Mohawk Valley Living #125 April 2024

April

As They Saw It celebrates the vision and creativity of American women artists working across three centuries.

This is one in a series of American art exhibitions created through a multi-year, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, as part of the Art Bridges Initiative.

OTHER EXHIBITIONS INCLUDE 50-POUND BLANKET:

Photographs by Joshua Ives

April 2 - May 12

Next Issue: May 1st

Available at our advertisers each month.

To Seed or Not to Seed

by Sharry L. Whitney

It’s that time of year when many people think about jump-starting the growing season by starting seeds indoors. It’s fun and, in theory, it saves money. Every other year or so, spurred on by the colorful seed catalogs that arrive in the mail, I dig out seed trays from my shed, buy seeds and planting medium, and set up shelves and lights. It’s exciting to see the seedlings poke up through the medium and begin to reach for the light. I monitor them and move the lights up as they push upward.

Then reality sets in.

Trying to water the numerous trays of plants in various stages of growth under the lights is not easy. Some plants grow quickly and soon need to be transplanted. That takes soil and more space! Now the seedlings in each of the 72-cell trays, which take up 2 square feet, take up almost 6 square feet! Soon, the shelves I have upstairs in my craft room reach capacity, so pots are lined up in the windows of my living room. The plants get leggy without the florescent grow lights. Yikes, still quite a few weeks until the last frost! Some seedlings just wilt away. Why? Too much water? Not enough? Oops, I forgot to move my plant labels when I repotted. I know these are zinnias, but what are those? Why did I start so many seeds? I’m saving money, right? It’s fun!

Yes, I encourage you to start seeds indoors. It’s not easy, and I’m not sure it will save you a ton of money. But, if nothing else, you will appreciate the local growers and their beautiful, healthy, sturdy plants ready to plant when the time is right. Easy peasy.

That reminds me. Peas are easy—just plant directly outside as soon as you can work the soil. And you can do that now. And done. •

Riggie is roaming around and hiding in the advertising areas of the magazine. Next to him you’ll find a letter. Find all the Riggies and rearrange the letters to answer this riddle. Submit your answer by the 15th of the month to be entered in drawing for a $100 shopping spree at the advertiser of your choice!

(Excluding media and banks) One entry per household per month. Mail to: Riggie’s Riddle, 30 Kellogg St., Clinton, NY, 13323 or email: mohawkvalleyliving@hotmail.com

NOTE: Please enter Riggie’s Riddle and crossword puzzle in separate emails.

Not a foe, likeSnoopy’s“Red,” this local Baron would be Riggie’sfriendinstead!

Hint: 2 words, 10 letters

The answer to last month’s puzzle the moon that summons sap to flow is: Full Sugar Moon

Our winner is Dale Prince of Rome

Answer to last month’s puzzle about this treasure from our forests: LIQUID GOLD

Our winner is: Carol Crimmins of Bridgewater

Mohawk Valley nature

Abandoned in the Wild

story & photos by matt perry

One of eleven kits born to Lily after her rescue

Native Painted Turtle lose habitat to non-native Sliders

Rescued Parakeet – “Keowee” with his fellow rescue, Geovanni

American Toads and other amphibians are harmed by non-native turtles

Over the years, I’ve encountered numerous domestic animals—cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits—left abandoned in wilderness areas such as parks, State Lands, and rural countryside. As it happens, this has been the primary means through which I’ve acquired most of my animal companions—by rescuing them and providing a home. The question of why individuals relinquish their responsibilities toward their pets encompasses various potential explanations. Firstly, the cost of feeding and caring for animals can be daunting. Veterinary expenses can be prohibitive. Certainly, issues of incompatibility can lead to abandonment; perhaps someone in the household developed an allergy; or maybe the animal had begun exhibiting antisocial or destructive behavior. A small proportion of pet owners facing challenges like these do not make a concerted effort to rehome an animal, or maybe they tried but failed to get the desired outcome. In some cases, they may have attempted to surrender an animal to a shelter, only to discover that the facility was at capacity and unable to accommodate it. Regardless of the rationale, abandoning a domestic animal in the wild is always a terrible option. Such a decision is detrimental not only to the well-being of the pet but also to the environment and wildlife.

Most domestic animals aren’t suited for survival in the wild, a fact I believe is widely understood. Generally, dogs, rabbits, and caged birds lack the necessary skills to thrive on their own.

This is especially true in the harsh climate of the Northeast. While some cats may adapt to outdoor life and even form feral colonies, these situations, besides being inherently unhealthy for the cats, often pose risks to local wildlife, particularly to birds and small rodents. Additionally, by concentrating on small prey, domestic cats can outcompete natural predators like hawks, owls, and foxes, and prevent them from making a living.

When it comes to domestic rabbits, the notion of them thriving in the wilderness of Upstate New York is wholly unrealistic. Unlike their wild counterparts, the Eastern Cottontails, they lack the instinctual abilities to evade predators and find essential resources like food, water, and shelter. Even those that find ways to persist will surely face a crisis come winter. Despite these obvious challenges, my family and I have encountered abandoned domestic rabbits in parks on several occasions. One particularly memorable incident occurred when I found a large New Zealand-type rabbit in Sherrill Brook Park in the late 80s. She was disoriented, hopping in circles as if she were still confined to a pen. Thankfully, she hadn’t been harmed by a dog or wild predator before our intervention. It’s likely that the person who released her held unrealistic expectations about her survival in the wild or perhaps hoped that a compassionate park visitor would offer her a home before she fell victim to the elements or predators. If the latter scenario was

their plan, it succeeded. I adopted her and gave her a home for the remainder of her natural life. Fast forward to this past December, when my partner Wendy and her daughter Jasmine came across a pair of domestic rabbits (again, New Zealand type) that had been abandoned at a park near their home. The rabbits had sought refuge from the elements in a crawlspace beneath a footbridge. With only sporadic offerings of carrots and other assorted produce from sympathetic park-goers, their chances of surviving the winter seemed grim. To get to them Wendy first had to excavate a hole wide enough for a person

Domestic cats impact native prey species like the Southern Red-backed Vole

to crawl under the bridge. Even then, the determined rescuers were barely able to squeeze into that claustrophobic place. Fortunately, Jasmine was able to just reach the two rabbits, which had retreated to the back of the space. Upon returning home, Wendy discovered that the rabbits were a mated pair and the female was pregnant. Within ten days of the rescue, the female, now named Lily, gave birth to eleven kits! Had they remained in the park, the survival prospects for the rabbit kits would have been bleak. Wendy cared for them, and with assistance from her remarkably helpful local House Rabbit Society, she was able to have them neutered and spayed. She was ultimately able to place most of the family into foster homes; the remaining three, she fostered herself. While these rabbits were fortunate to find such care and support, their story is sadly the exception rather than the norm.

I recall back in the spring of 2002, driving out to State Land in Madison County, ostensibly looking for birds and plants, but finding more than I bargained for. It started innocently enough; I was driving along a road, thickly forested on both sides when I saw an orange tabby cat trotting down the road’s shoulder and then vanishing into dense cover. Other than wondering what a domestic cat was doing out in the middle of a wilderness area, I soon forgot about it and went about my business. A few hours later, as I was on my way back through the same area, I saw the cat again, this time emerging from a hole in a tree like a raccoon. I stopped

and checked out the situation. The tree she had come out of was an apple tree growing about 15 feet away from the road. As I examined the tree cavity, two other cats leaped out and dashed into the forest. The orange cat was a mother with two kittens, and the family was attempting to eke out a living in that unlikely place.

The two kittens were not tiny – and were in fact about half-grown. One was a calico female and the other, an orange-and-white male. They seemed to be clean and relatively healthy. This was all good news and it led me to believe that the family probably hadn’t been homeless for long. They also didn’t seem feral and likely had been house cats at one time. I tried to get close to the kittens, to assess the possibility of capturing them. I tossed a few small sticks around to engage them and they playfully chased after them. It was clear they were intrigued by me, but remained guarded and always maintained a discreet distance. I was unprepared to do a cat rescue anyway; I didn’t have a pet carrier with me; I didn’t even have a box. I resolved to come back with food and the proper equipment. The next day I easily located the cat family. I got a carrier and box out of the truck and brought them over to the cats’ tree. I opened a couple of cans of cat food and placed one in the carrier. The mother and the calico kitten immediately entered the carrier and started eating. The male was more difficult to entice into the carrier, but he finally entered. I then loaded the cat family into the cab of the truck and headed for home.

I ended up adopting all three of them. They were spayed and neutered and lived as indoor cats for the rest of their lives. The mother, who we named “Nellie” was a well-mannered, affectionate cat with people, but she didn’t trust dogs or even any cats that weren’t her family members. As a matter of fact, we had to keep her separated from our other cats, or else the fur would fly. We attributed Nellie’s aggressive behavior to her time spent in the wild as a desperate mother forced to fend off other animals. Nellie’s daughter we named Sybil, and her son, Zuben. They were not aggressive at all, particularly Zuben, who loved everyone. He had a particularly strong affection for dogs and would often sleep

Zuben, one of my rescued cats, with his favorite dog, Katie

on top of them and lick them like they were ice cream cones. Sybil became my “indispensable” work companion for about a dozen years.

Over the years I have come across several dogs that had been abandoned. As mentioned above, domestic dogs are illequipped to survive in the wild, particularly in our Northern climate. Some people are under the misapprehension that feral dogs live in packs and commonly interbreed with Coyotes. However, what people often perceive as feral “Coydogs” are almost invariably misidentified full-blood Coyotes or are free-roaming dogs, some of which may bear a superficial resemblance to Coyotes. Instances of domestic dogs breeding with Coyotes are uncommon even in areas where both Coyotes and free-roaming dogs abound. This is primarily due to the incompatibility of breeding behavior between the animals. Since a denning female Coyote relies on her mate to provide food, and that’s not something a domestic dog is liable to do, the partnership is typically an unviable one. While hybrids between domestic dogs and Coyotes can occur, they may not always be fertile or viable. Even if offspring are produced, they may face challenges in survival and reproduction due to genetic incompatibilities or behavioral anomalies.

When it comes to domestic birds, releasing them into the wild might seem like a compassionate act, but it can have detrimental consequences for both the birds and the ecosystem. Parrots, Parakeets, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and other varieties of caged birds released into the wild lack the necessary survival skills and cannot thrive. Years of captivity have stripped them of essential instincts, such as foraging for food, avoiding predators, and navigating natural habitats. As a result, these birds may struggle to find food and shelter, making them easy targets for predators or susceptible to starvation. Many varieties of caged birds are of tropical or subtropical origin, which makes them a mismatch for surviving in a northern temperate climate. Furthermore, released birds can introduce diseases and parasites to wild populations that are not equipped to resist them. This can lead to the spread of illnesses among native bird species, potentially leading to population declines or even local extinctions. While the desire to free caged birds

Fledgling Robins are vulnerable to domestic cats

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is understandable, it’s essential to consider the potential nega tive impacts on both the birds themselves and the environment. Instead of releasing them into the wild, they should be turned over to reputable bird rescues. By taking a more thoughtful and informed approach, we can better protect both captive and wild bird populations.

Regarding abandoned or released reptiles – although, as far as I know, it doesn’t occur as frequently in our part of the country as abandoning other classes of pets, it does still occur. Given our climate and the type of climate required by the most commonly kept varieties of snakes and lizards, as one might expect, the survival rate of those released is very low. However, an exception is the Red-eared Slider which is a turtle native to the Southern United States that can sometimes survive Central New York’s cold winters. Red-eared Sliders have become popular pets due to their striking appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, when owners release these turtles into the wild, they can have detrimental effects on the local ecosystem. One of the primary concerns is the potential for sliders to outcompete native turtle species for resources such as food, basking sites, and nesting areas. Native turtle species in New York, such as the Eastern Painted Turtle and the Snapping Turtle, may struggle to compete with the aggressive behavior and rapid reproduction rates of Red-eared Sliders. Sliders are also known for their voracious appetite and can have a significant impact on local aquatic ecosystems by consuming large quantities of plant material, invertebrates, and small fish. This can disrupt the food web and alter the structure and function of aquatic habitats. Redeared Sliders may introduce new pathogens to local ecosystems, potentially affecting other wildlife or even humans.

The repercussions of releasing domestic animals into the wild are profound and far-reaching, impacting ecosystems, native wildlife, and the animals themselves. From predation and competition for resources to the spread of disease, the consequences can be significant. Responsible pet ownership and utilizing proper methods for rehoming unwanted animals are imperative to safeguarding the lives of our animal companions as well as preserving delicate ecosystems and biodiversity. The onus is on us to disseminate good information to our circles of friends and acquaintances – our fellow pet owners, so they are made aware of the more acceptable and humane alternatives to abandoning animals into the wild. •

Alyssa Sadallah,

Native

Turtles lose habitat to

Sliders

story and photos by Matt Perry

April in the Mohawk Valley is a time of transformation and boundless potential. It is a month when nature fully emerges from its winter torpor and bursts forth with energy and vitality. Whether it’s the sight of spring ephemeral wildflowers in bloom, the sound of rushing streams, the re-energized songbird chorus, or the feeling of warm sunlight on one’s face, April invites us to embrace the wonders of the natural world and celebrate the advent of spring.

Of course, April is not without its capricious nature. Warm, sunny days may be swiftly followed by sudden rain showers or even a late-season snowfall, reminding us of the region’s fickle climate. Virtually every year, we can count on a few days in April when the early emerging woodland wildflowers will be confronted by cold temperatures and snow. Some species, like Sharp-lobed Hepatica, gracefully bow their flower heads to cradle the weight of the snow, protecting their reproductive organs from the chill. Hepatica’s flower stems and emerging leaves are covered with hairs that help insulate them from the cold. Others, such as the hardy Trout Lily, tuck their delicate blooms close to the relative warmth

of the forest floor, sheltering them from the worst of the cold. Meanwhile, beneath the surface, their roots, firmly enmeshed in the soil, serve as anchors against the pull of frost heaves, ensuring the plant remains firmly grounded.

Yet, despite their remarkable adaptations, the spring ephemerals are not immune to the whims of nature. In particularly harsh weather, some may succumb to the cold, their delicate blooms disintegrating before being pollinated.

The relationship between spring ephemerals and their pollinators is one of exquisite timing and synchronicity. These wildflowers have evolved to bloom precisely when their pollinators, emerging from winter dormancy, are in dire need of sustenance. Bees, ants, flies, beetles, and even some early butterflies eagerly seek out the nectar and pollen offered by these delicate blooms, their survival and reproductive success hinging on this vital food source.

In turn, the spring ephemerals have evolved a myriad of adaptations to attract and accommodate their early emerging pollinators. Their vibrant colors and sweet fragrances serve as

beacons in the awakening forest, drawing in hungry insects from afar. Bloodroot does not produce nectar, but its enticing showy flowers usually fool passing bees and flies into paying a visit and leaving with some pollen.

Yet, the relationship between spring ephemerals and their pollinators extends beyond mere attraction. These wildflowers have also evolved intricate floral structures designed to ensure efficient pollination. From the odd vase-like design of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit to the elegant petals of the Trilliums, each bloom is a masterpiece of natural engineering, perfectly tailored to the needs of its pollinators.

One of our least common spring wildflowers is Goldenseal – a particularly captivating herb native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Its botanical name, Hydrastis, is derived from the Greek word “hydra,” meaning water, owing to the plant’s preference for moist, shady environments, typically found in rich, deciduous forests. This

Red Trillium

perennial herb belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow rootstock, which is the primary reason for its common name. The plant boasts a single, hairy stem that rises from the ground in early spring, bearing two deeply lobed, palmate leaves. The leaves somewhat resemble maple tree leaves and can span up to several inches in diameter. In spring, goldenseal produces a solitary, small, white flower with greenish sepals, nestled within the leaf axils. While the flower is dainty, it exudes a subtle charm and contributes to the overall allure of this woodland gem.

As the wildflower spectacle in the forest gradually fades, a flurry of neo-tropical songbirds emerges from their southern refuges, invading the habitat with their melodic presence. These migrants strategically synchronize their arrival with the leafing out of the forest, a phenomenon typically unfolding in the initial weeks of May. The arrival of these songbirds and their fascinating behaviors will be among the focal points of next month’s nature article. •

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The Myrtle Warbler arrives in April

Bloodroot is an early blooming woodland wildflower

Trout Lily Goldenseal Dutchman’s Breeches

from space to you

by carol higgins

America’s space program began in earnest in October 1958. Its storied history is rich with a long list of big goals, difficult and complex challenges, pioneering innovation, and exciting journeys literally into the unknown. The accomplishments are impressive and include over 60 years of human spaceflight, a fleet of successful spacecraft and rovers, satellites, and more, all created by a technological revolution that continues to this day. Many of those advances led to thousands of products, services, and technologies we use here on Earth. Collectively they are called “spinoffs”, the result of NASA’s Technology Transfer Program.

Do you have an idea for a new product that could benefit from integrating or building on one of NASA’s rigorously tested, proven technologies and the expertise of the agency’s researchers? The Technology Transfer Program gives individuals, companies, and the academic community access to many of NASA’s patents through a licensing process. Over 1,200 technologies are available in the patent portfolio, and the online application portal is easy to use. Additionally, their Software Catalog contains over 1,000 programs available for download and free to use.

NASA’s yearly publication Spinoff showcases examples of the way space-age technology solutions are transformed into commercial products and services. The first edition in 1976 highlighted that the advancements made during the successful Mercury,

Gemini, and Apollo programs had already paid dividends.

Research to protect astronaut helmet visors led to scratch-resistant, anti-reflection coatings for plastic eyeglass lenses. Integrated circuits created for satellites made their way into televisions, replacing vacuum tubes. Fire-resistant textiles developed for space suits now protect firefighters. Water purification systems for the Apollo spacecraft led to new filters that eliminate bacteria and viruses in community water supplies. Efforts to monitor astronaut health led to improved electrodes for cardiograms, ultrasonic imaging equipment, and an electro-optical instrument to quickly evaluate vision. The common practice of cutting grooves in highway surfaces came from NASA research to prevent aircraft from hydroplaning on wet runways.

The 2024 edition features the latest spinoff examples. One product is a rugged, high-resolution video camera used to record NASA’s SLS rocket during the Artemis 1 launch that sent the Orion spacecraft around the Moon. Seven cameras were installed on the rocket. Developed by Imperx Inc. and using NASA-patented hardware, it can withstand extreme heat, vibrations, cold temperatures, and radiation – conditions encountered during launch and in space. The company states the experience led to new customers and added $10 million in sales.

Another success story is the building of rockets and rocket engines using 3-D print-

ing (additive manufacturing) equipment. For over five years, the company Relativity Space has collaborated with experienced NASA engineers to tackle difficult challenges. They are using a copper-chromium-niobium alloy invented by NASA in the engines. Their first rocket successfully launched in March 2023.

Other spinoff examples include an ultrasonic scanner originally built to detect defects in the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield, which is now used to inspect composite materials in boat hulls. A new wireless arthroscopic camera for orthopedic surgeons is now FDAcleared for use because of consultations with NASA battery and electrical engineers. Years of NASA research into growing plants in a controlled, closed environment (such as the International Space Station) helped private companies create “indoor” farms that produce large quantities of healthy and nutritious food while using less water, less space, and no pesticides.

Investments in our robust space program not only help answer questions about the solar system and universe, but the research and new cutting-edge technologies created have had a positive impact on everyday life here on planet Earth. Check out the Spinoff. NASA.gov website to learn more.

Wishing you clear skies! •

Hanny’s Voorwerp. Image Credit: NASA, ESA, W. Keel, Galaxy Zoo Team

NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson with cabbage plants growing in the ISS Image credit: NASA

The

Wellin Museum of Art in clinton

by CynthiA M. Quackenbush

One of my drill sergeants in basic training once shook his head over how his wife liked things like plays, museums, and art galleries. “Culture,” he said as if it were something he did not understand at all. I think he was missing out. I love all that stuff. Not because it is “culture” (said in a snotty tone with a pinky in the air), but just because I like them. I found a great art gallery when I went with some family members to Wellin at Hamilton College.

Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, to give it its full name, was established to make art part of the liberal arts experience and to enrich lives throughout the community. All exhibitions, programs, and events are free and open to the public.

It was a weekday afternoon. I had the day off, and so did my great-nephew and niece, Sheppy and Evie. Their mother, Dana, Aunt Jenna, and grandmother Cheryl, all went. Jenna works at Wellin, so I figured I could get some inside information. Once there, however, I was so absorbed in looking at the art that I forgot to ask any questions.

Cheryl and Jenna had been at the opening reception, but Cheryl was happy to have the opportunity to look around without a huge crowd. Sheppy and Evie are interested in everything, and they loved the colorful and varied exhibit currently on display.

The current exhibit, which continues through June 9, 2024, is titled Stab of Guilt by artist René Treviño.

Also debuting in Stab of Guilt are twenty mixed-media collages collectively titled SunspotsbyDay,AsteroidsbyNight

Everyday Adventures of Mohawk Valley Girl

Cynthia M. Quackenbush, a.k.a. “Mohawk Valley Girl,” follow her frugal fun at: mohawkvalleygirl.wordpress.com

Artist René Treviño presents a suite of courtly robes embellished with faux jaguar fur and sequined patches, with Aztec-inspired, feather headdresses.

There were paintings, sculptures, collages, and multi-media works. As we walked in, we saw large mannequins wearing fantastic outfits featuring furs, feathers, and bright jewels. On the wall to the side were many circular paintings.

We walked around marveling at the variety of materials and styles used. The kids had fun deciding which their favorite pieces were. I noticed placards next to the art, telling about each piece, but I preferred just looking and admiring.

As we continued through the gallery, we came to an interactive area where people could make art. There were circles of paper, so visitors could make works similar to what we had seen earlier. There were also some hollow clear light bulbs and various objects one could fill them with. A number were already filled, but we found a couple still empty.

Wandering around, we came to the Object Study Gallery, which features art from the Wellin Collection. I went upstairs to The Lounge, where one could relax and look at the museum’s reference library and Wellin publications. The Terrace, an outdoor space, is available for visitors and special events, but nothing was happening the day we were there. Rooms for classes, lectures, and such are available by appointment. •

The exhibition includes an interactive are where vistors can create art in response to the show.

A sculpture in Wellin Museum’s permanent collection

René Treviño: Stab of Guilt brings together an exuberant selection of works with wide-ranging themes that illuminate the artist’s colorful and complex aesthetic.

Answers found in the pages of this magazine!

Across

1. A favorite lunch go-to or to-go place for business people in downtown Utica. See page 13

3. Ventura’s Restaurant’s Rufus J. Ventura III, for short.

6. Not an album, nor a single.

7. You can see The Central NY Watercolor Society Signature Show here!

8. Goldenseal’s botanical name. See April in Nature page 18.

10. The world’s only truly universal global organization.

11. What NASA calls its advances in technology that benefit life on Earth in the form of commercial products.

14. BFF in AUG?

15. Tailor and the Cook moved from Genesee Street to this street.

Down

1. Golden Eagles were spotted at Verona Beach State Park this March, but they are ___.

2. You’ll find these local organic eggs everywhere

4. Utica native Frances Louise Tracy married this famous American financier and investment banker.

5. Mohawk Valley Girl visited this museum in Clinton.

8. Utica’s Five Points Public ____.

9. What T.R. Proctor Park’s Sal Longo Field and Utica University’s Laura M. Casamento Field have in common.

12. Domestic animal turned wild.

13. You can do a ___ dive in your new pool by ___ Pools & Spas. See page 30.

On the farm with Suzie

My Market Neighbor: Oliver’s Organic Eggs in frankfort

by suzie jones

Happy chickens

The whole family—Oliver, Shauna, Rhianna (12), Avery (9) Ethan (4)

If you live in or near the Mohawk Valley, chances are you’ve heard of Oliver’s Organic Eggs. More likely than not, you’ve enjoyed their eggs at a local restaurant. Maybe you are a die-hard fan and buy them by the dozen every week. Oliver’s eggs seem to be everywhere!

Of course, that was not always the case. Oliver and Shauna Aeschlimann started the farm in Frankfort in 2011 with the idea of producing eggs for a larger egg conglomerate. When things didn’t work out quite as they had planned (their farm was too small and too remote to be the right fit), they went all in. They now have their own brand—raising laying hens, growing their own feed, washing, sorting, packing, marketing, selling, and distributing eggs throughout Central New York.

It is a big job raising the crops needed to feed their chickens, maintaining the detailed paperwork required for organic certification, and then washing, sorting, packing, and delivering all these eggs. Thankfully, Shauna and Oliver took a moment to answer a few questions for us!

Oliver and his family moved from Canada to the States in 1995 (His parents are originally from Switzerland). Oliver grew up and worked on the family dairy farm until we started the chicken farm in 2011. Oliver has always liked chickens. Having a chicken farm has allowed Oliver to still be in the farming business (which he loves), and has given him the independence of

Ethan and Oliver checking out a fancy tractor

Ethan showing off the goods!

working for himself.

“We started by converting an old dairy barn on a farm that we were renting into a chicken barn. We have since bought that farm and remodeled the barn again, incorporating automatic nesting boxes* and expanding the size of the coop to allow for more chickens.

“We crop 400 acres, which provides a lot, but not all of our own feed. At this time, we are focusing on laying hens only. We have raised broilers and turkeys in the past. We really enjoyed raising turkeys, but unfortunately, the turkey harvest and crop seasons coincide. Last year, we were short on help. Growing organic crops takes a lot of cultivating and weeding between planting and harvest. Ultimately, we thought it would be better to put our time into crops instead of turkeys.

“Oliver’s main focus is the cropping end of the farm and staying on top of the hens’feed and nutrition program. He also spends a lot of time in the truck making deliveries. Shauna’s main jobs are cleaning and packaging eggs and handling all the paperwork. We have a few part-time workers who help clean, package, and deliver eggs.

“Currently, we have two other farms that produce eggs for us. This has allowed us to grow and provide our customers with a consistent supply of eggs in between flocks.

“There have been growing pains over the years, mostly coming from trying to scale to meet the demand, figuring out what works best, and streamlining the operation. There have also been outside factors such as COVID and the high egg prices last year that have affected the business.

“We love that we can sell to a stable market and that we can do it with our family. In the future, we plan on building another barn and putting up storage bins for our grain. Having bins and another barn on our farm would help us to be more self-sustainable.” •

*Automatic nesting boxes direct freshly laid eggs out of the box and down a conveyor belt to a collection area. They keep eggs clean and safe from egg-eating hens, saving the farmer time and money.

Suzie

Jones and her husband, Peter, own Jones Family Farm in Herkimer. Together, with their children, they produce specialty goat cheeses and gelato. Find them at local farmers’ markets and online at www.anotherjonesfamilyfarm.com

Rhianna packing eggs in flats

tailor & the cook in utica

by Maryann Vanderpool-Imundo

Utica’s premier farm-to-table restaurant Tailor and the Cook is blossoming and is part of the rebirth of Utica’s Bagg’s Square area. The restaurant is located at 310 Main St. in the historic building that previously housed the beloved Children’s Museum.

Customers are delighted with its fresh modern decor, increased seating capacity, extended hours, and unique menu options.

Arriving guests receive a warm reception from Tiffany Crites at the hostess station which stands adjacent to a large epoxy mosaic of Tailor and the Cook’s original shattered white china, broken wine bottles, and silverware. The artwork, designed and created by Ashlyn Esche, is a joyful celebratory tribute to the restaurant’s journey from its inception, present, and into its promising future.

Founder and co-owner Tim Hardiman and his wife Melissa Hardiman started Tailor and the Cook in 2012 because their 1-year-old son Fionn Hardiman had multiple food allergies that were diminished by a diet of unprocessed foods. Consequently, the entire Hardiman family experienced improved health, which prompted the concept of a fine dining restaurant with a farm-to-table menu.

Tailor and the Cook is now part of the Mohawk Valley Garden Corporation MVG (in conjunction with the Utica Urban Renewal Agency), which is currently focusing on developing properties in the Bagg’s Square neighborhood.

“Being part of Mohawk Valley Garden is great because I have more time to focus on the food,” Hardiman said, “Just ordering ingredients is labor-intensive and time-consuming because I have so many different sellers.” The list of food vendors is on the back of Tailor and

Tailor and the Cook glows is aglow at its new location on Main Street next to Union Station in Utica.

Tailor and the Cook’s main dining room is painted a rich burnt sienna

Server Sam Cordell has a culinary background and thinks T&C’s ingredients are the best Founder and co-owner Tim Hardiman

the Cook’s menu, most of which are the friendly faces seen at local farmers markets. “A lot of them have been with me from the start. They have become my good friends and my customers,” Hardiman said.

“When we began, our menu’s locally sourced food was only around 30% simply because there was such a limited supply chain available back then. Now, we are at about 90%, which is a tremendous source of pride,” Hardiman said.

Tailor and Cook’s team of chefs includes Joel Spadafore, Executive Chef, Cody Jipson, Chef De Cuisine, and sous chefs Brandon VanSlyke and Sean Lincoln. This creative bunch of culinary experts has invented a unique menu that changes seasonally. The Butcher’s Board and New York State Cheese Board are very popular options for starters. For those who want small plates, choose from options under Bold & Warm, Cool & Crisp, Crust & Crumb, and Pasta & Bowls. Diners wishing a more traditional dinner size can choose from a selection of Large Plates. “I’m most surprised by how popular the meatloaf is,” said Hardiman. Be sure to check out the impressive 10-page beverage menu.

The dessert menu offers at least 6 unique choices and a daily gelato or sorbet choice. There are also numerous coffees, teas, and after-dinner cocktails and wines.

Hardiman is pleased to have recently added a Children’s menu, appropriately named the Little Chef’s Menu. Its inspiration came from Fionn Hardiman, who is now a healthy fourteen-year-old. Also new is a Sunday Brunch menu with hours

room, but the bar area which has lovely high-top tables, welcomes spontaneous walk-ins.

In addition to seasonal changes in the menu, the space accommodates changing climates with a cozy fireplace in winter and a lovely outdoor dining area for warmer weather.

Hardiman and his staff are grateful that Tailor and the Cook and Utica are sharing in the growth of this exciting new era while simultaneously remaining true to his roots and friendships. “I love being in this neighborhood,” Hardiman said, “It’s serendipitous. To grow and become something different, that to me, is a real blessing.” •

Tailor and the Cook

311 Main Street, Utica

Open daily 3-11pm

315-624-FOOD

www.tailorandthecook.com

Maryann Vanderpool-Imundo is a poet and freelance cre ative writer. She is an active member in the Oneida Chapter National Society of The Daughters of the American Revo lution (DAR). She enjoys history, writing, public speaking, ballroom dancing and line dancing.

Creamy Vegan Risotto with kohlrabi, brussel sprouts, and winter squash

mv springtime 2024 walking trails

Get in shape for hiking season by exploring some of our area’s hiking trails. April is a great time to take a walk, especially to get a sense of the topography of the area before all the shrubs, weeds, ferns, and trees leaf out and mask the terrain. It’s also wonderful to hear the sound of the birds that are returning from their winter migration. There are many great trails open to the public throughout the Mohawk Valley. The canal system that was the lifeblood of New York State in the 1800s, now offers us miles of multiple-use trails. Many local college campuses also have beautifully maintained paths and trails open to the public.

2024 marks the 200th consecutive season of navigation along New York’s Canals. The Canalway Trail is a network of approximately 300 miles of trails that utilizes the towpaths and the adjoining abandoned railroad beds. There are many parking areas from which you can reach the trail. The New York State canal system opens Friday, May 17, 2024

Lock 20 State Canal Park

Walk over the lock to access the trail. 9050 River Rd., Marcy, NY

Ilion Marina

Marina typically opens beginning of May Voss’ at the Dock Side Cafe 190 Central Ave., Ilion, NY

www.ilionny.com/recreation

The Fort Herkimer Church

575 State Route 5S, Mohawk, NY

www.fortherkimerchurch.com

Exterior tours of the property open to the public anytime as is access to the Erie Canalway Trail

Lock 17 and Moss Island

New York State’s highest lock and access over the lock to Moss Island where you might see rock climbers. Lock parking area located 0.4 miles south of Route 5 on Route 169, Little Falls, NY

The Herkimer Home Historic Site

0.4 miles north of Route 5S on Route 169,Little Falls, NY Guided tours Memorial Day–Labor Day, Wed- Sun www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/herkimerhome/details.aspx

An interactive map of the Canalway Trail can be found on the Parks & Trails New York website: www.ptny.org/bikecanal/map

The Roemer Fitness Trail at SUNYIT is used for the college’s occasional cross country races, but is open to the public for hiking

Students come, and students go, but we “locals” get to take advantage of many of the beautiful college campus trails year round!

Lloyd and Carol Bull Nature Center at HCCC

This outdoor laboratory for science classes is open for the enjoyment of the public, too. The interpretive trail explains the different components of a natural ecosystem. The area includes a farm pond with a picnic area under pines, several black walnut plantations, and a bluebird trail. Along the way are several benches and shelters “for quiet contemplation.”

Drive to the western end of the campus and turn left past the soccer fields. The trail starts behind the soccer fields or you can park by the tennis courts.

Herkimer County Community College

100 Reservoir Rd., Herkimer, NY

www.herkimer.edu/about/our-campus/nature-center

Root Glen at Hamilton College

Spring is a magical time to take a walk around Root Glen. Red shale paths lead you through the woods and over bridges that criss-cross above the creek. The gardens were started over 150 years when Oren Root first planted trees, shrubs, and flowers around “The Homestead.”

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the flowering Peony in May and early June!

www.hamilton.edu/news/story/peaking-peonies

Root Glen, Hamilton College

198 College Hill Rd., Clinton, NY

Parking at Elihu Root House, College Hill Rd. directly across from Campus Road

www.hamilton.edu/arboretum

SHAW’S MAPLE PRODUCTS

Find our sweet syrup and products at local stores and our shop at 7945 Maxwell Rd., Clinton (visit our website for retail locations)

See us at the Farmers’ Markets!

www.shawsmapleproducts.com

315-725-0547

Roemer Fitness Trail at SUNYIT

For a fun walk, with the bonus view over the campus, take a stroll around the Roemer Fitness Trail. The mile-long nature trail has exercise stations and benches along the route. There is also a 5 mile hiking/cross country trail.

SUNY Institute of Technology, 5701 Horatio St., Utica, NY

Parking off of Residential Dr. at the Soccer Field & Trails Parking Lot

Harry Lang Cross-Country and Fitness Trails at Colgate University

Miles of maintained intertwining wilderness trails for walking, hiking, running or skiing. The trails intersect with the Darwin Thinking Path, a nature walk that offers views and “a quiet setting for contemplation and reconnecting with the natural world.”

Colgate University

13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY

Park at end of Chapel House Rd. Take Alumni Road past and around the Frank Dining Hall towards Chapel House to the end of the drive and then follow the signage on foot.

Goodyear Swamp—Update

This lesser-known trail is undergoing repairs and is not open. Watch for updates in the spring of 2025! This wetland, located at the northwest end of Otsego Lake, is managed by the SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station for research and education. Developed trails and boardwalks throughout the five-acres. 7300 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY www.oneonta.edu/academics/biofld/goodyear-swamp.asp

STORIES

ON VIEW THROUGH MAY 5, 2024

Munson’s exhibition series is sponsored by Elizabeth R. Lemieux, Ph.D., and the Family of F.

X. Matt II

Artwork: Phil Young (Scots-Irish and Cherokee, born 1947). Glen Canyon Desecrations No. 3, 1990. Acrylic and sand on canvas. 77 × 55 in. 2021.10.

mural tour

by Cassandra Miller

Golden Age Theater Marquees at Players Theatre

Find the marquee-laden homage to “golden age” downtown Utica theaters on State Street at the city’s reigning community theater, Players Theatre. Created by Maria Vallese in 2022, the mural features movie and vaudeville theaters including The Stanley, Olympic, Majestic, Colonial, Oneida, Hippodrome, Utica, Avon, and Orpheus. The public artwork was developed in partnership with Rust2Green and Lynne Mishalanie of Players in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Utica Monday Night. Vallese works under “Retro Sorrento” and is known for her color-saturated illustrations. You can also see the artist’s work on a vibrant mural on the side of Utica Coffee, a business with which she often collaborates on mug designs and other items.

Black Lives Matter in Kemble Park

Artists Marques Phillips, Dave Mentus, Joshuwa McKinsey, Deondre Linder, and AJ Dyer created public art in Cornhill’s Kemble Park. One work is patchwork-quilt-inspired with different squares representing Black heritage and contributions to Utica and the Cornhill neighborhood where it is located. The opposite side of the patchwork piece is a mural that faces the basketball court and features famous basketball players, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson. Philips is a longtime resident of Cornhill and has contributed designs to several projects in the area, including the logo for Utica City Schools. Mohawk Valley Community College is the alma mater of two artists–Mentus (graphic design and fine art) and McKinsey (animation and illustration). Linder studied graphic design and interactive design at Temple University, and Dyer is a graduate of Notre Dame and St. Francis College and an activist who has worked on Broadway and now lives in New York City.

Seasons at Memorial Park

Utica artist Patrick Fiore created the colorful mural representing the four seasons, which brightens Memorial Park in Utica. Representatives of the Gabriel, Joseph, and Lila Mandour Karam Fund approached Fiore to create a mural, letting the artist choose a location and theme.

According to a statement by the artist on Oneida County Tourism’s website: “I searched for a site that would be accessible to the public. I have fond memories as a child, some 50 years ago, taking part in activities throughout all four seasons at this location. My goal was to creatively amplify the value of art in outdoor public spaces, the wonder and richness of our seasons, and the positive effect nature, creativity, and physical activity have on our well-being as individuals and a community.”

Flowers and History at Liberty Bell Park

Steven Teller created the colorful new mural in downtown Utica in 2023. His concept includes a river of roses (New York’s state flower), bluebirds (the State bird), and colorful local wildflowers meant to symbolize the diversity of Utica’s population. Contrasting the vibrant nature are grayscale images of Utica’s past, including the Utica Belt Line Trolly, textile workers, and the Pickett boat, which are pulled down the Erie Canal by horses, who anchor the bottom right portion of the mural. Teller, of St. Augustine, Fla., and his mural concept were selected after a public vote of several finalists from all over the country.

One World Mural on Genesee Street

Seasons at Memorial Park

Beginning this spring and with a focus on community engagement is a mural by New York City-based artist Jared Diaz, who is creating a mural on the former Utica Dance building on Genesee Street.

“With the understanding that Utica represents a vast range of people from diverse and multicultural backgrounds, this project does not aim to create a broad or simplified vision of the community. Instead, this large format mural has room for individual contributions to shine,” Diaz said in a press release. Diaz has held three community workshops at Munson this winter and spring to get input from the community as they develop the mural concept. The mural is made possible by Pratt Munson College of Art and Design and Rust2Green, a Utica-based university-community partnership focused on placemaking projects. •

april 2024 GALLERY GUIDE

WinslowHomerWood Engravings

Through May 12, 2024

The Arkell Museum was recently gifted a transformative collection of Winslow Homer wood engravings.

Arkell Museum

2 Erie Blvd, Canajoharie, NY (518) 673-2314 arkellmuseum.org

MeetMeinMyFlower

Garden:SoloShowby May-BrittJoyce

April 12–May 8, 2024

Reception: Fri., April 12, 5-7pm

Cooperstown Art Association

Main St., Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-9777 cooperstownart.com

Detail of an oil painting by Adirondack oil painter Greg Klein. His exhibition, ShadesofEvening, is on display through May 18, 2024 at View in Old Forge

CNY Watercolor Society Signature Show

Greg Klein: Shades of Evening Auroras by Jeanne Lampson

by Candace O’Brien

AsTheySawIt:WomenArtists Then&Now

April 2–September 2, 2024

Celebrating the vision and creativity of American women artists working across three centuries.

Fenimore Art Museum

5798 Hwy 80, Cooperstown, NY (607) 547-1400

RemnantLandscapes: AndyWeinsteinSoloShow

April 13–May 18, 2024

MV Center for the Arts

401 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY (315) 823-0808 mohawkvalleyarts.org

Phantasies-Dreams-Nightmares: CollagesbyStevenSpecht

April 5–27, 2024

Reception: Friday, April 5, 5-7pm

Artist Talk: Saturday, April 27, 1-2pm

The Other Side

2011 Genesee St., Utica, NY www.theothersideutica.org

Hours: Thurs: 12-3pm, Sat: 12-3pm

CirculatorySystem:Collaborative ArtbyHamiltonCollegeStudents

March 30–April 12, 2024

Reception: Sat., March 30, 1-4pm College students respond to the isolation they endured during the pandemic through collaborative art.

Kirkland Art Center

9½ E Park Row, Clinton, NY (315) 853-8871 • kacny.org

Art in Bloom

April 5–7, 2024

Spectacular locally produced floral creations inspired by works of art in the Museum’s collection. Enjoy special events and programs throughout the weekend.

Munson

310 Genesee St., Utica, NY (315) 797-0000 munson.art

GregKlein:Shades ofEvening

Through May 18, 2024

Klein explores the boundaries between abstraction and the natural world View

3273 Rt. 28, Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6411 viewarts.org

Local Girl Marries a Millionaire

By Janice Reilly Oneida County History Center volunteer

daughter

in Utica

1842.

and

grandfather, William, were

attorneys in Utica and lived at 276 and 287 Genesee Street in 1840. Her mother Louisa was the daughter of Joseph Kirkland, Utica’s first mayor in 1832. Frances’s brother, Charles Edward Tracy, was also born in Utica and later became a lawyer in his father’s Manhattan law firm where President Grover Cleveland was a partner.

Charles Tracy moved his family from Utica to Manhattan around 1850, where his law firm Bangs, Stetson, Tracy, and MacVeagh, was located next door to the Morgan family bank on Broad Street. Charles performed legal work for John Pierpont Morgan, especially during his railroad cases, and was the head vestryman at St. George’s Episcopal Church where both his family and the Morgan family worshipped. It was only natural that Frances [Fanny] and John Pierpont Morgan met.

Fanny was tall and pretty with a rosebud mouth. She was sweet and pious. She had a taste for elegant gloves and earrings. Although J.P. Morgan had been previously married, it was three years after his first wife’s death that he proposed marriage to Fanny. She was 22 and he was 27. Courtship included concerts, the opera, and church events, both parties being very religious.

Their wedding date was set for June 1, 1865, but Pierpont moved the date to May 31st after June 1st was declared a National Day of Mourning because of President Lincoln’s assassination. The couple honeymooned in Europe, but Fanny became miserably sick on the voyage and ended up spending most of her time inside her Paris hotel room. Morning sickness was added to the scene when Fanny became pregnant.

Frances Louise Tracy, the

of Charles and Louisa Kirkland Tracy, was born

in

Her father

her

both

Her first child, Louisa was born in March 1866, nine months and ten days after the wedding. John Jr., Juliet, and Anne Morgan arrived during the eight following years.

Fanny was bashful and lacked all relish for the social life incumbent upon a merchant banker’s wife. Fanny believed her duties were to supervise the household staff and the activities of her children. She preferred reading, gossiping with friends, and living a simple social life, even when she was forced to travel with her husband to keep up appearances. In later years, her eldest, grown daughter accompanied Pierpont on his travels, taking care of him, while she remained in touch with her mother.

Fanny tolerated visitors and female companions Pierpont brought home but soon became depressed. Her son Jack wrote to her: “Don’t squander your health. Submit to your fate.” She suffered terrible anguish, eventually became unwell, and ate alone upstairs when the family gathered for Sunday breakfast. John Pierpont worked long hours at his office and his library, purchasing valuable manuscripts, books, and paintings. He never discussed business with Fanny. “Our lives are to be as one,” JP wrote when he first proposed, “and our hearts must always be as an open book to the other.” They were not! His escapades with other women were not discreet. Soon their marriage was sliding downhill; they lived worlds apart, and the Victorian relationship was one that would not be dissolved by divorce. “Although extramarital liaisons were a salient feature of New York’s Gilded Age society,” Strouse tells us that “certain strictures applied.” It was best that both involved parties were wealthy, discreet, and married. Newspaper reporters had a field day, tracking the financial investors, tycoons, and wealthy magnates.

In 1872, the Morgans purchased Cragston, a large estate built in 1859 overlooking the Hudson River in Highland Falls, NY. It became Franny’s hideaway – a comfortable home she could furnish as she wished with floral fabrics, porcelains, oriental carpets, and electrical light fixtures. The estate included agricultural outbuildings, a dairy, a lake, horse stables [where the children’s donkeys Beelzelbug and Apollyon were kept], kennels for breeding collies, a dock and carriage house. The house was a three-story white Victorian with rambling porches and plenty of shelves for books that Fanny so loved. Highland Falls was an urban community, a popular destination for people from an overcrowded city, who sought peace and the beauty of nature. Here was Buttermilk Falls, the Bear Mountain State Park, and West Point. Fanny became a generous benefactor of the town. Through her philanthropy, the Morgan Circulating Library was established on Main Street in 1883. She also established the Highland Falls Trade School in 1895, where young people had work benches, carpentry tools, and sewing machines. Free tuition and uniforms were provided. Fanny often taught sewing classes.

Fanny began her life in a small, upstate city, but left behind a legacy that stretched beyond Utica’s borders. She received a $1 million trust fund and a guaranteed annuity of $100,000 when J.P. Morgan died. She was willed Cragston and their Madison Avenue house. She passed away in 1924. •

TALES FROM

SHAWANGUNK

by Peggy Spencer Behrendt

Tim cleans our chimney in preparation for the spring season

In 1974, Tim and Peggy Spencer Behrendt set off on an adventure. They began a new life in the woods of Cold Brook, NY, without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. These are excerpts and reflections from Peggy’s journal chronicling their adventures and also her childhood memories growing up in Westmoreland.

Dear Children, (April, 1980)

Uncle Grunt is almost groaning because it’s so full. We didn’t realize we’d need extra room in the hole with your brother here, so we’re gonna buy Henry’s old outhouse and set it up for the Children’s Cottage. We’ll call it; “Cousin Groan.”

I’m standing in front of the fire cooking rice, heating water for quilts to wash, getting the house warm, and nibbling on my breakfast fruit. Your father is rising and listening to the birds that sound like spring. We’re having a thaw.

I love to watch the rabbits in the evening. When they chase each other, they jump in the air like little lambs and run in circles. I play my recorder to them.

I’m having fun making buttons for my coat out of wood from the big, old black cherry tree that’s lying in the back of the honeybee hive cage that we made of old chain-link fencing pieces to keep the bears out. Some bees were out yesterday. I’m soaking the buttons in safflower oil to bring

out the grain. One wooden button at the store costs seventy cents! Yuck! I need seven.

I’m going to rent my banjo and give lessons on it to raise the money to pay for it.

I have to climb some trees on the south side of the garden soon to prune them. I don’t want to cut them down, but we need the sunlight in the garden. Hoping to grow lots of carrots and peas this year. Love Ya All, Peg

There are so many important chores to do in Spring. Fences to mend, laundering winter’s quilts, cleaning the root cellar, soil to dig, young plants to tend, etc. Tim gets out the old John Deer ATV that we bought in 1987 to move wood and garden materials then climbs on our cottage to clean out the chimney. I take off the skirting we staple up each winter to block cold airflow under the cottage. Our cat wants to dig in our plant boxes, so I cover them with old wire dish racks. I try sprinkling gravel on top of some, too. Both ideas are working so far. Together, we tow a little wagon along

Peg’s drawing of a Daffodil as it opens

Peg drawing narcissis

Pardeeville Rd to pick up litter. Why do people treat roadsides like garbage cans? My back gets tired, and I figure out a way to split wood while sitting on a chair.

These chores are so meaningful, and it’s delightful to be outside again in the warm Spring sun and fresh air after months of indoor living, but we need other creative activities that are not so strenuous.

As we walk the woodland paths to our meaningful tasks, I notice with pleasure the appearance and growth of the tiny forest wildflowers; goldthread (aptly named for its brilliant gold-colored, threadlike roots), foamflower (its delicate white clusters like bits of seafoam), bunch-berry…. And the larger ones; purple trillium, green orchids... (Birds&Blooms.me has a wonderful page of Woodland Orchid

photographs). Did you know that there are over 200 species of native orchids on our continent? Large and showy pink Lady Slippers will usually bloom here in June, but there are many other, less dramatic types. Last fall a graduate student from RPI visited the preserve as a possible site to study the influence and co-dependence of orchids with other plants in forest ecosystems.

I also love to watch the emergence of flowers from bulbs I’ve planted. One year I did a time-lapse drawing of a daffodil opening in front of our cottage, enjoying those restful moments in spring sunshine with finches and chickadees chirping above the murmuring of Misty Brook as I drew. Last fall, we planted lots of new bulbs and it’s exciting to see what emerges from them. Pure joy!

One of Tim’s favorite activities is sprucing up (and protecting) our outdoor places with paint and writing original proverbs of advice on various support beams to inspire us. One year he painted a mural on our front door which came from his childhood home in Ohio. I painted one on the Children’s Cottage outhouse another year, and now, it tickles us to see our Granddaughter-in-Law, Kim painting their chicken coop up the

Kim paints the chicken coop

Tim painted a mural on his childhood front door when he put it on our cottage

Peg splits wood from a chair when her back is tired

I’m so pleased to see that Kim is now teaching basketry and other crafts at the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton. I remember being invited to join my mom & sister for a class on basket-making at the KAC many years ago with Flo Hoppe. I only went because I thought it would be a nice way to spend precious time together, for which I’m very grateful, but I also unexpectedly fell in love with that craft which became a wonderfully satisfying part of my life. I took many more classes and passed on what I learned. Now, Kim is teaching basketry there. The ripple effect of such offerings can be such a positive influence on individuals and our communities.

Tim and I chose part-time work outside our home, which meant less income, but more time to pursue our interests. We compensated for having less money by doing things ourselves. This has led us to learn many, varied skills which have kept our minds and hands engaged in positive ways in a life-long pursuit of education on many levels, from philosophic to practical.

I recently heard that since the Pandemic caused a surge in remote work, there is a growing trend for a new concept called Fractional Employment, which, in essence, means part-time work. Interestingly, there

were reports of a dramatic drop in air pollution during that time because of diminished travel. Skylines could be clearly seen that have been obscured by air pollution for the first time in many, many years.

From LinkedIn: “Fractional work is becoming more popular because it offers businesses a range of benefits. It allows them to hire employees for specific projects or tasks, without having to commit to a longterm employment contract. This means that businesses can save money on salaries and benefits, while still getting the work done. Fractional work is also popular with employees, as it offers them flexibility and the ability to work on a variety of different projects.”

It’s not ideal for every situation, but it’s worked for us, making our time on this planet rich with meaningful tasks and activities and the reward of having a positive influence while savoring the big and little things that fill our days. •

The Shawangunk Nature Preserve is a deep ecology, forever wild, 501©(3), learning and cultural center. Tim and Peggy still live there and can be contacted through their website.

www.shawangunknaturepreserve.com

Hardware/Lumber/Farm & Home

Lincoln Davies

Morgan’s Hardware

Turner Lumber

Wightman Specialty Woods

Insurance HBE Group, Inc.

Turnbull Insurance

Developing strong educational, mental, and emotional foundations in a child’s first five years is crucial to their future success. Not only is child care important for developing children, but it is also vital for working parents. In the US, 80.1 percent of families have at least one working person, and nearly a quarter of children under 18 live with one parent and no other adults. However, many parents lack access to affordable or quality child care, and providers earn below the minimum wage. This leads to high turnover and limited options for returning to the workforce. Only 18% of the Utica population has access to child care based on population and current supply. The largest concentration of child care programs is in Utica, and therefore the lack of child care is even more dire in the other less populated areas of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida County.

Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, such as the Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, work with families and prospective providers to provide services such as referrals, assistance with starting new programs, and community needs documentation. The council is working to address child care shortages by building the supply of child care in three counties and supporting and retaining existing businesses.

If interested in receiving a referral, becoming a child care provider, or any other services, call the Child Care Council of Cornell Cooperative Extension on its toll-free number at 1-888-814-KIDS, or email: earlycar-

eandlearning@cornell.edu. •