for what we’re doing,” said Peter Beattie, one of the two partners who took on the restaurant lease. Mr. Beattie and partner George Ruddy are experienced restaurateurs and local natives who between them have opened venues all over the country. Mr. Beattie, with his mother Cynthia, own and operate Channelside, a Clayton standard across the street on Riverside Drive. Mr. Beattie also owns and operates Foxy’s Restaurant in Fisher’s Landing. Mr. Ruddy ran Skiffs in Alex Bay and is the bar manager of Cavallario’s Steakhouse; he also works for a national chain and opens Splitsville restaurants around the country. “At Foxy’s and Channelside we feed so many people in the course of the day. My customer base is with their families and they’re in a rush,” Mr. Beattie said. A destination restaurant, on the other hand, is about slowing that pace of service down and giving the diner an experience where the food is enhanced by presentation and great tableside service. To execute a menu to match that vision, Mr. Beattie and Mr. Ruddy hired local chef Karin Lapusnak, who most recently

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IT WASN’T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE A restaurant. But the Johnston House, a turnof-the century historic home once owned by Capt. Simon Johnston, seemed destined to entertain people. Now a restaurant of the same name, it had a soft opening in June and has been creating a buzz around town since. It’s been packed most weekend nights, even thought its opening wasn’t highly publicized. And it’s not hard to see why diners are attracted to the restaurant. It’s the only property in Clayton on the National Register of Historic Places, a grand Italianate structure that harkens back to the heyday of Thousand Islands resorts, when a railroad brought visitors in droves to the north country. It’s fitting that now, as Clayton’s tourism booms and businesses are reinvigorated, that this historic place should stand as a bridge between the present and the past. Retired businessman Richard Howland bought the property in 2008, when it was set up as an office. “I was getting my captain’s license, so my daughter said I should buy a captain’s house. I thought someday it could be a nice bistro,” he said. That idea stayed squarely in the future. He instead rented it as offices, but, as he said: “Offices aren’t in big demand in Clayton, New York.” So he put the place up for sale. And it sat on the market, for a year and a half. After 18 months, Mr. Howland again

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FAST FACTS: The worked at the Johnston House, 507 Wellesley Hotel Riverside Drive, Clayton. and Restaurant 686-3663. Open and is well known daily except Tuesdays locally for her food. for breakfast, lunch and Her cuisine at the dinner. www.thejohnston Johnston House houserestaurant.com is meant to be a blend of decadent but fresh flavors, and she tries to employ a light touch so the summertime palate isn’t overwhelmed by too many heavy-handed touches. “We have stuffed avocados — that’s one of our shared appetizers — [it comes] with grilled tortillas that you rip apart and scoop out the middle. It’s baked with a tomato bacon blue cheese vinaigrette and topped with cheddar. People love avocado: It’s healthy and delicious,” Ms. Lapusnak said. “It’s upscale, but we have something for everybody to try,” Ms. Lapusnak said. Take for example the lobster shooter small plate. (The menu is arranged to include snacks, meant to be shared, and small plates, which are not as much appetizer as miniature entrées.) A lobster tail is quartered, fried and served atop shot glasses full of sauces: Lemon dill aioli, red pepper hollandaise, chipotle crème and drawn butter. Entrees are thoughtful, including variations on the food we want to see on a menu — seafood, but with a southwest flair, and things no one else is doing yet, like the captian’s cut. That’s a Delmonico filet — one of the richest cuts of beef — trimmed of the fatty ribbon that surrounds it so only the juicy, meaty portion remains. It’s like the meat-lover’s answer to a filet mignon, and much more juicy. The restaurant serves breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. Dinner entrees start at $20 and go up to $45. Lighter fare, small plates run about $14. “We use the best of the best products and ingredients,” Mr. Beattie said. For a local restaurant scene to grow, an area needs to offer a variety of options. “When you’ve got a babysitter for the night, that’s the scenario we’re shooting for,” Mr. Beattie said. Perhaps the best thing about the Johnston House is it how gives diners a sense of place in this lovely little river town. “There’s so much history in that village,” Mr. Howland said. Sitting in this space, enjoying the breezy summer weather with a great meal is just the newest way for people to discover Clayton. pools spas stoves fireplaces

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n VICTORIA WISEMAN is a freelance writer stationed at Fort Drum with her husband, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, and two young children. She has written for Hawaii Business magazine, Honolulu Magazine and Honolulu Family. Contact her at victoria.wiseman@gmail.com.

Rebeka L. Beese, whose family owns Burrville Cider Mill, started keeping bees atop the hill of her Cramer Road property in the town of Rodman in 2009.

‘Healthy bees, healthy planet’ North country beekeepers play important role in world of honeybees TEXT BY LEAH BULETTI | PHOTOS BY AMANDA MORRISON for everyone from novice hobbyists to seasonal commercial keepers to share tricks of the trade, Ms. Lindahl said. The venture, which offers classes on sustainable living, has hosted the groups for several years and typically has about 12 to 25 attendees, with more than 100 interested beekeepers on a mailing list. About a decade ago, a mysterious and poorly understood phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder, a broad umbrella for a variety of afflictions that can decimate hives, routed the honeybee

population. In Jefferson County, the disorder caused honey production to decline from about half a million pounds in 2002 to just 135,000 pounds in 2007 when the phenomenon hit the area, causing it to fall from the top to the number four county for honey production in the state. “It reared its ugly head about 40 years ago. Then it went away, but it came back with a vengeance,” said Theodore P. Elk, a commercial beekeeper who lives in Hammond and has operations across the north country. Mr. Elk said that colony collapse

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HONEY MIGHT BE A DELICIOUS result of what is increasingly becoming a popular hobby among the local-food, sustainable-living minded, but with diseases, mites, cold weather and other vexing issues, it can also be a frustrating hobby for the uninitiated. “You wouldn’t believe how complicated beekeeping is,” said Chelle Lindahl, president of the Local Living Venture, which organizes and hosts a monthly discussion group on bees and beekeeping in Canton. The “meeting of the minds” is a chance

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disorder hasn’t much improved from eight years ago despite some federal efforts to fund research on the epidemic. He started with 700 to 800 hives last year and lost 30 to 40 percent. He transports his bees to South Carolina for the winter months. The proliferation of pesticides and herbicides and chemicals used for genetically modified crops has impacted the bee population, among other factors, he said. He said he’s had decent luck with a natural remedy of cinnamon, lemon juice and sugar, but larger problems still loom. With what he estimates could be 1,000 hobbyists, Mr. Elk said Jefferson County is a favorable place for beekeeping because of the richness of the ground and good floral source from spring to fall, including sumacs and honeysuckle, clover and golden rod. Mr. Elk said beekeepers are the “poor relative” in the agricultural industry, despite honeybees’ essential function to pollinate apples, vine crops, tomatoes and more. The prices of pollination and bees have gone up because it’s so expensive to keep hives alive now, he said. Orchards also need to get on board with beekeepers and start applying pressure on the state and federal level, as bees are necessary for orchard growth; his orchard would have about one third of its crop without pollination from bees, he said. Despite these commercial woes, beekeeping as a hobby has grown substantially in recent years, in large part because of what Mr. Elk called the “coming back to nature movement” that has inspired many to want to know their food source. “There’s been an explosion of hobbyist beekeepers,” he said. Ms. Lindahl said that some hobbyist beekeepers have taken it up because bees are in dire straits. “That’s not only the reason they’re doing it, but it really does figure into it,” she said. “People really want to help out the bees — there’s definitely that sentiment out there.” Given beekeeping’s complexity and the huge variety of strategies and opinions on it, all a quick Internet search away, Ms. Lindahl said it “just became obvious that people need to talk.” “Part of our mission is to help create some kind of social change through these kinds of collaborative, sharing things,” she said. Rebeka L. Beese, whose family owns Burrville Cider Mill, started keeping bees atop the hill of her Cramer Road property in the town of Rodman five years ago. She maintains 15 hives and hopes to grow that number to 100 to create a commercial operation to support her family. Without a mentor in the art of beekeeping, she

Please see BEEKEEPING, page 60

Northern New York

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described it as a “crazy run.” “A lot of old beekeepers will say get a mentor — there are so many different ways to do things,” she said. Ms. Beese purchased her bees, hives and equipment from a business in Oswego County that halted its operation and now purchases bees yearly from Betterbee in Greenwich. She purchases bees in a package for $85, which includes about 20,000 to 30,000 bees and a queen, though bees can also be purchased in “nucs,” which include full frames of bees and brood and typically produce faster than bees purchased in a package, which have to build up wax, and some say are less prone to contracting diseases. Her first year was “really, really rough,” she said; she lost all 20 hives she bought. But she soon figured out what she’d done wrong — placing too many boxes on the bottom at first, instead of adding them as they fill up. By her third year, most made it through the winter; she only lost two to three out of 15 hives and was able to split hives to make up most of the loss. “A lot of the loss was my fault,” she said. She considers herself lucky in that her crop hasn’t been beset by any diseases, including mites. She’s trying to raise them as naturally as possible and plans to use a remedy of sprinkling powdered sugar into the hive if she does see mites. The powdered sugar induces the bees to clean the hive and prevents mites from getting back up. Despite the initial hurdles, Ms. Beese said that keeping bees is not all that labor intensive. “They’re wild insects, they work on their own,” she said. “They pretty much take care of themselves.” The spring is “intense” because bees have to be fed until they’ve generated enough honey to fill their winter storage. She feeds her bees using homemade sugar syrup via canning jars with attached feeders. The process takes about three hours every other day and continues for most of the spring, she said. Once the winter storage, or brood chambers, are full, she can start collecting honey from additional boxes. Each hive’s brood chamber weighs 70 pounds; the supers she pulls from are each six-inches deep and 50 pounds. For her wedding last summer, Ms. Beese made jars of honey as wedding favors. She extracted 30 frames, which filled a five-gallon pail, and hand-bottled the honey. When she starts selling honey in local businesses and at the cider mill she plans to ask $5 per pound plus the cost of the jar. If she’s diligent, she estimates that

TODAY’S GARDENER

Fill your glass with summer: Flavors from the herb garden

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BY BRIAN HALLETT

WHEN SUMMER EMBRACES US, IT brings a bounty of fresh herbs that just beg to be mixed in an array of drinks and cocktails. A mojito or a mint julep would not be the same without mint. Herbs add so much depth of flavor to cocktails whether muddled into the drink or infused into syrup. Herb flavors help round out a drink and shape it into something that is refreshing, clean and bright. But mint is not the only herb that can go into the making of a fine summer cocktail. Try lemon thyme, basil, dill, lavender, tarragon or even rosemary and you would be surprised as to how well these herbs work. Initially, taste the herbs and think about a spirit it would pair nicely with and choose an herb that you like the taste. Many of these herbs you can grow in a personal herb garden. Making fresh and delicious summer cocktails is easy if you follow a simple rule of 2:1:1 – 2 parts spirit of your choice, 1 part sweet and 1 part sour – but remember rules are meant to be broken. Like any recipe, you should follow it the first time through and then tweak it to your liking and write down

what you have changed so you can duplicate it. I like to use fresh ingredients and make my own sour mix and simple syrups. The true beauty of making your own sour mix is having a fresh, versatile and easy cocktail mixer for parties that should last a week or two in the refrigerator. You can tell it is turning if it becomes cloudy.

and seeds. Pour in the cool simple syrup. Shake and use immediately or refrigerate. When my herb garden and containers are at their peak I like to make herb infused simple syrups. I have experimented with the ratio of fresh herbs, sugar and water. Whether homegrown or bought at the farmers’ market, culinary herbs should be a staple in your simple syrups. Herb syrups are delicious drizzled over goat cheese, shaved ice or added to cocktails.

Sour mix

Herb simple syrup

(Yields 2 to 3 cups)

INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice INSTRUCTIONS Make a simple syrup by bringing the sugar and water to a boil, about 7 minutes. Stir continually to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let cool. While the simple syrup cools, strain freshly squeezed lemons and lime juice into a re-sealable bottle (Mason jar works great) discarding the pulp

(Yields 2 to 3 cups)

INGREDIENTS 1½ cups sugar 1¾ cups water ½ cup of a culinary herb (tarragon, lemon verbena, basil, lavender, lemon thyme, tarragon, mint, sage) INSTRUCTIONS Boil ½ cup of a crushed culinary herb, 1½ cups of sugar, and 1¾ cups of water until bubbling. At this point lower your heat and simmer and stir occasionally for 15 minutes. Let your syrup stand and then pour into a mason jar or other glass reus-

able container and refrigerate overnight. Strain and then bottle. You can garnish your bottle with a sprig of the herb you used to infuse your simple syrup. Store in the refrigerator for several weeks. Entertain effortlessly this summer and take in the warm weather with these delicious and refreshing herb infused cocktails.

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Indian point cooler

My family’s cottage is on a beautiful piece of Lake Ontario shoreline called Indian Point, hence the name of this family- and friend-favorite cocktail. This refreshing update on a classic rum and tonic is an easy sipper, thanks to summery mint and plenty of lime juice. INGREDIENTS 2 ounces gold rum 1 ounce sour mix 6 mint leaves, twisted and ripped 2 lime slices INSTRUCTIONS Muddle the ingredients in a shaker glass, add some ice, shake, strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass, top with lime flavored tonic, and garnish with sprig of mint.

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Lavender vodka sour

I have a good friend who eats and drinks gluten free. This beautiful cocktail made with potato or corn vodka is a refreshing and delicate twist on the traditional vodka sour. INGREDIENTS 2 ounces potato or corn vodka (gluten free) 1 ounce lavender simple syrup 1 ounce fresh lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a small cocktail glass to serve “up.” Garnish with a lavender sprig.

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This simple, refreshing cocktail with plenty of fresh lime, mint and crisp cucumber is a summer favorite of Vito Marinelli, general manager of the Boathouse in Sackets Harbor. INGREDIENTS 6 ounces Hendricks’s gin (Scottish gin infused with cucumber, coriander and rose petals). ½ ounce simple syrup 2 slices of washed not peeled cucumber 2 slices lime 4 mint leaves twisted and ripped

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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INSTRUCTIONS Muddle the ingredients in a shaker glass. Pack ice into your shaker. Pour 6 ounces of Hendrick’s into the shaker and shake. Strain it into a martini glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber. This summer as you walk in your garden, pick your herbs. This will encourage their growth and keep them more shapely. You can keep the harvested herbs in glass or Mason jar of fresh water on the counter until it’s cocktail hour.

FOOD

An egg guaranteed to make your friends green with envy n Revolutionary outdoor cooker versatile, easy to use

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BY BOO WELLS

IF YOU COULD TAKE A BRIEF STROLL THROUGH EITHER one of my kitchens, the commercial kitchen where I prepare food for catering customers or my home kitchen where I prepare food for perpetually ravenous teenagers, you could not help but notice the number of kitchen gadgets and electronics that adorn the shelves, counters and storage areas. One of the beauties of this country is that there is a kitchen tool for every need and, I happen to own most of them. In the very near future I am going to have to either build a larger kitchen for my kitchen toys or find a 12-step program for people addicted to kitchen gadgets. Fortunately, before taking any drastic steps toward gadget liberation, the best piece of kitchen equipment ever added to the collection has been the Big Green Egg. The green ceramic egg shaped cooker is unusual looking. Actually, it is just plain weird looking. But, like most things that are a little weird on the outside this Kamado-style cooker rocks on the inside. And, it’s the perfect piece of cooking equipment for a woman who is trying to pare down on her gadget inventory. The Big Green Egg is actually several cooking devices wrapped into one. This versatile piece of culinary heaven is a hardwood-fueled charcoal grill, an outdoor

oven, a smoker and a wood-fired pizza oven. Have a wok? You can even stir-fry on the Big Green Egg. The state-of-the-art ceramic material allows the egg to reach temperatures of more than 900 degrees. The egg has been designed to make temperature control a breeze, from low- and slow-braising to searing at high heat. The ease with which you can keep the temperature of the cooker at 200 degrees for several hours while smoking a pork shoulder or 500 degrees to make gourmet thin crust pizzas or 600 degrees to sear steaks is remarkable. I have always been a fan of the grill — the propane grill that is. The common misconceptions about charcoal grills, the amount of time and work involved with getting the coals “just right” has kept me at bay. I am busy and when it’s time to throw the steaks on the grill and get dinner on the table I can’t wait around for my charcoal to burn down or even worse, have my charcoal burn out because I got distracted and forgot all about cooking dinner. Believe it or not, sometimes dinner is a total and complete afterthought at my house and the grill is the only way to keep the little darlings from eating the kitchen cupboards right off the walls. After the Big Green Egg arrived all my charcoal misconceptions were banished. Heating the cooker is not only easy, but fast — in 15 minutes the internal temperature was 400 degrees. The oven in my house takes longer to heat up. Once the egg is full of hardwood lump charcoal and four small pieces of natural wax-covered fire starter, the air vents are opened wide and it is time for ignition. Close the lid and walk away. (Only I couldn’t walk away because I was so fascinated by watching the temperature on the thermometer rapidly climb.) The temperature can be adjusted lower by closing the vents slightly. Opening the vents raises the temperature as oxygen feeds the fire. More oxygen leads to more flame; more flame leads to more heat. The first culinary challenge was herb-marinated chicken legs. There was definitely some trial and error getting the temperature just right and it certainly did not help that I was constantly opening the lid for a quick progress check. One of the great qualities of the Kamado-style cooker is how moist and flavorful the food comes out. Our chicken legs were testament to this. They had a wonderful

smoky flavor, crisp golden skin, and so juicy. The next challenge was steak and grilled vegetable. The second time getting the temperature exactly right was no problem. The egg’s vent system gives you so much temperature control, certainly more than a traditional kettle grill. By resisting the urge to open the lid constantly, the cooker held the temperature perfectly. We cooked the steaks at 600 degrees, seven minutes on each side and they were done. Right off the grill, the fat glistened and the juices gathered on the plate. It was moist, had beautiful grill marks and tasted just like it looked — perfect. The ultimate challenge was thin crust, brick oven pizza. We used the egg’s heat diffuser, a ceramic ring that changes the cooking method from direct heat (grilling) to indirect heat (convection used for baking) and topped the metal cooking grate with a pizza stone. The hardest part of the pizza-making process is getting the dough thin enough and deciding what toppings to put on your pizza. We went with olive oil, crushed garlic, a smear of garlic scape pesto, goat cheese crumbles and shaved asparagus. The egg’s temperature held steady at 500 degrees and the pizzas were slid from a cornmeal-covered pizza peal into the stone and the lid was closed. Six minutes later the lid was lifted to expose the most beautiful pizzas I have ever seen, much less made myself. The crust was perfectly crisp, the goat cheese was gently melted and the vegetables still bright but tender. It was delicious. The Big Green Egg is my new favorite summer cooking tool. From thin-crust pizza to grilled meats and vegetables it is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table. BOO WELLS is chef and owner of the Farm House Kitchen, a catering company and cooking school in Sackets Harbor. Contact her at sackets farmhousekitchen@gmail.com or visit www.thefarm housekitchen.com.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY LIVING

From pizza to steak, the Big Green Egg is one of the most versatile outdoor cookers on the market.

Pizza dough INGREDIENTS 1 package (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast or 1 ounce fresh yeast 1¼ cups warm water (about 105°F) 1¼ pounds (about 4¼ cups) all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons kosher salt ¼ cup olive oil; more for the bowl INSTRUCTIONS Stir the yeast into the water and let sit for 15 minutes. Combine flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook or in a large bowl. On low speed in the stand mixer or stirring with a wooden spoon, slowly add the yeast mixture and the olive oil alternately to the flour. Knead for 6 minutes on low speed in the stand mixer or on a floured surface by hand until it becomes elastic. The dough should feel soft and just a little sticky. If it feels grainy or dry, add 1 tablespoon warm water at a

time (up to ¼ cup). Knead for another 2 minutes by hand on a floured surface. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl that’s at least twice the size of the dough and cover with a damp dishtowel. Let rise at room temperature until almost doubled, about 1 hour. The dough is ready when you poke a finger in it and it holds the impression. Punch down the dough and divide it into eight 4-ounce balls. Put each ball on a floured surface and, with your hands, flatten and stretch it into a disk that’s about ½-inch thick. The dough will be fairly elastic and will tend to spring back. Cover each piece with plastic and let rest for 5 minutes. Stretch or roll each disk into an 8- to 10-inch round about 1/8-inch thick (the thinner, the better). If they continue to seem springy and resist rolling, cover and let rest for a few more minutes. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and layer the rounds on it with a sheet of parchment or waxed paper between each. Use the dough immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

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HISTORY

A romance for the ages George and Louise Boldt a classic Gilded Age love story

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BY LENKA WALLDROFF

ANYONE WHO CRACKS A THOUSAND Islands travel guide will quickly become familiar with Boldt Castle: the story of the great love of George Boldt for his wife that prompted the construction of a 120-room mansion on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. After Mrs. Boldt’s sudden death in 1904 all construction stopped and Mr. Boldt never set foot on the island again. The epic romance and heartbreak of the story has prompted thousands of visitors to explore the island and inspired hundreds of engaged couples to choose Heart Island as the site for their wedding. But who was the man behind the myth? Who was George Boldt? George Karl Boldt traveled through life in the “luminescent bubble of the American dream.” He was born in 1851 in Rugen, Prussia, a small island off the northeast coast of Germany that’s very close to today’s German-Polish border. In 1864, at the tender age of 13 and with little money, George Boldt set sail for America. Upon his arrival in New York City, he found a job in the kitchen of a small hotel. Mr. Boldt worked there for a time and then set off on an epic journey across America, living for some time in Texas before returning to the East Coast. After making his way back east, he took a job helping to manage the dining room at the exclusive Philadelphia Club in Philadelphia, Pa., the oldest men’s club in the United States. Eventually, he fell in love with the club steward’s daughter Louise Kehrer, whom he married in June 1877. Young George Boldt must have done quite a job at the Philadelphia Club because, as a wedding present to the new couple, the wealthy club members helped the newlyweds establish a small hotel of their own, called the Bellevue. The Bellevue was opened in 1881 during the height of America’s Gilded Age. The Gilded Age (approximately 1870- 1900) was a period of rapid economic growth. Vast fortunes were made in the Reconstruction Period that followed the Civil War, particularly in the areas of the railroad and industry. These fortunes led to an unprecedented level of luxurious living for wealthy

The epic romance of George and Louise Boldt, his subsequent heartbreak and the famous Thousand Islands castle has prompted hundreds of thousands of visitors to explore Heart Island off the shores of Alexandria Bay. Despite the intrigue, the story of Mr. Boldt himself remains shrouded in mystery. This portrait of the millionaire hangs in the modern-day Boldt Castle. WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARCHIVES

Americans. A new class of super-rich was eager to show off their newfound wealth and status, and entrepreneurs and hoteliers like the Boldts were only too happy to capitalize on that desire. Together George and Louise began to revolutionize the hotel industry. Because of her father’s hospitality background, Louise was familiar with the hotel industry and served as the hostess at the Bellevue. She was instrumental in the inclusion of many of the small touches and novel features that helped to set the Bellevue apart from other grand Philadelphia hotels. Louise decorated the hotel, ensuring that fresh flowers and candles were on display in each suite, and that the hotel offered its female guests certain small, thoughtful luxuries. The Bellevue also had an in-house restaurant that quickly developed an enthusiastic following — even England’s Queen Victoria occasionally had

the Bellevue’s terrapin dish shipped to her. The Bellevue had other famous visitors, including the Astors and the Vanderbilts, and a good friendship developed between William Waldorf Astor and George Boldt. Mr. Astor intended to build the finest hotel in America and wanted George Boldt to manage it. The original Waldorf Hotel was constructed to George Boldt’s specifications and once again, Louise Boldt played a major role in the hotel’s decorations and accommodation details. The Boldts learned a number of things from their Bellevue Hotel venture, but perhaps the most important lesson was that of supply and demand. The Bellevue offered superior accommodations but at rates that far exceeded the prevailing prices at other comparable hotels. The resulting exclusivity had the social elite falling over themselves to book rooms at the Bellevue.

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 daughter. Her column appears in every issue.

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Mr. Boldt applied this lesson to his new venture at the Waldorf. It is reported that George Boldt invented the concept of the velvet rope as part of his marketing plan, incorporating it into the lobby of the Waldorf Hotel at the entrance to its exclusive Palm Court restaurant. In 1894 the United States suffered a serious economic depression, but even so, Boldt’s strategy of marketing exclusivity paid off and the Waldorf Hotel survived the economic storm. In 1897, another member of the Astor family invested in the Waldorf, which resulted in the merging of the Waldorf Hotel with the neighboring Astoria Hotel to create the Waldorf-Astoria. The new venture was wildly successful and made George Boldt a multimillionaire. At the turn of the century, Mr. Boldt had the distinction of being the highest-paid employee in the United States. It was about this time, in 1900, that Mr. Boldt expanded the Bellevue. He bought and razed the neighboring Stratford Hotel and built the 1,000-plus room Bellevue-Stratford — one of the largest hotels Philadelphia had ever seen. It was also during this time that Mr. Boldt started construction on Boldt Castle. With his hotel ventures established and running smoothly, he got involved in banking and other side businesses. After Louise’s sudden death in 1904, at the age of 42, Mr. Boldt sent a telegram to the construction manager on the Boldt Castle project to stop all work. Out of grief, he went into seclusion and forbid his family to ever speak of Boldt Castle again. Mr. Boldt died on Dec. 5, 1916. He was remembered as being a demanding, hard-working and stubborn man, but also a man who loved his family, indulged his grandchildren, was fond of flowers, and of people. The flags in New York City flew at half-staff the day of George Boldt’s funeral and traffic on Fifth Avenue was stopped in his honor. His funeral procession proceeded from the Waldorf-Astoria to the church with some of America’s most famous and powerful men as pallbearers. At the time of his death, he left an estate worth nearly $530 million dollars (in today’s currency) to his children and grandchildren. After his death, Mr. Boldt’s children, George Jr. and Clover Louise, ran the Waldorf-Astoria until it was sold and eventually razed to make room for the Empire State Building. George Boldt is buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.

A bee sits in an opening of a bee box at Rebeka L. Beese’s Cramer Road property in the town of Rodman.

BEEKEEPING, from page 53 she could get 100 pounds of honey per hive on a good year. She also plans to use the bees for pollination, trucking them to others’ property and orchards and using them to pollinate her family’s apple orchard, which has 300 trees after 100 were planted last spring. Already, the bees have worked wonders for the family’s adjacent four-acre garden, which contains everything from blackberries to pumpkin, squash and beans; she estimates that the garden’s output has doubled since the bees took up residence on the hill. “It’s just crazy what bees can do,” she said. Over the winter, Ms. Beese wraps her hives in black plastic 55-gallon garbage bags to keep them warm; ventilation is

key. The bees need to keep their hive at around 90 degrees to keep the brood alive. Despite what she called a “learning experience” not without its challenges, Ms. Beese said “it’s absolutely been worth it.” “I suggest that anybody get a bee hive — they’ll love it,” she said. “Everybody likes honey. Who doesn’t like honey?” Watertown beekeeper Kathleen A. Finnerty expressed a similar love for beekeeping after getting into it eight years ago. Like Ms. Beese, her first two hives, which she purchased from Georgia, died. She similarly attributes it to a lack of experience. Now to get bees, she collects swarms — people call her for hives they may have on trees or fences — or splits the hives she has, then buys queens from breeders as needed. She has about 15 hives, spread out between her Sherman Street home, an

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apiary in Philadelphia and two others in Rodman, one of which is mostly blueberries and another mostly alfalfa. She says she would never purchase any equipment from other beekeepers for risk of disease and chemicals and also attributes some of the first year’s loss to the fact that the original packaged bees were not raised together and so were too weak to build up a comb before winter. Last year, for the first time, she had two nucleus hives, which overwintered in their smaller state so they wouldn’t be as stressed out in such a setup and had a greater chance of success. She sells under the label Good Earth Honey from her home and for a few companies online, including the North Croghan Outpost and An Eclectic Boutique in Carthage. She prides herself on not using any chemicals, which she believes has virtually negated loss in her hives. All of her honey is certified naturally grown, a certification she received rather than certified organic because she doesn’t own all the land in her bees’ forage-able radius. Despite the substantial labor input of natural honey production, she still sells it cheaply and locally, for just $6 a pound. “What I do is a lot different than what most beekeepers do, but I think it’s the right thing to do and it creates a lot healthier bee situation,” she said. She once had four hives in Rodman near a cornfield where they were spraying, all of which died, while hives only a few miles down the road survived. To keep the population of mites, which are “virtually universal” and the “nemesis of a honeybee,” she places larger-thannormal sized frames in boxes, removing them every 24 days, freezing them and repeating the process. While she didn’t start out with the explicit aim of aiding the dying honeybee population, she now believes that her natural method is key to the future, especially as commercial keepers struggle to stay afloat. “Small time beekeepers play an important role in the world of honeybees,” she said. “My thought is healthy bees, healthy planet.” She’s also fascinated with bees’ unique biological systems. “If you take one bee out of a hive, it’s nothing, but if you put it back it’s part of a whole,” she said. “It’s a whole little ecosystem that works so well. I find it completely fascinating. I really do love it.” n LEAH BULETTI is a Johnson Newspapers staffer. Email her at lbuletti@wdt.net

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